Jerry Budiman: Framing the Unexpected in Every Corner

Street photography is more than just capturing fleeting moments—it’s about observing, understanding, and immersing oneself in the vibrancy of daily life. Jerry Budiman, a passionate street photographer and entrepreneur in the automotive industry, has a keen eye for such moments. His journey in photography, which began during his time in the United States, has taken him to some of the world’s most dynamic urban landscapes. In this exclusive interview, Jerry shares his inspirations, techniques, and reflections on street photography.

Who are you, and how did you first become interested in photography?

I am currently an entrepreneur in the automotive industry. My interest in photography began when I was studying in the United States. During school holidays, I spent a lot of time traveling, and that’s when my passion for documenting my trips started to grow.

Your gallery contains many street photography shots. What attracted you to this genre, and how did your journey into street photography begin?

My interest in street photography began when I was working in New York. At that time, I was using a Nikon D700 with a 24-70mm lens. While wandering around the city, I noticed several people using very simple cameras with small lenses. Their approach was relaxed, mainly observing and waiting for the right moment. I became curious and started conversations with some of them. That’s when I started to develop a deep interest in street photography.

Beyond the visual appeal of your subjects, what are your main considerations when selecting a destination for photography?

Since joining Mahacaraka, I’ve learned a lot about the philosophy behind photography from Sandy Wijaya (Mahacaraka). Before embarking on a trip, it's important to understand the background story of the place. This knowledge helps in deciding the destination and the type of photos I want to capture—whether it be the murals, traditional clothing, or the unique culture of the area. Another factor is my gear; I prefer to travel light for a more relaxed experience. So, I choose destinations where I can capture most of what I need without carrying excessive equipment. The rest? I can just enjoy with a cup of coffee. Haha.

What are your favorite destinations, and why?

Based on my love for street photography, a few places stand out:

• New York: The city offers countless unexpected moments. The lighting, steam from restaurant exhausts, the fashion choices—especially in areas that retain their old charm—all contribute to dynamic street photography opportunities.
• Lhasa: Barkhor Street left a strong impression on me. The first time I saw it, I was captivated by the lighting and the rich cultural atmosphere.
• Peru: My trip to Peru with Mahacaraka was memorable. The country’s deep-rooted culture and fascinating lighting made it a wonderful place for photography.
• Japan: No matter how many times I visit, I never get tired of Japan. The lighting is excellent, the people are welcoming, and the cultural diversity is incredible. There are so many beautiful locations for both street and landscape photography.

What is your most unforgettable moment—good or bad—while traveling with Mahacaraka?

There are many memorable moments with Mahacaraka, but the most cherished one is simply having coffee with my fellow members. And, of course, the shopping sessions are always wow. Hahaha.

If you could only carry one lens with a specific focal length, which one would you choose and why?

I would go with a 35mm lens. It’s the most comfortable for me in terms of compactness and field of view. It’s perfect for street photography and even works for small-scale landscape shots.

Who are your biggest inspirations in photography, and why?

I have quite a few inspirations: Josef Koudelka, Joel Meyerowitz, Alex Webb, Elliott Erwitt, and among the newer names, Antonio E. Ojeda and Vineet Vohra. However, the two who left the biggest impact on me are Alex Webb and Elliott Erwitt. I’ve learned a lot from Webb’s layering techniques and color contrast. Meanwhile, Erwitt’s clever ability to infuse humor into his street photography is something I deeply admire.

Many of your photographs depict people in natural, unposed activities. What are your tips for capturing these moments without making your subjects feel uncomfortable?

In street photography, moments come unexpectedly. Sometimes I reflexively take a shot without asking for consent. However, I’ve never had any issues because, after capturing the image, I always engage with people—greeting them or cracking a small joke. This helps in making my presence more accepted. If I want to photograph someone in a relaxed setting, I make sure to ask for permission in a friendly manner. The key is to make them feel comfortable while waiting for the perfect moment. And, of course, a smile always helps! Hahaha.

Do you have any upcoming photography projects you plan to work on?

Not at the moment. However, if time allows, I’d love to experience and document Día de los Muertos.

How do you define "honesty" in street photography? Do you aim to capture moments exactly as they are, or do you believe in incorporating subjective interpretation?

Street photography is a broad and flexible genre. As long as it remains within reasonable limits, I think it’s completely fine to incorporate interpretation and even set up certain elements to convey our vision. Creativity plays a big role in this. To me, honesty in photography means that the idea should come from within ourselves.

What is the most significant difference in your approach to street photography from when you first started compared to now?

When I first started, my photos were quite raw. My eyes weren’t yet trained to observe subtle details. My focus was purely on capturing decisive moments (as defined by Henri Cartier-Bresson). Over time, I realized that achieving a decisive moment isn’t simply about luck—it requires patience and understanding. Back then, I could take dozens of photos in one session. Now? Sometimes I don’t even get a single shot worth keeping. Haha.

Jerry Budiman’s journey in street photography reflects patience, observation, and passion. From capturing raw moments in New York to exploring cultural nuances in Japan and Peru, his photography offers a glimpse into the world’s diversity. As he continues his photographic explorations, one thing remains certain—his ability to blend authenticity and artistry in every shot he takes. Whether it’s through decisive moments or subtle compositions, Jerry’s work is an inspiration to aspiring street photographers around the world.