John Jude Sullivan

John Jude Sullivan

– Born in New York City
– Bachelor of Arts Long Island University, New York
– Post-graduate coursework at UCLA and Otis-Parsons School of Design Los Angeles.
– SIPA Press Photographer 1984-88 (*TIME Sept.85)
– Currently Photography teacher at Dodson Visual and Performing Arts Magnet, Rancho Palos Verdes, Ca.
– My approach on the street is simple. Show respect by getting in close without being intrusive or obnoxious. I also try to always be cognizant to photograph a location and its people from the inside. This means walking in and around the neighborhoods, some of which might not be the safest or outwardly attractive, but if it’s where most of the indigenous population lives, works, and plays then that’s where I want to be as well.  I carry only two lenses in my camera bag. A 55mm and a 28mm. They keep me close to what I’m photographing. I mostly avoid the tourist areas since they usually lack cultural realism that’s not either contrived or staged for the visitors. I have nothing against tourists, but I want my images to reflect what the majority of the people that live there experience everyday. I get photographically inspired by living in and walking through the  neighborhoods, experiencing and seeing the people going about their everyday lives, and interacting with one another and their surrounding environment. The evening rush hour, a bus stop, the outdoor markets, the streets and back alleys. For me, this is where the flavor of the local culture lives, and this is where I try to put myself when I shoot.

Genres


Contact Information

John Jude Sullivan
(949) 292-1970
john@jjstreetimages.com

Artist Links

Website

Artist Work

Manila Kids (2018)
The emotional contrasts in this image are what got my attention . The innocent smile of the girl, to the terrible poverty of the shoe less boy at her feet. Most Filipino's don't have much to smile about economically speaking, yet all over I saw people smiling and being courteous and friendly. I had to wait awhile for this little girl to see me above her, but when she did, her beautiful smile was worth the wait.

Evening Rush Hour Rainstorm, Manila (2018)
The combination of the typhoon-like rain, the blurred movement of the people on the ramps, and the surreal combination of dusk light and street light, all worked together to give this photograph a sort of black and white watercolor effect. It rained hard and often in the Philippines, but it really didn't slow people down much at all.

Back Gate, Newport Beach, California (2016)
The street can be a complicated and chaotic place where simplicity is hard to find. But sometimes you get lucky like I did here in a back alley in Newport Beach, California, The fresh new paint, the large areas of shape and color, and the whole scene drenched in a bright morning sun just all worked together and it wasn't hard to see.

Bustop. La Cienga Blvd. Los Angeles (1985)
Sometimes the main element in a photograph is gesture like in this little slice of life at a crowded LA bustop. The patterns, textures, and detail of the brick and wrought iron add to the visuality of this image, but it is the precarious balancing gestures of the curious little girl that complete this photograph.

Kauai, Hawaii (2008)
Getting to this remote and pristine beach meant taking a difficult 5 mile hike through a lush, coastal forest. This was our view as we sat in the shade, taking a well-earned rest. A wild and extraordinary beach that was well worth the effort to get there.

Jeepney, Manila (2018)
With Manila being the most densely populated city in the world, Filipinos are use to using every inch of their public transportation. This jam-packed Jeepney reminded me of a New York City subway at rush hour...shoulder-to shoulder and HOT.