Fresh off the Press!
I’m super excited to announce the release of my very first zine, “The Street is My Studio”! This project has been a labor of love, capturing the unique and resilient spirit of turning everyday city streets into a vibrant open-air studio.
Plus, it’s a sneak peek into my book, “The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode.”
Can you imagine a city so quiet that the streets become your studio? That’s exactly what happened in Melbourne, Australia, during the pandemic. I seized this opportunity to conduct over a hundred photoshoots, transforming every corner into a creative space. Each photo tells a story, capturing the diverse moods and styles of the people and places I encountered.
From bold, urban portraits set against lively graffiti to minimalist shots focusing on raw, subtle emotions, this zine offers a kaleidoscope of visuals. There are also dynamic action shots that freeze moments of motion, bringing a sense of energy and life to the pages.
Why a zine, you ask? There’s just something magical about seeing photos in print, holding them in your hands, and flipping through the pages. It’s a different experience from scrolling through a screen. This zine is more than a collection of images; it’s a curated visual journey that I can’t wait for you to explore.
Available for Purchase
Step 1: Payment
“The Street is My Studio” is now available for purchase via PayPal, and here’s the scoop on the prices, which include shipping via USPS First Class Mail in the United States and standard mail worldwide:
Friends and family can also use Venmo or Zelle. I can also hand-deliver your copy next time we meet.
Step 2: Shipping Information
Send me the name and address you’d like me to mail the Zine. Also, mention if you’d like your copy autographed!
First Look
Behind The Shots
All photos were taken by Paul Tocatlian using a Sony Alpha 7R III, a camera known for its high resolution and dynamic range, perfect for capturing detailed and vibrant images. The lens I frequently chose for many of these shots was the SIGMA 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art, which is renowned for its sharpness and beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for portraits and artistic photography. Once captured, the photos underwent editing in Adobe Lightroom, where adjustments to exposure, color balance, and composition were made to enhance their visual impact.
The zine itself was crafted using Affinity Publisher, a powerful and versatile design tool that allowed me to layout the photos and text in a visually appealing and coherent manner. Finally, the zine was printed by Mixam, a reputable printing service known for its high-quality output, ensuring that the final product looks as stunning in print as it does on screen.
Thank you, Ted Forbes!
A big shoutout to Ted Forbes for featuring The Street Is My Studio in one of his videos and for the incredible support and guidance I received during his zine workshop. If you’re into photography or visual storytelling, definitely check out his YouTube channel, The Art of Photography, for some amazing content and updates on new workshops.
Be Bolder. Dream Bigger.
I hope this zine inspires you to see the beauty and stories in your own surroundings. What’s your favorite way to capture the essence of a place? Have you ever turned an ordinary space into something extraordinary through your creativity? Share your comments and let’s keep the conversation going!
© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.
Kisau Photography 