Mike Chudley
Street Life
On staging concerns and authenticity
Mike argues staged suspicion can be flattering and urges focusing on genuine process over chasing quick online wins.
In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of street photography with our special guest, Mike Chudley, a London-based street photographer and YouTuber. We kick off the conversation by discussing Mike's journey from skateboarding to street photography.
Mike explains the connection between skate culture and photography, emphasising how capturing moments through images is essential to the skateboarding experience. He shares how a Christmas gift from his mother, a camera, ignited his passion for photography at a young age.
As we delve deeper, Mike describes his transition from skate photography to street photography after moving to Essex. He highlights the unique opportunities London offers for street photographers and how he balances shooting in the bustling city with quieter coastal scenes in Essex. We discuss the challenges and joys of photographing strangers, and Mike shares a memorable encounter with a fisherman that exemplifies the beauty of candid photography.
We also touch on the business side of Mike's work, exploring how he has turned his passion for photography and YouTube into a full-time career. He candidly discusses the ups and downs of being a content creator, including dealing with negative comments and the importance of community support.
Throughout the episode, we explore the technical aspects of photography, including Mike's hybrid setup of shooting both film and digital. He shares insights on how he approaches sequencing images for his projects, including his recent zine from a trip to California, and reflects on the lessons learned from his first book, Learning to See.
As we wrap up, Mike offers valuable advice for aspiring YouTubers and photographers, emphasising the importance of authenticity and the joy of sharing one's creative process. We conclude with a discussion about the evolving nature of street photography and the significance of human presence in capturing the essence of the streets.
Join us for this engaging conversation filled with laughter, insights, and a shared love for street photography!
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