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 photographe...
Send us a textIn 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 as complex and ever-changing. He explains his preference for colour photography in a city often associated with black and white imagery, citing his influences and the challenges of finding compelling colour compositions in a bustling urban environment.Throughout the episode, Ulysses explores the pressures of competition in photography, the evolution of personal style, and the significance of staying true to one's artistic vision. Ulysses also touches on his YouTube channel, explaining how it complements his photography journey while allowing him to share insights and connect with others in the community.Join us for an engaging conversation filled with humor, insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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1:08:52
Payman Hazheer
Send us a textIn 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 be more reserved. He shares his philosophy of building trust and making connections with his subjects, which is crucial for capturing the intimate portraits he is known for.One of the highlights of the episode is Payman's discussion of his current projects, particularly his work with the "Ultras," a group of passionate football fans in Stockholm. He describes the adrenaline rush of photographing these intense events and the careful navigation required to gain their trust. Payman also touches on the darker aspects of this subculture, including the presence of extremist ideologies, and how he balances documenting their passion while remaining true to his artistic vision.Join us for this engaging episode as we explore the art of street photography, the complexities of human connection, and the vibrant subcultures that inspire Payman's work. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there's something to learn from Payman's journey and insights into capturing the essence of life on the streets.INSTAGRAM | WEBSITEFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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1:05:42
Highlights of 2024, Goals for 2025 + Listener Q&A
Send us a textIn 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!
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37:42
Matt Black
Send us a textIn 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 aimed to highlight the contradictions of American life, particularly in the context of poverty and social issues. Matt emphasises the interconnectedness of these issues and the importance of advocating for a broader understanding of the realities faced by marginalised communities.Throughout the episode, Matt shares poignant stories from his travels, including his experiences in Flint, Michigan, during the water crisis. He discusses the emotional toll of documenting such hardships but also finds hope in the connections he makes with the people he photographs. The conversation culminates in a discussion about Matt's new book, American Artifacts, which serves as a companion piece to American Geography, showcasing the objects he collected during his travels and their significance.Join us for this insightful and thought-provoking episode as we explore the power of photography to tell stories, advocate for change, and connect us to the world around us.Website | InstagramFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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1:02:19
Narelle Autio
Send us a textIn 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, leading to a job offer that would shape her career.Throughout the episode, Narelle discusses her unique approach to photography, particularly her focus on capturing the beauty of the ocean and the human experience within it. She describes the ocean as her muse, revealing how her childhood experiences at the beach have influenced her work. We delve into Narelle's creative process, her recent projects, and the importance of storytelling in her work. She shares insights into her collaboration with her husband, Trent Park, and how their dynamic enhances their artistic endeavors. The conversation also touches on the serendipitous nature of photography, the beauty of chance encounters, and the emotional connection to the subjects she captures.Instagram | WebsiteFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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.