Inspirations (5) : Tim Gaweco
Updated: Aug 26, 2021
Welcome to the Inspirations series, Interviews with photographers who are producing amazing content day in day out.
Meet Tim Gaweco, UX researcher at one of the most popular online photo sharing sites "500px". Based in Toronto, Tim's work focuses on the Urban Environment, often with intriguing human elements. His eye for original compostitions and his processing style show us a gritty view of Toronto and beyond.
You can find Tim online in these places:
Q) How long have you been taking pictures, and how did you get into photography?
About a year ago, in late October 2014. I started working for 500px and using Instagram. I realised that a lot of great urban photographers were sharing photos on Instagram and that inspired me to get started.
Q) How would you describe your photographic style?
Dark, with an emphasis on architecture and symmetry.
Q) What draws you towards taking urban images?
Living in a large metropolitan city (Toronto) drew me to the urban environment. I love the city, its energy, the people, the life. There’s an infinite amount of things to capture in a city.
Q) I love the vibe of your 500px gallery - do you have a final mood in mind for your images before you shoot them?
Sometimes I do, but not always. I typically prefer to shoot in overcast lighting conditions because that lends well to the mood that I want to achieve.
Q) Tell us the best things about being an urban photographer in Toronto
The community of urban photographers is incredible and growing. It’s really easy to connect with photographers in the city and most people are super friendly.
Q) If I’m visiting Toronto for the first time, what are the urban locations that have to be photographed?
Brookfield Place, Polson Pier, Toronto Island, King & Bay Street
Q) Tell us a little about your day job at 500px
I’m a UX Researcher, which involves helping our design team validate design decisions through usability testing or other design research techniques. More recently however, I’ve also started to do more outreach to new photographers that we’d like to join our growing community. It’s been a really exciting year with all of the new stuff that we’ve been working on.
Q) Do you shoot alone, or with fellow photographers?
Both. Although more recently with photographers.