Austin Visual

Please introduce yourself and share a bit about your background.

I'm Austin, a photographer hailing from Massachusetts, with a primary focus on landscapes, new topographics, and street photography.

Could you walk us through your journey as a photographer and where it all began for you?

My journey into photography stems from my upbringing, where I spent a lot of time skating and filming with friends. While I was familiar with cameras through videography, it wasn't until early college that my interest in still photography ignited. From there, I started exploring the medium aggressively.

You've travelled extensively throughout the USA. What motivates you to hit the road?

Between school and my past working experiences, I’ve felt pretty confined day-to-day by the “normal” trajectory most take, yet I still followed it for a long time (and in some ways I still conform to it). I’ve always looked at the road as freedom. There’s nothing like that release of responsibility - your sole purpose transforming from productivity to exploration.

Now, any chance I can to be on the road, I’ll take.

The USA boasts incredible diversity in both landscapes and cultures. Which region or city has had the most significant impact on your work as a photographer?

The Southwest, in particular, has profoundly influenced my approach to photography. It has not only deepened my interest in "traditional" landscape photography but has also greatly shaped my use of color and composition. Everywhere I journey now, I instinctively seek out the same elements in my photographs that I found there.

How do you maintain inspiration while traveling? What strategies keep you creative and motivated during extended journeys?

For me, inspiration flows most freely while on the road. Admittedly, during longer trips, I have encountered mental hurdles that can lead to burnout from extended travel. However, I've found ways to overcome these challenges, often by finding a gym to work out or by granting myself a "day off" to recharge. This might entail a lengthy editing session at a café or simply allowing myself a morning of leisure without the pressure of capturing the perfect light.

Either way, the most important thing for me has been to not let those moments push me to go back home - I recognize how fickle time is, so I’m a big believer that you have to get after it while you can.

What equipment and camera gear have you found most valuable during your travels? Any favorite lenses or accessories?

I primarily rely on my Fuji Xt3 paired with a kit lens, the 18-55. While I do own a few other lenses, I try not to overthink it. This camera has become my favorite due to its versatility, and I haven't felt the need to "upgrade" or add anything else to my gear collection.

I do use a Canon EOS 3 for 35mm on occasion, and a Mamiya RB as well, but I honestly don’t shoot a lot of film. Mostly on the digital wave. 

Shifting gears to your recent relocation from the West Coast to the East Coast, how has the adjustment been to life in a more urban setting?

It’s weird - when moving here I expected it to feel like home, as I’m returning to the coast I’m native to, but to be honest, it feels alien to me here. I think I find something in the West that the East will never give me. I don’t know what that thing is, but it's something I’ve longed for since moving back and I’m certain it’s going to drive me to get back in the car and get out west again the minute I have a chance.

How has this transition influenced your photography and creative process?

Many aspects feel different here. For instance, I typically work out of a car, so that's been a strange adjustment. Currently, about 95% of my photography work is done on foot, which means it's slower, and I can cover significantly less ground.

It terms of my creative process, I usually shoot slowly, often using a tripod, and revisit locations regularly until I achieve the desired conditions. Here on the East Coast, I've noticed myself moving much faster, often shooting handheld, and I don't stress as much about perfect conditions. I'm not sure if that's necessarily a positive change...

The flipside is I’m now exposed to a whole new opportunity, to focus on the big city, so in terms of creative process - it's inspiring.

Are there any projects on the horizon for you, or any past projects you would like to mention?

Honestly, I don’t currently view my work in project formats, and I don’t foresee myself doing so in the near future, at least not for a while.

I prefer the idea of photographing whatever captures my interest on a day-to-day basis, and reflecting on it years from now to discern any underlying themes or connections.

In New York, I notice many street photographers are preoccupied with finding their "niche" or developing a project or book, but I don’t feel compelled to do that. My focus is on honing the technical skills necessary to capture the style of images I desire, and I am confident that projects will naturally emerge as I continue to refine those skills.

That being said, I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of creating an experimental zine or similar project. However, the subject matter or theme would likely be flexible, as I am not yet prepared to commit to a specific niche or narrative. For now, I just want to take in all this city has to offer!