Willie Velazquez
A series of short, quickfire interviews with photographers we admire, who push boundaries with their work and continue to develop and grow as artists.
Fired up for this interview with NYC based Street Photographer Willie Velazquez.
You can follow Willie’s work at @williefromqueens on IG as well as his website Williefromqueens.nyc
A movie every photographer must watch: "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" but I recommend that to any and all artists.
An album to edit to: For me "Retrospective" by the animals, but generally speaking, any greatest hits album by your favorite artist; maybe it'll subconsciously inspire evolution.
Shout out an Instagram photographer: Shout out to my boy @ribsy_ with the flyest street portraiture work. My guy almost inspires me to get better at asking for shots. Almost.
Your favourite photographer of all time: Pass on this, but my favorite books thus far; "1964", "Subway" & "The Suffering of light".
A photo accessory you can't do without: None; less is best for me. However, I just got the reflx lab mini flash so that could be it, but I've yet to put in actual work with it. I am however currently using it as a fidget toy while I work at my desk.
Something we probably don't know about you: I’ve worked in sales my entire life, since I was 16. I believe these skills have provided me an advantage with my street photography endeavors, and probably why I don’t get into much confrontation.
What's the most surprising thing that's happened to you because of photography: I have a GED but I spent the current average ny college tuition on cameras, film and everything else that comes with it. A little more than twice by now.
If you could photograph anybody past or present, dead or alive, who would it be: Robin Williams. That probably would’ve been a fun shoot. Gene Wilder in his home. Stanley Kubrick from beginning to end during the making of any one of his films.
You desert island item: A tactical survival axe. I've thought about this.
Round Table Dinner: Stanley Kubrick, Rick Rubin, Elon Musk & my Dad.
Check out more of Willie’s work at his website www.williefromqueens.nyc
More Q-Shot Interviews
An interview with Canvey Island Essex Street photographer Danny Jackson (aka Barksey) on Instagram