Interview with Debmalya Roy CHOUDHURI, photographer, Calcutta, India
Our next journey takes us next to Calcutta India, where Debmalya Roy Choudhuri creates his remarkable photographic work.
His visually stunning photos covers a wide range from captivating street photographs to fantastic candid and portraits up to fine art photography. ![]()
Roy, I shall begin by saying thank you for taking your time to giving us the opportunity for this interview.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with. Well, I am an engineer by profession and a photographer/visual artist by passion.
What is photography for you?
Photography for me is the perfect blend of science and art in today's digital area. Back in the time of analog cameras, you never knew what to expect from a shot. All what mattered is the composition, sometimes it was by look and for the more persevering a constant effort to excellence. In today's world with cameras becoming more accessible, taking to photography is no big deal. Mastering the art would require immense dedication and patience.
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography in general?
My father was a photographer by passion too. I had seen him with his Fuji a long time ago on our family trips composing shots. I was interested in the camera right from that time, maybe when I was 6 years old. I never knew then what ISO or shutter speed meant, but the camera intrigued me a lot. I have seriously become interested in photography when I was 19 years old.
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started? What is your favorite lens for photography?
Currently, I use a Kodak KB10 again, a gift on my 8th birthday. I use this only while making images where I want a more grainy noir effect. I am also using a Nikon D5100 with a 18-105mm kit lens and a 50 mm and 35 mm prime lenses on a DX body. However, I strongly feel that its not the gear that matters, but your ability to composition. Unless you are actually shooting for Vogue or the ranks ,in which case the equipment boosts up your image quality and market base, I am not really concerned about what gear I use. I do like using prime lenses a lot for their faster focus, good bokeh and sharper image qualities. There again, if I have to click wildlife I would go for a telephoto lens, maybe a 70-300 or so.
Seeing your remarkable work, I learned that you are passionate about different types of photography, your gallery shows landscape, street and abstract photos as well. Which kind of photography characterizes you most?
Well, if it is for my own personal collection, the genre does not really bother me much. The only thing that I focus on is having my own style, mostly a sense of mystery around them. If you can interpret a frame in your own way and see it the way you have never seen before, a lot can be done. While clicking fine art nudes, I focus on using the body as a work of art, while if it has to be a street scene, it has to be composed of some fun and quirky elements . There again, when I am on a client or commercial shoot, I focus on a more professional approach as you have to deliver pictures that your client wants. Despite this, I try to leave my own touch to it.
Can you tell us about your work flow from the point you first step onto the scene until you showcase the developed picture?
I do not really think too much before a shoot, if its about my own work. If I like a scene or an idea ,I just go all out to make the best of it. I think of it as a painting and how a painter would interpret it as photography and painting are very closely related to me. If it's a commercial shoot, some amount of thinking goes into it regarding the light set ups and poses etc.
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
It is very hard to point out one's own work as a favorite or not. I believe its a long way to go and I have just started. I am still trying to take a frame that I can call my "Best"
Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
In order to be a versatile and a good artist, it's all about changing and adapting to different situations. I believe I am always changing my style and approach of composing. I like to bend the rules and shoot a frame in as many creative ways as possible.
Are there any photographer who took influence on your photographic work and style?
Too many too name all. If it has to be street it is Raghu Rai or Raghubir Singh or the more contemporary Rohit and Vineet Vohra from APF street photography ,for fine arts it would be Vladim Stein ,for landscape Ansel Adams. If you are looking for one inspiration however, I would say it is Mr Prabuddha Dasgupta. He is more than just an inspiration to me, a legend, a man who lived life the way it should be done.
What would you tell a beginner or newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Hahaha, I am a beginner myself .I have a lot to grow, a lot to achieve. Still I would suggest people getting into photography to remember two things : 1.) It's never the gear in your initial days, its your own eyes. 2.) Criticisms from people are for your own good, but taking it from people who matter is the real choice. Photography, like other art forms, is a very relative and vague concept. It depends on how one perceives it. Do it for your own joy. Happiness and success will follow. Click to express ,not impress ,as one of my teachers taught me. ![]()
Are there any special projects you're working on currently which you would like to introduce here?
Currently I am working on a long term project on one of the most exotic places in India, Goa. I am also planning to do a documentary at length on Women and the atrocities they face in our patriarchal society here in India, and why sexuality is something we should not consider as a taboo. These are some future ideas which are on my mind and I hope to capitalize on them slowly.
We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
By Steven Gonzalez, Willem Jonkers, Arek Rataj, Sandra Jonkers
- A maximum of three Photographs will be preselected
- Curated pre-selection of submissions by 4 curators - 100 shots will be selected, max. 1 per photographer - A HQ-book will be made publicly available for order - This is a NON-profit initiative! For more details please visit the Facebook group We Street 2015 or Willem JONKERS blog: We Street 2015 - A Public Street Photography Book Project For You!
Roy, thank you very much for having your time and your precious thought about and behind your fantastic work.
Please visit Debmalya Roy Choudhuri’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/debmalya.choudhuri Download the complete interview for FREE by
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Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
First of all, thank you Stefan for giving me the opportunity to be featured in your magazine and for allowing me to show my work. Under this assumed name, there is a 35 years-old man living near Paris. I am of french and portuguese extraction. I have a full time job in a political organization whose aim is to protect the interests of the french small craft businesses... I am specifically in charge of the sustainable development issues. Otherwise, I have always been interested in arts : doing some acting, printing my own lithographies and of course taking photos ! |
copyright Ed Monson ©
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography in general?
Several years ago, I shared a two-roomed flat in Paris with a photographer. At that time, he was working for model agencies and was doing some street photographies on his spare time. He was not using digital, always films with analog cameras for his personal artworks... locking himself inside the bathroom for developing his photos.
I became interested in photography watching him work, going with him walking and shooting, learning from his experience... But i found the analog and film process complicated, expensive and creating sometimes a lot of frustrations... So I chose another way, the digital.
Several years ago, I shared a two-roomed flat in Paris with a photographer. At that time, he was working for model agencies and was doing some street photographies on his spare time. He was not using digital, always films with analog cameras for his personal artworks... locking himself inside the bathroom for developing his photos.
I became interested in photography watching him work, going with him walking and shooting, learning from his experience... But i found the analog and film process complicated, expensive and creating sometimes a lot of frustrations... So I chose another way, the digital.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Seeing your remarkable work, I am curious about a few aspects of your work. You have started with travel photography and changed then to street photography. How did that happened?
When I was younger, i did not have the opportunity to travel a lot. So when I had the means to do it, I started to take vacations pictures inspired by the photos i saw in travel books... In addition to that, I often had a love-hate relationship with France, having sometimes the impression of living in a sleepy museum... For a long time, I did not see the interests of taking street photos here. But now I have travelled quite a lot, I see things differently. There is no need to go far to take good pictures. Paris is a great place for street photography. So I just began doing it few months ago.
When I was younger, i did not have the opportunity to travel a lot. So when I had the means to do it, I started to take vacations pictures inspired by the photos i saw in travel books... In addition to that, I often had a love-hate relationship with France, having sometimes the impression of living in a sleepy museum... For a long time, I did not see the interests of taking street photos here. But now I have travelled quite a lot, I see things differently. There is no need to go far to take good pictures. Paris is a great place for street photography. So I just began doing it few months ago.
copyright Ed Monson ©
What equipment are you using to achieve your art form and with what did you get started?
Well, I started with a Panasonic Lumix TZ8 and then Lumix GX1 which are pretty correct for my personal and hobby use... and of course my smartphone Huawei Ascend P7. I consider buying a special camera for street photography, i read a lot about it... but my choice is not done yet... Honestly, my approach of photography is absolutely not about technique. Even if technical knowledges are important, I am more interested in the way i see things right now, observing...
Well, I started with a Panasonic Lumix TZ8 and then Lumix GX1 which are pretty correct for my personal and hobby use... and of course my smartphone Huawei Ascend P7. I consider buying a special camera for street photography, i read a lot about it... but my choice is not done yet... Honestly, my approach of photography is absolutely not about technique. Even if technical knowledges are important, I am more interested in the way i see things right now, observing...
copyright Ed Monson ©
You've chosen the classic square format for processing, which reminds me to the good old medium format cameras. Please tell us a little bit about your idea of formal language.
At the beginning, I've chosen the square format to recycle and save hundred of photos instead of deleting them. My computer is full of travel photos I did not keep in my final selections. One day, I decided to reframe these pictures, to turn them into black and white and post them on Instagram. As an afterthought, it's only the editing process which led me to the square format... The result was surprising because it required to keep the essential part only and to reconsider the composition. I just enjoyed doing that. It became my language.
At the beginning, I've chosen the square format to recycle and save hundred of photos instead of deleting them. My computer is full of travel photos I did not keep in my final selections. One day, I decided to reframe these pictures, to turn them into black and white and post them on Instagram. As an afterthought, it's only the editing process which led me to the square format... The result was surprising because it required to keep the essential part only and to reconsider the composition. I just enjoyed doing that. It became my language.
copyright Ed Monson ©
What is it in your subjects that makes you want to capture it?
Mainly everyday life, streetlife or cityscape...sometimes trying to catch the self-derision of the situations. Of course, I like taking pictures of people but I do pay attention not to exhibit them in a negative way. For me streetphotography is not about shooting at people only because they have a weird face or whatsoever. In my opinion, it's about how people fit with the situation, how they interact with the environment around them and how the whole setting expresses the mood of the photograph.
Mainly everyday life, streetlife or cityscape...sometimes trying to catch the self-derision of the situations. Of course, I like taking pictures of people but I do pay attention not to exhibit them in a negative way. For me streetphotography is not about shooting at people only because they have a weird face or whatsoever. In my opinion, it's about how people fit with the situation, how they interact with the environment around them and how the whole setting expresses the mood of the photograph.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Do you see your personality reflected in your work?
Well, I hope my works reflects my personality because I have nothing else to offer and I don't know anybody who could do that for me. I am still a beginner –autodidact- and I am still working on how developing my visions. Vision is not only « sight » but « insight ». So, yes, I use photography as a mirror and I am not ashamed to admit it.
Well, I hope my works reflects my personality because I have nothing else to offer and I don't know anybody who could do that for me. I am still a beginner –autodidact- and I am still working on how developing my visions. Vision is not only « sight » but « insight ». So, yes, I use photography as a mirror and I am not ashamed to admit it.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Among your works, which is your favorite and why?
I really like the photo titled « I walk until... ». I remember that day, I walked probably three or four hours without taking good pictures. I was exhausted and disappointed... On my way back home, I saw that woman wearing this striped black and white coat... She was standing there, looking tired and upset.
I really like the photo titled « I walk until... ». I remember that day, I walked probably three or four hours without taking good pictures. I was exhausted and disappointed... On my way back home, I saw that woman wearing this striped black and white coat... She was standing there, looking tired and upset.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Are there any photographer who took influence on your photographic work and style?
Definitely Michael Ackerman for the way he creates mysterious and pregnant visions. I like his grainy and blurred images. In a complete different style, I found the artworks of Vivian Maier two months ago. I like her photos… even more her self-portraits. Such a powerful and innate sense of elegance ! I hope it could influence my work ! Elegance in photography is the cherry on the cake.
Definitely Michael Ackerman for the way he creates mysterious and pregnant visions. I like his grainy and blurred images. In a complete different style, I found the artworks of Vivian Maier two months ago. I like her photos… even more her self-portraits. Such a powerful and innate sense of elegance ! I hope it could influence my work ! Elegance in photography is the cherry on the cake.
copyright Ed Monson ©
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned by doing street photography so far?
The most important thing I learnt by doing street photos is that I am less scared of my anxiety now. And consequently, it allows me to be less afraid of people too. I look at both, I get closer to them and sometimes I take a photo
The most important thing I learnt by doing street photos is that I am less scared of my anxiety now. And consequently, it allows me to be less afraid of people too. I look at both, I get closer to them and sometimes I take a photo
copyright Ed Monson ©
What would you tell a beginner or newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
Nice try Stefan ! But you won't succeed in making me expose the unique and french arrogance on this trap question. Seriously, I am not enough experienced to provide advice and I would feel out of place doing that... I would only encourage the newcommer to create a story and not only an image…. and to practice a lot. Pragmatically and as I am concerned, I try to wipe all the pressure out before going for a walk and a shooting session. I need to be relaxed to observe and capture.
Nice try Stefan ! But you won't succeed in making me expose the unique and french arrogance on this trap question. Seriously, I am not enough experienced to provide advice and I would feel out of place doing that... I would only encourage the newcommer to create a story and not only an image…. and to practice a lot. Pragmatically and as I am concerned, I try to wipe all the pressure out before going for a walk and a shooting session. I need to be relaxed to observe and capture.
copyright Ed Monson ©
Are there any special projects you’re working on currently which you would like to introduce here?
I am working on my personal debut portfolio of photography called « The 1000 B&W squares project » which -I hope- is not a square idea. It includes street photos, architecture, travels, etc... I have already chosen and posted almost 500 daily photos... Nothing pretentious, it's just a way of presenting my work and my stories... For now and for those who are interested, the project can be seen here : www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
I am working on my personal debut portfolio of photography called « The 1000 B&W squares project » which -I hope- is not a square idea. It includes street photos, architecture, travels, etc... I have already chosen and posted almost 500 daily photos... Nothing pretentious, it's just a way of presenting my work and my stories... For now and for those who are interested, the project can be seen here : www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
copyright Ed Monson ©
Ed, thank you very much for taking your precious time and let us have your thoughts and
views about your fantastic work!
Please visit Ed Monson at:
Tumblr:
www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/ed_monson/
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/edmonsondailyphotos
views about your fantastic work!
Please visit Ed Monson at:
Tumblr:
www.edmonsondailyphotos.tumblr.com
Instagram:
https://instagram.com/ed_monson/
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/edmonsondailyphotos
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Photo Review with photographer Gerard DUBOIS , Toulon, France
In our fourth issue of our "featured photographer review", we are taking a look to the photographic work of Gerard Dubois.
His photographic visions is characterised by vivid colors and powerful contrasts as well as his sense to realize the quintessence of the moment and capture it perfectly well.
His photographic visions is characterised by vivid colors and powerful contrasts as well as his sense to realize the quintessence of the moment and capture it perfectly well.

Gerard was born 1951 in Toulon, France , studied in Nice University( french Riviera ) Literature and psychology. He became a teacher, worked in his home town and 12 years in foreign countries like in the USA ( Louisiana state ), Colombia and Uruguay as a french teacher and director of Alliance Française).
He started photography in his teenager with a basic reflex camera, a russian Zenith with a 50 mm lens and then with a Nikon F. He is using a Nikon D600 and a Fuji X100S now.
He started photography in his teenager with a basic reflex camera, a russian Zenith with a 50 mm lens and then with a Nikon F. He is using a Nikon D600 and a Fuji X100S now.
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"I am not a purist and do not process my pics but I try to be exigent about the frame."
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Photography is a passion and a hobby especially street photography, Gerard says. He consider himself as a witness showing the world and society he is living in, trying to put a bit of humor and a bit of poetry in his work, looking for strange situations and strong or beautiful faces and characters on street.
A room for the angel « Arles, France.
I could not resist to that amazing light , knowing it was impossible to seat by this woman : the place, obviously was for somebody else… (Gerard Dubois ©)
I could not resist to that amazing light , knowing it was impossible to seat by this woman : the place, obviously was for somebody else… (Gerard Dubois ©)
The Threat « Marseille, France.
I like the contrast between the blue Pieta and the two spooky men in black (Gerard Dubois ©)
I like the contrast between the blue Pieta and the two spooky men in black (Gerard Dubois ©)
Catch » , in a fun fair, La Ciotat, France.
I liked the strong colors and the little dog who looks so mean , just because i used a 24 mm.
(Gerard Dubois ©)
I liked the strong colors and the little dog who looks so mean , just because i used a 24 mm.
(Gerard Dubois ©)
Indiscretion », a restaurant in Buenos Aires.
I went to the rest room in the basement and saw this woman fixing her make up. I could not resist. Love the colors of the place around. It makes me think to a Matisse painting (Gerard Dubois ©)
I went to the rest room in the basement and saw this woman fixing her make up. I could not resist. Love the colors of the place around. It makes me think to a Matisse painting (Gerard Dubois ©)
Round midnight « Buenos Aires
I have been eating close to this guy thinking he had a perfect face for a shot. I just went out minutes before he did. I wasn't waiting for him, just smoking on the terrace when he finally went out.
Did not hesitate. A lucky shot ( one of my favorites ).
(Gerard Dubois ©)
I have been eating close to this guy thinking he had a perfect face for a shot. I just went out minutes before he did. I wasn't waiting for him, just smoking on the terrace when he finally went out.
Did not hesitate. A lucky shot ( one of my favorites ).
(Gerard Dubois ©)
Tecnical stop « I am seated on a bench and suddenly i see this two women doing the
same thing. Makes me smile. Toulon, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
same thing. Makes me smile. Toulon, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
Lost in translation » A beautiful young japanese girl asked me to help her in a bus terminal. El Calafate, Argentina. Just after i shoot her… (Gerard Dubois ©)
Playing rays « A gift the street gives sometimes : this teenage girl had the right shirt to
make the pic. Paris, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
make the pic. Paris, France (Gerard Dubois ©)
The elbows game » Toulon, France.
Amazing how sometimes people are acting the same way (Gerard Dubois ©)
Amazing how sometimes people are acting the same way (Gerard Dubois ©)
The music lover », an old records shop in Buenos Aires
(Gerard Dubois ©)
(Gerard Dubois ©)
The weight of the words », a book shop in Buenos Aires, with a cafeteria part
(Gerard Dubois ©)
(Gerard Dubois ©)
Visit Gerard on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/gerard.dubois.188
or follow him on his Blog:
www.gdconfidential.fr
www.facebook.com/gerard.dubois.188
or follow him on his Blog:
www.gdconfidential.fr
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You can browse through the review online here:
Photo Review with photographer Massimo MALAGOLI, Modena, Italy
A fantastically talented photographer honouring us in our 3rd issue of 'featured photographer review' with his outstanding work. Please enjoy his fantastic work!
Point of view
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Massimo Malagoli
Born in 1967 in Modena (Italy), where he still lives. He is interested in photography since 2012 when he bought his first digital SLR. |
Photography immediately became a deep passion, even if he started lately at the age of 45. Massimo's great willingness to learn and improve his photographic skills and perspective, reflects in his remarkable photographic work.
Massimo is also a member of the Photo Club Colibrì BFI of Modena.
Massimo is also a member of the Photo Club Colibrì BFI of Modena.
His sophisticated use of the depth of field and deep contrasts characterise Massimo's composition and is a recurring theme in his photographic work.
His great sense to enrich his compositions by abstract elements ads that certain something to his work.
I warmly encourage all of you to join and dip into Massimo's fantastic photographical world.
His great sense to enrich his compositions by abstract elements ads that certain something to his work.
I warmly encourage all of you to join and dip into Massimo's fantastic photographical world.
Download the complete review for FREE by clicking the button below.
You can browse through the review online here:
Interview with Alexander MERC, street photographer and columnist at EYE-Photo Magazine.

Time is flying by and we're delighted to publish our fourth interview today!
This is a special pleasure for us, Alexander MERC, who is not just a fantastic street photographer, but also our columnist for "The EYE-Catcher"took the time to give us this interview.
Hello Alexander, we are very happy and honored to be able to interview
you for our Featured Photographer format!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
This is a special pleasure for us, Alexander MERC, who is not just a fantastic street photographer, but also our columnist for "The EYE-Catcher"took the time to give us this interview.
Hello Alexander, we are very happy and honored to be able to interview
you for our Featured Photographer format!
Please tell us a little bit about yourself to begin with.
First and foremost, thank you very much, Stefan for this interview. I am really flattered, delighted , humbled and honored.
Well, my name is Alexander Merc. I am a street photographer based in
Ottawa, the nation’s capital of Canada but grew up and raised in the Philippines.
Like other serious photographer,
I continually challenge myself to improve and revitalize my skills to keep up with the trend and development. I devote myself into learning not only the technical aspect of photography but the styles and ways of composing and creating an image, as well. I hone my skills through reading multitude of books and magazines and watching do-it-yourself video tutorials.
Likewise, through the mentor ship of N.Y. Institute of Photography, the largest and oldest photography school in North America, I learned so many technique and styles that have contributed immensely to make my images better and better. In addition, I attended workshops and seminars mentor shipped by seasoned and well-experienced photographers where I further acquired numerous tips and tricks of the trade.
My journey to photographic excellence doesn’t stop here, however. I believe that photography is a continues learning process. Hence, I continue to develop and enhance my skills through constant practice.
What is photography for you, or being more precisely, what is Street
Photography for you?
For me, photography is like painting as it allows me to create and manipulate an image floating in my mind.
This is true in street photography also because you try to create beautiful and marvelous images here based on your imagination, then manipulate them through post processing tools.
Street Photography, though, is the most difficult and challenging genre, in my opinion. In street photography, what you are photographing is a decisive moment which could be gone in a split second and is unstaged, unposed and undirected and happening in a public place, not necessary in the street.
Could you share with us how you first became interested in photography in general?
I started taking photos of humans when our first born baby arrived. I bought an Asahi Pentax K1000 film camera with 50 mm lens then, and studied its intricacies.
And, oh boy! I was fascinated with this little toy instantly.
Since then, there was no turning back for me anymore.
What equipment are you using now and with what did you get started? What is your favorite lens for photography?
I have an arsenal of photography gears and equipment though I am only an hobbyist photographer. These are Canon 5D, Canon 50D, Nikon Coolpix P5000 and Fujifilm x100s for my cameras, and for my lens, Canon 24-105mm f4, Canon 50mm f1.4, and Sigma 70-200mm f2.8. I have also flashes, spot lights, tripod, monopod, reflectors, etc., not to mention the several books that I owned. However, for street photography my favorite is the Fujifilm x100s. Why! Well, it is because it is small, lightweight and very fast. It makes me less noticeable in the crowd. I also, like its 23mm fixed lens as I am compelled to get closer to my subject always.
Seeing your remarkable work, I am curious where your creativity comes from?
Aha! That’s a big compliment, Stefan. Well, I have not mention it before but I am also a painter. This is my other passion.
I think this is where my creativity comes from.
I always make my imagination play, or should I say what I think, eat and drink is all about art, and street photography is an art. Also, I like to share what I think is
beautiful and interesting to others and make them think and feel about my work.
That’s what I enjoy and inspire me most!
What would you say characterizes your work, comparing to other street photographers?
There is something in shooting strangers in public places that resonates with me more than any other genre of photography.
I think it simply suits my personality.
Being a former human right activist, I care about humanity very deeply. I am very interested in the life of the people, how they interact with each other and their environment, what are their feelings, attitudes, interests and issues.
Yes, in this genre I have found myself enjoying two worlds, that of street photography on one hand, and activism, on the other.
As a street photographer, I see to it that my images portray social conditions but not engaging in poverty porn or poor-ism. I am always happy when my photographs are used as a tool to provoke discussion, leading to social change ultimately.
Do you often interact with your subject?
As much as possible, I don’t interact with my subject. I don’t want to alter to alter that important scene unfolding in my eyes, not unless I am doing street portrait.
In street portraiture or street portrait, you have to be as close as possible to your subject.
Consequently, permission is in proper order in this instance. While there are people who are very happy to be photographed, I find that mostly don’t want to.
Can you tell us about your work flow from the point you first step onto the scene until you showcase the developed picture?
As they say, you are not yet a street photographer if you have not experienced to be yelled or threatened. True! Since 9/11, things have changed rapidly. People became suspicious, distrustful and cautious to strangers. So, the moment I leave my house, the first thing I think about is safety. I see to it that I am dressed appropriately so that I will not be mistaken as a terrorist, pedophile or a predator; I always carry a photo ID and business cards identifying me as an official photographer; and, I smile and never argue when approached. Then, I select a place where there are so many people mingling, such as a public market, a tourist area or an outdoor event. Here, I become more invisible and can overcome my fear of photographing strangers.
When I do my actual shooting, there are plans already in my mind, such as, I’ll do
silhouette, or juxtaposition, or street portrait, or story-telling images.
As much as possible, I don’t shoot children, homeless guys and handicapped as I find this disrespectful, in my personal view.
Likewise, I prefer to make many images as possible so that when I arrived home I can choose which I will discard and which I will retain for editing and possible posting in social networking site. And when post processing. I do it very minimal only.
Has your style of shooting changed since you first started?
Definitely. When I first started as a street photographer, my photos are mostly anonymous, or back of persons or in a distance. But now, I shoot closer and closer, I should say.
Are there any photographer how took influence on your photographic work and style?
I study all the works of the masters but couldn’t categorically say that there is one photographer that influences my work and style since I gathered lessons from all of them which make me as I am today. I think I have developed my own style now.
What are some of the most important lessons you have learned by doing street photography so far?
I think the most important lessons I have learned in street photography so far today is the advantage of using small cameras with short lens.
Like my Fujifilm x100s, it allows me to be less noticeable and gets me closer to my subject.
And having patience, lots of it, is another thing since you don’t expect a photo
Opportunity unfold in front of your eyes so easily.
You have to wait and wait patiently.
What would you tell a beginner or newcomer who asks for your advice on how to start?
My being a street photographer didn’t happen overnight. I had to learn this step-by-step, day-by-day. Until today I am still learning. Gaining confidence is not an easy task.
So, what I will advise to beginners or New comers, first and foremost is to conquer their fear.
This can be done by understanding. What they are doing is alright…smile and say
“hi” to people…feel comfortable with your craft…and work closer to your subject
Working closely to people, however, does not mean to be in close contact with them, like as if you are invading their personal space, but rather expressing yourself well when you are out in the street.
And most importantly, practice, practice, practice.
Are there any special projects you’re working on currently which you would like to introduce here?
I am currently working on special project, called “close-ups”.
It is about street portraits or street portraiture or taking photos of strangers in the streets at close range.
Street portraiture is a big chunk of street photography. This is a challenging task
because those people don’t know you and you don’t know them either, and usually people don’t want to be photographed.
And that’s where the thrill is!
I consider street portraits or street portraiture as authentic imagery as what I capture here is their personality, their soul, their energy, their emotion, and of course, their appearance.
Alexander, thank you very much for having your time and your precious thought about and behind your fantastic work!
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We're quite happy to host our second photographer review, with award winning Des Byrne from Ireland.
Founded the „Irish Street Photography Group (ISPG) in Summer 2013 with currently over 200 active members, organizing monthly street shoots in Dublin.
He is the admin for Black and White Street / Member of The Art Photo Feature Collective. After celebrated great success with first „Irish Street Photography Exhibition in 2014, he is currently organising „The iStreet Photography Exhibition“ for August 2015 at Sol Gallery in Dublin. |
“My Journey into the World of Street Photography started in the winter of 2005 in New York City, unlike most Street Photographers who will tell you they had their first Camera in their hand at the age of six! I was a late starter at Forty Six.”

I travelled to Lisbon this year for some street photography and with a bit of luck I managed to get this alien shadow! This photo has been shortlisted in Irish Times Photography Competition
(Des Byrne © )
(Des Byrne © )

Grafton Street Dublin on a sunny day, Grafton Street is a narrow street so a shot from
the hip like this gives it that added perspective.
(Des Byrne © )
the hip like this gives it that added perspective.
(Des Byrne © )
Please visit Des website at: www.desbyrne.photos
Please feel free to download the complete review by
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You can browse through our magazine online here:
It is our distinct pleasure to introduce our new format "Featured Photographer Review" in this issue.
In contrast to our "Featured Photographer Interview" the Preview format is much more focused on the photographic work then on the photographer itself.
We are delighted to present a very talented and award winning young photographer from Israel, Orna NAOR
We are delighted to present a very talented and award winning young photographer from Israel, Orna NAOR
Going out into the streets is like hunting; one have to be in full awareness all the time. It's a challenging and creative way of photography.
Many times I stop and talk to the people I'm shooting; sometimes about the photos, sometimes spacing out to other subjects.
It became a way of life for me.
Full of Passion,
Love and
Fulfillment.
Orna NAOR
Many times I stop and talk to the people I'm shooting; sometimes about the photos, sometimes spacing out to other subjects.
It became a way of life for me.
Full of Passion,
Love and
Fulfillment.
Orna NAOR
Cuba
Children standing behind bars looking outside
(Orna Naor © )
(Orna Naor © )
Morocco
Sahara desert - Sunrise
(Orna Naor © )
(Orna Naor © )
Rome
Street impression
(Orna Naor © )
(Orna Naor © )
New York City
Jerusalem
Holy Fire Ceremony
The fasting Ethiopian Christian wearing white
(Orna Naor © )
The fasting Ethiopian Christian wearing white
(Orna Naor © )
‚Movement‘
Holy Fire Ceremony
(Orna Naor © )
Holy Fire Ceremony
(Orna Naor © )
Tel Aviv
Every Friday Evening, a celebration of Sabbath entry
(Orna Naor © )
(Orna Naor © )
Sometimes all we need is luck…
(Orna Naor © )
(Orna Naor © )
'Night shots'
No interaction; no eye contact just painting and posing
(Orna Naor © )
No interaction; no eye contact just painting and posing
(Orna Naor © )
Please feel free to download the complete review by
clicking the button below.
clicking the button below.
Or you can browse through the magazine online here: