Skip to Content

[dropcap size=big]R[/dropcap]ay Potes is one of our favorite photographers, he also happens to publish one of the most vital 'zines in existence, the delightful Hamburger Eyes. He's also a new resident of Los Angeles after many years in the Bay, and a childhood in San Diego. All the images in this piece are recent, and come from his diary-style blog, Ray's Reports. We wanted to find out more about his zine, his move to LA, and his favorite place to get a taco...

What's your favorite taco spot?

Del Taco.

What brought you to LA, and how do you like it so far?

I lost my studio in SF, so it felt like time to leave. I like LA a lot so far.

What were you like as a kid?

Mostly out with my friends skateboarding all day and all night.

Why did you start Hamburger Eyes? What keeps you going?

I was already making zines and they all had different names. I made one called "Hamburger Eyes" and for some weird reason it had a good response compared to all my other zines. So I kept it going. It's the same reason I keep it going now haha. Since I moved to LA, I have put out at least 20 other zines, but Hamburger Eyes is the one people want.

Who do you consider to be the all-time great photographers?

All the classic guys from the classic era. Magnum guys. Robert Frank. Gary Winogrand. Etc.

When and where were you most happy?

For a long time, my happy place was in the darkroom processing a bunch of film I just shot. But now my happy place is printing out pages for my zines.

Do you have a lucky number?

11.

What is your process like for creating a new issue, from start to finish?

It has evolved, but it is pretty easy actually. I go through the submissions and choose like 20 photographers or so. Then I see which ones whose photos will go together nicely into one whole issue. I loosely will put together like 4 or 5 issues at a time. Then fine tune them as it gets closer to time for printing.

Who are your top 5 rappers?

#1 goes to Tupac. Easy. The rest will take too long to think about.

We're living in the golden age of ______________.

Technology vs Spirituality

Do you like hamburgers in real life? (question from my daughter)

Lol yes I do. Very much.

Do you have a personal credo?

Les doo dis.

The latest edition of Hamburger Eyes
The latest edition of Hamburger Eyes

What are your favorite publications besides your own?

National Geographic.

Got any shout outs?

Shout out to all the people whoever ever submitted photos. Shout out to all the people who have ever picked up an issue of Hamburger Eyes!

--
Buy Hamburger Eyes here.
Follow Ray's Reports here.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from L.A. TACO

In Boyle Heights, Backyard Chickens and Generous Neighbors Combat Rising Egg Prices 

With the nationwide egg shortage that has caused prices to skyrocket, Omeatl Tonatiuh of Boyle Heights feels “there’s a sense of rebellion in raising chickens,” especially at a time when the cost of eggs has become a political talking point about how weak or strong the economy is.

March 24, 2025

Here’s Your First Look At The Bracket For L.A. TACO’S “TACO MADNESS 2025”

Win some big prizes if you send in your bracket and predict the future of L.A.'s favorite taco.

March 24, 2025

Six New Taco Spots to Try In L.A.

From smoked brisket 'super' tacos to Thai pork leg tacos and even some 'chickpea carnitas' tacos for our vegan appetites, today we're sticking to tacos.

March 21, 2025

Catch L.A. TACO Reporter Lexis-Olivier Ray’s First Solo Art Show in Chinatown This Saturday

On Saturday, March 22 at 5 PM, after months of planning and curation, Ray will debut I Dream of Dreams, his first ever solo photo exhibition, at Gallery 8Eighteen in Chinatown.

March 20, 2025

English-Only? Even the Founding Fathers of the U.S. Said No

The only thing that would have been odd to the Founding Fathers, many of who were multilingual, was an English-only country.

See all posts