For our fourth TAIKAN BY campaign, we’ve teamed up with photographer & Co-Founder, Paul Harman, who explores a youthful past with a sneak-peek of Collection 004. Read the full interview below.
Tell us a bit about yourself and where you reside?
I’m Paul Harman and currently residing in sunny Vancouver, Canada with my lovely wife and two amazing boys.
Explain how you are involved with Taikan?
I’m actually one of the founders of Taikan and manage the brand’s sales and overall direction. We have a tight team, so having an invested interest in photography has really helped steer Taikan’s esthetic and vibe.
Can you describe the time when you first realized that photography was something that you absolutely had to pursue?
Think it was around 12 years ago when I started documenting my daily adventures through photography. Once I built a bit more confidence in my direction, I started sharing my images via local shows and friends. I’ve sold a lot of work privately but really like the freedom of shooting without any expectations.
Explain why you chose to go by a different name for photography?
Photography is a different side of me with a separate group of supporters, so I implemented my wife’s maiden name a few years back. Her father was a big influence in my life so after his passing I adopted his name as a tribute to him and his support.
Who are your biggest photography and music inspirations?
Photography wise it would have to be artist like Jeff Wall and Gregory Crewdson. My most favorite photographer would have to be William Eggleston. His subject matter, color palette and overall attitude really shaped my perspective in photography. The music side is more so a collection of sounds at any giving time. Music plays a major influence in my overall direction when I shoot. This TaikanBy capsule was super influenced by the mid 90’s and the band Smashing Pumpkins. I keep referencing two songs (thirty-three and 1979) as the sound track to this shoot. The vibe and overall feel, cruising around with these younger dudes and documenting their day, during this really cool time period of their lives.
You could hang with anyone dead or alive… Who would it be? Where would you go? What would you do?
My Grandparents. They all passed way when I was super young and I never got a chance to learn about their lives and thus learn more about my life. I would just chill with them on some beach in Greece and learn more about the history of my family. I think that family is super important and we should all be thankful for what we have.
Where is your favorite place to travel? Why?
TOKYO. It’s like Disneyland for adults. I love the vibe. It’s so over the top but in the most polite way possible. Fashion, food, everything is expressed in a whole other level.
Where was your favorite place to shoot photos? Why?
Anywhere and everywhere, I just like taking photo’s so it’s more of a feeling rather than place.
Do you have a dream project that you would like to execute?
Yes.. I want to recreate some experience I had growing up in San Diego. It involved a lot of knocking on doors and the strange people I encountered.
How does social media play a role in your photography?
It’s a great medium for exposing yourself to a wider audience but I’m not sure if it’s the be all end all. I would rather have my photos on friends walls than have 100k likes in insta.
You can choose three albums to listen to for the rest of your life.. Go!
Beatles – White Album
Pixies – Doolittle
The Smiths – Strangeways, Here We Come
Who are you listening to right now?
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – The Sun Ship
Dead Kennedys – Moon over Marin
Cigarettes After Sex – Apocalypse
Jerkcurb – Night on Earth
Spiritualized – Let it flow
Chill Children – Bowlly goes dancing into the future
What camera(s) do you use and why?
I shoot mostly film so Mamiya 7, Yashica T4, Contax T2 (which a broke so if anyone one to parts ways with one at a good price.. hint hint), Olympus X1, etc.. For digital, I mainly use Fuji X100s but of late I’ve been using a Canon 5D MKIII (thank you Sincerely Hana!)
Do you have a 3:00am guilty pleasure snack?
Coffee… Cus that’s about the time a wake up in the morning.
Tell us a funny story about yourself.
I was a raver so the phat pant trend is right up my alley.. lol..
What’s one item you never leave home without? Or one item you can always find in your Taikan bag.
Definitely my Yashica T4 and Fuji X100s. I always pack a film and digital camera.
How can people see more of your work? Website, social handles etc
