Street Life

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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 the work rather than the words that accompany it.
As we discuss the reactions to the Eyeshot interview, we reflect on the importance of respectful dialogue in the photography community, even when opinions differ. We also celebrate Mark's recent success in getting a photo into the finals of the Canberra Contemporary Photography Prize, which has prompted him to think about branching out from street photography into other genres.
The conversation shifts to the recent Worldwide Streets exhibition, where we both had our work displayed. Finally, we discuss the upcoming Fujifilm X-T6 rumours and the excitement surrounding new gear in the photography world. 
Overall, this episode is a mix of personal anecdotes, industry insights and a celebration of the vibrant community of photographers we are proud to be a part of.
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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 photography. Mark argues that images without people can still be considered street photography, emphasising the importance of the scene itself and the emotions it evokes. He explains how his work often centers around themes of common human experiences, using objects to represent the human aspect in his images.
Mark also shares insights into his creative process, discussing how he finds interesting scenes, often on the fringes of urban environments. He recounts experiences of photographing abandoned places and the stories behind them, highlighting the importance of patience and intuition in his work.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as Mark discusses his documentary project on Fukushima, detailing the challenges he faced in gaining access to the area and the profound impact of the stories he captured. He reflects on the importance of persistence in photography and the emotional weight of the images he created.
As the episode wraps up, Mark shares his thoughts on the future of his work, including the possibility of another book and the balance between self-publishing and working with a publisher. He emphasises the joy and love he finds in photography, regardless of external recognition.
Join us for this engaging episode filled with insights, personal stories and a celebration of the art of street photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there's something here for everyone to appreciate and learn from.
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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 preference for black and white photography. She explains how her nomadic upbringing has influenced her perspective and approach to street photography, particularly during her five years living in Valparaiso, Chile.
Éléonore also touches on her recent project, "Le Bleu Secret Sans Bruit”, which showcases her work with cyanotypes, highlighting the contrasts and dreamlike quality of her images. We discuss the challenges and joys of editing and curating a body of work, as well as the evolution of her photography over time.
Throughout the conversation, Éléonore's passion for photography shines through, and we gain valuable insights into the artistic process and the importance of enjoying the journey of creation. Join us for this engaging discussion that celebrates the art of street photography and the stories behind the lens.
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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.
We explore the difficulties of shooting in Germany, where public awareness of photography can hinder the creative process. Peter reflects on his experiences in Japan and India, emphasising the importance of adapting to different environments and overcoming personal barriers in street photography.
As we discuss the impact of social media on creativity, Peter candidly shares his struggles with maintaining his artistic vision while managing audience expectations. He highlights the importance of focusing on personal passion over likes and shares, and we touch on his plans for future exhibitions and self-published books.
Overall, this episode is a deep dive into the evolving nature of street photography, the challenges photographers face, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. We hope you enjoy this insightful conversation!
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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 therapeutic balance it provides alongside her demanding career in neurosurgery.
Throughout the conversation, we touch on the challenges of street photography, including the varying reactions from the public and the importance of community support. Mania shares her experiences shooting in New York, contrasting it with her work in Antwerp, and highlights her fascination with capturing the quiet moments of life.
As we explore her artistic influences, Mania reveals her admiration for iconic artists like Saul Leiter and Edward Hopper, while also discussing her aspirations for future projects, including a potential book that juxtaposes her work from Antwerp and New York.
We also delve into the complexities of social media, particularly Instagram, and how it affects photographers' creativity and self-perception. Mania candidly discusses her hit rate in photography and the pressure to produce work that resonates with her audience.
Join us for an insightful conversation that not only celebrates street photography but also reflects on the personal journeys of artists navigating their craft amidst the challenges of life and the world around them.
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