Street fotography is an art form that heavily relies on chance and unexpected encounters. As a hobbyist, I rarely have time to interact with people or engage in conversation while photographing. To me, small talk doesn’t spark a meaningful connection. It’s an instinctual decision to pursue photojournalism and street photography with a deliberately rebellious streak—deviating from the traditional photography norms often seen in the Puget Sound scene.
My mind and heart have given me a calling: to document the gritty environment and make a statement that challenges cookie-cutter societal standards. While I don’t ignore polished or conventional opinions, I set them aside because they don’t reflect who I am. In my early days, my photography leaned toward the safe and conventional—until I felt like I met the love of my life, and everything changed.
I generally don’t form relationships with clients or passersby during my photo walks through city blocks. Why? Because I aim for what’s raw and unpolished. The imperfect. The candid. This applies equally to the affluent and the impoverished. When I verbally seek consent, people tend to alter their behavior and put on a façade, risking the loss of authenticity.
My choice not to provide printed consent or release forms stems from a small, mindful conviction—one shaped by people around me. Seeking consent through formal NDAs is not part of my creative process. If non-governmental organizations working with vulnerable or “sensitive” populations have questions about consent or respect, I am open to authenticating my work through their existing NDA processes. However, when such organizations—especially those working with disabled individuals—ignore or ghost me, it feels like a disregard for my craft as an artist.
NDAs are typically issued by organizations and institutions. Based on my role and intent as an artist, I do not offer standard media release or consent forms.
Editor’s Note: Intentional misspellings like “fotos” are used for aesthetic purposes and are not indicators of error or inconsistency.
