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In this episode of the Street Life podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Markus Andersen, a renowned street documentary photographer based in Sydney. Known for his high-contrast, emotional, and evocative imagery, Markus explores themes of urban isolation and human presence within cityscapes. His acclaimed photo books, Rage Against the Light and Cabramatta: A Moment in Time, showcase his unique perspective on the vibrancy of multicultural suburbs and the moody streets of Sydney.

We kick off the conversation by discussing the term "street photographer," which Markus feels doesn't quite encapsulate his work. He prefers the term "life photography," emphasising the importance of documenting life in all its forms without being pigeonholed into a specific category. 

As we delve deeper into Markus's journey, he shares a pivotal moment from his early days as a student when he realised he had a unique eye for composition. He recounts how his approach to photography often diverged from his peers, leading to a distinctive style that captures the essence of his subjects in unexpected ways. We explore the challenges of defining oneself as a photographer and the ongoing quest for identity in the creative field.

Markus reflects on his experiences shooting in various environments, including the bustling streets of Sydney and the quieter suburbs. He discusses the spontaneity of his work, revealing that some of his best images come from moments of serendipity rather than meticulous planning. This spontaneity is contrasted with his more structured projects, such as Cabramatta, which he approached with a clear vision and a set timeframe.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the impact of social media on the photography landscape, the decline of traditional galleries and photography schools, and the potential for a renaissance in the art world. Markus shares his thoughts on the importance of community and connection among artists, emphasising the value of honest feedback and mentorship in the creative process.

As we wrap up our conversation, Markus opens up about his recent personal challenges and how they have influenced his work. He acknowledges the transformative power of life experiences on artistic expression and the ongoing journey of self-discovery as a photographer.

Join us for this insightful and thought-provoking episode as we explore the world of life photography through the lens of Markus Andersen, a true artist dedicated to capturing the beauty and complexity of urban life.

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In this special episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the world of photography competitions, a topic we've touched on before but feel deserves further exploration given the current landscape. We are joined by a diverse panel of guests: Sam Ferris, Dave Cassini and Eduardo Ortiz, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences with competitions.

Sam shares insights from his experience running the Aussie Street competition, emphasising the importance of transparency and community engagement. 

Eduardo expresses his frustrations with the lack of transparency in many competitions, noting that the judging process often lacks clarity and fails to provide real value to participants. 

Dave, who straddles both the art and street photography worlds, shares his journey of entering competitions and the lessons learned along the way. He emphasises the importance of entering well-established competitions that offer genuine opportunities for exposure and community engagement, rather than those that seem to prioritize profit over participant experience.

Ultimately, our conversation centers around the idea that while competitions can be beneficial, they must be approached with caution. We encourage our listeners to support competitions that prioritise community, transparency, and genuine engagement, while being wary of those that exploit the desire for recognition without offering meaningful returns.

Sam Ferris

Dave Cossini

Eduardo Ortiz

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In this episode of the Street Life podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Perry Hall, an American photographer renowned for his raw and emotionally charged street photography. Perry's journey into photography is as unconventional as his background, which includes experiences of hitchhiking, juvenile detention, and homelessness. He discovered his passion for photography while living in Rome, where he began documenting street life and subcultures.

We kick off the conversation by delving into Perry's early days in San Francisco, where he first picked up a Canon AE-1 camera gifted by a friend. This initial spark ignited his love for capturing the essence of street culture, particularly through the lens of his skateboarding background. Perry shares insights into the psychological connections between skateboarding and street photography, emphasising how both require a keen understanding of angles, persistence, and the ability to navigate challenging environments.

As we explore Perry's experiences, he opens up about his time spent homeless and how skateboarding played a pivotal role in steering him toward a more positive path. We discuss the importance of community and connection, both in skateboarding and photography, and how these relationships have shaped his work and life.

Throughout the episode, we touch on Perry's project-based approach to photography, including his extensive work in Rome and his projects "Devil Lived" and "Sin Street" in Austin, Texas. He candidly discusses the motivations behind his work, the importance of documenting real-life moments, and the ethical considerations that come with street photography.

We also dive into Perry's experiences with flash photography, his transition from film to digital, and the impact of festivals and competitions in the photography community. He shares his thoughts on the significance of making connections and the serendipitous nature of opportunities in both photography and life.

As we wrap up, Perry offers valuable advice for aspiring photographers on how to find like-minded individuals and build a supportive community. His passion for street photography and the stories behind his images serve as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of life captured through the lens.

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Perry Hall, where we explore the intersections of art, community, and the human experience in the world of street photography.

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In this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography, sharing personal experiences and insights while welcoming a special guest, Brad Jones, an accomplished street photographer based in Brooklyn, New York.

With a background in illustration and advertising, Brad Jones transitioned to street photography in 2018. In this episode he discusses his ongoing project, A Fragile Utopia, which captures the overlooked moments of daily life in New York City. Brad shares how he was inspired by the work of William Eggleston, realising that great art could be created in his own neighborhood.

Brad elaborates on his unique approach to street photography, emphasising the importance of consistency in his settings to create a cohesive body of work. He explains how he thrives in chaotic environments, using his camera to find central figures amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. The discussion touches on the challenges of shooting in public spaces, particularly when it comes to photographing children and the reactions he receives from the public.

Throughout the episode, Brad reflects on his creative process, the difficulties of curating his work, and the lessons learned from publishing his book. He shares insights into the emotional and technical aspects of street photography, including the significance of color in his work and the importance of capturing the vibrancy of life in the city.

Join us for this engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, artistic insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography.

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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark had the incredible opportunity to speak with Tatsuo Suzuki, a celebrated street photographer based in Tokyo. Tatsuo is known for his bold, high-contrast imagery and his unique approach to capturing raw human emotion.

We delved into his journey into photography, which began later in life after his time in a rock band and a corporate job. He shared how he found self-expression through photography, particularly street photography, and how his experiences shaped his artistic vision.

Tatsuo opened up about his early influences, including iconic photographers like Daido Moriyama and Robert Frank, and discussed the importance of intimacy in his work, especially when photographing marginalised communities like the homeless. We explored the ethical considerations of street photography and how Tatsuya navigates the fine line between capturing candid moments and respecting his subjects.

A significant portion of our conversation focused on Tatsuo's recent work, including his book "The Sound of Waves," which he created as a tribute to a late friend and fellow photographer. He explained the symbolism of water and life in his series, emphasising the emotional depth behind his images.

We also touched on the Fujifilm controversy that Tatsuo faced, where he clarified misconceptions about his role in a promotional video and expressed his thoughts on the impact it had on his career.

As we wrapped up, Tatsuo shared his thoughts on the legacy he hopes to leave behind and the significance of community in photography, particularly through his collective, Void Tokyo. 

We hope you enjoy listening to Tatsuo's story as much as we enjoyed sharing it!

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In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography with our special guest, Eduardo Ortiz, a globe-trotting street photographer currently based in Italy. Eduardo shares his journey from a childhood in Chile to becoming an influential street photographer, highlighting how moving to Europe shaped his artistic vision.

We discuss the challenges of street photography, including the perception of the art form within the broader photography community. Eduardo emphasises the importance of capturing genuine moments and interactions with subjects, contrasting this with the trend of aesthetically pleasing but soulless images that dominate social media. He believes that true street photography should evoke emotion and tell a story, rather than simply conform to popular styles.

Throughout the conversation, we explore the significance of community in photography, the role of social media platforms like Instagram, and the value of alternative spaces for sharing work, such as blogs and YouTube. Eduardo's insights into the creative process and the importance of engaging with subjects on the street provide a fresh perspective on how to approach photography as both an art form and a means of connection.

Join us for this engaging and thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricacies of street photography, the importance of community, and the journey of a passionate artist navigating the streets of the world.

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In this episode of Street Life, Mark  and John welcome special guest Kris Desautels, a Chicago-based street photographer known for his high-contrast, minimalist imagery.

Kris recounts his early exposure to photography through his family's point-and-shoot cameras and his mother's passion for capturing family moments. After a detour through various jobs and a stint in bartending, Kris found his calling in photography, particularly drawn to the themes of isolation and urban life.

Kris elaborates on how the pandemic influenced his work, pushing him towards solitary imagery amidst the empty streets of Chicago. He discusses his preference for black and white photography, citing the emotional depth it provides compared to colour. 

Throughout the episode, Kris shares his creative process, emphasising the importance of instinct and spontaneity in his photography. He reveals his fascination with reflections and silhouettes, as well as his approach to sequencing images to tell a cohesive story. The conversation also touches on the influence of music and other art forms on his work, highlighting how he draws inspiration from various sources beyond photography.

As the episode wraps up, Kris discusses his current projects, including a book centered around Chicago's Air and Water Show and a series involving mannequins and nighttime photography.

Join us for this engaging episode filled with humour, insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography as we explore the creative journeys of Mark, John, and Kris Desautels.

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In this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of speaking with the talented Olga Kolovac, a self-taught abstract and street photographer from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Olga is known for her unique black-and-white photography that captures fleeting moments and emotions, often in rainy and dark conditions.

We kicked off the conversation by discussing Olga's journey into photography, which began in her childhood but took a hiatus during her university years. It wasn't until her 30s that she rediscovered her passion, leading her to explore street photography. Olga shared her preference for shooting in less-than-ideal weather, explaining how the rain and cold inspire her creativity and allow her to capture images that many others might overlook.

We delved into her distinctive style, which is heavily influenced by expressionist painters and characterised by a dreamlike quality. Olga emphasised that her work is about conveying emotion rather than adhering to traditional beauty standards, which often leads her to capture the more melancholic aspects of her surroundings.

As we wrapped up, we asked Olga about her future projects and her thoughts on the rise of AI in photography. She expressed confidence in the irreplaceable nature of human emotion in art, highlighting that while AI can replicate styles, it cannot capture the essence of human experience.

Overall, this episode was a deep dive into the world of street photography through Olga's eyes, offering inspiration and insight for both aspiring and seasoned photographers. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed the conversation.

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In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of street photography with the incredibly talented Bragdon Brothers, Gavin and Gareth. We explore the unique journey of these two brothers who have dedicated over a decade to capturing the essence of urban life through their lens.

Gavin and Gareth share their fascinating backstory, revealing how they both stumbled into photography after initially pursuing music. Their journey began in Edinburgh, where they discovered street photography through a documentary that highlighted iconic photographers like Henry Cartier-Bresson and Martin Parr. This revelation sparked their passion for capturing spontaneous moments in their everyday surroundings.

The brothers discuss their creative process, emphasising how they often shoot together, despite the challenges posed by Gareth's health issues. We delve into their distinctive style, characterised by surreal use of flash, shadow, and blur, which they developed as a response to the often grey and dark environment of Edinburgh. They recount how a simple thrift store flash gun led to a breakthrough image that garnered positive feedback and set them on their current path.

Throughout the conversation, we touch on the importance of local influences in their work, highlighting how fellow photographers in Edinburgh inspired their approach. They also candidly discuss the challenges of working together as brothers, the dynamics of their creative partnership, and how they navigate disagreements without letting them affect their relationship.

The episode takes a poignant turn as Gareth opens up about his battle with Lyme disease, which has significantly impacted his life and photography. He shares how the passion for photography has provided him with a sense of purpose and a way to cope with his health struggles. 

Join us for this inspiring episode filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Gavin and Gareth's journey is sure to resonate and inspire you to capture the world around you.

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In 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.

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