Talking Frames 7 - Stephen Leslie Mastering Street Photography Humor, Challenges, and Creative Insights
Stephen is a London-based writer, filmmaker, and street photographer known for his candid and humorous approach to capturing everyday life. Over the past two decades, he has developed a distinctive style that combines spontaneous street photography with imaginative storytelling.
Additionally, Stephen runs a YouTube series titled "Show & Tell," where he provides detailed and often humorous commentary on his favorite photographs.
Through his multifaceted career, Stephen Leslie has established himself as a creative force, seamlessly blending visual storytelling with a keen observation of the world around him.
Stephen and Tim’s discussion covered a wide array of topics cantered on the art and evolution of street photography. Stephen shared his journey into the field, inspired by Elliot Erwitt and a personal desire to document life through candid moments. He reflected on how his photography evolved from a personal diary to a creative expression of humour and wit, often inspired by everyday life. The role of humour was a recurring theme, with Stephen emphasizing its value despite it sometimes being underappreciated.
They explored the challenges of combining writing and photography, noting how keeping the two separate allows for authenticity in each medium. Stephen also discussed his preference for shooting on film, valuing its deliberate nature and its ability to encourage patience and thoughtful composition over the rapid-fire approach of digital photography.
They discuss the importance of finding a project in street photography, allowing photographers to build a cohesive body of work. Stephen shared his experience working on a five-year project that became a successful book, noting the growing popularity of photography books despite the dominance of social media. He encouraged aspiring photographers to focus on their unique perspective, emphasizing quality over quantity.
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Song: Drip
Music by: CreatorMix.com