Street Photography Magazine Podcast

France Leclerc, a former professor and now full-time photographer based in Chicago, dives deep into the essence of 'life photography'. She discusses her transition from academia to capturing authentic moments across Asia and Africa, emphasizing the importance of storytelling. France shares her unique emotional editing process and the art of becoming invisible to document natural behaviors. With curiosity as her driving force, she reflects on the challenges of solo travel, shares insights into her photographic techniques, and highlights the humanizing impact of her work.

This week features Jason Rice, a street photographer and publishing expert, known for his photo book *Overseas*. He shares insights from his upbringing in an art-focused home and the transformative experience at RISD. Jason discusses the influence of mentors on his composition techniques and reveals the journey of turning his archived Rome negatives into a book during the pandemic. He reflects on capturing candid portraits of authors and the importance of personal struggles in his work, emphasizing the role of daily practice in shaping his artistic vision.

Hillary Greene-Pae is a clinical social worker, real estate investor, and accomplished photographer based in Calabasas, California. Her work spans multiple genres, but it’s her street photography that has captured attention for its emotional depth and unique perspective. As the featured photographer in the November 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine, Hillary brings a distinctive approach to capturing life up close. Hillary stands apart in the crowded world of street photography through her ability to see people not just as subjects, but as storytellers. “I’m always looking for how do I see the people, what are they sharing, telling me,” she explains. “So I’m always trying to take it from their perspective.” This empathetic approach stems from her work as a clinical social worker, where understanding people within their cultural context is essential. Her photography is defined by her willingness to get close—both physically and emotionally. She shoots wide and from interesting angles, often capturing intimate moments from just feet away. While she prefers candid shots, she frequently engages with her subjects afterward. “I’ll go up and just say I’ve taken your picture or would you like me to send this to you?” she notes, adding that about half the time, she approaches people directly. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: “It’s always about telling a story for me.” This narrative drive, combined with her therapist’s instinct for human connection, allows Hillary to transform familiar scenes—skate parks in Venice, buses filled with passengers—into emotionally resonant images that reveal something deeper about the human experience. Hillary’s street photography becomes less about capturing moments and more about honoring the dignity and complexity of every person she photographs. Links From the Show Hillary’s website Instagram

Barry Ashenhurst is a retired photojournalist based in Newcastle, Australia, who worked for some of the country’s premier sporting and lifestyle magazines. After decades of professional work—from motocross tracks to caravan publications—Barry transitioned to street photography, trading his heavy camera bags for a single Sony A7 and 35mm lens. His article “Feeding the Fire” will be published November 5th in Street Photography Magazine. Barry’s journey into photography began in his family bathroom darkroom, eventually moving to his parents’ dog kennel when his mother tired of the smell of chemicals. His approach to breaking into magazine work was unconventional but effective: “I’ve never approached a magazine and said, this is who I am, this is what I can do,” he explains. “I’ve always just sent them a complete product, like a complete story, with the pictures, with captions set out in the editorial style that that magazine uses.” Today, Barry is concerned about what he sees as a lack of originality in contemporary street photography. He’s particularly critical of the trend-driven nature of the genre: “There’s a conformity, a strangling conformity in a lot of this stuff. I think they get onto someone and they see what he’s doing. So now everyone’s photographing silhouettes.” Rather than following YouTube tutorials or copying popular photographers, Barry advocates studying the masters—combat photographers like Don McCullin and documentary photographers like Sebastião Salgado. Drawing on wildlife photographer David Yarrow’s criteria, Barry believes great photographs share three qualities: “Number one, you probably can’t take it again. Number two, it’s interesting enough to look at for a long time. And number three, it touches the heart.” He challenges street photographers to apply these standards to their work instead of chasing trends. Barry’s philosophy is simple: “If your photographs are boring, you’re photographing boring stuff, mate. Go and find interesting things to photograph.” Barry does not currently have a website or other online presence. However he is very well read and during our conversation shared several excellent book and photographer recommendations. I was impressed with his admiration of the writings by the late Joe Baegent from West Virginia. It was a pleasant surprise that someone from the other side of the planet was inspired by stories about the unique culture of my native Appalachia. Links from the show Don McCullin Abbas Attar Philip Jones Griffiths – Vietnam Inc. Dotan Saguy Books by Sebastião Salgado Joe Bageant – Rainbow Pie Joe Bageant – Deer Hunting with Jesus

I’d like to tell you about someone who’s become both a friend and a photographer I admire. His name is Pat Callahan, and he’s our featured photographer in the October 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine. Here’s the funny thing about how we met: I’d known Pat for over two years at our gym here in Charlottesville, Virginia. We’d play pickleball together, exchange pleasantries, the usual gym-friend routine. Then one day while waiting for a game to start, we had a casual conversation and he asked what I did for a living. When I told him about Street Photography Magazine, he said, “I do street photography.” I was floored. Later, I saw some of his work on Instagram and realized this guy is the real deal—a genuine talent hiding in plain sight on the pickleball court. What strikes me most about Pat’s work is the joy in it. When I look at his photographs, two words come to mind: Life Magazine. There’s something about his images that captures everyday people in everyday scenes, yet reveals something extraordinary. His approach reminds me of the photojournalism that made me fall in love with photography as a kid. Pat himself is a joyful, friendly guy, and that spirit shines through in his work. Pat’s journey into street photography took a serious turn when his wife Julie was assigned to work in Bratislava, Slovakia. As he puts it, “I realized it’s what I really like and it’s what other people like.” That realization led to his first exhibition at a cafe in 2015. This past year, he had another exhibition at the historic Albrecht House in Bratislava—a full-circle moment celebrating French culture through his street photography work from Paris, where he maintains an apartment. Albrecht House Exhibition, Bratislava Slovakia – Winter 2025 What I appreciate about Pat is his democratic view of equipment. He’ll show you images and challenge you to guess which were shot with a camera and which with his phone. “It doesn’t matter,” he says with a grin. What matters is being ready, keeping your heart and eyes open, and recognizing those fleeting moments that tell a human story. His work has been published internationally, and he continues to travel between Charlottesville, Michigan, Paris, and destinations around the world, always with a camera in hand. Today we’re going to talk about his approach to street photography, his recent exhibition, and what drives him to capture the working-class neighborhoods and everyday moments that most of us walk past without noticing. So have a listen to my conversation with Pat Callahan—world traveler, street photographer, and one of the most genuinely enthusiastic people you’ll ever meet. Links from the show Pat’s Website Facebook Instagram John G. Morris – Legendary Life Magazine Photo Editor Peter Turnley David Turnley The Albrecht House Bratislava Slovakia

Alan Wieder, a street photographer and oral historian, shares his remarkable journey of documenting King School Park in Portland over four years. He began this project amid protests in 2020, capturing not just images but the deep relationships he forged with community members, especially elders like Rosie and Carl. The park, a symbol of resilience, stands as a refuge for those displaced by gentrification. Alan discusses his unique approach to street photography, blending candid moments with powerful narratives about belonging and community.

Today I’m joined Garrett Strang, an American photographer who has made Paris his creative home. Garrett’s journey from documentary filmmaker in Washington D.C. to street photographer in Paris is one of creative evolution and bold reinvention. For 20 years, he created documentaries on health issues, population studies, and social conflicts, where he developed an eye for human emotion and storytelling that would later drive his photographic work. His transition to photography began with a series called “America on the Edge” during the 2016 election cycle, where he captured the tension and uncertainty in people’s faces using unconventional framing techniques. This work sparked his passion for street photography and ultimately led him to abandon commercial photography entirely when he moved to Paris. Now living in Versailles with his partner, Garrett spends his days walking the streets of Paris, capturing candid moments on the metro and throughout the city. His work has been featured in Street Photography Magazine, and he recently published his first photo book. Paris a coeur ouvert Paris in the Raw. Today we discuss his techniques for shooting in challenging environments, his approach to connecting with subjects, and the creative risks that drive his photography. Links from the show Garrett’s Website Paris a coeur ouvert Paris in the Raw – Garrett’s new book Instagram A selection of photos from Paris a coeur ouvert Paris in the Raw

Today we’re joined by Raymond Thompson Jr., an assistant professor in the College of Communications at the University of Texas and a photographer whose work defies easy categorization. Originally from Virginia, Raymond has spent years documenting stories that others have forgotten or even worse, deliberately erased. His approach blends documentary photography, fine art, and archival research to uncover hidden histories. From his powerful “Justice Undone” project photographing juvenile detention facilities to “Appalachian Ghost,” which reveals the tragic silicosis disaster at Hawks Nest in 1930s West Virginia, Raymond’s work serves as both witness and memory keeper. What makes Raymond’s practice unique is his willingness to adapt his visual style to serve each story’s needs. He moves between street photography and portraiture, traditional documentary and experimental processes, even letting his prints mold in water when the narrative calls for it. His latest book, “It’s hard to stop rebels that time travel,” explores his personal connection to North Carolina landscapes while examining the layers of American history embedded in three coastal counties. Join us as we discuss access, intuition, the responsibility of storytelling, and how Raymond balances his academic career with creating deeply personal photographic work that challenges us to remember what we’d rather forget. Links from the show Raymond’s Website “It’s hard to stop rebels that time travel” Raymond’s latest book Instagram

This week we’re joined by our friend Virginia Hines. She’s a photographer and former publishing industry professional who has traveled extensively to document street life around the world and learn from masters of the genre. She wrote the foreword to Street Photography Magazine’s book “Where the Streets Lead” and has been featured multiple times in our podcast and magazine, sharing her insights into street photography. And she is a frequent contributor to Street Photography Magazine. Fresh off circling the globe in just a few weeks, Virginia joins Ashley and me to share stories from her whirlwind journey that took her from San Francisco to multiple cities across China, then to Photo London, and back home again. I really enjoyed Virginia’s observation of how China has changed since her last visit before COVID. “Nobody uses cash anymore,” she told us, explaining how even the smallest purchases now require a phone payment system. But beyond the technological shifts, she noticed something deeper: “People seem to be a little more laid back, having a little more fun, maybe saying, you know, let’s just enjoy friends and family and the good things in life.” Virginia describes the performative nature of modern Chinese society, with TikTok videos being filmed everywhere and elaborate costume play in public parks. She also shares fascinating insights about Beijing’s hutongs, traditional housing areas, where she spent time photographing, meeting residents living in conditions that tell stories of China’s urban evolution.

Street photography isn’t just about locations. It’s about the stories and encounters along the way. Virginia told us how her limited Chinese language skills sometimes led to spontaneous photo opportunities. People, startled by a foreign photographer, often agreed to be photographed before they could decline. One humorous incident involved a woman in a pink coat and inflatable wings. Virginia photographed her, and days later, in a different part of town, the woman approached her, asking for the picture. The story took an even stranger turn when Virginia showed the photo to a Chinese friend back in San Francisco who showed it to her mother who recognized the woman. This created a small-world connection in a country of over a billion people. Virginia’s stories remind us why travel photography isn’t just about capturing pretty pictures—it’s about documenting cultural shifts, human connections, and the unexpected moments that make each trip an unforgettable experience. Links from the show Virginia’s Website Instagram Photo London Virginia’s articles in Street Photography Magazine

What happens when two artists choose to show up for each other—week after week, year after year—for over three decades? In this episode, Ashley Riffo talked to photographer Gigi Stoll about her extraordinary friendship with the late Flo Fox: a street photographer, advocate, and firecracker of a human being who never let MS (and the blindness and paralysis that came with it) stop her from creating. Their bond was intentional and powerful, to say the least. And not just for their art, but for their lives. Flo’s influence didn’t end with her passing either. In fact, she’s the driving force behind Gigi’s nonprofit, Two by Two Media, which supports female artists over 70 in building their legacy. This episode is a tribute to Flo, a celebration of friendship, and a reminder that creativity has no expiration date. “Shades Of The Past” by Flo Fox – NYC, 1979 Links from the show Gigi’s Photography Website Two by Two Media Flo Fox’s Website Gigi’s Instagram