I started getting more into photography when I got my first Fuji on April 2024. I'm looking forward to being creative and finding my style as I learn more with my Fuji.

What one piece of advice would you give street photographers just starting out?

Just give yourself permission to mess up and try different things. When you’re first starting out, the street can feel intimidating, and it's way too easy to get stuck inside your own head trying to capture the "perfect" shot. The best thing you can do is just get out there as much as you can. Push past that awkward feeling and just play around. Try weird angles, mess with deep shadows, or shoot stuff you normally wouldn't.

What are your top two places in Vancouver for shooting and why?

The Plaza Skatepark: I enjoy capturing a skater mid-air and also the reactions of the people hanging out in the background. From this skatepark specifically, I love the concrete shapes, the lighting, and that skaters are always just doing their thing without caring about the camera.

Chinatown: This spot has so much history and character. I love the old storefronts, the deep shadows, and how the light hits the streets. It's great for just taking your time and finding quiet, real moments.

Which three street photographers have influenced your work the most?

Jon Chater: Jon is my biggest influence and mentor. He always pushes me to get out of my comfort zone and keeps me motivated to shoot. He’s taught me a ton about playing with light and framing, and he constantly encourages me to just get out there and try new things.

Fan Ho: His use of dramatic scale, sweeping shadows, and the way he turned everyday street scenes into cinematic poetry is something I always look to for inspiration.

Ray Metzker: His bold use of deep blacks, bright highlights, and formal composition completely changes how you look at urban architecture and human forms within a space.

Describe your work using up to four keywords

Candid, Layered, Moody, and Dynamic.

Tell us about (up to 5) books, music or other art forms that influence your photography.

The music of Björk: I usually listen to her when I’m out walking. Her music mixes raw emotion with heavy electronic beats, and that’s what I look for when shooting; finding soft human moments right in the middle of the busy city.

Movies and Cinematography: I get a lot of ideas from how movies use light. The way a director uses dark shadows, silhouettes to tell a story changes how I look for pockets of light on the streets of Vancouver.

Dogs: Watching dogs is the best way to learn how to shoot candidly. They don't pose or fake it for the camera; they are just completely living in the moment. This helps me stay focused and reminds me to catch people when they are just being themselves.