Blog

May 24 2018

7 First Impressions of Harar, Ethiopia
(From a Street Photography Perspective)

After photographing Addis Abba, I took a bus to Harar. While not a major city in my 100 City project, it was a city I still had to come photograph while in Ethiopia.

Harar is a special place and the best of what people might imagine of the more traditional and historic side of Ethiopia. It’s considered Islam’s fourth holiest city and probably my favorite walled city I’ve been to anywhere, and the least touristy. The Unesco World Heritage city takes you back in time and while it might not be the independent kingdom it once was, it still provides a rare glimpse of that past combined with a very authentic and local feeling today. Mixed in with the history, is a very active and friendly local community that makes the experience photographing here even better. While the walled city is packed with interest and life, there’s another side to the city outside of the walls worth exploring too.

So here are my first impressions of Harar, from my personal Street Photographer perspective…

May 17 2018

Master Profiles: Rene Burri

* “Master Profiles” is a series profiling all the great photographers of uncontrolled life. Unlike the rest of the blog, I’m doing these in a straight profile format to make it easy for quick access to facts, quotes and knowledge on all the masters. I’ll also group them together here every time I add a new one.

Profile:

Rene Burri (1933-2014)

Swiss photographer known for his work covering a range of subjects, locations and events.

May 14 2018

City Street Guides by f.d. walker:
A Street Photography Guide to
Cape Town, South Africa

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

Cape Town

May 10 2018

20 Questions in Amsterdam with Julie Hrudová

*A new interview series with a play on “20 questions,” where I try to mix it up with different questions. Some serious, some not so much. I’ll also be focusing the series on some of the best street photographers from the cities I visit around the world during my 100 Cities project.

I photographed Amsterdam earlier during my 100 City project, but have yet to do a local interview for the city. Until now. When it comes to photography, Amsterdam brings its crazier, anything goes side that its known for, but also a scenic, charming side that provides two very different atmospheres blended together. When it comes to local photographers, Amsterdam also brings the talented Julie Hrudová. While born in Prague, she’s called Amsterdam home for years and it’s where her photography career has really grown.

Much of Julie’s work gives a surreal and mysterious feeling. There’s a playful atmosphere mixed with humor and a slight strangeness to it all. Many times, her scenes bring questions that keep the viewer looking and wondering. Her unique eye for the obscure and how to capture and play with reality in her own way recently awarded her at the Italian StreetPhoto Festival, as well as being named the 2017 EyeEm Street Photographer winner.

So now to learn more about her, it’s time for 20 Questions in Amsterdam with Julie Hrudová…

May 07 2018

33 Street Photography Photos from One Week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

After South Africa, I took a flight up to Ethiopia, starting in major city #48 Addis Ababa on the 100 City project. Being by far the country’s largest city, many visitors more interested in the rural, less traffic-filled side of the country don’t spend much time to get to know Addis Ababa. Beneath its chaotic and rapidly growing urban sprawl of an exterior, I found a mix of history, tradition and interest meets big city life. The colorful old character of Piassa and the the largest open air market in all of Africa, Addis Merkato, were two areas alone that made it worth exploring with my camera.

So, here’s 33 photos that I was able to capture during my time in Addis Ababa…

Apr 30 2018

7 First Impressions of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
(From a Street Photography Perspective)

After finishing a couple major cities in South Africa, I took a flight to Addis Abba, major city #48 on the 100 City project.

Ethiopia has become one of the more popular destinations for travelers to explore in Africa. For good reason too. It’s welcoming, safer in comparison to much of Africa, beautiful and full of unique interest and life. Addis Ababa tends to be included as nothing more than Ethiopia’s big city transit destination, though. While most come for the more rural side of Ethiopia, this chaotic, traffic-filled sprawl can be overlooked. Underneath that less pretty urban exterior is much more than first meets the eye, though. My project focuses on big cities and one of the many reasons for that focus is to see, and show, how much more major cities offer than their stereotypical first impressions. The truth is there is color and beauty to be found, and much more. And as Africa’s fourth-largest city and its diplomatic capital, it’s by far the country’s largest and most influential city. It’s a very complex city that mixes the urban atmosphere with Ethiopia’s rich traditions and history. With the largest and craziest open air market in all of Africa, you already have enough reason to bring your camera for some street photography, but that’s just the start if you really explore this active city.

So here are my first impressions of Addis Ababa, from my personal Street Photographer perspective…

Apr 26 2018

StreetFoto San Francisco 2018: Details & More!

What: StreetFoto International Street Photography Festival
Where: San Francisco at the Harvey Milk Photo Center
When: June 4-10, 2018 (Contest Deadline: April 28th, 2018)

We’re coming closer to StreetFoto San Francisco’s 3rd annual international street photography festival. While the big event takes places June 4th-10th, the deadline for entering their contests is only days away on April 28th. I was honored to be a finalist both of the previous years, but this year I’ll actually be judging that same Single Image category for the festival. I’ll also be making my first visit to the StreetFoto festival. In anticipation of this year’s edition, I’ll include details and links for this year’s festival, along with some previous winning photos and a few questions with photographer and festival organizer, Ken Walton (from last year’s festival interview).

One of my finalist photos from StreetFoto 2017

StreetFoto 2018 Featured Guests and Judges:

Legendary New York street photographer Jeff Mermelstein will be headlining the festival this year as a special guest artist, speaker, judge, and workshop teacher. He doesn’t do something like this often, either, which makes it even more special. Full list of featured guests, speakers and judges are listed below.

Jeff Mermelstein (judge, speaker and workshop)
Ibarionex Perello (workshop)
Fadi BouKaram (speaker)
Tyler Simpson (workshop)
Skyid Wang (workshop)
Ben Helton (workshop)
Conor Beary (workshop)
Johan Jehlbo (workshop)
Andy Kochanowski (workshop)
TC Lin (workshop)
Michelle Groskopf (judge, speaker and book signing)
Ania Klosek (judge and presenter)
Kristen Van Den Eede (judge)
Michelle Rice Chan (judge)
Alison Adcock (judge)
Melanie Einzig (judge)
Edas Wong (judge)
Faruque Islam (judge)
Muhammad Imam Hasan (judge)
Forrest Walker (judge)

Workshops:

Jeff Mermelstein teaching workshop June 6-10
Andy Kochanowski & TC Lin teaching 3-day Burn My Eye workshop June 3-5
Full Frontal Flash Collective teaching workshop June 8-10
Ibarionex Perello teaching workshop June 9-10

A few questions with StreetFoto organizer Ken Walton:

Since you’re the creator and organizer of StreetFoto San Francisco, tell us a little about yourself, including what attracted you to street photography.

I’m a single dad living in San Francisco. I left the video game industry a few years ago, had some time on my hands, and got obsessed with street photography after I watched the Vivian Maier documentary. I’d always had an artistic bent and an eye for design, and I felt like I found the perfect way to express it in photography. I’ve been at it non-stop since then.

Can you tell us the idea behind the festival and how creating an event like this started out?

After I fell in love with street photography I wanted to create something related to it that was bigger than just me. I didn’t want to just keep making and sharing my own photos, I wanted to build something more significant, and I decided a festival was a good way to foster community and contribute to the state of the art. My dream is for it to be come an enduring cultural institution.

StreetFoto 2017 First Place (Single Image): Muhammad Imam Hassan, Bangladesh

You’ve traveled and shot photography in a variety of places, what makes San Francisco a unique and special place to shoot in compared to other cities you’ve been?

San Francisco has good light, urban density, and a variety of types of people interacting in many different environments. But a lot of other cities have these things, right? I think what makes this place special is the fact that there are more oddballs here than just about anywhere else. There’s a surprise, or a surprising person, around every corner. A look at Troy Holden’s photos illustrates this well.

StreetFoto 2017 First Place (Series): Hakan Simsek, Belgium

If someone was planning on traveling to this festival, what advice or tips would you give them?

Book early. Hotels here are expensive, so shop around, consider sharing, and remember Airbnb (or a friend’s couch) as options. A good, inexpensive hotel near the festival is Metro Hotel. If you can’t find a room available there for your whole stay, call then, as they may be able to let you switch rooms mid-way through your trip. Also, have Uber and Lyft installed on your phone, as they are good inexpensive alternatives to transit for getting around this city. Renting a car is probably not a good idea unless you’re planning to take long trips outside San Francisco.

StreetFoto 2017 Honorable Mention (Single Image): Angkul Sungthong, Thailand

And it’s free!

*Unless explicitly noted, all the events, exhibitions, photowalks, lectures, slideshows, and openings at StreetFoto are free, and do not require registration. We are able to put on this event due to the generosity of our sponsors, and all of those who enter the International Street Photography Awards.

For more info, click the links below, and don’t forget to enter your photos by April 28th, 2018.

More Photos from Past StreetFoto Winners:

StreetFoto 2017 Second Place (Single Image): Nick Harvey, United States

StreetFoto 2017 Third Place (Single Image): Edward Tsimerman, United Kingdom

StreetFoto 2017 Second Place (Series): Argus Paul Estabrook, South Korea

StreetFoto 2017 Third Place (Series): Sasikumar Ramachandran, India

StreetFoto 2017 First Place (Mobile Phone): Faruque Islam, Bangladesh

StreetFoto 2016 First Place (Single Image): Craig Buchan, Scotland

StreetFoto 2016 Second Place (Single Image): Pau Buscato, Spain

StreetFoto 2016 Third Place (Single Image): Marin Ryczik, Poland

StreetFoto 2016 First place (Series): Chris Suspect, United States

StreetFoto 2016 Second Place (Series): Dmitry Stepanenko, England

StreetFoto 2016 Third Place (Series): Sam Ferris, Australia

Apr 23 2018

City Street Guides by f.d. walker:
A Street Photography Guide to
San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan

Apr 16 2018

33 Street Photography Photos from One Week in Johannesburg, South Africa

After starting South Africa in Cape Town on my 100 City Project, next came the country’s largest city, Johannesburg.

Johannesburg, commonly shortened to Joburg, is the largest city in South Africa, with one of the largest economies in all of Africa. While being a continental financial hub with plenty of wealth and a trendy, cosmopolitan vibe, it also has extreme poverty and in terms of crime and homicide, has become one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Joburg is filled with juxtapositions. Within that edge and danger, there’s a vibrance and friendliness to the city that makes it stand out among all of my urban travel. There’s much to explore, experience and photograph in this big city, if you take the risk.

So here’s 33 photos that I was able to capture during my time in Johannesburg…

Apr 13 2018

Spots Open: May Workshop in Las Vegas (3 Days + Night)

3 Spots Open!

Las Vegas Street Photography Workshop (3-Days+)

A 3-day+ street photography workshop in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on May 18-20, 2018. The workshop will be led by myself, Forrest Walker (aka f.d. walker).

+ optional night walks included/details below

This will be an intensive and highly involved workshop led by someone who’s photographed over 70 major cities across the world inside and out. With a 5 participant max and an instructor available 24 hours a day during the workshop, you’ll be able to get the most out of our time together.

Forrest Walker is an award-winning photographer who has been exhibited and published around the world. He is also a member of The Street Collective and sole creator of ShooterFiles.com, where he is currently photographing over 100 major cities across all major regions for his website and future book.

Workshop Description:

There’s no city in the world like Las Vegas. An oasis of sunlight and night lights where every indulgence imagined is available. The character of Las Vegas combined with the characters it attracts makes for a city of non-stop interest for street photography. So, I’m excited to announce that this May 18-20, I will be conducting a 3-day+ Street Photography Workshop in Sin City.

This will be an intensive, but highly enjoyable workshop experience that includes a mixture of daily photo walks, photo critiques, portfolio reviews, interactive lessons, activities and discussions. There will be a lot of walking and photography, with myself fully involved each step of the way to make sure you get the most out of your time. You will be able to fully immerse yourself into the city through street photography, so you can learn more, photograph more and have a great time in Las Vegas.

Experiencing and capturing the city, as we will, is also designed to help maximize your improvement and learning in photography. You will be challenged, while seeing more and having more opportunities to reach your goals during the workshop.

+Night Walks: Las Vegas keeps the light on and stays alive into the night. So, in addition to the daily street photography walks, I will include optional night walks (Friday night’s walk is most encouraged). This way you can get more out of your time during the workshop and learn how to work with different light.

Dates:

May 18-20, 2018 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)

Location:

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Workshop Schedule:

Friday : 1pm-9pm
Saturday : 9am-7pm
Sunday : 9am-6pm

*optional night walks on Friday & Saturday

Each day will include planned photo walks in Las Vegas.
Each day will include photo critiques and discussions from the day.
Each day will include instruction time, which includes a mixture of lessons, slide shows and activities.
Each day will include an optional night street photography walk.
Spending time together outside the scheduled time is encouraged, but not mandatory. I will be available throughout the 3 days.

Requirements: Basic skill in camera technique is required for this workshop. In addition to your camera, please bring a laptop. Extra camera batteries and good shoes/sandals are highly recommended, as well.

Fee: $400 USD per person

*5 participant max

For questions or to reserve a spot in the Workshop, please submit through the form below:

(Direct email: forrest.d.walker@gmail.com)

*$150 deposit is required to register and hold a spot.

**Second payment of $125 is due by April 15th, with the final payment of $125 to be received 7 days prior to the start of the workshop.

More Information:

The daily schedule is a minimum, but I will be available at all times during the 3-day weekend. We will have opportunity for more involvement, activities and learning outside of the scheduled time.
There will be extensive photo walks every day. During the walks, we will cover a variety of instructions along with a mixture of group, paired and solo walking. You will have a chance to see how I work and learn from myself, while also having plenty of opportunity to shoot on your own. I will take you to different parts of the city to fully experience Las Vegas and provide you more opportunity for unique photos.
Mixed in with the daily walks, we will also have time for daily presentations, instructions and photo critiques. Slide shows, group discussions, techniques and continual feedback will be included.
The main focus of the workshop is street photography, with some crossover into documentary. Candid and un-posed is the aesthetic I will be most looking for in course instructions and discussions, while you are free to take posed shots for personal enjoyment.
Before the workshop, we will have time to discuss your interests in photography, what you would like to get out of the workshop, along with a portfolio review. I can also help with arrangements on a place to stay, as I’d prefer for us all to stay together so you can get the most out of the workshop and experience (You are welcome to choose your own lodging, though. Preferably, along the main strip).
Workshop is limited to a small group of 5 to provide individual attention and a better, more valuable experience.

What’s Included?:

Planned street photography walks providing a wide view of photo opportunities and exploration in the unique city of Las Vegas (+ optional night walks).
Opportunities for 1-on-1 shooting with myself to provide you constant feedback, tips, guidance, and allow you to observe how I work. I will also mix up activities and photography assignments to give you a chance to work on your photography without distraction.
An instructor that has experience photographing over 70 major cities on foot, while going deeper and off the beaten path, will give you an opportunity to get to know the city better and capture more unique shots.
Improvement in different techniques, understanding light, learning to see more and being comfortable capturing the shots you want to make.
Multiple educational and inspirational lessons covering different aspects of street photography.
An initial portfolio review followed by daily critiques of your photos taken during the workshop. I want you to follow your own interests and vision so I will be working with you to improve towards your personal goals in photography instead of boxing you into one-size-fits-all.
Constant access to myself, including outside of the workshop’s scheduled time.
Activities planned to give time for bonding with other photographers. A memorable experience not only improving your street photography, but also enjoying your time in Las Vegas.
The workshop fee covers not only the time during the workshop schedule below, but also the time spent on workshop preparation with each individual, and any time needed outside of the daily schedule while in Las Vegas.

Thanks for checking these details out and I hope some of you can join me this May in Las Vegas!