Street Photography Magazine

Kenneth Wajda, a commercial and editorial photographer from Colorado, enjoys making street portraits in his spare time. His outgoing and friendly nature helps him approach strangers for permission to take their portraits. His secret weapon? A classic Rolleiflex TLR camera, which he describes as the perfect icebreaker. Kenneth has written an article about his experience with the Rolleiflex camera for Street Photography Magazine, set to appear in the June 2024 issue on Sunday, June 23. In today’s discussion, Kenneth shares his approach to street portraiture using the Rolleiflex and Ilford HP 5 film, his settings for different lighting conditions, and his preference for shooting in sunlight. He stresses the importance of engaging with people on the street, sharing experiences from various locations like flea markets and small towns. A key insight from our conversation is Kenneth’s mantra, “The muse exists, but she has to find you working.” This means that inspiration will come when you start working. Kenneth, also involved in movie production, uses a copy stand and a Nikon DSLR to photograph negatives for digital use, finding this method more effective than dedicated scanners. Kenneth recently founded the Rolleiflexers Collective to showcase the work of photographers documenting street life with the Rolleiflex camera. The group aims to share their work and inspire each other. He strongly believes in the value of meetups, events, and competitions as platforms for photographers to showcase their work and build community. Kenneth also emphasizes the importance of printing your work and finding ways to publish it, even if it means self-publishing through a zine or book. Quick crappy snapshot by Bob Patterson Links from the show Kenneth’s Website Rolleiflexers Collective Kenneth’s Street Photos

Ave Pildas is a living legend in the world of street photography. Now 84 years old and based in Santa Monica, California, his career spans over six decades of capturing images that document the human experience. Pildas’ journey began in humble circumstances – by his own account, he was “a juvenile delinquent at 16” growing up in Cincinnati. However, he discovered a passion and a gift for artistic expression graphic design, then photography. Early in his career Ave embarked on a project to visually chronicle the jazz scene of the 1960s. He developed an innovative approach, gifting musicians with prints of his photos in exchange for access to intimately document legends like Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Nina Simone performing at clubs. His timeless black and white portraits from this era demonstrated Ave’s ability to transcend being a mere observer. But he didn’t rest on the laurels of his jazz photographs. Ave’s insatiable curiosity prompted him to constantly experiment with new techniques over the decades. He used a tripod-mounted camera at a fixed location with a remote trigger to capture sequences on the street. He also crafts unusual studio setups and uses flash in low-light environments on the street do document gay pride and Halloween celebrations over the years. lighting sources, and even deconstructing and re-assembling. Each new approach allowed Ave to express a unique perspective. Ave’s dedication to his craft is matched by his generosity of spirit. He continues tirelessly documenting vibrant communities like the drum circle in LA’s Leimert Park, often gifting cherished prints to his subjects. A recent documentary titled “Ave’s America” produced and directed by his former photography student Patrick Taulère provides insight into his process and passion for using photography to open our eyes to communities most of us rarely interact with. The film is currently available on Amazon Prime Video and soon to be available on PBS. I watched the film as soon as it was released and although I’ve known Ave sor several years I learned so much by watching him interact with all types of people on the streets. The way he connects with others helped me understand that deep down we are all alike. Don’t miss this one. At an age when most have long settled into retirement, Ave Pildas still chases his muse daily on the streets seeking new ways to express himself. Links from the show Ave’s Website Ave’s America documentary on Amazon Prime Instagram Ave’s Book, Starstruck

In today’s episode I speak with, Swedish musician and photographer Johan Otterdahl who discusses his unique approach to photography, which includes using one camera and lens for an entire year. Our rambling conversation spans a range of topics, from his upcoming trip to photograph an eclipse in Finnmark, Norway in September, to his artistic background in music and how it parallels with his photography style, emphasizing diversity, improvisation, and the importance of evolving artistically. Johan also shares insights into the challenges of making a living in creative fields, the significance of engaging with subjects, especially in street photography, and the impact of modern technology like the Instax printer on his work. Our conversation extends to broader photography practices within the Ocoloy collective, focusing on the creative benefits of limiting oneself to specific equipment to foster growth and creativity. Discussions include technical preferences, such as the Fuji X-E1 and X100 series cameras, and the mental health benefits of photography. Johan highlights the influence of Swedish photographer Anders Petersen had on modern street photography. Petersen is known for his documentation of Hamburg’s red light district in the sixties. His work is currently exhibited at the Hasselblad Foundation in Gothenburg. We also discuss the process of printing photographs for galleries, the utility of website platforms like Squarespace for showcasing work, and the importance of receiving feedback on creative content. Before we wrap up by making reference to other notable photographers such as Gerard Exupery and Greg Girard, discussions about upcoming projects, song recommendations, and website updates, and the interconnectedness of the creative process across different mediums and the continuous search for unique perspectives and moments in photography. Johan’s Website The Ocoloy Collective Anders Petersen Greg Girard

Los Angeles-base street photographer, Richard Smith, is the featured photographer in the May 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine. Through Rick’s work he expresses his love for his hometown’s diverse cultures, historical architecture, and the unexpected surprises of city life. One of his favorite spots is Union Station, where he often spends time capturing the beauty of the historic structure and its people. During our conversation he remembers his friendship with Don Young, a volunteer at the station, whose interactions with people and the emotion-filled moments they sparked became the subject of some of his memorable photos. Rick’s passion for visual storytelling began in junior high, dreaming of becoming a TV director. He studied film, worked in the industry, but found his true calling in photography. His filmmaking background has significantly influenced his photography techniques and style. Rick also shares his knowledge as a photography teacher, emphasizing patience and practical examples as essential teaching tools. Rick shares some insightful tips for aspiring street photographer by encouraging anticipation, patience, and observation. Street photography for Rick is not just about creativity, but also about mindfulness, presence, and learning from mistakes. It’s an embodiment of happiness in his life. Links from the show Rick’s Website Rick’s Facebook

In this episode, UK-based photographer, Bob Patefield, shares his lifelong passion for street photography, from his early fascination with cameras to encounters and collaborations. He tells us about his experience of being unjustly stopped by police while documenting an incident during Christmas near a British National Party event, which led to an 8-hour detainment without charges. Despite these challenges, Bob remains dedicated to the craft, reflecting on his equipment preferences and expressing curiosity about other models. His journey intertwines with notable interactions, including a surprise connection with the late great Glenn Capers over Skype, which evolved into a close friendship. Glenn became an inspiration to Bob through his kindness, friendship, and sense of fun. During their lengthy video calls, they shared favorite photos and discussed camera gear into the wee hours of the night. Bob said, “I consider myself incredibly privileged to have met and shared all that time with him.” Bob was heavily influenced by the themes of social justice, as seen in Capers’ project that depicts a janitor as Superman in solidarity with underpaid teachers. This led to his own story about property tax protests linked to the Freeman movement. These projects underscore Bob’s engagement with societal issues and the complexities of capturing such moments. He also touches upon the importance of ethics in street photography, a new project aimed at raising awareness about child abuse, and the therapeutic potential of focusing on simpler subjects like dogs. Bob shares plenty of practical advice, including his recommendation to print and display your work, and highlights the value of having a community of photographers who admire and learn from each other’s work. A selection of Bob Patefield’s personal street photographs A selection of Bob’s favorite street photos made by his friend Glenn Capers Throughout their friendship Bob Patefield and Glenn Capers shared and evaluated each other’s work. Bob asked that we use this space to show some Glenn’s photos that had the most impact on him. All of the photos below are ©Glenn Capers. Links from the show Bob’s 500px Bob’s Flickr Freedom-Minded – Bob’s Recent article in Street Photography Magazine Video of Bob’s arrest for the crime of Street Photography Expressions of Burnley – 100 Portraits Project Farmer Ken – Dry Stone Wall Repair Bob’s Peaceful Parenting Project Video SPM Podcast Episode 001 Interview with Glenn Capers

Penelope James, a Dallas-based fundraiser and street photographer, shares her captivating journey from novice to unique artist. She discusses how her love for urban spontaneity evolved through her experiences in London and Paris. Her self-portrait project during the pandemic merged surreal cloud photography with personal expression, exploring authenticity in her art. Penelope reflects on the creative process, emphasizing the emotional connections she forms through her lens and the joys and challenges of her artistic evolution.

In Street Photography Magazine, we publish many personal projects and discuss them with photographers on the podcast. In this episode, I had an opportunity to speak with street photographer Valérie and writer (and photographer) Gina Williams about their collaboration on one of the most creative projects I’ve seen in a long time. Gina, a very talented writer, photographer, and artist, attended one of Valérie’s Paris workshops several years ago where they became friends. Several times over the years, they discussed a collaboration where Gina would create fictional vignettes inspired by subjects in a selection of Valérie’s street photos. Last year, they made it a reality. Valérie gave Gina access to her archive to choose photos that resonated with her. That in and of itself was a challenge because Valérie has a huge archive of very powerful street images. Some stories came to her instantly while others marinated in the back of her mind, only to be revealed while she was gardening or taking a walk. The result is an ebook titled Street Stories. It’s a collection of about 50 of Valérie’s street photos. Each photo with its vignette is depicted in a short chapter. The chapter opens with a title, assigned by Gina, on its own page followed by the photo on another with the page on the next page. This format can get very expensive in a printed book but works well in an ebook. We’ve reproduced one of my favorite stories from the book in the show notes of this episode to give you an example of what Gina and Valérie created. The title is Resistance. This type of book is best consumed a few chapters at a time rather than in long sittings. I imported my copy of the book into the Kindle app on my iPad. It gives me the ability to move between pages by sliding the screen right to left just like any book on the app. That way, I can glide through the images and titles and stop on whatever catches my attention. Each time, I’ve come away with new inspiration. Valérie’s strong images combined with Gina’s imagination and mastery of the language is a magical combination. Street Stories costs only $12.00, and Valérie has offered our listeners a $2.00 discount (so it’s only 10 bucks) by using the code SPM on checkout. In the meantime, give the podcast a listen. I know you’ll be inspired by their story. Here’s a sample chapter from Street Stories RESISTANCE I can hear their voices and feel their spirits in the wind when I visit this place. The horror. Fear. Desperation. Determination. Bravery. My father was on this beach in the summer of 1944. A resistance fighter, he guided the Americans to a river crossing, then helped stand guard over German prisoners as they cleared the beach of obstacles and brutal tangles of barbed wire. He didn’t talk much about it after the war—none of them did. But I can feel their presence here. Every gust of wind feels like youth leaving the body and I want to push it back like a rescue breath, return to them what they lost. Places like this hold memories forever. Now, the message of peace is peace itself. Lovers strolling arm-in-arm. Tourists sipping cocktails. Children splashing about and making castles in the once dangerous sand. No matter the weather, I let it chill me. I never cover my head or button my coat. I want to feel the cold air in my bones until it hurts. I scoop up a bit of soft sand and let it fall through my fingers, each grain a reminder of someone who sacrificed everything for the freedom I now enjoy. And then I look to the horizon, watch the storm clouds swirl in the distance, and offer a humble prayer of gratitude and remembrance. Links from the show Street Stories Download Use Discount code: SPM Valérie’s Website Gina’s Primary Website Gina’s Photography and Art Website Valerie’s Instagram Gina’s Instagram

Gerald Marie-Nelly, affectionately known as Mister Geez, is the featured photographer in the March 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine. During our conversation in this episode he invites us into his world of visual storytelling. Mister Geez’s photographic journey is a combination of personal growth and artistic discovery. His transition from the sun-kissed shores of Martinique to the bustling streets of London is a story that resonates with anyone who has ever dared to dream beyond their horizon. Gerard opens up about finding solace in photography after the loss of his mother. It is a reminder of the healing power of art. His book “Inner Child Playground” is more than just a collection of images; it’s an invitation to view London through the fresh eyes of a child. Street Photography Magazine subscribers can an excerpt of his book in the December 2023 issue. What sets Mister Geez apart is not just his exceptional eye for detail but his commitment to community. He shares his craft by teaching photography to the homeless, helping them find their own voice through the language of imagery. Gerard also pays homage to the greats who have shaped his vision. He expresses admiration for documentary photography icons like Sebastião Salgado and Eugene Smith, whose works have influenced his approach to capturing reality. He dives deep into the meticulous process of curating a body of work for publication. Selecting and sequencing photos is a delicate dance that can make or break a narrative. During our conversation Gerard discusses his technique of using inexpensive prints to sort, compare and sequence photos for publication. Our conversation underscores the tangible joy of physical prints, the intricacies of layout design, and the struggle with technical dilemmas like color casts in printing. Gerard’s story is a reminder of the tactile relationship between photographer and photograph, in an age dominated by digital. Links from the show Mr Geez Website Instagram YouTube

Explore the unique blend of math, art, and street photography with Marco Campi, capturing emotion through numbers. From documenting Venice's flood issues to pandemic experiences in Milan, his work challenges us to find beauty in complexity.

In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, photographer the featured photographer in the February 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine, discussed his 30-year exploration of street photography shooting on Mass Avenue in Boston and his shift from traditional photography to using a mobile phone. He emphasized the importance of feedback and critique in the photographic process, which was the inspiration to create The Crit House, his YouTube channel dedicated to providing creative guidance and feedback to photographers. Jeff reflects on the challenges and benefits of receiving constructive criticism and the value of having a trusted community for sharing work and feedback. Additionally, he shares insights into lessons from his career in broadcasting and his unique experiences with street and landscape photography using an iPhone, including nighttime shoots and long exposures to capture the moon’s motion. Larson also recounts the influence of critiques on his work, noting his experience exhibiting in the Smith Gallery in Johnson City, Texas. Exploring genres beyond street photography, Larson detailes his landscape project and encounters with wildlife during early morning shoots. Jeff encourages listeners to engage with his content available on YouTube, Instagram, and his personal website, and his published book, Sonder which is a compilation of his street photography over the past 30 years. Links from the Show The Crit House – Jeff’s YouTube Channel Jeff’s Website Sonder – Jeff’s Book Instagram