Interview with Street Photographer Daniel Huete

Check out this interview with Streetfoto mobile runner up Daniel Huete! It is quite insightful to say the least.

Can you start off by telling us a (brief) story on your background and how you first picked up a camera?

I was born in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.It wasn’t until 8 years ago (when I moved to Bangkok, Thailand) that I decided to pick up a camera, from that moment on I knew what I wanted to do and kept doing it till today.

You’re currently residing in Los Angeles but only photograph when you make trips out to India? Could you talk about that.

For me it is quite difficult to photograph in Los Angeles. After photographing in India, everything here seems dull and you have to be really careful with what you are photographing. India for me its a very special place, its the place I will always come back to photograph.

You can always discover something you have never seen , something new, there is always life on the streets. Its just so dynamic.

When did you start photographing India and what about is it about India that inspires you?

The first time I went to India was back in 1994. I was 5 years old at the time. I went there for six months with my grandmother. I still actually have photos from that trip.

That was my first impression of India, I still have many fond memories of my time there.

I guess those travels made me want to come back and photograph India. It is a place where I can connect with my childhood, it holds a special place in my heart.

Has there been any major changes from the first time you’ve been in india compared to your last visit?

Yes, I can see how India is changing and becoming more modern, but it still has the same essence.

What’s your favorite city of India?

Thats a very very hard question, there are too many beautiful cities in India.

It all depends on what you want to photograph or what you want to do.

These are some of my favorite places not in order and depending on the season.

Pushkar, Rishikesh, Haridwar , Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana , Mcleodganj, Delhi, Mumbai and of course Varanasi.

Your photos of India are in black and white for such a colorful country. could you walk us through that?

I love to photograph in color and black and white, currently I’m working on two projects that are separated by black and white and color. For certain situations I prefer black and white specially to create a difference in mood. You will definitely see more color photographs in the near future.

Describe your style and how you approach making photographs when wandering the streets.

When I started photography I took a lot of influence studying photos from National Geographic, Magnum photos and Documentary projects from different photographers.

I mainly I shot portraits and travel photography.

There was a moment when my photography took a drastic change it was after an APF workshop I attended in Singapore, I really have to thank my street photography mentors Vineet Vohra, Rohit Vohra and Aik beng Chia for that workshop as well as all the tips and teaching they gave me till this day.

They helped me conquer the biggest fear I had while shooting , to get close to people.They do it like no other. I can feel peoples breathing these days thanks to that. Today I try to mix street and documentary photography.

Who are some of your favorite street photographers?

I would say some of my favorites are Fan Ho, Alex Webb, Josef Koudelka, Martin Parr and of course my three mentors V.V R.V and ABC.

What’s your overall goal with your travels to India? A book?

I have two zines from India coming soon. One in color and one in black and white. The long term project I currently have will be two books on India.

What keeps you motivated?

The fact that I’m doing photography that its what I love to do, traveling the world and being surrounded by good friends and people I love. I wouldn’t image my self doing something else.

Favorite Indian dish?

Since we are talking about India,

Non Veg

Nihari at a restaurant called Karims(Near Jama masjid, Delhi)

Veg

I would go with Paneer tikka Masala

And of course Chai.

Can I tag along with you to visit India one of these days?

Why not? You can tag along on my next trip if you are up for it!

You live across the ocean from Hawaii. Any plans to visit Hawaii?

I have always wanted to visit Hawaii but I’ve never got the chance to come.

Hopefully sometime in the near future.

By the way, congrats on winning the 2nd place mobile category at Streetfoto. How did you hear about it and what was your reaction?

Thanks, Tim. I heard about it when Vineet posted that he was going to do a workshop there, so I checked the site and submitted.

I didn’t expect it, there were some really really good photos.

Its always difficult to choose the winning photographs out of so many good photographs.

Any tips for travelers and photographers wanting to visit India?

One of my tips would be that you can’t discover India in one or two weeks., you can’t see it all in six months either. Take time, let your self go, get out of your comfort zone and you will discover.

Follow Daniel Huete’s work below!

http://danielhuete.com/

Instagram @danielhuete