About this episode
Ever wonder how some photographers capture those striking, perfectly composed street scenes? It’s not always about luck. Sometimes, it’s about seeing the world through the eyes of a graphic designer.
In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, I chat with Gavin Libotte, an Australian street photographer and musician with a background in graphic design and fine art. Gavin shares his journey back into photography, his unique perspective on composition, and how he finds inspiration in everyday life.
Gavin’s path to street photography wasn’t a straight line. He initially studied graphic design and fine art, learning darkroom techniques and film photography. This early training instilled in him a keen eye for composition and design elements. It was all about shapes, forms, and relationships within the frame.
Life took him away from photography for a while after his gear was stolen. But, the spark was reignited years later through an unexpected connection. Teaching guitar to the son of renowned street photographer Markus Andersen opened a doorway back to his passion. Seeing Andersen’s work reignited Gavin’s love for capturing the world around him.
This renewed passion led Gavin to pick up a camera again, starting with his phone and then a Ricoh GR2. He made it a daily practice to shoot, immersing himself in books and reconnecting with the visual aspects of his life. For Gavin, this was about balancing his long-standing musical pursuits with a visual outlet.
When he’s out shooting, Gavin instinctively measu
