A.g.’s Note: Chris Stoltz shares to us one of his favorite photographers he got the privilege of shooting with, the L.A. based Sye Williams. Sye shares some of his inspirations, personal work, Photography Origins, and nuggets of wisdom. All of the photos are the respected copyright of Sye Williams. Here’s Chris with the interview:
Chris: Sye might be my new favorite photographer. I met him recently on a video shoot while working as a grip. He showed up because he was friends with the rest of the crew, arriving via skateboard. I hit it off with him immediately because he had a Leica M8 dangling over his shoulder. I asked him about his recent purchase and, in-between grabbing lights and helping with the video, he told me how his career in photography started.
Chris: How long have you been shooting?
Sye: I started in the industry in early 90’s driving motor homes for Big Time Productions in Miami Beach. This particular production company serviced most of the big fashion teams coming out of New York during the winter months. I was fortunate enough to work with some big names and be a part of big productions. Photographers used a variety of cameras and formats and most had different ways of shooting in addition to a variety of film stocks that were manipulated to achieve their look. I did that a few seasons before I purchased my own cameras and started to shoot. My first published work was a photo of a wrestler in Interview Magazine. My first assignment was for Spin magazine.
Who are your favorite photographers?
I have been inspired by a number of photographers; Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, Nan Goldin , Peter Beard, Peter Lindbergh, Arthur Elgort and most recently Steven Klein!
Do you have a favorite camera?
Yes without a doubt, 90 percent of what I have in a my portfolios or on my website was shot with a Pentax 6/7 . Now I also use a Leica M8, it took me years to find something that felt like I was shooting film .
What do you try to communicate with your photography?
I am fascinated by sub-cultures around the world and across the street. I want to show people something they have never seen or something right in front of them that they haven’t taken the time to really look at.
What’s the dream project? What do you want to shoot?
Photographer Albert Watson was commissioned by the royal family in Morocco to shoot for 39 days and document Morocco. He later published a book [titled], Maroc. I have done a number of travel stories and I was asked by editors to explore Mexico City and Bangkok to name a few. I enjoyed the process of not only shooting the obvious but seeking out places less traveled. I believe I’d like to do that on a grander scale much like Albert Watson.
What photographs have an impact on you?
There was series of circumstances that changed my direction in photography. I was shooting fashion for a number of years but I was doing it for pay. I don’t think I really had anything interesting or new to say about it. I think this photo by Miguel Fairbanks in 1995 made me look beyond fashion. This was published in Colors magazine, many years later Arianna Rinaldo of Magnum Photos was at Colors Magazine and she hired me to shoot 4 stories for Colors. This is my favorite magazine to date!
What do you think of the current state of street photography?
Smart phones and phone apps have encouraged this generation to document their daily routine so we have all become street photographers, some are better than others
Do you have a favorite place to shoot?
Yes and I’m not talking :)
If you could pass on one bit of knowledge to a new photographer, what would it be?
I would say to photograph subject that you enjoy, not subject that you think will make you money. Use photography as a means to explore things you know nothing about but also shoot what you know. Sometimes the content you are so familiar with that you think is ordinary is anything but to other people.
Do you have anything that you must have when you go to shoot?
Charm, sense of humor, and a quick straight right hand!
More photos from Sye Williams
Sye Williams Mini Documentary
Sye Williams’ Photo Documentary from Karen LeFever on Vimeo.
See more of Sye Williams’ work on his website.