I had the pleasure of sitting down with Antonio Pisani. He’s a photographer originally from Italy but now based in the UK, and he has some very interesting insights on street photography. What makes Antonio’s story unique is his journey and perspective. I think you will appreciate his insights.

Antonio shared how his father’s profession influenced him. His father used film cameras in the eighties and nineties. Antonio explained the magic of photography and his independent approach. He always had a clear idea of what he wanted. His father’s work had a subconscious influence. He saw his father developing photos and understood how to explore beyond the technicalities.

We dug into the concept of seeing beyond the surface. This is something that Antonio learned from his mentor, Yoshi Imamura. Antonio met Yoshi while working in a retail camera store. They connected over cameras. Yoshi gave him a pinhole lens as a gift which forced Antonio to focus on the art and meaning behind his images, not just the technical aspects. This helped him develop critical thinking and see images with his brain.

It was really interesting to hear Antonio’s thoughts on social media. He believes Instagram can be a double-edged sword. Antonio chooses to control his images and share them purposefully rather than posting everything online for likes. He aims to create meaningful projects that last. He develops bodies of work that can be exhibited or published.

Antonio is preparing several exhibitions in Europe for 2025 and 2026. He’s also working on a book. This takes time and effort, but he optimizes his time and manages his corporate job alongside photography. Antonio believes photography is a calling and a demanding journey. The goal is to develop work that goes beyond day-to-day pictures. If photography is your passion, you’ll keep going.

Antonio is planning 2025 workshops and master classes. He likes to teach the art of slowing down and being present. These classes cover theoretical and practical aspects. The goal is to develop themes and projects, print your work, and share your images. And he’s always open to discussing gear, black and white photography, and his choice of Pentax and Ricoh cameras.

Be sure to check out the full episode to hear more from Antonio. Keep shooting, keep exploring, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations.

• Antonio’s Website

Michele Zousmer, the featured photographer in the March 2025 issue of Street Photography Magazine is a San Diego-based humanitarian photographer, has dedicated her photographic work to illuminating overlooked communities and challenging societal perceptions. Starting as a sports photographer capturing her son’s basketball games, Michele’s path led her to document stories ranging from women in prison to homeless choir members, ultimately finding her most profound work among Ireland’s Traveller community.

For the past seven years, Michele has immersed herself in the Traveller culture, gaining unprecedented access through an approach that prioritizes human connection over technical perfection. “I literally talk to them. It’s almost like a game,” she explains. “What mascara are you wearing? I’m not kidding. We just like talking makeup on the side of the road.”

This seemingly casual approach belies a deeper purpose. Through her recently published book “Mis[s]understood,” she reveals the complex realities of a marginalized community facing widespread discrimination. Her photographs capture both the vibrancy of Traveller culture and the challenges they face, particularly in education and housing.

“The more I got to know them, I came back many times,” Michele reflects. “I actually thought that they have a lot of traditions that we’ve lost in America. They are so family oriented. Everything is family. They live together as family. All the generations live together.”

Her work with the Voices of Our City Choir in San Diego demonstrates similar depth of connection. What began as documenting a homeless choir led to an intimate film project when choir member Steven Reed asked her to document his final months battling liver cancer. Despite initial hesitation due to her own experience with loss, Michele agreed, creating “Sounds of the Sidewalk: A Journey of Goodbye.” The resulting film not only honored Reed’s story but helped change perceptions of homelessness.

“I really feel that way, and I see the world that way,” she says of her approach to humanitarian photography. “I think vulnerability is so important, and I’m always very open and vulnerable. I could be vulnerable with my people that I’m relating to, but I do think you have to be careful who you share it with.”

This philosophy has earned her the trust of communities often wary of outsiders, resulting in intimate portraits that challenge viewers to see beyond stereotypes and recognize our shared humanity.

This is only part of Michele’s story, so please be sure to listen to our conversation. You won’t regret it.

• Michele’s Website

Eric Turibio, known in the photography community as Ribsy, brings a distinctive approach to street portraiture that emphasizes genuine human connection over technical perfection. Originally starting his photographic journey through food photography, Ribsy has evolved into a committed film photographer who primarily works with medium format cameras to capture compelling portraits of New York City’s inhabitants.

In his conversation with Street Photography Magazine, Ribsy discusses how confidence shapes his street photography practice. Rather than adopting the fly-on-the-wall approach favored by many street photographers, he engages directly with his subjects, often approaching them with straightforward requests like “You look really interesting sitting right there. Can I get a photo of you?” This direct method, combined with his authentic interest in how people fit into their environments, has become his signature style.

Working primarily with a Yashica 124G medium format camera, Ribsy carefully balances his artistic vision with the practical constraints of film photography. Because there are only 12 frames per roll of 120 film, he makes each interaction and composition count. This deliberate approach extends to his creative process – he describes street portraiture as emotionally demanding work that requires specific mental preparation and dedicated time alone to achieve the best results.

Despite relocating from New York City to the Hudson Valley and balancing photography with family life and a full-time career, Ribsy maintains his commitment to documenting the city’s diverse population. Through his YouTube channel and various social media platforms, he shares not only his photographic work but also insights into his process, helping other photographers understand the nuances of street portraiture while maintaining an authentic approach.

• Ribsy’s Instagram

Our guest tis week is Dean Hinnant, the Street Photography Magazine featured photographer in the January 2024 issue. Dean’s journey as a photographer centers on an intimate, ongoing documentation of his five siblings. The oldest of six children spanning nearly two decades in age, he transforms his role as big brother into a powerful creative force through his project titled “Blood.”

The project gained deeper meaning following his parents’ divorce, which spurred Dean to focus his lens on preserving and exploring the unbreakable bonds between siblings. Armed with his Leica M6 TTL – a camera with its own remarkable history as the former tool of National Geographic photographer William Albert Allard – Hinnant captures both candid moments and environmental portraits that tell the story of his family’s evolution.

Dean developed his distinctive photographic voice during a six-month road trip across America in 2021, documenting the country’s emergence from the pandemic. This experience honed his ability to see beauty in everyday moments, a skill he brought home to his family photography. Despite living in different cities and coordinating around split holiday schedules, he never goes anywhere without his camera, ready to capture those in-between moments when his siblings come together.

His approach emphasizes trust and respect, allowing his subjects to be themselves while acknowledging their individual paths. This philosophy has led to a collection of images that resonate beyond their personal context, speaking to universal themes of family bonds, growth, and shared history. From his firefighter brother’s wedding to his youngest sister’s budding interest in photography, Dean captures the evolving dynamics of siblinghood with remarkable authenticity.

Working exclusively in film, Dean’s project stands as a testament to photography’s power to preserve not just moments, but the complex emotional landscape of family life. His work reminds us that sometimes the most universal stories are found in our most personal connections.

• Dean’s Instagram

I recently had a very interesting chat with Jeromie Stephens, a talented photographer who’s been documenting the world of bluegrass for many years. If you love the candid, authentic moments in music or on the streets you need to check out the work of our guest Jeromie Stephens.

In today’s episode Jeromie and I dig into everything from street photography to the art of catching those spontaneous, off-stage moments that capture a musician’s spirit. Jeromie
started off wanting to be a photojournalist, but through his love of music and being inspired by the legendary Jim Marshall, and ended up immersing himself in the world of bluegrass. This shift took him on adventures to festivals and even led him to photograph the 52nd annual Takarazuka Bluegrass Festival in Japan.

I first met Jeromie several years ago during a photowalk sponsored by our local camera store. Through this experience I was able to see him work first-hand create interesting compositions with his awareness of shapes in candid scenes then approach complete strangers with kindness and a sincere interest in them to make very personal portraits.

One of the things that really stands out about Jeromie’s music work is his preference for capturing the candid, fleeting moments over posed performances. He sees photography as a combination of preparation and spontaneity, much like music itself. This approach allows him to blend into the background, catching the genuine interactions of musicians without disrupting the flow. It’s all about the art of invisibility.

Jeromie has this wonderful habit of sharing prints with musicians, which not only builds goodwill but also strengthens the connections within the bluegrass community. He believes in the power of printed photographs, and how they hold a personal touch that digital images just can’t replicate.

As a testament to his strong relationships with the musicians he photographs, Jeromie received the 2024 Photographer of the Year Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association.

I hope you enjoy the podcast as much as I enjoyed chatting with Jeromie.

• Jeromie’s Website

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