Street Photography Magazine

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

Johan Jehlbo, an award-winning Swedish photographer renowned for his flash techniques and the book "Stranger Than Fiction," shares his journey through street photography. He discusses his passion for capturing rural markets in Sweden and the evolution of his artistic style. Johan explores the ethical dilemmas of photographing strangers and the significance of candid moments, emphasizing the joy of spontaneity. He also reflects on the collaborative spirit within the Full Frontal Flash collective and the technical nuances of using flash to enhance storytelling.

Bal Bhatla, aka Mr. Whisper, is a London-based commercial photographer renowned for his stunning nighttime street photography, blending art with brand collaborations. He shares his creative journey from a digital director to a sought-after photographer and discusses the nuances of capturing candid moments under low light. Bal provides practical tips on camera settings and the importance of using natural light. He also delves into balancing artistic integrity with commercial work and the cultural significance of his newly released book, "London After Dark."

Karlynne Wintels, a talented photographer from the Netherlands, shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to passionate photography. She explores the evolution of her craft in Singapore, emphasizing the beauty of candid, everyday moments. Karlynne discusses the transformative impact of photography workshops and her shift from color to monochrome styles. She also touches on the complexities of capturing personal stories while navigating privacy concerns in family photography, all while reflecting on her upcoming homecoming.

Today on the Street Photography Magazine podcast, we have a fascinating guest who I met in an unusual way – Lynne McPeake, a retired graphic designer and photographer from the Peak District in the UK. I first crossed paths with Lynne during my travels to Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the Scottish Shetland Islands early this summer. It was in Shetland – inspired by the TV show “Shetland” – that I stumbled upon the Shetland Museum & Archives in the town of Lerwick showcasing Lynne’s 1971 documentary-style photography of dock workers. Her work was so compelling, it led to our conversation that you will hear on this episode. Lynne’s journey into photography started with a simple Kodak Brownie camera she received at age eleven. From there, she honed a unique artistic approach by blending her love for drawing and photography. She’s experimented with movement and multiple exposures, bringing a dynamic edge and painterly style to her photos. During the Covid pandemic, Lynne found herself diving into old black and white negatives, which caught the attention of her friend Colin Smith and photographer who showed the work to the Family History Society in Shetland. This sparked the idea for an exhibition featuring Lynne’s work about local subjects. With support from Smith, and local fine-art printer Lynne creates a display of 18 framed images for her one-woman exhibit at the museum. As a result of the exhibition Lynne has reconnected with subjects from her old photos, like a 71-year-old former dock worker reminiscing about his crane-operating days. Throughout our chat, Lynne shares her artistic journey, touching on everything from her time in art college to her recent experiments with intentional camera movement (ICM) and an inspiring online course with photographer Charlotte Bellamy. She’s got some exciting projects lined up, including an exhibition in Derbyshire titled “A Different Point of View,” where her photos will be showcased alongside a friend’s paintings. Lynne believes in the power of drawing to enhance observational skills, which translates beautifully into her street photography. Lynne’s insights and experiences demonstrate that old work never dies. Give the show a listen to learn from her passion and creativity. A selection of Lynne’s work Links from the show Lynne’s Instagram Shetland Museum & Archives