Florida street project
help for you.
Capturing the raw, real emotions of someone who doesn’t even know their photo is being snapped is such a unique and beautiful thing. Sure, a lot of folks aren't fans of being caught off-guard in a shot, but hey, what they don’t know won’t hurt, right? You’ve gotta be smart about how you take your pics. Just wandering around downtown with your camera, hoping something cool will pop up? Nah, it’s way more strategic than that. A lot of new street photographers might take one or two shots of someone and then bounce, but here’s the trick: when you find a busy spot, just hang out for a bit! Soak in the vibe and get a feel for the place. I used to be all about shooting 35mm film for most of the time, and while that was fun, let’s be real—things get tricky once you run out of film.
When I was 14, my stepdad handed down his old film camera from when he was around 13. That camera really has been everywhere from Cali to NYC. That Minolta x370 became my baby. I thought I was a total pro at first... turns out, I wasn’t! It wasn't until I hit 15 that I really started to take photography seriously, snapping away at people and places that caught my interest. Everything shifted when I started chatting with other street photographers. I discovered the magic of just chilling in one spot for hours, waiting for that perfect shot to come along. By the time I was about to turn 16, I was developing my own style. I switched to shooting with a DSLR and found that a 38mm lens was just right for the kind of vibe I was going for. The first DSLR I bought was a Sony NEX 5n, and honestly, it’s like having the sharpness and vibrancy of a mirrorless sensor mixed with that classic film grain. So good!
My story, your inspiration
"My journey into photography began with a desire to see the world through a different lens, capturing the untold stories hidden in plain sight. As a queer street photographer based in Florida, every frame is an intersection of my identity and my passion.
The name ThriftedbyChoice stems from my roots in the fashion world, born from a lifelong love for unique design and the art of the find. Through this platform, I’m not just showcasing my portfolio—I’m sharing the techniques, insights, and heart behind the shutter. Let’s explore the depth of this art form together."