Street Life

• Markus Andersen

  Send us a textIn 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. He prefers the term "life photography," emphasising the importance of documenting life in all its forms without being pigeonholed into a specific category. As we delve deeper into Markus's journey, he shares a pivotal moment from his early days as a student when he realised he had a unique eye for composition. He recounts how his approach to photography often diverged from his peers, leading to a distinctive style that captures the essence of his subjects in unexpected ways. We explore the challenges of defining oneself as a photographer and the ongoing quest for identity in the creative field.Markus reflects on his experiences shooting in various environments, including the bustling streets of Sydney and the quieter suburbs. He discusses the spontaneity of his work, revealing that some of his best images come from moments of serendipity rather than meticulous planning. This spontaneity is contrasted with his more structured projects, such as Cabramatta, which he approached with a clear vision and a set timeframe.Throughout the episode, we touch on the impact of social media on the photography landscape, the decline of traditional galleries and photography schools, and the potential for a renaissance in the art world. Markus shares his thoughts on the importance of community and connection among artists, emphasising the value of honest feedback and mentorship in the creative process.As we wrap up our conversation, Markus opens up about his recent personal challenges and how they have influenced his work. He acknowledges the transformative power of life experiences on artistic expression and the ongoing journey of self-discovery as a photographer.Join us for this insightful and thought-provoking episode as we explore the world of life photography through the lens of Markus Andersen, a true artist dedicated to capturing the beauty and complexity of urban life.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

  --------  

  1:09:04

  --------

  1:09:04
• Round Table: Are Street Photography Competitions Worth It?

  Send us a textIn 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 the judging process often lacks clarity and fails to provide real value to participants. Dave, who straddles both the art and street photography worlds, shares his journey of entering competitions and the lessons learned along the way. He emphasises the importance of entering well-established competitions that offer genuine opportunities for exposure and community engagement, rather than those that seem to prioritize profit over participant experience.Ultimately, our conversation centers around the idea that while competitions can be beneficial, they must be approached with caution. We encourage our listeners to support competitions that prioritise community, transparency, and genuine engagement, while being wary of those that exploit the desire for recognition without offering meaningful returns.Sam FerrisDave CossiniEduardo OrtizFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

  --------  

  1:16:56

  --------

  1:16:56
• Perry Hall

  Send us a textIn 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 a friend. This initial spark ignited his love for capturing the essence of street culture, particularly through the lens of his skateboarding background. Perry shares insights into the psychological connections between skateboarding and street photography, emphasising how both require a keen understanding of angles, persistence, and the ability to navigate challenging environments.As we explore Perry's experiences, he opens up about his time spent homeless and how skateboarding played a pivotal role in steering him toward a more positive path. We discuss the importance of community and connection, both in skateboarding and photography, and how these relationships have shaped his work and life.Throughout the episode, we touch on Perry's project-based approach to photography, including his extensive work in Rome and his projects "Devil Lived" and "Sin Street" in Austin, Texas. He candidly discusses the motivations behind his work, the importance of documenting real-life moments, and the ethical considerations that come with street photography.We also dive into Perry's experiences with flash photography, his transition from film to digital, and the impact of festivals and competitions in the photography community. He shares his thoughts on the significance of making connections and the serendipitous nature of opportunities in both photography and life.As we wrap up, Perry offers valuable advice for aspiring photographers on how to find like-minded individuals and build a supportive community. His passion for street photography and the stories behind his images serve as a reminder of the beauty and complexity of life captured through the lens.Join us for this inspiring conversation with Perry Hall, where we explore the intersections of art, community, and the human experience in the world of street photography.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

  --------  

  1:06:18

  --------

  1:06:18
• Brad Jones

  Send us a textIn 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 William Eggleston, realising that great art could be created in his own neighborhood.Brad elaborates on his unique approach to street photography, emphasising the importance of consistency in his settings to create a cohesive body of work. He explains how he thrives in chaotic environments, using his camera to find central figures amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. The discussion touches on the challenges of shooting in public spaces, particularly when it comes to photographing children and the reactions he receives from the public.Throughout the episode, Brad reflects on his creative process, the difficulties of curating his work, and the lessons learned from publishing his book. He shares insights into the emotional and technical aspects of street photography, including the significance of color in his work and the importance of capturing the vibrancy of life in the city.Join us for this engaging conversation filled with personal anecdotes, artistic insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

  --------  

  58:13

  --------

  58:13
• Tatsuo Suzuki

  Send us a textIn 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 early influences, including iconic photographers like Daido Moriyama and Robert Frank, and discussed the importance of intimacy in his work, especially when photographing marginalised communities like the homeless. We explored the ethical considerations of street photography and how Tatsuya navigates the fine line between capturing candid moments and respecting his subjects.A significant portion of our conversation focused on Tatsuo's recent work, including his book "The Sound of Waves," which he created as a tribute to a late friend and fellow photographer. He explained the symbolism of water and life in his series, emphasising the emotional depth behind his images.We also touched on the Fujifilm controversy that Tatsuo faced, where he clarified misconceptions about his role in a promotional video and expressed his thoughts on the impact it had on his career.As we wrapped up, Tatsuo shared his thoughts on the legacy he hopes to leave behind and the significance of community in photography, particularly through his collective, Void Tokyo. We hope you enjoy listening to Tatsuo's story as much as we enjoyed sharing it!WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

  --------  

  51:17

  --------

  51:17

More Arts podcasts

Trending Arts podcasts

About Street Life