In today’s episode I speak with, Swedish musician and photographer Johann Otterdahl who discusses his unique approach to photography, which includes using one camera and lens for an entire year. Our rambling conversation spans a range of topics, from his upcoming trip to photograph an eclipse in Finnmark, Norway in September, to his artistic background in music and how it parallels with his photography style, emphasizing diversity, improvisation, and the importance of evolving artistically. Johann also shares insights into the challenges of making a living in creative fields, the significance of engaging with subjects, especially in street photography, and the impact of modern technology like the Instax printer on his work.

Our conversation extends to broader photography practices within the Ocoloy collective, focusing on the creative benefits of limiting oneself to specific equipment to foster growth and creativity. Discussions include technical preferences, such as the Fuji X-E1 and X100 series cameras, and the mental health benefits of photography.

Johann highlights the influence of Swedish photographer Anders Petersen had on modern street photography. Petersen is known for his documentation of Hamburg’s red light district in the sixties. His work is currently exhibited at the Hasselblad Foundation in Gothenburg.

We also discuss the process of printing photographs for galleries, the utility of website platforms like Squarespace for showcasing work, and the importance of receiving feedback on creative content.

Before we wrap up by making reference to other notable photographers such as Gerard Exupery and Greg Girard, discussions about upcoming projects, song recommendations, and website updates, and the interconnectedness of the creative process across different mediums and the continuous search for unique perspectives and moments in photography.

• Johann’s Website
• The Ocoloy Collective
• Anders Petersen
• Greg Girard

Los Angeles-base street photographer, Richard Smith, is the featured photographer in the May 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine.

Through Rick’s work he expresses his love for his hometown’s diverse cultures, historical architecture, and the unexpected surprises of city life. One of his favorite spots is Union Station, where he often spends time capturing the beauty of the historic structure and its people. During our conversation he remembers his friendship with Don Young, a volunteer at the station, whose interactions with people and the emotion-filled moments they sparked became the subject of some of his memorable photos.

Rick’s passion for visual storytelling began in junior high, dreaming of becoming a TV director. He studied film, worked in the industry, but found his true calling in photography. His filmmaking background has significantly influenced his photography techniques and style. Rick also shares his knowledge as a photography teacher, emphasizing patience and practical examples as essential teaching tools.

Rick shares some insightful tips for aspiring street photographer by encouraging anticipation, patience, and observation. Street photography for Rick is not just about creativity, but also about mindfulness, presence, and learning from mistakes. It’s an embodiment of happiness in his life.

Links from the show

• Rick’s Website
• Rick’s Facebook

In this episode, UK-based photographer, Bob Patefield, shares his lifelong passion for street photography, from his early fascination with cameras to encounters and collaborations. He tells us about his experience of being unjustly stopped by police while documenting an incident during Christmas near a British National Party event, which led to an 8-hour detainment without charges. Despite these challenges, Bob remains dedicated to the craft, reflecting on his equipment preferences and expressing curiosity about other models.

His journey intertwines with notable interactions, including a surprise connection with the late great Glenn Capers over Skype, which evolved into a close friendship. Glenn became an inspiration to Bob through his kindness, friendship, and sense of fun. During their lengthy video calls, they shared favorite photos and discussed camera gear into the wee hours of the night. Bob said, “I consider myself incredibly privileged to have met and shared all that time with him.”

Bob was heavily influenced by the themes of social justice, as seen in Capers’ project that depicts a janitor as Superman in solidarity with underpaid teachers. This led to his own story about property tax protests linked to the Freeman movement.

These projects underscore Bob’s engagement with societal issues and the complexities of capturing such moments. He also touches upon the importance of ethics in street photography, a new project aimed at raising awareness about child abuse, and the therapeutic potential of focusing on simpler subjects like dogs.

Bob shares plenty of practical advice, including his recommendation to print and display your work, and highlights the value of having a community of photographers who admire and learn from each other’s work.

A selection of Bob Patefield’s personal street photographs

A selection of Bob’s favorite street photos made by his friend Glenn Capers

Throughout their friendship Bob Patefield and Glenn Capers shared and evaluated each other’s work. Bob asked that we use this space to show some Glenn’s photos that had the most impact on him. All of the photos below are ©Glenn Capers.

Links from the show

• Bob’s 500px
• Bob’s Flickr
• Freedom-Minded – Bob’s Recent article in Street Photography Magazine
• Video of Bob’s arrest for the crime of Street Photography
• Expressions of Burnley – 100 Portraits Project
• Farmer Ken – Dry Stone Wall Repair
• Bob’s Peaceful Parenting Project Video
• SPM Podcast Episode 001 Interview with Glenn Capers

In today’s episode, Dallas-based fundraiser and street photographer Penny James shared the story of her creative evolution since she first picked up a camera in 2016. With a passion for capturing the spontaneous ballet of urban life, she has become a unique voice in the world of street photography.

Her photographic journey began with a personal connection to her camera and a desire to document the world around her. The turning point came during expeditions to the streets of London and Paris, where she honed her skills and developed her own visual language.

Penny’s work goes beyond mere observation; it’s an extension of her emotional landscape. She revealed the deep emotional investment she pours into her website, a curated digital gallery of her innermost expressions. The authenticity of her work is not just a philosophy; it’s the cornerstone of her approach to art.

In a surprising twist of fate, her interest in clouds inspired a unique self-portrait project during the pandemic. This project resulted in a fusion of surrealistic cloud photographs with evocative self-portraits. Penny’s work during this period reflects a dreamlike atmosphere that has resonated with her audience.

Navigating the ambiguities of the creative process, James spoke candidly about the exhilaration and hurdles she has encountered. From the painful process of self-editing to the connections made while capturing the lives of strangers, her journey has been as much about personal growth as it is about artistic expression.

Despite the challenges of curating photographs for exhibitions and her website Penny’s dedication to visual storytelling remains strong. When reviewing Penny’s website in preparation for her interview we were most impressed by the intention she put into image selection and sequencing of the photos in each gallery. She said is was a painful process that has really paid off. We review countless websites each year and Penny’s is by far one of the best we’ve seen in years. Please don’t miss it.

Penny’s story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring street photographers and a reminder of the possibilities that await around the next corner.

Chapter Summary

07:05 Travel and Street Photography Inspiration
Penny discusses her solo travel experiences to London and Paris, highlighting how being alone with her camera in new places inspired her street photography work.

11:05 Authenticity in Art and Connection
The conversation delves into Penny’s approach to art and self-expression, emphasizing the importance of being genuine in connecting with others through creative work.

17:10 Website Design and Creative Expression
Penny’s intentional and creative use of her website to showcase her photography, discussing the impact of thoughtful presentation in visual storytelling.

24:00 Pandemic-Inspired Self-Portrait Series
Discover how the pandemic sparked a burst of creativity and freedom leading to a unique self-portrait series by the artist.

41:09 Artistic Selections and Editing Process
Delve into the Penny’s process of selecting and editing photographs for her website, showcasing intentional curation and critical evaluation.

46:06 Fleeting Scenes and Insignificant Significance
Explore the artist’s perspective on capturing fleeting moments and the profound significance found in seemingly insignificant interactions with strangers.

51:14 Authenticity and Connection in Photography
Reflect on the power of authenticity and connection in photography, resonating with shared experiences and a sense of community among artists.

Links from the show

• Penny’s Website
• Instagram

In Street Photography Magazine, we publish many personal projects and discuss them with photographers on the podcast. In this episode, I had an opportunity to speak with street photographer Valérie and writer (and photographer) Gina Williams about their collaboration on one of the most creative projects I’ve seen in a long time.

Gina, a very talented writer, photographer, and artist, attended one of Valérie’s Paris workshops several years ago where they became friends. Several times over the years, they discussed a collaboration where Gina would create fictional vignettes inspired by subjects in a selection of Valérie’s street photos.

Last year, they made it a reality. Valérie gave Gina access to her archive to choose photos that resonated with her. That in and of itself was a challenge because Valérie has a huge archive of very powerful street images. Some stories came to her instantly while others marinated in the back of her mind, only to be revealed while she was gardening or taking a walk.

The result is an ebook titled Street Stories. It’s a collection of about 50 of Valérie’s street photos. Each photo with its vignette is depicted in a short chapter. The chapter opens with a title, assigned by Gina, on its own page followed by the photo on another with the page on the next page. This format can get very expensive in a printed book but works well in an ebook.

We’ve reproduced one of my favorite stories from the book in the show notes of this episode to give you an example of what Gina and Valérie created. The title is Resistance.

This type of book is best consumed a few chapters at a time rather than in long sittings. I imported my copy of the book into the Kindle app on my iPad. It gives me the ability to move between pages by sliding the screen right to left just like any book on the app. That way, I can glide through the images and titles and stop on whatever catches my attention. Each time, I’ve come away with new inspiration.

Valérie’s strong images combined with Gina’s imagination and mastery of the language is a magical combination.

Street Stories costs only $12.00, and Valérie has offered our listeners a $2.00 discount (so it’s only 10 bucks) by using the code SPM on checkout.

In the meantime, give the podcast a listen. I know you’ll be inspired by their story.

Here’s a sample chapter from Street Stories

RESISTANCE

I can hear their voices and feel their spirits in the wind when I visit this place. The horror. Fear. Desperation. Determination. Bravery.

My father was on this beach in the summer of 1944. A resistance fighter, he guided the Americans to a river crossing, then helped stand guard over German prisoners as they cleared the beach of obstacles and brutal tangles of barbed wire.

He didn’t talk much about it after the war—none of them did. But I can feel their presence here. Every gust of wind feels like youth leaving the body and I want to push it back like a rescue breath, return to them what they lost.

Places like this hold memories forever.

Now, the message of peace is peace itself. Lovers strolling arm-in-arm. Tourists sipping cocktails. Children splashing about and making castles in the once dangerous sand.

No matter the weather, I let it chill me. I never cover my head or button my coat. I want to feel the cold air in my bones until it hurts.

I scoop up a bit of soft sand and let it fall through my fingers, each grain a reminder of someone who sacrificed everything for the freedom I now enjoy.

And then I look to the horizon, watch the storm clouds swirl in the distance, and offer a humble prayer of gratitude and remembrance.

Links from the show

• Street Stories Download Use Discount code: SPM
• Valérie’s Website
• Gina’s Primary Website
• Gina’s Photography and Art Website
• Valerie’s Instagram
• Gina’s Instagram

Gerald Marie-Nelly, affectionately known as Mister Geez, is the featured photographer in the March 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine. During our conversation in this episode he invites us into his world of visual storytelling.

Mister Geez’s photographic journey is a combination of personal growth and artistic discovery. His transition from the sun-kissed shores of Martinique to the bustling streets of London is a story that resonates with anyone who has ever dared to dream beyond their horizon. Gerard opens up about finding solace in photography after the loss of his mother. It is a reminder of the healing power of art.

His book “Inner Child Playground” is more than just a collection of images; it’s an invitation to view London through the fresh eyes of a child. Street Photography Magazine subscribers can an excerpt of his book in the December 2023 issue.

What sets Mister Geez apart is not just his exceptional eye for detail but his commitment to community. He shares his craft by teaching photography to the homeless, helping them find their own voice through the language of imagery.

Gerard also pays homage to the greats who have shaped his vision. He expresses admiration for documentary photography icons like Sebastião Salgado and Eugene Smith, whose works have influenced his approach to capturing reality.

He dives deep into the meticulous process of curating a body of work for publication. Selecting and sequencing photos is a delicate dance that can make or break a narrative. During our conversation Gerard discusses his technique of using inexpensive prints to sort, compare and sequence photos for publication.

Our conversation underscores the tangible joy of physical prints, the intricacies of layout design, and the struggle with technical dilemmas like color casts in printing. Gerard’s story is a reminder of the tactile relationship between photographer and photograph, in an age dominated by digital.

Links from the show

• Mr Geez Website
• Instagram
• YouTube

In this episode we explore the world of Marco Campi where the rigid structure of mathematics and the expressive power of photography combine to tell stories of human experiences and the perils of climate change. If you’ve ever wondered how the precision of numbers and the creativity of visual arts could intertwine, then have a listen to my interview with Marco.

Marco Campi is not your typical engineer. Hailing from the fashion and design capital of Milan, Italy, he is a man who sees the world through numbers and symmetries but captures emotion through a camera. His unique blend of interests has led him to become a thoughtful observer street photography, with a special focus on cognitive sciences. This dual passion has taken him from the Milan’s Monumentale Cemetery during the heart of the COVD-19 pandemic to the capturing the lives of people affected by the floodwaters swallowing the historic city of Venice.

In a world where art and science are often viewed as separate entities, Marco Campi stands as a testament to the unity that can be found within diversity. His work challenges us to look beyond the surface and find the intricate connections that make our world a complex and beautiful composite.

During every conversation I have with our podcast guests I look for one tidbit of knowledge that I can apply in my own work. This has served me well over the years. At the end of our conversation Marco made two points, almost in passing “don’t do things on the fly” and “keep going back to the same place…it’s always different.”

Links from the show

• Marco’s Website
• Marco’s book: Diary of a Pandemic

In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, photographer the featured photographer in the February 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine, discussed his 30-year exploration of street photography shooting on Mass Avenue in Boston and his shift from traditional photography to using a mobile phone. He emphasized the importance of feedback and critique in the photographic process, which was the inspiration to create The Crit House, his YouTube channel dedicated to providing creative guidance and feedback to photographers.

Jeff reflects on the challenges and benefits of receiving constructive criticism and the value of having a trusted community for sharing work and feedback. Additionally, he shares insights into lessons from his career in broadcasting and his unique experiences with street and landscape photography using an iPhone, including nighttime shoots and long exposures to capture the moon’s motion.

Larson also recounts the influence of critiques on his work, noting his experience exhibiting in the Smith Gallery in Johnson City, Texas. Exploring genres beyond street photography, Larson detailes his landscape project and encounters with wildlife during early morning shoots.

Jeff encourages listeners to engage with his content available on YouTube, Instagram, and his personal website, and his published book, Sonder which is a compilation of his street photography over the past 30 years.

Links from the Show

• The Crit House – Jeff’s YouTube Channel
• Jeff’s Website
• Sonder – Jeff’s Book
• Instagram

Show Notes: Episode 170 – “The Dublin Street Photography Festival Journey”

Today, we have the founders of the Dublin Street Photography Festival, Paul Murray and Des Byrne, who are here to share their journey and insights into how their local street photography group has evolved into an international festival.

Main Themes:

• Establishing the Festival: Paul’s expertise in branding and design played a crucial role in attracting sponsors and securing venues. The festival has become a significant event, drawing international photographers and retailers.
• Beginner’s Adaptation: Our guests discuss the learning curve for newcomers to street photography and the creative growth that comes with mastering this art form.
• Reflections and Digital Nuances: They touch on the art of capturing reflection shots and discuss the intricacies of digital photography in the context of street photography.
• Building Community: Des talks about creating an inclusive Facebook group that welcomes international workers and promotes street photography. The community extends to partnerships with local entities like the Dublin Camera Club.
• Global Camaraderie: Paul and Des emphasize the sense of unity among the international photography community and their excitement for upcoming features, such as a retrospective of Jill Freedman’s work at the festival.
• Travel Tales: The pair recount their adventures at photography festivals in Porto, Lisbon, and others, offering a glimpse into the diverse festival landscape.
• Light Challenges: They discuss the technical and artistic challenges of shooting in different lighting conditions, particularly highlighting the unique light of Dublin throughout the seasons.
• Grafton Street’s Winter Sunlight: A love letter to Dublin’s winter sunlight on Grafton Street, along with tips on how to capture distinctive images in this enchanting environment.

Links from the show

• Dublin Street Photography Festival Website
• Des Byrne Instagram
• Paul Murray Website
• Paul Murray Instagram

Photos by Fan Ho

Welcome to a special episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast! We’re thrilled to share an exciting announcement that’s been in the works and is now ready to be unveiled to members of our community of passionate street photographers.

Extending to The Print World with a Photo Book About Your Favorite Street Photography Places

• New Chapter: After years of digital publication, Street Photography Magazine is venturing into the tangible world with a physical book, celebrating the the places you love to shoot.
• Call for Submissions: Hosts Bob Patterson and Ashley Riffo invite street photographers to submit their work for this landmark project. This isn’t just any call for photos; it’s a call for images of places that hold a special place in the photographers’ hearts.
• Specificity Over Generalization: The focus is narrow, personal, and intimate. We’re not looking for the sprawling cityscapes or famous landmarks. We want those stories you tell in nooks and crannies that you return to time and time again, those specific locations that have become a part of your visual journey.
• Inspiration from a Master: The work of Fan Ho, who captured Hong Kong in the 50s and 60s, serves as a perfect example for this project. His repeated visits to the Hong Kong Central Market allowed him to tell deeper, more nuanced stories through his lens—a practice we encourage in our community.
• Capturing Change and Comfort: By revisiting familiar places, photographers can explore how their special spot evolves over time, becoming more attuned to the subtleties of light, atmosphere, and life that unfold there.
• Submission Details: Photographers have until February 15th to submit photos, complete with unique titles and the stories behind them. Patience is appreciated, as curating a book is a delicate and time-consuming process.
• Looking Forward: There’s a palpable sense of excitement as Bob and Ashley anticipate the diverse and profound collection of images that will be submitted, each with its own narrative and emotional resonance.

Stay tuned for updates on this project, and remember to visit Street Photography Magazine’s website for the submission form and additional details. Good luck to all our street photographers out there, and we can’t wait to see the places that have captured your hearts and lenses.

Until next time, keep making stories that are waiting to be told, on the streets you love.

A Selection of Fan Ho’s Photos at the Hong Kong Central Market

Links from the show

• Book Submission Form

Show Notes: Episode #168

In today’s episode, we delve into the serene and contemplative world of fine art street photographer and architect Cyrille Druart who is the featured photographer in the January 2023 issue of Street Photography Magazine. Street Photography Magazine subscribers can read Cyrille’s story and view his photographs in our feature story about in which is scheduled to publish on Sunday, January 7.

Main Themes:

• “Plein Silence” Series: Dive into the discussion about Cyrille’s powerful “Plein Silence” series, a body of work that poignantly captures the stillness and solitude of the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of a fine art photographer.
• Artistic Evolution: Follow Cyrille’s artistic journey, including his affinity for minimalistic monochrome imagery and the development of his distinct graphic series that showcase his evolving style.
• Methodical Approach & Self-Critique: Gain insight into Cyrille’s meticulous method of shooting and his pursuit of perfection through rigorous self-critique, a testament to his dedication to the craft.
• Structured Composition & Design Methodology: Learn about the intentional structure and composition in Cyrille’s work, as well as his design-oriented methodology, which guides him in curating his photography series.
• Stylistic Adaptations: Cyrille talks about the occasional stylistic changes in his work and how he adapts his style to convey different moods and messages.
• Post-Processing Techniques: Uncover Cyrille’s approach to image refinement, using Adobe Lightroom for subtle tweaks and Adobe Photoshop for more substantial graphic adjustments.
• Social Media Presence: Delve into Cyrille’s thoughts on social media, his preference for Instagram (@cyrilledruart) as a visual platform, and his contemplation about closing his Facebook account to maintain a thoughtful curation of content.

Closing Thoughts:

Cyrille Druart’s blend of architectural precision and photographic artistry creates a unique and introspective body of work. His advice on tool selection and the curation of social media presence offers valuable insights for both emerging and established photographers. Don’t forget to follow Cyrille on Instagram to witness his minimalistic, monochromatic world.

Episode Timestamps:

• [00:01:30] – Transition from architecture to photography
• [00:05:45] – Exploring “Plein Silence” and pandemic-inspired art
• [00:12:20] – The evolution of artistic style and monochrome love
• [00:18:15] – Behind the scenes of Cyrille’s shooting and critique process
• [00:25:40] – Composition and design in photography
• [00:32:10] – Discussing post-processing preferences and techniques
• [00:38:55] – Cyrille’s advice on selecting photography tools
• [00:45:00] – Thoughts on social media and content curation

Don’t miss an episode of “The Street Photography Magazine Podcast.” Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed today’s show, please consider leaving us a review—it helps others discover great street photography content!

Links from the show

• Cyrille’s Website
• Instagram