Exploring Japan through the lens of Luis Gallegos
For Vol.01 of our monthly photographer series FRAMED, we take a deep dive into the work of Luis Gallegos (@el_bebop) while chatting about his inspiration, workflow, and relationship with the streets of Japan.
by Luis Gallegos
What do you love about shooting in Japan?
There is a lot that I enjoy about street photography here. Coming from the Suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia the difference in scenery is such a contrast. Tokyo for instance is so dense and packed that every corner has character. The mix of old architecture and new, even down to street or store signs you often see retro style adverts still up. There are trains that run through the city, and in contrast big parks and greenery. The lights at night completely change the mood of a neighborhood and different scenes can emerge. Overall Tokyo is still a city with skyscrapers and grit, but the way things are built on each other most of the time feels intentional and well kept, there is a sense of care that I feel. I think for these reasons and many others that I can’t quite articulate Tokyo/Japan is quite unique and visually alluring.
Do you have a favorite location to wander & shoot?
I’m not so sure if I have a favorite spot, but I’m always drawn to alleyways called “ Yokocho’s”. Specifically if there are well lit lanterns hanging and plenty of izakayas around with people bustling in and out. There are usually spots like this around most stations. Some of the spots I frequent are Shinbashi, Nakano, and even around Ueno.
by Luis Gallegos
Want to tell us something about your gear, and how you adapt it to the environment you're shooting in?
90% of the images I’ve taken are with the Contax G1 / 45mm. I found the camera at a local second hand store, and I’m not sure what called out to me about it, I think I was looking to shoot on something other than a point and shoot. The other camera that I use occasionally is the Ricoh gr1.
As for film stock I shoot almost exclusively on Cinestill 800/400/50. I just really love the color tones and the light halations they produce. I’ve also recently started playing with a blur filter and I’ve been enjoying the dreamy effects it has on some photos.
Is there a specific mood or feeling you want to capture in your pictures?
A Portuguese word comes to mind ”Saudade” which means: vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist, for something other than the present, a turning towards the past or towards the future; not an active discontent or poignant sadness but an indolent dreaming wistfulness.
More simply put, the mood I want to share is “nostalgia”, but with a lighter and happier twist. As if to feel like a happy familiar memory. I think shooting on film helps bring that out a bit too.
by Luis Gallegos
You shoot strangers but also people you know. Is there a big difference in your approach between the two?
When I go out with street photography in mind I’m just letting the city do its thing and trying to catch the moments unfolding. I may stay in one spot for a few minutes to see if a subject appears or walk around observing which way the light is falling, but I don’t try to force anything, I'm just trying to capture the essence of the area.
This is completely different when I shoot portraits, in this situation I bring lights with me, perhaps the outfits are loosely planned, the location has been scouted and I have a shot list in mind. Essentially there is more planning involved, this is because everyone is on a timed schedule and I want to be efficient, instead of a go with flow attitude that a casual photo walk can be.
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Be sure to check out more volumes of the Yokogao FRAMED Series.
