Street Life

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St dive into a lively discussion about the current state of street photography, the impact of Ai on creativity and the challenges of finding inspiration. John opens up about feeling uninspired and disconnected from photography lately, despite having a successful year with paid gigs. Mark encourages him to explore new approaches, such as shooting in black and white or even trying film photography.The episode features a special guest Bouwe Brouwer, a Dutch photographer known for his quiet, black-and-white observations of everyday life. Bauer discusses his journey from holiday photography to street photography, his long-term project "Postcards from Friesland," and the creative process behind his work. Bouwe also addresses the significance of competitions in fostering community and recognition within the photography world. He shares his experiences with various contests, including his recent success in Dublin, and the thoughtful approach he takes when submitting his work.As the episode wraps up, the hosts and Bouwe reflect on the evolving nature of photography, the importance of staying true to one's vision, and the joy of capturing the world around us. This episode is a rich exploration of creativity, community, and the enduring power of street photography.Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of chatting with David Sark, an award-winning photographer based in Sydney. David specialises in moody, atmospheric night photography and urban visual storytelling. David shared his journey into photography, starting from childhood memories of family events captured on film to the moment he received his first point-and-shoot camera. He emphasised the tactile experience of using a camera and how it allowed him to document the world around him. We explored the idea of photography as a creative outlet and how it can be both a personal and artistic expression.As we delved deeper, David discussed his approach to street photography, noting that he doesn't feel confined by the label. He views photography as a natural extension of his life in the city, capturing moments that resonate with him rather than adhering to traditional definitions. We also touched on the challenges of photographing in a city as iconic as Sydney, where countless photographers have come before him. David also delves into his work with double exposures, explaining the thrill of unpredictability and the joy of happy accidents in film photography. He shares his process of layering images and how it allows for a more authentic and tactile experience compared to digital photography.As the episode wraps up, David discusses his photo book, Neon Seascapes, and his desire to create a tangible collection of his work that transcends the fleeting nature of social media. The hosts reflect on the importance of having a personal connection to photography and the value of creating for oneself rather than for an audience.Overall, this episode was a rich exploration of creativity, the evolution of photography, and the personal journeys that shape our artistic endeavors. We hope you enjoy listening to David's insights as much as we did!WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, we have the pleasure of welcoming Greg Mo, a Paris-born photographer currently based in Cambodia. Known for his dreamlike approach to street photography across Asia, Greg shares insights into his artistic journey, which began in 2011 when he started capturing the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh. His breakout book, Sleep in Cambodia, documented the unique ways people sleep in public spaces, while his latest work, By The Mekong, explores a 200-metre stretch of the Mekong River, showcasing the beauty and complexity of life along its banks.We kick off the conversation by discussing Greg's initial foray into photography, which started with disposable cameras in Paris during his teenage years. He reminisces about capturing memories of his friends and the vibrant rap culture of the time. As we delve deeper, Greg explains how his curiosity about new places, particularly Cambodia, fueled his passion for photography.Throughout the episode, we explore the distinctions between street photography and travel photography, with Greg emphasising that both genres can overlap but serve different purposes. He shares his philosophy of wandering without a specific goal, allowing the environment to guide his photographic instincts. This approach has led him to discover unexpected moments and subjects, reinforcing the idea that photography is as much about the journey as it is about the final image.As we discuss his new book, By The Mekong, Greg reveals the thought process behind choosing to document a small, familiar area rather than venturing further afield. He explains how this project became a daily ritual for him, allowing him to capture the nuances of life along the river over three years. We also touch on the ethical considerations of photographing people in vulnerable situations, with Greg expressing his commitment to portraying subjects with respect and dignity.Throughout the episode, Greg's passion for photography shines through, as does his belief in the importance of authenticity and exploration in the creative process. We conclude with a discussion about the evolving nature of his work and the potential for future projects.Join us for this insightful conversation with Greg Mo, where we explore the intersections of culture, memory and the art of seeing through the lens.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, we had the incredible opportunity to speak with Meryl Meisler, a New York-based photographer whose work spans several decades, capturing the vibrant life of New York City from the 1970s to the present day. Meryl shared her journey into photography, which was inspired by her father's passion for capturing family moments and a transformative experience at a Diane Arbus retrospective.We discussed her early work, including photographing Times Square during its gritty days and her experiences with street photography on the subway. Meryl's unique perspective on documenting joy and confidence in her subjects stood out, especially during a time when many photographers focused on deprivation and struggle. She emphasised the importance of community in photography, encouraging young photographers, particularly women, to find supportive groups and share their work.Meryl also reflected on her time documenting the disco era, sharing stories of her experiences in clubs like Studio 54 and the Copacabana. She highlighted the innocence and liberation of that time, contrasting it with the impact of the AIDS epidemic that followed.As we wrapped up, Meryl expressed her excitement for her current projects, including a solo show and a forthcoming book that will explore the evolution of queer-friendly nightlife from the 70s to today. Her passion for photography remains as vibrant as ever, and it was a true privilege to have her on the podcast to share her insights and experiences.Join us for this inspiring conversation that celebrates the power of photography to document life, community and joy.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into an engaging conversation with Lukas Vasilikos, a contemporary Greek photographer renowned for his atmospheric street photography.Lukas shares his journey into photography, which began in 2006 after attending a seminar that ignited his passion for street photography. He discusses his transition from being an athlete to a photographer and how that discipline has influenced his work. We explore his extensive body of work, including a deeply personal project documenting his daughter's growth over 18 years, which he plans to publish soon.Throughout the episode, Lukas reflects on the complexities of street photography, including the love-hate relationship many photographers have with the genre. He emphasises the importance of being disciplined and the necessity of shooting regularly to improve one's craft. We also touch on the ethical considerations of candid photography and the challenges of photographing in Athens, a city he describes as visually chaotic and aggressive.As the conversation unfolds, Lukas shares insights into his creative process, the significance of understanding photography as a language, and the value of consuming various forms of art to enhance one's photographic vision. In closing, Lukas expresses a desire to photograph in Poland and Paris, highlighting the unique opportunities each location offers for street photography. This episode is a rich exploration of the artistic journey, the challenges of street photography and the personal connections that drive Lukas's work. Thank you for joining us, and we hope you enjoy this insightful conversation!WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into a lively discussion about their recent experiences in street photography and the broader photography community. We chat about Mark's recent appearance on the Eyeshot 50mm podcast and YouTube channel.We touch on the sometimes contentious nature of artist statements in photography competitions, with John expressing his frustration over how much weight is placed on them compared to the actual images. We both agree that photographs should speak for themselves, and that the focus should be on the work rather than the words that accompany it.As we discuss the reactions to the Eyeshot interview, we reflect on the importance of respectful dialogue in the photography community, even when opinions differ. We also celebrate Mark's recent success in getting a photo into the finals of the Canberra Contemporary Photography Prize, which has prompted him to think about branching out from street photography into other genres.The conversation shifts to the recent Worldwide Streets exhibition, where we both had our work displayed. Finally, we discuss the upcoming Fujifilm X-T6 rumours and the excitement surrounding new gear in the photography world. Overall, this episode is a mix of personal anecdotes, industry insights and a celebration of the vibrant community of photographers we are proud to be a part of.Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, John St and Mark welcome special guest, Mark Forbes, a renowned Melbourne photographer known for his cinematic style and use of traditional film cameras. Mark shares his journey into street photography, which began about 15 years ago as a weekend hobby. He reflects on how his approach has evolved from capturing decisive moments of people on the street to focusing on solitude and nostalgia in urban scenes, often without people present.Mark engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the definition of street photography. Mark argues that images without people can still be considered street photography, emphasising the importance of the scene itself and the emotions it evokes. He explains how his work often centers around themes of common human experiences, using objects to represent the human aspect in his images.Mark also shares insights into his creative process, discussing how he finds interesting scenes, often on the fringes of urban environments. He recounts experiences of photographing abandoned places and the stories behind them, highlighting the importance of patience and intuition in his work.The conversation takes a deeper turn as Mark discusses his documentary project on Fukushima, detailing the challenges he faced in gaining access to the area and the profound impact of the stories he captured. He reflects on the importance of persistence in photography and the emotional weight of the images he created.As the episode wraps up, Mark shares his thoughts on the future of his work, including the possibility of another book and the balance between self-publishing and working with a publisher. He emphasises the joy and love he finds in photography, regardless of external recognition.Join us for this engaging episode filled with insights, personal stories and a celebration of the art of street photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there's something here for everyone to appreciate and learn from.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into the world of street photography with special guest, Éléonore Simon. Éléonore shares her fascinating journey into photography, starting from her childhood interest in the arts to her formal education in art history. She discusses her self-taught approach to photography, emphasising the freedom it provides and how it allows for personal expression without the constraints of commercial expectations.We explore Éléonore's unique style, which blends documentary observation with an artistic touch, and her preference for black and white photography. She explains how her nomadic upbringing has influenced her perspective and approach to street photography, particularly during her five years living in Valparaiso, Chile.Éléonore also touches on her recent project, "Le Bleu Secret Sans Bruit”, which showcases her work with cyanotypes, highlighting the contrasts and dreamlike quality of her images. We discuss the challenges and joys of editing and curating a body of work, as well as the evolution of her photography over time.Throughout the conversation, Éléonore's passion for photography shines through, and we gain valuable insights into the artistic process and the importance of enjoying the journey of creation. Join us for this engaging discussion that celebrates the art of street photography and the stories behind the lens.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, John St and Mark Davidson dive into the world of street photography with our guest, Peter Kalnbach, a Hamburg-based photographer known for his cinematic, neo-noir vision of urban life. Peter shares his journey into photography, which began in 2017 during a trip to New York, where he aimed to capture the city's soul rather than just its landmarks. He discusses the challenges of being self-taught and how it has influenced his creative process, allowing him to break free from traditional photography rules.We explore the difficulties of shooting in Germany, where public awareness of photography can hinder the creative process. Peter reflects on his experiences in Japan and India, emphasising the importance of adapting to different environments and overcoming personal barriers in street photography.As we discuss the impact of social media on creativity, Peter candidly shares his struggles with maintaining his artistic vision while managing audience expectations. He highlights the importance of focusing on personal passion over likes and shares, and we touch on his plans for future exhibitions and self-published books.Overall, this episode is a deep dive into the evolving nature of street photography, the challenges photographers face, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. We hope you enjoy this insightful conversation!WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Street Life, Mark and John dive into the world of street photography with special guest Mania De Praeter, a Belgian street photographer and neurosurgeon. Marnie shares her unique journey into photography, which began during the COVID lockdowns when she started exploring the streets of Antwerp.We discuss the impact of the pandemic on her perspective, leading her to discover beauty in everyday moments and solitude in public spaces. Mania reflects on her transition from casual photography to a more serious pursuit, emphasising the therapeutic balance it provides alongside her demanding career in neurosurgery.Throughout the conversation, we touch on the challenges of street photography, including the varying reactions from the public and the importance of community support. Mania shares her experiences shooting in New York, contrasting it with her work in Antwerp, and highlights her fascination with capturing the quiet moments of life.As we explore her artistic influences, Mania reveals her admiration for iconic artists like Saul Leiter and Edward Hopper, while also discussing her aspirations for future projects, including a potential book that juxtaposes her work from Antwerp and New York.We also delve into the complexities of social media, particularly Instagram, and how it affects photographers' creativity and self-perception. Mania candidly discusses her hit rate in photography and the pressure to produce work that resonates with her audience.Join us for an insightful conversation that not only celebrates street photography but also reflects on the personal journeys of artists navigating their craft amidst the challenges of life and the world around them.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!