Friends of Photography

Friends of Photography [1] is a monthly appearance of someone from my world of photography. People that have a photostream that I like, or that I frequently interact with or have somehow a distinct style. The title of this post was inspired on a project of a friend from photography. This 'idea' came into my mind because lately I find myself wanting to share more than just my photos. Who knows if you could be the next one represented here! I bring to you 2 photos from the photographer, my words about the author and a special text made by each month guest. I hope you enjoy this project as much as I.

Vasco Silva | Black & white is the first word when I think about Vasco Silva's photos. But Vasco's approach to photography is much more than this. He likes very much of street photography and he likes to capture the people of his town with their routines, the elderly, making his photos very documentary and faithful to the reality of portuguese people. His passion for photography is very marked by the human factor, no doubt of that. Lately he is discovering analog photography introducing also colors. Another side of Vasco can be seen in the project strobist shots that I hope he continues with. His flickr photostream is more diverse but lately he is more active in google+ and facebook. Finally I can say that he is: a good observer, very analytic when looking to a picture, humble in the way he is always wanting to learn with others.  

[Yashica Electro 35 GTN + Agfa Vista Color 100] - Viana do Castelo

Vasco Silva © All Rights Reserved

I started in photography as a hobby in 2009, and since then my interest for this art became less a hobby and more a passion, a way to feed my need of creation and artistic expression. 

My main interest in photography, in what subjects concerns, is the human subject, what I like to call, social documentary photos.

I think photography is improving many aspects of my personality, in a social and emotional manner. I find myself wandering the streets, more attentive and observing the people around me, trying to find stories in the streets, sometimes talking to people, and always with respect and admiration to those whom I portray. I can quote Bruce Gilden (although my work has nothing to do with his work) to better show my feeling towards the people I photograph: "I love the people I photograph. I mean, they're my friends. I've never met most of them or I don't know them at all, yet through my images, I live with them."

I have lots of fun with the "strobist side" of my photography. I love the feeling of controlling everything for a change. I feel like a director, it's really nice to be able to get the image I have in my mind almost without restrictions.

I've started in digital photography and now I'm shooting some film per month. I don't relate myself to the "digital vs analog, which one is better?" debate. I prefer to shoot with my analog cameras, they're much more enjoyable to use, the process of taking photos it's more fun so to say. The aesthetical of film photography also has more "charm" to me. Nevertheless I prefer the practicability of digital, the less expensive way of making photos. In the end, I have space in my heart for both.

I'm recently trying to work on some projects, that I didn't yet managed to finish or even start, but I think that's the next step for me in this great "journey".

Vasco Silva 

Feed the Birds - Viana do Castelo

Vasco Silva© All Rights Reserved