Street Life
Street Life is a street photography podcast hosted by John St and Mark Davidson. Each fortnight, John and Mark speak to talented, world-class street photographers - from traditional and established doyens of the industry to innovative and emerging trailblazers - about their work and love for street photography.
Ignore the Naysayers: Criticism, Creativity and Commitment
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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 t...
Mark Forbes
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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...
Éléonore Simon
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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 pre...
Peter Kalnbach, aka Street Nomad
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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.
Mania De Praeter
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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...
Mo Barzegar
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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.<...
Nikita Teryoshin
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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 fair...
Fredrik Axling
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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...
Mike Chudley
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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 d...
Josh Ethan Johnson
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John St dive deep into the world of street photography with our guest, Josh Ethan Johnson, a talented photographer and filmmaker based in New York.
Josh joins us to discuss his multifaceted career, which spans photography, filmmaking and even music. He shares his journey into street photography, revealing how his childhood fascination with family photos and his experiences in art school shaped his artistic vision. We explore the parallels between street photography and fly fishing, emphasising the importance of patience and the acceptance o...
Jeremy Paige, aka Eaten By Flowers
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In this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St engage in a lively conversation with Los Angeles-based street photographer Jeremy Paige, also known as Eaten by Flowers.
Jeremy shares his unconventional journey into photography, revealing that he initially aspired to be a writer but found his voice through visual storytelling. He discusses the importance of feedback from mentors and how it shaped his path, leading him to embrace photography as a medium for expression. Throughout the conversation, Jeremy emphasises his reluctance to label himself as a photographer, citing t...
Lorenzo Catena
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St reconnect after a brief hiatus, diving into their recent photography projects and the evolving landscape of street photography. Mark shares his experiences with a new photography project in Footscray, while John discusses his ongoing work in Adelaide.
Mark and John then introduce their guest, Lorenzo Catena, an Italian photographer and architect. Lorenzo shares his journey into photography, highlighting how his architectural background influences his approach to composition and storytelling. He discusses his notable project, Comitiva, which challenges the notion of...
Suresh Naganathan
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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into the fascinating world of street photography with special guest Suresh Naganathan. Suresh, a Swiss-born photographer now based in Mumbai, shares his unique journey from Switzerland to India and how it shaped his photographic style.
We discuss Suresh's transition from taking holiday snaps to capturing the vibrant chaos of Mumbai's streets, highlighting the challenges and rewards of street photography. He reflects on the importance of being present in the moment and how he finds quiet, poignant moments amidst the city's hustle...
Mike Szpot, aka Illkoncept
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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into the world of street photography with special guest, Mike Spot, who also goes by the name Illkoncept. Mike, a Milwaukee-born, New York-based street photographer and filmmaker, shares his journey from skateboarding to photography, highlighting how his early experiences with video shaped his current work.
We discuss Mike's transition from skate videos to street photography, the challenges he faced while shooting in Vietnam during Tet, and how unexpected circumstances can lead to unique creative opportunities. Mike reflects on the importance of...
Lost in Tokyo - Street Life Japan
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In this episode of Street Life, we reflect on our recent trip to Japan, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture and bustling streets of Tokyo. It was John's first visit to Japan, and I was overwhelmed by the efficiency of the city, the incredible food, and the sheer number of people. We discuss our experiences navigating the transport system, with John sharing his initial struggles and eventual mastery of it.
We dive into our photography experiences, with John expressing the challenges he faced in capturing the essence of Tokyo...
Joakim Möller
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In this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joakim Möller, a talented fine art street photographer based in Stockholm. Joakim is known for his haunting black and white imagery that beautifully blends reality with imagination. We delved into his journey into photography, which began in his teenage years, sparked by a high school course on street photography that opened his eyes to capturing candid moments in a way he had never considered before.
Joakim shared his unique approach to street photography, emphasising the i...
Billy Dinh
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In this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of speaking with Brooklyn-based street photographer Billy Dinh, whose striking use of light and shadow has earned him international recognition - including a first-place award from The Independent Photographer in 2023.
Billy shares his unconventional path into photography. Trained in illustration and painting, he discovered street photography almost by accident - after a break-in at his apartment and a chance encounter with another photographer. What began as a replacement camera soon became the start of a new artistic chapter.
<...Sarah Simon
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah Simon, a talented street photographer who shared her unique journey into photography. Sarah's story is deeply personal, rooted in her experiences of loss, illness, and self-discovery. After the passing of her father in 2020, amidst the challenges of a divorce and health issues, she picked up a camera as a form of therapy and creative expression.
Sarah discussed how her upbringing in Queens, New York, influenced her perspective and photography style. She emphasised the importance of...
Darren Sacks
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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark have the pleasure of welcoming UK-based street photographer Darren Sacks, whose unique and bold abstract style is transforming the mundane into the extraordinary. Recorded on a sunny day in London, we dive deep into Darren's artistic journey, exploring his striking use of vibrant colors, layered compositions, and his fascination with light, shadow, and reflection in urban landscapes.
We kick off the conversation by discussing the comparisons often drawn between Darren and the legendary photographer Saul Leiter. Darren expresses his admiration for Leiter...
Paul Harrison
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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into the world of street photography with our special guest, Paul Harrison, a London-based photographer who only picked up a camera just before the pandemic. We discuss Paul's rapid rise in the street photography scene, his unique ability to capture surreal moments in everyday urban life, and how he transforms the streets into a stage filled with hidden narratives.
Paul shares his journey into photography, revealing how he transitioned from being a tour guide to a passionate street photographer. He talks...
Markus Andersen
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In this episode of the Street Life podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Markus Andersen, a renowned street documentary photographer based in Sydney. Known for his high-contrast, emotional, and evocative imagery, Markus explores themes of urban isolation and human presence within cityscapes. His acclaimed photo books, Rage Against the Light and Cabramatta: A Moment in Time, showcase his unique perspective on the vibrancy of multicultural suburbs and the moody streets of Sydney.
We kick off the conversation by discussing the term "street photographer," which Markus feels doesn't quite encapsulate his work...
Round Table: Are Street Photography Competitions Worth It?
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In this special episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the world of photography competitions, a topic we've touched on before but feel deserves further exploration given the current landscape. We are joined by a diverse panel of guests: Sam Ferris, Dave Cassini and Eduardo Ortiz, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences with competitions.
Sam shares insights from his experience running the Aussie Street competition, emphasising the importance of transparency and community engagement.
Eduardo expresses his frustrations with the lack of transparency in many competitions, noting that t...
Perry Hall
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In this episode of the Street Life podcast, we have the pleasure of speaking with Perry Hall, an American photographer renowned for his raw and emotionally charged street photography. Perry's journey into photography is as unconventional as his background, which includes experiences of hitchhiking, juvenile detention, and homelessness. He discovered his passion for photography while living in Rome, where he began documenting street life and subcultures.
We kick off the conversation by delving into Perry's early days in San Francisco, where he first picked up a Canon AE-1 camera gifted by...
Brad Jones
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In this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography, sharing personal experiences and insights while welcoming a special guest, Brad Jones, an accomplished street photographer based in Brooklyn, New York.
With a background in illustration and advertising, Brad Jones transitioned to street photography in 2018. In this episode he discusses his ongoing project, A Fragile Utopia, which captures the overlooked moments of daily life in New York City. Brad shares how he was inspired by the work of...
Tatsuo Suzuki
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In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark had the incredible opportunity to speak with Tatsuo Suzuki, a celebrated street photographer based in Tokyo. Tatsuo is known for his bold, high-contrast imagery and his unique approach to capturing raw human emotion.
We delved into his journey into photography, which began later in life after his time in a rock band and a corporate job. He shared how he found self-expression through photography, particularly street photography, and how his experiences shaped his artistic vision.
Tatsuo opened up about his...
Eduardo Ortiz
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography with our special guest, Eduardo Ortiz, a globe-trotting street photographer currently based in Italy. Eduardo shares his journey from a childhood in Chile to becoming an influential street photographer, highlighting how moving to Europe shaped his artistic vision.
We discuss the challenges of street photography, including the perception of the art form within the broader photography community. Eduardo emphasises the importance of capturing genuine moments and interactions with subjects, contrasting this with the...
Kris Desautels
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John welcome special guest Kris Desautels, a Chicago-based street photographer known for his high-contrast, minimalist imagery.
Kris recounts his early exposure to photography through his family's point-and-shoot cameras and his mother's passion for capturing family moments. After a detour through various jobs and a stint in bartending, Kris found his calling in photography, particularly drawn to the themes of isolation and urban life.
Kris elaborates on how the pandemic influenced his work, pushing him towards solitary imagery amidst the e...
Olga Karlovac
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In this episode of Street Life, we had the pleasure of speaking with the talented Olga Kolovac, a self-taught abstract and street photographer from Dubrovnik, Croatia. Olga is known for her unique black-and-white photography that captures fleeting moments and emotions, often in rainy and dark conditions.
We kicked off the conversation by discussing Olga's journey into photography, which began in her childhood but took a hiatus during her university years. It wasn't until her 30s that she rediscovered her passion, leading her to explore street photography. Olga shared her preference for...
Bragdon Brothers
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In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of street photography with the incredibly talented Bragdon Brothers, Gavin and Gareth. We explore the unique journey of these two brothers who have dedicated over a decade to capturing the essence of urban life through their lens.
Gavin and Gareth share their fascinating backstory, revealing how they both stumbled into photography after initially pursuing music. Their journey began in Edinburgh, where they discovered street photography through a documentary that highlighted iconic photographers like Henry Cartier-Bresson and Martin...
Greg Girard
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In this episode of the Street Life podcast, we had the immense pleasure of speaking with internationally renowned photographer Greg Girard. With a career spanning over four decades, Greg has masterfully documented the social and physical transformations of cities across Asia, particularly in urban centers like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Tokyo. His atmospheric images capture the delicate balance between modernity and memory, light and shadow, presence and disappearance.
Join us for this enlightening discussion with Greg Girard, a true master of urban photography, as we explore the intersections of culture, memory...
Sharon Eilon
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In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of street photography with our guest, Sharon Eilon, an Israeli-based street and documentary photographer. Sharon's journey into photography is both inspiring and transformative, stemming from a severe health crisis that led her to seek healing in India. During her time there, she discovered her passion for photography, which has since blossomed into a significant part of her life.
During our conversation with Sharon, we explore her unique perspective on street photography, particularly her ongoing project titled ...
A Major Announcement
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In this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St dive into an exciting discussion about John's recent achievement of becoming an official Fujifilm collaborator.
John shares the journey that led him to work with Fujifilm, starting with an email he received in December inviting him to collaborate on a project involving the GFX100RF camera.
Throughout the episode, John recounts the challenges he faced while shooting with the GFX100RF, including the restrictions on recognisable faces and commercial elements in his street photography. He de...
Max Sturgeon
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography with our guest, Max Sturgeon, an American photographer and filmmaker based between Austin, Texas, and Warsaw, Poland.
Max shares his journey into photography, highlighting a transformative workshop he attended in India that shifted his approach to street photography, particularly his embrace of flash techniques. He discusses the challenges and joys of using flash, emphasising how it has become an integral part of his style. We explore the differences in shooting in various cultural c...
Rammy Narula
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John are thrilled to welcome guest Rammy Narula, a Bangkok-based street photographer known for his innovative approach and philosophical insights into the art. Rammy shares his journey into photography, which began as a way to cope with personal challenges. He discusses his evolution from various photography styles to finding his passion in street photography, emphasising the spontaneity and simplicity it offers.
Rammy also opens up about his writing process, revealing how he uses writing as a tool for self-reflection and connection with others. H...
Sam Ferris
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John welcome special guest Sam Ferris, an accomplished Australian street photographer based in Sydney.
Sam recounts his move to Sydney in 2008, the challenges he faced in adapting to a new environment, and how he began to use photography as a means of connection and exploration. He discusses the evolution of his style, moving from architectural and landscape photography to capturing candid moments of people in their environments.
Sam elaborates on the challenges he faced when transitioning to photographing people, including overcoming h...
Ulysses Aoki
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into a lively discussion about street photography, current events, and the evolving nature of photography itself.
This episode features special guest Ulysses Aoki, a Japanese-American photographer based in Tokyo. Ulysses shares his unconventional journey into photography, which began after a successful soccer career and modeling experiences. He discusses his transition from portrait photography to street photography, emphasising the importance of capturing candid moments and the beauty of everyday life.
Ulysses reflects on his relationship with Tokyo, describing it...
Payman Hazheer
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In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of project-based photography with our special guest, Payman Hazheer, a talented Swedish-based photographer known for his striking street portraits and documentary-style work.
Payman shares his journey into photography, which began during a family vacation in Spain. He explains how his initial interest in candid photography evolved into a passion for street portraits.
As we explore Payman's work, he opens up about the challenges he faces when approaching strangers for portraits, especially in Sweden, where people tend to...
Highlights of 2024, Goals for 2025 + Listener Q&A
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In this episode, John and Mark wrap up the year that was 2024 and nominate their highlights of the year. Listeners also sent in questions for the duo, including 'what are the worst street photography trends' and 'what are our finals thoughts of whether street photography has lost its soul'.
All that and more.
We hope you had a fabulous 2024! We look forward to brining you more great guests in 2025. Thanks for listening!
Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
Matt Black
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In this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St speak with acclaimed American documentary photographer Matt Black, known for his work on poverty, migration, and environmental issues. Matt shares his journey into photography, starting from his early days working in a darkroom at a local newspaper. He reflects on the importance of understanding the craft of photography and how it informs his storytelling.
The discussion delves into Matt's major project, American Geography, which took him on a six-year journey across the United States. He explains how the project...
Narelle Autio
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In this episode, Mark Davidson and John St dive into the fascinating world of photography and the creative journey of Narelle Autio, an acclaimed Adelaide-based photographer.
As we welcome Narelle to the podcast, we explore her impressive background as a photojournalist and her transition into photography. Narelle shares her initial passion for drawing and painting, which led her to art school, where she discovered the magic of photography in the darkroom. Her journey took a pivotal turn when a photograph she discarded ended up on the front page of a newspaper, l...
