I first met Aaron as a skateboarder. You can tell when he skates that he has a keen eye; he's got good trick selection and can pick out spots that other people would either ignore or not even see in the first place. It came as no surprise, then, when I found out he was a photographer - and a pretty damn good one, at that. Aaron will have his work featured alongside other photographers at the 3rd Annual Photo-Op exhibition at the John B. Aird Gallery in Toronto. Check out the flyer at the end of the interview for more details. Also, be sure to check out Aaron's blog.
Let’s start at the beginning: how did you get into photography?
It's weird how clearly I remember this, but it happened around the age of sixteen. One day I was with some friends skateboarding and we found a bunch of praying mantises right by my house. We ended up putting them in a box and watched them fight. We were doing this in my backyard and for whatever reason my mom was outside with her camera taking photos and decided to take some of us. At the time I didn't think anything of it, then a couple weeks went by and my mom handed me some photos and said "hey, these are of you and your friends from the other day". I just remember looking at them and being so stoked. I think that was when I realized I wanted more photos of my friends and I to look at so I got a camera and started from there.
Most of your early photos were done with Polaroids – what was it about Polaroids that appealed to you?
In high school I worked at Southworks Antiques. It was great and filled with old cameras. I remember seeing a Polaroid 600 and just buying it. I think I might've just bought it because it looked cool, but either way, I got a few packs from my Grandpa and started carrying it around with me. Also, I think I was pretty impatient and the idea of instant photos was so awesome.
Did shooting on this medium affect the way you approach photography with different cameras/film?
Yeah for sure, especially with polaroid film. I was buying packs for around $20 - 30 per pack so I would make sure I was taking something I thought would turn out. Even with 35mm I would make rolls last a while. I didn't have a lot of money to spend on processing, etc. So I would buy a roll or two and take them over the span of a few weeks. For the most part, anyways. But now I go through a lot more. I've realized over the years that if you're shooting something rad, you can't just take one shot. You have to take a few to make sure you get one that turns out. It sucks getting a photo back that's out of focus. You learn from it though. It's all trial and error.
What equipment do you use and why?
Lately, I've been switching between two 35mm point and shoots. The Olympus XA2 and the Olympus Stylus Epic. I like both of them because they're small and good for sneak attack moments where you don't know if the person you're shooting is going to freak out. Just makes it easier to hide. Also both lenses are pretty great and make nice photos. The Stylus is known for its very quick photo taking ability. It's good when I wanna take a few very quickly.
Which came first for you – photography or skateboarding? Do you see any similarities or relationship between the two?
Skateboarding came way before. I see some similarities. I mean, I'm passionate about both of them. I find I get the same feeling from seeing a good video part or trick and seeing an inspiring photo. They both make me want to skate or shoot photos. It's nice to know that once I physically can't skate I'll have photography. I also tend to nerd out on both of them.
Who or what has influenced the development of your aesthetic as a photographer?
Currently I'd say this photographer Tim Barber. He takes a lot of cool stuff that makes you ask questions. His photos always seem to have a certain look to them, too, as if he's having a fun time shooting away, not really caring - but at the same time they seem so calculated. As far as more current photographers go, I'd say him. Also my roommate Nic, who curates the U of T darkroom, has in one way or another contributed to my photography. It's fun; we kinda feed off of each other's shots and get ideas from one another. We recently started a little photo zine called "brunswick". It's nothing serious, but fun little project. There are too many to name, but more classic photographers, I'd say Vivian Maier, Larry Clark, Nan Goldin. A good mix of street photography, drugs, intimate moments.
What relationship do you see between your photography and publishing your photos on your blog? Does blogging influence your creative process in any way?
Blogging helps my creative process quite a bit. It's just easy to get your stuff out there, and mainly 'cause you can get feedback and it's nice to know what people think. Good or bad. Maybe that makes me want to post more? If I know people check back to see.
How does photography influence the way you perceive or experience your environment?
At this point I usually have a camera with me at all times and ready to shoot if need be. I guess it makes me look at things different. Maybe I'm looking at people more for funny, weird things about them or interesting patterns in something. Or "the sun looks cool, try this!" Ha ha... I dunno.
What is your primary interest as a photographer? Is there a certain subject matter you try to tackle in your work, or is it more rooted in the realization of an aesthetic?
I just want keep shooting and continue learning. It would be nice to eventually have some kind of show, but I think it's way too soon for that. Maybe just a couple in a gallery with a few other people. I'm open to shooting anything, really. Whatever is around me or whatever ideas I think of. I find lately I've been shooting photos of people a lot. Friends and people I don't know. Living in a city, they're always around you; it's hard not to see something interesting in someone to shoot everyday. I try to avoid taking photos of homeless people, though. I have in the past, but on a rare occasion. Just something I'm not too into. Other than that, I just just plan to keep shooting and go with flow.
What makes a “good” photo, in your eyes?
Well, I guess a "good," textbook photo is well lit, nice composition, good framing, concept? I don't know. That definition changes for everyone. A lot of "good" photos can be boring to you, but not to me. It's completely subjective. You could look at my old family photos and say, "They aren't good." Which is fine, but obviously I would get more out of them, thinking, "I remember this day with my dad," etc. I think ultimately everyone can be the judge of whether a photo is good or bad. It's funny though, around the time I first got into photography, there were photos I was really stoked on - maybe it was a photo of an old man in a car - and later looking back on it, I think "Wow, this photo isn't great." It seems like that tends to happen after progression. So maybe in a year I'll be bummed on the photos in this interview.
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