Street photography often begins with curiosity. For Carmina Ripolles, it also began with a moment in life when creativity became a necessity.

In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, Bob Patterson and Ashley Riffo talk with Carmina, a street photographer and English teacher whose work celebrates what she calls the “beautifully ordinary.” Her journey into photography began during the lockdown, a time when the world slowed down and many people found themselves searching for new ways to express and understand their experiences.

What started as a creative outlet soon became something deeper. Inspired by photographers like Vivian Maier and Richard Billingham, Carmina began documenting everyday life with a keen eye for small gestures, fleeting expressions, and quiet moments that often go unnoticed. Her photographs remind us that meaningful stories don’t only exist in dramatic scenes, they are happening all around us.

Throughout the conversation, Carmina talks about how photography helped her know herself better as a true people person. She also shares how listening, observing, and engaging with others can transform a simple moment into a photograph that resonates.

Her goal isn’t to dramatize the street or focus only on hardship. Instead, she looks for humanity, humor, and joy in daily life. As she puts it, she wants her images to be “beautifully ordinary.”

In a genre that sometimes gets defined by bravado or confrontation, Carmina’s photographs remind us of another path.

• “The Fugitives” by Carmina Ripolles (The Bee)