Street Photography Magazine

In today’s episode I speak with Naeem Douglas, who is our featured photographer in the December 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine. He’s a former broadcast television journalist who found a new passion in photography.

After burning out from the repetitive world of crime reporting, he discovered the calming effect of photography during the pandemic. He’s now a content producer for MoMA Magazine who revels in the creative freedom and objective storytelling the role offers.

A native of Philadelphia now in Brooklyn, he compares life in the two iconic cities. He reflects on the neighborhood pride, distinctive accents, and, of course, the food.

Armed with a Rolleiflex camera, inspired by photographers like Amy Touchette and Vivian Maier, Naeem prefers to engage with his subjects rather than sneaking a couple shots and moving on. This approach has led to some memorable encounters, including a brush with the legendary Bill Cunningham. However, the streets aren’t always friendly, as Naeem learned when a man dressed as Scottie Pippen refused a photo.

In his role at MoMA jumped into the world of podcasting with the limited series “Jazz in the Garden,” a captivating exploration of jazz history at MoMA from the 1960s to 2019. If you love jazz, don’t miss it.

Naeem experiments with both digital and film photography, developing black and white film at home while has color processed by a lab. His dedication to the craft is evident in his meticulous record-keeping and desire to dabble in darkroom printing. Despite the rise of AI editing tools, Naeem prefers the authenticity of analog photography.

If you’re inspired by stories of transformation, creativity, and connecting through story telling be sure to have a listen to my conversation with Naeem Douglas.

• Naeem’s Website

Editor’s note: Today’s episode is a reply of our very first podcast episode with guest Glenn Capers published in November 2014. To this day, Glenn is one of our all-time favorite photographers as is this conversation. Sadly, Glenn passed away three years later. He was a brilliant photographer, inspirational teacher and an all around super cool guy. Don’t miss our conversation.

Glenn Capers was more than just an outstanding photographer; he was a storyteller. Glenn had a personable way with his subjects that allowed him to really get to know them and find out their story. Perhaps that is what made his work special.

Glenn was originally from New York, though he later called Colorado home. In his career, Glenn was a professional photojournalist, cinema and landscape photographer, and he even took photographs for the Associated Press. He spent much of his time traveling and teaching street photography and journalism around the world.

Glenn believed that to be a good photographer, you needed more than just the right techniques and a good camera. Instead, Glenn talked to his subjects. More importantly, he listened to them. He felt that when people were given the chance to tell their story, they validated their reason for living. For this noble reason, Glenn met people, talked to them, visited their homes, and captured their moments. Connecting with people, and freezing those important moments in time to share a person’s story with the world was not just his goal, it was his specialty.

In our inaugural episode nearly 10 years ago Glenn shared some interesting experiences and stories, as well as some insight into his methods as a street photographer.

Superman a Super Seamstress

Healing Hanks

Woman on a Pilgrimage

Mango Blade Runner

Why Men Like Women on Poles and Pink Cadillacs

The Untaught Lessons of Life

Workers of Bone Yard in Mumbai

The Ritual

Along the Palace Wall

Immaculate Conception

Encounters at the Sidewalk Cafe

In this episode, I share my engaging conversation with photographer, curator, and publisher Michael Rababy about his upcoming book, “CASINOLAND, Tired of Winning.” Set to release on November 5, 2024, in independent bookstores and on Amazon. This work which is the result of a 30-year personal photo project, offers a unique and witty visual perspective on American casino culture.

Rababy explains, “The concept of the book is to contrast casino commercials that promise you the world versus the visual reality that I translate when I’m at these locations all over America. It’s not just Vegas but Atlantic City, Reno, and basically any casino area I’ve stumbled across in the last 30 years.”

“CASINOLAND: Tired of Winning” presents a satirical yet poignant look at the casino industry. Rababy juxtaposes cheap, gimmicky marketing slogans with real-life images, creating a stark contrast between promise and reality. For instance, one spread pairs the phrase “You’re Going to Need a Bigger Wallet” with a photo of a overwhelmed man managing four young children in a casino parking lot.

The book spans 160 pages, featuring images from Rababy’s 30-year archive. It offers a fresh take on consumerism and gambling culture across the United States, presenting a glitzy yet gritty universe of American casinos.

As an experienced publisher, Rababy shared insights into working with authors, designers, and promoting visually rich books. He’s planning an upcoming exhibit of selected photos from “CASINOLAND,” which will include high-quality images and an AI-generated casino ad.

We discussed the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing, a topic particularly relevant as Street Photography Magazine prepares to publish its first book. Rababy’s plans for international distribution and exhibitions in Asia highlight the complexities of book promotion and distribution.

Rababy also touched on the challenges of crafting long-term projects like “CASINOLAND” and “America Bachelor,” offering valuable insights into the creative process.

Inspired by legends like Dorothea Lange and Ansel Adams, Rababy emphasizes the importance of capturing fine details in person. He’s committed to producing high-quality fine art prints, learning from experienced printers, and using premium materials.

While “CASINOLAND: Tired of Winning” won’t be widely available until November 5, readers can purchase a copy now from Michael’s website. These early copies will be signed by the author and include a bonus print.

• Michael’s Website

In today’s episode we welcome award-winning Swedish photographer Johan Jelbo. Fresh off his win of the series competition at the first annual Dublin Street Photography Festival, Johan discusses his use of flash photography on the street journey, insights, and future endeavors in the realm of photography.

Johan’s love affair with photography began with simple compact cameras, but his passion soon evolved into a serious pursuit of street and portrait photography. Inspired by legendary photographers like Bruce Gilden, Johan transitioned to using flash, mastering its technical aspects and using off-camera flash. His approach brings an edge to his candid shots, setting his work apart in the increasingly crowded world of street photography.

He spent over 10 years of documenting the rural markets of southern Sweden where honed his street photography skills. This project culminated in the publication of his book “Stranger Than Fiction,” which documents the evolution of these events from a “sins nest” to what are now tame venues for family outings. In the process the project reveals the evolution of Johan’s own style. Along the way this work raises ethical considerations, such as photographing children and obtaining consent at public events.

A passion of Johan’s is his involvement with the Full Frontal Flash collective, a group dedicated to street photography using flash. Despite the challenges of project coordination, this collective has pushed the boundaries of traditional street photography, bringing new perspectives and techniques to the forefront.

Johan shares the emotional process of creating a photo book. As for the future he has a desire to to take on new projects and continues to share his journey with his social media audience. And he currently has work exhibited at the Arbetets Museum Norrköping Sweden through January 2025

• Johan’s Website

I love night street photography, which is why I was thrilled when Ashley Riffo, our editor, landed an interview with our , Bal Bhatla, aka Mr Whisper who is also the featured photographer in Street Photography Magazine’s October 2024 issue.

Recently Ashley and I sat down for a very lively conversation with Bal who is truly a class act. He’s a London-based commercial photographer famous for his nighttime photography, to share his journey from being a digital creative director to a full-time photographer. His early recognition on Instagram, thanks to his striking nighttime images of the London Tube, launched him into the limelight, leading to prestigious brand collaborations with names like Netflix, Disney, BMW, Fujifilm, Google and others.

During our conversation he digs into the art of capturing candid moments using natural light at night, offering us invaluable tips for successful night street photography. I enjoyed his common sense insights into using available lighting at night, the nuances of ISO settings, and the advantages of prime lenses.

Under the banner of Mister Whisper Productions, Bal expertly juggles commercial assignments with personal projects. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining artistic control while meeting client expectations which can be a very delicate balance that many photographers often struggle with.

His newly-released book, “London After Dark,” which documents London’s nightlife from 2010 to 2024, is a must-have for anyone who wants to up their nighttime urban photography chops.

In addition to the technical aspects Bal opens up about the personal side of his creative journey. From the support of his wife, to the challenges of self-promotion on social media, Bal’s anecdotes are both relatable to any of us. He advocates for authenticity and consistent posting, a practice that has garnered positive engagement for his work. As Mark Twain once said, “be yourself, everyone else is taken.” That pearl of wisdom has served Bal well.

So join us Ashley and me on this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast for an engaging and fun conversation with Bal Bhatla. Find some inspiration, learn new techniques, and dip your toe into the world of night street photography.

• Bal’s Website – Mr Whisper Productions

Our guest this week is Karlynne Wintels who is also the featured photographer in the September 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine. Originally from the Netherlands, she had been living in Singapore with her family over the past several years. When we spoke to her several weeks ago she was packing to move back to her home country.

Karlynne has always had a passion for photography, even back in 2006 during a family trip to Cuba when she unknowingly captured street-style images with her father’s Nikon. About ten years ago she moved to Tokyo, where she dabbled in urban photography, focusing on shapes and textures rather than people. It wasn’t until her big move to Singapore that things took a serious turn.

In 2020, after a corporate shake-up combined with the pandemic, Karlynne decided to dive headfirst into photography. She enrolled in a part-time diploma course to learn the technical side of things because she was mostly shooting in automatic mode before that. This course opened her eyes to the world of photography, and she connected with some amazing people along the way.

During her time in Singapore, Karlynne really honed her street photography skills. She became part of the Women in Street Singapore community and took part in their local exhibitions. Her photography focuses on capturing candid moments, often portraying the beauty of everyday life, whether on the streets or with families. She’s drawn to those real-life in-between moments, like a mother comforting her child or a spontaneous laugh between family members.

She applies her street-style approach in her family photography business. Karlynne offers a “day in the life” service where she documents families in a natural, storytelling manner. She believes in capturing those intimate, sometimes overlooked moments that represent family life. Her clients often express gratitude for her work, which she finds incredibly rewarding.

Karlynne also embraces the artistic side of photography. She’s been experimenting with both color and black-and-white photography, and she takes great care in curating her online galleries, often telling a story through the images. This ability to see the narrative in her photos really sets her apart.

Now that she’s back in The Netherlands, Karlynne is looking forward to reconnecting with her roots and is eager to see how her photography will evolve in a new environment.

Karlynne Wintels is a storyteller who captures life in all its beautiful, messy glory. If you’re curious about her work, you can find her on her website, kwphotography.com, and check out her Instagram for a peek into her creative world.

Street Photography Magazine subscribers can read Ashley’s in-depth article about Karlynne and a sample of her work when it’s published on September 1. Watch your email box for the the notice.

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.

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.

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.

• Gretchen’s Website

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.

01:25 Early Photography Journey
Explore 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 Winogrand
Delve 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 Photography
Follow 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 Portfolio
Discover 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 Experience
Join 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 Presentation
Meticulous 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 Exhibitions
Russell 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 Exhibiting
Russell 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.