The Beginner Photography Podcast

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BPP 366: Steve Rolfe: Tiny Tales and Big Imagination: A Unique Way to Photograph Life On The Street

In this episode, Urban Street Photographer Steve Rolfe he was inspired by a book of Street Photography, which provided the fuel for his creativity.. He explains how, with his own figures, he began to capture stories of the world around him. Finally, after having some of his work published, he decided to leave his job in 2014 and go professional. Host Raymond Hatfield also talks about what captivates him in certain stories or series within photography.

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Steve Rolfe has been a professional photographer since 2014, when he took a leap of faith and left his 22-year-long job in the civil service. His journey to success began when he picked up a book of street photography and was captivated by the images. Steve then purchased a bridge camera and began experimenting with creating miniature architectural figures, which were eventually published in magazines and newspapers. He continues to use this creative process in his work as a professional photographer.

The Big Ideas with Timestamps:

  • 00:01:06 Capture stories in tiny ways.

  • 00:07:13 Capture life in photos.

  • 00:13:09 Planning and whimsy in photos.

  • 00:19:08 Planning and creativity required.

  • 00:26:05 Keep it simple and creative.

  • 00:37:47 Creativity needs time and space.

  • 00:40:59 Stay the course for success.

  • 00:49:13 Print photos to experience them.

  • 00:50:18 Deepen your photography knowledge.

Resources:

Did you enjoy this episode? Check out more recent interviews with other great photographers!

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Capture stories in a unique way.

The power of photography is undeniable. It has the ability to capture stories in a unique way and communicate them to the world. One way to do this is through urban street photography. By capturing images of everyday life, photographers can tell stories that are often overlooked.

Steve Rolf is one such photographer. He has been using photography to capture stories in a very creative way. He takes tiny figurines of people and places them on the street with normal street debris to create fascinating visual stories. He believes that art is subjective, but as long as the photographer is happy with what they are creating, that is all that matters.

Rolf was inspired by a book of street photography he picked up in 2010. The images captivated him and he decided to try his hand at it. He started using his wife’s bridge camera and soon found himself creating his own unique images. He was also inspired by a TV series called Land of Giants, which he watched in the 90s. This series gave him the idea to create his own little world with figurines.

Rolf has been taking photographs professionally since 2014 and he has had his work published in magazines and newspapers. His work is unique and captivating, and it has the power to tell stories that are often overlooked. He believes that it is not necessarily one image that is going to stand out, but rather the body of work as a whole that is so interesting.

Rolf’s work proves that photography is a powerful tool for storytelling. By capturing images of everyday life, photographers can tell stories in a unique way. Whether it is a series of images of what someone ate in a year, or a selfie taken every day for 10, 15, or 20 years, photography has the power to communicate stories that are often overlooked.

Capture life in public spaces.

Rolf’s work, in particular, focuses on capturing life in public spaces. He uses small railway figures to create scenarios that are often humorous, thoughtful, or strange. One of his most unique images was a prison break scene, which he created by placing the figures at the bottom of a prison wall. He also captures images of people in urban settings, such as burnt-out cars or children playing on them.

Photographers like Rolf are able to capture life in public spaces in a way that is unobtrusive. By not having a camera to their face, they are able to take candid images without drawing attention to themselves. This allows them to capture moments that would otherwise go unnoticed.

Rolf’s work is a reminder that photography can be used to capture life in a way that is both creative and meaningful. By focusing on capturing life in public spaces, photographers are able to tell stories that are often overlooked. It is a powerful tool for storytelling and a reminder that photography can be used to capture life in a unique and meaningful way.

Planning and whimsy in street photography.

Rolf’s work is a perfect example of how street photography can be used to capture both planning and whimsy. His work combines both of these elements in a way that makes it both meaningful and creative. He uses both planning and whimsy to create images that are both meaningful and creative.

When it comes to planning, Rolf uses his knowledge of photography and the environment to create images that are both meaningful and creative. He looks for the light, uses street signs, captures reflections and shots windows, and looks for the opposition and light. He also looks for specific subjects, such as people with red coats or buses.

However, Rolf also uses whimsy in his work. He uses tiny figures to create scenes that are both creative and meaningful. For example, he uses a tiny figure to pick up gurkins from the ground, which is a reminder that most people take the mic and don’t care about the environment. He also uses a tiny figure to explore a half-eaten Mars bar, which is a reminder that exploration doesn’t have to be limited to space.

Rolf’s work is a reminder that street photography can be used to capture both planning and whimsy. By combining these two elements, photographers are able to create images that are both meaningful and creative. Rolf’s work is a reminder that photography can be used to capture life in a unique and meaningful way.

Planning required for creative photos.

Rolf’s work is a testament to the amount of planning and preparation required for creative photography. Rolf explains that each photo requires a certain amount of planning and preparation, and that he often has to source props and locations in order to create the perfect image. He also explains that he often has to walk around with a Mars bar in his pocket for a few weeks in order to find the perfect location. This shows that creative photography requires a great deal of planning and preparation.

Rolf also explains that he often has to create scenarios in order to capture the perfect image. He explains that he was able to create the image of a celebrity in the Australian jungle by sourcing a replacement beer can and using his little people as police officers. This shows that even the simplest images require a great deal of planning and preparation.

Rolf’s work is a reminder that creative photography requires a great deal of planning and preparation. By taking the time to source props, locations, and scenarios, photographers are able to create images that are both meaningful and creative. Rolf’s work is a testament to the power of creative photography and the amount of planning and preparation required to capture the perfect image.

Keep it simple and creative.

In his podcast, Rolf discusses the importance of keeping images simple and creative. He explains that when there are too many elements in an image, it can become muddled and lose its impact. He also explains that it can be difficult to know when a story is strong enough to be told through a single image. Rolf emphasizes the importance of trial and error in order to find the right balance between simplicity and creativity.

Rolf also explains the importance of getting feedback from others. He shares that he often shows his work to his wife in order to get her input. This is a great reminder that creativity is subjective and that getting feedback from others can be a great way to ensure that your images are both creative and meaningful.

Overall, Rolf’s podcast is a great reminder of the importance of keeping it simple and creative when it comes to photography. By taking the time to plan and prepare, photographers are able to create images that are both meaningful and creative. Additionally, getting feedback from others can be a great way to ensure that your images are both creative and meaningful.

Creativity needs exploration.

Creativity needs exploration. It is often said that creativity is the result of experimentation and exploration. This is true when it comes to photography. Taking the time to explore different angles, subject matter, and techniques can help photographers create unique and interesting images. Additionally, exploring different locations can help photographers create images that are meaningful and that capture the beauty of the world around them.

Exploration is also important when it comes to finding new ideas and inspiration. Taking the time to look at different images, and to talk to other photographers, can help photographers find new ideas and inspiration. Additionally, exploring different techniques and processes can help photographers create images that are both meaningful and creative.

Finally, exploration is important when it comes to creating a body of work. Taking the time to look through your images and to determine what is missing can help photographers create a cohesive body of work. Additionally, exploring different techniques and images can help photographers create images that are both creative and meaningful.

In conclusion, creativity needs exploration. Taking the time to explore different angles, subject matter, and techniques can help photographers create unique and meaningful images. Additionally, exploring different locations, ideas, and techniques can help photographers create a cohesive body of work. Finally, exploring different processes and images can help photographers create images that are both creative and meaningful.

Perseverance pays off in the end.

The idea of perseverance is something that is often overlooked in the creative process. However, perseverance is a key factor in the success of any creative project. This is especially true for photographers, who often have to work for years to create a body of work that is both meaningful and unique. This was the case for photographer, James Dyer, who worked for two years to create a book of his own images.

The process of creating a book of his own images was a long and arduous one. He faced many obstacles, including the pressure of deadlines, the need to explore new ideas and techniques, and the uncertainty of whether the book would ever be released. Despite these challenges, James persevered and eventually released the book.

This story is a testament to the power of perseverance. It is a reminder that, if we stay the course and keep working hard, our efforts will eventually pay off. This is especially true when it comes to creative projects, as the creative process is often a long and winding road. James' story is a reminder that, if we keep striving and never give up, our efforts will eventually be rewarded.

The story of Steve Rolf and his photography project is a perfect example of this. Steve created a series of images over a 10 year period, and eventually he was able to turn his work into a book. This is a reminder that, if we keep pushing and never give up, we can achieve great things.

But this story is also a reminder that, if we want to truly experience our work, we should print our photos. Steve was able to really appreciate his work when he was able to hold it in his hands in the form of a book. This is a reminder that, if we want to truly appreciate our work, we should print our photos.

Printing photos is a great way to experience them. Digital photos are great, but when we print them, they take on a whole new life. We can appreciate the details, the colors, and the texture of the photo in a way that we can't when it is just on a computer screen.

In conclusion, Steve's story is a reminder that, if we keep pushing and never give up, our efforts will eventually be rewarded. It is also a reminder that, if we want to truly experience our work, we should print our photos. Printing photos is a great way to experience them, as it allows us to appreciate the details, the colors, and the texture of the photo in a way that we can't when it is just on a computer screen.

Listen to deeper conversations.

Listening to deeper conversations is essential for any photographer, regardless of their level. It is a great way to gain insight into the industry and to learn from experienced professionals. By engaging in conversations with experienced photographers, we can gain valuable knowledge and insight into the craft that can help us to become better photographers.

Having conversations with photographers from different backgrounds can also help us to gain a better understanding of different techniques and approaches. It can also help us to gain a better understanding of the industry itself and to learn about the different challenges and opportunities that exist within it.

Finally, having conversations with photographers from different backgrounds can also help us to build relationships with other photographers and to become part of a larger creative community. By engaging in conversations with other photographers, we can learn from each other, share our experiences, and grow together.

In short, listening to deeper conversations is an essential part of becoming a better photographer. By engaging in conversations with experienced professionals, we can gain valuable insight into the industry and learn from each other. Ultimately, listening to deeper conversations can help us to become better photographers and to become part of a larger creative community.