MARIA: Hey, Jeremy! JEREMY: Hey, Maria! What's up?
MARIA: How's it going? Jeremy: It's going well, just hanging out in the park.
MARIA: I heard you were here in Central Park, so I figured I'd catch up with you and ask you 21 questions.
Yeah, that's cool. Let's do it.
MARIA: So, what are you shooting today?
I'm just walking around right now shooting some photographs of people and trees
or whatever I find interesting while social distancing.
MARIA: Good, that's great to hear! JEREMY: Yeah!
JEREMY: Yeah. Do you want to start walking with me? MARIA: Yeah, let's go!
JEREMY: Cool.
MARIA: So can you tell the audience what type of photography do you shoot?
Um, I shoot mostly portraits because that's just the subject I'm most drawn to.
People are just really interesting.
MARIA: Yeah, of course! And you've had quite a few months.
So, how has this pandemic affected you?
Yeah, it's, it's been interesting.
It's just, I feel like I felt the highest of highs and lowest of lows.
And just trying to make the most of it every day.
MARIA: And what kind of series did you shoot during this pandemic?
I shot a couple photo series.
The one that I think you're talking about is my rooftop series.
Where I noticed out my window
all these people going to their roofs
and doing all these activities that they...
I've never seen them do before, such as exercising,
like doing yoga, playing music, dancing.
And it was a spectacle, so I grabbed my camera and started photographing it
as if it was a street photography project.
And, luckily B&H let me borrow the 100 to 400mm lens
So I could, from far away, I could zoom in on these amazing moments that were happening.
MARIA: That's awesome! And what drew you to portraits and street photography?
Uh, yeah. I think everyone has a story to tell, and I just want to capture that with my camera.
MARIA: And what was your first camera, ever?
My first camera ever was a Pentax K1000. It's a 35mm film camera.
And yeah. I fell in love with photography from that.
MARIA: That's great. And when you're not shooting from a rooftop, what's your normally go-to camera and lens?
Uh, lately--I think it switches all the time--
but lately, I've been shooting a lot with my Sony a7r III and this little nifty Sony 35mm lens with a 1.8 aperture.
It's like, super small, even without the hood on. MARIA: Wow
So I can just sling it around my shoulder like this and walk around the park
or hop on my bike, and whenever I see something happening, I'm ready to take a photo of it.
MARIA: That's great!
MARIA: And, you're an alpha collective, right? JEREMY: I am, yeah.
MARIA: And what photo series helped you, kind of, get noticed by them?
Uh, I'm not sure if it was specific photo series
because--I mean, maybe there is, but I'm always working on a different project, so.
I'm actually curious. I should ask them which photo series caught their eye.
MARIA: [laughs] That's great!
And, when you walk around New York City, what do you look for in a photograph?
When I'm walking around, I just--
Well, mostly I'm attracted to just people, not necessarily the architecture or nature of New York.
It's, uh... I just...
When I'm walking around, I'll see a person's outfit or just their energy.
I'll just, like something about them...
Sometimes I can't even explain it,
but I'll want to photograph them and tell their story.
MARIA: So, what do you love most about capturing daily life in New York City?
I think what I like most about capturing life here
is that people that live here from all different walks of life
and everyone's here for a reason everyone has a dream to achieve.
And I love that about this city.
And I want to meet these people
and hear what that dream is and hear their stories.
MARIA: That's awesome. And social media has played a big part in your career, right?
It has, yeah. I'm very, very grateful for it.
MARIA: And how do you think creators should utilize these tools?
Well it's all free, and it's a great way to promote yourself and your artwork.
And I think anything that you could have more people see your work is an incredible tool to have, so.
You know, whether it's Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Tik Tok, I think...
I mean, why not get on all these apps, you know?
MARIA: Yeah... And what's your favorite part of your work?
I think my favorite part is, I'm a people person,
so I love meeting people. And I use this as a tool to connect with other people and...
Yeah, it's--I'm so grateful I found photography
because I love it so much, and I love people, and life's good.
MARIA: That's awesome! JEREMY: Yeah.
MARIA: All right so let's switch it up a little bit.
JEREMY: Okay
MARIA: And, what are some tips for somebody looking to photograph during this pandemic?
Uh, I think during this pandemic... Get on Tik Tok!
There's so many photographers out there.
It used to be me that I didn't want to get on Tik Tok
because the biggest misconception is that it's a bunch of teenagers dancing.
Which it is, but there's also amazing subcultures,
such as like a whole photography community on there.
[stammering] I've been so inspired by seeing certain Tik Toks
And it's helped me, you know, challenge myself in...
in trying new things in my photography or video work.
And so, yeah, doing that over quarantine, I've really gone outside of my comfort zone.
And I feel like i've become a stronger artist from just being on Tik Tok.
So I think you should too.
MARIA: Cool! And, everybody's wondering:
are you still dating quarantine cutie?
Uh, we'll just have to wait for the next update
[Maria laughs] Part 6, coming soon.
I promise, part 6 is coming soon!
MARIA: Have you photographed the streets of different cities?
I have photographed some different streets in different cities,
but none of them are like New York.
MARIA: And, what's the craziest shoot you've ever done?
The craziest shoot I've ever done was photographing Miley Cyrus during the pride parade,
and going in her trailer to take some portraits of her
MARIA: Wow!
And what's been the most unique shoot you've ever done?
I think the most unique one has been, uh...
Photographing Jonathan Van Ness in the woods in San Francisco.
MARIA: And, if you weren't a photographer, what would you be?
I think I'd be a ski bum if I wasn't a photographer.
I love snowboarding, and um, just...
I think one of the best feelings in the world is riding down a fresh mountain of powder.
[Maria laughs] JEREMY: A fresh...
Fresh powder on a mountain. It's like...
It's a feeling like no other. So, if you've never ridden in some fresh pow before, highly recommend
Gotta do it once while on this earth.
MARIA: And, what's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
If you could do it in less than five minutes just do it!
MARIA: That's great! And aside from your camera, what's your favorite piece of gear?
Definitely my drone.
MARIA: If there were to be a movie about your life, who would play you?
J Balvin [both laugh]
MARIA: And last question: who should we interview next?
I'm thinking my friend Dane. Dane Isaac.
MARIA: Okay, awesome! We'll call him right up.
Cool.
MARIA: Alright, so I'll let you get back to it!
That's all the questions I have. Thank you so much for your time!
Cool! Yeah, thanks for asking me these questions in the park.
I'm just gonna go enjoy the rest of this beautiful day in the park right now.
Maybe call my parents, call my grandma see how they're all doing.
MARIA: That's a good idea.
MARIA: Awesome, thanks! JEREMY: Cool, bye Maria!
MARIA: Bye!