Akira Suwa is one of the artists featured in PL130 Gallery's photography show Off Topic, a photo show about the unassigned work of photojournalists who worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News since the 80s. This week we caught up with Akira to learn more about his work and experience.
How did you make your way into becoming a photojournalist?
Start doing for freelancing tor the newspaper
When speaking about your photography, do you describe yourself as an artist, photographer, or photojournalist?
Photojournalist
In what years did you work for the Philadelphia Inquirer or Daily News?
1977 to 2014
Do you have a favorite story of an encounter with a subject either on an assignment or a personal project?
Covering story in Libya, Brazil, China, Nagano Winter Olympic
What are the biggest differences in your approach and considerations between personal editorial projects and assignments?
There were no such differences.
What are some subjects and themes that you are drawn to photographing while not on assignment?
Something I haven’t seen before or feels interesting.
What piece of advice would you give to a young photographer who is interested in photojournalism?
Try to take pictures of anything with good people.
Is there anything else that you would like to add about yourself or work?
I just take pictures and I like people.
Off Topic is currently on view through September 26th, stop by our gallery to see it yourself!
