Street Photography Magazine

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

Our guest this week is John M. Simpson the featured photographer in the of August 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine, who brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to street photography. A retired history professor and former military man, John’s journey into photojournalism began with a simple thought: “I can do a better job.” This led him down a path that included multiple embedments as a photojournalist in Iraq and Afghanistan during intense periods of conflict. John’s approach to photography is deeply personal and driven by a desire to tell important stories. His current focus is on documenting the lives of homeless individuals in Olympia, Washington. What sets John apart is his commitment to spending time with his subjects, getting to know them, and approaching his work with genuine respect and compassion. In our conversation, John shares insights from his experiences as an embedded photojournalist and how that informs his current work. He emphasizes the importance of building trust, getting close to subjects, and letting photographs come to him rather than actively hunting for shots. John’s work isn’t just about capturing images – it’s about shedding light on important social issues and giving a voice to those who are often marginalized. His passion for his subjects and his craft comes through clearly in our discussion. Whether you’re interested in street photography, photojournalism, or simply hearing from someone with a unique life story, I think you’ll find our conversation with John engaging and thought-provoking. Give the podcast a listen – I’m sure you’ll come away inspired by John’s dedication and perspective. Links from the show John’s work on Social Documentary Network

Our guest today is Brooklyn native, Gretchen Grace, a fascinating street photographer whose journey in photography began with a high school class that sparked her passion. since then she’s been capturing the street scenes of New York City for decades. Gretchen recently published a book called “Two Way Street” that showcases her unique vision. It’s an interesting mix of her classic black and white film work from the ’90s and early 2000s, alongside more recent color abstractions she’s been working on recently. This blend gives us a peek into how her style and perspective have evolved over time. What I really like about Gretchen is her ability to find those “moments of the everyday” – those little slices of life that might seem ordinary at first glance, but become something special upon looking deeper. She has a knack for spotting those in-between moments that tell a story all their own. Gretchen’s background in design has influenced her photographic eye, especially in her more recent abstract work. She describes these pieces as “photographic paintings.” Throughout our chat, Gretchen’s love for New York City and its endless parade of characters and moments is obvious. Whether she’s wandering familiar streets or exploring new corners of the city, her enthusiasm for capturing the essence of urban life is infectious. She continues to push the boundaries of her art, experimenting with new techniques and emphasizing human connection in seizing the “indecisive moments” that define her work. So join us as we explore the world streets of New York through Gretchen Grace’s eyes. Links from the show Gretchen’s Website Instagram Two Way Street

Russell Banks, the featured photographer in the July 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine, is a street photographer known for documenting life aboard cruise ships. His visual narratives about passengers and crew have allowed him to carve out a unique niche. Russell’s interest in photography began in childhood when capturing moments on film sparked a lifelong passion. This early fascination guided him through an education that started with an English major and evolved into photojournalism, allowing him to explore the combination of narrative and imagery. At the University of Texas in Austin, he had the opportunity to study under Garry Winogrand, who greatly influenced his personal style and approach, which is evident in his work today. Before presenting his work to the market, Russell attended esteemed portfolio review events like FotoFest in Houston. The feedback he received from publishers and photo editors confirmed the potential of his cruise ship project. So, he began showcasing his work to publications and galleries. His hard work resulted in a solo exhibit in Golden, Colorado, another at the Viewpoint Photographic Gallery in Sacramento, California, and a feature story in Street Photography Magazine. Russell also discusses the process of preparing his work for these exhibits, a task that requires meticulous attention to detail, from printing large-format images to handling shipping logistics – a process that is not inexpensive. As my business mentor once said years ago, “don’t wait for the phone to ring,” that’s a motto that Russell applies to promoting his own photography. He adeptly researches potential exhibition venues, identifies key contacts at publications, crafts personalized pitches, and maintains an active online presence. He approaches the business side of photography with the same dedication as his art. Segments 01:25 Early Photography JourneyExplore Russell’s early days with a camera, from childhood snapshots to his transition into more serious photography during his college years. Discover how his interest in literature and music influenced his path to street photography. 04:03 Influence of Gary WinograndDelve into Russell’s experience studying under Garry Winogrand at the University of Texas. Learn about the impactful teaching style of Winogrand and how it shaped Russell’s approach to photography. 06:40 Venturing into Cruise Ship PhotographyFollow Russell’s journey into using street photography techniques on cruise ships. Explore the challenges and unique opportunities of capturing moments in the quirky environment of a cruise ship. 12:12 Developing a PortfolioDiscover how Russell evolved from capturing images to curating a portfolio of his cruise ship photography. Learn about his process of selecting and presenting his work for exhibitions and reviews. 18:08 FotoFest ExperienceJoin Russell on his transformative experience at FotoFest in Houston. Explore the valuable feedback and insights he gained from industry experts and how it accelerated his artistic progression. 25:15 Preparation and PresentationMeticulous preparation and presentation techniques Russell employed for FotoFest. Learn about the importance of being well-prepared and organized when showcasing your work to reviewers. 59:00 Preparing for Solo ExhibitionsRussell Banks shares his experience developing a portfolio and entering exhibitions, leading up to his decision to pursue solo shows. He discusses the process of refining his work, submitting to various exhibitions, and finally landing opportunities for solo exhibitions. 01:00:03 Navigating the Logistics of ExhibitingRussell delves into the practical aspects of preparing and shipping prints for exhibitions. He shares insights on matting, packaging, and shipping large prints, highlighting the challenges and considerations involved in showcasing artwork in different venues. Links from the show Russell’s Website Floating World – Street Photography Magazine article by Russell Instagram

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