Hello everyone. Today I wanted to look back on one of the happiest and most productive times in my photographic life. Back in 2016 I saved up enough money while working at a coffee shop to go on a trip to San Franscisco.
While I was there I attended Street Foto SF, one of the best street photography festivals in the United States. I attended a workshop by Vinheet Vohra, an amazing street photographer and educator. I think one of the biggest inspirations to me in my photographic life was seeing Vinheet crabwalk next to someone within twelve inches of them for twenty feet while trying to compose a photo of their shoes and their dog. It was amazing how he could be so close and stay invisible. I also enjoyed meeting the founder of Street Foto Ken Walton, attending the exhibitions, and having dinner with so many like minded photographers. I’ve also never seen so many Leica’s in one room in my life. Seriously, if you pooled everyone’s Leica’s together it must’ve cost the same as a down payment on a house.
One of the reasons I enjoyed my time spent there was because it was my first trip taken by myself. I was in America for two weeks free to do nothing but take street photographs, hang out with friends at the hostel, and go skateboarding. It was paradise. I also got to skate the legendary “China Banks” which is one experience I can’t help but brag about whenever it comes up at the skate park.
Looking back at 2016 this was the only time where I was really productive photographically. I think waking up extremely early for my job (4:15 am!) made me kind of chronically sleep deprived. Although I never stopped taking photographs, this period where I was free to pursue what I wanted allowed me to create to my heart’s content. The results speak for themselves.
Thank you for your time.
-Jeremy Brake