Through the Lens of Time: Phates’ Journey in Vintage & Street Photography

 

Through the Lens of Time: Phates’ Journey in Vintage & Street Photography

In a world where photography is often reduced to trends and fleeting aesthetics, there are those who see beyond the frame—those who capture emotions, history, and untold stories. One such creative is Phates, also known as PMP Creative, a Zimbabwean photographer and videographer whose work bridges the nostalgia of vintage photography with the raw, unfiltered energy of street photography.

His journey began with a simple phone camera, a tool that sparked his curiosity and set him on a path of visual storytelling. "Photography was and always has been my passion," he shares. "I would tinker around with pictures using various apps to make them better. As I continued to grow, it became an outlet for my feelings and my story." What started as a personal experiment soon became a signature style—one that blends the past and present in a way few dare to attempt.

For Phates, vintage photography is more than just an aesthetic choice—it’s an emotional connection. “It appeals to my nostalgic feelings and takes me back to the past while still remaining relevant,” he says. But his love for the streets is just as strong. Street photography, with its unpredictable and raw nature, allows him to document life as it unfolds, unfiltered and honest. "I wanted to showcase rare and uncaptured moments with my photography and also be unique. There are few who do this in my country and even fewer who accept it."

Yet, merging these two styles is no easy feat. "Balancing the capture of raw, unfiltered moments with the intentionality of vintage photography is challenging," he admits. "It requires a deep understanding of both styles, their similarities, and differences. Above all, creativity is key—it’s about knowing when to blend them and when to let each stand on its own."

One of Phates' most challenging projects was a documentary-style photo series capturing the daily lives of street vendors in a bustling urban setting. "It was tough because I wanted the photos to feel authentic, not staged," he recalls. His solution? Building relationships. "I took time to talk to the vendors, to let them get comfortable around me. That way, they could relax, act naturally, and I could take photos that truly told their story."

Through keen observation, patience, and intentional color grading, he was able to inject vintage aesthetics into his street photography, making the images feel both timeless and deeply personal. His secret weapon? Curating the story—choosing moments that communicate a mood and allow viewers to step into the scene.

So, what makes a photo or video truly timeless? Phates believes it’s about connection. "A timeless photo is one that goes beyond the context in which it was made and relates to viewers from other cultures and eras. It should continue to evoke emotion, speak to people, and offer insights—even when a lot of time has passed."

For him, photography and videography aren’t just about taking pictures; they’re about telling stories that matter. “It’s about crafting a narrative that resonates with the viewer. By focusing on emotion, composition, and purpose, you can ensure that every shot contributes to a larger, meaningful story.”

Phates is a reminder that photography is more than just a click of the shutter—it’s a bridge between past and present, a storyteller’s tool, and a window into emotions that words often fail to capture.

Phates’ journey is a testament to the power of persistence, vision, and passion. In an era where many chase trends, he stays true to his artistic identity, proving that great photography is not just about what you see, but what you feel.

As he continues to grow, one thing is certain—his lens will always capture the world in ways we never imagined.

"Photography is the pause button of life, a way to freeze emotions, memories, and moments that words cannot hold." – Unknown.

Would you like to see Phates’ work? Follow his journey and witness the magic he creates!@pmpcreative on Instagram