For more than 50 years, Harvey has been doing exactly that — on the streets of New York and across the world. His work sits at the heart of street photography: direct, curious, human, and often unexpectedly funny.
In this relaxed, fun and wide-ranging conversation, we talk about what it really takes to photograph strangers up close, why the street is the greatest stage in the world, and how you keep curiosity alive after five decades behind the camera.
We also dive into the way Harvey loves to work: books and long-term projects. Together we look through images and stories from:
📖 Mexico: Between Life and Death
📖 Parallels: A Look at Twins
📖 Coney Island People: 50 Years
You’ll hear the backstories behind the photographs, the moments that led to them, and why book-making remains central to his photographic life.
We also talk travel, India, teaching workshops, and the simple but brave act of getting close to people you’ve never met.
This is street photography not as gear or technique — but as human connection and close encounters.
Settle in, grab a coffee, and join us at the Camera Cafe Show!
⏱ Chapters
00:00 The Twin Story (Persistence Pays Off)
00:35 Introduction
01:44 50+ Years of Film & The Darkroom
05:24 Harvey’s Negative Filing System
13:25 The Twins Project (His Breakthrough Book)
20:54 Photographing Identical Twins Up Close
35:24 Early Influence: Ben Fernandez
42:09 Teaching, Travel & Workshops (India, Mexico & Beyond)
47:22 Why Street Photography?
55:06 Portraits, AIDS Project & Studio Work
57:01 Handling Rejection on the Street
1:00:20 Photographing Abroad (India vs Japan)
1:26:54 Mexico: Between Life and Death
1:38:23 Final Thoughts & Life Advice
🔗 Harvey Stein
Website:
https://www.harveysteinphoto.com/
Signed book info:
https://www.harveysteinphoto.com/coney-island-people-50-years-book
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Coney-Island-People-Years-1970-2020/dp/0764364065
🎧 Listen on the podcast:
https://thecameracafeshow.com/stein
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