Interview with Vitor Tripologos | Porto, Portugal
Follow
Hello Vitor Tripologos, we are honored to be able to interview you for our Featured Street Photographer format on www.streetviewphotography.net!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
First of all I want to thank David and his team for this great honor, it is indeed a great joy for me! My name is Vitor Tripologos, I was born in Porto in the year, 1964. The passion for photography was born with my father, we had a Petri machine on which I took my first steps into photography. Later I followed the trend to digital but I’m still a big fan of film.
Have you been involved in the arts in any other form aside from photography?
I really like to paint and I also write poetry, but undoubtedly my biggest passion is photography; however, I consider myself to be an amateur.
Seeing your remarkable work I am curious where your creativity comes from?
Thank you for these words, essentially it is the passion for street photography that drives me.
Could you share with us why you became interested in street photography?
For me photography is the best way to communicate with the world and it is also the best way to perceive the world around me. So I guess it is my way to communicate with the world.
How did you learn about Street View Photography?
One way to improve is to see lots of photos, see the work of other photographers and no doubt that the work of Street View Photography is remarkable to disclose the best of what is being done in street photography.
In the earliest days of Street View Photography we noticed how incredibly vibrant and strong the Portuguese street photography community is and SVP-Portugal was actually the first regional page we started. Why do you think so many great street photographers call Portugal their home?
I think it is due to the economic crisis, I’m kidding, but somehow it also makes sense. It is a good hobby, it’s a way for people to do something that gives them pleasure and forget the difficulties of the country. No doubt there are many good photographers in Portugal, for example I am part of a group called the GO-UP which has some fantastic photographers. I have learned a lot from them.
What equipment are you using now and what did you originally start with?
Right now I have a Nikon D3000 and use a standard lens Sigma 10-20mm and a Nikon 35mm. I started with a Petri then a Canon EOS300 both still in film.
Can you tell us about your work flow from the point you first step onto the street until you showcase the developed picture?
Street photography lives from spontaneity, of the moment, we must be alert to the world around us at all times. We also need to be ready, that is why I bring my camera almost everywhere I go and we need to get the moment right, I don’t like strong post processing.
What would you say characterizes your work in comparison to other street photographers?
I cannot say that it’s much different from the many other photographers. It is clear that we all try to have our personal touch in our work, I try to tell a story with my photographs.
Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
In the beginning I was essentially taking pictures with a tele lens which does not allow me to interact with people. I changed to 35mm or even 10-20mm which makes me get much closer and lets me interact more with people. This has been my biggest development I think.
Do you often interact with your subjects?
Yes, I like to talk to them, learn about their story.
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
This picture because it shows a strong affection this man has for his dog. I like the joy in his face that and I see enormous pride in his expression too.
Have you ever taken a photograph which compromised your emotional balance in a deep and profound way?
Portugal is not a rich country with a large and increasing social gap. This picture for example made me wake up and pointed the state of which we find ourselves in out even more.
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from shooting on the streets?
I learned to concern myself more with the world around me and gained more respect for people and interest in their life stories.
What would you tell a newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
I’m not the best person to give advice because I’m still a beginner to some extent and I still have very much to learn. But I would say to shoot very very much. Look at many pictures of good photographers, never being satisfied and always try to evolve.
Thank you Vitor for this interview!
I do appreciate this opportunity, and without any doubt is a joy and a great honor for me and sincere congratulations for your magnificent work in the dissemination of street photography, Thank you
See more of Vitor’s Work here.
Follow interesting discussion on street photography in our Forum.
