One photographer who inspires me the most is 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” vividly displays his distinctive photographic style and commitment to revealing the harsh realities endured by marginalized communities. His remarkable skill in capturing evocative expressions has profoundly influenced my own approach to photography.

Gilden’s exploration of human interaction encourages me to confront my own boundaries. His work challenges me to document the human condition with the same level of intensity and honesty, pushing me to capture the raw, unfiltered truths of the world around us.

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 photographing a homeless man during an intense moment, he grew angry and chased after me. It's not uncommon for me to face resentment from the people I capture.

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.

Achieving the correct exposure presents several challenges, particularly in balancing camera settings and flash with ambient light to prevent overexposure or underexposure. I exclusively use manual mode for my flash, giving me full control over the artistic nuance of each photograph. I employ a flash controller, which allows me to manually handle the flash and adjust the lighting direction as necessary. This method is crucial for precise manipulation. I set the sync speed at 1/180 to deliberately capture subtle movements or imperfections, as I prefer some flaws in my images to add character. Additionally, positioning relative to the subject is critical—whether close or distant, placement must be exact. All these elements require rapid alignment and swift reactions to capture the perfect photo.

Hold the camera no higher than your bottom rib and get close. You'll feel like you're bullfighting. Be bold and go directly up to their faces; don't worry, they won't bite. Usually, they are too preoccupied to even notice what you're doing. If some people become angry, remain calm and explain why you're taking the photo and its purpose. Others just won't care. They'll think you're just one of many nuts encountered in the city.

Shooting with a rangefinder camera like the Leica M11 offers a distinctly different photographic experience compared to other DSLM (digital single-lens mirrorless) cameras, primarily due to the absence of an EVF (electronic viewfinder). It is worth noting that an external EVF can be attached to the Leica M11; however, I choose not to use it because my preference leans heavily toward the traditional rangefinder, especially since I do not use telephoto lenses. This setup encourages a more deliberate approach to composition. The Leica M11, while capable of producing stunning images, emphasizes simplicity and lacks the autofocus feature common in DSLM cameras with EVF, necessitating manual focus adjustments. Over time, mastering manual focusing can become as quick as, or even quicker than, using autofocus.

For example, while using the Leica SL3 equipped with a Leica Summilux ASPH lens, I noted that the autofocus was somewhat slow. In contrast, I find that I can achieve quicker focus with a manual Leica M lens on the Leica M11, particularly when using zone focusing. This technique allows me to preset the focus distance according to the depth of field.

The streets are a melting pot of diverse characters—from bustling commuters and diligent workers to students, youths, elderly individuals, those battling addiction and street performers. Each person's facial expression offers a glimpse into their inner world. The street provides an unparalleled canvas to capture the portraits of such varied individuals, each telling their own unique story.