Street Shooter Brandon Kim
BIOGRAPHY
Hi, I'm Brandon, a Seoul-born, Melbourne-based street & documentary photographer. After studying and working in the architecture and graphic design field for many years, I finally quit in 2017 to focus exclusively on photography.
Being reliant on my small camera and patience, I have since then roamed the streets in the world looking for those fleeting events that —for a split second— turn an ordinary scene into something unique and not reproducible.
Q) Where are you from and where are you based?
A) I'm originally from South Korea but I currently live in Melbourne, Australia. It's been my second home for the last 10+years already.
Q) What does “STREET PHOTOGRAPHY” mean to you?
A) It's basically one of my ordinary routines now. Its unpredictable nature, the fact that I'm creating something that is not reproducible and the whole process is so much fun! Seeing what the street gives me, shows me every single time I'm out in the street makes me energetic!
Q) When were you first attracted to street photography and how did you discover it?
A) It was a few years ago when I first stumbled across one of the books called 'Magnum contact sheets' at the local library. It all started from there!
Q) Did you encounter any difficulties when you first started?
A) The difficulty is simply 'not knowing enough' what makes the great photo. It definitely involves a ton of studies + a bit of talent. With that said, I'm still facing those difficulties haha.
Q) Black and white or colour? And why?
A) I like colour photographs. It's how we see the world :)
Q) What is more important in a street photo: content or form? Or do you believe both are important?
A) As long as it's an impactful photo, whether is a single subject or multiple with the complexity like Alex Webb's work, that's all it matters I think.
Q) What do you think about clichés in street photography?
A) Non-interesting subject or non-impactful subject with the harsh shadow and light contrast (you know what I mean). Those who start out who makes 'street portrait' thinking that it represents 'street photography'.. and so on.
Q) Who are your favourite photographers??
A) Martin Parr, Alex Webb & Joel Meyerowitz
Q) How instinctive is your photography and how planned is it? Do you work a scene?
A) Well, I tend to go to the places where it's got good foot traffic + ample light. The rest of it is just a matter of luck while I'm ready not to miss the moment.
Q) How does social media influence street photography? What is your relationship with social media as regards the way you practise street photography every day?
A) I never look at other peoples' work on social media. As mentioned above, it's too littered with below average works..
Q) Do you have any special tips to offer to other Street Photographers and our readers?
A) If you think your work is great, stop shooting, study modern masters (If you don't know what's MAGNUM then this is your very chance to start learning..), and learn what's wrong with your skill/photographs.
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