INTERVIEW
August 9, 2021
STREET HEARTBEAT
Photography by Joshgun Suleymanov
Interview by Melanie Meggs
Joshgun Suleymanov is a street photographer from Western Azerbaijan who has been walking the streets and capturing unique moments for the past ten years. Through his projects such as 'The Darkness Inside Me', 'Retro Baku' and 'Joshgun Street', he has managed to showcase his work in Argentine Spanish and is now preparing for even more amazing publications. Joshgun is also a member of the Azerbaijan Photographers Union and his passion for street photography has enabled him to create stunning images.
With each photograph, Joshgun captures moments that are both beautiful and deeply meaningful, as if he was able to freeze time itself. His pictures tell stories, revealing something unique about the places he visits. His work is not only visually stunning, but also emotionally evocative, providing viewers with an insight into the beauty and darkness of the world around us.
“The perfect scene for me is the one I look forward to the most and feel that moment will happen. I am inspired by a lot of things...it can be in a song or a movie sometimes it plays a role in my mood or some of my worries.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH JOSHGUN SULEYMANOV
THE PICTORIAL LIST: Joshgun, when you take pictures, do you usually have a concept in mind of what you want to shoot, or do you let the images just "come to you", or is it both? Describe your process.
JOSHGUN SULEYMANOV: I think the concept is very important...then you will always have development. Such as looking for an abstract scene on the street and then waiting for the right person to enter the scene.
TPL: What were the difficulties you encountered when you first started out in street photography?
JS: When I first turned to this genre, I didn't have much experience. I had a large camera and the bulky bag to carry it in...it was torture! And learning to overcome angry glances from people after I took their photo.
TPL: Do you have any favourite artists and photographers?
JS: Artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. Photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Matt Stuart, Alex Webb, Vivian Maier and Fan Ho.
TPL: What are your thoughts and feelings about shooting individually with company when out on the streets?
JS: I rather shoot alone. The reason is because I am a heavy hunter on the street and distractions can ruin a unique shot.
TPL: Talk to us about your equipment you use. Do you have a favourite focal length that you use?
JS: I am very pleased with the equipment I use at the moment. I use the Fujifilm X100s camera with its fixed 23mm f2.8 lens. It's a retro looking compact camera that is almost always with me. Sometimes I also use the Canon 6D with 24mm, 70mm f2.8 lenses. Using zone focus makes my work almost comfortable.
TPL: What are some of your goals as an artists or photographer? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years?
JS: To have at least three exhibitions in the state big museum and a small book to print. Five years later, to find myself in a similar agency.
TPL: Can you talk to us about your series of images of found objects on the beach? What are you communicating to your viewer?
JS: I try to go to the beaches every year when there are no special conditions...and a feeling almost makes me come there sometimes toys or a toy hanging from a polluted sea takes me away...and makes me pull them...I think people need to know the value of this temporary world given and given to them. They have to give up plastic waste...they have to leave a clean world for the future.
TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about?
JS: I currently have a project and this project is both art and photography using a mixed technique.
TPL: When I am not out photographing, I (like to)…
JS: When I don't take photos, it's as if my heart doesn't work...my eyes can't see..my life is very ordinary.
Joshgun Suleymanov is a passionate street photographer whose work has the ability to captivate and transport viewers. His work is a testament to his passion for capturing unique moments and conveying powerful stories through his photographs. It is clear that Joshgun has a great talent for photography and anyone interested in this art form should definitely check out his projects. To learn more about Joshgun and his work, we encourage readers to join him on his upcoming projects and take part in the wonderful journey that photography can bring.
