RAEMOND ARIZALA
Photographer of the Month | March
Raemond Arizala is a photographer whose work captures the raw essence of everyday life through a deeply personal and documentary-driven approach. Initially drawn to photography during his childhood, his passion was reignited upon moving to Canada, where he found inspiration in the cinematic quality of his new surroundings. His work is characterized by a distinct aesthetic rooted in black and white street photography, emphasizing emotion, authenticity, and the unfiltered human experience.
Raemond Arizala’s photographic journey began at an early age when he first laid eyes on his mother’s Nikon RD camera. Fascinated by its mechanics and the power of preserving moments, he quickly became the family photographer, documenting gatherings, birthdays, and everyday occurrences. As a teenager, he took on the responsibility of developing film, an experience that cemented his appreciation for the tangible and deliberate nature of analog photography. However, his passion temporarily waned as he pursued a career in engineering.
Upon moving to Canada, Raemond experienced a creative awakening. The unfamiliar streets, the people, and the fleeting moments of urban life evoked a sense of nostalgia and curiosity. While researching photography online, he discovered the work of Joel Meyerowitz and the genre of street photography, which profoundly influenced his artistic direction. He soon immersed himself in capturing the rhythm of daily life, initially experimenting with color but eventually shifting to black and white after encountering the works of Phil Penman, Tatsuo Suzuki, and Daido Moriyama. This transition allowed him to strip his images of distractions, focusing instead on emotion, form, and atmosphere.
Raemond describes his photography as an exploration of the unnoticed and often overlooked moments of city life. His images aim to evoke empathy and reflection, portraying the resilience, struggles, and quiet beauty found in the mundane. Through high-contrast compositions and dynamic framing, his photographs possess a cinematic quality that transforms ordinary scenes into compelling narratives. He believes photography is not merely a means of capturing beauty but a tool for shedding light on reality, offering viewers a glimpse into the experiences of those who navigate the world alongside them.
A significant aspect of Raemond's work involves documenting the lives of individuals on the fringes of society—those whose stories are often ignored. His latest projects include a series of street portraits that highlight the dignity and humanity of his subjects, as well as a documentary endeavor that focuses on marginalized communities. He aims to create work that is both visually striking and socially meaningful, using his lens to foster understanding and dialogue.
Looking ahead, Raemond envisions expanding his photographic practice through long-term documentary projects and, eventually, a published book. He sees his photography as a lifelong pursuit, a means of storytelling that extends beyond personal expression to serve a broader cultural and historical purpose. With each frame, he continues to refine his voice, ensuring that his work remains an honest and compelling testament to the human experience.
Dedicated to his wife Sheena.
Website: www.raemonddieter.myportfolio.com
Foto: @rdarizala
Instagram: @rdarizala