Rich Pearce

Rich Pearce

How did you get started in photography?

About three years ago, a friend of a friend from the states was visiting. She wanted to see London sights and take photos with her phone, telling me about Instagram and the community and how much fun it was to be a part of. I didn't take photos and had no interest in photography but I downloaded the app and once I started seeing people’s great photos, I wanted to take photos like them.

What role has your iPhone and Instagram played in it?

Instagram is what got me into photography and I had a iPhone 3 at the time. The ability to take a photo, edit it and post to Instagram in one device is brilliant. No messing around. I like that!

How has it been for you to see the growth of the camera on the iPhone 3 to what it is now?

It’s become so much better with every phone. I’m using the 5S at the moment and the low light shots are far superior to the 4S I had before and there's even more detail, too. I’m hoping to go up to the 6 soon as that is supposed to be even better.

How has London influenced your perspective?

It's one of the best cities in the world and it's hard not to feel creative when you’re walking those streets.

Where are your favorite places to go in London?

I always seem to end up at South Bank, it really has everything in one place: the people, the River Thames, the world famous buildings, the skatepark, the galleries, great bridges and wonderful light at either end of the day.

What are you inspired by?

Cinema. I love images that look like a film still. I love looking through other Instagrammers galleries and finding cinematic shots. B&W noir shots are my favorites.

What are some of your favorite shots you’ve taken?

Oh. Tough question! I think the best shots have a lot of emotion in them, that's what I go for but miss the mark most of the time but I'm learning and having fun at the same time. Like I said I love the grainy black and white shots, high contrast and lone figures preferably with a hat - @koci style.

How have you been liking the addition of other cameras to your arsenal?

I'm really enjoying it. Very awkward at first, but I'm loving the clarity and fine details it picks up. Not quite on the M setting but I'm getting there. The iPhone will always be my sneaky undercover candid choice though.

What do you find most satisfying about street photography?

Capturing those fleeting moments of everyday life. It's always so different every time you go out shooting and you never quite know what people will do next. You just have to try and capture it.

Do you have any favorite cinema directors? Favorite films?

I love Hitchcock: Vertigo, Rear Window, Psycho, North By Northwest. He was the master of angles and scenes. And building suspense. So inspiring.

Jaws is also one of my favourite films, the cinematography is incredible and the scene where they cut the shark open and he’s pulling bits out and sliding them across the floor is genius. Cinema is why I love photography.