Uwishunu.com

After a long history of seeing Angelo Yap out and taking pictures, I decided I wanted to learn more about this seemingly enigmatic Philly party personality. I know that he loves taking pictures at all the hotspots, and I know that he loves Morrissey”"but what else could I find out about Philly’s nicest, and quietest, paparazzo?

Here’s a look at Angelo Yap”"the most popular guy you may have never met:

Name: Angelo Yap
Age: 36

Have you always lived in Philly?

I’m originally from Voorhees, New Jersey actually.

What brought you here?

I like the diversity. And also there’s no cool parties in NJ.

What do you do for a living?

I work in an architectural firm. Yeah I know, I should be taking pictures of houses so at least it kinda makes sense, but that kind of photography doesn’t interest me.

How did you get started taking photos?

I got inspired by sites like Last Nights Party and Not Polaroidscene. When you look at their pics it feels like you’re in that party that they’re covering. It’s very kinetic. I want to capture that same kind of energy here in Philadelphia. I want to let people know that Philly can party as hard as NY and LA.

Where have your photos been published or shown?

The first time my photos were ever posted was in Philebrity in one of their weekend wrap-ups. They are the ones who “discovered” me. Then when they stopped doing that I created a website called Yapsnaps to continue posting my party snaps.

I think my 2007 New Years Eve party pics were also shown at uwishunu.

Recently it has been shown in this site called Vimby in their photos section.

I also did some band photos for Dr. Dog and Black Mountain for Nylon magazine.

What kind of camera do you use and what is your preferred format?

I have a Nikon D50. I only chose to shoot digitally because of the convenience. But I think nothing really beats the look of film. It has more character.

How do you decide what events to cover?

The type of event that I usually cover has to be the ones where I myself would want to go and party. Taking pictures for me is sometimes an afterthought. Sometimes I would go to a party not expecting to take pics but then something happens and the vibe is just right and that’s when I take out my camera.

Where is your favorite club to go and what do you look for in photo subjects?

I think it’s not really about the club. It’s really the kind of DJ’s and party promoters that are involved. It can be in some dive bar in Camden and if Dave P is spinning, it would still be a rager.

I usually take pics of people who really look like they’re having fun and of course it doesn’t hurt if you look beautiful too.

So now you know. Make sure you have fun, look fierce and are willing to break a smile when Angelo comes around and you just might get “Yap” Snapped!

Links to local Philly photoblog sites that I like and also some good sources of party info:

http://www.philthy.us/
http://twoonefivemagazine.com/
http://emulsionemotion.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eskepe/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/27822510@N00/
http://www.igetrvng.com/
http://www.philebrity.com/
http://funvampires.com/
http://www.badmintonstamps.com/

and of course uwishunu. You guys rock!