Street Life

Mark Davidson and John St
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Visual Arts
  • Every two weeks

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.

  1. 6 days ago

    Mark Forbes

    Send us Fan Mail 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. WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1 hr

  2. 18 Jun

    Éléonore Simon

    Send us Fan Mail 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. WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1hr 11min

  3. 21 May

    Mania De Praeter

    Send us Fan Mail 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. WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1hr 3min

  4. 7 May

    Mo Barzegar

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into the world of street photography, welcoming special guest Mo Barzegar, a San Francisco-based street photographer. Mo shares his journey into photography, starting from his childhood fascination with art and wildlife magazines to his eventual shift towards street photography in his 30s, including his initial inspiration from Bruce Gilden. He discusses the transition from shooting landscapes to street photography and the challenges he faced in adapting to different environments, particularly after moving from London to San Francisco. Mo also reflects on his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, documenting the changes in London and the impact of the lockdown on his work. He emphasises the importance of community in photography, sharing his passion for bringing photographers together through exhibitions and events. Throughout the episode, we explore the evolution of Mo's style, his approach to shooting in different cities and the significance of connecting with fellow photographers. We wrap up with Mo's thoughts on the San Francisco photography scene and his aspirations for building a community hub for photographers. Join us for this engaging conversation filled with insights, personal stories and a shared love for street photography! WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1hr 6min

  5. 9 Apr

    Fredrik Axling

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John dive into the world of street photography with special guest Fredrik Axling, a Stockholm-based photographer who has made a remarkable transition from a decade-long career as an electronic music producer to capturing the essence of urban life through his lens. Fredrik reveals that he initially picked up a camera during a stressful period in his life, using it as a form of self-therapy. Within weeks, he discovered a passion for photography that led him to quit music in favor of capturing real moments on the streets. Fredrik discusses his early influences in street photography, and recounts his first experiences shooting in urban environments. He emphasises the importance of spontaneity and the thrill of capturing people in their natural settings, which he finds far more engaging than static landscapes. As the discussion progresses, Fredrik shares insights into his photographic style, characterised by strong colours and high contrast, and his photobook, which showcases his exploration of the human element within urban landscapes. He also talks about the challenges of shooting in Stockholm, especially during the long, dark winters, and how he adapts his techniques to make the most of limited light. The hosts and Fredrik delve into the dynamics of street photography, including the balance between capturing candid moments and respecting people's privacy. Frederik recounts a memorable encounter with an angry subject early in his career, which ultimately didn't deter him from pursuing his passion. Throughout the episode, we explore the relationship between photography and social media, with Fredrik sharing his love-hate relationship with platforms like Instagram. He reflects on how social media has helped him connect with other photographers and build a supportive community. As the conversation wraps up, Fredrik hints at an upcoming exhibition and shares his thoughts on the future of his photography career.  Join us for this engaging episode filled with laughter, insights and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, Fredrik's journey and passion for capturing the world around him will inspire you to hit the streets and find your own unique perspective. INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    56 min

  6. 26 Mar

    Mike Chudley

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of street photography with our special guest, Mike Chudley, a London-based street photographer and YouTuber.  We kick off the conversation by discussing Mike's journey from skateboarding to street photography. Mike explains the connection between skate culture and photography, emphasising how capturing moments through images is essential to the skateboarding experience. He shares how a Christmas gift from his mother, a camera, ignited his passion for photography at a young age. As we delve deeper, Mike describes his transition from skate photography to street photography after moving to Essex. He highlights the unique opportunities London offers for street photographers and how he balances shooting in the bustling city with quieter coastal scenes in Essex. We discuss the challenges and joys of photographing strangers, and Mike shares a memorable encounter with a fisherman that exemplifies the beauty of candid photography. We also touch on the business side of Mike's work, exploring how he has turned his passion for photography and YouTube into a full-time career. He candidly discusses the ups and downs of being a content creator, including dealing with negative comments and the importance of community support. Throughout the episode, we explore the technical aspects of photography, including Mike's hybrid setup of shooting both film and digital. He shares insights on how he approaches sequencing images for his projects, including his recent zine from a trip to California, and reflects on the lessons learned from his first book, Learning to See. As we wrap up, Mike offers valuable advice for aspiring YouTubers and photographers, emphasising the importance of authenticity and the joy of sharing one's creative process. We conclude with a discussion about the evolving nature of street photography and the significance of human presence in capturing the essence of the streets. Join us for this engaging conversation filled with laughter, insights, and a shared love for street photography! INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1hr 1min

  7. 12 Feb

    Lorenzo Catena

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St reconnect after a brief hiatus, diving into their recent photography projects and the evolving landscape of street photography. Mark shares his experiences with a new photography project in Footscray, while John discusses his ongoing work in Adelaide. Mark and John then introduce their guest, Lorenzo Catena, an Italian photographer and architect. Lorenzo shares his journey into photography, highlighting how his architectural background influences his approach to composition and storytelling. He discusses his notable project, Comitiva, which challenges the notion of candid street photography by incorporating posed portraits, and reflects on the importance of expanding one's photographic repertoire beyond strict definitions. Lorenzo also talks about his ongoing project in Rome, focusing on the city's unique materials and textures, and the challenges posed by the influx of tourists. He emphasises the value of collaboration in photography, recounting his experiences working with fellow photographer Valeria Tofanelli on a project documenting Ostia, a coastal area of Rome. Their work captures the beauty and complexity of the region, showcasing the lives of its residents during the pandemic. Throughout the episode, the hosts and Lorenzo engage in a lively discussion about the nuances of street photography, the importance of patience and observation, and the evolving nature of their artistic practices. This episode is a rich exploration of creativity, collaboration, and the stories that unfold in everyday life through the lens of street photography. INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1hr 11min

  8. 25/12/2025

    Suresh Naganathan

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Street Life, John and Mark dive into the fascinating world of street photography with special guest Suresh Naganathan. Suresh, a Swiss-born photographer now based in Mumbai, shares his unique journey from Switzerland to India and how it shaped his photographic style. We discuss Suresh's transition from taking holiday snaps to capturing the vibrant chaos of Mumbai's streets, highlighting the challenges and rewards of street photography. He reflects on the importance of being present in the moment and how he finds quiet, poignant moments amidst the city's hustle and bustle. Suresh also opens up about the complexities of photographing in a city with stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, emphasising the need for sensitivity and respect in his work. He shares insights into his creative process, including how he approaches sequencing images for his book and the importance of instinct in editing. Throughout the conversation, we touch on the struggles many photographers face, such as processing images and the fear of repetition in their work. Suresh's perspective on maintaining curiosity and openness in photography serves as an inspiring reminder for all of us. Join us as we explore the art of street photography through Suresh's eyes, and gain valuable insights into capturing the essence of urban life. Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1hr 9min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Davidson and John St
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    94
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Street Life
  • Show Website
    Street Life

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