Photographer Interview:
Joonbug
BIO
Joonbug is a multidisciplinary visual creative, based in Oakland, California. He has carefully cultivated his skills for illustration and design; a quirky wit and hand-styled approach gives his work vibrant soul and character. His work is poetic, with a strong sense of personal connection, even with distant subjects or landscape scenery - feeling like a memory fragment of his daily life rather than photography.
Tell us a little about yourself and where you’re from?
My name is Joonbug and I work full time as a multidisciplinary artist in Oakland, California. Jamaica, West Indies, is my original Home and where I discovered my love for creating.
How long have you been shooting for?
I started in 2005 during undergrad in Abilene, Tx, so roughly twenty-one years and some change. Whether it was an analog, digital camera, or my phone, I was doing it.
Does your environment effect your creative process?
Most definitely, at least early in the journey, you are shaped by your environment. My formative years were spent in the rural parts of the island, where richness came from community and nature. Life was patient, intentional, and authentic—hard-working people who felt deeply connected to the land.
What is the creative scene like in Oakland? Is there anything you’d like people to know about Oakland that you feel is overlooked?
The raw talent and freedom in Oakland is incredible. I see folks here create, express, and intersect in ways unique to the free energy of the Bay Area. Like many of us, I’m a transplant and what I think is important is not to overlook the natives that have been here creating the change they want to see, work and build with them from a place of love and understanding.
Do you go by a different alias during the creative process for these crafts or is it coming from the same person?
The Gemini in me loves splitting, the alias’ grant the power to focus. Though, I’m still aware they are all just different me’s living under one roof.
What came first illustration, photography or fashion?
My vision, how I have continued to see the world, truly came first. In order of translation, that was: illustration, photography, fashion and photography. It’s far easier to understand my practices as cyclical, non linear in nature. My clothing brand, Fresh Kaufee is where I curate my images but those are the ones that inspire my photographs which, in turn, fuel my illustration work.
Name some of your inspirations behind your creative process.
Life and its movements—the psychological and social aspect of us existing with one another and the environment.
Did you buy your first camera or was it a gift?
My first camera was a gift from my adopted grandparents, it was a canon T-something. The first I remember buying was my Canonet for $15 at a yard sale in East Dallas, my homie spotted me $5, haha.
Fave film stock? Why?
Color: Kodak Gold 200, and ektachrome.
Gold is inexpensive and a 3-pack is a great deal. I also love how black and POC portraits look, just hoping the medium format makes a comeback. Ektachrome color reversal is as close as I can get to the legendary Kodachrome and if there’s a color film stock I’d shoot forever that would be it.
BW: TriX 400
I’m inspired by photographs of yesterday and the emotion in those images, I see that when I shoot this stock. Nice tonal range and good contrast for me, I usually push it one stop, or two.
“Analog still gives me the ‘Wooh!’ moment though, nothing like a buttery shot with the soul oozing off a darkroom print.”
Candid or posed? Flash or no flash? Why?
All of them, whatever the shot calls for. Normally, I’m outside so I’m chasing the light.
Any specific subjects you gravitate towards while planning a shoot?
No, I just walk where I feel called to walk.
Would you say you have a consistent style of shooting? (Regarding specific lighting, location or subjects, or regardless of those things)
Nah, when the light hits it hits.
When it comes to photography what moves you?
Light, nothing happens without it.
What camera would you want to be your last?
I have no idea. I know I’ve loved upgrading my Pentax SLR over the years, so for that particular brand I’d love to settle on a Pentax LX.
Do you prefer digital or analog? Why?
I just prefer Analog. I’ve evolved my thinking to appreciate digital—I guess, lol. Analog still gives me the “Wooh!” moment though, nothing like a buttery shot with the soul oozing off a darkroom print.
Is there any particular element of shooting you’d like to tackle or explore?
Large format, the final form. I can’t wait to set up for two hours just to take one shot, haha. The information in the images from that format is surreal.
What would you like people to take away from your work?
That it is meant to be digested in collaboration with time, like a classic album.
What’s next for you? Any other trades spark your interest?
Motion, both in illustration and analog film. Peace.
Interview by 35s & 45s
2.26.2021