Street Photography Magazine

Alon Goldsmith is a Los Angeles-based street photographer and copywriter whose mobile photography has earned him recognition in numerous international contests. A longtime member of Julia Dean’s photography collective, he has become known for his creative approach to iPhone photography and his documentation of Venice Beach’s vibrant street life. His work appears in the new book “[Where the Streets Lead]” and he is the featured photographer in the July 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine. While many photographers dismiss mobile phone cameras as inferior tools, Alon Goldsmith has built his entire street photography practice around his iPhone, proving that great images come from vision rather than expensive equipment. His journey began fifteen years ago when a perfect storm of circumstances—a new job within cycling distance, his first iPhone, and a daily commute through Venice Beach—sparked a passion that would define his artistic voice. “I really got into photography and street photography through my iPhone and a bicycle,” he explains. This shaped his approach to capturing the street life in Southern California, an area often overlooked in favor of more traditional street photography destinations like New York. Alon’s technique is simple and clever. He mounts his iPhone on his bicycle’s handlebars and uses a Bluetooth remote shutter that he operates while riding. “I use my bike as a tripod,” he says. “I’m completely invisible because I can actually aim my bike at anything that I want, and no one has a clue that I’m taking photos because I’ve got this remote shutter.” This stealth approach has allowed him to document Venice Beach’s eclectic street life. His famous photograph “Surveillance,” shot during the pandemic using the Hipstamatic app, captures a homeless man on a skateboard with his dog. It’s an image that later took on deeper meaning when Alon learned the dog had been taken from its owner by police. Alon has developed a fascination with one location on the Venice boardwalk, which he calls “811.” “That’s been one of my sort of… it’s my Venice muse” “I just keep going back there and I always think I’ve done the ultimate shot there, and I still keep trying to get an even better one.” Currently, about 90% of Goldsmith’s personal work is shot with his iPhone, though he switches to traditional cameras for commercial assignments. Although, some clients specifically request his iPhone aesthetic, recognizing the unique quality of his mobile photography. Beyond individual images, Goldsmith has pioneered a project called “Going Places,” where he stitches together multiple photos from the same location to create panoramic narratives of people moving through Venice Beach. These composite images showcase his vision and demonstrate how digital tools can extend the possibilities of street photography. For Alon, the iPhone’s greatest strength lies not just in its convenience, “you always have your phone with you,” but in its ability to make both photographer and subject more comfortable. People seem to be less guarded around a phone than a big camera. So, have a listen to Alon tell his story on today’s episode and be sure to read Ashley’s feature article about him in the July 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine. Links from the show Alon’s Webite Instagram Alon’s Book: 366 Days in the Life of an iPhone Wizard Julia Dean’s Street LA Collective

Brad Jones, the featured photographer in the June 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine, is a Brooklyn-based forensic photographer. Originally trained as a painter and illustrator, Brad discovered photography in college and spent 15 years building a successful commercial career shooting for magazines and advertising clients. However, his transition to forensic photography a decade ago, documenting scenes for insurance companies and legal proceedings, is the tipping point that led  to his passion for street photography. Photographing destruction and tragedy in his professional work, Brad turned to street photography as what he calls an “antidote” – a way to seek beauty and joy in everyday moments. His project “A Fragile Utopia” captures candid moments in New York and surrounding areas.  His photographic approach on the street is shaped by his studio photography background. Brad uses a methodical and intuitive approach to street photography, treating natural light like lighting he used in his studio work.  He uses consistent camera settings, often passing on shots that will not work with those settings. His work is recognizable by rich colors and moments of joy and connection.  His advice to other street photographers centers on simplification and intuition: keep technical aspects consistent, don’t overthink compositions, and trust your initial gut reactions. As he puts it, “photograph hot and edit cold” – capture with passion and emotion, then evaluate with objectivity later. Have a listen to my conversation with Brad, then be sure to read  Ashley Riffo’s feature article about Brad in the June issue Street Photography Magazine. Website Instagram

What makes a street photograph truly stand out? Is it the decisive moment, the composition, or the story it tells? In today’s episode, our guest David Herman and I explore these questions and more. David brings a unique perspective shaped by his background as a former professional photographer and his instinctive understanding of human interaction. David shares insights on how he finds connections in everyday scenes. As a top-level competitive tennis player, he reflexively anticipates moments before they happen to create powerful, storytelling images. David is drawn to street photography by the uniqueness of each shot. “Every picture I take, nobody else is ever going to take that picture,” he says. Unlike landscapes, where countless photographers capture similar scenes, street photography offers the thrill of capturing a truly original moment. He embraces the unpredictable nature of wandering the streets, free from the linear, rational structure of his professional life as an investment banker. This freedom allows him to see and capture the unexpected interactions that make street photography so compelling. David describes his signature style as capturing “linkage” between subjects and their surroundings. He seeks to connect seemingly unrelated elements within a single frame. This could be the interaction between two people, or the relationship between a subject and a billboard or background element. He’s not interested in simple portraits. Instead, he prefers the complex interplay of elements that create a story within the image. It’s about those fleeting moments of connection that most of us overlook. Despite David’s claim of not knowing what he’s going to shoot, his work reveals a disciplined approach. He explains that his experience as a tennis player has honed his ability to anticipate. In tennis, you have to anticipate your opponent’s moves. You have to predict where the ball will go and prepare your response in a split second. This translates directly to street photography. He sets his camera to a simple point-and-shoot mode (F8 at 1/500th of a second with auto ISO). This way, he doesn’t have to think about the technical aspects. He is ready to capture the action before it unfolds. “Just before the hug, just before the kiss, just before something is, is when I want to shoot,” he explains. He trusts his instincts and hopes the “photo gods” will align the shot. David acknowledges that luck plays a significant role in street photography. “The photo gods need to help you,” he says. Often, just as he’s about to capture a perfect moment, someone walks into the frame, or something unexpected ruins the shot. Despite careful anticipation and preparation, the success rate in street photography remains low. Capturing something meaningful requires the world to cooperate. It requires a combination of skill, anticipation, and a healthy dose of luck. David cites several photographers who have inspired his work, with Sam Abell as his primary influence. He admires Abell’s photography, teaching style, and overall philosophy. He even maintains a friendship with Abell. He values his insights on both photography and life. David discusses two distinct qualities in photographs: “striking power” and “staying power.” A striking photograph immediately grabs your attention. But a photograph with staying power has a deeper story. It has some suggestiveness or mystery that keeps you thinking about it long after you’ve seen it. He strives to combine both qualities in his work. He wants to create images that are not only visually compelling but also leave a lasting impression on the viewer. There is a lot more to unpack from my conversation with David about his approach to street photography that we can all learn from. So, take some quiet time to enjoy my conversation with David Herman Links from the show David’s Website Sam Abell

Many of you probably already know Larry Racioppo from his thoughtful column in our monthly newsletter, where he shares his unique perspective on photography. As a lifelong photographer, Larry has published several books, both independently and through established publishers. We’re excited to feature Larry as our featured photographer in the May 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine. Our editor Ashley Riffo and I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Larry to discuss his personal work and how it culminated in the publication of his magnum opus. Larry has a remarkable talent for capturing moments that others might overlook—from intimate family gatherings to vibrant street scenes across New York City. What makes his work truly special is his ability to reveal meaning in unexpected places, which shines through in his latest book, “Here Down on Dark Earth,” a title inspired by a line from Jack Kerouac’s poetry. This collection, published by Fordham University Press, explores profound themes of memory, mortality, and memorialization through photographs spanning decades of Larry’s career. Rather than limiting himself to a single style or subject, Larry embraces variety in his approach, using everything from 8×10 view cameras to cell phones. His powerful images include memorial walls in New York neighborhoods, family funerals, and religious iconography. What’s particularly inspiring about Larry is his long-term dedication to his craft. Many projects in his book developed over years or even decades, allowing him to document meaningful changes over time—like memorial murals slowly fading on city walls or the evolution of family gatherings at gravesites. During our conversation, Larry generously shares his experiences photographing the streets of New York, his process for compiling this comprehensive book, and the personal connections he’s made throughout his journey. His insights into the creative process reveal how photography can serve as a powerful means of preserving what truly matters in life. We invite you to enjoy our conversation with Larry Racioppo, a photographer whose work reminds us all to pay attention to the beauty and humanity that surrounds us in our everyday lives. Links from the show Larry’s Website Larry’s book: Here Down on Dark Earth Instagram

Ever wonder how some photographers capture those striking, perfectly composed street scenes? It’s not always about luck. Sometimes, it’s about seeing the world through the eyes of a graphic designer. In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, I chat with Gavin Libotte, an Australian street photographer and musician with a background in graphic design and fine art. Gavin shares his journey back into photography, his unique perspective on composition, and how he finds inspiration in everyday life. Gavin’s path to street photography wasn’t a straight line. He initially studied graphic design and fine art, learning darkroom techniques and film photography. This early training instilled in him a keen eye for composition and design elements. It was all about shapes, forms, and relationships within the frame. Life took him away from photography for a while after his gear was stolen. But, the spark was reignited years later through an unexpected connection. Teaching guitar to the son of renowned street photographer Markus Andersen opened a doorway back to his passion. Seeing Andersen’s work reignited Gavin’s love for capturing the world around him. This renewed passion led Gavin to pick up a camera again, starting with his phone and then a Ricoh GR2. He made it a daily practice to shoot, immersing himself in books and reconnecting with the visual aspects of his life. For Gavin, this was about balancing his long-standing musical pursuits with a visual outlet. When he’s out shooting, Gavin instinctively measures the relationships between objects, ensuring a balanced composition. If an image doesn’t feel right, he simply won’t post it. It’s this dedication to composition that sets his work apart. To refine his sequencing skills, Gavin sought advice from photographer Melissa O’Shaughnessy, who generously shared her process. She recommended studying the sequencing in Walker Evans’ “American Photographs” and Robert Frank’s “The Americans.” These books are renowned for their masterful visual storytelling. Evans’ and Frank’s work serve as excellent references for anyone looking to improve their sequencing. These books demonstrate how the order and arrangement of images can create a powerful and cohesive narrative, enhancing the viewer’s experience. Gavin is drawn to working with hard light, a technique he adapted after moving to Australia. Inspired by photographers like Ray K. Metzger, he uses harsh light and contrast to create striking images. Metzger’s use of black as a design element heavily influences Gavin’s style. Gavin’s journey highlights the importance of passion, resilience, and continuous learning in street photography. His graphic design background gives him a unique perspective on composition, while his experiences have taught him the value of perseverance. As Gavin says, “the doing of it, the practice, is more important than the result, in a way, because that is us living our lives, isn’t it?” Links from the show Gavin’s Website Instagram Gavin’s Book – Symphony Number Five

Steven Kushner, a retired rabbi turned observational street photographer, blends spirituality with artistry. He shares his journey from a Detroit congregation to capturing urban life in New Jersey. The conversation highlights how his rabbinical training enhances his ability to truly see and connect with subjects. He discusses the essence of observational photography, the beauty of candid moments, and the transition from analog to digital. Kushner emphasizes mindfulness in photography, revealing deeper meanings through eye contact and visual storytelling.

I’m pleased to share my recent chat with Daniel Sakheim. Dan is a television director and producer known for his work on shows like “True Detective,” “The Americans,” and “Better Call Saul” and he is also a very talented street photographer. I’ve been trying to get Dan on the podcast for a while, and I’m glad it finally worked out. We had a great conversation about his journey into photography, how his directing work influences his photographic vision, and his project, “City Unseen.” Key Takeaways Dan talked about how LA isn’t really recognized as a street photography hot spot like New York or London. But there’s a vibrant community there, especially within Julia Dean’s collective, which Dan co-directs. It’s inspiring to see artists driven by passion, documenting their city without much financial incentive. He mentioned LA is like a collection of cities, each with its own distinct vibe, offering endless opportunities for unique street shots. Behind the Scenes Dan also shared how he got into photography after the 2008 writer’s strike gave him time to explore a creative outlet. He audited classes at Art Center and struggled for six years before taking a photo he didn’t hate. I found that so relatable because sometimes the most rewarding things take time. He eventually found inspiration in downtown LA, drawn to the old movie palaces and their history, which led to his “City Unseen” project inspired by film noir. Dan shared was how “City Unseen” started with a photo, titled *Salaryman, *that he took in Tokyo. Walking around Shinjuku late at night, he captured a salaryman at a noodle shop, and it reminded him of classic noir films. He started watching every noir film and really getting into that style. The project has been exhibited in galleries in London, New York, and LA, and he’s working on turning it into a book. He talked about how he often scouts locations and does light studies like he would for a TV shoot. Then, he finds an interesting background and waits for something to unfold. For example, the tram shot at the Getty Center took five attempts to get right. We also got into the impact streaming has had on TV, with Dan giving his perspective on how it gives more freedom but also creates a lot of pressure. The Art of Seeing What Others Miss In a world that’s forgetting how to truly see, our new book “Where The Streets Lead” invites you to rediscover the overlooked beauty of ordinary streets. Curated by Ashley Riffo and Bob Patterson, featuring work from renowned photographers from around the globe. Learn More What’s Next Check out the full podcast to hear all of Dan’s insights and stories. If you haven’t seen his work, head over to his website danielsackheim.com or his Instagram @daniel.sackheim Links from the show Dan’s Website Instagram IMDB Julia Dean’s Street LA Collective Projecting LA

Join Pia Parolin, a multifaceted scientist, biologist, and photographer, as she delves into how personal stories can elevate street photography. She shares her poignant experiences capturing resilience after tragedy and reflects on the intimate journey with her daughter during adolescence. Pia emphasizes the power of genuine emotional connections in photography and the importance of curating personal narratives. With a nod to her impactful work and vulnerability, she highlights the beauty of turning personal challenges into universal art.

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.