PEPIJN THIJSSE be inspired Gallery // ARTIST STATEMENT // I was born in The Netherlands but grew up in Australia and apparently the city of Brisbane is now home. I have travelled extensively since a young age and travel and photography go hand-in-hand (not always in the best sense) so I guess this is where my interest originated, particularly combining cultural and “artistic” elements in a photograph. I am very inquisitive and like to explore, observing and wondering how things work; photography gives me the chance to capture what I am thinking/ seeing. I’m also fascinated by this ridiculously diverse planet we live on, which means I like too many types of photography, from insect macro to sweeping landscapes and of course, my favourite, street photography. My street photography process is usually just walking and looking for moments to unfold, but often I’ll find a composition and wait for a particular character…if I really want the shot, this wait can be up to an hour. I’m a sucker for black-and-white because of the way it simplifies an image, and also images with a single or matching colour tones (e.g. hot and cold). In mid-2019 I started a one year ‘mid-career’ break with the intention to focus on travel and photography. This trip has covered quite a few places, seasons and cultures so the photographs submitted are diverse, but they all reflect my current mood and focus. A few are from an earlier trip in 2015 but again they fit this theme. LOCATION Brisbane AUSTRALIA CAMERA Olympus EM10, Fuji XT2, Sony A7iii CATEGORY street WEBSITE http://www.pepijnthijsse.com @PTHYSSE @P_THYSSE ​ FEATURES // Observing Life Unfolding

INTERVIEW June 24, 2022 NOTES ON A LANDSCAPE ​ Photography by Mostafa Nodeh Interview by Melanie Meggs Very poetic and existential in nature, Mostafa Nodeh’s photography invites us to reflect on the deeper questions in life. What is the meaning of it? How are we spending it? Or to engage with more politically charged questions such as which lives matter? Or who is disposable? Mostafa is an Iranian artist and self-taught photographer based in Guilan, on the northern coast of Iran. He is known for his captivating symbolic minimalist landscape photographs in black and white. The barren landscapes, footsteps in the snow, birds flying towards freedom, tiny people against large constructions, ladders, and winding roads can be interpreted as metaphors of life. They all hint of a journey, a long slow walk and the paths there are to choose within it. Mostafa’s world could in many ways be described as a world of contrasts. At first we are struck by the beauty and simplicity of Mostafa's work, however, beneath this facade hides deeper meaningful philosophies. The dark shadows, strong lines and sharp geometric shapes create a striking presence, as Mostafa describes, “like an emerging storm they hint of unease, which is further empathized by the distance to the subjects that appear small against large landscapes, constructions and the overall brutal and raw force of nature.” At the same time, the light, warm tones and soft organic textures emit a strong sense of serenity, peace and hope, “a calm after a storm and the promise of a bright future.” With a background in painting and while photography is his preferred medium today, Mostafa recognises a strong link between painting and photography, often combining aspects of both into his working process, and is visible in the photographs themselves. Mostafa's minimalist works are a combination of preconceived ideas, often inspired by his own thoughts and dreams, and chance and coincidence, twisting the notion of time and space, making it impossible for us to anchor in any reality to us. His masterful transitions between light and shadow, the texture, tone, shading and color, which at times resemble aspects of painting, but also in his dreamlike treatment of the subject matter and in the overall composition. “To me, minimal photography is an art in the way that artists learn how to omit the extra elements which seem to be very necessary in such a hectic life. I see it as an international language to communicate with the people round the world.” IN CONVERSATION WITH MOSTAFA NODEH THE PICTORIAL LIST: Mostafa please tell us about yourself. MOSTAFA NODEH: I was born in one of the farthest northern regions in a village called Nodeh. Nodeh village is one of the regions of Gilan. Unfortunately, due to working conditions and earning income, I migrated from this beautiful village and settled in a city called Zibashahr, Qazvin. I worked as a photographer due to the difficult economic conditions in Iran. In my country, artists face many problems, and I am no exception to this rule. TPL: You have a background in painting. What was that moment that you decided to put down the paintbrush and pick up a camera? How does your use of the camera as a tool influence your use of it in recent years as a means for self-expression and emotion? MN: Yes, I loved to draw with a pencil and I used to put the images that came to my mind on paper. My paintings were great at school and sometimes I painted for my classmates. I loved magazines and dailys that had photos, and I would cut those photos with scissors and turned them into an album as I wished. I would then stick them to my office wall. This interest led me to get a small compact camera and eventually a professional Canon 7d camera with a lens of 18-135mm. TPL: Very poetic and existential in nature, your works invite us to reflect on the deeper questions in life. What is the story you want your photographs to tell? MN: Yes, it is. In each of my works, there is a story where the audience starts to tell a story. One day, a writer by the name, Azin Jahanian, saw my photos and started writing for dozens of my photos. It was written in a soft and poetic way to suit the mood of each photo. Later, together we decided to collaborate, publishing my photographs and his writings in a book called "Minimalism for the world" in both English and Persian and translated by Jalileh Masoumi Moghaddam. TPL: Describe what it is like to photograph in Iran. How have the streets and culture you capture influence your photography? MN: Photography in Iran is at a relatively high level. The Iranian people are by nature artists and art lovers. The streets of my country have a rich civilization, which is both attractive and proud to depict, whether in the form of paintings or photographs. TPL: What photographers do you look for inspiration? MN: Ansel Adams and Michael Kenna have always been an inspiration to me. I get a sense of nostalgia for their work that takes me back to my childhood. I love solitude and silence, I talk less and listen more. I believe that a good photo expresses all the emotions and intentions of the owner of the work. ​ My photos look like graphics at first glance, but I must say, I created the graphics with photography. TPL: Is there a special photographic moment you recall that will always remain with you...one maybe that changed your view of the world in which you shoot in? MN: All my photos are summarized in my childhood dreams. I would like to go back. In my opinion, the best time in a person's life is his childhood. When you are a child, the ultimate pain is the damage to your toys. You breathe carefree and make the best movies from your mother's storytelling. TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist or photographer? What direction do you think you will take your photography? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years? MN: Global influence is one of the most important goals I pursue. I believe that a person who leaves an acceptable work of art does not disappear even with an earthly death, and the name he leaves behind due to his works and the impact on his audience is the best meaning for his whole life. For five years I have been searching for the meaning of life for nothing. ​ ​ ​ ​ TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)… MN: To listen to Electronic music...I love the songs of Jean-Michel Jarre. Even on a trip to France and Paris and my solo exhibition in Paris, I told a French reporter that I was in love with Jean from France. I listen to Jean's songs while photographing. I dream of Jean's songs.” ​ ​ Like a line drawing...a pencil never leaving the paper...each of Mostafa's photographs seem somehow connected to one another, leaving us space for interpretation and for us to weave our own surreal and whimsical tale. Stay connected with Mostafa through his Instagram and be inspired! VIEW MOSTAFA'S PORTFOLIO Instagram >>> read more interviews >>> COLORS OF A GREY CITY In Rafa Rojas' photography project, we witness the convergence of passion and purpose, a visual ode to the city of São Paulo he calls home. PRIMAL INSTINCT Tara Sellios invites us to explore the interplay of life and death, of decay and beauty, and to find within that juxtaposition a reflection of our own existential journey. OPPORTUNITIES The Pictorial List partners with International Photography Awards, enhancing resources for photographers worldwide. We interview IPA founder Hossein Farmani, a visionary in photography. MINIMALIST REVERIE Nazanin Davari's minimalist style invites you to an imaginative world where silence and freedom converge, painting unseen beauty with her lens. THE AUTHENTIC GAZE: THE DON'T SMILE PROJECT Delve into the visual anthology of urban youth, a collection of moments where the mundane transcends into the profound, sparked by the click of Amy Horowitz's camera. BLACK AND WHITE WITH A THREAD OF RED Valeria Cunha is fascinated by the street, using it as inspiration to find structure amidst the confusion. Her photography creates intriguing connections and relationships through dynamic compositions that convey emotion. TALES OF A CITY With a passion for exploring the world through his camera lens, Seigar brings a unique perspective to his art, infused with reflections, colors, and icons. 18 >> 20 Elsa Arrais composed a simultaneously artistic, emotional, poetic and imagery portrait of her city in a predetermined period of time. WOMEN WARRIORS OF AZERBAIJAN Fidan Nazimqizi is aware of distinct challenges the women in her community are confronted with on a daily basis. Their struggles have become a focus for her photography. SHOOT NEW YORK CITY Leanne Staples is a passionate and driven street photographer whose honest perspective of city life captures both its simplicity and complexity. TRANSTEMPORAL Russell Cobb is an incredible photographer and storyteller who offers viewers a chance to step into the past and explore the nuances of culture and history. A LOVE SONG TO THE AMERICAN WEST We have the pleasure of seeing and hearing the visual stories created between photographer, Ross Taylor and musician, Russick Smith. As the wind sweeps through the landscapes the notes of a cello fill every void. JESSE'S STORY Jesse’s story becomes a timeless testament of an unconventional and successful fighter. Andrée Thorpe invites us to reflect on the inspiring journey of this brave individual. WALKING BUENOS AIRES We take a deep dive into the journey of Alex Gottfried Bonder - an artist who has spent many years uncovering the soul of Buenos Aires through street photography. UNDER THE COVERS WITH AMERICAN BEDROOM Barbara Peacock, opens the door to her subjects' bedroom, revealing their intimate thoughts and emotions. Discover the confidence and trust shared between the photographer and subject for an authentic and inspiring experience. BEYOND SIGHT Doug Winter is a photographic artist using his unique perspective as a semi-sighted individual to explore the experiences of partial blindness and vision disabilities. ETERNITY Eternity is a pictorial story about Konrad Hellfeuer's own personal journey with religion and how photography has helped him find peace within it. CROSSING THE AVENUE Get ready to be transported by the street photography of Juan Sostre. His mastery of technique and ability to observe the world around him, allows us to experience the street in a whole different light. HUMAN CONTACT By walking through the streets and observing people's behaviours, Jan Ponnet tries to develop a keen eye for the subtle nuances and rhythms of life on the street, and learns to anticipate and capture these moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. FREEDOM TASTES OF REALITY Juan Barte does not choose to document what he sees, but creates a photograph that constricts the flow of information, allowing for the viewer to further investigate and question what they see.

BOOK May 3, 2021 GROUNDED Photography by Samantha Brown Words by Samantha Brown and Melanie Meggs Samantha Brown is a British-Canadian photographer, and a digital nomad. Over the last year Samantha has documented the pandemic, mostly from the back of her campervan 'Juno', whilst travelling safely in line with local lockdown restrictions. GROUNDED is her first book. How does a pandemic affect a physical place, and our sense of self within it? That's the question that Samantha pondered on a ten month, socially distanced journey in 2020. Departing India prior to the grounding of flights in March, Samantha documented the empty streets of Bristol during the first lockdown, before venturing to Europe via a deserted ferry as restrictions eased. Along the way, she encountered an out-of-season, out-of-time atmosphere that haunted every landscape, allowing her to explore themes such as alienation, loneliness and the isolation of travel. GROUNDED is a photo book of visible beauty towards a deeper well of immersive, indefinable emotion filled with promise and hope. Every page is a joy to look at by itself. The book can be understood as a travel memoir, too, inspiring those who are wanting to begin a similar journey. Grounded is presented as a special boxed book with a signed 10x8" print. Available exclusively from www.artdecomagpie.com (ADM Publishing). First edition run of 150 copies. Published: April 2021 by ADM Publishing Book - 70pp softback book on 170gsm paper. 350gsm cover with matt laminate. Perfect bound. Digitally printed. 253mmx203mm. ISBN: 978-1-9997596-3-6 READ INTERVIEW CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE read more >>> BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION Martin Parr Foundation supports photography and photographers of the past as well as genuinely mentors and creates new opportunities for photographers of the future. 18 >> 20 Elsa Arrais and Paulo Kellerman composed a simultaneously artistic, emotional, poetic and imagery portrait of Leiria in a predetermined period of time. AMERICAN BEDROOM Barbara Peacock opens the door of American bedrooms, illuminating the intimate thoughts, revealed through the bodies and souls of her subjects. TRAVELLERS & THE APPLEBY HORSE FAIR David Gilbert Wright has gained access to this close-knit community, to capture life at the remarkable Appleby Horse Fair. ZOONOSIS Zoonosis is the culmination of two years of Adrian Pelegrin tracking all the news about the novel coronavirus and its consequences. COMEDIANS In his new book COMEDIANS, Steve Best documents the British comedy scene backstage and onstage. GROUNDED Over the last year, photographer and digital nomad Samantha Brown, has documented the pandemic, mostly from the back of her campervan within local lockdown restrictions. THE PROVINCIAL Conflicting emotions. Good and sad memories. Antonis Giakoumakis takes us on a very personal journey about his province. QUIRKYVISION: The French Connection Impertinent and humorous, Meryl Meisler plunges us into a captivating city and time, 1970s and 1980s New York, with her new exhibition. MELBOURNE UNMASKED Focusing exclusively on one city, AASPI's new book MELBOURNE UNMASKED presents a remarkable array of street photography that features some of Australia’s finest practitioners of the art. FILL THE FRAME The popularity of street photography is greater than ever. Fill the Frame follows eight contemporary New York City street photographers documenting their journeys up to now. SMALL HOURS Through the night to dawn the following morning, Philip Butler takes us on a photo tour of Malvern that the tourist board probably wouldn’t sanction.

IBI GOWON be inspired Gallery // ARTIST STATEMENT // I'm an artist at heart, or rather someone who would like to be one! I work in the international development sphere, which gives me plenty of opportunity to take photographs. My photography took off in 2016, whilst I was doing project work in Nigeria. I was able to capture images that truly reflected the countries I worked in, and not the stereotypical images that were peddled in the media. My style is mostly street and predominantly people too. I have a mix of my London life and fabulous people I meet in Africa. There’s something about capturing people in their environment that I really enjoy. It wasn’t easy to begin with and, it took me a while to be brave enough to move on closer to take the shot, as well as, being able to approach people and take their portraits. Fortunately, I had a lot of good advisers at hand! LOCATION London UNITED KINGDOM CAMERA Sony A7iii, Fujifilm X100F CATEGORY street, documentary, portrait ​ @IBI.GOWON.PHOTOGRAPHY ​ ​ FEATURES // Shot From the Heart Shop Back in Time

SIMONE BATINI be inspired Gallery // ARTIST'S STATEMENT // I live in the Tuscany region of Italy. For years I have been passionate about photography specific to the landscape and reportage genre, however I also practice other genres such as macro and street. I shoot with the search for light and atmosphere. This suits me more and better conveys my photographic vision. In recent years I have been dedicating myself to enhancing my territory both with landscape shots and reportage, always with the great passion for photography that I have since childhood. LOCATION Tuscany ITALY CAMERA Nikon D610, Nikon D800, Nikon Z50 CATEGORY landscape, documentary ​ ​ @SIMOBATI78 ​ FEATURES // Times Past Nuances of Light An Artist's Place Shades Of The Coalman

MILDRED ALPERN be inspired Gallery // ARTIST STATEMENT // A former high school and college history teacher, who found a passion in photography when the Christos set up the saffron "Gates" in Central Park in 2005. Starting with a 2 pixel Point and Shoot digital camera, I progressed to interchangeable lenses when Olympus introduced the mirrorless E-M5 in 2012. Then in my early eighties, I scoured Central Park and Riverside Park for subject matter, while taking a class here and there to learn new techniques. I have been fortunate to have a number of my photos selected for curated exhibitions nationally and internationally, and I have also had photo essays published in my local online newspaper, The West Side Rag. My submission on "Readers" stems from my fascination with the reader as a solitary and silent figure who is transported into a private world through the mental process of deciphering elaborate markings on a physical surface. Readers assumes varied poses in their temporary state of inactivity and equilibrium. We cannot know the thoughts of readers engaged in their activity. Even their poses do not give them away. Nor do the varied settings in which they pursue reading. It is best neither to disturb nor startle a reader, but to respect the private bubble in which they reside. LOCATION New York USA CAMERA Olympus E-M5, Olympus E-M5 Mark II CATEGORY people, landscape WEBSITE http://silverscreenproductions.zenfolio.com/ @MEANDNUBS ​ @MILDRED.ALPERN FEATURES // Readers

VICKY MARKOLEFA be inspired Gallery // ARTIST'S STATEMENT // I am a visual storyteller and media expert based in between Greece and Germany. Since 2006, I have worked independently and with organisations in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, the MENA region, and Central America. I specialise in documentary photography and film production with a focus on social and environmental topics. My portfolio features partnerships with institutions such as the European Commission ECHO, agencies such Euronews as well as leading organizations like WWF and Medecins Sans Frontieres. My projects have received recognition at international awards, festivals, and exhibitions. In 2016, I co-founded the production house Mind The Bump where I work as a documentary director and producer. In 2018, I joined BULB Photos/Balkan Collective as an International Fellow Honoris Causa. In 2021, I founded @WomenPhotoGR the first online community in Greece dedicated to promoting equal participation of female, non-binary and LGBTQIA+ individuals in photography. LOCATION Athens GREECE CAMERA Fujifilm XT-3, XT-4, XH-1, DJI OSMO, DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO CATEGORY documentary, reportage WEBSITE http://www.vickymarkolefa.net @VICKYMARKOLEFA ​ ​ FEATURES // Life In Between

INTERVIEW March 18, 2021 CONTRAST TO DARKNESS ​ Photography by Michael Capulong Interview by Melanie Meggs In the bustling city streets of Singapore, one young man has set out on an unexpected journey of discovery. Armed with nothing more than a camera and a passion for light and shadows, Michael Capulong is just at the beginning of his creative photography journey. After purchasing a camera to make family travel videos, Michael began to explore the world of street photography and quickly fell in love with the craft. With a focus on capturing intriguing subjects and creative compositions, Michael’s photos are graphic and dominated by the colour black; providing a unique outlook on the world around him. It’s clear that Michael’s journey has only just begun; and we can’t wait to see what else he captures along the way. “I was born and raised in the Philippines. I went to Singapore in 2008 to find a job. The original plan was to work here just for 5 years, save money and go back. But then, I ended up being here for the last 13 years. The main reason why I purchased my camera is for making travel videos with my family. I was never really interested in photography, until I saw a couple of YouTubers' videos showing their photos and how they have taken them. So in October 2020, I thought of giving it a try. Then a few clicks later, I found myself wanting to go out almost every weekend just to find some interesting places and subjects to capture.” IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL CAPULONG THE PICTORIAL LIST: Michael, where do you find your inspiration to photograph? MICHAEL CAPULONG: I get my inspiration from people around me, lines and shapes of shadows created by sunlight, reflections on water and puddles, and colours created by different kind of lights. TPL: What do you want to express through your photography? What are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs? MC: I want to express the beauty of lights and shadows. How stunning a simple shadow of an office building casted on plain white wall can be if you add a right subject into it. As much as possible lights and shadow. And I always try to include a person in my composition. Whether it just his silhouette, part of his body or just his shadow. ​ ​ TPL: What happens when you walk the street with your camera? Explain your technique. How do people generally respond? MC: When I’m out with my camera, I usually walk miles for hours finding a good place to shoot. I always want to capture photos with very high contrast. Lights and shadows basically. I always prefer shooting while the sun is shining very bright. I love how it creates nice contrast in the photos. But considering the weather in Singapore, which is mostly raining if not cloudy, I’m trying to explore other types like silhouette kind of style as well. I do fishing kind of style of photography. Honestly, the only technique I use is wearing my most comfortable pair shoes and be very patient in finding the right light and be even more patient in waiting for right subject to come into my frame. TPL: How has the pandemic affected you and your photography? MC: I started photography during the pandemic. In fact, the situation could’ve pushed me to go into photography. Since I can’t travel anywhere else. ​ ​ I enjoy street photography because through this, I can capture and share how I see things happening around me. TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us? MC: Most of the photographers I know are YouTubers. People like Peter McKinnon, Alan Schaller, Pierre Lambert, James Popsys, Gareth Danks, Sean Tucker and Mark Fearnley. But Gareth and Sean inspired my style the most. TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length? MC: They say - “It’s not the camera but who’s behind the camera”. But of course, at times, proper equipment do provides help in getting a proper composition. I’m using a Sony A6400 camera. I usually shoot with the 24mm prime (35mm equivalent) but I change to a wider/longer lens when required. As a beginner, I believe this camera is good enough to capture all the shots I want to take, but if given a chance to upgrade into a full frame camera in the future, then I would be happy to take it. TPL: When you go out photographing, do you have a concept in mind of what you want to photograph, or do you let the images just "come to you", or is it both? MC: To be honest, when I go out for a shoot, I usually run round like a headless chicken. Walk around to find a good location with a good contrasting lights and shadows. TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist? Where do you see yourself or hope to see yourself in five years? MC: Currently, I’m doing photography as a hobby and do not have intention of doing it professionally. In fact, I am still considering myself as a beginner. Five years later, I see myself still doing this with probably a better gear and skill. If I can make money out of it, why not? TPL: When I am not out photographing, I (like to)… MC: I usually spend my time video chatting with my family back home. ​ ​ Michael Capulong has taken a leap of faith into the world of street photography. Michael's journey is only just beginning, and it will be exciting to follow his progress and see what else he captures along the way. VIEW MICHAEL'S PORTFOLIO Instagram >>> read more interviews >>> COLORS OF A GREY CITY In Rafa Rojas' photography project, we witness the convergence of passion and purpose, a visual ode to the city of São Paulo he calls home. PRIMAL INSTINCT Tara Sellios invites us to explore the interplay of life and death, of decay and beauty, and to find within that juxtaposition a reflection of our own existential journey. OPPORTUNITIES The Pictorial List partners with International Photography Awards, enhancing resources for photographers worldwide. We interview IPA founder Hossein Farmani, a visionary in photography. MINIMALIST REVERIE Nazanin Davari's minimalist style invites you to an imaginative world where silence and freedom converge, painting unseen beauty with her lens. THE AUTHENTIC GAZE: THE DON'T SMILE PROJECT Delve into the visual anthology of urban youth, a collection of moments where the mundane transcends into the profound, sparked by the click of Amy Horowitz's camera. BLACK AND WHITE WITH A THREAD OF RED Valeria Cunha is fascinated by the street, using it as inspiration to find structure amidst the confusion. Her photography creates intriguing connections and relationships through dynamic compositions that convey emotion. TALES OF A CITY With a passion for exploring the world through his camera lens, Seigar brings a unique perspective to his art, infused with reflections, colors, and icons. 18 >> 20 Elsa Arrais composed a simultaneously artistic, emotional, poetic and imagery portrait of her city in a predetermined period of time. WOMEN WARRIORS OF AZERBAIJAN Fidan Nazimqizi is aware of distinct challenges the women in her community are confronted with on a daily basis. Their struggles have become a focus for her photography. SHOOT NEW YORK CITY Leanne Staples is a passionate and driven street photographer whose honest perspective of city life captures both its simplicity and complexity. TRANSTEMPORAL Russell Cobb is an incredible photographer and storyteller who offers viewers a chance to step into the past and explore the nuances of culture and history. A LOVE SONG TO THE AMERICAN WEST We have the pleasure of seeing and hearing the visual stories created between photographer, Ross Taylor and musician, Russick Smith. As the wind sweeps through the landscapes the notes of a cello fill every void. JESSE'S STORY Jesse’s story becomes a timeless testament of an unconventional and successful fighter. Andrée Thorpe invites us to reflect on the inspiring journey of this brave individual. WALKING BUENOS AIRES We take a deep dive into the journey of Alex Gottfried Bonder - an artist who has spent many years uncovering the soul of Buenos Aires through street photography. UNDER THE COVERS WITH AMERICAN BEDROOM Barbara Peacock, opens the door to her subjects' bedroom, revealing their intimate thoughts and emotions. Discover the confidence and trust shared between the photographer and subject for an authentic and inspiring experience. BEYOND SIGHT Doug Winter is a photographic artist using his unique perspective as a semi-sighted individual to explore the experiences of partial blindness and vision disabilities. ETERNITY Eternity is a pictorial story about Konrad Hellfeuer's own personal journey with religion and how photography has helped him find peace within it. CROSSING THE AVENUE Get ready to be transported by the street photography of Juan Sostre. His mastery of technique and ability to observe the world around him, allows us to experience the street in a whole different light. HUMAN CONTACT By walking through the streets and observing people's behaviours, Jan Ponnet tries to develop a keen eye for the subtle nuances and rhythms of life on the street, and learns to anticipate and capture these moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. FREEDOM TASTES OF REALITY Juan Barte does not choose to document what he sees, but creates a photograph that constricts the flow of information, allowing for the viewer to further investigate and question what they see.

INTERVIEW August 12, 2022 RED BLOOD ​ Photography by Rpnunyez Interview by Melanie Meggs Rpnunyez is a Spanish documentary photographer with an ability to capture the human experience in all its complexities and nuances. He doesn't attempt to capture what he sees, but instead seeks to capture what he is - a quest to document the universal truths of being human. Through his lens, Rpnunyez captures moments that speak to us in ways that are deeply personal and meaningful, creating photographs that are not just art objects but tools that provide a glimpse into a shared human experience. As he states, “the value of a photograph is shared, at least in equal parts, between the photographer and his models, who tolerate and accept his presence, who endure on many occasions his intrusion and insolence, and who in the end, are converted into paper and unaware of the passage of time, allow themselves to be observed, returning to us like mirrors, some unknown part of ourselves.” But what if those moments were presented without any context? What would be revealed without the associated visual clues? Rpnunyez has explored this concept in this series of portraits, in which he has deliberately decontextualized the models in order to focus on the essence of what it means to be human. By stripping away the surrounding environment, we are given the opportunity to look deeper into the very soul of the subjects, allowing us to contemplate something beautiful and mysterious that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. This series of portraits invites us to take a journey of discovery and appreciation, unearthing a deeper understanding of human nature. “We tend to focus on the where and the how, and perhaps we should focus our attention on the who? Certainly, we share neither country nor language nor religion, but the blood that flows through our veins has the same red colour and perhaps that should be enough.” IN CONVERSATION WITH RPNUNYEZ THE PICTORIAL LIST: Rpnunyez please tell us about yourself. When did you first consider yourself a photographer? How did you get your start? RPNUNYEZ: I was born in a small town in Zamora, Spain where I grew up until I completed my higher education at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. My working life has been spent in equal parts as an engineer and technology teacher in high school. Nowadays, retired, I dedicate myself completely to photography. My first great trip was to Senegal, it was a dream I had in my mind for many years that I thought would be impossible to realise but that in the end happened. That trip has been a turning point in my life for several reasons. The first reason is that it was the first trip of many other trips to Africa, I always say that when you travel to Africa you are marked for life. Everything happens as if you made a trip in time and at the same time a journey towards your interior. The second reason why this trip was so important to me is that I discovered my passion for photography during the trip, a passion to which I now dedicate most of my free time. TPL: How much does documentary photography in particular play a role in your overall photography experience? What is it that you love about it? R: Documentary photography is essential to me because when I met (for the first time in my life) cultures and people so different from what I had known until then, I began to believe that contrary to what one normally tends to believe, there are many more things that make us similar than things that make us different. I believe that emphasising this last idea is necessary and even essential. The opposite idea, that’s normally accepted by western societies, is based precisely on overestimating differences between countries, differences between cultures, differences between religions, and differences between economic statuses which separates, confronts and generates the pain and suffering in the world. Travelling, as a Spanish philosopher once said, is the best vaccine against intolerance. Travelling expands your geographical horizons and as a consequence inevitably enlarges your mental and personal horizons. Traveling allows me to better understand human beings, both the good and the bad, and I try to transmit that understanding in my photographic projects. TPL: Introduce your series RED BLOOD to us. When and how did this project first manifest for you? What is the full story behind the project? What was the inspiration? R: RED BLOOD was basically provoked by the two years of pandemic during which it was impossible to consider a documentary photographic project due to the restrictions. It responds to the vital need to remain immersed in my own photographic world, but seen now from the perspective of a completed project I realize that it is a true statement of how I understand the world and how I try to express that vision. If there is one constant in the life of a photographer, it is the thousands and thousands of encounters, some of them fleeting, whose permanence in the memory is based on the photograph taken, and others accompanied by long conversations or true stories lived in common. Be that as it may, when someone enters the frame, when you manage to catch that split second by mocking time itself, what has just happened there, inevitably becomes part of yourself. That and no other is the human dimension of my way of feeling photography and that is the meaning of my relationship with the people portrayed. Maybe we don't share a way of life, religion or country, but, no matter how much time has passed, they all accompany me wherever I am and, even though they are blurred by the passage of time, they populate my memories. Almost without realising it, they have ceased to be "the others"; they are something like my extended family. We tend to focus on the where and the how, and perhaps we should focus our attention on the who? Certainly, we share neither country nor language nor religion, but the blood that flows through our veins has the same red colour and perhaps that should be enough. TPL: Talk to us about your method and experimentation before the final images in your project. Did you know how you wanted the project to look? How long did each image take to create? R: RED BLOOD, like all my previous projects, only started its path when its idea and concept are perfectly defined. I never undertake a project without a meticulous previous planning even though I am aware that this planning can become, as in fact it does, obsolete because the project itself comes to life and leads you, sometimes, to unsuspected paths. I couldn't say the time for each image, but for the overall project I spent about a year and a half. TPL: How does RED BLOOD differ from your previous projects? Is this the type of visual storytelling something you would like to pursue again in future projects? R: I would say that RED BLOOD is effectively more of a photo essay than a documentary photography project. And it is the only one that isn't in black and white. It has been the only time that I have not considered color as a kind of mask that prevents me from seeing the true reality of things. Beyond the scientific theories about color and how we perceive it, but without disdaining them, when I photograph I imagine the world dressed in an infinity of layers of colors. I imagine it hidden under those layers - that immense palette of chromatic colors - which distract my brain and hide from me the elusive essence of things. An essence that I am only able to apprehend when I remove them, letting the forms, in their full nakedness of grays, show themselves in all their splendour. In this case I considered that the color red, symbol of blood, would visually convey the essence of the project in an effective way. TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? R: Three photographers have been essential in my life: Ansel Adams, Wayne Miller and Marc Riboud. From Ansel Adams, I learned the secrets of analog photography and despite all the technology that surrounds us I still think of his zone system when I shoot and I maintain the firm decision to use the current software as if I were in my old analog lab ignoring the immense amount of new digital tools. From Wayne Miller, I am captivated by the confessed humanistic dimension of his work and the undeniable emotional force of his images. From Marc Riboud, I am inspired by the impeccable, austere and apparently simple construction of almost all his images as well as the neatness in the treatment of the whole range of grays. I do not photograph what I see but what I am. TPL: If you could just choose one photographer to shoot alongside for a day...who would you choose? And why? R: Cristina García Rodero, whom I know personally and who is, from my point of view, one of the best Spanish photographers of all times. TPL: Do you have a favourite photography/art quote that has been an inspiration to you? R: Sometimes we tend to disdain the power of a simple phrase. Not so for me when I first read this quote by Wayne Miller - "We may differ in race, colour, language, wealth and politics; but consider what we have in common: dreams, laughter, tears, pride, the comfort of a home and the desire to love. If I managed to photograph those universal truths..." A quote that is always present in my projects, in my travels and in my life. TPL: What camera/s do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length? Is there any particular equipment that is on your wishlist? R: I never liked zoom lenses. I like to zoom with my feet which allows me to get not only physically but emotionally close to the subjects I photograph. My photographic equipment is small: A Nikon D810 with a 35mm f/1.8 prime lens. A Nikon D7100 with a 20mm f/3.5 manual prime lens. TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist or photographer? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years? R: I never think about myself as an artist but as a photographer, faithful to my principles, alien to anything that has to do with fashion or the ephemeral and always looking for new projects that speak of the human condition. Thinking about what will happen in five years...Can anyone hold that answer in their hands? Yes, we tend to have that temptation, but I prefer to focus on the now in a way that every project I carry out is always the best possible. TPL: Are there any special projects that you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about? R: I am currently preparing my next project about the legacy of the Sufi mystic Molana and as a continuation of one of my series of DIARIOS PERSAS & TALKING WITH MOLANA. TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)… R: Usually read, enjoy my family, do some sports or go hiking.” The work of Rpnunyez shows us that photography can connect us to parts of ourselves we may have never known existed. Through his unique approach, he reveals the truth of our shared human experience and encourages us to look beyond the surface to discover the beauty and mystery that lies beneath. It is this power of connection that makes the work of Rpnunyez so remarkable and inspiring. VIEW RPNUNYEZ'S PORTFOLIO Website >>> Instagram >>> read more interviews >>> COLORS OF A GREY CITY In Rafa Rojas' photography project, we witness the convergence of passion and purpose, a visual ode to the city of São Paulo he calls home. PRIMAL INSTINCT Tara Sellios invites us to explore the interplay of life and death, of decay and beauty, and to find within that juxtaposition a reflection of our own existential journey. OPPORTUNITIES The Pictorial List partners with International Photography Awards, enhancing resources for photographers worldwide. We interview IPA founder Hossein Farmani, a visionary in photography. MINIMALIST REVERIE Nazanin Davari's minimalist style invites you to an imaginative world where silence and freedom converge, painting unseen beauty with her lens. THE AUTHENTIC GAZE: THE DON'T SMILE PROJECT Delve into the visual anthology of urban youth, a collection of moments where the mundane transcends into the profound, sparked by the click of Amy Horowitz's camera. BLACK AND WHITE WITH A THREAD OF RED Valeria Cunha is fascinated by the street, using it as inspiration to find structure amidst the confusion. Her photography creates intriguing connections and relationships through dynamic compositions that convey emotion. TALES OF A CITY With a passion for exploring the world through his camera lens, Seigar brings a unique perspective to his art, infused with reflections, colors, and icons. 18 >> 20 Elsa Arrais composed a simultaneously artistic, emotional, poetic and imagery portrait of her city in a predetermined period of time. WOMEN WARRIORS OF AZERBAIJAN Fidan Nazimqizi is aware of distinct challenges the women in her community are confronted with on a daily basis. Their struggles have become a focus for her photography. SHOOT NEW YORK CITY Leanne Staples is a passionate and driven street photographer whose honest perspective of city life captures both its simplicity and complexity. TRANSTEMPORAL Russell Cobb is an incredible photographer and storyteller who offers viewers a chance to step into the past and explore the nuances of culture and history. A LOVE SONG TO THE AMERICAN WEST We have the pleasure of seeing and hearing the visual stories created between photographer, Ross Taylor and musician, Russick Smith. As the wind sweeps through the landscapes the notes of a cello fill every void. JESSE'S STORY Jesse’s story becomes a timeless testament of an unconventional and successful fighter. Andrée Thorpe invites us to reflect on the inspiring journey of this brave individual. WALKING BUENOS AIRES We take a deep dive into the journey of Alex Gottfried Bonder - an artist who has spent many years uncovering the soul of Buenos Aires through street photography. UNDER THE COVERS WITH AMERICAN BEDROOM Barbara Peacock, opens the door to her subjects' bedroom, revealing their intimate thoughts and emotions. Discover the confidence and trust shared between the photographer and subject for an authentic and inspiring experience. BEYOND SIGHT Doug Winter is a photographic artist using his unique perspective as a semi-sighted individual to explore the experiences of partial blindness and vision disabilities. ETERNITY Eternity is a pictorial story about Konrad Hellfeuer's own personal journey with religion and how photography has helped him find peace within it. CROSSING THE AVENUE Get ready to be transported by the street photography of Juan Sostre. His mastery of technique and ability to observe the world around him, allows us to experience the street in a whole different light. HUMAN CONTACT By walking through the streets and observing people's behaviours, Jan Ponnet tries to develop a keen eye for the subtle nuances and rhythms of life on the street, and learns to anticipate and capture these moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. FREEDOM TASTES OF REALITY Juan Barte does not choose to document what he sees, but creates a photograph that constricts the flow of information, allowing for the viewer to further investigate and question what they see.

CHRISTINA SIMONS be inspired Gallery // ARTIST'S STATEMENT // Christina Simons is an award winning international documentary photographer focused on human rights. Her work has been exhibited throughout Australia, the United States, England, Spain, Russia and Mexico. Part Icelandic and American, she resides in Australia as a true citizen of the world speaking multiple languages. Having worked in the visual arts industry for over twenty-five years she is a technical master of imagery. Her work traverses many interests including travel, lifestyle and portraiture and is represented in publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian UK as well as working with several NGOs such as Medicines Sans Frontiers and UNICEF. Her passion for human rights and civil liberties have led to series such as “The Haiti Project” on children in domestic servitude, Women’s health in the Philippines and Aboriginal Education in Australia; not to mention her solo-exhibition and multi-award winning series “Running to Nowhere” on Central American Refugees. Her curiosity of subcultures has produced projects such as award winning series "Derby Girls" and multi-award winning series "Lil Bullfighters" of Mexico. With a passion for justice and compulsion to observe Christina Simons provides key commentary into the unknown issues, places and aspects of this world. LOCATION Melbourne AUSTRALIA CAMERA Nikon D800 CATEGORY Documentary, Humanitarian, Reportage WEBSITE http://www.christinasimons.com/ ​ @CHRISTINASIMONS ​ FEATURES // Running to Nowhere Beyond the Story

INTERVIEW January 6, 2023 GOTHAM MEMORIES: NEW YORK CITY (1969-2022) ​ Photography by Jeff Rothstein Interview by Melanie Meggs As the sun rises over the rooftops of New York City, Jeff Rothstein wakes up to start his day as an urban observer. With his cameras in hand, Jeff embarks on his journey to capture the streets of his beloved city, just as he has done for five decades. His passion for photography dates back to the dawn of the 1970s, when he first roamed the streets of Brooklyn as a native of the city. A stroll down any given street transports us back in time, as each frame of Jeff's photos is carefully composed for the viewer to feel a part of his story. We witness life as it was through his viewfinder, from the mundane commutes to the liveliness of city life. His photos have become a treasure trove of nostalgia and a reminder of what this great city has been through over the years. Over the years, Jeff’s photos have appeared in a variety of publications, including Black & White magazine, SHOTS, Street Photographers Notebook special monograph edition, London Evening Standard, Daily Mail, Mojo, YES. Yoko Ono exhibition catalog, URBAN Unveils the City And Its Secrets Vol. 7, and Fillmore East: The Venue That Changed Rock Music Forever. Recent exhibitions include New York Public Library Mulberry St. branch, September-October 2022 (solo), Filter Space, Chicago, September-October 2022 (group), Black Box Gallery Online Annex, Portland, Or., September 2022 (group), ImageNation Paris at Galerie Joseph Le Palais, May 2022 (group), Porec Museum, Croatia, August–September 2021 (solo); H.P.F. Christopher, New York City, July 2017 (solo); and Winter, Analog Forever magazine, December 2019 (online group). His project Gotham Memories: New York City Images of the 1970s and 1980s won the Urban Photo Awards 2021 exhibition prize at the Poreč Museum (Croatia). Images from his book were picked as vintage award winners in Black & White magazine’s contests in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. Jeff’s photobook, Today’s Special: New York City Images 1969-2006, was published by Coral Press Arts in June 2017, and is in the collections of many university and institutional libraries. Jeff Rothstein has been able to capture New York City with such beauty and vibrancy that it’s hard to believe he’s been doing this for over fifty years. His commitment to documenting his city’s history is unparalleled and makes us appreciate the ever-changing yet timeless beauty of this stunning metropolis. Follow Jeff as he continues to wander around New York, and take a peek into its past and present through his lens. “They are already memories once I press the shutter. These memories are at once mine and ours. Mine because they are what I have witnessed and captured with my camera. But they will be shared by all of us who know or have known the city intimately or casually or even remotely and vicariously. The photos are a record of history through a local eye. Many are evocative of the time and place of bygone eras, imbued with a timeless quality. The images in this portfolio span the years 1969 through 2022.” IN CONVERSATION WITH JEFF ROTHSTEIN THE PICTORIAL LIST: Welcome to The List Jeff, please tell us about yourself. What would you say first drew you to photography? JEFF ROTHSTEIN: I was born and grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and lived there for many years. I’ve been living in Manhattan since 1988. I now devote all my time to photography. I used to attend lots of baseball games and thought it would be fun if I bought a camera to take to the ballpark. So my getting into photography was really a means to an end. TPL: How would you describe your photography, and what would you say you are always trying to achieve artistically? JR: My genre is street photography. I try to have the viewer feel like they’re right there with me as part of the theater of the street. TPL: Could you tell us what living in New York City has inspired in your work? What special qualities unique to the ‘Gotham City’ influence both your street and documentary photography and the way you portray your community? JR: Being a street photographer, I feel fortunate to live here. The city’s not as gritty as it was when I photographed years ago, but there always seems to be subject matter just around the next corner. I think people can sense the fast and crazy pace of life here when they look at some of my images. TPL: For the people who are not familiar with NYC, describe the atmosphere around you when you are photographing on the streets of NYC…the sensory perceptions that hypnotize and seduce you that constantly brings you back again and again. JR: When I’m shooting the streets of New York City I feel that I’m on the ultimate stage, with life’s everyday dramas and comedies always being played out. I seem to be drawn to the chaos that surrounds me. TPL: Did you ever think back then that you could be capturing an iconic era when you were photographing on the streets of NYC? In the future looking back at now, what do you think will be iconic about this era? JR: You know, when I was out photographing back in the day, I didn’t really think about iconic or historical eras. I was just recording life as it was happening. It’s only when I had the perspective of passing time that I realized I was recording a city that no longer exists. I think the same answer applies to photographing this era. TPL: What is the most rewarding part of being a photographer for you? What are some challenges that you have faced? JR: The most rewarding part for me is when people appreciate my images, whether through exhibits, books or online articles. Most of the challenges have been self imposed. I took a long time to finally decide to do my first photobook, though people whose opinions I respect were telling me to do one for quite a while. Finally having the book published was the best thing that happened to my career. When I’m shooting the streets of New York City I feel that I’m on the ultimate stage, with life’s everyday dramas and comedies always being played out. TPL: Is it impossible for you not to be constantly on the lookout for a moment to be captured? JR: Ha! Good question. I have to admit I’m always constantly scanning the streets looking for subject matter. TPL: How do you manage a work/photography balance? JR: I’m retired from previous jobs so photography is a full time pursuit for me. TPL: Do you have any favorite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? JR: Robert Frank, William Klein, Garry Winogrand, Saul Leiter. Plus a few great street photographers that unfortunately some people aren’t as aware of. These include Sylvia Plachy, Frank Horvat, Louis Stettner, Louis Faurer, Frank Paulin. Also the early NYC photos of Alfred Stieglitz and the NYC Ashcan School of early 20th century artists. TPL: What was the first camera you ever held in your hand, brought to eye, and released a shutter on? What is the camera you use now and your preferred focal length? Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? Is there anything on your wishlist? JR: When I was a kid, it was my family’s Kodak instamatics. My first proper camera was a Kowa SETR slr, which I bought in 1969. For many years, I just shot with film cameras (Nikkormat FTN, Nikon F2A, Nikon F3HP, Nikon FM2, Olympus XA, Olympus Stylus, Rollei AFM). I still use the F3HP, FM2A, XA and AFM. My preferred focal length is 35mm, but I also like 28mm. Years ago, I also shot with 50mm and 105mm quite a bit. A few years ago, a friend gave me a small, inexpensive digital point and shoot (one of the Canon powershots.) I’ve been using that for all my digital images so no, I really don’t believe equipment is that big a deal. It’s the photographer’s vision that really matters. That being said, I really should upgrade to a better digital camera (have my eye on a couple of Fujifilm cameras). TPL: Are there any special projects that you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about? What are some of your photography goals? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years? JR: I edited and sequenced my next book and now I’m trying to find a publisher. It’ll cover the same time span as my first book (1969-2006 New York City) but will have twice as many images. My goals are to produce more books and to continue to exhibit my work. Hopefully in five years I’ll still be photographing the streets of the city. TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)… JR: Go to art exhibits (my wife is an art historian), eat good food, watch film noirs, read, listen to music (60s and 70s rock and folk, jazz, classical, blues). Jeff Rothstein's journey as an urban observer is a testament to the lasting power of photography and how it can serve to capture a moment in time. His dedication to capturing the beauty of his beloved city has afforded us a glimpse into its past, and provides us with a valuable window into its future. Through his work, we are called to go forth and appreciate the beauty of our cities, and how they are living works of art. We should take a page from his book and strive to capture the life of our cities in all its vibrancy and energy. We are challenged to be the observer and document our urban stories for generations to come. VIEW JEFF'S PORTFOLIO Website >>> Instagram >>> read more interviews >>> COLORS OF A GREY CITY In Rafa Rojas' photography project, we witness the convergence of passion and purpose, a visual ode to the city of São Paulo he calls home. PRIMAL INSTINCT Tara Sellios invites us to explore the interplay of life and death, of decay and beauty, and to find within that juxtaposition a reflection of our own existential journey. OPPORTUNITIES The Pictorial List partners with International Photography Awards, enhancing resources for photographers worldwide. We interview IPA founder Hossein Farmani, a visionary in photography. MINIMALIST REVERIE Nazanin Davari's minimalist style invites you to an imaginative world where silence and freedom converge, painting unseen beauty with her lens. THE AUTHENTIC GAZE: THE DON'T SMILE PROJECT Delve into the visual anthology of urban youth, a collection of moments where the mundane transcends into the profound, sparked by the click of Amy Horowitz's camera. BLACK AND WHITE WITH A THREAD OF RED Valeria Cunha is fascinated by the street, using it as inspiration to find structure amidst the confusion. Her photography creates intriguing connections and relationships through dynamic compositions that convey emotion. TALES OF A CITY With a passion for exploring the world through his camera lens, Seigar brings a unique perspective to his art, infused with reflections, colors, and icons. 18 >> 20 Elsa Arrais composed a simultaneously artistic, emotional, poetic and imagery portrait of her city in a predetermined period of time. WOMEN WARRIORS OF AZERBAIJAN Fidan Nazimqizi is aware of distinct challenges the women in her community are confronted with on a daily basis. Their struggles have become a focus for her photography. SHOOT NEW YORK CITY Leanne Staples is a passionate and driven street photographer whose honest perspective of city life captures both its simplicity and complexity. TRANSTEMPORAL Russell Cobb is an incredible photographer and storyteller who offers viewers a chance to step into the past and explore the nuances of culture and history. A LOVE SONG TO THE AMERICAN WEST We have the pleasure of seeing and hearing the visual stories created between photographer, Ross Taylor and musician, Russick Smith. As the wind sweeps through the landscapes the notes of a cello fill every void. JESSE'S STORY Jesse’s story becomes a timeless testament of an unconventional and successful fighter. Andrée Thorpe invites us to reflect on the inspiring journey of this brave individual. WALKING BUENOS AIRES We take a deep dive into the journey of Alex Gottfried Bonder - an artist who has spent many years uncovering the soul of Buenos Aires through street photography. UNDER THE COVERS WITH AMERICAN BEDROOM Barbara Peacock, opens the door to her subjects' bedroom, revealing their intimate thoughts and emotions. Discover the confidence and trust shared between the photographer and subject for an authentic and inspiring experience. BEYOND SIGHT Doug Winter is a photographic artist using his unique perspective as a semi-sighted individual to explore the experiences of partial blindness and vision disabilities. ETERNITY Eternity is a pictorial story about Konrad Hellfeuer's own personal journey with religion and how photography has helped him find peace within it. CROSSING THE AVENUE Get ready to be transported by the street photography of Juan Sostre. His mastery of technique and ability to observe the world around him, allows us to experience the street in a whole different light. HUMAN CONTACT By walking through the streets and observing people's behaviours, Jan Ponnet tries to develop a keen eye for the subtle nuances and rhythms of life on the street, and learns to anticipate and capture these moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. FREEDOM TASTES OF REALITY Juan Barte does not choose to document what he sees, but creates a photograph that constricts the flow of information, allowing for the viewer to further investigate and question what they see.

FILM March 15, 2021 FILL THE FRAME Film by Tim Huynh Words by Bill Lacey Fill the Frame follows eight contemporary New York City street photographers. The film takes an in-depth look at their work as photographers and as individuals, documenting their journey up to this point. In the the summer of 2018, there was a window of opportunity for Director Tim Huynh to embark on his passion project. Traveling from Hawaii to New York for this production was no easy task for Tim, with the bulk of the funds coming from personal savings and time away from his family. In the summer of 2019, Tim's Kickstarter campaign raised the $17,385 needed to bring his film and these stories to life. The popularity of street photography is greater than ever. Witness the absolute daily deluge of posts on Instagram from all corners of the world. Almost everyone has a camera - whether a classic film Leica, the latest Fuji or Sony mirrorless, the institutional Canon or Nikon, or the venerable iPhone smartphone. The act of taking a picture seems as common today as breathing, albeit done safely behind a mask these days when on the street. It is not uncommon to hear statements that a billion pictures a day are being uploaded to Instagram - a number impossible to verify from the source, but after a few swipes through your feed wouldn’t be all that difficult to accept. Which leads me to the question that Michael Ernest Sweet asks in the new documentary film Fill the Frame, “has everything been photographed?” You probably know the answer to that already. And given that, why does one bother? Fill the Frame will help you understand why you should, by exploring the experience of an assortment of very talented New York street photographers framed (no pun intended) against an exploration into the history of the genre and the masters who defined it. "To me the photos were not enough, the person also needed an interesting story to share." - Director Tim Huynh By choosing New York City as the backdrop for the film, director Tim Huynh creates the perfect canvas from which to paint the portrait of the artist engaged in a journey of discovery to find meaning in the chaos of a city rich with complexity and beauty. The main cast consists of Dimitri Mellos, Jonathan Higbee, Julia Gillard, Lauren Welles, Mathias Wasik, Melissa Breyer, Melissa O’Shaughnessy, and Paul Kessel. All the photographers presented come from distinctly different backgrounds but share an uncontrollable passion and purpose to click the shutter. Huynh follows these photographers around on the street, documenting their approach, letting them tell the story in their own words. And these stories are engaging. There will likely be one or two that you’ll particularly relate to, whether it be one aspiring to be a photographer from an early age to one picking it up late in life, discovering the passion almost by accident. There’s also something wonderfully refreshing in the way Huynh wraps these stories with expert commentary on the history of photography by Sandra Phillips, Colin Westerbeck, Jeff Mermelstein, Richard Sandler, Matt Weber, Meryl Meisler, and Michael Ernest Sweet. After having to abandon my daily trip to NYC one year ago as the pandemic hit, this film was a much needed ‘pick me up’. It reminded me of why I love the city, why it is one of the best places on the planet to practice the art of street photography. Each photographer offered an honest and inspiring perspective. I think the best compliment I can offer to each of them is “I wish I took that shot”. Fill the Frame will get you thinking about your photography, will give you some fresh ideas, will inspire you to get out and shoot. And while the controversies will rage on about what approach to street photography is legitimate or not, is film better than digital, is it all worth it in this oversaturated social media existence, Fill the Frame is a love letter to something we hold near and dear to our hearts. Oh, and if you really didn’t know the answer to Michael Sweet’s question, it’s “probably”. I take that to mean there’s still room for at least one more shot. Director, Producer, Editor: Tim Huynh Director of Photography: Jessica Gallegos Assistant Camera: Ayden Byrnes BTS Photographer: Eugene Lee Sound Design: Pacific Music Productions Website - https://www.filltheframefilm.com Media materials provided by the filmmaker VIEW TIM'S PORTFOLIO CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE read more >>> BUILDING A SOLID FOUNDATION Martin Parr Foundation supports photography and photographers of the past as well as genuinely mentors and creates new opportunities for photographers of the future. 18 >> 20 Elsa Arrais and Paulo Kellerman composed a simultaneously artistic, emotional, poetic and imagery portrait of Leiria in a predetermined period of time. AMERICAN BEDROOM Barbara Peacock opens the door of American bedrooms, illuminating the intimate thoughts, revealed through the bodies and souls of her subjects. TRAVELLERS & THE APPLEBY HORSE FAIR David Gilbert Wright has gained access to this close-knit community, to capture life at the remarkable Appleby Horse Fair. ZOONOSIS Zoonosis is the culmination of two years of Adrian Pelegrin tracking all the news about the novel coronavirus and its consequences. COMEDIANS In his new book COMEDIANS, Steve Best documents the British comedy scene backstage and onstage. GROUNDED Over the last year, photographer and digital nomad Samantha Brown, has documented the pandemic, mostly from the back of her campervan within local lockdown restrictions. THE PROVINCIAL Conflicting emotions. Good and sad memories. Antonis Giakoumakis takes us on a very personal journey about his province. QUIRKYVISION: The French Connection Impertinent and humorous, Meryl Meisler plunges us into a captivating city and time, 1970s and 1980s New York, with her new exhibition. MELBOURNE UNMASKED Focusing exclusively on one city, AASPI's new book MELBOURNE UNMASKED presents a remarkable array of street photography that features some of Australia’s finest practitioners of the art. FILL THE FRAME The popularity of street photography is greater than ever. Fill the Frame follows eight contemporary New York City street photographers documenting their journeys up to now. SMALL HOURS Through the night to dawn the following morning, Philip Butler takes us on a photo tour of Malvern that the tourist board probably wouldn’t sanction.