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!
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Eduardo Ortiz
Send us a textIn 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 trend of aesthetically pleasing but soulless images that dominate social media. He believes that true street photography should evoke emotion and tell a story, rather than simply conform to popular styles.Throughout the conversation, we explore the significance of community in photography, the role of social media platforms like Instagram, and the value of alternative spaces for sharing work, such as blogs and YouTube. Eduardo's insights into the creative process and the importance of engaging with subjects on the street provide a fresh perspective on how to approach photography as both an art form and a means of connection.Join us for this engaging and thought-provoking episode as we delve into the intricacies of street photography, the importance of community, and the journey of a passionate artist navigating the streets of the world.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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Kris Desautels
Send us a textIn 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 empty streets of Chicago. He discusses his preference for black and white photography, citing the emotional depth it provides compared to colour. Throughout the episode, Kris shares his creative process, emphasising the importance of instinct and spontaneity in his photography. He reveals his fascination with reflections and silhouettes, as well as his approach to sequencing images to tell a cohesive story. The conversation also touches on the influence of music and other art forms on his work, highlighting how he draws inspiration from various sources beyond photography.As the episode wraps up, Kris discusses his current projects, including a book centered around Chicago's Air and Water Show and a series involving mannequins and nighttime photography.Join us for this engaging episode filled with humour, insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography as we explore the creative journeys of Mark, John, and Kris Desautels.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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Olga Karlovac
Send us a textIn 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 shooting in less-than-ideal weather, explaining how the rain and cold inspire her creativity and allow her to capture images that many others might overlook.We delved into her distinctive style, which is heavily influenced by expressionist painters and characterised by a dreamlike quality. Olga emphasised that her work is about conveying emotion rather than adhering to traditional beauty standards, which often leads her to capture the more melancholic aspects of her surroundings.As we wrapped up, we asked Olga about her future projects and her thoughts on the rise of AI in photography. She expressed confidence in the irreplaceable nature of human emotion in art, highlighting that while AI can replicate styles, it cannot capture the essence of human experience.Overall, this episode was a deep dive into the world of street photography through Olga's eyes, offering inspiration and insight for both aspiring and seasoned photographers. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed the conversation.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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Bragdon Brothers
Send us a textIn 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 Parr. This revelation sparked their passion for capturing spontaneous moments in their everyday surroundings.The brothers discuss their creative process, emphasising how they often shoot together, despite the challenges posed by Gareth's health issues. We delve into their distinctive style, characterised by surreal use of flash, shadow, and blur, which they developed as a response to the often grey and dark environment of Edinburgh. They recount how a simple thrift store flash gun led to a breakthrough image that garnered positive feedback and set them on their current path.Throughout the conversation, we touch on the importance of local influences in their work, highlighting how fellow photographers in Edinburgh inspired their approach. They also candidly discuss the challenges of working together as brothers, the dynamics of their creative partnership, and how they navigate disagreements without letting them affect their relationship.The episode takes a poignant turn as Gareth opens up about his battle with Lyme disease, which has significantly impacted his life and photography. He shares how the passion for photography has provided him with a sense of purpose and a way to cope with his health struggles. Join us for this inspiring episode filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Gavin and Gareth's journey is sure to resonate and inspire you to capture the world around you.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow 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.
South Africa