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Richard Koek: Capturing the Essence of New York Through Photography

In this episode of Meet the Streets, we explore the life and work of Dutch photographer Richard Koek, who moved to New York City in 2000. Richard shares his journey from assisting other photographers to establishing his own career in street and documentary photography. He discusses the compositional and poetic aspects of his work, the importance of depicting personal stories, and the ethical considerations in photographing diverse neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Influenced by renowned photographers and inspired by urban daily life, Richard reflects on his published books, 'New York, New York' and 'Tokyo, Tokyo,' showcasing his unique perspective on the beauty found in everyday moments.

00:00 Introduction to Meet the Streets
00:15 Meet Richard Koek
01:22 Richard's Journey to the US
02:29 The Role of Assisting in Photography
05:34 Transitioning to Independent Work
10:49 Surviving Economic Crises
16:45 Balancing Passion and Profession
21:47 The Impact of AI on Photography
38:01 Richard's Inspirations and Books
47:59 Reflecting on Pre-COVID New York
48:19 Capturing the Resilience of New York City
53:01 The Metaphor of an Empty Train
54:55 Times Square: From Decay to Disney
57:34 The Subway Cello Player
01:01:48 The Oculus: Art vs. Capitalism
01:06:57 The Frick Collection Event
01:25:32 Ethics in Street Photography
01:29:19 Behind the Scenes of a Movie Set
01:32:51 Conclusion and Transition to Tokyo

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

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How does AI really impact the creative community, and are your original works safe? Join us as we explore whether AI-generated content genuinely threatens to steal your creative thunder or if it simply mirrors the human process of drawing inspiration. Using the landmark Lynn Goldsmith vs. Andy Warhol Foundation case, we’ll dispel fears by outlining the legal protections in place to combat direct plagiarism—all while equating AI's methods to traditional forms of human creativity.

Ever wonder if AI could replace traditional photography? We take a close look at the ever-evolving photography industry, examining everything from faked news conferences to the potential for AI-generated images to stand in for real-world photo shoots. From discussing the ethical implications of digital enhancement to navigating the ongoing debate between purist photography and modern editing techniques, we uncover the necessity for transparency and proper labeling of AI-generated content.

What are the ethical boundaries in the age of AI? As we compare AI-driven workflows with traditional methods, we dive into the multifaceted ethical dilemmas facing today's creatives. From the implications for intellectual property rights to the trustworthiness of social media platforms in recognizing original work, we dissect the challenges and advantages of integrating AI into the creative process. Wrapping up with a reflection on transparency and the complexities of digital provenance, we also look forward to an exciting meet-up in Paris to continue this crucial conversation.

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.

Send us a Text Message.

Meet the Streets Podcast - Season 2, Episode 1: Featuring Geert Verstrepen

In the premiere episode of the new season of 'Meet the Streets,' Keith welcomes Belgian street and documentary photographer Geert Verstrepen. Known for his evocative black-and-white photography, Geert discusses his journey from a passionate hobbyist since 2007 to a noted photographer whose work strides both street and documentary styles. He shares stories behind his stunning photos, his inspirations, including James Nachtwey and Ragnar Axelsson, and his unique approach to street photography. He also discusses his future projects, which involve documenting the living conditions of homeless individuals. With insights on his techniques and philosophies, Geert offers a compelling look into the world of contemporary street photography.

00:00 Introduction to the New Season
00:16 Meet Geert Verstrepen
01:49 Geert's Journey into Photography
03:37 The Transition to Rangefinder Cameras
08:44 Inspirations and Influences
15:12 Life at Sea: Stories from the Fishermen
22:40 The Demolition of Beach Houses
30:53 Unique Belgian Horses
31:23 Shrimp Fishing Tradition
33:04 Challenges of Beach Photography
38:08 Portraits of Unique Individuals
41:58 Street Photography Techniques
55:25 Future Projects and Reflections
57:19 Travel and Networking

Thank you for listening! If you want to see the video, go to my youtube channel street photography mentor.
To see my street photography you can go to my instagram @keithmpitts or go to my website keithpitts.com. There you can also get info and sign up for my street photography workshops in Paris.