Zone Focused

Matthew Stella, Ryan Currie, Ryan Faer
  • 4.6 (7)
  • VISUAL ARTS

Welcome to Zone Focused, a podcast where we dive into the world of all things street photography. Join us as we hang out each week and explore the art of capturing life on the streets. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting, Zone Focused is the perfect place to get inspired and learn more about street photography. 

Episodes

  1. AUG 7

    The One About Originality in Photography

    Matt and Ryan return for Episode 11, where they discuss what they have been up to in the dog days of summer, new gear (on the market and in their own kit), portfolio reviews, and the main topic of the episode: is there such thing as originality in photography anymore? And finally, the guys spotlight ____,  00:00 – Introduction, Updates, and Trips7:00 – Portfolio Reviews24:30 – Gear Chat36:30 – Main Discussion: originality in photography88:00 – Artist Spotlight: @derekharris_Derek is a photographer based out of Sweden, where his work spans interior design photography to street photography. Derek pleasing tones and thoughtful compositions lead to a peaceful, natural collection of work.

    1h 35m

  2. JUN 19

    The One With All the Harsh Light

    After a short break, Matt and Ryan return for Episode 10, where they discuss recent life updates, new gear (on the market and in their own kit), and the main topic on many folks' minds as we move into summer: dealing with harsh light. Finally, the guys introduce a new segment – the artist spotlight – where they chat on a deserving photographer they have come acorss in their travels or online. This week, Matt and Ryan spotlight @jaredtapy, whose story and information can be found below. 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, and Trips8:45 – Gear Chat: new cameras on the market; Fuji X-Half21:00 – Gear Chat: new gear in our own kit28:30 – Main Discussion: shooting in harsh light33:00 – "Leaning into" blown out highlights43:00 – How the seasons change our approach and help our photography evolve50:30 – Photos that "say something", and building a body of work55:30 – Benefits of shooting in soft Light69:00 – Artist Spotlight: Jared Tapy (@jaredtapy)This week's artist spotlight shines on Social Documentary phographer Jared Tapy, who is based out of New York City. Jared blends multiple styles of street photography to create something uniquely his own, capturing moments of both intrigue and vulnerability on the streets of NYC. Jared recently shared his first project, "Unveiling Savannah's Shadows", and is currently working on "Souls in an Urban Landscape", which centers on human connection (or lack thereof) in the 21st century. Links to Jared's Work: PortfolioDarkRoomSubstackYouTube

    1h 25m

  3. MAY 28

    The One Where the Gang Defines a "Good Photo"

    Matt and Ryan come to you remotely this week; they catch up on recent events, debrief the "Shot Both Ways" gallery, and discuss the new gear they're using. And then for the main question for discussion: what makes a good photo? 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, Events05:00 – Recapping the recent "Shot Both Ways" gallery9:45 –Gear Updates 21:00 – Main Discussion: what makes a good photograph?23:00 – Technical aspects of photos vs. "the feeling"31:00 – What it means to "get the reps"40:30 – "Telling a story" 48:00 – How gear, film, cameras impact style65:00 – Outro

    1h 9m

  4. MAY 15

    The One with All the Lenses

    The guys are back together in the studio for episode 8. Matt and Ryan catch up on recent photos walks/trips, and then chat about the prints they are exhibiting at the upcoming gallery. And then for the main topic: all things lenses, inlcuding bokeh, the "look" of vintage lenses, focal lengths and lens recommendations. 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, Events09:00 – Matt and Ryan walk through the prints they're showing at the upcoming gallery21:00 – New Gear Talk35:00 – Main Discussion: all things lenses37:00 – Bokeh, Unique Lens "Looks", and Vintage Lenses57:00 – Lens Purchase Decision-Making58:00 – Focal Lengths; Prime vs. Zoom Lenses70:00 – Aperture77:00 – Recommended Starter or Economy Lenses83:00 – Outro

    1h 25m

  5. APR 29

    The One with all the Zone Focusing

    In episode seven of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast, guys come to you remotely – with Matt out of his studio and Ryan in Cleveland. After catching up on recent developments on the street, they cover a topic near and dear to the podcast: zone focusing. With a brief "how to", followed by its benefits and drawbacks, and more. Finally, Matt and Ryan close with some listener Q&A. 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, Events04:30 – Shooting in a new city10:30 – Matt's new (old) Leica M12:30 – Current lens choices16:00 – Upcoming gallery20:00 – Winogrand and Leiter documentaries29:30 – Main Discussion: zone focusing30:00 – How-to42:00 – Pros and cons62:00 – Slowing down as a photographer 74:00 Listener Q&A

    1h 29m

  6. APR 17

    The One About Getting Comfortable (on the street)

    In episode six of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast, the gang kicks it and chats about recent and upcoming events, as well as their latest camera acquisitions. Then, the focus shifts to tips for those looking to get more comfortable on the street – comfortable with interactions, confrontations, ethics, self-esteem, and all the other things that can get in between us and taking a photograph. 00:00 – Introduction, Updates, Events10:00 – "Shot Both Ways" gallery16:00 – New camera day for Matt (Nikon) and Ryan (Leica)18:00 – Benefits of a monochrome sensor29:30 – Main discussion: getting more comfortable as a street photographer39:45  – Ethics of photographing children42:00 – Getting reps at busy events44:30 – Acknowledging and interacting with people on the street48:00 – Ethics of photographing hardship59:00 – Documenting versus creating art64:00 – Listener Write-In Q&A 84:30 – Instagram Live Q&A89:00 – Outro

    1h 30m

  7. APR 10

    The One with All the Flash

    In episode five of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast, "Goodyear Ryan" returns, and the gang catches up on recent events and moments on the street. Then, a deep dive into the topic of flash photography on the street: techniques, settings, ethics, styles and more. Plus, some listener Q&A's to wrap up the show.  00:00 – Introduction3:30 – Goodyear Ryan's first experience with flash7:30 – Matt's work for Adorama at WPPI15:30 – Ryan's photowalk with FujixWeekly and Nuzira in Downtown Phoenix22:30 – Main Discussion – flash photography on the street24:00 – Understanding shutter speeds, sync speeds, and leaf shutters31:00 – What are "stops" anyway?37:00 – Off camera flash, confrontations, and flash "styles"44:00 – Listener Q&A57:00 – Outro

    1 hr

  8. APR 3

    The One with Zack Kaufman, @thingsibrought

    In episode four of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast, Matt and "Dowtown Ryan" sit down with Zack Kaufman (@thingsibrought), a street photographer doing meaningful work on the streets of Phoenix, Arizona. The gang hangs out and talks about Zack's evolution in photography, diving into topics ranging from settings for beginners, the value of dark room printing and photography classes, social media, imposter syndrome, and more.  To hear and see more from Zack, check out his Instagram @thingsibrought 00:00 – Introduction4:00 – Value of photography classes9:30 – Cameras, gear, film that Zack uses for film and digital16:30 – The evolution of Zack's approach to street photography22:30 – Settings for beginners – should you shoot in automatic or manual?25:45 – Zack's influences: Rueben Radding, Paulie B's videos, Billy Dee30:00 – Studying photographs and photographers35:00 – Zine swaps, Zack's first zine, and imposter syndrome 45:30 – Thoughts on social media in photography59:30 – Separating your identity from your photography, and the value of having your photos critiqued59:00 – The value of darkroom printing 71:00 – Closing thoughts – why street phography?

    1h 16m

  9. MAR 13

    The One with the Battle Between Film and Digital

    In episode three of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast, the gang goes around the horn with updates from a week of shooting, and then debates and discusses one of the hottest topics in popular street photography today: film versus digital. Which is better? Which is harder? What is the best way to get started? And how does ISO work in film? Also discussed is black and white photography versus color, the benefits of monochrome sensors, and much more. Episode 3: The One with the Battle Between Film and Digital 00:30 – Introduction and updates from the group8:00 – Matt's upcoming work for Adorama; studio portaits with the Graflex and Instax film15:00 – Recommendations for getting into portraiture; lighting, YouTube, Josh Wool, Phil Sharp, Richard Avedon18:00 – Nuzira and FujiXWeekly Photowalk in Phoenix, Arpil 202520:00 – Main Discussion: Film vs. Digital31:00 – Black and White vs. Color – digial and film31:30 – Monochrome sensors vs. color to B&W conversions36:45 – Explainer on Film ISO; box speeds, pushing, and pulling41:30 – Matt and Ryan's favorite film stocks44:00 – Color grading RAW files versus Film Simulation Recipes versus true film52:00 – New film camera options available today and  innovations we hope to see in film photography58:30 – Is film a fad? 62:00 – Does shooting film make you a better photographer?69:00 – Tips for folks looking to get into film photography74:00 – Outro

    1h 15m

  10. MAR 6

    The One About the Creek

    In episode two of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast, the gang checks in with some stories from the last week of shooting on the streets, and then dives deep into the art (and social gymnastics) of street portraiture. Also discussed are photo projects, shooting street in rural and small towns, and the work of Mary Ellen Mark. Episode 2: The One About the Creek  00:30 – Podcast Introduction, sharing that day's experiences of shooting on the streets, and the "shot that got away"9:00 – Street portraiture experience11:00 – Biggest fear in street portraiture13:30 – Using a 28mm lens for portraits, choosing your subjects17:15 – Posing people on the street, connecting with folks, and capturing emotions20:00 – Mary Ellen Mark's documentary portaiture, and getting a deep level of connecting in a brief moment on the street24:30 – Matt's street portraiture process from start to finish, and his "secret sauce" for a street portrait31:00 – Mary Ellen Mark and environmental portraits34:30 – Recent confrontations on the street43:30 – Shooting in different environments; Metro-area Phoenix, rural Florida, and really-rural Iowa; Popcorn Days and "the crick"49:45 – Shooting in your home town59:00 – Our "dream" photo project67:00 – Outro

    1h 10m

  11. MAR 1

    The One Where the Gang Starts a Podcast

    Welcome to the pilot episode of Zone Focused: a Street Photography Podcast – a place for street photographers to just hang out and talk about all things street photography. From the art and the science behind discipline, to it's history, present, and beyond; from gear to printing and developing, to funny stories and invaluable experiencs, co-hosts Matthew Stella, Ryan Currie, and Ryan Faer cover it all.  Episode 1: The One Where the Gang Starts a Podcast 00:45 – Podcast Introduction 01:15 – Ice Breaker: brand loyalty and our history with cameras04:00 – The quest to get an X100VI and Shooting on Leica07:30 – Our first cameras and lenses shooting on the street14:30 – Personal Introductions: who are we and why are we here?32:30 – What draws you to the street?36:30 – How much is too much post-processing, manipulating?39:00 – Ryan F's style and influences42:00 – Ryan C's process44:00 – Getting comfortable with getting up close, confontations, and shooting from the hip61:00 – Tips for getting started on the street: cameras, lenses, mindsets65:00 – Getting into the scene with a 24/28mm lens; Garry Winogrand and "building the scene"68:00 – Our plans for the podcast

    1h 15m
  • 11 Episodes

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Zone Focused, a podcast where we dive into the world of all things street photography. Join us as we hang out each week and explore the art of capturing life on the streets. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting, Zone Focused is the perfect place to get inspired and learn more about street photography. 

Information

  • Creator
    Matthew Stella, Ryan Currie, Ryan Faer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Zone Focused
  • Show Website
    Zone Focused