spm-logo-red-236
  • BACK ISSUES
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTER
  • LOGIN
  • Subscribe
  • Login
  • Back Issues
  • Newsletter
  • Search the Archives
  • Start Here
  • Submissions
    • Single Photo Submission Form
    • Project / Article Submission Form
    • Tips For Creating a Photo Project Article
  • Magazine
    • Subscribe
    • My Account
  • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Content Policy
    • Disclosures
  • Contact Us
  • Podcast

Table of Contents

Interview with Eva Mallis

Video conversation with Robert Virga

People are the Key

The Stories Hands Tell

Robbie McIntosh on Street Photography

Street Shooters of October 2021

Video conversation with Robert Virga

Bob Patterson

As of this writing we’ve been publishing this magazine for nearly 9 years. After hundreds of articles and tens of thousands of photographs, in my opinion the video here is one of the most instructive pieces of content that we’ve published.

So if you don’t read anything else in our publication please set aside an hour to watch this video conversation with NYC street photographer Robert Virga.

He’s not famous or a social media influencer. No, he’s simply a master of his craft and his tools who who studies the work of other, puts in the hard work and thinks deeply about what he’s doing.

If you don’t know the work of Robert Virga it’s time to check him out. He creates the type of photos that come to mind when someone mentions “street photography.” His work is reminiscent of black and white photos seen in Life magazine from the 1940s and 50s His work is refreshing and honest, in many ways it’s pure street.

His photos are simple with no extraneous elements. Everything Robert shoots is up close, it’s honest, real and deep. Everything is un-cropped. What you see is what he shot. Did I mention that he shoots only film?

Robert joined me on a video call to walk us through a selection of his work. In the process shows us how he thinks, what he sees, explains the decisions he makes and demonstrates his thoughtful compassion for his subjects.

For me it’s more instructive to understand how a photographer thinks, sees and works than it is to know which camera and exposure settings they use. This conversation with Robert is a perfect example. Check it out.

A selection of images from the video

Robert’s Links

  • Robert’s Website

Robert Virga

A humanist portrayal of a social landscape of extremes. Candid and without comment or sentimentality, un-selfconscious in its theatricality and self presentation. We display ourselves with grace and self-confidence, a sense of timelessness...and a little humor. Shown as ourselves, in our solitude and freed from any mystery. Social documentary and romanticism combined in the same instant, effectively covering the complex realities of life. Our lives, in a matter of seconds, are caught in the act...where the obvious and mundane transition into something more provocative.

Back to top

Articles
October 2021

Interview with Eva Mallis

New York City street photographer captures the "themes of life" in her images

Video conversation with Robert Virga

Longtime NYC street photographer, Robert Virga, explains how he shoots and thinks by showing examples of his work.

People are the Key

Laurent Delhourme finds freedom as an observer of modern day life

The Stories Hands Tell

Alex Cruceru discusses the power of hands in a photograph

Robbie McIntosh on Street Photography

Robbie shares his love for beach shooting along with some amazing oceanside captures

Street Shooters of October 2021

This month we feature the winners and finalists of the first annual Fredricksburg street photography shoot off.

Street Photography Magazine is the journal of street and documentary photography

FAQ

Privacy policy

Terms and conditions

  • Back Issues
  • Login
  • Subscribe
  • Submissions
  • Contact

© 2022 Street Photography Magazine - All Rights Reserved

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.