INTERVIEW May 4, 2022 HOMEMADE COSMOS ​ Photography by Leonardo Cassi Interview by Melanie Meggs The world of visual creation is a vast and mysterious realm, full of beauty and complexity. It takes a special eye to capture the hidden depths of everyday objects and transform them into something extraordinary. Enter Leonardo Cassi, a graphic designer and photographer who is driven by an insatiable curiosity and appreciation for the nuances of everyday life. With his series HOMEMADE COSMOS, Leonardo has crafted a captivating and surreal universe from the ordinary. Using high contrast and unexpected angles, Leonardo is able to capture the true essence of his subjects. His eye for detail and creativity is unparalleled, as he strives to unlock the mysteries of the mundane. He seeks to uncover the soul of a scene, to show how even the most mundane objects can be imbued with life and emotion. In Leonardo’s world, nothing is boring; everything has the potential to become something remarkable. Through his photographic artistry, Leonardo hopes to inspire others to look beyond the surface and see the world with new eyes. By pushing the limits of imagination, he hopes to show that anything is possible. As he says, “There’s no such thing as a banal subject. Everything speaks, if we learn how to perceive.” With his work, Leonardo invites us on a journey of exploration and discovery, into the depths of our own creativity. “HOMEMADE COSMOS is a demonstration of my definition of photography: it is a tool which enables me to detect and explore the hidden dimensions of my subjects. Each shot recreates an astronomy or science fiction scene from the normality of daily things. The contrast is always very deep and the lighting is dim and directional, to turn the ordinary into epic. More than the beauty of what’s in front of the lens, I am interested in its essence. I try to capture its soul, which sometimes hides in the shapes, sometimes in the color rhythms, sometimes in the structure of the material or in the battles between shadows and lights.” IN CONVERSATION WITH LEONARDO CASSI THE PICTORIAL LIST: Leonardo please tell us about yourself? LEONARDO CASSI: I was born and raised in Milan. Milan is a business-oriented city, but its cultural and artistic life is very dynamic and, at times, you can still breath that unique creative atmosphere from the sixties. This element surely contributed to inspire my studies and my passion for art. Nowadays everything is unfortunately more fashion-oriented and everything must be trendy and expensive. That's the part I like less and one of the reasons why I moved to Prague, where I live and work as a photographer and graphic designer. TPL: What draws you to photography and art? How did your journey into photography begin? LC: Visual creation has always been a vital necessity for me. My first contacts with photography started with my dad, who owned a nice Yashica reflex and made me often try it and experiment with it. I then expanded this passion during the audio/video classes in my secondary school years and ended up studying ancient art and literature in university. After it, I took a postgraduate master class in photography and graphic design in Milan and other two classes in Prague. During those years I started having my first exhibitions. TPL: Talk to us about your method of working and experimentation before the final image. Did you know exactly what you wanted from the beginning? How long did each image take to create? LC: In my photography I often use long exposure times with close shutters. The lighting is often direct and involves the use of flashlights, infrared lamps, candles, or simple daily light. What I try to accomplish is breaking the daily object's apparent banality by showing their hidden different faces. I usually don’t have the scene already built in my mind before. I rather look away for a bit, to let the objects express their soul freely. TPL: Does your project HOMEMADE COSMOS differ from your previous work? Is this type of visual storytelling something you would like to pursue again in future projects? What do you think is your next chapter in your exploration with future projects? LC: This series is a precise example of my photography and my expression: turning the banal into epic. For my next exhibitions, I’m working on two new parallel series. One focused on the apparently alien beings that can be found in our daily food and the other dedicated to the imperfection and incompleteness of reality, in black and white on film. The main core of my experimentation is the exploration of the voids and volumes of the daily objects. TPL: What do you want people to take away from this series? What do you want them to be asking themselves? LC: Photography and art are simply my language of expression. I don't take photos because of a passion, but through them I try to express myself. My introvert nature has always failed me in actively showing my voice, my thoughts. Through conceptual photography I feel perfectly free to dare, to tell what I feel and I believe. Creating and enjoying art has always been for me the most powerful tool to merge with the rest of the universe outside my shell. The final aim of my expression is taking my viewers a bit beyond the apparent reality of daily life. To give my subjects a moment of glory in their boring, unnoticed life. I never found interesting getting an expressive shot of an already beautiful subject. On the contrary, I believe that a good challenge for photography – and for art in general – is to transform blend subject into an intense scene. Because there’s no such thing as a banal subject. Everything speaks if we learn how to perceive. ​ ​ Creating and enjoying art has always been for me the most powerful tool to merge with the rest of the universe outside my shell. TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length? LC: I use a Canon EOS Mark V reflex for digital and an EOS 33 for film. In the great majority of my shootings, I use the tripod. My favorite lenses are 70-300mm macro and 50mm portrait. The choice of field is usually deep, using longer exposure times and close shutters. I rather keep a low ISO and prolong the exposure time, to avoid grain. TPL: Is there any advice that you would give yourself if you started photography all over again? LC: If I started studying photography all over again, I’d surely focus much more on the film developing techniques and on the experimenting part from the beginning. Also, to be more social, to reach out more to fellow students and professors, to be better at networking and PR. That has always been my weakest side. TPL: Do you have any favorite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? LC: The photographers who most inspired me and influenced my work are Josef Sudek, Man Ray, Harry Callahan, André Kertész, and Ansel Adams. The last four mainly for their work and techniques, Josef Sudek also for his way to share his soul with his photography subjects. TPL: If you could just choose one photographer to photograph with for a day...who would you choose? And why? LC: A day with Josef Sudek would certainly be a priceless life experience for me. I’m not talking only from a photography and technique side, but also from a human perspective. His solitary life inspired him his magical relationship with the daily objects and the views of his little universe. His intense and metaphysic perception is something I’m constantly seeking, shot after shot. TPL: "When I am not out photographing, I (like to)... LC: I love playing Lego with my son, cycling and jogging, reading while drinking coffee and eating cookies, hiking along mountain pines." ​ ​ Through his stunning work, Leonardo Cassi has proven that everyday objects can be transformed into something extraordinary. His series invites us to unlock the mysteries of the mundane and see the world with new eyes. By pushing the boundaries of imagination, Leonardo encourages us to discover the hidden depths of our own creativity. VIEW LEONARDO'S PORTFOLIO Instagram >>> read more interviews >>> DO YOU SEE MY SILENT TEARS DRYING UP THE STREETS? Justine Georget's photography explores the melancholy and detachment of urban life, capturing the silent struggles and emotional depth of city dwellers through her thoughtful street compositions. LA EDITION Step into the world of John Kayacan, where Los Angeles comes alive in cinematic frames—vibrant streets, hidden corners, and untold stories unfold in every shot, revealing the soul of the city. THROUGH MY FIRST LENS Discover the vibrant world of Madrid’s El Rastro through Carmen Solana Cires' lens. Her project captures the market's rich history, cultural diversity, and the essence of human connection. FRAGMENTS OF MEMORY Dasha Darvaj Umrigar's third-semester photo story captures the melancholic transformation of a once vibrant home, now reduced to mere whispers of solitude and loss. THE ART OF ANALOGUE In a digital era, Paul Cooklin's devotion to analogue photography elevates his work to timeless artistry, where light and chemistry intertwine, creating mesmerising, evocative images that honour the craft's rich heritage. CONNECTED DICHOTOMIES Tatyana Mazok's photography transcends art, weaving life's threads into evocative diptychs that reveal interconnected narratives, challenging us to see the beauty and complexity in our shared experiences. EPHEMERAL RHYTHMS Edwin Carungay's "Boardwalk Diary" captures the vibrant, raw essence of life at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, celebrating the diverse and unfiltered humanity that converges along California's iconic coastline. THE ART OF SELF Mia Depaola's photography inspires self-awareness, capturing the beauty of the human spirit and immortalizing it through her insightful lens. TRUE LIFE IMPRESSIONS Matthias Godde's meticulously curates photographs that blend observation with introspection, resonating with profound emotional depth and infused with wit, irony, and occasional absurdity. NATURE KNOWS NO PAUSE Through her photographs Ann Petruckevitch captures the resilience of nature amidst the challenges of climate change, serving as a reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. URBAN ECHOES Through his project “Echo,” Rowell B. Timoteo extends an invitation to explore the vibrant streets of San Fernando, where his lens captures the nuanced interplay of light, shadow, and human emotion. 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.

INTERVIEW March 1, 2021 THE RHYTHM SHE SEES ​ Photography by Karen Ghostlaw Pomarico Interview by Melanie Meggs When taking in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans, it's hard not to be in awe of the city's unique culture and its wild inhabitants. New York photographer Karen Ghostlaw Pomarico has dedicated her life to capturing the true essence of the city, and her series MUSIC STORY is a vivid example of her creative vision. In this series, Karen takes us to Maple Leaf Bar, a club tucked away in Pigeon Town, where the soulful sounds of the Rebirth Brass Band echo throughout the neighborhood. Through her lens, we see the energy and passion of the Oak Street neighbors as they fire up the smokers in the street and set up buffet tables in their front yards, all to welcome those who come to listen to the music. There's no denying that Karen is a visual storyteller, and through her photographs, she encourages us to see the world in a unique way and engage in thoughtful discussion. Join us as we explore Karen's photography and discover a side of New Orleans that you won't find anywhere else. “When you think of New Orleans you visualize food, music and a love for art. Arriving in New Orleans I relished in meeting these unique people and their passion for celebrating life. Recommendations abound in this town, but one made me curious, a club that was not to miss for music, off the beaten path, where I would find the real music of New Orleans, the Maple Leaf Bar. In Pigeon Town, a little neighborhood three blocks from the Mississippi River, the Oak Street neighbors of the bar were setting up buffet tables in their front yards, while smokers were being fired up in the street, welcoming all whom arrived. Headlining was the Rebirth Brass Band, everyone there seemed totally pumped as the bar filled waiting for the band to play late into the night. Obviously not a regular, camera in hand, I made my way to the front of the crowd and stage. The crowd guided me to front row center, welcoming my passing them.” IN CONVERSATION WITH KAREN GHOSTLAW POMARICO THE PICTORIAL LIST: Thank you Karen for sharing your series of photographs called MUSIC STORY with us. Tell our readers what was the inspiration for the series? KAREN GHOSTLAW POMARICO: I believe that to be a good photographer it is important to study all the arts. When taking a photograph, I see many different influences and pieces of a puzzle. When the pieces fall together, the shutter is released. I see architecture, geometry, light, color, space, volume, movement, dance, gesture, personality, and humanity, all presented to me through an aperture, in a box. I study dance, I learn physicality and gesture in movement and the stories they tell. When I am in the street shooting or when I was shooting the Rebirth Brass Band, I understood their hand and body movements and how I wished to capture them. Music for me is about the rhythm I see in the World. I think of Steve Reich and his “Music for 18 Musicians”, each instrument having its own rhythm, moving in and out of unison. As I take my photo, all of the chaos becomes synchronized and everything fits, light, shadow, the band on the stage. I’ve found my moment, when I physically feel part of what I am photographing. I don’t need to think about releasing my shutter, it just happens, all is right, my camera and I are one, I am part of the process, thoughtless. TPL: Karen please tell us about yourself. Can you tell us when you first became interested in photography? KGP: I was born and grew up in Poughkeepsie New York, in the lower Hudson Valley. I became interested in art before I knew I would become a photographer. While in High School I had the fortunate experience of being guided by my then teacher, and subsequent lifetime dear friend, Maggie Caccamo. Maggie exposed me to numerous mediums and processes, understanding it was process that inspired my creative thought. She exposed me to mediums such as drawing, painting, pastels, batik, quilting, trapunto, jewelry, metal work, welding, woodwork, linoleum and die cuts, silk screening, sculpture, and many more techniques throughout the years. She helped me seek out universities when applying to college, and stood by me through my application process. Being a Pratt Institute graduate herself I decided among the acceptance applications that Pratt would be the school for me. In my freshman year during the Foundation Program at Pratt Institute that I found interest in photography. I was always disappointed in my ability to paint and draw, and realized that in photography and printmaking I was able to transcribe what my minds eye conceptualized, translating it into reality with these mediums. Pratt brought me great opportunity and exposed me to influential educators, one of whom was William Gedney, who inspired me to find myself and my creative expression through the many photographic technologies at his disposal. Studio work, black and white, 4x5, platinum palladium, and non-silver processes were integrated into my processes. Bill also taught me how to make hand bound books, to display my work in, both photographic and written. He was as process driven as I was, and the connection between us was fuel that fed my fire. There was no turning back for me, the camera became my tool to create, making my imagination reality. TPL: In general, where do you find your inspiration for your photography? KGP: Absolutely anywhere and everywhere. I find some photographers specialize in certain areas of photography; portrait, wedding, street. I am a visual storyteller, I approach all my subject matter the same way looking for those connections and details, so I can tell specific stories. I don’t change what I see, rather, I express through the lens what the stories are telling. I love to explore the same places over and over, looking for new stories to tell, forcing myself to look even harder each time. I also find it exhilarating to photograph something I have never photographed before, learning new things and applying them to my work. I find street photography, nature and abstract photography to be places of constant inspiration, and I access them daily. TPL: Do you have a favorite quote, lyric or saying that especially resonates with you? KGP: I find it is not usually photographers that come to mind when I think of what resonates with me, rather it is painters. Two painters come to mind who have said things I relate to. Picasso said, “Everything you imagine is real”, and my favorite Dali quote, “There is only one difference between a madman and me. The madman thinks he is sane. I know I am mad.” My interpretation, rules are meant to be broken. I choose to express myself by breaking the rules of photography, expressing myself in different ways, finding my place between painting and photography. TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? KGP: This is a fever for me. Favorite artists are a list so long, a few, William Gedney, Lee Frielander, Garry Winogrand, Danny Lyon, Diane Arbus, Eugene Atget, Henri Cartier Bresson, Vivian Maier, Cindy Sherman, and I could name so many more, and that is only photographers. Painters such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Rothko, Miro, Matisse, to name a few. Sculptors, Giacometti, Brancusi, Noguchi, Richard Serra, Mark di Suvero, Andy Goldsworthy, Dance Companies, Pina Bausch, Bryn Cohn and Artists. For Music, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Mulatu Astatke, Nina Simone, Philip Glass, Steve Reich. I really enjoy all art, and find it inspirational. A walk through any gallery, and I find something that makes me think, makes me grow as an artist. My style influencers, the abstract expressionists and impressionists. Often, when I am in nature, I think of Van Gogh, texture and sculptural aspect of the landscape painted with a pallet knife, one example of an influence of on the expression of what I see through my lens. TPL: What do you want to express through your photography? And what are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs? KGP: I want to express that things are what you make of them. I want the viewer to participate in the story, engage them to think about what they are seeing. To question is good, and to draw one's own conclusions even better. I usually shoot with my lens wide open, with as little depth of field as possible. This allows for a focal point even in an abstraction. I do not visualize clarity in my life, it is not how I see my world. What you see in my finished work, is exactly how I saw it in my minds eye through the lens. I do not Photoshop my images, they are all single exposures. I choose to express myself by breaking the rules of photography, expressing myself in different ways, finding my place between painting and photography. TPL: What is it that you enjoy about street photography. What happens when you walk the streets with your camera? Explain your technique? Have you ever had a negative encounter? What draws me to street photography is the unpredictability from one second to the next. There is a different story to be told each and every time I walk the same street. Street photography engages all the senses, noises, smells, visuals of light, shadow, color, and the taste for adventure. When I walk the streets, no matter what city in the world, I try to first find my light, my ISO, and general aperture and speed settings. I become very focused, I look everywhere, listen to sounds that may direct me, smells that may lead me in a certain direction. I always with my camera in hand, ready for anything that catches my attention. I specifically look for details, that are unique, maybe out of place, or considered to be not of much interest, so ordinary. But I see the extraordinary in the ordinary, and find these abstractions to inspire. I am obsessed with reflectivity of all kinds, and the city has so many reflective surfaces challenging me to learn new ways of seeing and recording what I see. I enjoy a street empty of people, as much as I enjoy them full and chaotic. I engage someone that catches my eye, most the time I make eye contact a may gesture for approval, but sometimes anonymity is preferred. I try to feel the energy in those moments, and I try to feel like I am part of that energy and go with the flow. When in sync it is a feeling that is hard to describe, it is bigger than just you, an awareness that creates connectivity and an inspired clear vision. Recently while shooting in London I had a negative encounter, the first time in a very long time. I was walking down a high street when I saw two young men popping wheelies in the middle of the road in traffic. I reached for my camera, pulled it to my eye and turned the camera on. One of the two young men saw me and started cursing at me in a very loud and disrespectful way. Angry that I apparently snapped his photo, he rode on. The interesting part, I never got one shot off, the camera never turned on in time. I apologized to the young man despite not having taken his photo simply because I violated his personal space. TPL: Do you have any favorite locations to go photographing? How has the pandemic affected you and your photography? KGP: I adore photographing in any city, New York City it is a constant inspiration. The moment I hit the street it is like a fever that takes over me. Can’t wait, and usually don’t, to engage my camera and the urbanism. I love to see architecture and art, but I am also just as happy taking a stroll down the lower east side of Manhattan. I feel very fortunate to live in New York State. I am a Libra and it balances my scale. A few hours north of the city you can be in the Adirondack Mountains and the high peaks that are home to unique flora as well as animals. These mountains created by glaciers are the yin to my New Your City yang. My father’s family is from a small town in Northern New York State very close to the Canadian border. I spent my entire youth swimming, skiing, hiking, camping, in this wilderness. During the Pandemic, I isolated in the Adirondacks. My study of the natural world their has influenced the way I see the industrial city landscape. It has helped me find order the the chaos in the metropolis. Prior to the pandemic I spent much time traveling and photographing urban environments. It had brought my work in a new direction and was a fascinating and supportive venue for my continued study in self portraiture. I was photographing Pride Night at Madison Square Garden in New York City for the New York Gay Hockey Association 48 hours before New York City Lockdown. After the lockdown, I isolated with my family from February through April in the Adirondack Mountain wilderness, where my connection to nature was reawakened. While in isolation, I revisited a study called “Between Painting and Photography” and explored the isolating landscapes and reflections of the mountain estuaries. I created a beautiful body of work, featuring reflected abstracted landscapes. TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What camera/s do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length? KGP: I have one camera and one lens. I am never without them. I use a Leica, I currently have a Leica M10-P, with a Summicron ASPH 35mm. It fits me like a glove and is an extension of mind and body. It has the capabilities of articulating my abstractions, and is my partner in seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary. TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist? Where do you see yourself or hope to see yourself in five years? KGP: My primary goal as an artist and photographer is to share my work. It is a glorious act to create and I am involved in my work in some way every day of the week. Like a musician playing the scales, I need to photograph or edit every day. But to create and not share is working in a vacuum. As my children have all graduated and moved on, I am no longer a home educator and have the ability to focus on stepping out and engaging platforms and communities to support my work. I see myself immersed in my work and utilizing all outlets available to share and achieve my goal. TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about? KGP: I have begun a hand bound book of platinum palladium prints made from negatives taken from a nude figure class with Bill Gedney in the 1980’s, taken on the rooftop of the painting studios at Pratt Institute. This project is in its formative stages but I am looking forward to bringing it to completion. I have also conceptualized a mixed media installation piece, weaving together life size photographs printed on various materials and woven together with actual artifacts of objects seen in the images. I see this project as a natural progression to explore my roots of non-silver printing processes and my love for the different mediums I have engaged with throughout my life. I have been studying self portraiture and reflectivity for over 12 years and believe the layers and abstractions found in the urban landscape would be a wonderful foundation for this project. I am actively working to establish connectivity and a communities to share this work with. TPL: When I am not out photographing, I (like to)... KGP: I love to do everything, but I am rarely found without my camera. I have an abundance of energy and physical activity is a must for me. I do yoga daily as well as hike, swim, ski. I also need to see art, so I have memberships to most museums in NYC and throughout New York State. Before the Pandemic I would attend concerts, dance, and opera on a regular basis. I also traveled extensively throughout North America, South America and Europe. I adore food, to cook and eat it, so you will often find me in the kitchen or eating at a favorite restaurant with a nice bottle of wine. I love a four hour dinner. I enjoy people, a conversation, and new connections made. I am a sponge absorbing and photographing everything around me. As a visual storyteller, Karen explores a unique vision of the world through her artistic expressions. It is without a doubt, The Pictorial List would not be possible without the work Karen does as Editor. We are truly honored to have her on the team. Connect with Karen and join her on her pictorial journey. VIEW KAREN'S PORTFOLIO Rebirth Brass Band Karen's website >>> Karen's instagram >>> read more interviews >>> DO YOU SEE MY SILENT TEARS DRYING UP THE STREETS? Justine Georget's photography explores the melancholy and detachment of urban life, capturing the silent struggles and emotional depth of city dwellers through her thoughtful street compositions. LA EDITION Step into the world of John Kayacan, where Los Angeles comes alive in cinematic frames—vibrant streets, hidden corners, and untold stories unfold in every shot, revealing the soul of the city. THROUGH MY FIRST LENS Discover the vibrant world of Madrid’s El Rastro through Carmen Solana Cires' lens. Her project captures the market's rich history, cultural diversity, and the essence of human connection. FRAGMENTS OF MEMORY Dasha Darvaj Umrigar's third-semester photo story captures the melancholic transformation of a once vibrant home, now reduced to mere whispers of solitude and loss. THE ART OF ANALOGUE In a digital era, Paul Cooklin's devotion to analogue photography elevates his work to timeless artistry, where light and chemistry intertwine, creating mesmerising, evocative images that honour the craft's rich heritage. CONNECTED DICHOTOMIES Tatyana Mazok's photography transcends art, weaving life's threads into evocative diptychs that reveal interconnected narratives, challenging us to see the beauty and complexity in our shared experiences. EPHEMERAL RHYTHMS Edwin Carungay's "Boardwalk Diary" captures the vibrant, raw essence of life at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, celebrating the diverse and unfiltered humanity that converges along California's iconic coastline. THE ART OF SELF Mia Depaola's photography inspires self-awareness, capturing the beauty of the human spirit and immortalizing it through her insightful lens. TRUE LIFE IMPRESSIONS Matthias Godde's meticulously curates photographs that blend observation with introspection, resonating with profound emotional depth and infused with wit, irony, and occasional absurdity. NATURE KNOWS NO PAUSE Through her photographs Ann Petruckevitch captures the resilience of nature amidst the challenges of climate change, serving as a reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. URBAN ECHOES Through his project “Echo,” Rowell B. Timoteo extends an invitation to explore the vibrant streets of San Fernando, where his lens captures the nuanced interplay of light, shadow, and human emotion. 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.

INTERVIEW July 31, 2020 SOCIAL STUDIES ​ Photography by Victoria González Garcia Interview by Karin Svadlenak Gomez Victoria González García is an Argentinian photographer currently based in Madrid. Born in Buenos Aires, she studied Social Communication at the University of Buenos Aires, then went on a student exchange scholarship to the Carlos III University of Madrid, Spain. She specialized in Photography, Film and Political and Social Video at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain and is currently studying through distance learning for a diploma in Social Photography (The Camera as a Tool for Social Research) at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We interviewed her for The Pictorial List. “Photography was always a part of my life, the Kodak reels and cameras. I remember that when I was little I loved posing for photos, my parents recorded my childhood and that of my sisters, our life, the acts at school, when we lost our first teeth, Christmas, holidays and every episode that marked something important for us or for our family. At 21 years old, I started to get interested in the photographic world and decided to start studying, so my parents gave me my first analog reflex camera as a support and incentive.” IN CONVERSATION WITH VICTORIA GONZALEZ GARCIA THE PICTORIAL LIST: Victoria, where do you find your inspiration? VICTORIA GONZALEZ GARCIA: I find it in life, in everyday life, in what surrounds me. But I am also restless and curious, it motivates me to learn new things all the time, whether it is discovering photographers, getting to know their work and careers, watching documentaries about photographic projects, knowing the history behind them, going to exhibitions, festivals, meeting people of that world and exchanging concerns. Trying new things, getting out of my comfort zone, shooting and giving myself up to the mere process of creation. TPL: Do you have a favourite genre of photography? VGG: I am very interested in the social, the documentary, and of course this is due to my social training. I want my camera to be a tool that helps me to visualize stories that can raise awareness or at least leave people thinking about some issues, be they social, political, cultural or ideological. ​ ​ TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? VGG: Saying I have a favorite artist or photographer would be a lie. I like many. For example, William Klein, Vivian Maier, Annie Leibovitz, Henri Cartier Bresson, Diane Arbus, Sara Facio, Paz Errazuriz, Adriana Lestido, Marcos López, Chema Madoz, Man Ray, etc., the list would be endless! I cannot say that only one has inspired my style, I think all of them have, and even some that I have not named above. Both photography, painting and cinema have set a precedent for me and have forged my style. TPL: Do you have a favourite place to photograph? VGG: No, I have no favorite places, all places can be great. I think more what defines it is not the place itself, but the connection with what you are photographing and what is generated around that relationship. ​ ​ Art is not a mirror to reflect the world, but a hammer with which to hit it. ~ Bertolt Brecht TPL: What characteristics do you think you need to become a 'good' photographer? Any tips or advice for someone just starting out? VGG: I think you can have the best camera in the world, but if you don't have a good eye, you don't have anything. I feel that the best advice I can give to those who are just beginning in the art world of painting with light, is to practice, to shoot a lot, to investigate, to study, that if something does not turn out as you would like, do not be discouraged, keep going, practicing. At least that's what I keep doing. A phrase that I say a lot when asked about this is "practice makes perfect". TPL: What camera(s) do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length? VGG: I have two favorite cameras, my digital camera and my analog camera that has a 50mm lens which I usually use in my digital camera, exploiting all the artistic possibilities that it can offer me. TPL: Have you ever been involved in the arts before photography? VGG: No, never, the artistic world was always there and I was on the opposite side of the road, contemplating those things, from different fields that fascinated me. TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on? VGG: Yes, I am presenting 'Intervenidas', my first photographic and illustrated project carried out collectively among women that was born during the quarantine. It is a small series of my photos, which I sent to six women illustrators of different nationalities, so that without parameters or prior artistic criteria, they would “intervene” in them, trying to cross styles and two disciplines, photography and digital illustration. TPL: “When I'm not out photographing, I... VGG: I am thinking of the next photo I want to take.” ​ ​ Victoria González García has come a long way from her roots in Buenos Aires, Argentina in her pursuit of knowledge and expertise in Photography, Film and Political and Social Video. Her tireless efforts have taken her on a journey, from Argentina to Spain and back again, as she continues to expand her skills and learn new ways to use the camera as a tool for social research. By conquering such difficult terrain, Victoria has become an example of determination and success. We are proud to have had the chance to interview her and invite you to follow in her footsteps on her remarkable journey. VIEW VICTORIA'S PROFILE Read PANDEMIC POETRY by Victoria >>> Victoria's instagram >>> read more interviews >>> DO YOU SEE MY SILENT TEARS DRYING UP THE STREETS? Justine Georget's photography explores the melancholy and detachment of urban life, capturing the silent struggles and emotional depth of city dwellers through her thoughtful street compositions. LA EDITION Step into the world of John Kayacan, where Los Angeles comes alive in cinematic frames—vibrant streets, hidden corners, and untold stories unfold in every shot, revealing the soul of the city. THROUGH MY FIRST LENS Discover the vibrant world of Madrid’s El Rastro through Carmen Solana Cires' lens. Her project captures the market's rich history, cultural diversity, and the essence of human connection. FRAGMENTS OF MEMORY Dasha Darvaj Umrigar's third-semester photo story captures the melancholic transformation of a once vibrant home, now reduced to mere whispers of solitude and loss. THE ART OF ANALOGUE In a digital era, Paul Cooklin's devotion to analogue photography elevates his work to timeless artistry, where light and chemistry intertwine, creating mesmerising, evocative images that honour the craft's rich heritage. CONNECTED DICHOTOMIES Tatyana Mazok's photography transcends art, weaving life's threads into evocative diptychs that reveal interconnected narratives, challenging us to see the beauty and complexity in our shared experiences. EPHEMERAL RHYTHMS Edwin Carungay's "Boardwalk Diary" captures the vibrant, raw essence of life at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, celebrating the diverse and unfiltered humanity that converges along California's iconic coastline. THE ART OF SELF Mia Depaola's photography inspires self-awareness, capturing the beauty of the human spirit and immortalizing it through her insightful lens. TRUE LIFE IMPRESSIONS Matthias Godde's meticulously curates photographs that blend observation with introspection, resonating with profound emotional depth and infused with wit, irony, and occasional absurdity. NATURE KNOWS NO PAUSE Through her photographs Ann Petruckevitch captures the resilience of nature amidst the challenges of climate change, serving as a reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. URBAN ECHOES Through his project “Echo,” Rowell B. Timoteo extends an invitation to explore the vibrant streets of San Fernando, where his lens captures the nuanced interplay of light, shadow, and human emotion. 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.

INTERVIEW August 24, 2020 LONELY URBAN PEOPLE ​ Photography by Belinda Corney Interview by John St. Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a love of photography into a life-long passion? For Australian-born Belinda Corney, the answer is simple – a single street photography workshop in London. With just one introduction to the art form, Belinda was hooked and has never looked back. Originally from the beautiful Whitsunday region of Queensland, Australia, Belinda relocated to London in 2017 and discovered street photography. Finding an artistic outlet she had been missing for a long time, Belinda has since explored the city with her camera and captured images that show her love of light, shadow and reflections. From captivating solo figures to silhouettes in the unique light of the city, Belinda’s work captures the beauty of human interaction within their environment. This collection of images is a testament to her eye for detail and appreciation of interesting shapes. Join us as we explore Belinda’s journey in street photography, learning along the way just how she has managed to turn an experiment into a lifelong passion. It's an honour to be able to make a good photograph of anyone, and it’s a great privilege. It's the only tool that will stop time itself. - Jill Freedman “I watched the documentary EVERYBODY STREET for the first time last year and Jill Freedman was one of the photographers featured and what she said stuck with me. This whole documentary is full of some pretty inspirational and motivating stuff, I highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in documentary or street photography!” IN CONVERSATION WITH BELINDA CORNEY THE PICTORIAL LIST: Belinda please tell us about yourself. When did you start getting interested in photography? BELINDA CORNEY: I am originally from Airlie Beach, Australia and moved to London in 2004. I currently work as a Graphic Designer and photography is a much loved hobby. I have always enjoyed taking photos but had no specific genre I gravitated towards. What piqued my interest in photography was a 2003 documentary called Dreamlives about photographers Trent Parke and Narelle Autio. You can also follow their work @chillioctopus. I got caught up in their passion and exuberance for chasing the amazing Australian light and that perfect moment. This documentary inspired me to go out buy my first SLR camera, then I came to London and this is when my love of shadow and light started to translate into my photography. My interest in street photography came much later after participating in a workshop with Joshua K. Jackson @joshkjack and Craig Whitehead @sixstreetunder in 2017. This workshop instantly kick-started my love of getting out and photographing the amazing city I live in. TPL: Where do you find your inspiration? BC: Instagram, YouTube, documentaries, books, but mostly when I am out and about exploring London, you see a scene or location and it inspires you to create something from it. TPL: What do you want to express through your photography? And what are some of the elements you always try to include in your photographs? BC: I am drawn to the interesting shapes that shadow and light create, as well as capturing the interaction of human beings, usually solitary or in silhouette, within their environment. I do love a sense of mystery, it developed in college and I haven’t been able to shake it! TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? BC: The artists Edward Hopper and Jeffrey Smart were big influences during college. I was drawn to how they portray lonely urban vistas and isolated individuals. Magnum photographer Trent Parke who I mentioned earlier. I especially love his Dream/Life series. I was drawn to how he has captured the franticness of city life, but how it also conveys a sense of isolation that can come with living in a large city. There are also so many great photographers who inspire me on a daily basis via Instagram: Mavis CW - @onechapter, Mark Fearnley - @mark.fearnley, Josh Edgoose - @spicy.meatball, Eric Kogan - @erickogan, Nina Welch-Kling - @ninakling, Mo Barzegar - @mo.barzegar, Hiroshi - @hiro_ig101, Sara Melhuish - @swendeluk to name a few...there are so many! TPL: Has your style of shooting changed since you first started? BC: A little. I am still drawn to light and shadow, but I do try to take a few more typically candid shots here and there looking for interesting moments and faces. I am not very good at it but it is fun! TPL: Where is your favourite place to photograph? BC: I love brutalist architecture, so Barbican and the Southbank Centre in London are favourite spots of mine, I enjoy capturing moments in these spaces and along the Southbank itself. I also love the Tate Modern which is another iconic landmark in London, it’s a beautiful building and space to photograph in and around. I am drawn to the interesting shapes that shadow and light create, as well as capturing the interaction of human beings, usually solitary or in silhouette, within their environment. TPL: How does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length? What would you say to someone wanting to start out in your genre of photography? BC: I have the Fujifilm X-T2. I find the tactile nature of the dials and aperture ring helped me fully understand the relationship between ISO, shutter speed and aperture, but the rest is on me! My 50mm f2 is my preferred lens at the moment. I am trying to use my 23mm f2 more but I do neglect it as jumping between the two can be quite jarring due to the difference in focal length! For someone wanting to start out in street photography, I would say always have your camera with you. Also, have your camera on and the lens cap off so it is ready to use, you don't want to be fumbling with your camera and miss the shot! It is only since I have been doing this that I have noticed my photography style improve. You will end up taking a lot of photos and only one or two may be good out of the hundreds you do take, but when you get that shot you are proud of it makes all your efforts worthwhile and encourages to you keep going. TPL: Do you prefer to photograph alone or with friends? BC: I find photographing on my own more relaxing, you can just wander and lose yourself in a walk around London. But I do enjoy meeting up with fellow photographers every now and then, it’s fun to have a walk and a chat and bounce ideas and compositions of each other. I have met some lovely photographers through photo walks and meetups here in London. TPL: Have you ever been involved in the artistic world before photography? BC: I studied Visual Arts majoring in illustration and printmaking in college, I also used to draw a lot, but when I came to London I just stopped. TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on? BC: Not at the moment. I have thought about creating a zine, I am a terrible procrastinator though! TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist? Where do you see yourself or hope to see yourself in five years? BC: I am not great at setting myself goals, but in five years I hope to be back in Australia. I would love to set up a studio of some sort and get back into my printmaking, perhaps even creating prints from photos I have taken over the years. TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)... Meet up with friends, walk, but I normally always have my camera with me when I do this! I do love to lose myself in a good book or TV series, I have been doing a lot of this during lockdown." Belinda Corney is an inspiring photographer who has mastered the art of capturing light, shadows, and reflections in her portraits. We are thankful for the journey she has shared with us, and we encourage everyone to explore her fascinating portfolio. Connect with Belinda and get inspired by her beautiful photography by using the links below. VIEW BELINDA'S PORTFOLIO Instagram >>> read more interviews >>> DO YOU SEE MY SILENT TEARS DRYING UP THE STREETS? Justine Georget's photography explores the melancholy and detachment of urban life, capturing the silent struggles and emotional depth of city dwellers through her thoughtful street compositions. LA EDITION Step into the world of John Kayacan, where Los Angeles comes alive in cinematic frames—vibrant streets, hidden corners, and untold stories unfold in every shot, revealing the soul of the city. THROUGH MY FIRST LENS Discover the vibrant world of Madrid’s El Rastro through Carmen Solana Cires' lens. Her project captures the market's rich history, cultural diversity, and the essence of human connection. FRAGMENTS OF MEMORY Dasha Darvaj Umrigar's third-semester photo story captures the melancholic transformation of a once vibrant home, now reduced to mere whispers of solitude and loss. THE ART OF ANALOGUE In a digital era, Paul Cooklin's devotion to analogue photography elevates his work to timeless artistry, where light and chemistry intertwine, creating mesmerising, evocative images that honour the craft's rich heritage. CONNECTED DICHOTOMIES Tatyana Mazok's photography transcends art, weaving life's threads into evocative diptychs that reveal interconnected narratives, challenging us to see the beauty and complexity in our shared experiences. EPHEMERAL RHYTHMS Edwin Carungay's "Boardwalk Diary" captures the vibrant, raw essence of life at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, celebrating the diverse and unfiltered humanity that converges along California's iconic coastline. THE ART OF SELF Mia Depaola's photography inspires self-awareness, capturing the beauty of the human spirit and immortalizing it through her insightful lens. TRUE LIFE IMPRESSIONS Matthias Godde's meticulously curates photographs that blend observation with introspection, resonating with profound emotional depth and infused with wit, irony, and occasional absurdity. NATURE KNOWS NO PAUSE Through her photographs Ann Petruckevitch captures the resilience of nature amidst the challenges of climate change, serving as a reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. URBAN ECHOES Through his project “Echo,” Rowell B. Timoteo extends an invitation to explore the vibrant streets of San Fernando, where his lens captures the nuanced interplay of light, shadow, and human emotion. 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.

VOICES OF THE NILE be inspired Gallery // ARTIST'S STATEMENT // Voices of the Nile is a project aiming at raising awareness on the vital importance of the Nile ecosystem by the photographer duo Bastien Massa and Arthur Larie. The two have been doing joint photo projects for many years. Working photo journalistically, they have been traveling through Ethiopia, where they spent four months at the source of the Blue Nile to do a series about Ethiopians and their relation with water. LOCATION Marseille FRANCE CAMERA Lumix G-90 CATEGORY documentary WEBSITE http://www.lesvoixdunil.com/ ​ @LESVOIXDUNIL ​ FEATURES // Voices of the Nile

JELISA PETERSON be inspired Gallery // ARTIST'S STATEMENT // So many of the images of Africans we see in first world settings are based on negative stereotypes of people devastated by poverty, disease and war; showing people who come from a place that is wild and dangerous. This results in a very distorted vision of an entire continent of people with diverse lives and circumstances. I believe that these characterizations tend to limit our understanding of the very humanity of African people. With my work from Mozambique, I want to resist these one dimensional characterizations to express what I see and have experienced over the years. It is the Mozambicans themselves who are my inspiration to create photography to be shared as widely as I am able. There is nothing more motivating to me than starting my day before the sun rises to walk, to meet and talk with people and observe them in their natural environments doing their daily activities. What is always remarkable to me as the day passes is not the invalidating distortions of actual lives but the tenderness, the curiosity and the beauty of the people. My desire as an artist is to challenge the viewer to be more conscious of what they see and conclude when they consume images of Africans, like Mozambicans. My images advance a more positive and sensitive vision of people who are worthy of more insightful representation. LOCATION Texas UNITED STATES CAMERA Canon Eos Rebel and Canon Eos 50D CATEGORY documentary WEBSITE https://jelisapeterson.com/ @JELISAPETERSON ​ ​ FEATURES // Into Africa

JIMMY MCBROOM be inspired Gallery // ARTIST'S STATEMENT // Jimmy Spaceman (Jimmy Mcbroom) is a social documentary photographer from the United Kingdom. His projects have included capturing powerful images of Palestinians crossing Israeli Checkpoints in the Westbank and documenting life in Mumbai's Dharavi Slum India. His images have been used in the political Theatre play ”My Jerusalem” by Avital Raz, for the Sheffield Palestine Solidarity campaign and he has recently been featured on Broad Magazines Instagram page weekly special and a main feature on The Dummy's Tales blog magazine. A daily street photographer documenting life and trying to make social change via Photography, Jimmy Spaceman is a brave and honest addition to the world of photojournalism. LOCATION UNITED KINGDOM CAMERA Canon 70D CATEGORY documentary, street WEBSITE https://www.jimmyspaceman.com/ ​ @JIMMY_SPACEMAN ​ FEATURES // Dharavi Stories to Remember

INTERVIEW March 30, 2022 STORIES IN GARBAGE ​ Photography by Jens F. Kruse Interview by Melanie Meggs Travelling from Germany to Mallorca in 1999, Jens F. Kruse has been creating a unique artistic landscape of the Spanish island ever since. As a Michelin star chef and award-winning photographer, Jens has crafted a career in both culinary and visual arts. With his roots in analogue photography from the eighties, and later delving into digital landscape photography and street photography, Jens has developed a blog dedicated to his photographic journey in Mallorca. But what sets him apart is his photographic series STORIES IN GARBAGE, a creative take on how one interprets and portrays everyday garbage in an unusual and thought-provoking manner. Now, The Pictorial List has the pleasure of interviewing Jens to find out more about his life in Mallorca and his acclaimed photographic series. “The world is never boring, it is ever exciting, strange things can happen around the next corner, there is always something to capture...Everywhere, every time...I forget what I do...but I am fully aware of what is happening Past and Future exist in the here and now. there is nothing quite like this...Life is candid!” IN CONVERSATION WITH JENS F. KRUSE THE PICTORIAL LIST: Jens please tell us about yourself. JENS F. KRUSE: I was born in Germany in the 60s. In 1999 I immigrated with my family to Spain, where I have been living and working until now. My young heart has been beating for art and music and already at the age of 12, I had the dream of becoming a professional musician. But this was a bit naïve and I started an apprenticeship as a cook. After a short time it turned out that I was very talented and made a fast career (1 Michelin star). I still had not given up on my dream and went back to school to get my A-levels (1991)…Then I studied musicology (but that was too dry for me) and finally art/music! In art, my focus was on photography and land art (1992-1998). In all this time I gave many live concerts and released 4 cd albums, did a lot of art and conceptual photography. When we went to Spain (with two kids), I started cooking professionally again (the bills had to be paid). Since 2009 self-employed as a private chef! During this time I started to photograph my views out of the kitchen windows of my clients with a little Sony cyber shot camera (I loved it), so it was a conceptual work... and it turned into snapshots, moods and detail photographs. It turned into stories on social media and on my website. The final result was the publication of a combined cookbook and lifestyle book, together with my wife! Thinking about taking other food photos and also making the layout extraordinary, I borrowed a Nikon D5600 with a 35mm fixed focal length and started to take really focused photos again...I was already doing street photography without knowing it! Due to professional ban in 2020 with Covid-19, I sold my business and have been a professional street photographer since 2021. I give workshops and I am on the road as a storytelling photographer in a company called Corporate Street! TPL: You say that you studied music and art. How did you become interested in photography? JFK: I took photos before, but more as a location photographer on holiday or with the family. During my studies, I learned the analogue approach and development work completely, what you can do with negatives...(almost) everything we can do digitally today is also possible in analogue. These were rather conceptual, abstract and poetic photo works of mine. Furthermore, I have always been interested in the symbiosis between art and music...which is immeasurable. TPL: How have the streets and culture you capture influence your photography? JFK: Life as such, in all its facets, has always interested me. Through my music I have travelled many countries ( Africa, Brazil, Canada, USA, Europe), learning music there and taking photographs...I had no idea about street photography but I was always interested in the stories behind the motifs, but I was always careful not to have people in my pictures...more mood shots, landscape, lifestyle or poetic views . In 2018 in Stockholm (Sweden) this should change...!!! TPL: Talk to us about your series STORIES IN GARBAGE. Where did the inspiration come from to start the project? What do you want the viewer to experience and take away with them? JFK: I can still remember it very well: about 2 years ago I noticed that a magazine had been carelessly left on the street or thrown away several times. One copy was lying on top, with the cover page on the dustbin, the portrait of a man with closed eyes, looking calm and content. That motivated me...there was a story and that was the beginning of paying attention to stories in the rubbish. I like to put things in a different context, when pictures have a friction...raising questions. Normally we would hardly pay attention to many of the objects depicted in my photographs, as they seem insignificant and banal to us. But torn out of their purely functional context, visually condensed in fragmentary view, they acquire such a strong sensual presence that they can develop a great power of association for the viewer. We do not look at the things, the things look at us. TPL: Do you have any favourite artists and photographers? JFK: Not really! In art as well as in photography there are so many fantastic artists I like very much, whose works influence or inspire me. Not only in street photography, but also for example in documentary, reportage, art or fashion photography...I think of Annie Leibovitz, who I admire very much. By the way, the same applies to film and theatre for me! ​ ​ I like to put things in a different context, when pictures have a friction...raising questions. TPL: If you could just choose one photographer to shoot alongside for a day...who would you choose? And why? JFK: Since I became addicted to street photography, I naturally study all the great masters from the past and present...There are so many fantastic photographers on the road today. Since I am rarely the fisherman and feel more like a hunter on the street (that's where my adrenaline is), I will mention Matt Stuart as an example! I like his views and his photographic realisations and since I read his book "Think like a Street Photographer", I know that he thinks and sees like I do...I could have written that book...but I didn't (hahahaha...). TPL: When you are out photographing - how much of it is instinctual versus planned? JFK: I'm on the street every day! The camera is ALWAYS with me, even when I'm taking out the rubbish...No matter if I go out at home in my small town or travel to big cities...Most of the time I go off unplanned, so I tend to walk and let my interactions with the street take me to where I hope I'll take a successful photograph. When I'm in the streets I try to be open and relaxed and to allow my eyes to take me to unique new experiences. I love to let myself drift, do I go left or right? Where do I feel the energy I need? But when I'm working on a series, for example, I go off quite purposefully with an image in mind and look for the places where I might find the right motifs. With my corporate streets, the storytelling for companies, I have a rough concept according to which I proceed. I know that in the end a book should come out. TPL: Does the equipment you use help you in achieving your vision in your photography? What camera do you use? Do you have a preferred lens/focal length? JFK: When I started street photography seriously, I had of course read from great photographers that most of them use a fixed focal length (use your feet for zoom!). Nevertheless, or maybe because of that, I went out with a Lumix GM5, 12-32mm. That's a bit wide-angle but by the end of the day, I was pretty far away and cropping! It helped me get over my fear in the beginning and it was a great dry run. I then extended it a bit with a 7-14mm Vario lens on the camera. That was pretty fun and I got a lot of pleasure out of it. That was a lot of fun and I get great crops with it, but since I got the Leica Summilux 1:1.4/25mm lens on my camera I know the photographers are right! It's a whole different thing to shoot with a fixed focal length. You approach your subjects very differently, the compositions become different, and you don't crop! I recently started using the fujifilm X100v with a 23mm fixed focal length, sometimes with a wcl converter...that's the equivalent of a 28mm fixed focal length. TPL: What are some of your goals as an artist or photographer? Where do you hope to see yourself in five years? JFK: I am very satisfied with my photographic career in street photography so far. In addition to individual and group exhibitions, some of my pictures have been awarded prizes internationally or have been published in books. However, I would like to step on the gas a bit more, there is still room to get even more attention. I love to pass on my knowledge! I am a very good teacher, I know that from my experience in music and cooking! Maybe my pictures will be so interesting that photographers will want to know how I take them! Technique, focal lengths, depth of field, etc.. You can learn all these theoretical things and with experience, you learn how to deal with them...that can be learned. What you can't learn in books or on YouTube is the seeing, the perception, the mindfulness, the courage or the humility with which you should be on the road...someone has to show you that and explain...why that is so important. I like to pass that on in workshops. Of course, I would like to have more exhibitions with picture sales, that's for sure. Sales are starting but it could be more. With my corporate street thing, I would like to have more stability in the orders. But that will all come, I'm sure. All this is to say that I can make a living from the photography I want to do. TPL: Are there any special projects you are currently working on that you would like to let everyone know about? JFK: Every month I travel to a big European city and spend a week there to photograph on the street, to improve myself, to consolidate my photographic handwriting, you never stop learning. I also work on different series, which means I go out specifically to photograph a theme. It's one thing to select pictures from your archive that have a common theme, and then put them together in a series, or if you're working specifically towards a new theme. A very new collaboration with a pianist: we did an online session where she improvised on the grand piano to a picture of mine (which she had chosen)...it was an incredible experience. My picture started to move, and the music gave me the feeling of being in the middle of the picture. Then, we turned it around: she sent me a music recording and I went off and made a picture to go with it. An approach that is very unusual for me, very exciting ... out of my comfort zone. TPL: When I am not out photographing, I (like to)... JFK: Seeing films, spending time with my wife and my family...and I still love cooking! Jens visually condenses ordinary scenes and objects into a fragmented view changing the context and narrating a new story. We thank Jens for the opportunity to share his project and what is behind his story. Connect with Jens to stay up to date with his photography projects. VIEW JEN'S PORTFOLIO Website >>> Instagram >>> read more interviews >>> DO YOU SEE MY SILENT TEARS DRYING UP THE STREETS? Justine Georget's photography explores the melancholy and detachment of urban life, capturing the silent struggles and emotional depth of city dwellers through her thoughtful street compositions. LA EDITION Step into the world of John Kayacan, where Los Angeles comes alive in cinematic frames—vibrant streets, hidden corners, and untold stories unfold in every shot, revealing the soul of the city. THROUGH MY FIRST LENS Discover the vibrant world of Madrid’s El Rastro through Carmen Solana Cires' lens. Her project captures the market's rich history, cultural diversity, and the essence of human connection. FRAGMENTS OF MEMORY Dasha Darvaj Umrigar's third-semester photo story captures the melancholic transformation of a once vibrant home, now reduced to mere whispers of solitude and loss. THE ART OF ANALOGUE In a digital era, Paul Cooklin's devotion to analogue photography elevates his work to timeless artistry, where light and chemistry intertwine, creating mesmerising, evocative images that honour the craft's rich heritage. CONNECTED DICHOTOMIES Tatyana Mazok's photography transcends art, weaving life's threads into evocative diptychs that reveal interconnected narratives, challenging us to see the beauty and complexity in our shared experiences. EPHEMERAL RHYTHMS Edwin Carungay's "Boardwalk Diary" captures the vibrant, raw essence of life at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, celebrating the diverse and unfiltered humanity that converges along California's iconic coastline. THE ART OF SELF Mia Depaola's photography inspires self-awareness, capturing the beauty of the human spirit and immortalizing it through her insightful lens. TRUE LIFE IMPRESSIONS Matthias Godde's meticulously curates photographs that blend observation with introspection, resonating with profound emotional depth and infused with wit, irony, and occasional absurdity. NATURE KNOWS NO PAUSE Through her photographs Ann Petruckevitch captures the resilience of nature amidst the challenges of climate change, serving as a reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world. URBAN ECHOES Through his project “Echo,” Rowell B. Timoteo extends an invitation to explore the vibrant streets of San Fernando, where his lens captures the nuanced interplay of light, shadow, and human emotion. 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.

ALEXANDRA AVLONITIS be inspired Gallery // ARTIST STATEMENT // I began studying photography in 2015 after years as a fine art painter. Schooled in the essential elements of painting - color, light and composition - it was not a difficult transition. Whether inside the studio or out, the artistic tool box was the same. As a native New Yorker, the genre of street photography was a natural fit. I had always been captivated by the hum and buzz of the street; the energy of unremitting commerce; the mash-up of peoples and cultures. With a camera in place of a paint brush, I could capture the endlessly fascinating drama unfolding in the public sphere. LOCATION New York CAMERA Fuji XT2 & XT3 CATEGORY street WEBSITE http://www.alexandraavlonitis.com @ALEXANDRAAVLONITIS ​ ​ FEATURES // Street Theatre

PICTORIAL STORY July 17, 2020 THE HOLY RIVER LIFE ALONG THE RIVER GANGES Photography and words by Pradip K. Mazumder Introduction by Karin Svadlenak Gomez Pradip K. Mazumder is an American photographer of Indian origin, based in Northern Virginia, USA. He has documented life along the Hooghly River, in local tongues the 'Ganga', a tributary of the river Ganges and part of the Ganges Delta, in the city of Kolkata, one of the largest metropolitan areas of India and where he was born and raised. Pradip's vibrant colour photographs provide a glimpse into a world where the Ganges plays a central role. He specifically wanted to highlight the richness in the diversity and character of the people in Kolkata, whose lifestyle is very much intertwined with that of the river. What starts as a trickling source of frigid ice cold waters of the Gangotri glacier, a Hindu pilgrimage site at about 13,000+ feet in the Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, India, becomes the primary source of water for one of the major rivers of the world – the Ganges. From the snout of the Gangotri Glacier, springs the source of the Bhagirathi River, one of the primary tributaries of the Ganges river. The mighty Ganges is fed by multiple small streams on its journey towards its delta, a long run that takes it South and East through the Gangetic Plain of India and Bangladesh. After a journey of about 2600 km, the Ganges finally meets the Bay of Bengal, some 100 km south of Kolkata. The Ganges is a source of sustenance to millions of people, whose lifestyle, culture, religion, and habits have been shaped by the river for generations. Some of the biggest fairs in India, which attract millions of pilgrims and visitors, are located along the banks of the Ganges. One of the branches that the Ganges splits into downstream is the river Hooghly (also known as Bhagirathi or, locally, Ganga), which flows past Kolkata, today one of India's most populous cities. The wider metropolitan area has a population of about 14.8 million. It is here that I have photographed life along the river. THE CITY OF JOY The year was 1690. In the afternoon of a late August day, a boat belonging to Job Charnock, an agent of the British East India Company, drifting on the Hooghly river, had to make an emergency stop at the banks of the river due to heavy rain. The place, ruled by the Emperor of Bengal under Mughal dominion, consisted of three villages – Sutanuti, Gobindapur, and Kalikata. After the Nawab granted the East India Company a trading license, the area was developed by the Company into an increasingly fortified trading post. Thus Kolkata was born. It served as the capital of British-held territories in India until 1911, when the capital was moved to New Delhi due to the growing nationalism movement in Bengal. Kolkata (previously Calcutta, the official name until 2001), nicknamed the “City of Joy” is regarded as the cultural capital of India. It played a crucial role in the Indian independence movement and remains a hotbed of contemporary state and national politics. Following India’s Independence from Britain in 1947, Kolkata evolved into a center for modern Indian education, culture, science, politics, and sports. LIFE ALONG THE RIVER The most notable and historic landmark across the river Ganges is the ‘Howrah Bridge.’ When commissioned in 1943, it was the third longest suspension cantilever bridge in the world, connecting Kolkata with the city of Howrah, a major railway hub and industrial center. On average, it carries approximately 100,000 vehicles and 150,000 pedestrians daily. The bridge has been renamed Rabindra Setu after the great Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore, who was the first Indian and Asian Nobel laureate. A second bridge, called Vidyasagar Setu, the longest cable-stayed bridge in India, was completed in 1992 to ease the pressure on Howrah Bridge. Life around the river Ganges starts early in the morning with the bathers and people offering prayers. In the Hindu religion, the river Ganges is considered sacred and is personified as the goddess Ganga. She is worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists who believe that bathing in the river causes the remission of sins and facilitates 'Moksha' (liberation from the cycle of life and death). There are several temples and places of worship by the banks of the river. It is also a place for business and people’s livelihoods. Located adjacent to the Howrah Bridge, the Mullik Ghat flower market is the largest such market not only in India but in all of Asia, with over 4,000 vendors selling everything from roses, marigold, jasmine, rajanigandha (tuberose), imported lilies, to a host of other flowers. The place is a visual treat to watch, particularly for street and travel photographers. Kolkata is vibrant throughout the year, but more so during the week long, Durga Puja Festival, in October. During this time boats laden with piles of straw arrive in Kolkata. This straw is used to build the framework of large idols of the Goddess Durga, which are made out of wood, straw, and clay. Some are as high as 15-20 meters (50-60 feet). The festival ends with much fanfare when the huge idols of the Goddess Durga, along with her four children, are immersed in the River Ganges. © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder © Pradip K. Mazumder All this activity along the river is not without its problems. The Ganges is threatened by severe pollution and riverbank erosion due to the cutting of trees. The rich river ecosystem that sustains human life and wildlife is threatened, and the Government’s effort to clean the waters of Ganges has so far proven inadequate. This is an issue that needs the active support of religious groups, local authorities, and common citizens, as well as global awareness and support. Without this, India’s holiest river - and the livelihoods it supports - are likely to suffer irreparable damages. view Pradip's portfolio Read an interview with Pradip >>> Website >>> Instagram >>> Sources used in this story - Ancient History Encyclopedia Encyclopedia Britannica Wikipedia Times of India The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and are not necessarily shared by The Pictorial List and the team. read more stories >>> BEHIND THE PLANTS Wayan Barre documents Cancer Alley residents facing pollution and economic challenges, shedding light on their resilience and the impacts of environmental injustice. OAXACA In Oaxaca, Tommaso Stefanori captures Día de los Muertos, exploring the convergence of life and death, human connections, and enduring cultural rituals through evocative photographs of tradition and emotion. THE RED POPPY AND THE SUN By blending archival and contemporary images, Mei Seva creates a visual story that captures the ongoing struggles and moments of triumph for those impacted by displacement and circumstance. FIRE AND FORGE Alexandros Zilos delves deep into the harsh reality of sulfur mining, while also capturing the allure of the blue fire phenomenon created by sulfur deposits in the crater. IN-VISIBLE PAIN Through black and white self-portraiture, Isabelle brings to light the stark reality of living with chronic pain — a reality often dismissed by a world that requires physical evidence to believe in one’s suffering. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Ahsanul Haque Fahim's photography captures Holi in Bangladesh, celebrating life with vibrant colors and reflecting human emotions, diversity, and interconnectedness in Dhaka's streets. KOALA COUNTRY Sean Paris invites viewers on a transformative journey, challenging our perceptions and fostering a new appreciation for rural Australia through mesmerizing infrared photography. MOMMIE Arlene Gottfried’s poignant exploration of motherhood in “Mommie” is not just a collection of photographs but a profound tribute to the enduring bonds of family and the universal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. BIFRÖST In "Bifröst," Romain Coudrier masterfully captures Norway's timeless beauty, blending myth with modernity through black and white photography. A stunning exploration. MUD Dedipya Basak's documentary project explores an 800-year-old lake's struggle against global warming, highlighting its relevance and urgency in modern times. A WORLD WITHIN REACH In his Cuba project, Pedro Vidal celebrates human resilience and warmth through captivating imagery, revealing photography's profound ability to encapsulate emotions and memories. UNVEILING VULNERABILITY In a world where masculinity is often synonymous with stoicism and strength, Francesca Tiboni challenges us to reevaluate our perceptions of masculinity, inviting us to embrace the complexity of the male emotional experience. TRANSCENDENTS: SPIRIT MEDIUMS IN BURMA AND THAILAND Mariette Pathy Allen's visual narrative celebrates authenticity, spotlighting Spirit Mediums' enigmatic presence in both possession and daily life. She portrays them as essential to cultures steeped in Animism, reflecting the enduring essence of human authenticity. COALESCENCE Visual diptychs intricately depicting the intimate exchange between a mother and daughter, transcending personal narratives to explore universal themes of transition, acceptance, and the beauty of change. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ANSEL ADAMS In following the footsteps of the masterful Ansel Adams, Karin Svadlenak Gomez not only paid homage to his timeless work but also embarked on a transformative journey. PARALELL REALITIES Through her lens, Catia Montagna explores the impact of socioeconomic factors and social norms on our daily lives, revealing the subtle poetry of small, insignificant moments that capture the ‘existential’ and the ephemeral, in the human condition. A TALE OF NATURE AND HERITAGE With her words and photographs, Ana-Maria Alb invites readers to join her on a journey through the breathtaking Carpathians. ON THE TRAIL OF LOVE LOST Through Sasha’s photo essay, we are given a glimpse into a beautiful love story and the unbreakable strength and resilience of the human spirit. Join us as we explore Sasha Ivanov’s heartfelt tribute to Lydia and Nikolai. SAHIB: THE FRANKINCENSE BOY France Leclerc’s documentary exploration embraces the community finding captivating stories for her visual translations. Her story takes us to the village of Poshina, where we meet Sahib. THEY HAVE GONE Lorenzo Vitali felt compelled to explore the landscapes of Eastern Veneto, to understand its emotional affective relationship and document it through his photography. I AM WATER Paola Ferrarotti explores her deep connection with the water and how it has transformed her understanding of life and herself. THE STRANDED PAKISTANIS Anwar Ehtesham captures the beauty of human emotion in all its rawest forms in the face of adversity and offers an insight into the complexity of the lives of the Bihari people and their relationship with their environment. BLINDFOLD CHESS Anastasiya Pentyukhina’s documentation of blindfolded chess provides an insight into this often overlooked world of sports, and sheds light on the unique challenges faced by visually impaired players. SKIN STORIES Tony Reddrop strives to look beyond the ink in his latest project, believing that by looking beyond the physical appearance of a person you will find their unique story. WHERE THE WAVES MEET THE OCEAN Uma Muthuraaman explores the idea of finding in ourselves what we seek in other people and places — like waves searching for the ocean, being it, and not knowing it.

PICTORIAL STORY July 3, 2020 SOCIALLY DISTANCED BEING SOCIAL IN TIMES OF SOCIAL DISTANCING Photography by Stefan Hellweger Story by Karin Svadlenak Gomez Stefan Hellweger is a photographer from Munich with a mission: documenting life in his city. The Münchner Tafel is a Munich food bank that provides food to 20,000 low-income people every week. During the weeks of Covid-19 prevention measures, operations had to be adapted to the new requirements. It was during that time that Stefan set out to document what that means for the disadvantaged and the many volunteers at the Münchner Tafel. He recorded it in his photo series "Being social in times of social distancing". His photos are close-up and honest and tell a real story. The global Covid-19 pandemic has drastically changed how and when people interact with each other. This has had repercussions on the way life in cities is organised, and the way just about all institutions (businesses, hospitals, care homes, cultural institutions, charitable organizations, etc.) go about their business. It has also had a strong visual impact on the cityscape. Who would have thought a few months ago that face masks - in European cities previously reserved to Asian tourists - would become ubiquitous, or that we would do our exercise classes at home via online platforms? THE MUNICH FOOD BANK MÜNCHNER TAFEL In 2019 the Münchner Tafel had it's 25th anniversary. Stefan is a member of the Munich Street Collective, a group of currently 10 photographers, whose passion is documenting contemporary history in public spaces - to capture life in Munich as an artistic historic document for the future. Unlike many purely virtual collectives on Instagram, the members of this collective also organise street photography walks and occasionally analog exhibitions. One of their members had connections to the Münchner Tafel, and the collective came up with the idea of documenting the charity's important work. After months of shooting they organised a joint exhibition at Munich's art centre, Gasteig, which was very well received and much to the ten photographers' joy resulted in a significant increase of donations. So the current reportage is Stefan's second time to be involved in a documentary about the Münchner Tafel. Every Munich resident on welfare assistance can apply for an authorisation card to visit one of the 27 branches of the Münchner Tafel. The goal of the food bank is to make the lives of people living from social security a little bit easier by providing food. That way they can spend the little money they have for other purposes. For homeless people there are other organisations specialised in providing assistance. The Munich Food Bank usually has different delivery points around town, but because of the pandemic containment measures, all groceries were being distributed from the wholesale market in Sendling for several weeks. The volunteers and the guests of the Münchner Tafel now all have to keep a distance of at least two metres. “Unlike the supermarkets I shop at, this food bank was being checked for regulation compliance every day!”, says Stefan. “So they took this really seriously.” FROM OLD TO YOUNG The corona crisis has also completely changed the composition of the volunteer team: where previously it was mostly retired people who joined the effort to provide food for the needy, it was now mostly young people (freed up from their usual occupations by Corona). They would help set up the tables, carry boxes, clean up, hand out food, and sometimes lend an ear to one of the guests wanting to chat. For some of the people who visit the food bank, it is not only a way to get food, it is also a place where they can meet other people, where they can have a conversation without fear that they will be judged. Although all guests at the Münchner Tafel receive a minimum income from the German government, they still live below subsistence level. What this means is that after basic needs are met, they often have nothing left to enjoy a bit of entertainment - a movie maybe, or a visit to a coffee shop. Coming to the food bank helps fill that gap. © Stefan Hellweger Volunteers high fiving shortly before the guests arrive. © Stefan Hellweger A Tafel guest covering mouth and nose with a scarf. © Stefan Hellweger Axel Schweiger, head of the biggest branch of the Munich food bank. © Stefan Hellweger © Stefan Hellweger © Stefan Hellweger The Münchner Tafel is now returning to most of its 27 locations, except where, because of a lack of space or for other reasons, it is not possible to comply with strict corona regulations. Such locations will continue their food distribution at the western gate of the wholesale market. view Stefan's portfolio Read an interview with Stefan >>> Instagram >>> Münchner Tafel Munich Street Collective The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and are not necessarily shared by The Pictorial List and the team. read more stories >>> BEHIND THE PLANTS Wayan Barre documents Cancer Alley residents facing pollution and economic challenges, shedding light on their resilience and the impacts of environmental injustice. OAXACA In Oaxaca, Tommaso Stefanori captures Día de los Muertos, exploring the convergence of life and death, human connections, and enduring cultural rituals through evocative photographs of tradition and emotion. THE RED POPPY AND THE SUN By blending archival and contemporary images, Mei Seva creates a visual story that captures the ongoing struggles and moments of triumph for those impacted by displacement and circumstance. FIRE AND FORGE Alexandros Zilos delves deep into the harsh reality of sulfur mining, while also capturing the allure of the blue fire phenomenon created by sulfur deposits in the crater. IN-VISIBLE PAIN Through black and white self-portraiture, Isabelle brings to light the stark reality of living with chronic pain — a reality often dismissed by a world that requires physical evidence to believe in one’s suffering. CELEBRATION OF LIFE Ahsanul Haque Fahim's photography captures Holi in Bangladesh, celebrating life with vibrant colors and reflecting human emotions, diversity, and interconnectedness in Dhaka's streets. KOALA COUNTRY Sean Paris invites viewers on a transformative journey, challenging our perceptions and fostering a new appreciation for rural Australia through mesmerizing infrared photography. MOMMIE Arlene Gottfried’s poignant exploration of motherhood in “Mommie” is not just a collection of photographs but a profound tribute to the enduring bonds of family and the universal experiences of love, loss, and resilience. BIFRÖST In "Bifröst," Romain Coudrier masterfully captures Norway's timeless beauty, blending myth with modernity through black and white photography. A stunning exploration. MUD Dedipya Basak's documentary project explores an 800-year-old lake's struggle against global warming, highlighting its relevance and urgency in modern times. A WORLD WITHIN REACH In his Cuba project, Pedro Vidal celebrates human resilience and warmth through captivating imagery, revealing photography's profound ability to encapsulate emotions and memories. UNVEILING VULNERABILITY In a world where masculinity is often synonymous with stoicism and strength, Francesca Tiboni challenges us to reevaluate our perceptions of masculinity, inviting us to embrace the complexity of the male emotional experience. TRANSCENDENTS: SPIRIT MEDIUMS IN BURMA AND THAILAND Mariette Pathy Allen's visual narrative celebrates authenticity, spotlighting Spirit Mediums' enigmatic presence in both possession and daily life. She portrays them as essential to cultures steeped in Animism, reflecting the enduring essence of human authenticity. COALESCENCE Visual diptychs intricately depicting the intimate exchange between a mother and daughter, transcending personal narratives to explore universal themes of transition, acceptance, and the beauty of change. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ANSEL ADAMS In following the footsteps of the masterful Ansel Adams, Karin Svadlenak Gomez not only paid homage to his timeless work but also embarked on a transformative journey. PARALELL REALITIES Through her lens, Catia Montagna explores the impact of socioeconomic factors and social norms on our daily lives, revealing the subtle poetry of small, insignificant moments that capture the ‘existential’ and the ephemeral, in the human condition. A TALE OF NATURE AND HERITAGE With her words and photographs, Ana-Maria Alb invites readers to join her on a journey through the breathtaking Carpathians. ON THE TRAIL OF LOVE LOST Through Sasha’s photo essay, we are given a glimpse into a beautiful love story and the unbreakable strength and resilience of the human spirit. Join us as we explore Sasha Ivanov’s heartfelt tribute to Lydia and Nikolai. SAHIB: THE FRANKINCENSE BOY France Leclerc’s documentary exploration embraces the community finding captivating stories for her visual translations. Her story takes us to the village of Poshina, where we meet Sahib. THEY HAVE GONE Lorenzo Vitali felt compelled to explore the landscapes of Eastern Veneto, to understand its emotional affective relationship and document it through his photography. I AM WATER Paola Ferrarotti explores her deep connection with the water and how it has transformed her understanding of life and herself. THE STRANDED PAKISTANIS Anwar Ehtesham captures the beauty of human emotion in all its rawest forms in the face of adversity and offers an insight into the complexity of the lives of the Bihari people and their relationship with their environment. BLINDFOLD CHESS Anastasiya Pentyukhina’s documentation of blindfolded chess provides an insight into this often overlooked world of sports, and sheds light on the unique challenges faced by visually impaired players. SKIN STORIES Tony Reddrop strives to look beyond the ink in his latest project, believing that by looking beyond the physical appearance of a person you will find their unique story. WHERE THE WAVES MEET THE OCEAN Uma Muthuraaman explores the idea of finding in ourselves what we seek in other people and places — like waves searching for the ocean, being it, and not knowing it.

INTERVIEW April 28, 2023 DOWNTOWN ATLANTA ​ Photography by Branden May Interview by Melanie Meggs For over 15 years, Branden May has been capturing the wonders of street photography with his camera. His passion for the craft began as a young boy, when his father gave him his first taste of film photography. Since that moment, Branden has not been able to put down his camera. He has developed a unique perspective on the world and captures it with his lens, creating a stunningly beautiful blend of street, architecture, and light and shadow. Branden is an intrepid explorer of the world's diverse beauty, and his work is a vivid reminder of the world around us. Every one of Branden's shots is a testament to his unwavering dedication to the craft of photography, and a stirring invitation to explore its fascinating depths along with him From the vibrant colors to the intimate moments, become the inspiration in this story of one man's journey to freeze-frame the heart of a city. The compositions of Branden's pictures often accentuate the isolation of his subjects, who are often alone, metaphorically and literally, despite the city's bustle. The structure of buildings, their interaction with people, other structures, and most importantly, the play of light and shadow at different times of the day, are all studied by Branden. The Pictorial List invites you to experience Branden’s perspective on his approach to photography and peruse through his collection of photographs captured on the streets of Atlanta. “My father once said that walking down the street can teach you quite a bit, and photography is no exception. Being raised in Atlanta has also played a significant role in my passion for photography.” IN CONVERSATION WITH BRANDEN MAY THE PICTORIAL LIST: Hello Branden…welcome to The List! Let's start by telling us something about yourself. BRANDEN MAY: Hi there, thank you! My name is Branden, and I’m happy to be here! I'm a photographer from Atlanta, Georgia and a husband and dad. My passion for photography extends from portraits to product photography, but I'm particularly drawn to the beauty of street and architecture photography. TPL: What would you say first drew you to photography? What is it about this medium that you still have a passion for today? How did you find street photography? BM: Freezing a moment in time has always captivated me, no matter how big or small. Each captured moment is unique and personal. This still drives me today. My father once said that walking down the street can teach you quite a bit, and photography is no exception. Being raised in Atlanta has also played a significant role in my passion for photography. I'm captivated by how people interact with buildings, structures, and light and shadows. By combining these elements, I create scenes that reveal the hidden beauty of everyday city spaces. TPL: Could you tell us what living in Atlanta has inspired in your work? What special qualities unique to this city influence your street and the way you portray your community? BM: My photography style is unique, covering a broad range of subjects, but I have a particular passion for street and architecture genres. Through my lens, I explore the interplay between people, buildings, and their environment, using light and shadows to create compelling scenes. I learned to anticipate how sunlight and shadows play out across the city at different times of day. Witnessing the ever-changing interplay between light and shadow is a marvel that inspires my photography. By showcasing the understated beauty of ordinary city spaces, my work captures the essence of urban life in a way that is both unconventional and captivating. TPL: There are two techniques that are colloquially referred to as ‘hunting’ and ‘fishing’ in street photography. When you are out on the street taking pictures, are you a ‘hunter’ or a ‘fisher’, or is it a combination of the both? Please describe your process. BM: I believe I’m a mix of both styles. I wander from block to block, seeking out intriguing compositions, especially on rainy days. Sometimes, I wait patiently for the perfect subject to enter my frame, even if it means staying put for 45 minutes. This habit harks back to my Atlanta roots, where I would watch the sunlight change as I would sit in traffic with my parents. TPL: What is the most rewarding part of being a street photographer for you? What are some challenges that you have faced? BM: As a street photographer, the freedom to capture life as I see it is incredibly rewarding. I relish the chance to explore and experiment, taking risks and following my creative instincts. However, finding time to shoot amidst my work and family schedule can be challenging. When I do hit the streets, I make every moment count. Unfortunately, security guards can sometimes dampen my enthusiasm, sapping my joy for the craft. Nonetheless, the thrill of capturing raw, unfiltered moments keeps me coming back for more. TPL: Is it impossible for you not to be constantly on the lookout for a moment to be captured? BM: I find it difficult to turn off my photographer's eye. I'm constantly seeking fleeting moments to capture. My only obstacle is finding the time to frame and immortalize these visual gems. Witnessing the ever-changing interplay between light and shadow is a marvel that inspires my photography. TPL: How do you manage a work/photography balance? BM: Work takes a big chunk of my time, so scheduling time to shoot is the key. TPL: Do you have any favourite artists or photographers you would like to share with us, and the reason for their significance? BM: I have a few favorite photographers, but Gordon Parks holds a special place in my heart. His unparalleled talent for capturing a moment and weaving it into a nuanced, multi-layered story is truly remarkable. Additionally, the works of Saul Leiter, Berenice Abbott and Fan Ho have deeply impacted my style. Their masterful use of composition and shadow play has served as a wellspring of inspiration for my own photography. TPL: If you could just choose one photographer to shoot alongside for a day...who would you choose? And why? BM: That’s a tough question, but Fan Ho undoubtedly ranks high on the list. With his masterful play of shadows and backlighting, his techniques are legendary. Observing his creative process firsthand would be an unforgettable experience. 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? BM: My photographic journey began with my mom's Kodak Ektralite 500 camera and my dad's Olympus OM-1. Today, I use a Nikon D750, but I'm always on the lookout for new gear to test out. The Nikon Z fc has caught my eye. I'm curious to see what all the fuss is about! Let me know if you have a connect 😉 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 for the next 3-5 years? BM: My wife and I run rentaprint.co, a print rental service that offers high-quality, cleared fine art architecture prints to a range of industries including TV, film, and real estate. I'm currently working on my first photobook and participating in several upcoming group exhibitions. My goal is to have multiple solo exhibitions in the next few years and eventually get accepted into Magnum Photos. I’m excited to continue to work and grow as a photographic artist. TPL: “When I am not out photographing, I (like to)… BM: Spend time with my wife and kids, cycle and play golf.” The photography of Branden has allowed us to explore and appreciate Atlanta in a way we could never have imagined. His unique perspective has given us a glimpse into the beauty of this Southern city that is not often seen. We would like to thank Branden once again for his stunning work and invite our readers to take this opportunity to explore more of his home city through his website and social media. VIEW BRANDEN'S PORTFOLIO Branden's website >>> Branden's instagram >>> facebook >>> vero >>> read more interviews >>> DO YOU SEE MY SILENT TEARS DRYING UP THE STREETS? Justine Georget's photography explores the melancholy and detachment of urban life, capturing the silent struggles and emotional depth of city dwellers through her thoughtful street compositions. 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