Street Stories in Color and Light
Join us in highlighting the captivating world seen through the lens of Jesse Marlow, an internationally recognized photographer. Known for capturing candid, colorful moments of everyday life, his celebrated work has been exhibited internationally and held in major Australian collections. As Manager of Leica Akademie Australia, he shares his passion through global workshops and publications.
Sydney, 2019
I came across this floating leaf resting on the bonnet of a car while out and about with my camera in Sydney. Determined to make the reflections join up at either end of the leaf, this particular composition was something I labored over and spent about 10 minutes trying to get right in camera. Little did I know there was a woman sitting in her car waiting for me to move so she could get going on her journey. I got the fright of my life when she honked her horn and yelled out the window“ Can you please, move! I need to get home!”
Newport, 2023
I was out driving one day and saw this distressed wall of a building site and was drawn to the graffiti and two cut out holes. I thought to myself what would improve the scene was some blue sky and little puffy clouds. So next time I saw little puffy clouds int he sky, I set off again in my car to head back to this spot and take the photo I had originally imagined.
Tokyo, 2019
I was out walking late one night in Tokyo and was drawn to the interesting colours and lights through an opaque panel on a pedestrian overpass. I then proceeded to stand there for the next 45 minutes, camera pressed up against the panel photographing every single person walking up the stairs, waiting for that right silhouette to enter the frame.
Tokyo, 2023
This was another recent favourite photo from Tokyo. I was initially drawn to the simple yet intriguing scene with the two people seated in the cafe in deep conversation. What then interested me photographically was the one person and their exaggerated hand gestures
Stop, 2011
This is one of my favourite images and a photo that has been really successful having been published on book covers, exhibited extensively and most importantly been collected by the National Gallery of Victoria for their permanent collection. It was a building site really close to where I live and I would drive past it most days on my way home.
I was drawn to the yellow timber sheeting and was determined to take a good photo there one day. One late afternoon, on my daily drive home, all things came together and the “Stop” sign had fallen and the workers were dismantling it. I stood on that corner for 10 minutes, photographing the workers as they picked up the pile of timber sheets individually and loaded them onto their truck.
Six panels, 2009
For me, I’m often drawn to bright colourful, graphic scenes when out on the streets. When strong colour, light, graphics and a human element all come together that’s the ultimate.
About the Photographer
Jesse Marlow, Photographer
https://www.jessemarlow.com
Instagram: @jessemarlow
https://www.instagram.com/jessemarlow/