Bored Panda wanted to learn more about the photographer, so we reached out to him. The photographer behind the Instagram account Mossa Avenue shared some interesting insights about his work. First, Manolis told us a bit about his experience shooting on the streets: “I usually look for surrealism in my street photography, and often, I aim to create it myself. To me, nothing and everything is unexpected, it’s all about reading the world and the movements of those within it. I don’t have a particular image that stands out from the rest as the most surreal or unexpected, because each photograph holds its own unique emotion and memory. Every shot I take represents a different moment, a distinct part of my world, which makes each one meaningful in its own way.”
Street photography is often fast-paced, and you really need to be in the right place at the right time to capture that one perfect moment. Otherwise, it’s lost, and you have to aim for a new target. We were curious if Soulos recalls a particular moment when he missed what could have been the perfect shot. Here’s what he told us: “Oooh, absolutely! When you’re out shooting on the streets all day, you’ll inevitably miss countless perfect shots, and it can be mentally exhausting. The thought of those missed moments can haunt you for hours, making you replay them over and over in your mind. But as time passes and you gain more experience, you start to accept that it’s part of the process, and you learn to let go more quickly. What’s worse than missing the ‘perfect shot’ is thinking you’ve captured it, only to realize that something went wrong with your settings, angle, or technique, and the shot turns out poorly.”
When asked if he’s ever faced a situation where the subject of his photo confronted him about pointing his lens toward them, Manolis responded: “Yes, many, many times. I’ve found myself in some seriously tense situations, including one where a guy actually chased me with a knife. Street photography demands a deep understanding of your environment and the ability to adapt quickly. With experience, you become more stealthy, learning subtle techniques to remain unnoticed. Even your appearance, what you wear, the way you carry yourself can make all the difference. However, no matter the situation, it’s crucial to stay calm and always wear a smile. You have to comfort the subjects, disarm any tension, and navigate the moment with care. Acting is an integral part of street photography too. Sometimes, it’s not just about capturing a scene, but also about managing the scene itself.”
Lastly, Soulos shared his thoughts on what fascinates him the most about his work: “In my street photography, I don’t usually seek the ordinary. I’m drawn to the futuristic and surreal elements of the streets. I often look for moments of humor and contrast. These themes speak to something deep within me, reflecting a part of myself that still feels like a child. Humor and imagination allow me to see the world with wonder and excitement, constantly searching for something new, unique and unexpected. They’re more than just visual elements, they’re a way of expressing how I view the world around me.”
