TAIKAN BY RICARDO EMMANUEL

For our third TAIKAN-BY, we have teamed up with photographer & creative Ricardo Emmanuel. His project features our Camo & Tobacco Suede Collection; in collaboration with Los Angeles’ authentic beauty & culture. Read the full interview below.

Tell us a bit about yourself and where you reside?

My name is Ricardo Emmanuel, better known as Ricky. I’m a 24 year old creative living in Silverlake, a city within Los Angeles.

Can you describe the time when you first realized that photography was something that you absolutely had to pursue?

I would have to say it was the day I realized that I truly articulate myself better in expressing how I feel through capturing a moment.

How did you initially connect with Soulection?

I was introduced to the team personally via Andre Power, Co-Founder and Art Director for the worldwide collective.

Who are your biggest photography and music inspirations?

As far as photographers, I’m more inspired by Directors – Khalil Joseph, Nabil, Nick Knight, Tarantino, Kubrick, etc.

Music inspirations, vary anywhere from Kid CuDi, to Pharrell, to Kanye West.

Where is your favorite place to travel? Why?

My favorite place to travel to would have to be Tokyo. I’ve been twice this year. The culture there is unmatched. The people are also so giving and it humbled me each time I was there. It’s also cool to be in a completely foreign country and learn the bits of the language you can. I felt the most inspired out of all the places I’ve been to in Tokyo.

Where was your favorite place to shoot photos? Why?

Jakarta, Indonesia. The people of Jakarta had this energy of love and “living life” that is was both powerful and beautiful. I even got a tattoo out there that represented both love & life because of it.

Do you have a dream project that you would like to execute?

Well, if this some how gets to them….I’d love to shoot a campaign for Apple(preferably for the iPhone).

How does social media play a role in your photography?

It actually doesn’t at all, or at least not intentionally. I would say a good 70-80% of my photos don’t make it onto my social media. I use my social media as an “in the moment” kind of thing. To either show you what I’m doing in the instant, or share an image/project that represents a current feeling for me.

You could hang with anyone dead or alive… Who would it be? Where would you go? What would you do?

Jean-Michel Basquiat. Ideally in his studio, in his element. Myself with a couple different cameras. Capturing both photo and video. Having a genuine conversation with him.

 

You can choose three albums to listen to for the rest of your life.. Go!

KiD Cudi – Man on The Moon: The End Of Day

Kanye West – Graduation

The Weekend – The Trilogy

Who are you listening to right now?

I actually laughed as I read this because I’m listening to iTunes on shuffle, hit next after the last question, and as I’m typing this “Pursuit of Happiness” by KiD Cudi (off of Man on The Moon) is currently playing.

Your work has been featured by many outlets, what are you most proud of? Why?

Equally tied is my first solo art show, and my photos being displayed in Tokyo for an editorial I shot.

What does your daily routine look like? Or do you have a daily ritual?

Not having your typical 9-5 allows me to not have a routine for say, but I definitely do. I normally wake up and play music as I plan my day out. I try to make sure I handle any errands before I dive into any sort of work usually. Then I’m normally working on deadlines and projects for a couple of hours. That’s usually at my desk with a movie playing on my external display on mute, subtitles on, and some music playing.

What camera(s) do you use and why?

I have a canon as far as my DSLR. I also have an Olympus Film SLR camera, an Olympus 35mm point & shoot film camera, GoPro, 2 polaroid cameras — one normal size and a mini. & hopefully come this Sunday I’ll add a Super 8mm film camera as well.

Do you have a 3:00am guilty pleasure snack?

I have a huge sweet tooth so I have snacks that I’ll munch on, but normally it’s been cereal haha.

What are some of your favorite spots to eat at home or when you travel?

My favorite thing about being home is being able to cook. Cooking brings me a fulfillment similar to creating. I do enjoy going out to eat Korean BBQ though when I get back to LA.

Tell us a funny story about yourself.

My first time in Tokyo, I was starving off of the plane + train when I finally got to Shibuya. I saw a McDonalds and wanted some breakfast. I saw this sandwich that I never knew existed in the states(or at least thought so). My friend calls me as I’m eating this amazing maple syrup infused egg, sausage, and cheese breakfast sandwich. I’m hyping this thing up so much, and he informs me quickly that it’s called a “McGriddle” and they’ve been at McDonalds (everywhere) since we were kids haha. I then had an obsession for months with that damn sandwich…I can no longer eat them.

What are the top five things on your bucket list?

In no specific order:

Go to Greece, Open up a candy shop, My photo on a billboard, Become a Chef, Learn to play the piano.

What’s one item you never leave home without? Or one item you can always find in your Taikan bag.

35mm point and shoot film camera.

How can people see more of your work? Website, social handles etc

ricardoemmanuel.com / @rickydirects

PS- Shout out to all my model homies! Hector, Jose, Whest Cornell, Olme, Linus, Westy!

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