Street Life

Send us a textIn this episode of the Street Life podcast, we had the immense pleasure of speaking with internationally renowned photographer Greg Girard. With a career spanning over four decades, Greg has masterfully documented the social and physical transformations of cities across Asia, particularly in urban centers like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo. His atmospheric images capture the delicate balance between modernity and memory, light and shadow, presence and disappearance.Join us for this enlightening discussion with Greg Girard, a true master of urban photography, as we explore the intersections of culture, memory, and the art of capturing life in the streets.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of street photography with our guest, Sharon Eilon, an Israeli-based street and documentary photographer. Sharon's journey into photography is both inspiring and transformative, stemming from a severe health crisis that led her to seek healing in India. During her time there, she discovered her passion for photography, which has since blossomed into a significant part of her life.During our conversation with Sharon, we explore her unique perspective on street photography, particularly her ongoing project titled Leap of Faith, which focuses on the ultra-Orthodox Jewish neighbourhoods in Israel. Sharon discusses how her curiosity about faith and community drives her work, and she shares her experiences in gaining access to these communities and establishing trust with her subjects.Sharon also touches on her project Women of Valour, which highlights the often-overlooked roles of women in various religious communities. We delve into the challenges she faces while photographing women in these conservative settings and how she navigates the complexities of cultural sensitivities.Throughout the episode, we discuss the technical aspects of photography, including the importance of storytelling, composition, and the balance between candid and posed shots. Sharon emphasises that a strong photograph conveys a story, and we reflect on how our own experiences shape our photographic journeys.We also touch on Sharon's recent trip to Myanmar, where she explored the lives of Buddhist nuns. She shares her motivations for choosing this project and the challenges she faced while working in a politically sensitive environment.Finally, we wrap up the episode by discussing the importance of constructive criticism in photography and how to navigate the often overwhelming world of social media. Sharon's insights remind us that while praise and criticism can be fleeting, the true value of our work lies in the stories we tell and the connections we make.Join us for this engaging episode filled with laughter, inspiration, and a deep dive into the art of street photography.Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St dive into an exciting discussion about John's recent achievement of becoming an official Fujifilm collaborator. John shares the journey that led him to work with Fujifilm, starting with an email he received in December inviting him to collaborate on a project involving the GFX100RF camera. Throughout the episode, John recounts the challenges he faced while shooting with the GFX100RF, including the restrictions on recognisable faces and commercial elements in his street photography. He describes the intense two-week shooting period where he captured around 8,000 images, all while adhering to the commercial brief. Mark and John discuss the technical aspects of the camera, including its build quality, image sharpness, and usability for street photography, with John expressing his admiration for the GFX100RF despite its niche appeal.Mark also shares his recent experiences in street photography, discussing his own projects and the creative processes he’s been exploring, including double exposures. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the importance of perseverance in photography and the joy of capturing candid moments, emphasising that behind every stunning image lies a multitude of attempts and hard work.Join us for this engaging episode filled with insights, laughter, and a celebration of street photography and the opportunities that come with passion and dedication.Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography with our guest, Max Sturgeon, an American photographer and filmmaker based between Austin, Texas, and Warsaw, Poland. Max shares his journey into photography, highlighting a transformative workshop he attended in India that shifted his approach to street photography, particularly his embrace of flash techniques. He discusses the challenges and joys of using flash, emphasising how it has become an integral part of his style. We explore the differences in shooting in various cultural contexts, with Max noting the freedom he feels when photographing in places like India compared to the U.S. and Poland.As the conversation unfolds, we touch on Max's background in film and how it influences his photography, particularly in storytelling and project development. He shares insights into his creative process, including how he balances shooting both color and black and white images, and the importance of assessing his work regularly while traveling.Max also reflects on the nature of street photography, challenging conventional rules about interacting with subjects and discussing the spontaneity of capturing moments in the street. We delve into his experiences traveling to unique locations and the unexpected opportunities that arise from engaging with local communities.Finally, we discuss Max's future goals in photography, his thoughts on competitions, and the importance of maintaining passion in his work. This episode is packed with valuable insights for photographers at any level, offering a glimpse into the creative mind of a dedicated street photographer.Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, Mark  and John are thrilled to welcome guest Rammy Narula, a Bangkok-based street photographer known for his innovative approach and philosophical insights into the art. Rammy shares his journey into photography, which began as a way to cope with personal challenges. He discusses his evolution from various photography styles to finding his passion in street photography, emphasising the spontaneity and simplicity it offers.Rammy also opens up about his writing process, revealing how he uses writing as a tool for self-reflection and connection with others. He shares his thoughts on the importance of community and feedback in photography, contrasting the past with today’s social media landscape.We delve into Rammy's notable project, "Platform 10", which showcases his dedication to capturing life on a single train platform in Bangkok. He recounts the challenges and triumphs of this project, including how it led to the publication of his photo book.Throughout the episode, we explore themes of creativity, self-acceptance, and the impact of external validation on our artistic pursuits. Rammy's insights remind us that while we may seek approval, the true value lies in creating work that resonates with ourselves and others.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, Mark  and John welcome special guest Sam Ferris, an accomplished Australian street photographer based in Sydney.Sam recounts his move to Sydney in 2008, the challenges he faced in adapting to a new environment, and how he began to use photography as a means of connection and exploration. He discusses the evolution of his style, moving from architectural and landscape photography to capturing candid moments of people in their environments.Sam elaborates on the challenges he faced when transitioning to photographing people, including overcoming his initial nervousness and learning to get closer to his subjects. He shares pivotal moments in his career, including specific photographs that marked his growth as a photographer and the emotional connections he strives to achieve in his work.The conversation delves into the importance of feedback and critique in the artistic process. Sam emphasises the value of having trusted peers who can provide honest opinions about his work, recounting a significant moment when renowned photographer Matt Stuart advised him on his first book, In Visible Light. This discussion highlights the balance between self-critique and external feedback, and how it contributes to an artist's growth.As the episode progresses, Sam shares insights into his self-publishing journey, detailing the process of creating his books, including In Visible Light and his latest release, Rain, Rain Go. He discusses the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, the importance of community support, and the unique experiences that come from sharing his work with a global audience.In closing, the hosts and Sam reflect on the addictive nature of street photography, the joy of capturing fleeting moments, and the ongoing journey of artistic growth. This episode is a rich exploration of street photography, filled with personal stories, valuable lessons, and a celebration of the vibrant community that surrounds this art form.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into a lively discussion about street photography, current events, and the evolving nature of photography itself. This episode features  special guest Ulysses Aoki, a Japanese-American photographer based in Tokyo. Ulysses shares his unconventional journey into photography, which began after a successful soccer career and modeling experiences. He discusses his transition from portrait photography to street photography, emphasising the importance of capturing candid moments and the beauty of everyday life.Ulysses reflects on his relationship with Tokyo, describing it as complex and ever-changing. He explains his preference for colour photography in a city often associated with black and white imagery, citing his influences and the challenges of finding compelling colour compositions in a bustling urban environment.Throughout the episode, Ulysses explores the pressures of competition in photography, the evolution of personal style, and the significance of staying true to one's artistic vision. Ulysses also touches on his YouTube channel, explaining how it complements his photography journey while allowing him to share insights and connect with others in the community.Join us for an engaging conversation filled with humor, insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of project-based photography with our special guest, Payman Hazheer, a talented Swedish-based photographer known for his striking street portraits and documentary-style work.Payman shares his journey into photography, which began during a family vacation in Spain. He explains how his initial interest in candid photography evolved into a passion for street portraits.As we explore Payman's work, he opens up about the challenges he faces when approaching strangers for portraits, especially in Sweden, where people tend to be more reserved. He shares his philosophy of building trust and making connections with his subjects, which is crucial for capturing the intimate portraits he is known for.One of the highlights of the episode is Payman's discussion of his current projects, particularly his work with the "Ultras," a group of passionate football fans in Stockholm. He describes the adrenaline rush of photographing these intense events and the careful navigation required to gain their trust. Payman also touches on the darker aspects of this subculture, including the presence of extremist ideologies, and how he balances documenting their passion while remaining true to his artistic vision.Join us for this engaging episode as we explore the art of street photography, the complexities of human connection, and the vibrant subcultures that inspire Payman's work. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there's something to learn from Payman's journey and insights into capturing the essence of life on the streets.INSTAGRAM | WEBSITEFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode, John and Mark wrap up the year that was 2024 and nominate their highlights of the year. Listeners also sent in questions for the duo, including 'what are the worst street photography trends' and 'what are our finals thoughts of whether street photography has lost its soul'.All that and more.We hope you had a fabulous 2024! We look forward to brining you more great guests in 2025. Thanks for listening!Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us a textIn this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St speak with acclaimed American documentary photographer Matt Black, known for his work on poverty, migration, and environmental issues. Matt shares his journey into photography, starting from his early days working in a darkroom at a local newspaper. He reflects on the importance of understanding the craft of photography and how it informs his storytelling.The discussion delves into Matt's major project, American Geography, which took him on a six-year journey across the United States. He explains how the project aimed to highlight the contradictions of American life, particularly in the context of poverty and social issues. Matt emphasises the interconnectedness of these issues and the importance of advocating for a broader understanding of the realities faced by marginalised communities.Throughout the episode, Matt shares poignant stories from his travels, including his experiences in Flint, Michigan, during the water crisis. He discusses the emotional toll of documenting such hardships but also finds hope in the connections he makes with the people he photographs. The conversation culminates in a discussion about Matt's new book, American Artifacts, which serves as a companion piece to American Geography, showcasing the objects he collected during his travels and their significance.Join us for this insightful and thought-provoking episode as we explore the power of photography to tell stories, advocate for change, and connect us to the world around us.Website | InstagramFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!