"The wonderful thing about photography is that it's a solo act. It's just me and the camera."  - Jessica Lange "The common denominator is that we all want to make something beautiful, something relatable, something we can look at and say, 'Shit! Yeah, man. That turned out better than I thought."  - Jeff Bridges    In this episode, Antonio and Ward discuss a quirky event Ward attended where a record number of people dressed in inflatable dinosaur costumes. This lighthearted gathering is contrasted with Antonio's experience at the AIPAD photography show, where he explored an ..read more

"What is a photograph? For me, a fragment of quick-silver, a lucid dream, a scribbled note from the subconscious to be deciphered, perhaps, over years. It is a monologue trying to become a conversation, an offering, an alibi, a salute." -- Eva Rubinstein   In this episode, Antonio vividly shares his recent experience of photographing the recent eclipse. He details the use of a new filter and the excitement of capturing the celestial event, discussing both the technical aspects and the personal thrill of the experience. Ward introduces a German photographer he recently discovered, Holger N ..read more

"If you look carefully at life, you see blur. Shake your hand. Blur is part of life." -- William Klein "Do not mistake sharpness for truth." -- Peter Henry Emerson   In this episode, Antonio and Ward embark on an enlightening discussion about starting a photography collective. Drawing from their experience in building their own photography group, they provide invaluable tips and advice on the importance of having a common gathering place, patience, and evolving organically. Antonio pays tribute to recently departed friend and fellow photographer, Mel DiGiacomo, whose approach to capturing ..read more

"The instance of photographing, instead of creating a distance, is a moment of clarity and emotional connection for me." -- Nan Goldin "I've never made any picture, good or bad, without paying for it in emotional turmoil." -- W. Eugene Smith   In this episode, Antonio and Ward kick things off with some easygoing chat about history and pop culture, setting a laid-back vibe. Things quickly get more personal as Antonio opens up about dealing with his sick cat, which smoothly segues into the episode's deeper themes of coping with loss and navigating grief. They also chat about how the pandemi ..read more

"Reality is the intuition and the imagination and the quiet voice inside my head that says: isn’t that extraordinary?" -- Duane Michals "In my years of photography I have learned that many things can be sensed, seen, shaped or resolved in a realm of quiet…" -- Paul Caponigro   In this episode, Antonio and Ward delve into the transformative role of silence in photography, illustrating how it bolsters intuition and enables the creation of emotionally powerful images, as seen in iconic works like "Afghan Girl" and "Migrant Mother." They discuss "silent portraits" by photographers such as Bru ..read more

"Do this work not for yourself... Do it for the greater purpose of others, our collective humanity." -- John Stanmeyer "Reaching a 'creative' state of mind thru positive action is considered preferable to waiting for 'inspiration'." -- Minor White   In this episode, Antonio and Ward dive deep into the heart of photography communities, sharing tales from "Beers and Cameras" and "Coffees and Cameras." They explore how these gatherings morph from grand events to intimate meetups, fostering not just skills but genuine connections. It's a laid-back chat about the shift from competitive isolati ..read more

"We photographers are nothing but a pack of crooks, thieves and voyeurs. We are to be found everywhere we are not wanted; we betray secrets that were never entrusted to us; we spy shamelessly on things that are not our business; And end up the hoarders of a vast quantity of stolen goods." -- Brassai   In this milestone 200th episode of the Street Shots Photography Podcast, Antonio and Ward are joined by fellow Unusual Collective buddies, Dave Szweduik and Mark Reierson. It's a relaxed, friendly chat among these brothers-in-light, reflecting on this podcast's journey and how photography ha ..read more

  "Photography is a discovery of life which makes you look at things you’ve never looked at before." "You walk around at times thinking the whole world is a painting. Light is my work." -- Trent Parke   In this first episode of 2024, Antonio and Ward explore the profound and enigmatic world of Trent Parke, a master of black and white photography. The discussion transcends a mere overview of Parke's work, delving into the essence of his artistic vision, where each photograph is not just an image but a powerful narrative in itself. The rarity and intrinsic value of Parke’s photo books ..read more

"I use photography to help me explain my experiences to myself." -- Duane Michals "A picture should be looked at - not talked about." -- Elliott Erwitt   In this final episode of 2023, Antonio and Ward warmly reminisce about the year. Antonio talks about his new interest in fountain pens, linking it to his love for photography and the therapeutic act of journaling, reflecting on how these activities encourage a more thoughtful approach to life and art. Ward gives his perspective on recent technological shifts, particularly the implications of smartphones and AI in photography, and both o ..read more

"I am forever chasing light. Light turns the ordinary into the magical." "I use photography as a way to help me understand why I am here. The camera helps me to see." Trent Parke   In this solo episode, Antonio shares his recent foray into the world of fountain pens and notebooks, a hobby sparked by previous discussions on photo journaling and “Photomancy.” This new interest, while initially a divergence from his photography passion, actually complements it by enhancing his photo journaling practice. He delves into how the tactile experience of writing with quality pens on smooth paper ha ..read more