INTERVIEW
December 10, 2021
JOURNEY OF FREEDOM
Photography by Gabi Ben Avraham
Interview by Melanie Meggs
For ardent street photographers, the world around them is like a feature film: a never ending story with frames that are just waiting to be captured. Gabi Ben Avraham, a passionate street photographer, is no exception. Through the lens of his camera, he finds beauty in the overlooked and mundane. His images are thoughtfully composed with each element carefully chosen to create a dialogue of its own - be it with color, shape or light.
The Covid pandemic brought with it a period of stagnation and lockdowns, making Gabi’s recent trip to the United States even more special. His series JOURNEY OF FREEDOM speaks volumes of the joy he found in being granted the freedom to explore a new place and capture it in his own way. The images depict the forgotten people in urban surroundings, their fragile outlines and the beauty of their daily lives which are often crushed by the hustle and bustle of the city.
In this interview, we take a look at Gabi Ben Avraham and his journey of street photography. Join us as we explore how his camera has become an integral part of him, and get a glimpse into his journey of freedom.
“After two years of stagnation and a few lockdowns due to covid-19, I went to the USA on a family visit. I felt like a bird who finally flew out of its cage! The series depicts that wonderful feeling of freedom and expresses in a surrealistic manner the emotions of the people who went through covid-19, each of them in his own way.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH GABI BEN AVRAHAM
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Gabi please tell us about yourself. How did you become interested in photography?
GABI BEN AVRAHAM: I am a 61 year old Israeli photographer. I was born and still live in Tel Aviv and work in a software company. After flirting with an initial fascination with photography and film cameras in the 1980s, I went on to pursue a career as an IT manager and put my love for the still image aside. Fortunately, my interest never disappeared. While the passion lay dormant for decades, all it took was the gift of a camera from my wife to awaken my inclination towards photography again.
TPL: What does street photography mean to you? Describe your style.
GBA: The Street is not a Studio. Sometimes I stand and wait for things to converge – a cyclist, a dancer, a child – moving along. Street and documentary photography are my favorite way of looking at the world. My camera has become an integral part of me and I cannot imagine myself without it. Everywhere I go I take it with me thinking ‘maybe today will be my lucky day and I will take the photo of my life’. Via the camera lens I am constantly looking around me, searching for that ‘decisive’ moment that will never return, unless I catch it. When pushing the button, I try to make some sense, restore order to the chaotic scheme of things in the composition, tell the story behind the scene and frame a surrealistic moment. The components 'speak' with each other in a special dialogue, either by color, shape, or light. Capturing the elusive, special moment after which things will never be the same and making it eternal – that is my goal.
TPL: What have been some of your favourite memories or moments in your photography journey? What have you personally gained from your experiences?
GBA: When I visited Cuba, I was invited to a home and after a moment found myself surrounded by pigs. Maybe the word 'surprising'; is better to express what I felt. At first I was alarmed but eventually the whole situation was amusing.
I like to observe people in religious ceremonies and festivals. I wait for the right surrealistic moment which will take things out of context and make them special.
TPL: When you are out photographing - how much of it is instinctual versus planned?
GBA: Both. I choose the background and wait for things to emerge. This is a long process. At a single click, I try to fill the insignificance around me with significance and create a private and intimate hallucination in order to share it with the viewer. Even though the moment fades, it is burnt in the memory of the viewer. Like a fisherman who goes to his daily work without knowing what he will catch, I take my camera and dive into the streets without knowing what will happen five minutes later. It is an adventure. When I click I try to see the surreal and to sort things out of their everyday meaning and their usual context. I have my favorite places and I never come with the same photos. It is always different: the people, the light and shadows, the atmosphere.
TPL: What are some tips or advice you would give yourself if you started street photography all over again?
GBA: Try to build your own style. Exercise a lot with the camera. Find your own Master and be open to critics.
Street and documentary photography are my favorite way of looking at the world. My camera has become an integral part of me and I cannot imagine myself without it.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance?
GBA: I am inspired especially by Henri Cartier Bresson as well as Sebastião Salgado for their black and white images and by Alex Webb, Harry Gruyaert and Nikos Economopoulos for their fantastic work with surreal composition and great colors, and by many more talented photographers.
TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length?
GBA: In general I believe that the equipment is just a tool so it doesn't really matter. As for myself I am using Fuji XT-3 usually with 18 mm (27mm) prime lens and sometimes Fuji 23mm (35mm) prime lens, because the camera is small, light and does not draw attention. I enjoy shooting with wide lenses which enable me to build a full story in the frame.
TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist or photographer? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
TPL: Are there any other special projects you are currently working on or thinking about that you would like to let everyone know about?
GBA: I want to have more exhibitions and work on a book which will depict my work.
TPL: When I am not out photographing, I (like to)…
GBA: Have some drinks with my friends, watch TV, go through some photographic books and listen to music. In short I like to enjoy life.
Gabi Ben Avraham is a master of street photography, capturing the beauty in the overlooked and mundane. His recent trip to the United States showcases his talent in perfectly composed images that depict the forgotten people of urban surroundings. His series speaks volumes of the joy he found in being granted the freedom to explore and see the world through his camera lens. If you are looking for stunning shots of everyday life, Gabi's photography is worth a look. To see more of Gabi's work, follow his Instagram page and visit his website.
