TCF Ep. 628 - Mikko Takkunnen
Mikko Takkunnen's Hong Kong, Women Street Photographers & W. Eugene Smith
TCF Ep. 628 - Mikko Takkunen
I was impressed with Mikko Takkunnen’s book, Hong Kong when it crossed my desk several months ago. It wasn’t that the monograph consisted of beautifully seen street photographs but that the book was wonderfully edited and sequenced. There is a rhythm and flow to the pictures, which I attribute to his years of experience as a photo editor for the New York Times. Many photographers often lack editing skills, which diminishes their photographs when showcased in a portfolio, website, or book. Mikko’s book is a shining example of how it’s done right.
The images were produced mainly during the pandemic but also reflected in the remaining months in Hong Kong after having lived there for several years. The photographs are more than standard street scenes; they are a personal exploration of a place from a very personal and emotional point of view. The pictures don’t strictly adhere to the traditional documentary style of street photography but use color and light to express a more intimate experience of a place that came to play an essential part in his life and the life of his family. I hope you enjoy the conversation in Ep. 628.
Women Street Photographers Residency Call
The Women Street Photographers organization has successfully nurtured a community of women street photographers throughout the world. It has introduced photographers and audiences to a diverse range of talents and created opportunities for photographers to leverage their interests into successful careers.
WSP is currently accepting applications for a two-week residency at El Barrio’s Artspace PS109 studio in New York City in March and April. The fully financed fellowship, open to photographers from the world over, is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in photography in one of street photography’s most legendary cities under the tutelage of Nina Welch Kling.
The deadline is September 9th. To find out more and apply for a spot, please fill out the submission form.
Women Street Photographers Residency Call Submission Form.
The Jazz Loft: According to Eugene Smith
There has long been a deep relationship between jazz and photography. However, it was likely never more intimate than when the legendary photographer W. Eugene Smith opened his loft space to a constant flow of legendary jazz performers starting in the late fifties.
Legends of Jazz, including Thelonious Monk, Zoot Sims, Jimmy Fiuffre, and countless others, came through the space where their sessions were documented in photographs and audio recordings. The latter was made possible by an extensive web of microphones placed throughout the dilapidated building. The film, directed by Sara Fishko, provides incredible insight into both the photographer and a thriving time in the history of music.
Already out of print? Disappointing...
Thank you for the Eugene Smith reminder. I had bookmarked that film but lost it to memory glitches. Cheers!