Interview with Paul Kessel

We kicked off 2022 with a fantastic video interview with Paul Kessel, a street photographer who started out by taking loads of classes (so many, in fact, Paul may have lost count at some point) at the International Center of Photography in New York. A love for photography was born that eventually shifted into a love for street photography specifically.

When it comes to street photography Paul is all about the aesthetics of an image and he loves to fill the frame. You may have seen Paul in Tim Huynh’s street photography documentary, fittingly titled Fill the Frame. And you’ve probably seen his iconic subway scene pictured here, which earned him quite a bit of recognition.

We talked to Paul about how he got started with street photography, his approach to taking street shots, and a pandemic inspired self portrait series that is imaginative and quite relatable for anyone who was stuck at home alone for months on end during a lockdown. Click on the video player below to listen to our conversation and see what Paul had to say about a few of his favorite images.

A Selection of Paul’s Photos

A few of the images we talked about in the video interview above:

And here’s a few images we didn’t get a chance to discuss:

Interview Links

Paul Kessel

Paul Kessel I began photography late in life when I wondered into The International Center of Photography in New York City in 2008. I stayed for nine years taking what may be a record number of classes, perhaps more then fifty. Additionally, I took numerous workshops elsewhere and studied privately with several photographers. Previously I had a career in clinical psychology, psychoanalysis, and university teaching. I always had a camera and now and then over the years would take a few pictures but I knew nothing about photography or camera operation. At some point I became interested and immersed in street photography and that is how I have been spending my time for at least six years. I began by asking permission to photograph people, moved into candid portraits, and now, candid street scenes. I use only a full frame 35mm lens. I began entering contests and I have been in about forty group exhibitions as well as having three solo shows. I won a national competition and juror’s choice in an international competition. My work was featured in Popular Photography a year before the demise of the magazine. I don’t think there is a connection between the two events. My website is www.paulkessel.com On Instagram, I am Streets Kessel