EP 8 • Kwasi Boyd-Bouldin
About Kwasi
For over a decade, Kwasi Boyd-Bouldin has been photographing the urban environment. His work blends elements of landscape, documentary, and street photography to present a side of the city life that’s foreign to the unfamiliar. The experience of growing up in Los Angeles is the foundation for his photo essays, sharing a perspective that is often missing from the mainstream narrative.
SHOW NOTES
Website: www.kwasiboydbouldin.com
Where are you based?: Los Angeles, CA
Camera Brand: Fuji
Most Influential Photographer:
I’ve always been influenced by Jamel Shabazz. The way he documents everyday life is something that has always inspired me.
Biggest Industry Hurdle for Black Photographers:
I think the biggest hurdle is being pigeonholed into a single style of work.
Favorite Lens:
My favorite lens for the Fuji system is the 27mm/F.2.8 (40mm equiv). My favorite lens of all time is the 38mm Sonnar that’s fixed to my Contax T2. 40mm has always been my favorite focal length, it’s perfect for the blend of street and urban landscape work that defines my style. I’ve fallen in love with the Fuji system and the 27mm is a really underrated lens. But to me, it just doesn’t get any better than the 38mm on the Contax T2. I’ve had mine for almost 15 years and I’ve used it to shoot most of my portfolio.
In your opinion, what is the most/least diverse field of photography?:
I don’t really think photography is very diverse as a whole. I see some diversity among younger fashion photographers and also in photojournalism and street. I think one of the least diverse fields is landscape photography. But honestly I just don’t really see it being anywhere near as diverse as it should be.
Share any upcoming shows/galleries/exhibits. What are you currently promoting? Share dates and locations if possible.
I had some work up at the Print Pomona Art Book Fair among with some other amazing LA photographers that was scheduled to open the week the pandemic shut everything down. I think it’s still physically in the gallery.
Instagram: @_kwasi_b
Twitter: @_kwasi_b
