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In-Depth with Toby Binder: Life & Lens of a Documentary Photographer

Welcome to Meet the Streets, the go-to podcast for street and documentary photography enthusiasts. In this episode, we dive deep with Toby Binder, a remarkable documentary photographer based in Germany. Toby shares insights on his long-term project in Northern Ireland, documenting the impact of Brexit and the enduring divide between communities. We also explore his work in Germany during COVID-19, highlighting the struggles of immigrant children. Gain valuable perspectives on balancing personal projects with commercial work, the importance of building trust with subjects, and the challenges of maintaining a documentary career while raising a young family.

00:00 Introduction to Meet the Streets
00:15 Meet Toby Binder: A German Documentary Photographer
00:47 Toby's Long-Term Project in Northern Ireland
01:48 The Impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland
04:39 Challenges and Realities of Documentary Photography
08:22 Toby's Journey into Photography
20:35 The Belfast Project: Capturing Divided Communities
24:14 Exploring Belfast Through Photography
33:59 Staying in Touch with Brandon
34:55 Tensions During the Parade
36:24 The Kids' Project in Germany
37:16 Challenges of Homeschooling
37:53 Life in Duisburg Hochfeld
39:06 Migration and Growing Up in Germany
49:20 The Reality of Poverty
01:01:25 Balancing Family and Career
01:05:33 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

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In this episode of Meet the Streets, join me as I explore New York City through the eyes of Stephen Yang, a freelance photographer. From literature student to acclaimed photojournalist, Stephen shares his journey, the challenges of blending news with street photography, and the art of capturing candid moments. We discuss his shift from full-frame to Fuji crop frame cameras, the poetic shift in perspective with age, and the rich diversity of New York's streets and subway scenes. Hear his candid thoughts on photographing Midtown's drug users, navigating neighborhoods, and cultural shocks while covering Trump followers in small-town America. Enjoy humorous contrasts between New York and Phoenix, and reflections on the evolving landscape of news and politics. This episode is packed with fascinating stories, insights on street photography, and the essence of documenting the world with a beginner's mind.

00:00 Introduction to Meet the Streets
00:16 Meet Stephen Yang
00:54 Stephen's Journey to Photojournalism
03:07 Returning to New York
04:06 Challenges and Growth in New York
04:51 Exploring Different Photography Genres
08:19 The Philosophy of Photojournalism
17:12 Street Photography and Personal Projects
36:29 Ethics and Consent in Photography
47:19 Street Photography Inspirations
48:58 Reflections and Emotions in Street Photography
51:09 Challenges and Nuances of Capturing Public Moments
52:55 The Ever-Changing New York City
56:51 The Human Element in Street Photography
01:00:44 The Intersection of Journalism and Street Photography
01:11:03 The Art of Capturing Everyday Life
01:21:26 Reflections on Photography and Life
01:25:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

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Welcome to the latest episode of 'Meet the Streets,' where we continue our conversation with the renowned photographer Richard Koek. In this engaging episode, Richard shares his unique experiences capturing the essence of Tokyo for his book 'Tokyo, Tokyo.' From the challenges posed by the vast urban landscape to the impact of COVID-19 on his project, Richard's storytelling offers deep insights into his creative process. He discusses his adventures photographing the bustling Shibuya crossings, intimate local shrines, and the vibrant culture of Tokyo's streets. Richard also delves into his powerful series on cadets in New York, revealing the juxtaposition of childhood and military discipline. Don't miss this fascinating look at street and documentary photography through Richard's lens.

00:00 Introduction to Meet the Streets
00:12 Transition from New York to Tokyo
00:34 Challenges of Photographing Tokyo
01:36 Capturing the Essence of Shibuya Crossing
04:38 Exploring Tokyo's Unique Cafes
06:53 The Myth of Harajuku Girls
17:07 Sumo Wrestling Experience
22:30 Backstage at a Tokyo Nightclub
25:19 Freedom in Photography
25:47 Capturing the Perfect Shot
26:37 The Atmosphere of the Lounge
27:12 Transitioning from Tokyo to New York
27:51 The Challenges of Book Distribution
29:10 Photographing Cadets: A Personal Project
30:57 The Story Behind the Cadet Program
33:26 The Emotional Impact of the Photos
43:02 The Diversity of Cadet Groups
47:31 Reflections on Sharing Experiences
49:44 The Generosity of the Photography Community
51:12 Concluding Thoughts and Farewells

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

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Richard Koek: Capturing the Essence of New York Through Photography

In this episode of Meet the Streets, we explore the life and work of Dutch photographer Richard Koek, who moved to New York City in 2000. Richard shares his journey from assisting other photographers to establishing his own career in street and documentary photography. He discusses the compositional and poetic aspects of his work, the importance of depicting personal stories, and the ethical considerations in photographing diverse neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Influenced by renowned photographers and inspired by urban daily life, Richard reflects on his published books, 'New York, New York' and 'Tokyo, Tokyo,' showcasing his unique perspective on the beauty found in everyday moments.

00:00 Introduction to Meet the Streets
00:15 Meet Richard Koek
01:22 Richard's Journey to the US
02:29 The Role of Assisting in Photography
05:34 Transitioning to Independent Work
10:49 Surviving Economic Crises
16:45 Balancing Passion and Profession
21:47 The Impact of AI on Photography
38:01 Richard's Inspirations and Books
47:59 Reflecting on Pre-COVID New York
48:19 Capturing the Resilience of New York City
53:01 The Metaphor of an Empty Train
54:55 Times Square: From Decay to Disney
57:34 The Subway Cello Player
01:01:48 The Oculus: Art vs. Capitalism
01:06:57 The Frick Collection Event
01:25:32 Ethics in Street Photography
01:29:19 Behind the Scenes of a Movie Set
01:32:51 Conclusion and Transition to Tokyo

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

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How does AI really impact the creative community, and are your original works safe? Join us as we explore whether AI-generated content genuinely threatens to steal your creative thunder or if it simply mirrors the human process of drawing inspiration. Using the landmark Lynn Goldsmith vs. Andy Warhol Foundation case, we’ll dispel fears by outlining the legal protections in place to combat direct plagiarism—all while equating AI's methods to traditional forms of human creativity.

Ever wonder if AI could replace traditional photography? We take a close look at the ever-evolving photography industry, examining everything from faked news conferences to the potential for AI-generated images to stand in for real-world photo shoots. From discussing the ethical implications of digital enhancement to navigating the ongoing debate between purist photography and modern editing techniques, we uncover the necessity for transparency and proper labeling of AI-generated content.

What are the ethical boundaries in the age of AI? As we compare AI-driven workflows with traditional methods, we dive into the multifaceted ethical dilemmas facing today's creatives. From the implications for intellectual property rights to the trustworthiness of social media platforms in recognizing original work, we dissect the challenges and advantages of integrating AI into the creative process. Wrapping up with a reflection on transparency and the complexities of digital provenance, we also look forward to an exciting meet-up in Paris to continue this crucial conversation.

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

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Meet the Streets Podcast - Season 2, Episode 1: Featuring Geert Verstrepen

In the premiere episode of the new season of 'Meet the Streets,' Keith welcomes Belgian street and documentary photographer Geert Verstrepen. Known for his evocative black-and-white photography, Geert discusses his journey from a passionate hobbyist since 2007 to a noted photographer whose work strides both street and documentary styles. He shares stories behind his stunning photos, his inspirations, including James Nachtwey and Ragnar Axelsson, and his unique approach to street photography. He also discusses his future projects, which involve documenting the living conditions of homeless individuals. With insights on his techniques and philosophies, Geert offers a compelling look into the world of contemporary street photography.

00:00 Introduction to the New Season
00:16 Meet Geert Verstrepen
01:49 Geert's Journey into Photography
03:37 The Transition to Rangefinder Cameras
08:44 Inspirations and Influences
15:12 Life at Sea: Stories from the Fishermen
22:40 The Demolition of Beach Houses
30:53 Unique Belgian Horses
31:23 Shrimp Fishing Tradition
33:04 Challenges of Beach Photography
38:08 Portraits of Unique Individuals
41:58 Street Photography Techniques
55:25 Future Projects and Reflections
57:19 Travel and Networking

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

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In this episode of 'Meet the Streets,' host Keith interviews Richard Sharum, a documentary photographer from Texas. This part one of a two-part series covers Sharum's origins in photography, his inspiration, and his acclaimed book 'Campesino Cuba.' Sharum discusses his unique approach to capturing socially conscious stories, his photographic journey, mentorship experiences with notable figures, and shares valuable advice for aspiring photographers. Keith and Sharum delve into the impact of compelling visual narratives, the importance of authenticity, and lessons from iconic figures in photography.

00:00 Welcome to Meet the Streets: A Deep Dive with Richard Sharum
00:26 Richard Sharum: The Man Behind the Lens
01:39 The Genesis of a Documentary Photographer
03:02 From Childhood Fascination to Professional Passion
05:04 A Journey Through History and Photography
07:01 Making an Impact: Documenting Social Importance
13:10 The Power of Photography: Beyond the Lens
17:39 Eddie Adams Workshop: A Turning Point
23:14 Composing Campesino Cuba: A Labor of Love
27:23 Capturing the Essence of Cuba: Beyond Stereotypes
35:06 The Power of Photography and Personal Connection
35:33 Capturing the Essence of Cuba
35:49 Artistic Vision and Composition
36:47 The Universality of Photographic Moments
37:05 The Journey of a Photographer
38:03 The Philosophy of Photography
45:08 Technical Aspects and Challenges in Photography
47:15 Cultural Insights and Personal Reflections
57:43 The Impact of Mentorship in Photography
01:03:59 Photography as a Reflection of the Self

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

Send us a Text Message.

Behind the Lens: Chaz Niell's Photographic Journey

In this episode of 'Meet the Streets,' host Keith sits down with Chaz Niell, a street and documentary photographer from Washington, D.C. Chaz shares his progression in photography, from starting out with a Minolta 201 to studying at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, becoming a freelance photographer, and his passion for street photography with Leica gear. They discuss his work covering various events—from sports to politics—and the intricacies of freelancing. Chaz recounts meaningful stories behind his photos taken during protests, in Cuba, and within the Afro-Mexican community, highlighting the power of capturing authentic moments and voices. The conversation also touches on the privileges of earning trust in intimate settings and the importance of maintaining integrity in media projects, concluding with thoughts on future collaborations.

00:00 Welcome to Meet the Streets: Featuring Chaz Niell
01:19 Chaz Niell: A Journey Through Photography
02:34 Diving Deep into Street and Sports Photography
05:18 The Freelance Life: Challenges and Joys
10:34 Exploring the Impact of Location on Photography
28:44 The Power of Protest Photography
30:30 Personal Connections Through the Lens
39:46 Capturing the Essence of Public Demonstrations
45:59 A Photographer's Ethos: Respect and Engagement
48:31 Discovering the Power of Photography
48:55 The Art of Capturing Soulful Images
50:02 Curating Images with Music: A Cinematic Approach
55:43 Exploring the African Diaspora in Mexico
01:06:24 The Emotional Journey of Documentary Photography
01:21:35 The Importance of Trust in Photography
01:23:44 Navigating the Challenges of Street Photography
01:29:28 Reflecting on a Photographer's Journey

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.