FFO: PORTRAITURE AND STORYTELLING, USING PHOTOGRAPHY AS A TOOL TO ENGAGE, COMMUNICATE, CAPTURE AND LEARN ABOUT OTHERS!
Who are you and where are you currently based?
I am Ariel Pedatzur, I’m 22 years old and I’m from and based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
How would you describe the photography and arts scene in Tel Aviv, Israel?
The art and photography scene in Tel Aviv is full of young talented artists. As Tel Aviv is “The” big city of Israel I would say that most of the art and cultural events are happening there.
There are some main places around the city that are trying to contribute to the art culture by making events that are related. On the other hand here in Israel, people are not used to paying a lot or at all to go and see art or to buy art, so it makes it a bit more difficult for artists to earn from their works.
What is your current photographic work about?
My current photographic work has and always still documents moments. For me, photography is a way of saving memories visually and I’m always in the hunt of discovering hidden scenes and capturing them.
What got you interested in photography and taking images?
I think that what really got me into photography was trying to capture sights for me to save them as a document. I’m also super into colours & composing images. My other main passion is to get to know people and to hear their stories and I find photography as an extra key to do that with strangers.
What sort of photographer would you classify yourself as if you had to categorise yourself?
If I had to classify myself under a category in photography, I would belong to ‘Documentary photography’.
The one thing that I love the most about photography is that you can just document a moment or a situation and it will not only stick in your own memory and brain, but it will also be something visual to see and remember.
Is there any certain subject matter you prefer photographing? Is there anything in particular that draws your eye photographically?
The one thing that draws my eyes to take photos of the most is people. I find that people are the most interesting subject to photograph out of everything.
And for me, I am a person that loves to communicate and get to know new people; so the camera is an extra way for me to allow myself access to strangers lives.
Who are you inspired by?
I am inspired by Stephen Shore, Tom Wood, Nan Goldin, Ed Templeton, Daniel Arnold and etc..
In today’s world with the internet we are all so exposed to so much information – and especially visual information! So I find myself discovering new young/old amazing artists every day!
What inspires you directly about the photographers you’ve listed above?
Their Aesthetics, subjects, colours and the way you can just tell it’s their own work.
What are your future aspirations?
My continuous aspiration is that I will always be able to continue doing the things I love, such as travelling and documenting moments, as well as always being inspired by my surroundings and the people I love.
What advice would you recommend to young photographers today?
Time is short, so just go out there and do what you like doing with a smile!
YOU CAN KEEP UP WITH ARIEL’S WORK VIA HER WEBSITE OR VIA HER INSTAGRAM!
diyyouth.com 