Featured Street Photographer of the Week: ‘H’

What drew you to street photography initially?

I started to consciously take street shots when I was going through a shitty time. I had just been diagnosed with testicular cancer, my life was kind of falling apart in various ways, and I felt lonely. And this writer I like said that when you’re at the bottom, you need to go amongst people. You can’t be picky at times like those, anyone will do. So I set out to connect more with people, and street photography seemed an interesting way. I really like people. I think they’re funny, and tragic and pitiful, and uplifting and inspiring. And they’re strange. I think I am strange, and I think this whole process of living, and constantly eating food, and resenting our stepmom’s hairstyle choices, and buying flip-flops, and firm handshakes, and dedicating one’s life to tennis is very, very strange. So I started taking pictures and interacting more.

I feel a really surreal vibe in your images. I love it because some of your images make me think of a strange sci-fi film but they actually capture real life…now. Do you aim for that feel? Or what makes you take that kind of shot? Here are a couple examples of what I’m talking about (in case I’m way off lol):

Haha, That’s interesting you got that vibe. I don’t disagree, but I’m certainly not looking for it. I do love humans interfacing with technology, but that’s purely from a sociological viewpoint. I’m interested in what people do with their time, because I don’t know what the hell I’m doing with my time. I’m very much just trying to understand myself and what it means to be a human through others.

Where is your favorite place to shoot and what time of day do you prefer?

Every day I say I’m going to hit the streets at sunrise and sunset, but I never do. I really admire those with the dedication to chase the good light. And my favorite place is the portuguese grocery store a few blocks away. It’s bad light, and I’ve never caught a keeper but the characters are spectacular!

How do you get a good street shot at night?

Wet pavement.

What has street photography taught you? (About life, people, photography, anything really…)

It’s really opened me up to people again. Everyone thinks it’s so confrontational, but I’ve always had great interactions with people. It’s made me not be so closed off with those I inhabit the city with, and it’s made me feel more human.

See more of H’s work on his Flickr photostream.