In this episode, Ashley Riffo and I welcome back Pia Parolin. We talk about how making your work more personal actually makes it connect with more people on a deeper level. It’s a concept, while is as old as Aristotle, been brewing in my mind for a long time, and we’re excited to explore it with you. Key Takeaways Pia shared insights from Susan Sontag and her own experiences, like her series on the Promenade des in Nice after a terrorist used a truck to kill 86 and injure over 400  people celebrating Bastille Day.   Her photos, seemingly light and colorful, carried a heavy message of resilience and reclaiming happiness. It really underscored how personal experiences, when channeled through art, can speak volumes. We touched on balancing personal expression with leaving space for others to project their own emotions onto your work. Think about those moments when you’re truly present, capturing genuine interactions. That’s where the magic happens, and those images? They speak volumes without a single word. Behind the Scenes One of the things that struck me most was Pia’s vulnerability in sharing her series about her daughter’s adolescence. It was a tough time for both of them, but turning it into art became a love declaration. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most challenging moments can yield the most meaningful work. I also brought up Sam Abell’s powerful photo of his father with Alzheimer’s. It’s intensely personal, yet universally relatable because it talks about family and memory. Since Pia’s article last year, Ashley and I have been seeing this everywhere, and we didn’t even realize it. It’s kind of cool when that happens, isn’t it? What’s Next Listen to the full episode. Pia shares practical tips to infuse your work with personal meaning and tap into universal themes. Look for those interactions that everyone understands. A smile, a loving touch, a child gazing at their mom—these are universal moments that resonate deeply. Links from the show Pia’s Website Pia’s Journey YouTube Channel Pia’s Street Photography Magazine Article: From Personal to Universal Where The Streets Lead – Street Photography Magazine’s new book

I’m thrilled to share something Ashley Riffo and I have been pouring our hearts into for over a year: our first book, Where the Streets Lead! It’s been a wild ride, full of unexpected turns and steep learning curves. After publishing a digital magazine for 12-years we wanted to create something tangible, a legacy of sorts, to celebrate street photography and the incredible community around it. And we wanted to use this special episode of the podcast to tell the story of our book creation story to help others learn from our experience and avoid the mistakes we made. Of course we would also love for you to be among the first to grab a first edition. Key Takeaways One of the biggest things we learned is how much we didn’t know when we started! From the surprising amount of work in selecting images, to wrangling large files, to navigating the world of printing, it has been something. For example, we originally asked photographers to submit full-resolution images, which flooded our drives with more data than we needed well before the selection process. That’s not an issue for someone creating a monograph, but smaller images are a must for an initial open call for submissions. If you’re thinking about doing a book, start with a solid theme that resonates with you and your community. For us, it was “Where do you like to shoot?” This theme allowed people from all walks of life to share their unique perspectives. Plus, physical prints slow you down and let you see the images in a whole new light, which you can’t get online. Behind the Scenes Ashley and I are about 800 miles apart, so this whole project was powered by Zoom, shared galleries, and a lot of trust. We took online courses from Magnum photographers Alec Soth and Mark Power, which completely changed how we thought about sequencing. We literally taped hundreds of photos to our walls and moved them around until the story flowed. Then we shared our thinking via photos, videos and online galleries. Finding a printer was another adventure. We wanted high quality without breaking the bank, which led us to a digital press that delivered amazing results. We even debated whether to include the photographers’ stories, but after a test print, we realized the text was essential. It added depth and context, making the book more than just a collection of pretty pictures. The podcast episode was recorded while we were awaiting delivery of the first batch of the books. You will hear us discussing (and even stressing a little) over how the quality of the final version. Well, they arrived right on schedule and I was super impressed with the physical quality of the book and, of course, the content. What’s Next “Where the Streets Lead” is now available on our website. This book is a celebration of our community and the unique places that inspire us. By purchasing the book, you’re supporting our work and helping us continue to bring you the best in street photography. So sit back and have a listen to our story, then head over to our new online bookstore and grab your copy today. International shipping is available (though a bit pricey, sorry!), and we’ve got boxes ready to make sure your book arrives in perfect condition. Links from the show Where The Streets Lead Order Page Harvey Stein’s Publishing A Photography Book Course (Online) at ICP

Antonio Pisani, a UK-based photographer originally from Italy, shares his journey and insights on street photography. He discusses how his father's use of film cameras shaped his perspective and the importance of seeing beyond the surface in photography. Influenced by mentor Yoshi Imamura, Antonio emphasizes artistry over technique, using pinhole cameras to deepen his artistic vision. He critiques social media's impact, advocating for meaningful, curated sharing of work. Additionally, he reflects on his upcoming projects that explore technology's role in preserving fading traditions.

Michele Zousmer, the featured photographer in the March 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine is a San Diego-based humanitarian photographer, has dedicated her photographic work to illuminating overlooked communities and challenging societal perceptions. Starting as a sports photographer capturing her son’s basketball games, Michele’s path led her to document stories ranging from women in prison to homeless choir members, ultimately finding her most profound work among Ireland’s Traveller community. For the past seven years, Michele has immersed herself in the Traveller culture, gaining unprecedented access through an approach that prioritizes human connection over technical perfection. “I literally talk to them. It’s almost like a game,” she explains. “What mascara are you wearing? I’m not kidding. We just like talking makeup on the side of the road.” This seemingly casual approach belies a deeper purpose. Through her recently published book “Mis[s]understood,” she reveals the complex realities of a marginalized community facing widespread discrimination. Her photographs capture both the vibrancy of Traveller culture and the challenges they face, particularly in education and housing. “The more I got to know them, I came back many times,” Michele reflects. “I actually thought that they have a lot of traditions that we’ve lost in America. They are so family oriented. Everything is family. They live together as family. All the generations live together.” Her work with the Voices of Our City Choir in San Diego demonstrates similar depth of connection. What began as documenting a homeless choir led to an intimate film project when choir member Steven Reed asked her to document his final months battling liver cancer. Despite initial hesitation due to her own experience with loss, Michele agreed, creating “Sounds of the Sidewalk: A Journey of Goodbye.” The resulting film not only honored Reed’s story but helped change perceptions of homelessness. “I really feel that way, and I see the world that way,” she says of her approach to humanitarian photography. “I think vulnerability is so important, and I’m always very open and vulnerable. I could be vulnerable with my people that I’m relating to, but I do think you have to be careful who you share it with.” This philosophy has earned her the trust of communities often wary of outsiders, resulting in intimate portraits that challenge viewers to see beyond stereotypes and recognize our shared humanity. This is only part of Michele’s story, so please be sure to listen to our conversation. You won’t regret it. Links from the show Michele’s Website Michele’s Instagram Joseph Bevillard Instagram Voices of our City Choir – San Diego Michele’s film: Sounds of the Sidewalk: A Journey of Goodbye

Eric Turibio, known in the photography community as Ribsy, brings a distinctive approach to street portraiture that emphasizes genuine human connection over technical perfection. Originally starting his photographic journey through food photography, Ribsy has evolved into a committed film photographer who primarily works with medium format cameras to capture compelling portraits of New York City’s inhabitants. In his conversation with Street Photography Magazine, Ribsy discusses how confidence shapes his street photography practice. Rather than adopting the fly-on-the-wall approach favored by many street photographers, he engages directly with his subjects, often approaching them with straightforward requests like “You look really interesting sitting right there. Can I get a photo of you?” This direct method, combined with his authentic interest in how people fit into their environments, has become his signature style. Working primarily with a Yashica 124G medium format camera, Ribsy carefully balances his artistic vision with the practical constraints of film photography. Because there are only 12 frames per roll of 120 film, he makes each interaction and composition count. This deliberate approach extends to his creative process – he describes street portraiture as emotionally demanding work that requires specific mental preparation and dedicated time alone to achieve the best results. Despite relocating from New York City to the Hudson Valley and balancing photography with family life and a full-time career, Ribsy maintains his commitment to documenting the city’s diverse population. Through his YouTube channel and various social media platforms, he shares not only his photographic work but also insights into his process, helping other photographers understand the nuances of street portraiture while maintaining an authentic approach. Links from the show Ribsy’s Instagram Ribsy’s YouTube Ribsy on Walkie Talkie

Our guest tis week is Dean Hinnant, the Street Photography Magazine featured photographer in the January 2024 issue. Dean’s journey as a photographer centers on an intimate, ongoing documentation of his five siblings. The oldest of six children spanning nearly two decades in age, he transforms his role as big brother into a powerful creative force through his project titled “Blood.” The project gained deeper meaning following his parents’ divorce, which spurred Dean to focus his lens on preserving and exploring the unbreakable bonds between siblings. Armed with his Leica M6 TTL – a camera with its own remarkable history as the former tool of National Geographic photographer William Albert Allard – Hinnant captures both candid moments and environmental portraits that tell the story of his family’s evolution. Dean developed his distinctive photographic voice during a six-month road trip across America in 2021, documenting the country’s emergence from the pandemic. This experience honed his ability to see beauty in everyday moments, a skill he brought home to his family photography. Despite living in different cities and coordinating around split holiday schedules, he never goes anywhere without his camera, ready to capture those in-between moments when his siblings come together. His approach emphasizes trust and respect, allowing his subjects to be themselves while acknowledging their individual paths. This philosophy has led to a collection of images that resonate beyond their personal context, speaking to universal themes of family bonds, growth, and shared history. From his firefighter brother’s wedding to his youngest sister’s budding interest in photography, Dean captures the evolving dynamics of siblinghood with remarkable authenticity. Working exclusively in film, Dean’s project stands as a testament to photography’s power to preserve not just moments, but the complex emotional landscape of family life. His work reminds us that sometimes the most universal stories are found in our most personal connections. Links from the show Dean’s Instagram Pia Parolin’s article From Personal to Universal The Traveling Photographer’s Manifesto by David Hobby Dotan Saguy’s project Nowhere To Go But Everywhere

I recently had a very interesting chat with Jeromie Stephens, a talented photographer who’s been documenting the world of bluegrass for many years. If you love the candid, authentic moments in music or on the streets you need to check out the work of our guest Jeromie Stephens. In today’s episode Jeromie and I dig into everything from street photography to the art of catching those spontaneous, off-stage moments that capture a musician’s spirit. Jeromiestarted off wanting to be a photojournalist, but through his love of music and being inspired by the legendary Jim Marshall, and ended up immersing himself in the world of bluegrass. This shift took him on adventures to festivals and even led him to photograph the 52nd annual Takarazuka Bluegrass Festival in Japan. I first met Jeromie several years ago during a photowalk sponsored by our local camera store. Through this experience I was able to see him work first-hand create interesting compositions with his awareness of shapes in candid scenes then approach complete strangers with kindness and a sincere interest in them to make very personal portraits. One of the things that really stands out about Jeromie’s music work is his preference for capturing the candid, fleeting moments over posed performances. He sees photography as a combination of preparation and spontaneity, much like music itself. This approach allows him to blend into the background, catching the genuine interactions of musicians without disrupting the flow. It’s all about the art of invisibility. Jeromie has this wonderful habit of sharing prints with musicians, which not only builds goodwill but also strengthens the connections within the bluegrass community. He believes in the power of printed photographs, and how they hold a personal touch that digital images just can’t replicate. As a testament to his strong relationships with the musicians he photographs, Jeromie received the 2024 Photographer of the Year Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association. I hope you enjoy the podcast as much as I enjoyed chatting with Jeromie. Links from the show Jeromie’s Website Instagram Alysse Gafkjen – Music Portrait Photographer Jim Marshall – Legendary Music Photographer

In today’s episode I speak with Naeem Douglas, who is our featured photographer in the December 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine. He’s a former broadcast television journalist who found a new passion in photography. After burning out from the repetitive world of crime reporting, he discovered the calming effect of photography during the pandemic. He’s now a content producer for MoMA Magazine who revels in the creative freedom and objective storytelling the role offers. A native of Philadelphia now in Brooklyn, he compares life in the two iconic cities. He reflects on the neighborhood pride, distinctive accents, and, of course, the food. Armed with a Rolleiflex camera, inspired by photographers like Amy Touchette and Vivian Maier, Naeem prefers to engage with his subjects rather than sneaking a couple shots and moving on. This approach has led to some memorable encounters, including a brush with the legendary Bill Cunningham. However, the streets aren’t always friendly, as Naeem learned when a man dressed as Scottie Pippen refused a photo. In his role at MoMA jumped into the world of podcasting with the limited series “Jazz in the Garden,” a captivating exploration of jazz history at MoMA from the 1960s to 2019. If you love jazz, don’t miss it. Naeem experiments with both digital and film photography, developing black and white film at home while has color processed by a lab. His dedication to the craft is evident in his meticulous record-keeping and desire to dabble in darkroom printing. Despite the rise of AI editing tools, Naeem prefers the authenticity of analog photography. If you’re inspired by stories of transformation, creativity, and connecting through story telling be sure to have a listen to my conversation with Naeem Douglas. Links from the show Naeem’s Website Instagram

In a heartfelt conversation, the late Glenn Capers, a renowned photographer and storytelling teacher, shares his unique approach to street photography. He delves into how meaningful connections with subjects enrich the art, emphasizing that listening is just as critical as photographing. Glenn reflects on the journey of creating a street photography book, balancing personal anecdotes with the evolution of visual storytelling. He urges photographers to engage authentically with their subjects, capturing life's essence through cultural understanding and personal narratives.

In this episode, I share my engaging conversation with photographer, curator, and publisher Michael Rababy about his upcoming book, “CASINOLAND, Tired of Winning.” Set to release on November 5, 2024, in independent bookstores and on Amazon. This work which is the result of a 30-year personal photo project, offers a unique and witty visual perspective on American casino culture. The Concept Rababy explains, “The concept of the book is to contrast casino commercials that promise you the world versus the visual reality that I translate when I’m at these locations all over America. It’s not just Vegas but Atlantic City, Reno, and basically any casino area I’ve stumbled across in the last 30 years.” “CASINOLAND: Tired of Winning” presents a satirical yet poignant look at the casino industry. Rababy juxtaposes cheap, gimmicky marketing slogans with real-life images, creating a stark contrast between promise and reality. For instance, one spread pairs the phrase “You’re Going to Need a Bigger Wallet” with a photo of a overwhelmed man managing four young children in a casino parking lot. A Visual Journey The book spans 160 pages, featuring images from Rababy’s 30-year archive. It offers a fresh take on consumerism and gambling culture across the United States, presenting a glitzy yet gritty universe of American casinos. The Publishing Process As an experienced publisher, Rababy shared insights into working with authors, designers, and promoting visually rich books. He’s planning an upcoming exhibit of selected photos from “CASINOLAND,” which will include high-quality images and an AI-generated casino ad. Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing We discussed the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, a topic particularly relevant as Street Photography Magazine prepares to publish its first book. Rababy’s plans for international distribution and exhibitions in Asia highlight the complexities of book promotion and distribution. Long-Term Projects Rababy also touched on the challenges of crafting long-term projects like “CASINOLAND” and “America Bachelor,” offering valuable insights into the creative process. Artistic Influences and Commitment to Quality Inspired by legends like Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams, Rababy emphasizes the importance of capturing fine details in person. He’s committed to producing high-quality fine art prints, learning from experienced printers, and using premium materials. Early Access and Bonus Content While “CASINOLAND: Tired of Winning” won’t be widely available until November 5, readers can purchase a copy now from Michael’s website. These early copies will be signed by the author and include a bonus print. Links from the show Michael’s Website CASINOLAND:Tired of Winning on Michael’s website