Meet Award-winning Photographer and Guest Judge John Batdorff

We are excited to feature our conversation with Street Photography guest judge John Batdorff. John Batdorff is an award-winning landscape and travel photographer and a nationally recognized authority on black and white photography. Splitting his time between Chicago and Montana, John enjoys the solitude of the countryside as well as the bustling city, finding subjects to photograph in both places. He also loves to see the world, having traveled to Africa, India and Europe, as well as 49 out of 50 United States. Participate in the Street Photography contest for a chance to have your photos curated by John!

Tell us a bit about yourself, how do you describe your photography style?

I’m originally from a small town in Michigan, but I’ve lived in Chicago for over 12 years. When I’m not traveling I spend most of my time in Chicago or visiting my cabin in Montana. I worked for nearly 20 years in the newspaper industry where I started on the printing press, moved to staff photographer, reporter, and eventually to sales and management. I’ve been taking photographs for nearly 25 years, so I enjoy a good photo, but my real love is telling a story. I’ve spent a good part the last 15 years developing a style that focuses on honing that storytelling skill. I like to invoke a sense of tension, a pensive feeling, or sense of humor. The longer I practice my craft, the less I worry about the technicalities of my work, choosing instead to focus on the content.

When did you start taking photos and what inspired you to get started?

Without question my mother is responsible for me becoming a photographer. She was an accomplished photojournalist for our small town daily paper and she even had a few Associated Press awards to her name. She put a camera in my hand when I was seven in an effort to keep me out of trouble, and she was a big believer that everyone needs a hobby. She was the very first person to review my portfolio as well, whether I asked for it or not. She would challenge me to frame things differently, change my perspective, and simply be more intentional in my approach to capturing an image.

She had a police scanner in the house, and when something would come over the radio she would load up the kids and we’d all head out, whether to a crime scene, a fender bender, or a major accident, so mom could get her shots for the paper. These experiences are definitely part of who I am as a photographer.

Do you have any influencers?

While I absolutely look for inspiration in other photographers’ work, I try not to compare my work to others. But, when I’m perusing the works of Steve McCurry, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Elliott Erwitt, or Vivian Maier, I find it motivates me to get out and shoot more. They serve as a strong reminder that you can’t build a compelling portfolio with one image, but instead need your vision backed by a sea of strong images.

What is your favorite subject to shoot? And do you have a favorite location?

I like to think of myself as a photographer who enjoys sharing images that interest me. I most often find myself taking photographs of people going about their everyday life, especially when there’s a unique or interesting story about the subject or environment. I also photograph streetscapes that inspire me, but for the most part if I’m not photographing people and cities then I’m probably taking landscapes. I love the city for it’s hustle and bustle, but I also need breaks in the countryside of Montana or Michigan to find peace and solace, so I’m sure my photography reflects that.

I would have to say one of my top locations to photograph to date has to be Venice, Italy. The city is so unique that any which way you turn, or any street you walk down, you’re likely to see something worth photographing. That said, I’ve also really enjoyed Belgium, and New York City presents a challenge that excites me. Then again, Varanasi, India will always hold a special place in my heart as there’s just something magical about the people there. I guess I have too many loves to choose a favorite.

What has been your favorite shoot and why?

The photo experience that wins hands down for most interesting and unique was when we took a bus from London to Stonehenge to photograph the stones during the Summer Solstice. It’s the only time of the year where they allow people into the inner circle of the stones. The festival started at 7:00pm on the night of the solstice and lasted until around 9:00am the next morning. The festival brings folks from all walks of life; there were people in costumes, on mind-altering substances, people praying and meditating, there was music and jugglers, and those of us just along for the ride (and for the photos). I met Merlin, who is a high priest in the Druid community, and ate pizza, all in the drizzling rain. The entire night was surreal, absolutely unforgettable, and a tad bit nutty.

What do you carry in your camera bag?

What I carry these days depends on where I am and what I’m photographing. Typically when I head to a rural area I’ll have my Canon 5D Mark III with a Zeiss 35mm and a 24mm tilt shift for landscape or architecture.

When I’m in the city and walking a lot, I tend to grab my Leica M9 and my 35mm and a 21mm. That’s my favorite street camera because it’s small and inconspicuous. Occasionally, I’ll trade off for my Leica M6 or even my Hassy because I’ve really enjoyed shooting with film lately. Film just makes you slow down and remember to shoot with intention. Plus, I love the texture and feel film gives to images as well as the challenge it presents to the photographer.

What are you currently working on right now?

Right now I’m promoting my recently published book, “Travel and Street Photography: From Snapshots to Great Shots” by Peachpit Press. I’m also working on a video project for them, “Master Lightroom Presets: Enhance Your Creativity and Increase Efficiency.” Otherwise, I’m always thinking about my next trip, planning my next workshop, and cruising the streets of Chicago looking for photo opportunities.

Can you share a couple of tips with your fellow photographers?

Since we do several travel and street photography workshops, one piece of advice I give all of my clients is to avoid being a selfish photographer. While I recognize this may be my style, and may not apply to other travel and street shooters, it’s something I feel strongly about. Street photographers spend a great deal of their time taking. They take an image of a stranger passing by, they fire a flash at an unsuspecting stranger to curate an awkward moment, they take moments from people and document them. Street photography for me is as much about observation as it is about engagement and learning to give back. Give a compliment, give your time, give your genuine interest in someone, partake in a service, buy from a local merchant, whatever it is — make sure that you are keeping a balance and you’ll get much further with your photography than if you’re constantly just taking photos and moving on.