1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I was born in Jackson Heights, Queens but went to school out on Long Island. Took a photo class in 10th grade and it consumed me. Built my own darkroom in my parents basement and that was the beginning for me.
2. How and when did you realize your passion for photography?
First day in photo class when I laid my photo paper in the developer and watched it expose before my eyes I was hooked.
3. How did you come up with this idea of candids of NYC street style and go about executing it?
Well, certainly wasn't my idea. I have been a long time fan of the late great Bill Cunningham, street fashion photographer for the New York Times. When he passed away I decided to take my camera to the neighborhoods he frequented and honor him by doing what he did for the day, I haven't looked back.
Although Mr. Cunningham shot with a wider lens, I chose to use a longer telephoto lens, a 200mm. The 200mm allows me to shoot from a distance and compress the background into a kind of fantasy vibe.
4. What does your work aim to say?
We're all out here together. I hope you see some of yourself in some of the subjects and get inspired to wear that coat you've considered. It's meant to be a snapshot of NYC and the times we are living in with real people representing what we're wearing.
5. How has your practice changed over time?
For the first couple years I wouldn't ask permission to post the photos I took. I changed about 2 years back and it was the best decision I could have made. I have made lots of really nice friends and feel way closer to the community because of it.
6. How does your work comment on current social or political issues?
Hopefully people who are in different parts of the country or world can see the mix of race and religion, shapes and sizes in my photos and realize that if it's this way in the best city in the world that I should be that way everywhere.
7. What has been your biggest learning from your job?
Lighting. Lighting can make or break a great photo. Most of the streets I shoot on are strategic to the sun and what time of the day it is. The sun dips behind the west side of the buildings after 3:45, creating a sidewalk of shadows for me to shoot in front of.
8. What are the important skills one should have to be a successful photographer?
Make bold decisions. Take risks. It's important to shoot what you love. Drops of water on grass or Types of clouds, big or small make it your thing. And if you love it, your passion will shine through and others will see it the way you do.
9. What are some tips you would like to share with amateur photographers?
Start at the beginning. Learn about film and practice with film. It will make you patient and careful when shooting. Find a photographer you love and riff on his or her work. Build a portfolio practicing others' work and your own style will blast through.
10. What is your long term plan/ future plans?
Photography is what I do when I'm not with my family. I have a very supportive, encouraging wife and a wildly wonderful 3 year old who takes up all of my heart and most of my time.
I hope to continue shooting street style and hopefully will be able to be represented by someone the way Mr. Cunningham did for all those years. But it's all about family to me. This little unit of mine is where it's at.
11. Which is your favorite book and why?
My favorite book is "The Monster at the end of this book" by Jon Stone. Grover is afraid of a monster at the end of the book and does everything in his power to stop you from turning pages, it's a hoot. It's a book my Mom used to read to me when I was little and now I read it to my little boy and it just brings me back.
- Instagram: Johnny Cirillo
- Interviewed By Pearlina Marie Rein
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