I'd like to start this month's issue by saying Thank You to everyone who has supported me in building this magazine over the last couple of months. It's been amazing to see so many of you using the hashtag on Instagram-and now VSCO-as we head into May. I'm truly grateful to everyone inspiring the community with your street photography. Whether it's modern-day architecture or old-school film, each and every one of you brings something unique, with real talent and potential.
I'd also like to share an exciting update: if you're using the hashtag on Instagram or VSCO, one selected photographer will now have the opportunity to be interviewed and promoted in this blog each month. This serves as an opportunity to discover someone new to follow, learn from, and offer creative insights to amateur photographers who are still finding their way-as well as share knowledge that can benefit photographers at any level. It doesn't matter whether you have a small or large following-everyone has a fair shot at being featured. This blog will always remain free to support and uplift the street photography community.
With that said, let's jump into our very first interview, with the incredibly talented @wizardsamm.
Taken by:Â @wizardsamm
Q1: Tell me a bit about yourself and how you start your creative process
"I’m Samuel Lam, and I’ve been doing photography as a hobby for about 10 years. I started by capturing photos and experimenting wherever I went, before eventually discovering the photography theme I wanted to focus on."
Taken by: @wizardsamm
Q2: Who's your biggest inspiration and how do you incorporate them into your own work?
"I get most of my inspiration from professional photographers and videographers on Instagram, such as @nina.nayko, @teemu.jpeg, @tylerbrundy, @frederik.mov, and @snapnoevil. Their work evokes different strong emotions, and I constantly challenge myself to achieve the same impact using my own themes—night timelapses, sunsets, and architecture."
Taken by:Â @wizardsamm
Q3: What's a simple photography hack you can give to new photographers?
"I always choose one main subject that stands out the most among the view when I am at the top floors. For this photograph, I noticed that a series of buildings (day) or a single building stands (night) out the most, so I then use it as my focus."
Day shot taken by:Â @wizardsamm
Night shot taken by: @wizardsamm
Q4: What piece of work are you most proud of and why?
"Capturing a night landscape of Singapore from a residential flat offers a unique perspective. While most photographers tend to head to iconic locations for their shoots, I believe there are hidden scenes among the heartland flats. That’s why I enjoy shooting from the top floor, especially around the 40th storey, where the view reveals a different side of Singapore’s beauty."
Taken by:Â @wizardsamm
Q5: Do you have any ambitions or aspirations in photography?
"I decided to experiment with turning my photography into stickers using a holographic effect. That’s how I started my brand, StickerScape, where I sell landscape photography stickers online. I believe that much of my night photography takes on a unique and striking look when printed on holographic material."
Sam's very own holographic stickers
Shop link:Â stickerscape.shop
Q6: What advice was given to you which you still follow today in your own work?
"Find a theme that you truly love (portraits, food, wildlife). For me, it’s sunsets, night landscapes, and old buildings. I focus on improving my photography within this theme because when you’re genuinely interested in what you’re capturing, you’re more likely to create better work and enjoy the entire process."
You can follow Sam here: @wizardsamm
Thank you to Sam for sharing those valuable insights and showcasing a unique style shaped by moody photographers and filmmakers alike. And finally, we'll now showcase four images from talented photographers who have used #trstreetmag in their posts throughout the month of May.
First up, we welcome two VSCO users to TR Street Magazine: @cyrustabar & @prefers-rain.
The reason I chose these two images is because they both feature strong perspective and leading lines that guide the viewer's eye through the scene. Cyrus's shot of the tram has vibrant colours and a clear focal point, while prefers-rain's image draws the eye from the road up to the sunlight hitting the buildings. Both images encapsulate the use of composition to create depth and balance, which is key in street photography.
Next we have @o3ste with this image of a couple holding hands. What I love about this shot is how it captures the couple in motion, with the leading lines of the green fence guiding the eye towards the focal point - the woman's head. The symmetry of the bars at the top and bottom of the fence draws attention to her, while the image holds a spacious feel. The use of light, colour, and the surrounding greenery creates a really balanced, serene vibe. It's a simple yet powerful shot that immediately caught my eye.
To wrap things up, this image caught my eye on Instagram, posted by @nightnightfilm. It features leading lines from a handrail curving around, with a person standing in front of a staircase. The cool green tones contrast beautifully with the red halation around the light above the stairs. This image, like the others, uses perspective to draw the eye, making it a perfect way to conclude this month's magazine.
To get your chance to feature in this magazine every month just use the hashtag #trstreetmag in your Instagram posts for a chance to have one or many images in my magazine.
Up to 10 images will be selected every month.
Good Luck and Happy Shooting!