When I first saw a “single” image by Ann LT (Ann Luu-Trong) I was immediately intrigued & drawn to see more, and when I saw more, I was curious to learn more “About” Ann & her Street Photography. What I could have written about Ann’s Photography, is summed up by a “Diane Arbus” quotation on Ann’s own “About” page: “A picture is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know.”
The Mysteries, The Secrets, The Stories We See, The Stories We Imagine, The Stories That we want them to be true, Imagination & Reality, All in a Fraction of observation, captured.
And, I was convinced it was all shot on film but, 30 year old expired rolls or Holga? So, I reached out to have a conversation with Ann LT on Street Photography:
How did you get into photography?
My love for photography was ignited by my father’s passion for this art form.
His influence has been instrumental in shaping my journey as a photographer, and I cherish the deep connection we shared. At the age of 16, my photography journey began with a thoughtful gift from him – a red Canon Snappy 20 point and shoot. Initially ,I captured snapshots of family and friends, but it was with my first SLR, a Nikon N8008 (F-801), that I delved deeper into this art form.
In 2004, my passion for photography continued to grow as I acquired my first DSLR, a Nikon D70,followed by a D200. Embracing the digital era, I fully immersed myself in photography, relishing the freedom to experiment endlessly.
With a natural curiosity about the world and people, photography became my go-to way of expressing myself. Being shy, words often fail me, but through images, I can speak volumes, telling stories and conveying emotions with power. Photography has become an inseparable part of my identity.
Copyright ⓒ Ann Luu-Trong
How do you describe your photography? Do you describe yourself as a street photographer? An Art photographer? social? Documentary?
Though I don’t like to limit myself to any specific genre, candid street photography is where I feel most comfortable. It allows me to become a discreet observer, akin to a fly on the wall, capturing genuine moments without intruding on the scene.
Are you inspired by any other photographers?
I have immense admiration for a wide range of past and contemporary photographers, including the great master photographers Henri Cartier-Bresson, Josef Koudelka, Alex Webb, Harry Grayaert, Saul Leiter, Diane Arbus, Vivian Maier, and many more.These photographers have not only mastered their craft but also shaped the very essence of photography as an art form,l eaving an enduring legacy that will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.Their bodies of work are a testament to the power of visual storytelling and the ability of images to transcend language and culture. Additionally, I find great inspiration in the works of emerging artists who continue to impress me with their creativity and skill.There’s an abundance of talent out there, making it truly challenging to list them all.
Copyright ⓒ Ann Luu-Trong
Is shooting in B&W or Colour a consideration or just depends on what’s happening?
I embrace both black and white and color as powerful mediums, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. The use of color is purposeful, adding depth and significance to the narrative, while black and white photography brings a timeless and emotive quality to the images.
When deciding between the two, I consider the story I want to tell and select the most appropriate medium that complements and elevates that narrative. Neither black and white nor color takes precedence, as both are equally important and must serve a purpose in enhancing the visual impact of the composition.
Do you do a lot of post production work?
Post-processing is a crucial phase where the true essence of the image comes to life. It’s during this stage that my creative vision flourishes, and I have the freedom to shape the photograph into anything I desire. The possibilities are limitless, and my artistic expression finds its fullest potential in this stage.
Copyright ⓒ Ann Luu-Trong
I get the impression that you mostly shoot film. Am I right?
Actually it’s the other way around. I predominantly shoot with my digital Leica M8 and M10-P, occasionally complementing them with the analog Leica M7.
Oh! Some of your Street Photography looks so much like Negatives! So you prefer Digital over Film?
Both offer distinct advantages and drawbacks. There’s an undeniable allure in the imperfections and limitations of film photography. The tangible nature of film, from loading a roll to touching the negatives, creates a connection to the craft that digital can’t quite replicate. The chemical essence of film introduces inherent imperfections, much like the complexities of life itself.
In contrast, digital can sometimes appear too flawless and polished for my personal taste. When shooting with digital, I intentionally post-process my photos to imbue them with a film-like quality. This process allows me to preserve the nostalgic charm of film while embracing the advantages of digital technology. I prefer the film-like aesthetic, but practicality often dictates that I mostly choose digital, especially when considering time constraints and cost factors.
Copyright ⓒ Ann Luu-Trong
There is an air of mystery about some of your Street Photography. What are your thoughts on what you shoot? Isolating subject matter… Etc etc
As a Vietnamese refugee living in the US since age 9, photography has become my profound form of self-expression, allowing me to embrace both my heritage and the complexities of my journey between two worlds. Themes of isolation and displacement often emerge in my work, reflecting the feelings I grapple with. Solitude, too, finds its way into my photos, revealing the enigmatic beauty I see in moments of contemplation.
I aim to elicit empathy and understanding, shedding light on shared struggles and inviting viewers to notice the beauty in the ordinary. For me, there is beauty even in the wounded, and I seek out spontaneous and intriguing elements that stir curiosity. People’s unique traits and spirits endlessly fascinate me, and I endeavor to convey their essence through my lens. My focus is not on achieving technical perfection, but rather on creating a visual narrative that leaves room for interpretation, mystery, and ambiguity. I want my images to prompt viewers to reflect, ponder, and ask questions, fostering a deeper connection with the shared human journey.
Any particular memorable stories about any of your Street Photography that you’d like to share? Any personal favourites?
During COVID, I prioritized safety and stumbled upon a unique shooting style – capturing photographs from the car. It offered me a way to explore and document my surroundings while staying safe. Although pandemic restrictions have eased,I still continue this method as an integral part of my shooting technique.
The photos I’m showcasing here were primarily taken from my car, with just a few exceptions. As a photographer, I vividly recall every photo I’ve taken—the moments, locations, and how they intertwined with my personal life at that time. Selecting a single favorite proves to be quite challenging, as each photo has its unique significance. However, 3 shots truly stand out and hold a special place in my heart.
Copyright ⓒ Ann Luu-Trong
“Untitled” In our city, I often come across a woman with a pristine white blanket elegantly draped over her shoulders. Her presence has become a familiar sight as she walks around or sits alone on a bench.
While some may perceive her as lonesome and in need of companionship,I find immense beauty in her solitude and contentment. To me, she radiates a sense of tranquility and inner peace, like a serene painting brought to life.
“Polka Dots and Persimmons”: a lady walked out to her car from the grocery store, what brought a smile to my face was the realization that she seemed completely unaware of how perfectly her dress matched the bag of persimmons she was carrying.
Copyright ⓒ Ann Luu-Trong
“Push the Sky Away” I stood by, waiting for my husband to wash our car’s windshield at the gas station, a homeless man walked across the scene. In that moment, the lyrics of Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds’ song “Push the Sky Away” came to mind, adding a touch of introspection to the ordinary moment.
Have you ever gotten into trouble shooting in the street? Confrontations? Or you have a method to just avoid it?
When taking photos in public spaces, safety is my top priority. I ensure I am in safe areas, either shooting from my car or on foot. Being a woman with a small, unassuming rangefinder camera,a rangefinder, has been advantageous, as I rarely encounter issues. When questioned, a warm smile and explanation that I’m an avid photographer shooting for fun ease any concerns.
Copyright ⓒ Ann Luu-Trong
What do you shoot with? & do you just keep to one camera?
For digital work, I shoot with the Leica M8 and recently added an M10-P.
For analog work, it’s the Leica M7.
The Voigtlander 21mm Color-Skopar f4 for the M8 (with its 1.33x crop factor, is equivalent to a 28mm on a full frame camera). On the full frame M7 and M10-P, my go-to lens is the Leica 35mm Summicron f2.
To see More of Ann LT Visit & Follow her on Instagram Flickr and Facebook
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