Street Life

Send us Fan MailIn 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!INSTAGRAM | WEBSITEFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send a textIn this episode of Street Life, Mark and John St dive deep into the world of street photography with our guest, Josh Ethan Johnson, a talented photographer and filmmaker based in New York. Josh joins us to discuss his multifaceted career, which spans photography, filmmaking and even music. He shares his journey into street photography, revealing how his childhood fascination with family photos and his experiences in art school shaped his artistic vision. We explore the parallels between street photography and fly fishing, emphasising the importance of patience and the acceptance of failure in both pursuits.Throughout the conversation, Josh reflects on the challenges of approaching strangers on the street and the significance of building genuine connections with his subjects. He also discusses his acclaimed video series, The Wrong Side of the Lens, which highlights the stories of street photographers and their unique perspectives.We touch on the complexities of storytelling through photography, the impact of personal relationships with images, and the importance of context in visual narratives. Josh shares memorable experiences from his work, including a particularly striking photo taken at a pornography convention, illustrating the unexpected moments that can arise in the field.As we wrap up, we discuss the current events in Minneapolis and the role of photographers in documenting social issues, emphasising the balance between artistic expression and ethical responsibility. This episode is a rich exploration of the art of street photography, the connections we forge with others and the stories that unfold in our everyday lives.Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Jeremy Paige, known as Eaten By Flowers, is a Los Angeles–based street photographer and film-set stills pro. He describes finding storytelling through photography and avoiding labels to sidestep ego. He talks about immersive shooting in Hollywood, chasing charged, cinematic moments, confronting ethical questions about photographing vulnerable people, and a memorable confrontation that shaped his work.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St reconnect after a brief hiatus, diving into their recent photography projects and the evolving landscape of street photography. Mark shares his experiences with a new photography project in Footscray, while John discusses his ongoing work in Adelaide.Mark and John then introduce their guest, Lorenzo Catena, an Italian photographer and architect. Lorenzo shares his journey into photography, highlighting how his architectural background influences his approach to composition and storytelling. He discusses his notable project, Comitiva, which challenges the notion of candid street photography by incorporating posed portraits, and reflects on the importance of expanding one's photographic repertoire beyond strict definitions.Lorenzo also talks about his ongoing project in Rome, focusing on the city's unique materials and textures, and the challenges posed by the influx of tourists. He emphasises the value of collaboration in photography, recounting his experiences working with fellow photographer Valeria Tofanelli on a project documenting Ostia, a coastal area of Rome. Their work captures the beauty and complexity of the region, showcasing the lives of its residents during the pandemic.Throughout the episode, the hosts and Lorenzo engage in a lively discussion about the nuances of street photography, the importance of patience and observation, and the evolving nature of their artistic practices. This episode is a rich exploration of creativity, collaboration, and the stories that unfold in everyday life through the lens of street photography.INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Suresh Naganathan, a Mumbai-based street photographer originally from Switzerland, shares his journey of capturing urban life. He discusses the shift from distant shots to intimate street portraits and the cultural adjustments required in chaotic Mumbai. Suresh emphasizes the importance of consent and dignity in photographing poverty and reflects on the emotional impact of good photographs. He also offers insights into his creative process, the challenges of uniqueness, and the significance of community in sustaining artistic growth.

In this engaging discussion, Mike Szpot, known as Illkoncept, offers a glimpse into his transformation from skateboarding to street photography. He shares his riveting experiences shooting in Vietnam during Tet and how unexpected challenges can foster creativity. Delving into his filmmaking techniques, Mike highlights the influence of iconic directors like Spike Lee and discusses his preference for capturing decisive moments through photography. He also reveals his strategies for overcoming creative ruts and the importance of exploring new environments in his artistic journey.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, we reflect on our recent trip to Japan, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and bustling streets of Tokyo. It was John's first visit to Japan, and I was overwhelmed by the efficiency of the city, the incredible food, and the sheer number of people. We discuss our experiences navigating the transport system, with John sharing his initial struggles and eventual mastery of it.We dive into our photography experiences, with John expressing the challenges he faced in capturing the essence of Tokyo, feeling that he didn't quite do it justice. Mark shares his own journey of shooting two rolls of film and discovering some unexpected keepers among the shots. We also touch on the unique aspects of Japanese culture, such as the politeness of the people, the absence of public eating, and the fascinating technology.Throughout the episode, we recount our encounters with fellow photographers and podcast listeners, including Tatsuo Suzuki, Laurence Bouchard, and Joel Pulliam, highlighting the warmth and kindness of the photography community in Japan. We also reminisce about our culinary adventures, including a memorable ramen experience and the challenges of using chopsticks.As we wrap up, we express our desire to return to Japan, explore more of its rural areas, and continue our photography journey. We appreciate the feedback from our listeners and look forward to future episodes with exciting guests. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joakim Möller, a talented fine art street photographer based in Stockholm. Joakim is known for his haunting black and white imagery that beautifully blends reality with imagination. We delved into his journey into photography, which began in his teenage years, sparked by a high school course on street photography that opened his eyes to capturing candid moments in a way he had never considered before.Joakim shared his unique approach to street photography, emphasising the importance of mystery in his work. He discussed how he initially faced challenges while shooting in a small town in Sweden, where he often felt like an outsider with his camera. However, through perseverance and a shift in perspective, he learned to appreciate the beauty in his surroundings, leading to a series of photographs that captured the essence of his hometown.We explored Joakim's creative process, including his experimentation with diptychs during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed him to find new ways to express his artistic vision. He also touched on the significance of using accessible tools, like his Ricoh GRIII and even his iPhone, to create compelling images without being bogged down by gear.Throughout our conversation, Joakim reflected on the subjective nature of photography and the importance of personal interpretation. He candidly shared his thoughts on the challenges of entering competitions, the evolution of his relationship with Instagram, and the value of patience in creating meaningful work.As we wrapped up, Joakim expressed his aspirations for future projects, including a book that he hopes will encapsulate his artistic journey. It was an inspiring discussion that highlighted the transformative power of photography and the unique voice that each photographer brings to the art form. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

In this engaging discussion, Brooklyn-based street photographer Billy Dinh shares his inspiring journey from illustration to photography after an apartment break-in led him to discover his true passion. He reflects on the evolution of his work, emphasizing emotional storytelling and the significance of patience in capturing compelling street scenes. Billy challenges the limitations of the 'street photographer' label and explores how different focal lengths can enhance visual narratives. He also discusses his creative process and the cultural richness of New York's diverse neighborhoods.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, Mark and John had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Simon, a talented street photographer who shared her unique journey into photography. Sarah's story is deeply personal, rooted in her experiences of loss, illness, and self-discovery. After the passing of her father in 2020, amidst the challenges of a divorce and health issues, she picked up a camera as a form of therapy and creative expression.Sarah discussed how her upbringing in Queens, New York, influenced her perspective and photography style. She emphasised the importance of intuition in her work, often allowing her gut feelings to guide her in capturing the chaotic beauty of the streets. Despite only being in the photography scene for a few years, her work reflects a maturity and depth that belies her experience.We explored her approach to shooting, which often involves a spontaneous and instinctual process rather than meticulous planning. Sarah also touched on her struggles with Lyme disease, which has impacted her ability to shoot frequently, yet she finds a sense of urgency and purpose in her photography during her healthier moments.Throughout our conversation, Sarah highlighted the significance of community, particularly her initiative to create a space for women street photographers. She shared her admiration for other photographers, including Daido Moriyama, whose work validated her own artistic journey.As we wrapped up, Sarah expressed her desire to leave behind a body of work that invites others to explore their own inner worlds and the beauty of life’s complexities. We also discussed her future projects, including a collaborative art book with a poet, and her aspirations to travel and shoot in new locations, particularly in Mozambique.This episode is a testament to the power of photography as a means of self-exploration and connection, and we are excited to see where Sarah's journey takes her next. Thank you for joining us on this insightful conversation!INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!