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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into the world of street photography with special guest, Mike Spot, who also goes by the name Illkoncept. Mike, a Milwaukee-born, New York-based street photographer and filmmaker, shares his journey from skateboarding to photography, highlighting how his early experiences with video shaped his current work.

We discuss Mike's transition from skate videos to street photography, the challenges he faced while shooting in Vietnam during Tet, and how unexpected circumstances can lead to unique creative opportunities. Mike reflects on the importance of capturing moments in photography versus video, and we explore the parallels between skateboarding and street photography.

Throughout the conversation, we touch on the significance of inspiration, the impact of weather on shooting, and the struggles of self-doubt that many photographers face. He shares insights on how to overcome creative ruts and the value of exploring new environments, whether through travel or simply changing your usual routes in familiar places.

We also delve into Mike's filmmaking style, drawing inspiration from iconic filmmakers and discussing how he combines photography and video to tell compelling stories. His recent works, including a captivating video about his experiences in Japan, showcase his unique approach to visual storytelling.

Join us for an engaging discussion filled with insights, inspiration, and a few laughs as we explore the art of street photography and the creative process behind it.

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In this episode of Street Life, we reflect on our recent trip to Japan, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and bustling streets of Tokyo. It was John's first visit to Japan, and I was overwhelmed by the efficiency of the city, the incredible food, and the sheer number of people. We discuss our experiences navigating the transport system, with John sharing his initial struggles and eventual mastery of it.

We dive into our photography experiences, with John expressing the challenges he faced in capturing the essence of Tokyo, feeling that he didn't quite do it justice. Mark shares his own journey of shooting two rolls of film and discovering some unexpected keepers among the shots. We also touch on the unique aspects of Japanese culture, such as the politeness of the people, the absence of public eating, and the fascinating technology.

Throughout the episode, we recount our encounters with fellow photographers and podcast listeners, including Tatsuo Suzuki, Laurence Bouchard, and Joel Pulliam, highlighting the warmth and kindness of the photography community in Japan. We also reminisce about our culinary adventures, including a memorable ramen experience and the challenges of using chopsticks.

As we wrap up, we express our desire to return to Japan, explore more of its rural areas, and continue our photography journey. We appreciate the feedback from our listeners and look forward to future episodes with exciting guests. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!

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In this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joakim Möller, a talented fine art street photographer based in Stockholm. Joakim is known for his haunting black and white imagery that beautifully blends reality with imagination. We delved into his journey into photography, which began in his teenage years, sparked by a high school course on street photography that opened his eyes to capturing candid moments in a way he had never considered before.

Joakim shared his unique approach to street photography, emphasising the importance of mystery in his work. He discussed how he initially faced challenges while shooting in a small town in Sweden, where he often felt like an outsider with his camera. However, through perseverance and a shift in perspective, he learned to appreciate the beauty in his surroundings, leading to a series of photographs that captured the essence of his hometown.

We explored Joakim's creative process, including his experimentation with diptychs during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed him to find new ways to express his artistic vision. He also touched on the significance of using accessible tools, like his Ricoh GRIII and even his iPhone, to create compelling images without being bogged down by gear.

Throughout our conversation, Joakim reflected on the subjective nature of photography and the importance of personal interpretation. He candidly shared his thoughts on the challenges of entering competitions, the evolution of his relationship with Instagram, and the value of patience in creating meaningful work.

As we wrapped up, Joakim expressed his aspirations for future projects, including a book that he hopes will encapsulate his artistic journey. It was an inspiring discussion that highlighted the transformative power of photography and the unique voice that each photographer brings to the art form. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did!

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In this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of speaking with Brooklyn-based street photographer Billy Dinh, whose striking use of light and shadow has earned him international recognition - including a first-place award from The Independent Photographer in 2023.

Billy shares his unconventional path into photography. Trained in illustration and painting, he discovered street photography almost by accident - after a break-in at his apartment and a chance encounter with another photographer. What began as a replacement camera soon became the start of a new artistic chapter.

We discuss Billy’s evolution from landscapes to candid street scenes, the influence of his art background on his visual storytelling, and how he built a unique style by avoiding early imitation of others. The conversation also explores what “street photography” really means - and whether the label itself can be too limiting.

Billy opens up about his creative process while traveling, the patience it takes to connect with new places, and how his most compelling work often emerges at the end of a trip. He also shares thoughts on emotional impact, composition, and how experimenting with focal lengths helps him tell layered stories.

This episode offers a deep look into Billy’s artistic mindset - a thoughtful exploration of vision, emotion, and the beauty of everyday life captured through the lens.

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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Simon, a talented street photographer who shared her unique journey into photography. Sarah's story is deeply personal, rooted in her experiences of loss, illness, and self-discovery. After the passing of her father in 2020, amidst the challenges of a divorce and health issues, she picked up a camera as a form of therapy and creative expression.

Sarah discussed how her upbringing in Queens, New York, influenced her perspective and photography style. She emphasised the importance of intuition in her work, often allowing her gut feelings to guide her in capturing the chaotic beauty of the streets. Despite only being in the photography scene for a few years, her work reflects a maturity and depth that belies her experience.

We explored her approach to shooting, which often involves a spontaneous and instinctual process rather than meticulous planning. Sarah also touched on her struggles with Lyme disease, which has impacted her ability to shoot frequently, yet she finds a sense of urgency and purpose in her photography during her healthier moments.

Throughout our conversation, Sarah highlighted the significance of community, particularly her initiative to create a space for women street photographers. She shared her admiration for other photographers, including Daido Moriyama, whose work validated her own artistic journey.

As we wrapped up, Sarah expressed her desire to leave behind a body of work that invites others to explore their own inner worlds and the beauty of life’s complexities. We also discussed her future projects, including a collaborative art book with a poet, and her aspirations to travel and shoot in new locations, particularly in Mozambique.

This episode is a testament to the power of photography as a means of self-exploration and connection, and we are excited to see where Sarah's journey takes her next. Thank you for joining us on this insightful conversation!

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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark have the pleasure of welcoming UK-based street photographer Darren Sacks, whose unique and bold abstract style is transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. Recorded on a sunny day in London, we dive deep into Darren's artistic journey, exploring his striking use of vibrant colors, layered compositions, and his fascination with light, shadow, and reflection in urban landscapes.

We kick off the conversation by discussing the comparisons often drawn between Darren and the legendary photographer Saul Leiter. Darren expresses his admiration for Leiter, acknowledging him as a significant inspiration while emphasising that he does not aim to emulate his work. Instead, he appreciates the way Leiter framed subjects and utilised layers and textures in his photography.

Darren shares his early experiences with photography, revealing that he has always had a camera in hand, starting with a simple point-and-shoot. His passion for street photography ignited during a trip to New York over a decade ago, where he purchased his first proper SLR camera. 

As we delve into the technical aspects of his work, Darren discusses his preference for longer focal lengths, which contribute to the compressed look of his images. He reflects on his journey from using a Nikon to transitioning to Fuji and now primarily shooting with Sony. 

Darren also shares a pivotal moment in his career when he captured a photograph that combined various elements he had been exploring, solidifying his desire to continue pursuing street photography. He describes this image, taken on Jermyn Street in London, as a favourite that encapsulates his artistic vision.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the importance of patience in street photography, with Darren recounting his experiences of waiting for the perfect moment to capture a shot. He candidly discusses the frustrations of shooting at night and in challenging conditions, emphasising the need for perseverance and adaptability.

As the conversation progresses, we discuss Darren's recent exhibitions in Paris, Tokyo, and Hamburg, highlighting the honor of having his work displayed internationally. He reflects on the emotional connection he feels to his photographs and the significance of seeing them printed and exhibited.

We also explore the evolving nature of photography in the digital age, discussing the impact of social media on artists and the importance of community. Darren shares his thoughts on the future of his work, expressing a desire to continue growing and pushing his creative boundaries, especially as he adapts to shooting in a quieter coastal environment.

In closing, we reflect on the ever-changing landscape of street photography and the importance of finding one's unique voice within it. 

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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into the world of street photography with our special guest, Paul Harrison, a London-based photographer who only picked up a camera just before the pandemic. We discuss Paul's rapid rise in the street photography scene, his unique ability to capture surreal moments in everyday urban life, and how he transforms the streets into a stage filled with hidden narratives.

Paul shares his journey into photography, revealing how he transitioned from being a tour guide to a passionate street photographer. He talks about the challenges of starting later in life, the importance of repetition in both his tours and photography, and how he learned the technical aspects of using a camera through YouTube and online resources.

We also explore Paul's distinctive style, particularly his work in art galleries, where he cleverly juxtaposes real people with famous artworks. He explains his approach to capturing candid moments and the strategies he employs to anticipate and create compelling compositions.

Throughout the episode, we touch on the challenges of street photography, including the unpredictability of subjects and the occasional awkward encounters with the public. Paul shares some humorous anecdotes, including a memorable interaction with a disgruntled businessman.

As we wrap up, Paul hints at his future projects, including zines and a potential book, while also discussing his desire to expand beyond gallery photography into other street photography realms. This episode is a delightful mix of insights, humour, and inspiration for anyone interested in the art of capturing life on the streets.

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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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