Erick Cochea Machado

I describe myself as a passive amateur photographer. All of my work entails my amateur camera, a 50-mm lens and my friends. I take pictures including old-timey Polaroids and digital images.   Growing up, I always felt uncomfortable in front of the lens; it’s a vulnerable feeling to let someone else capture a moment, wanting to look your damn best. When I finally had enough funds to buy a camera, I picked an amateur camera that came in a starter kit bundle. I slowed down, for once, and made sure that my friends looked as good as my skills allowed. From then on, I experimented with a lot of styles. I tried portraits, landscapes, action shots, groups, events and more, but I realized portrait photography is where I shine. I bought myself a 50mm lens, and I’ve been using it as my medium ever since. I see my photography as accessible; I shoot digitally in public settings that are free to go. I share my skills with my models, and they share their skills with me.   The first piece I submitted to the project relates to adjectives that are about my friend: “Calm Cool Collected.” These are adjectives that we often assume you just are, as if you’re born like that. The truth is, these are attributes you proactively practice, just like the skills you use to compose a photographic image. This photo came about me, and I took a breath as I looked through my viewfinder to take a shot.   The second piece I submitted was also unplanned. The night before, a YouTube video I watched discussed photography after a rain. When it rained the next day, I walked through the city looking for a picture. For a while, I was going crazy over finding that one perfect shot. But then I stopped, took a breath and focused on just taking a photo — then I would move on to the next moment and so on. In one of those moments, I saw the puddle, and as I was taking the shot, I noticed the man. Had I not stopped, taken a breather and collected myself, I would've missed this shot.