a day with NYC photographer Melissa O'Shaughnessy -- Walkie Talkie ep. 24

“Carrying a camera with intent makes you attuned to everything in the world”

Something she said that really resonated with me, “I want the photo more then I fear the consequences.” I can totally empathize with this.

This is by far the best Walkie Talkie to date. An incredible street photographer with so much good advice.

Adding to the chorus - She is the REAL DEAL. I love that you're showing someone who isn't twenty-something and that you can shoot something other than Leica and film (I know that's an exaggeration, but an AWFUL lot of young street photographers seem to be doing this) - mind you she is sporting a six thousand dollar camera, so it's not like "digicam love." The bottom line is that she is an AMAZING teacher and her work is as good as anything out there. So many fantastic images. She should be on the faculty of some college inspiring young photographers. Thank you so much for sharing her with us.

As a male photographer I can tell you now, I never take photos of kids. It's not worth the risk. Too many people out there ready to label you as something horrible. I stick to building, reflectives, architecture and nature. I prefer the simple life.

"Most photographer are driven by a profound sense of optimism... maybe that's why we like each other so much!" TRUE

She is great!

And she mentioned these artist (if you want to borrow some books from the library):
edward weston
harry callahan
ray metzker

garry winogrand
joel meyerowitz
lee friedlander
robert frank

helen levitt
dorothea lange
berenice abbott
lisette model

"sonata" by aaron schuman

Melissa is spitting facts! Street photography feels exactly like meditation when I’m doing it. It’s the ultimate feeling of being in the moment with the world. There’s a reason why walking meditation is very much a part of a zen/meditation practice. Taking photos is the only thing I’ve experienced that comes close to it.

"Pay attention like a child, because there's no real hierarchy. They're looking at everything, because the world is fascinating." Love this.

Thanks for doing these, bro!

Dude this was so good, 38 minutes just flew what an awesome guest Melissa was.

Not only is Melissa a great street street photographer, and someone that can articulate profound distinctions of shooting, but she is genuinely a nice and sweet person to meet in person. Paulie, I'm so glad that you take the time and energy to make these videos and share they with us.

Melissa's perspective on optimism being the life blood of photographers is so accurate. She is an absolute wealth of knowledge and a damn good photographer.

Best episode ever. Nice to see someone with a different style and less concerned w trends rather than just getting good shots. The mother daughter book store shot is great, you can see Joel’s influence in her eye👍🏻

Her wisdom, grace, and emotional intelligence is magical.

By far the best walkie talkie episode. She is the real deal and it showed.

As a new photographer just getting into the art, this is insanely inspiring

Melissa really appreciates the value of mistakes and completely understands the excitement when a frame and a moment come together 📷

Loving seeing these videos of female photographers. Every one has been fantastic 👏🏻 Melissa’s work is exceptionally good

I love her vocabulary. She's articulate with words as well as with photos.

LOVE when you have veteran photographers on the channel, it really helps people (like myself) get a different perspective and gives us much needed advice!