In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, Bob and I had the chance to sit down with photographer Doug Bruns. And the conversation we had was the kind that sticks with you long after it’s over.

We talked about how growing up around cameras and photographers shaped his path, and how a formative trip abroad set him on a lifelong journey of travel and image-making. But this episode goes way beyond origin stories.

We talked about what it means to photograph for yourself instead of for validation, how stepping away from social media impacted Doug’s creativity, and why committing fully to black and white photography gave him a surprising sense of freedom. We also got into the realities of creative dry spells, discipline, and the long, often nonlinear relationship we have with our work.

Doug shared a few stories that really stayed with me too, especially one about discovering a sculpture deep in the Maine wilderness that reshaped how he thinks about creativity and purpose.

This isn’t just a conversation about photography. It’s about identity, intention, and figuring out how to stay connected to your creative voice over time.

If you’ve ever questioned why you make photos, or if you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or disconnected from your work, I think you’ll find something meaningful in this one.

• Doug’s Website
• Doug on PixelFed (Note: Doug has decided to put down roots here, instead of on the platform Glass, which was mentioned in our conversation.)
• The photography of Alison Wright

P.S. You can also watch our conversation on YouTube.

Street photography often begins with curiosity. For Carmina Ripolles, it also began with a moment in life when creativity became a necessity.

In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, Bob Patterson and Ashley Riffo talk with Carmina, a street photographer and English teacher whose work celebrates what she calls the “beautifully ordinary.” Her journey into photography began during the lockdown, a time when the world slowed down and many people found themselves searching for new ways to express and understand their experiences.

What started as a creative outlet soon became something deeper. Inspired by photographers like Vivian Maier and Richard Billingham, Carmina began documenting everyday life with a keen eye for small gestures, fleeting expressions, and quiet moments that often go unnoticed. Her photographs remind us that meaningful stories don’t only exist in dramatic scenes, they are happening all around us.

Throughout the conversation, Carmina talks about how photography helped her know herself better as a true people person. She also shares how listening, observing, and engaging with others can transform a simple moment into a photograph that resonates.

Her goal isn’t to dramatize the street or focus only on hardship. Instead, she looks for humanity, humor, and joy in daily life. As she puts it, she wants her images to be “beautifully ordinary.”

In a genre that sometimes gets defined by bravado or confrontation, Carmina’s photographs remind us of another path.

• “The Fugitives” by Carmina Ripolles (The Bee)
• “When We’re Smiling” by Carmina Ripolles (The Bee)
• Carmina on Instagram

In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, Bob Patterson sits down with Swiss photographer Michael Eugster. Though relatively new to the street photography scene, his photos are incredibly good, and have garnered him quite a bit of recognition in festivals and exhibits around the world.

When Michael began experimenting more seriously with photography, he first focused on landscapes. (I mean, how could you not if you lived in Switzerland?) But when he started photographing in Zurich, something shifted. As people entered the frame, the images felt more alive.

“Suddenly, people came into the pictures,” he says. “And I realized this is definitely a more interesting element.”

Street photography gave him emotions and stories that landscapes couldn’t.

Once he discovered that, he committed. Michael studied online resources, listened to podcasts, and spent as much time shooting as possible. Practice became the foundation of his progress. The more he photographed real life unfolding around him, the more confident he became in anticipating moments.

Today, Michael approaches street photography with the mindset of a collector. Rather than chasing a single perfect image, he looks for recurring themes that catch his attention over time. Matching colors across strangers, lost gloves abandoned on sidewalks, and even interesting backs, yes, backs, have become ongoing personal projects. These small visual puzzles give him direction while still leaving room for surprise. The street always has the final say, and part of the joy is staying open to whatever appears next.

Community has also played an important role in his growth. Photography festivals introduced him to other street photographers who share ideas, encouragement, and honest feedback. Those connections have helped turn a solitary practice into a shared experience.

Michael’s journey is relatable. He did not begin as an expert. He improved rapidly, simply by staying curious and practicing consistently. For anyone exploring street photography, his experience is a reminder that growth comes from intention and effort.

• Michael’s Website
• Instagram
• Michael on Substack