Eddie Shafo (he/him) is a Berlin-based photographer and artistic director fascinated by the possibilities of imagination, particularly the dreams formed during adolescence and ideas about who we can become.
Shafo is preparing to release his first print edition in the coming weeks.
How did you first get into photography? What did your work look like when you were starting out?
My father had lots of cameras, and I always enjoyed taking photos when we were outside or traveling. I started learning more about photography as a skill, while also experimenting with different mediums. Eventually, I began taking street photographs, which I really enjoyed.
How much does editing impact the process for you? Do you usually know what you want to do with a photo beforehand, or do you figure that out in post?
Editing is an important part of my work. I don't necessarily see the final image as just a photograph, but more as a piece of mixed media because I like to change and manipulate the image by building upon it. Often, I have a certain vision in mind when I start, but I'm always open to creating something unexpected and seeing where the process takes me.
What does self-expression mean to you, both personally and in your work?
For me, personality and expression stand for freedom and being yourself. That’s something I want to embrace in my work, allowing people to express themselves without feeling restricted by how they’re expected to look or behave.
What scenes or subcultures are you currently invested in?
Berlin has a massive underground music and fashion scene, which is something I really want to explore. Right now, a lot of the people I enjoy working with come from these scenes, and I really like the individuality that comes with them.
