Street Life

Josh Ethan Johnson

Mark Davidson and John St Season 1 Episode 86

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0:00 | 1:21:24

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In this episode of Street Life, Mark and John St dive deep into the world of street photography with our guest, Josh Ethan Johnson, a talented photographer and filmmaker based in New York. 

Josh joins us to discuss his multifaceted career, which spans photography, filmmaking and even music. He shares his journey into street photography, revealing how his childhood fascination with family photos and his experiences in art school shaped his artistic vision. We explore the parallels between street photography and fly fishing, emphasising the importance of patience and the acceptance of failure in both pursuits.

Throughout the conversation, Josh reflects on the challenges of approaching strangers on the street and the significance of building genuine connections with his subjects. He also discusses his acclaimed video series, The Wrong Side of the Lens, which highlights the stories of street photographers and their unique perspectives.

We touch on the complexities of storytelling through photography, the impact of personal relationships with images, and the importance of context in visual narratives. Josh shares memorable experiences from his work, including a particularly striking photo taken at a pornography convention, illustrating the unexpected moments that can arise in the field.

As we wrap up, we discuss the current events in Minneapolis and the role of photographers in documenting social issues, emphasising the balance between artistic expression and ethical responsibility. This episode is a rich exploration of the art of street photography, the connections we forge with others and the stories that unfold in our everyday lives.

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