Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Ayon
Carlos, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I became seriously interested in photography about 10 or so years ago. I don’t have a particular moment or event that sparked my interest. Rather, it’s just something that very gradually built over time. As a kid, I’d always buy disposable cameras and just take photos around my home. I didn’t know it at the time but this was the infancy stage of my journey in photography. A few years ago, I started a small program called Eastside Shutter Brigade where my goal was to gather cameras and get them into the hands of children. It’s been quite an experience and we’ve donated 25 cameras as of today (with more coming very soon). I hope to continue exploring different facets of photography and am excited to see what can come of it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The type of photography that I make (generally street photography) is the act of failing over and over. Accepting that fact is an obstacle in itself as you have to develop tough skin and become okay with continuing to shoot knowing that majority of your photos will not be good.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a normal dayjob but my Eastside Shutter Brigade program is what really moves me. Being that I do have a full-time job, I’m not able to dedicate a lot of time to the program but I do what I can and we’ve been part of some special collaborations and events where we’ve been able to gift cameras to kids that may not have otherwise had the opportunity to get their hands on one. I hope to continue to watch the program blossom for many years to come.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Like others, I’ve learned that a work/life balance is essential to being content and that life can turn upside down in an instant so you should take (calculated) risks to try and fulfill your passions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @carlitosguey323 / @eastsideshutterbrigade
