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Street Life

Mark Davidson and John St
Street Life
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  • Sarah Simon
    Send us a textIn 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 intuition in her work, often allowing her gut feelings to guide her in capturing the chaotic beauty of the streets. Despite only being in the photography scene for a few years, her work reflects a maturity and depth that belies her experience.We explored her approach to shooting, which often involves a spontaneous and instinctual process rather than meticulous planning. Sarah also touched on her struggles with Lyme disease, which has impacted her ability to shoot frequently, yet she finds a sense of urgency and purpose in her photography during her healthier moments.Throughout our conversation, Sarah highlighted the significance of community, particularly her initiative to create a space for women street photographers. She shared her admiration for other photographers, including Daido Moriyama, whose work validated her own artistic journey.As we wrapped up, Sarah expressed her desire to leave behind a body of work that invites others to explore their own inner worlds and the beauty of life’s complexities. We also discussed her future projects, including a collaborative art book with a poet, and her aspirations to travel and shoot in new locations, particularly in Mozambique.This episode is a testament to the power of photography as a means of self-exploration and connection, and we are excited to see where Sarah's journey takes her next. Thank you for joining us on this insightful conversation!INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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  • Darren Sacks
    Send us a textIn 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, acknowledging him as a significant inspiration while emphasising that he does not aim to emulate his work. Instead, he appreciates the way Leiter framed subjects and utilised layers and textures in his photography.Darren shares his early experiences with photography, revealing that he has always had a camera in hand, starting with a simple point-and-shoot. His passion for street photography ignited during a trip to New York over a decade ago, where he purchased his first proper SLR camera. As we delve into the technical aspects of his work, Darren discusses his preference for longer focal lengths, which contribute to the compressed look of his images. He reflects on his journey from using a Nikon to transitioning to Fuji and now primarily shooting with Sony. Darren also shares a pivotal moment in his career when he captured a photograph that combined various elements he had been exploring, solidifying his desire to continue pursuing street photography. He describes this image, taken on Jermyn Street in London, as a favourite that encapsulates his artistic vision.Throughout the episode, we touch on the importance of patience in street photography, with Darren recounting his experiences of waiting for the perfect moment to capture a shot. He candidly discusses the frustrations of shooting at night and in challenging conditions, emphasising the need for perseverance and adaptability.As the conversation progresses, we discuss Darren's recent exhibitions in Paris, Tokyo, and Hamburg, highlighting the honor of having his work displayed internationally. He reflects on the emotional connection he feels to his photographs and the significance of seeing them printed and exhibited.We also explore the evolving nature of photography in the digital age, discussing the impact of social media on artists and the importance of community. Darren shares his thoughts on the future of his work, expressing a desire to continue growing and pushing his creative boundaries, especially as he adapts to shooting in a quieter coastal environment.In closing, we reflect on the ever-changing landscape of street photography and the importance of finding one's unique voice within it. WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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  • Paul Harrison
    Send us a textIn 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 about the challenges of starting later in life, the importance of repetition in both his tours and photography, and how he learned the technical aspects of using a camera through YouTube and online resources.We also explore Paul's distinctive style, particularly his work in art galleries, where he cleverly juxtaposes real people with famous artworks. He explains his approach to capturing candid moments and the strategies he employs to anticipate and create compelling compositions.Throughout the episode, we touch on the challenges of street photography, including the unpredictability of subjects and the occasional awkward encounters with the public. Paul shares some humorous anecdotes, including a memorable interaction with a disgruntled businessman.As we wrap up, Paul hints at his future projects, including zines and a potential book, while also discussing his desire to expand beyond gallery photography into other street photography realms. This episode is a delightful mix of insights, humour, and inspiration for anyone interested in the art of capturing life on the streets.WEBSITE | INSTAGRAMFollow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
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  • 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!
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  • 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!
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About 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.
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