A World of
Visual Storytelling

From an early age, drawing opened the door to the world of visual storytelling. At fifteen, my journey truly began when I borrowed a Leica M6 camera for a short time. This exceptional tool immersed me in the dynamic and unpredictable realm of street photography, sparking a broader exploration of the visual arts.

As an underdog armed with a Leica M11, shooting on the streets feels like engaging in a bullfight. Using a flash up-close and invading people's personal space often puts people on edge.

Crossing Boundaries

What I love most about street photography is the emotional closeness it allows me. I'm deeply drawn to people who live on society’s margins, whose stories often remain untold. My goal is always to get as close as possible—to emotionally step into their world, to feel what they feel, and to imagine myself in their situation. It's an exercise in empathy and connection.

Each portrait is a quiet attempt to understand their struggles, their vulnerability, their strength. For me, street photography is a powerful way to bridge distances, to truly see and be present in someone else's reality, even if just for a moment.

At the same time, it's crucial for me to be intrusive—to deliberately step into another person's comfort zone. Only by crossing this boundary can I genuinely capture authentic moments, breaking through barriers that typically keep us apart. It's uncomfortable, challenging, yet essential for creating photographs that speak honestly about human experience.

From the book Black Depression
Kensington, Philadelphia, USA

Confrontational
and raw

My work is defined by a relentless, uncompromising approach. By harnessing flash and deliberately invading my subjects’ personal space, I evoke a palpable tension that isolates them against their urban backdrops. This methodology demands raw, powerful expressions, compelling viewers to engage directly with unfiltered reality.

Vidar Korneliussen, AKA Tyheim
Book Signing, Polycopies - Paris, France

Q + A

  • Bruce Gilden. His work resonates with me on a deeply personal level, particularly because, like him, I grew up in tough circumstances that profoundly shaped my view of the world. From a young age, I learned to observe and appreciate the complexities of human nature, and Gilden’s photography captures that same depth and nuance in a way that feels incredibly authentic.

    Gilden's book “Only God Can Judge Me” left a profound impression on me. To me, it encapsulates his uniquely brilliant style and unwavering commitment to unveiling the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities. His ability to capture evocative expressions has deeply influenced my own approach to photography.

    Bruce Gilden — Only God Can Judge Me

    Other photographers who inspire me are:
    Mark Cohen
    Tatsuo Suzuki

  • Yes, shooting at close range often leads to challenges, but I believe it's crucial not to shy away from getting close. Capturing the subject’s expression is the most vital aspect of my photography, and achieving the desired intimacy means deliberately entering someone's personal space. This proximity can put people on edge, which often heightens the tension in their expressions—an effect I aim to capture.

    For instance, while I was photographing an underworld figure during an intense moment, he grew angry, his eyes turned black, and in a split second I thought he was going to hit me. It's not uncommon for me to face resentment from the people I photograph.

    When faced with such reactions, I make it a point to explain that I am a contemporary photographer and discuss the reasons behind taking their photo. It's essential to maintain respect for the individuals you photograph and to always remember the purpose of your work.

  • Get close. You'll feel like you're engaging in a bullfight. Be bold—If someone gets upset, remain calm, explain your intentions and purpose, and listen with empathy. If someone asks you to delete the photograph, simply do so and confirm you've removed it. Others just won't care—they'll think you're just one of the many nuts encountered in the city.