Street Photography Magazine

Every photographer I’ve ever met strives to improve and have others appreciate their work. An important part of that is receiving honest and thoughtful feedback about what you did right and what you can do better. But good feedback can be very hard to find. For this reason, we decided to dedicate one podcast episode each month as an Evaluation Show critique show. And today is our very first one. Each Evaluation Show will feature one photographer who submits three images for review. During the program Ashley Hunsberger, editor of SPM, and I will take turns giving our own individual evaluations of each photo. The photographer will be asked to join us as we discuss what we like, and what we don’t like and what we suggest (if anything). This is brand-new for us so and we’re excited to learn where it takes us. Our first evaluation participant is Jake Metzger from Christchurch, New Zealand. Jake contacted me several weeks ago to ask me I evaluate his portfolio. Instead, I invited him to submit three of his photos to be evaluated on the podcast. He jumped at the chance. Jake is a very talented street photographer who working to be a photojournalist. He’s already doing some excellent work and he’s eager to do better. Although there’s an 18 hour time difference between we were able to work it out so that could join us live during the recording. And I’m glad he did. We had a very lively conversation about his images and photography in general. Where to find Jake Website Facebook Instagram Kathmanu Ashley’s Comments First impressions: City feels big, eyes drawn upwards with the buildings makes me feel small. The subject is a bit mysterious – body mostly obscured by his sack of who knows what. This feels very documentary/journalistic and I like it for that. And props to catching Kathmandu so deserted, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shot with so few people. Without the crowds, I feel like I’m seeing a real part of the city. Love the way the man is stepping too. Something about it…This one has a timeless, classic quality it could’ve been taken 50 years ago. The story I see is one of the hard work and sometimes tough lives of everyday people in Kathmandu. So often you see the mystical crowded city, but this to me is more real, a moment most tourists would miss as they walk the streets with their tourist eye. Bob’s Comments Although this photograph was taken on a very narrow street Jake chose to crop it a bit on each side. This helps the view feel the sense of being confined to a tight space. I also like how he captured the subject just as he steps from the shadows into the light. The only thing the that doesn’t work in the photograph is the truck just ahead of the subject. It’s the same dark tone the same as the subject’s head which causes it to blend into the truck. This makes him much less prominent in the frame because it prevents him from being isolated from the lighter background. This causes the viewer’s eyes to move up the page beyond the subject and focus on the buildings farther down the street. Little things can make a big difference. Of course Jake had no control over the situation. Had he waited for the truck to move away, the subject would have done so as well. Melbourne 1 Bob’s Comments Jake shot this photo using a film camera for the very first time. That’s no small feat after leaving the comfort of the digital world. I really like how he shot this wide-open blurring the people on the sidewalk in the background. I also like how he captured the joyous expression on his subject’s face. Another second before after and he would’ve missed it. But I kept noticing how my eyes would travel from the main subject to the man on the right who is closer to the camera and slightly out of focus. Then my eyes would travel back to the smiling man. But had that man not been in the picture, it would have been a weaker shot. Jake could have increased the depth of field by stopping down to keep both men in focus, but then the background would be sharper as well. As with everything else in photography (and life) it was a tradeoff. Ashley’s Comments First Impressions: This image is a positive take on the streets and real life. It’s refreshing. What I am drawn to is the human interaction here. When I look at this image I feel connected with its subjects. I feel like humanity is in general good. I like the composition. The blurred man in front blurred subjects in background lend to the rule of thirds and the fact that subjects go big to small lead my eye through the scene from right to left. To improve: I think I would have liked to see these guys with a cleaner background, they are such interesting subjects. But hey, this is street photography and you can’t always control the background, you worked with what was there and I love the result. Jaipur Ashley’s Comments First impressions: Beautiful colors here, but to me there’s a story here too – and one that is not so surreal – one of seeing beauty when forced to live in the elements and perhaps in poverty. The rich green plant life and humidity eating away at the walls contrasts with the brightly painted walls and the woman’s sari. It’s as if harsh living conditions are trying to eat away the beauty. I like how the woman’s sari contrasts with the wall but her skirt blends with the grass – interesting. The contrast in size between the boy and the woman makes for an intriguing visual point too. He looks so small crouched like that. It appears he is using the bathroom – a common sight here in Bolivia and if so I’d say it just adds to the contrast between beautiful colors and strong people with difficult living conditions. Bob’s Comments There is a lot to like about this photograph. The colors are strong and the contrast of the woman sari against the green wall is striking. It’s almost a textbook implementation of the Golden spiral with the child’s rear end at the focal point. This image gives us a strong sense of place with no mistaking that the photograph was taken somewhere in India. It raises questions about the woman. Did she react to the child using the front porch is a toilet as she walked by, or did she just ignore is just another day in the neighborhood? Jake says he took the photograph mainly because of the colors, but he caught much more than that. It’s always nice to have a happy accident. Well done.

Do you often feel stuck in a rut with your photography? After spending a day shooting do you come back at photos look the same as all the others that you’ve done in the past? Are you looking for a way to improve your photography to find your vision? Often times the answer is using a different part of your brain. Photographer Ed Walker, who was featured in the October 2016 issue of Street Photography Magazine, tells us he turned the corner by writing about his work. That’s because the act of writing helps us crystalize our thoughts and filters out the less important information.  This cause us to identify and focus on what’s most important.   Here’s a  link to Ed’s blog to see an example of how he does it: http://www.edwalkerphotography.com/blog/. The big question most people have is, “how do I do this?” Ashley and I created a simple photography writing framework that you can use to guide you in writing about your own work.   Photography Writing Framework Take a group of five recent photos or a collection of photos from a project and write one paragraph that answers each of the questions below. Take your time.  Put it away for a day or two, then sit down and revise it. What are you doing? Why are you doing it? What were your expectations at the beginning? What obstacles did you face (or are you facing)? How did you overcome them (if at all)? What was the end result (if you’re finished) How do you feel about it? What have you learned from the experience? What was your  biggest surprise? What are you going to do new as a result? What will you stop doing or will change as a result? If you like the results of your writing then submit the copy and photos to  Street Photography Magazine to be considered for publication.  Send the text and images(1024px on the long side) to bob@streetphotgraphymagazine.com. Links From the Show Miami Street Photography Festival Schedule Ed Walker Photography Blog SPM Podcast Interveiw with Glenn Capers Glenn Capers on Behance Glenn Capers on 500px

Inside Santa Maria della Scala, Siena Italy ©2016 Gina Williams Portland Oregon based writer, Gina Williams, has been on a personal journey to reinvent yourself as a journalist and photographer. That journey has taken her to Europe three times in less than a year, most recently to attend the Siena international Photography Awards in Siena, Italy. I had an opportunity to speak with Gina after she returned from Italy where we talked about her experiences both in Siena and in Paris. She says her biggest take away from that trip is the fact that not only do you need to feed your body you need to feed your soul as well. Although that was only part of her conversation really struck home for me. It is why we use that as the title for this episode of the podcast. I also share my experiences attempting to photograph the super moon this week plus I take back some of the good things I said about Google Photos in a previous episode. Here are a few other photos from Gina Williams’ trip to Siena and Paris Copyright @2016 Gina Williams Siena Sunrise, Copyright @2016 Gina Williams Copyright @2016 Gina Williams Copyright @2016 Gina Williams

Cross by IvakOur Flickr group photo of the month . Let’s face it street photography in small towns can be a challenge on even the best days. Modern life is driven much of the foot traffic from the interior of small towns to big box stores and strip malls and outlying areas. Photos of people driving on the street are not particularly interesting. In today’s episode Ashley and I discuss some ways small-town Street photographers can find interesting subjects and projects to keep the juices flowing. This month were beginning a new feature which is our Flickr group photo of the month. Our winner this month is a photo titled Cross by Ivak.   we like this photo because of its simplicity and strong composition. Congratulations to Ivak who will receive a free one year’s subscription to the web version of Street Photography Magazine.  You can see more of  Ivak’s work on his Flickr Photostream and Instagram account. We also talk a little bit about Google’s new pixel phone with its highly reviewed camera as well as how you can use Google Photos to make easier to manage and find your images. Finally, be sure to check out the website and photographs of GMB Akash one of Ashley’s favorite photographers. You won’t be disappointed. Links From the Show Flickr Photo of the Month – Cross by Ivak Ivak on Instagram Google Photos SIPA Contest Winners GMB Akash Website GMB Akash Videos  

Do you ever feel like you’re not getting to shoot on the street as much as you would like and still want to exercise your street photography muscles?  Or do you wonder if there’s a way to make money doing street photography? A street photography style  can be used in many other types of photography to give  you a unique style or point of view.  Today Ashley and I speak with international street photographer Valerie Jardin about how to apply your street skills to other photography genres.  She tells us about how many  photographers are using the unique street approach in advertising, weddings and other events.   Links From the Show Valerie Jardin Photography Hit The Streets Podcast iTunes Link Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond by Valerie Jardin A Selection of Recent Street Photos by Valerie Click any image to open the gallery  

In this episode of the podcast Ashley and I discuss how you can find some resources to receive quality feedback about your street photographs. Street photography can be a pretty lonely artform, and if you do it alone and don’t seek constructive criticism from others, you’re less likely to improve your work. Fortunately there are many good forums in which to post your work for others to review and critique. But you won’t get help from others unless you participate and provide feedback on other photographers work. See the links below to visit the sites we discussed in the podcast. The September Issue of street photography magazine is now available and we spend a few minutes discussing some of the highlights of this month’s issue. In particular don’t miss my interview with documentary photographer Keith Danna Miller. He’s an American living in Mexico City who has a very interesting story to share. Links From the Show Keith Dannemiller Links Photosptiembre USA Lenscratch Mexico City Streets Blog Links for our Updates Send us your feedback and requests Robert Fisher’s Street Photography Series Ahsley’s Feedback Site Recommendations Grit and Grain Street Crit Street Snappers Street Critique Bob’s Feedback Site Recommendations Fred Miranda dot com City, Street & Architecture FujiX-Forum.com  Critique Forum Fickr – Critique Group  Flickr – Truly Constructive Criticism Group

In this episode of our podcast Ashley Hunsberger and I discuss some things you can do to help you feel more comfortable when photographing strangers on the street. This is the number one concern among street photographers. We also talk about a new workshop Harvey Stein has coming up in India, Len Speier’s gallery opening in Manhattan and Michael Ernest Sweet’s upcoming lecture at B&H Photo in New York about the making of a photography book. Our recommended photographer this week is Margarita Mavromichalis. It was my turn to pick so I was pleased to be able to talk about one of my very favorite street photographers in her very personal style. Here’s one of my favorite photos of hers:   Am I Dreaming by Margarita Mavromichalis   Stories Discussed Street Photography Magazine August Issue – Web Version Street Photography Magazine August Issue – iOS Version (click this in your iPhone or iPad) SPM Flickr Group Margarita Mavromichalis Lesvos Article in Street Photography Magazine – Web Version in Issue 32  Margarita Mavromichalis Lesvos Article in Street Photography Magazine – iOS Version in Issue 32 (click this in your iOS device) Interview with Margarita Mavromichalis – Issue 17 – Web Version Interview with Margarita Mavromichalis – Issue 17 – iOS Version Margarita Mavromichalis Website How to submit SPM Gallery photos through Flickr Harvey Stein Website Michael Ernest Sweet The Making of a Photography Book B&H Photo Event Space Seminars Brussels Street Photography Festival

Tomash with his Fuji XPro2 UPDATE:  We just learned that there was an audio problem with the Tomash interview in the original version of the podcast.  We were able to correct the problem and it now sounds very good.  Many thanks to our listener Jan for pointing it out. Hey street shooters! We’ve got a brand new podcast ready for your listening pleasure. This time Ashley Hunsberger (editor of SPM) joins me to talk about the latest in street photography events and what’s going on with Street Photography Magazine. We also interviewed Tomash of the FujiLove Magazine,  website and podcast – a really interesting guy. Listen in to hear about a special photowalk in Cleveland hosted by SPM, which was held during the Republican National Convention. You’ll also learn how you can get published in the magazine or have your work featured on our Instagram feed or blog. We’ll let you know about a few upcoming competitions, festivals and workshops and you’ll even get to know Nathan Goldenzweig – a street photographer you should definitely check out. Links From the Show FujiLove Website Tomash’s Personal Photography Website Street Photography Magazine Instagram Miami Street Photography Festival Nathan Goldenzweig EyeEM Awards  Shortlist Urban 2016 Photo Awards Lens Culture Street Photography Awards Street Photography Magazine – Covering Life on the Streets of the Republican National Convention  Street Photography Magazine – SPM Street Photo Gallery  Street Photography Magazine –  Tips for Creating Photo Project Articles   

Portland Oregon based photographer and journalist, Gina Williams, visited the London photo Expo in May and took some extra time to do some street shooting of her own in London and Paris. In the process Gina wrote an article about her experience which will appear in the June issue of street photography magazine. Gina took some time out of her busy schedule to talk to me about her experience at the show as well as her experience attending a street photo workshop with But to explain some more about her experience Gina spent some time with me discussing the Expo and her experience earlier this year while attending a street photography workshop in Paris with Valerie Jardin earlier this year. You can hear Gina’s interview on this edition of the Street Photography Magazine podcast. Don Mcullin at Photo London © 2016 Gina Williams   New Street Photography Gallery Featuring SPM Flickr Group Members This month we are starting a new monthly feature on our website called the SPM street photography gallery. Each month we will feature a number of images from members of our Flickr group that best represent a particular category of street photography. For example this month’s category is Lines. The first edition of SPM street photography gallery will be published next week, so keep an eye on the website. Join or visit the Street Photography Magazine Flickr group today. Republican National Convention Photo Walk On July 20 I will be hosting a street photography photo walk in Cleveland Ohio during the Republican national convention. Because this is the first time were doing this going to limit attendance to a maximum of five photographers. We will spend the day shooting on the streets around the city and convention venues.  Afterwards we’ll get together to discuss our favorite photos some of which will be selected to be used in a photo story about our experience which will be published in the magazine. I expect that it’s going to be total chaos on the North Coast (that’s what we call the Cleveland area) that week so this one is not for the faint of heart. If you are interested send an email to me and include “Republican National Convention” in the subject line. Space is limited to the first five people to submit their request.  Attendees will be contacted with the time and location. New Street Photography eBooks Valerie Jardin : Street Photography: First Steps and Beyond Daniel Hoffmann: Street Photography – A Day In New York

Harvey Stein has been shooting in the streets of New York for over 40 years. To borrow a quote from George Jones, Harvey was street photography when street photography wasn’t cool. In the process Harvey became an educator, curator and published author. In fact he’s published five books about street photography, including a trilogy about specific neighborhoods in New York. The first in the trilogy is Coney Island: 40 Years, 1970-2010 published in 2011, followed two years later by Harlem Street Portraits and rounded out this month by his latest book Briefly Seen which is an up close study of the busy and chaotic streets of New York’s business districts, Midtown and Downtown Manhattan. Harvey was kind enough to spend time with me to discuss his new book, the trilogy and everything else he’s up to (which is quite a lot) this year. We’ve also included a selection of photos from Briefly Seen which you can see in the gallery below. Click anywhere within the gallery block to view the images individually. A Selection of Images from Briefly Seen Click any image to open gallery. Show Notes and Links Harvey’s Website F-Stop Magazine Review of Briefly Seen New York Times article about Briefly Seen Brroklyn Museum of Art Coney Island Exhibit featuring Harvey’s work McNay Museum in San Antonio, Texas – the next stop for the Coney Island exhibit See Harvey’s photos at: Umbrella Arts June Bateman Fine Art