Janis Aumeisters, a Latvia native, moved to Edinburgh seven years ago out of a desire to break from his daily routine. Although Janis himself has said that moving to a new place and speaking a new language can be quite scary, he was open to all new experiences. What he found was a love for buskers and a desire to share busking with the world through his photos.
Davi: Janis, did you start photographing street performers in Latvia or did you start after you moved?
J: I did photography back in Latvia as a hobby. I worked with digital as well as film cameras; learning and practicing, because practice makes perfect [smiles]. In Latvia we don’t really have many street performers, so I never had the chance to take photos of them.
D: Why did you start photographing street performers? What elements of busking interested/interest you?
J: On my third day in Edinburgh I was wandering around town, minding my own business, taking photos of the city to show my family and friends. I wandered up Royal Mile and I heard someone shouting. I turned around to see who it was, and for the first time in my life I saw a proper street performer. I looked at him and he asked if I wanted to watch his show and maybe take some photos. I had free time so I thought, “why not”. The performer was Todd Various, an American guy, with bright orange hair and a bright hat. He was very funny, with a well built show. Seeing someone performing in middle of the street, feeling those emotions, is something you can’t get from watching TV. Street performers are within reach, so it takes great skills to make sure nobody sees the secrets behind their magic tricks. After Todd finished his show, we talked for a while. He asked if I could take some more photos of him and the rest of performers and I agreed. I carried away, taking photos, and spending time with the performers until eventually we became friends.
D: What makes you love a photo? What elements do you look for or need to take a “good” picture (for example: light, interesting street performer, etc.)?
J: Photos are small pieces of a memory. They are something you can share with everyone. To take a good photo you have to know what you want. I always compare photography to fishing. You never know when you will get what you came for; you just need to sit there and be ready. I always say that the individual elements like lighting don’t matter. The only thing that matters is the photographer’s skill and his or her ability to capture the right moment.
“Happiness is something that everyone needs, but it is important to spread it to everyone else. That is what performers all around the world, on streets and indoors, are doing. They are spreading happiness.”
D: Are there certain street performers that you especially admire? Who and why?
J: There are so many great performers, so it’s hard to narrow down to one. Todd Various will always be on my list. He is the reason I stopped and took those photos. Quite a few street performers are Guinness Record holders as well, which is great. All performers always try to improve their show. It takes a lot of time, effort and sweat to get to the point you really can see that they do their best to make that crowd smile and laugh.
D: Do you have any favourite photo taken? Where did you take it? Who or what are is it of?
J: I have so many photos so it is hard to pick. Todd does appear in few, because I like to work with him and to see how his show has developed over years. I also have photos of Elaine Davidson, who is always happy to see me, and of the Space Cowboy. There are so many more too, though.
D: You’ve said that you’ve developed a lot of new skills since you moved to Scotland. Can you give us an example of what you’ve learned?
J: Well, obviously I have developed a lot of non-photography related skills, just working in different industries. As for photography, I now take better quality photos, I know the best angles, right moments, etc. I’m also in the process of learning video so that I can create some outstanding videos for performers.
D: What do you hope take away from your photographs? (Certain feelings, an appreciation of street art, etc.)
J: Well I hope that people will see how many great and talented people there are in the world, and that no matter how bad of a day you’ve had, a bit of street performance will make you forget about all problems. It will make you smile and laugh. Happiness is something that everyone needs, but it is important to spread it to everyone else. That is what performers all around the world, on streets and indoors, are doing. They are spreading happiness.
