Street Life

Mark Davidson and John St
  • 4.8 (16)
  • Visual Arts
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 6d ago

    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!

    1h 11m

  2. Jun 4

    Peter Kalnbach, aka Street Nomad

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

    1h 10m

  3. May 21

    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!

    1h 3m

  4. May 7

    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!

    1h 6m

  5. Apr 23

    Nikita Teryoshin

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John dive into the world of street photography with special guest Nikita Teryoshin, a Berlin-based documentary and street photographer known for his distinctive style, which he describes as “everyday horror”. He discusses his creative upbringing and how early exposure to music, poetry and other artistic pursuits shaped his path into photography. Nikita also talks about his acclaimed project Nothing Personal, which earned him a World Press Photo Award in 2020. The work explores the global arms trade, focusing on the surreal atmosphere of arms fairs and the uneasy contrast between their polished, business-like presentation and the violence they ultimately enable. Throughout the conversation, he reflects on his interest in the relationships between humans, animals and systems of power, as well as the broader societal implications of industries tied to conflict. His work challenges viewers to confront the often-overlooked realities behind political and economic structures, encouraging a deeper consideration of violence, ethics and responsibility in the modern world. Join us for an engaging discussion that blends humour, personal stories and thought-provoking commentary on the art of street photography and the realities of our contemporary society. WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1h 20m

  6. Apr 9

    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

  7. Mar 26

    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!

    1h 1m

  8. Mar 12

    Josh Ethan Johnson

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John St dive deep into the world of street photography with our guest, Josh Ethan Johnson, a talented photographer and filmmaker based in New York.  Josh joins us to discuss his multifaceted career, which spans photography, filmmaking and even music. He shares his journey into street photography, revealing how his childhood fascination with family photos and his experiences in art school shaped his artistic vision. We explore the parallels between street photography and fly fishing, emphasising the importance of patience and the acceptance of failure in both pursuits. Throughout the conversation, Josh reflects on the challenges of approaching strangers on the street and the significance of building genuine connections with his subjects. He also discusses his acclaimed video series, The Wrong Side of the Lens, which highlights the stories of street photographers and their unique perspectives. We touch on the complexities of storytelling through photography, the impact of personal relationships with images, and the importance of context in visual narratives. Josh shares memorable experiences from his work, including a particularly striking photo taken at a pornography convention, illustrating the unexpected moments that can arise in the field. As we wrap up, we discuss the current events in Minneapolis and the role of photographers in documenting social issues, emphasising the balance between artistic expression and ethical responsibility. This episode is a rich exploration of the art of street photography, the connections we forge with others and the stories that unfold in our everyday lives. Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!

    1h 21m
See All (93)

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
16 Ratings

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
    93
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Street Life
  • Show Website
    Street Life

You Might Also Like