Aubrey Guzman

Website | Instagram

Aubrey Guzman | Do or Die

Your work often captures the hidden stories of urban spaces. Can you describe what draws you to street photography and the raw textures of city life?

Cities are constantly evolving, full of energy, movement, and contrast. What draws me to street photography is the way these elements interact—the way people navigate spaces, how light shifts across a skyline, or how graffiti turns a blank wall into an unspoken dialogue. Living in Texas, I’ve always been fascinated by the juxtaposition of old and new, whether it’s historic buildings standing next to modern high-rises or a quiet moment unfolding in a fast-paced environment. My photography is about capturing the in-between—the raw, immersive, and storytelling moments that define city life.

How do you approach photographing a scene? Do you plan your shots, or do you prefer to let the environment and spontaneous moments guide you?

I don’t scout locations in a traditional sense, though I may plan to travel to certain places. My approach is largely spontaneous—I let the environment guide me. I believe the best images happen when you remain open, letting the city tell its own story rather than forcing a shot. Whether it’s a street performer captivating an audience, a quiet exchange between two strangers, or the way rain changes the mood of a street, I look for those moments that feel real and unfiltered. The beauty of street photography is that no two days are ever the same, and I embrace that unpredictability in my work.

Aubrey Guzman | Faces of the Wall

In your artist statement, you mention that your photography is about capturing unscripted moments. How do you balance spontaneity with composition in your work?

Spontaneity is the foundation of my work, but composition is what gives it impact. I never stage or manipulate a scene, but I do pay attention to framing, perspective, and balance. If I see a visually striking setting—a neon-lit diner, an alley with layers of graffiti, or strong geometric shadows—I might wait for the right moment, the right person, or the right movement to complete the frame. It’s a balance of instinct and patience, knowing when to click the shutter at just the right time to preserve a moment that tells a story.

Many of your photographs focus on textures and colors. How do you use these elements to convey emotion or tell a story through your images?

Textures and colors are crucial to how I tell stories. A weathered brick wall, the reflection of neon lights in a puddle, the contrast between an old historic district and a modern skyline—these details create mood and context. Living in Texas, I’m drawn to the vibrancy and grit of urban environments, whether it’s the bold hues of a street mural or the muted tones of a city at dawn. Colors set the emotional tone—bright, saturated images might convey energy and movement, while desaturated or shadow-heavy shots might evoke solitude or nostalgia. Textures add a tactile quality, making the viewer feel the depth of a scene rather than just seeing it.

Aubrey Guzman | Urban Layers

Can you talk about a specific moment or experience during your travels that significantly influenced your photography style?

One of the most defining moments in my journey was visiting an art museum in Nashville, Tennessee, where I saw an exhibition on Dorothea Lange. Her work made me realize that photography wasn’t just about capturing a moment—it was an art form, a way to tell a story without words. Lange’s ability to document human emotion, struggle, and resilience through composition and light changed how I saw my own work. Since then, I’ve approached street photography with more intention, looking for ways to capture images that don’t just document a place, but evoke a feeling and a deeper narrative.

You highlight the beauty in urban environments that many might overlook. How do you think street photography can change our perception of these spaces?

Street photography forces us to slow down and see the world differently. Cities are often seen as chaotic, but within that chaos, there are small moments of beauty—gestures of kindness, fleeting interactions, or the way light transforms a familiar street. Through my work, I try to highlight these details, showing that urban spaces are not just places we move through, but places full of meaning and personal connection. I want people to see cities not just as backdrops, but as living, breathing environments shaped by those who inhabit them.

How has your approach to street photography evolved over time, and what has been the most significant lesson you’ve learned along the way?

I actually started out photographing landscapes and more rural locations—quiet, open spaces where nature dictated the scene. Over time, though, I became more drawn to cities and the rawness of urban life. Unlike landscapes, which are still and predictable, cities are always in motion, always changing. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to embrace that unpredictability. The most compelling moments happen in an instant—a fleeting glance, a shift in light, a sudden downpour that transforms a street. I’ve learned that being present, patient, and open to these moments is what leads to the most powerful images.