{"id":54139,"date":"2024-10-18T15:37:40","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T19:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keh.com\/expert-advice\/?p=54139"},"modified":"2024-10-20T12:47:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-20T16:47:54","slug":"in-conversation-with-paulie-b","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.keh.com\/expert-advice\/photography\/news-and-culture\/in-conversation-with-paulie-b\/","title":{"rendered":"In Conversation with Paulie B"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

We recently caught up with New York-based street photographer Paulie B. Keep reading for an exclusive interview, where we explore his journey, evolving techniques, and the inspirations behind his work in the city’s vibrant streets.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you share the moment or experience that first sparked your interest in street photography? What drew you to this art form?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2015, I started a 365 project where I committed to taking a photo every day for the year. Early on, during my commute home, I snapped a \u2018street photograph\u2019 of a train conductor\/engineer and a commuter on the train with very opposite facial expressions (a very mediocre photo, obviously), and that lit me up, knowing no one will ever get that exact same photo with those exact same people ever again. I didn’t even know what street photography was until a few months later.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/keh.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/q=80,fit=scale-down,format=auto\/expert-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/KEH1024SPFT00008-scaled.jpg” title_text=”KEH1024SPFT00008″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

That initial spark often leads to unforgettable encounters. What\u2019s the most memorable interaction you\u2019ve had while shooting on the streets, and how did it shape your approach?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I don\u2019t think I have a single “most” memorable interaction. Early on, I was very much in the mindset that everything had to be candid, with no interaction. But the more and more I got into this, the more joy and fulfillment I got from talking to people and interacting with them before taking their picture.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are definitely still times when a candid, no-interaction shot works better, but like most things, it depends on the situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you stay present and ready to capture moments in street photography?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Focus comes and goes\u2014it has its own rhythm across days, weeks, and even years. When I\u2019m locked in, I try to let go of conscious thought and just be. That absence of thought often leads to the most genuine interactions or moments. But when my focus fades, I miss shots. It\u2019s inevitable. The key is to have a short memory. Zoom out\u2014 it\u2019s like a meal, the final result is greater than the sum of its parts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/keh.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/q=80,fit=scale-down,format=auto\/expert-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/KEH1024SPFT00012-scaled.jpg” title_text=”KEH1024SPFT00012″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

With so many unique perspectives out there, how would you describe your own voice or style in street photography?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Honestly, I\u2019m still figuring that out. I\u2019ve asked this same question to guests on \u2018Walkie Talkie\u2019 before, so I feel like a bit of a fraud. Maybe my style changes every so often that it doesn\u2019t even have its own voice and right now, that\u2019s okay as long as I\u2019m genuinely enjoying doing this.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Your Walkie Talkie series showcases various photographers and their approaches. Which episode stands out to you as a favorite, and what insights did you gain from that conversation?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s like asking who my favorite child is! But recently, the episode with Brian Wertheim stands out. It really shows how photography can be used as a tool for connection and also disconnection. Also, Daniel Arnold\u2019s episode is full of gems. He effortlessly drops wisdom. And Dre\u2019s mantra? \u201cIt\u2019s always right now.\u201d That one stuck with me.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For those just starting in street photography who might feel intimidated, what advice would you offer to help them find their footing?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Repetition builds competency, and competence builds confidence. You may get better the more you do it. Just let it rip.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Building on that, what are your top three tips for new photographers specifically interested in street or documentary-style photography?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n
      \n
    1. Enjoy yourself.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    2. Take your camera everywhere.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
    3. And also, don\u2019t forget to enjoy yourself.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/keh.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/q=80,fit=scale-down,format=auto\/expert-advice\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/KEH1024SPFT00006-scaled.jpg” title_text=”KEH1024SPFT00006″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

      Who are your biggest photography influences, and how have they shaped your own artistic journey?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      My influences are constantly changing, which I think is a good thing. There\u2019s a Churchill quote I heard in <\/span>House of Cards<\/span><\/i> back in 2013: \u201cTo improve is to change and to perfect is to change often.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

      Right now, three recent influences are:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n