Photo Profile : Chad Bilyeu

I would like to begin this piece by stating that I am not really a photographer, at least, not in the professional sense of the word. I prefer to think of myself as a person that likes to takes photographs. Initially, such a distinction may sound silly, but it makes perfect sense to me.

I do not take pictures with other people’s expectations or opinions in mind. I take photographs to document moments in time as they are transmitted to me. I am out here with a camera everyday in an attempt to impress myself.

My interests are varied, so I will photograph almost anything or any event, but I have a predilection towards shooting city life, street art, nightlife and portraits of pure human emotion. I try to take my camera with me everywhere I go. It does indeed get annoying to constantly have a camera hanging from your neck like a rapper would have a diamond-encrusted platinum chain, but, it allows me plenty of opportunities to practice the craft and an abundance of photographs to learn from.

I am mindful of classic photography techniques, but will dismiss theory if it feels like the right thing to do. I see photography as more than mere camerawork and proper technique. A photographer must be humble enough to drift into the shadows.

This same photographer must be trustworthy enough that people will allow and want their picture to be taken by this person. Much of photography is nepotism. The best people to photograph are interesting ones. Interesting people attract people similar to them. I am a pretty interesting fellow, if I say so myself.

I am inspired by many photographers, but three distinctly stand out. I love Sammy Davis, Jr.’s photography. I find it incredible that this superstar actually took the time and effort to always have a camera with him and to photograph people with no intentions of becoming a famous photographer, but rather to merely document life. Such altruism in art is always commendable.

Gordon Parks serves as my technical favorite. I do not believe there to be a photographer that takes more elegant photos than he does. Equally impressive is his subject matter, from the Harlem Renaissance to fashion shoots for Vogue magazine to documenting the civil rights movement, Parks always seemed to be int he right place at the right time. Nan Goldin seems to me to be the most trusted photographer of all time. Her documentation of human emotion and sexuality is unrivaled. She obviously is loved and respected by those she photographs and it reflects in her work.

I intend to keep documenting my time here in Amsterdam, as this is such a picturesque city. I am planning to release a book inspired by the Chad in Amsterdam blog. Until then, I will continue to carry this Lumix GF1 wherever I go.

Links:

http://chadinamsterdam.tumblr.com/