Matt Black

Matt Black

Author: Mark Davidson and John St December 19, 2024 Duration: 1:02:19

Send a text

In this episode of Street Life, co-hosts Mark Davidson and John St speak with acclaimed American documentary photographer Matt Black, known for his work on poverty, migration, and environmental issues. Matt shares his journey into photography, starting from his early days working in a darkroom at a local newspaper. He reflects on the importance of understanding the craft of photography and how it informs his storytelling.

The discussion delves into Matt's major project, American Geography, which took him on a six-year journey across the United States. He explains how the project aimed to highlight the contradictions of American life, particularly in the context of poverty and social issues. Matt emphasises the interconnectedness of these issues and the importance of advocating for a broader understanding of the realities faced by marginalised communities.

Throughout the episode, Matt shares poignant stories from his travels, including his experiences in Flint, Michigan, during the water crisis. He discusses the emotional toll of documenting such hardships but also finds hope in the connections he makes with the people he photographs. The conversation culminates in a discussion about Matt's new book, American Artifacts, which serves as a companion piece to American Geography, showcasing the objects he collected during his travels and their significance.

Join us for this insightful and thought-provoking episode as we explore the power of photography to tell stories, advocate for change, and connect us to the world around us.

Website | Instagram

Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!


There's a particular kind of alchemy that happens when a photographer hits the pavement, turning fleeting glances and mundane moments into something permanent and profound. Street Life digs into that process, hosted by the insightful duo of John St and Mark Davidson. Every other week, they pull up a chair with a fascinating array of image-makers who find their muse in the public square. You'll hear from revered figures whose work has defined the genre for decades, sitting right alongside new voices who are pushing the boundaries of what street photography can be. The conversations are less about technical gear talk and more about the human experience behind the viewfinder-the stories of patience, chance, and connection that lead to a single, compelling frame. This podcast thrives on the personal narratives and the shared obsession that drives photographers to wander cities with a camera. It’s an invitation to understand not just how these artists see, but why they look where they do, offering a deeper appreciation for the vibrant, unscripted theater of everyday life. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration that might just make you see your own surroundings in a completely new light.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 86

Street Life
Podcast Episodes
Chris Harrison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:05
Send a textChris Harrison is a Brighton-based street photographer and graphic designer. Chris spent four years at art college studying graphic design and photography, often bunking off to spend extra time in the dark roo…
Phil Penman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:31
Send a textPhil Penman is a British-born, New York-based photographer who has been documenting the ever-changing scene of New York City's streets for over 25 years.He is known for his atmospheric black and white photogra…
Don Stevie [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:47
Send a textDon Stevie is a London-based “Street photographer”. His initial journey started when he had camera as a child which he used purely for fun. His photography came more to the fore in 2009 when he bought a little…
Melissa O'Shaughnessy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:50
Send a textMelissa O’Shaughnessy was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she studied journalism and art history. She took up photography after working as a book editor. She now lives and works in New York Ci…
Will AI kill street photography? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:47
Send a textIn this episode, John and Mark discuss whether AI is a genuine threat to photography and whether AI-generated images should exist in a separate space. Follow us on Instagram and leave us a review!
Nina Papiorek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:46
Send a textNina Papiorek is a multi-award-winning black and white photographer from Germany specialising in street, fine art and landscape photography.Nina’s beautifully toned monochromes show us vistas full of texture,…
Nina Welch-Kling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:57
Send a textNina Welch-Kling is a German-born photographer now based in New York City. Nina has a background in fine art, and her photography focuses on capturing moments of everyday life on the streets.Nina’s latest work…
Samuel Lintaro Hopf (Samuel Streetlife) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:02
Send a textSamuel Lintaro Hopf is a photographer, filmmaker and popular YouTuber based in Germany.Samuel has worked as an ambassador for Ricoh GR cameras and filmed a “GR Project” series of videos where he travelled the…
Josh Edgoose (aka Spicy Meatball) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:39
Send a textJosh Edgoose is a photographer based in London whose work focuses on colourful and candid moments on the street, often captured with humour and wit.Josh recently published ‘Brilliant Parade’, a monograph of hi…
Matt Stuart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:11
Send a textMatt Stuart is UK-based photographer.Matt's books include "All That Life Can Afford' and 'Think Like a Street Photographer'.Stuart is a member of the UP street photography collective and was a nominee member o…