Capturing Philadelphia: Nazir Wayman’s Journey Through Street Photography
Philadelphia-based photographer Nazir Wayman has built a reputation for his dynamic street photography, deeply rooted in his love for the city’s unique culture, architecture, and people. Nazir’s approach combines candid street shots with a personal connection to his subjects and surroundings, often focusing on skateboarding, community events, and Philadelphia’s lesser-seen moments.
From Skateboarding to Photography
“I’m a photographer, skateboarder, and amateur darkroom printer. I try to do a little bit of everything.”
Nazir’s journey into photography started around 2016 with Polaroid shots. Inspired by his love for skateboarding, he began documenting his friends and the city’s vibrant skate culture. His dedication is evident in his progression from Polaroids to more complex cameras like the Canon P rangefinder and the Nikon F5 SLR, which he switches between based on the scene and setting.
Transition to Street Photography
Nazir’s interest in street photography took root around 2020. The onset of the pandemic brought new inspiration, and Nazir began focusing on candid shots of friends and strangers alike. He quickly embraced Philadelphia’s events, like parades and community gatherings, where he finds rich, layered compositions.
“Parades are important because that’s one of the few times you can get a congestion of people in the city…there’s a lot of energy, and it’s our version of [New York’s] tourist season.”
Photographic Philosophy and Approach
Capturing the Moment
Nazir treats each photo as a timestamp, aiming to freeze moments of significance and everyday life. His work often depicts crowded spaces, finding layers in a scene’s foreground, middle ground, and background to add depth.
“I treat it as if it’s a timestamp…whatever I find interesting, I capture it.”
Nazir follows a loose route through Center City each day, allowing serendipity to guide him. He often begins his day at “the park” and lets the city’s rhythm determine his shots, prioritizing authenticity over planning.
Gear Choices
Nazir primarily uses:
- Canon P Rangefinder: Affordable, compact, and quiet, allowing him to move unnoticed and focus on composition.
- Nikon F5 SLR: Often used for close shots in controlled settings due to its louder shutter. Nazir appreciates the F5’s reliability but finds it too attention-grabbing for candid shots.
“With an SLR, you get a little bit more wary because of that loud shutter…so I use it when I’m in places I’m welcome.”
Community-Centered Photography
Philadelphia’s photography community is divided between those who shoot in the bustling downtown and those who capture the heart of local communities, from youth centers to North Philly’s Black cowboys. Nazir tries to bridge these two worlds, inspired by photographers like Xander Takamoto and Jeffrey Stockbridge, whose work on Philadelphia’s Kensington area portrays raw humanity.
“I try to do it all because I grew up in rec centers, playing with kids and [immersing] myself in the city.”
The Influence of the Darkroom
Nazir’s shift to darkroom printing has profoundly changed his perspective. He often spends late nights developing his photos, relishing the tactile connection to his work. Darkroom printing has taught him to focus on composition and quality over quantity.
“The darkroom changed the way I see…I now think in terms of printing and how the image will look on its own, printed.”
Nazir’s Most Iconic Locations
One of Nazir’s favorite corners in Philadelphia is Broad and Walnut, a site famously photographed by street photographers like Ray Metzker. Inspired by Metzker’s work, Nazir revisits this spot often, seeking new perspectives in familiar scenes.
“I found out about Ray Metzker from a professor…I was like, ‘oh wow, people have been photographing this corner for years.’”
Projects and Legacy
Nazir’s projects often span years, as he feels a need to document the evolving landscape of Philadelphia. For example, his ongoing project on the closure of Philly’s skate plazas preserves the history and community spirit of these spaces.
“When you have something so strong happening, you don’t want to leave it, especially if you know there’s an ending.”
Nazir’s Key Influences and Inspirations
Nazir’s inspirations include photographers who captured the essence of Philadelphia and its people:
- Eugene Richards: Known for his book Cocaine True, Cocaine Blue, which offers a raw look at drug culture.
- Mary Ellen Mark: Revered for her community-focused projects, Mark’s ability to build trust with her subjects motivates Nazir’s approach to community photography.
- Xander Takamoto: A friend and mentor whose skate photography blends action with urban scenery.
Conclusion: The Purpose Behind the Lens
“I take photos because memories are important…documentation is crucial, especially for future generations.”
Nazir’s photography is both a personal journey and a testament to Philadelphia’s cultural landscape. His work captures fleeting, authentic moments, creating a visual diary of his city and its people.
Key Takeaways:
- Origins in Skateboarding: Nazir’s photography began with documenting skate culture.
- Timestamp Philosophy: He views photos as timestamps, capturing the energy of a moment.
- Community Focus: Blends scenes from both bustling Center City and close-knit communities.
- Darkroom Printing: Shifted his focus to the aesthetic and archival quality of his work.
- Iconic Philly Locations: Repeatedly photographs locations like Broad and Walnut to explore historical and personal resonance.
- Camera Gear Choices:
- Canon P Rangefinder for discreet, everyday use.
- Nikon F5 SLR for louder but dependable close-up shots.
- Notable Inspirations: Influenced by iconic photographers like Eugene Richards, Mary Ellen Mark, and Ray Metzker.
Nazir Wayman’s work serves as a rich exploration of Philadelphia’s streets, capturing both its lively spirit and deeper narratives.