After the long break on posting these, I come back strong with *bQw

You can also find Brian on UBER.com, but read the interview before visiting him there.



How long have you been shooting (in total) and when did you start shooting Street

In total I've been shooting about 13 years...I started when I was about 12 but quit and sold all my gear after I left college. The "bug" stayed with me but I only really started again after experiencing the Y2K celebrations in the streets of Taipei. At that moment I desperately wanted a camera in my hands again so the next day I picked up a used FG at the shop.


What inspired you to shoot street?

People and culture. When I was young my parents divorced and for awhile we were short of cash. To entertain my sister and I, mom would take us "people watching" at places like the Venice boardwalk. We'd bring a picnic lunch and spend the afternoon watching the different people walk by.


What goes through your mind while you explore the streets?

What the people around me are going to do next so that I can be there. What's going on in someone else's mind so that I can have my shutter open at the moment he does something decicive.


At first did you feel comfortable shooting people?

Yes, because I was young and didn't know any better. Plus, no one ever confronts kids. Maybe someone might have said something to my mom or dad, but they never related the message to me.


How did you overcome that fear (or) Do you have any advice for people looking to overcome that fear

My advice is just stay friendly. Adopting the "I have a right to be here so you can kiss my ass" attitude only results in someone else adopting a "you don't have a right to photograph me, so I'll kick your ass" attitude. Never hide what you're doing. When you walk into a scene, have your camera out. No one can ever accuse you of "sneaking" pics that way. If someone gives you a bad look, smile back and keep taking photos so that the person realizes that you're not a bad guy and you're not focusing just on him but on everything. If confronted, explain that it's an artistic hobby and do it with some enthusiasm so that the confronter can better understand what you are doing. If pushed, politely and calmly explain your rights on public property. If confronted further, either apologize and walk away or, if there is an officer nearby, suggest that you go together and speak with the officer. But the best advice is the first one: stay friendly.

Can you show us your favorite street photograph (from your gallery) and explain why it is your

This is a hard one. My favorites tend to change every time I pull a new roll off the spool. I guess if I had to pick one it would be this one I shot near LA a year back:



It hasn't gotten any attention here but I like it because it's simple but carries some depth with it. It's not just a pic of a big guy on an electric cart but can carry additional meaning.


Can you show us your favorite street photograph (from ANY dA gallery) and explain why it is your

I have a lot of others favorites and not really one, but here's one of the top 10:



I love the timeless quality of this one. It exists outside of time.

In terms of street photogs, I like ~myoung4828 stuff a lot.


On the street, what is your favorite subject?

People. People. People. Street photography is all about people interacting with the environment around them...no person, then it's a 'scape. No environment, then it's a portrait.


What is the best tip you can give to others?

Always have your camera, but that's street photography 101. Oh, and stay friendly. You don't have to be an asshole (I won't say who I'm referring to )





Thank you for sharing!