Artist’s Bio:
I am a digital and film photographer that currently lives in the East Bay area and works in San Francisco. I was born in Manila, Philippines, and was exposed to a combination of the vibrant and conflicting nature of a metropolis and the lush beauty of the tropics. I’ve learned my photographic and darkroom skills through a combination of hands-on experience and formal classes while living and traveling in the West and the Midwest. While I had an interest in photography and making photographs since I was young, beginning with flipping through the photography books in the family library, I started challenging myself to understand and learn the craft of photography in the last eight years. During that time I have had two shows and my photographs were selected to embellish the reception area of a law firm in Denver.
Artist’s Statement:
Looking back through the memories of my experiences, the most important ones have been visual. I discovered a truth regarding this early on in life when I discovered that a “moment,” regardless of length or intensity, is a true record of what constitutes existence. Adopting photography as my medium has been the most natural way for me to express my vision.
I strive for moments that stem from the forgotten places, things cast aside, the items people overlook in their passage, the detritus left behind, what people might see and then ignore. I have learned through repeated experience of having a camera, whatever kind at hand and accessible, is the most valuable item I can have once a moment appears. I find myself influenced by the works of Brassai, Weegee, Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee, Arthur Rothstein and Jack Delano.
I often photograph at night, primarily using what light there is available, to record moments that are not always noticed or seen without the benefit of long exposures. I walk the same paths and challenge myself to see what I missed on them the last time or what is different or out of place. I never stop looking at the world around me in the hopes that I can catch that fleeing moment, whether in stoic solitude, serene flora, quiet and unknown night, or in the valiant light.
Occasional flaneur.
Showcase
- JoinedAugust 2010
- OccupationMostly keeps me off the streets
- Hometownis a long way from here
- Websitehttp://momentspause.tumblr.com/
- Twittermomentspause
- Instagrammatthewpcrouchphotography
- Tumblrmomentspause
Most popular photos
Testimonials
Momentspause or M as I like to call him is not only a friend, but a truly good person. Where I may have moments of kindness and heartfelt sincerity M is that person all the time. Fortunately I had the opportunity to meet M in person and shoot 6th Street here in Austin before he relocated to El Paso. M has a grea… Read more
Momentspause or M as I like to call him is not only a friend, but a truly good person. Where I may have moments of kindness and heartfelt sincerity M is that person all the time. Fortunately I had the opportunity to meet M in person and shoot 6th Street here in Austin before he relocated to El Paso. M has a great sense of humor and a unique way of visually documenting moments that he experiences as he lives life. I appreciate his wit and thoughtful comments. I enjoy his work, I value his friendship and I'm proud to be his friend.
Read lessMomentspause is a great photographer with a tremendous thrist for photographic knowledge. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting him in person a few times, I knew from the beginning that MP was one of the most photographically passionate people I'd ever meet. Armed with a giant heart and open eyes, the images he c… Read more
Momentspause is a great photographer with a tremendous thrist for photographic knowledge. Although I only had the pleasure of meeting him in person a few times, I knew from the beginning that MP was one of the most photographically passionate people I'd ever meet. Armed with a giant heart and open eyes, the images he captures are unique and emotive, with just enough realism to make you remember "this is real life." Capturing images is not the only thing he enjoys in the subject of photography. He is constantly reaching out to other photographers and engaging them to further enhance everyone's creative ability, pulling people together and helping to generate new, innovative ideas through meetups and photowalks. If you meet him out on the street, as I did when we first met, you will not be disappointed. A day spent viewing momentspause's photostream is a day never wasted.
Read lessmomentpause is a dedicated observer and document maker to the elements of his streets and town which he photographs, it seems, with a spirit of wonderment. He is respectful in his approach and treats his subjects, no matter if they be objects or people, wishing to bring out the best in them, even to elevate them at tim… Read more
momentpause is a dedicated observer and document maker to the elements of his streets and town which he photographs, it seems, with a spirit of wonderment. He is respectful in his approach and treats his subjects, no matter if they be objects or people, wishing to bring out the best in them, even to elevate them at times, and at times to empathize with them. He seems to cherish things, approaches his subject with a quiet emotion, and cares about what he photographs. I feel that things are beautiful to him, or have a kind of beauty in whatever state when he decides to trip the shutter. He has made many photographs, and has a very good eye for color and subtle drama.
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