- 50 minutes 8 secondsMeryl Meisler
In 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.
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13 August 2026, 3:00 pm - 35 minutes 6 secondsLukas Vasilikos
In 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!
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30 July 2026, 3:00 pm - 52 minutes 18 secondsIgnore the Naysayers: Criticism, Creativity and Commitment
In 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.
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16 July 2026, 3:00 pm - 59 minutes 58 secondsMark Forbes
In 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.
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2 July 2026, 3:00 pm - 1 hour 10 minutesÉléonore Simon
In 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.
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18 June 2026, 3:00 pm - 1 hour 10 minutesPeter Kalnbach, aka Street Nomad
In 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!
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4 June 2026, 3:00 pm - 1 hour 3 minutesMania De Praeter
In 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.
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21 May 2026, 3:00 pm - 1 hour 6 minutesMo Barzegar
In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography, welcoming special guest Mo Barzegar, a San Francisco-based street photographer.
Mo shares his journey into photography, starting from his childhood fascination with art and wildlife magazines to his eventual shift towards street photography in his 30s, including his initial inspiration from Bruce Gilden. He discusses the transition from shooting landscapes to street photography and the challenges he faced in adapting to different environments, particularly after moving from London to San Francisco.
Mo also reflects on his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting the changes in London and the impact of the lockdown on his work. He emphasises the importance of community in photography, sharing his passion for bringing photographers together through exhibitions and events.
Throughout the episode, we explore the evolution of Mo's style, his approach to shooting in different cities and the significance of connecting with fellow photographers. We wrap up with Mo's thoughts on the San Francisco photography scene and his aspirations for building a community hub for photographers.
Join us for this engaging conversation filled with insights, personal stories and a shared love for street photography!
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7 May 2026, 3:00 pm - 1 hour 19 minutesNikita Teryoshin
In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John dive into the world of street photography with special guest Nikita Teryoshin, a Berlin-based documentary and street photographer known for his distinctive style, which he describes as “everyday horror”. He discusses his creative upbringing and how early exposure to music, poetry and other artistic pursuits shaped his path into photography.
Nikita also talks about his acclaimed project Nothing Personal, which earned him a World Press Photo Award in 2020. The work explores the global arms trade, focusing on the surreal atmosphere of arms fairs and the uneasy contrast between their polished, business-like presentation and the violence they ultimately enable.
Throughout the conversation, he reflects on his interest in the relationships between humans, animals and systems of power, as well as the broader societal implications of industries tied to conflict. His work challenges viewers to confront the often-overlooked realities behind political and economic structures, encouraging a deeper consideration of violence, ethics and responsibility in the modern world.
Join us for an engaging discussion that blends humour, personal stories and thought-provoking commentary on the art of street photography and the realities of our contemporary society.
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23 April 2026, 3:00 pm - 56 minutes 15 secondsFredrik Axling
In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John dive into the world of street photography with special guest Fredrik Axling, a Stockholm-based photographer who has made a remarkable transition from a decade-long career as an electronic music producer to capturing the essence of urban life through his lens.
Fredrik reveals that he initially picked up a camera during a stressful period in his life, using it as a form of self-therapy. Within weeks, he discovered a passion for photography that led him to quit music in favor of capturing real moments on the streets.
Fredrik discusses his early influences in street photography, and recounts his first experiences shooting in urban environments. He emphasises the importance of spontaneity and the thrill of capturing people in their natural settings, which he finds far more engaging than static landscapes.
As the discussion progresses, Fredrik shares insights into his photographic style, characterised by strong colours and high contrast, and his photobook, which showcases his exploration of the human element within urban landscapes. He also talks about the challenges of shooting in Stockholm, especially during the long, dark winters, and how he adapts his techniques to make the most of limited light.
The hosts and Fredrik delve into the dynamics of street photography, including the balance between capturing candid moments and respecting people's privacy. Frederik recounts a memorable encounter with an angry subject early in his career, which ultimately didn't deter him from pursuing his passion.
Throughout the episode, we explore the relationship between photography and social media, with Fredrik sharing his love-hate relationship with platforms like Instagram. He reflects on how social media has helped him connect with other photographers and build a supportive community.
As the conversation wraps up, Fredrik hints at an upcoming exhibition and shares his thoughts on the future of his photography career.
Join us for this engaging episode filled with laughter, insights and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Fredrik's journey and passion for capturing the world around him will inspire you to hit the streets and find your own unique perspective.
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9 April 2026, 4:00 pm - 1 hour 1 minuteMike Chudley
In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of street photography with our special guest, Mike Chudley, a London-based street photographer and YouTuber. We kick off the conversation by discussing Mike's journey from skateboarding to street photography.
Mike explains the connection between skate culture and photography, emphasising how capturing moments through images is essential to the skateboarding experience. He shares how a Christmas gift from his mother, a camera, ignited his passion for photography at a young age.
As we delve deeper, Mike describes his transition from skate photography to street photography after moving to Essex. He highlights the unique opportunities London offers for street photographers and how he balances shooting in the bustling city with quieter coastal scenes in Essex. We discuss the challenges and joys of photographing strangers, and Mike shares a memorable encounter with a fisherman that exemplifies the beauty of candid photography.
We also touch on the business side of Mike's work, exploring how he has turned his passion for photography and YouTube into a full-time career. He candidly discusses the ups and downs of being a content creator, including dealing with negative comments and the importance of community support.
Throughout the episode, we explore the technical aspects of photography, including Mike's hybrid setup of shooting both film and digital. He shares insights on how he approaches sequencing images for his projects, including his recent zine from a trip to California, and reflects on the lessons learned from his first book, Learning to See.
As we wrap up, Mike offers valuable advice for aspiring YouTubers and photographers, emphasising the importance of authenticity and the joy of sharing one's creative process. We conclude with a discussion about the evolving nature of street photography and the significance of human presence in capturing the essence of the streets.
Join us for this engaging conversation filled with laughter, insights, and a shared love for street photography!
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