Ulysses Aoki

01/30/25 • 68 min

In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into a lively discussion about street photography, current events, and the evolving nature of photography itself.

This episode features special guest Ulysses Aoki, a Japanese-American photographer based in Tokyo. Ulysses shares his unconventional journey into photography, which began after a successful soccer career and modeling experiences. He discusses his transition from portrait photography to street photography, emphasising the importance of capturing candid moments and the beauty of everyday life.

Ulysses reflects on his relationship with Tokyo, describing it as complex and ever-changing. He explains his preference for colour photography in a city often associated with black and white imagery, citing his influences and the challenges of finding compelling colour compositions in a bustling urban environment.

Throughout the episode, Ulysses explores the pressures of competition in photography, the evolution of personal style, and the significance of staying true to one's artistic vision. Ulysses also touches on his YouTube channel, explaining how it complements his photography journey while allowing him to share insights and connect with others in the community.

Join us for an engaging conversation filled with humor, insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography.
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In this episode of Street Life, Mark Davidson and John St dive into a lively discussion about street photography, current events, and the evolving nature of photography itself.

Join us for an engaging conversation filled with humor, insights, and a deep appreciation for the art of street photography.
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM

Previous Episode

Payman Hazheer

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In this episode of Street Life, we dive deep into the world of project-based photography with our special guest, Payman Hazheer, a talented Swedish-based photographer known for his striking street portraits and documentary-style work.

Payman shares his journey into photography, which began during a family vacation in Spain. He explains how his initial interest in candid photography evolved into a passion for street portraits.

As we explore Payman's work, he opens up about the challenges he faces when approaching strangers for portraits, especially in Sweden, where people tend to be more reserved. He shares his philosophy of building trust and making connections with his subjects, which is crucial for capturing the intimate portraits he is known for.

One of the highlights of the episode is Payman's discussion of his current projects, particularly his work with the "Ultras," a group of passionate football fans in Stockholm. He describes the adrenaline rush of photographing these intense events and the careful navigation required to gain their trust. Payman also touches on the darker aspects of this subculture, including the presence of extremist ideologies, and how he balances documenting their passion while remaining true to his artistic vision.

Join us for this engaging episode as we explore the art of street photography, the complexities of human connection, and the vibrant subcultures that inspire Payman's work. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, there's something to learn from Payman's journey and insights into capturing the essence of life on the streets.
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Next Episode

Sam Ferris

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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John welcome special guest Sam Ferris, an accomplished Australian street photographer based in Sydney.

Sam recounts his move to Sydney in 2008, the challenges he faced in adapting to a new environment, and how he began to use photography as a means of connection and exploration. He discusses the evolution of his style, moving from architectural and landscape photography to capturing candid moments of people in their environments.

Sam elaborates on the challenges he faced when transitioning to photographing people, including overcoming his initial nervousness and learning to get closer to his subjects. He shares pivotal moments in his career, including specific photographs that marked his growth as a photographer and the emotional connections he strives to achieve in his work.

The conversation delves into the importance of feedback and critique in the artistic process. Sam emphasises the value of having trusted peers who can provide honest opinions about his work, recounting a significant moment when renowned photographer Matt Stuart advised him on his first book, In Visible Light. This discussion highlights the balance between self-critique and external feedback, and how it contributes to an artist's growth.

As the episode progresses, Sam shares insights into his self-publishing journey, detailing the process of creating his books, including In Visible Light and his latest release, Rain, Rain Go. He discusses the challenges and rewards of self-publishing, the importance of community support, and the unique experiences that come from sharing his work with a global audience.

In closing, the hosts and Sam reflect on the addictive nature of street photography, the joy of capturing fleeting moments, and the ongoing journey of artistic growth. This episode is a rich exploration of street photography, filled with personal stories, valuable lessons, and a celebration of the vibrant community that surrounds this art form.

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