My name is Joseph Atwere, I am a London based street photographer.
My interest in still photography began in 2007. I bought my first camera which was a Canon 350D whilst on vacation in the US. I had quite a steep learning curve and spent many hours trying to get my head round the basics such as learning about f-stops etc. During this time I tried all types of photography with varying degrees of success. I discovered street photography by chance whilst doing some online research. I now take shots of people around London on a daily basis.
What I look out for when I shoot on the streets are strange weird and unconventional people. If you stay out on the streets for long enough you are bound to find them.
When I walk around London I scan crowded places and look for people who stand out. The adrenaline rush you get when you shoot on the streets in my opinion is immense. There is always a fear element when you put a camera in a strangers face. But also excitement when you strike lucky and get that shot. At times I have found this irrational fear to be all in my own mind and all part of the process.
At the start of 2011 I invested in a lighter more compact mirrorless camera, Fuji X100 for my street work. For me it was a complete game changer. Combined with a wrist strap it becomes an extension of my arm and a lot less intimidating than my DSLR camera for street work. This allows me to move on the streets more covertly and when I see my target I can shoot quickly. In terms of my work I do enjoy the more confrontational “in your face “type of street photography however more recently I tend to approach my subjects and ask to take a picture. Sometimes getting to know the subject can be as rewarding as taking the shot. Since 2012 I have been working on the street photography project under the guise of Jayninety on Flickr. I also publish my best work on social media sites such as G+ and 500px.com.
In terms of influences I have totally embraced the online community and regularly view work on sites like Flickr,500px and G+. There are so many talented street photographers out there and the ability to share work instantly and give and receive constructive feedback is a great motivator. In terms of photographers I admire the work of Vivian Maier, Elliot Erwitt, Robert Frank and Gary Winogrand. I am also inspired by more contemporary photographers such as Frank Jackson (LA), Rinzi Ruiz (Street Zen), Juergen Buergin, Rupert Vandervell, ifotog (Queen of Manhattan), GK Sholanke to name but a few.
I am currently doing a street portrait series and I plan to exhibit the best of the street photography project at some point in the not too distant future.
Legal Note: The photographer attest that have full authorization to give consent to the publication of these photos or project and have the authorization and permissions of third parties. Guarantees that you have all the necessary communications of property and you have obtained all the necessary authorizations for any property, buildings, architecture, structures or sculptures appearing in your photographs.
4 comments
Paul Donohoe
May 27, 2013 at 17:35
What a great set of images here and an inspiring artist. thank you Happy I’ve discovered this site too!
Terry McBaadegg
May 29, 2013 at 20:42
Proper Booom! These are some beautiful images, love the timing, the connection and the sense of humor. More, where too?
Joseph Atwere
Jun 2, 2013 at 22:32
Thanks Terry and Paul for your comments. My website is under development. Check links on page to see more of my work.
Janssens serge
Jul 4, 2013 at 16:20
L’approche de ce genre de photographie que Joseph décrit ci-dessus et dont il se tire très très bien des énormes difficultés qu’en à sa réalisation.Me plais ,il a un sens inné du cadrage de la composition et surtout comme disait ,un certain Cartier Bresson ,l’instant du déclic .Je le félicite chaleureusement .
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