NYC - ERIC KIM ₿

Street Photography is What Keeps Me Sane: Jerry Pena from New York

Eric’s note: Earlier this year in NYC I bumped into Jerry Pena, a street photographer living in upstate NY. Funny story, he took a street photograph of me, and then I ran after him (not to beat him up) but to just chat. We shot a bit together, chatted about street photography, and I saw some of his color film work – and loved his refreshing style and aesthetic. See more of his color street photos below.

Jerry: My name isÂ Jerry PenaÂ and I’m a 27 year old construction worker living in upstate NY. I have a lot of time off in between jobs and street photography is what keeps me sane. I have always noticed the strange characters and interesting moments that happen on the streets of NYC and always wondered how I could captured them.

Pound the Pavement in New York City: Registration Open for Introduction to Street Photography Workshop May 17-19th (Featuring Richard Bram from In-Public)

I am excited to announce I will be teaching my popular “Introduction to Street Photography Workshop” in New York CityÂ 5/17-5/19Â featuringÂ Richard BramÂ fromÂ In-Public. In this action packedÂ 3-day weekend workshop, you will learn the fundamentals of streetÂ photography, how to create visually compelling images, how to conquer your fear of shooting street photography, as well as tips & tricks how to capture “the decisive moment.”

If you feel your street photography is in a rut, want to step outside of your comfort zone, or travel to New York City — this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Hurry up and register, the deadline for the early-bird discount isÂ May 4th, less than two weeks away!

Video Interview with Anton Kawasaki about Instagram and the Future of Mobile Photography

Anton Kawasaki is a member of The Mobile Photo Group and also a street photographer based in NYC. He uses the iPhone more or less exclusively for his work, and started shooting around the same time that Sion Fullana started as well. Coming from a nearly a 20-year background in the comic book industry and also being an editor, his photos of NYC are colorful, vivid, and introspective. He gets close both emotionally and physically to his subjects, and is able to capture those wonderful “decisive moments” which bring a little humanity and life into the crazy life of the big apple.

In this interview we discuss an article he wrote, “Is Instagram Defining, and Therefore Ruining, Mobile Photography?” and get more in-depth about his thoughts.

* Once again, the interview was done in a crowded and loud cafe (it is impossible to find anywhere quiet in NYC) so pardon the excessive noise!Â

Photos by Anton

Mike Peters and The American Dream by Ollie Gapper

Mike Peters from his collection "Pursuit of Happiness"

In this article I was fortunate enough to be able to conduct an interview through email with NY-based photographer Mike Peters. His style of street portraiture is one that has been attempted many times by many names, but never quite to the extent or success of Mike’s work. He is consistent and his work flows well together, but he is not held down by his style and does not limit himself in what he creates. I hope you guys enjoy his work and words as much as I have, and that you may find some inspiration in this article that will help guide and refine your work, I know I certainly have.