The Trevor Wisecup Interview - Street Confrontations, Photography Ethics, Evolving as a Photographer

Today on thoughts and process (ep.3) we are interviewing the talented New York based photographer Trevor Wisecup. In this interview we shed light on his story and dive deeper into his creative process touching on his approach to street photography, confrontations, photography ethics and how he has evolved over the years as an artist. It is with great pleasure to bring his story to fruition through this full 55 minute conversation. Today I present to you the Trevor Wisecup interview.
Follow Trevor Wisecup!
Instagram - ‪@trevorwisecup‬
KZbin - ‪@trevorwisecup‬
@gelatinlabs

[@trevorwisecup]

Good, hey

[@philipnikolaidis4338]

if you shooting 35 focal length , you should try the M2, is the best for it

[@kevinchristopher1443]

@@philipnikolaidis4338 that doesn't even make sense, the M2 is just a camera body like any other camera

[@philipnikolaidis4338]

@@kevinchristopher1443 the M2 is the only M that has frame lines for the 35mm focal length whithout any other frames visible (like the 75mm or 90mm) on other M’s. So you have a big clear unobtrusive view of the 35mm f length only like the M3 has for the 50mm. That’s why I believe it is making sense to say that it’s the best camera for the 35mm

[@philipnikolaidis4338]

Also Later models after the M4-P have framelines for the 28mm so the frames for the 35 take a much smaller part of the viewfinder window

[@bigjacketguy9380]

hey

[@baharam98]

The success of Trevor's work I think is that his pictures don't look like effort was used to frame the image; and so they don't look cliche; his work looks just as free and liberated as ever. Much respect.

[@ser_igel]

nah they don't look cliche because trevor spent all the money on leicas and forgot to buy a light meter

[@paul91gattuso66]

That's the key

[@tezkyflex7304]

@@ser_igelyou dont need a light meter for street haha

[@oinkooink]

They definitely lack effort

[@OutlawPhotography]

The Paulie B video was my first time seeing Trevor Wisecup; and at first I thought he was a bit standoff-ish...by the end of the video, I wanted to BE a street photographer. He just has such a vision, and passion that it got me excited to go out again.

[@KingJvpes]

Huge thank you to Mr.Wisecup for letting me interview him! Def go follow his IG and KZbin channel. Who do you guys wanna see next?

[@Mygrainphotos]

Andre Wagner would be cool! Or Paulie B he doesn't get interviewed often.

[@kistenkarl6429]

Just a note, might want to work a little bit on your conversation management/flow with all all that spare between the question and him answering. Stll good video tho. Love trevors style

[@ArchiesLens]

love these interviews! Would love you to interview Taylor next from Sunny Sixteen.

[@50cron]

Please interview Ed Pavez again!

[@mokbrute]

me

[@johnwaine56]

I got thrown out of a city council owned indoor market in the UK. I used the ‘documentary photographer’ line and the security guy assumed I was making a TV documentary and freaked out more 😂😂

[@medes5597]

As a fellow photographer I've discoveted two things - have a stack of business cards calling yourself a photographer, they're cheap to print and can make a huge difference in how people respond to you. And two, invest £5 in a custom printed plastic card with your photo on it, identifying you as a documentary photographer. Use that when a security guard stops you. They just assume that you're important and will cut you a bit of slack. Usually they'll still remove you, but they'll think you're someone with connections who is "supposed" to be taking photos and treat you nicer.

[@us249]

thank god another interview with this swag demon

[@sk8absence]

The Tracy Morgan Bugatti picture goes so crazy hard

[@raphaelelisha3160]

'A lot' is two words 😄Like, pizza with the lot, except you are referring to 'a' lot. Also, Trevor, love your work. A lot.

[@ArchiesLens]

the jump was the cherry on top of this good interview. 📸✨

[@localCBDdealer]

Jvpes I love ur channel bro but u gotta work on ur interview skills

[@charliipresley]

He’s right about how freeing it is to use a p&s. Yashica t4 is such a joy to use

[@GoldenThreads1]

Hello, I think you need improve a lot with your interviewing skills. You sound timide and awkward with your questions which makes the interviewee respond with timide and awkward answers. Your job is to lead a strong conversation. There is zero momentum along these exchanges. At 6 minutes in, I don't know whether to continue with this or not. If you're a professional then be professional... Watch interviews with A-list Hollywood directors and you'll see just how efficient those conversations are... Thank you.

[@jmtphotographymedia]

This is dope. I totally get where Trevor is coming from with the immediacy of photography versus drawing. I use to draw so well but choose to play basketball. Fast forward 20 years of a fledgling music career and I go into photography as a hobby and business.

[@filmlifee4955]

40 rolls a week bro! Did I hear that correctly. … love you both.. keep it up 💯💪🏾

[@inhardwarewetrust3057]

$$$ that's hectic

[@dontbreaktheshadowofmylove]

keep the conversations going, precious work!

[@silverfoils]

I think how good a street photographer someone is is directly proportional to their IQ multiplied by time shooting. I also think that most street photographers had abusive childhoods that made them hyper vigilant and a good reader of people and situations. Take the ACE (adverse childhood experience) test and I bet you score at least a five. Let me know if you take the test.

[@trevorwisecup]

I took a ACE quiz now and scored 8/10

[@silverfoils]

@@trevorwisecup Sorry to hear that Trevor. My theory may be correct then. I'm just in the process of writing an article on the ethics of street and documentary. My goal is to do a full breakdown working from first principles. Part of the article will focus on street photography of kids and why I think it's generally considered taboo, namely because if we document kids it's clear to see that many of them are unhappy and worse, are often treated abusively in public. Would you be willing to take a look at a video of my images on this subject? Much appreciated T.

[@medes5597]

I think you're onto something here - UK street photographer, took an ACE quiz and also got an 8.

[@silverfoils]

​@@medes5597 Very sorry to hear that. For the record I scored 6 and am in the UK as well. Best wishes.

[@seanmobley2610]

Art does not demand trauma. We should stop romanticizing the struggle of artistry and demanding artists to live lives or have lived lives of pain in order to make their work.

[@highflying19]

Should have asked him when he plans on shipping the zines?

[@vcuteverything]

These are freaking great. The photography scene is completely new to me and this interview feels so real. Looks like you're getting more comfortable in your role as the interviewer. Keep it going because this is important work especially for future shooters.

[@chrismav3908]

with honesty and love, his personality is greater than his work...

[@tigerorchid67]

Great interview! After watching this, I bought a Chinon for $65 from So Cal Cameras.

[@BmcN72]

Model?

[@tigerorchid67]

On the top of the camera, it says "35 AFP". I impulse bought it after this interview. I'm going to put an expired roll of Kodak Gold Ultra 400 from the 1990s in it!

[@JTeeezy707]

Paulie B would be dope!

[@Tenskwatawa4U]

Was there an orchestra or something rehearsing, starting at about 38 minutes?

[@coquiangel]

I visited Trevor's ig, and he does have some interesting work. I do appreciate his candor about confrontations and how he views the moment. I'm going to use thiugs and reintroduce myself to street photography.

[@devincutter_]

smoke cigs forever

[@azolaun]

Amazing interview

[@youngum78]

Chinon prices are going to skyrocket...

[@billybolang7052]

Surpass T2

[@alissong.]

For real

[@kevinchristopher1443]

I think we need even more street photographers in New York City.

[@jd87a]

1000 isn’t enough?

[@kevinchristopher1443]

@@jd87a We need 2000, maybe even 3.

[@kqatsi]

When 90% of them spend 90% of their time in the Village and SoHo and Chinatown and Midtown... yeah, we need more so that they can branch out. Those areas are easy to shoot, so it makes sense that people shoot there, but there's so much more to NYC.

[@LIFEISTRIANGLE]

The real one never get interview I saw him everyday. I think he is an Asian one with the drive cap I don’t know is he still out there in nyc.

[@steveconnors3233]

Thanks King and Thanks Trevor That was very “good “ I love your work King and I love Trevor’s approach I’m looking forward to following him on IG 😊👏👏

[@847lifestyle]

that fog/rain is bad ass looking

[@babettesfeast6347]

He is the real deal

[@LIFEISTRIANGLE]

Please do document and interview about his scam zine!!!!

[@laidagrau2948]

the ohotography of the interview is super amazing

[@MacValdee]

Would be dope if you interviewed somebody from the Bay next! Maybe Dante aka @1undred

[@ruuuth1]

can we just take a moment to acknowledge how your story telling through video has also evolved… 😁

[@GaryPhillipsGaryPM]

Loved this! It was GOOD

[@BenvonMomenteDeinerGeschichte]

Finally he's here on the channel ❤

[@philipnikolaidis4338]

more rooftop interviews please

[@ryanadrift]

Just to clear things up, “alot” is indeed not a word. It’s a lot. Two separate words lmao

[@Criszskatesz]

Great video

[@erickpeguero4897]

DOPE!

[@Black_Jesus3005]

I don’t understand the hate.

[@winterznight6597]

I do

[@arrownovatore5501]

chinon gang

[@trevorwisecup]

Good

[@TsbzNick]

Gang

[@andywalczak7659]

This is incredible im from the uk and his work is inspirational hes taught and you just to take the photo your documenting your experience in photography

[@Mark-rm2fp]

Great video, but the iconic nurse sailor photo was later revealed mohave been staged.😂

[@kistenkarl6429]

good

[@alissong.]

This video is so freaking good.

[@joaoribeiro2086]

Could you type his 5 references here please?

[@federicor9956]

Jeff Mermelstein, Richard Sandler, William Eggleston, Jill Freedman, Daniel Arnold

[@alissong.]

@@federicor9956 thank u bro

[@Yodayameart]

35:00 love these words. Describe my art as well, love it

[@alissong.]

My new favorite photography video :)

[@clean.parker]

Francis Bacon looked at Picasso's work and decided he would also paint. The rest is literal history.

[@IceBergs]

Pause the video at 31:51 you can see all the things he's been through and how he learned to channel that energy. Really great interview

[@ZoomSkrt]

YEAAAA

[@RhettAnderson]

"A lot" is two words.

[@thedarkslide]

Such a great interview.

[@zachjack]

a lot is two words

[@veganstraightedge]

"a lot" is a large amount "allot" is to parcel out, distribute

[@BernardGatt]

Great interview man! 👏

[@stevenskinny47]

Solid interview, good.

[@rasmus9311]

good

[@jutie3656]

Trevor u are amazing man!

[@rhyno23rjr]

Good.

[@film.fiasco]

Good

[@crwn_munkz]

Hi high

[@sk8absence]

Ah a DMV native, this tracks!

[@igorvainshtein5731]

Good!

[@Armitage01101]

With this type of photography (which I enjoy), I struggle to see the point of using film. Light conditions can be all over the place, you need to catch events quickly, and you ideally want to focus quickly and you want to shoot a lot because there are so many duds. This is really what digital is for. And street photography on 35mm film will hardly bring the unique look that medium and larger formats will.

[@sebastianbott1822]

❤ 44:14

[@Thomas-mu9rf]

good

[@trevorwisecup]

Good

[@sketchBendik]

Good

[@trevorwisecup]

Good

[@zacklarez]

Love me some Trevor Wisecup

[@Photosnapper75]

I appreciate street photography, but shooting pics of someone’s child could very well get you punched in the face. Shooting adults is one thing, but children are a different game. So don’t be surprised if some parent gets angry and takes you down.

[@splootan]

Paulie B got there first!

[@mozznyc]

You in nyc my guy?

[@joer730]

What is the film point and shoot he uses

[@patrickdoherty8701]

Chinon auto 3001

[@ajay_parvathi]

Cool video and the end part 😜

[@justamanwithanopinion]

This was great. Please do more!

[@carlosdelosangeles5780]

This soundtrack lol

[@syd6649]

I like this guy so much he’s probably one of the dopest photographers I’ve ever come across

[@Fuegoshotz]

I like.

[@timaustin577]

Remarkable :-) Honesty , from the Heart inspiring young Men

[@billybolang7052]

Chinon kickass!

[@wadereeves1153]

I'm not super familiar with his work but what an interesting dude. Only 6 years in? We might have a future legend on our hands here.

[@medes5597]

I was thinking that when I found his page about two years ago. Like an all time great. And two years later he's not lost a single step. Jus keeps going from strength to strength.

[@jonaribon6886]

Trevor sells his brand more as an extroverted photographer than as the photos he generates that are more of the same. He hasn't invented garlic soup. If he used digital cameras, I am sure that his work would have a huge evolution since digital cameras can take documentary photography one step further. It has to focus more on original compositions so that you see the photo and know it is from Trevor. I hope you read this and think, everything is from my humble opinion of more than 40 years as a professional, curator and gallerist.

[@joaoribeiro2086]

Who has invented garlic soup last years then?

[@trevorwisecup]

I invented it

[@jonaribon6886]

​@@trevorwisecupSorry Trevor for not scratching your back but I see you more as a great entertaining comedian than as a good photographer as such. Fleeting success paralyzes, remember that. The important thing is to follow what your heart dictates. I'm sorry but I'm not a hypocrite, this is a place for free comments and I give my opinion what I see and hot. Today I don't see a photographer, I see a coach just like Daniel Arnold and his repeated chaotic scenes that get boring when you've seen a few. Going forward is exploring, not stagnating.

[@trevorwisecup]

Good

[@joaoribeiro2086]

ok @jonaribon6886 but could you still drop some contemporary names so we get a sense of your taste?

[@OhDeeDoubleU]

Think the hype around this guy is slowly dying. I see him more as a personality in the scene, and this is the thing that does the talking, not his photos - (of which his work is a dime a dozen in NYC)

[@trevorwisecup]

Thank you

[@iloveweezer69]

imma let you finish but daniel arnold had some of the best streeet photography of all time!

[@T.fellaman]

I don't find anything remotely interesting about this guys work. Nothing!

[@trevorwisecup]

@@T.fellaman thank you Terry!

[@jaydawg7559]

hey trevor, so are you avoiding addressing all the claims people are making against you just to get your name out there even more? you know, like bad publicity is better than not publicity. or did you just fail because of whatever reasons, and think it's better to avoid the issue you created instead of simply addressing because it would mean having to be a real person. either way, i hope all of this is sitting okay with whatever moral compass you have and that you're doing okay. but then again, maybe you're just a product of the environment that you were raised in and you haven't figured out a way to break out of the cycle that affects broken people in a negative way, in a way that makes you think it's okay to not be held accountable for your actions.

[@inikphoto]

Another bang bang KZbin photographer club interview… I probably can name the next person you’ll interview! How about an insight with actual photographers?

[@trevorwisecup]

How about you try to take good photos

[@act1on1337]

ok guy with camera lens logo

[@TheFcb5]

Wisecup is cooler then McKinnon 😂🔥

[@ajay_parvathi]

Jeff Arnold 💯🔥❤

[@verycooltony]

Trevor needs to learn about consent.

[@trevorwisecup]

ok

[@kqatsi]

But why?

[@TsbzNick]

And you need to learn laws

[@BatMan-iv8it]

so he think he is a photographer? is that what this is about? cause those pic,, eeeeww idk lol

[@hypno5690]

I wonder if Trev has rich parents.

[@trevorwisecup]

The opposite

[@hypno5690]

you just up and moved to new york? Isnt it crazy expensive?@@trevorwisecup

[@trevorwisecup]

@@hypno5690yes it is I’ve worked hard to get by

[@spongebobdriftpants]

“did you just take my picture?” ‘no, i took MY picture. because its MY camera’ “urban studio photographer “