the impossible world of Daniel Arnold -- walkie talkie episode 39

[@BryanBirks]

“Greatness is for someone else. You don’t get to experience your own greatness. And if you do…maybe you’re not that great.”

[@mwellmwell]

I disagree. When you are at your best, you know and it feels good and you should be proud of and love yourself. In order to become great, you must know that you are, all humility set aside!

[@Scubadog_]

jake the dog of street photography

[@c0smoKram3r]

It's fine that he doesn't admit it. But greatness is why he gets booked on big jobs.

[@Shokunin_Spirit]

I doubt that I'll ever truly achieve "greatness" in any discipline, but I have heard this sentiment echoed again and again from artists that can truly be considered as some of the greatest of all time. I'm fortunate to belong to a culture in which - at least up until a couple of decades ago - one could look around and see multiple examples of just an awe-inspiring combination of talent and skill acquired through a lifetime of relentless effort. Each one of these great artists, throughout their life, never admitted to a feeling of greatness. In fact, there used to be such a level of respect and reverence for one's teacher(s), that it was customary to hold your ear (as a symbol of apology) while uttering their name. The only way to seek purity as an artist was to offer one's practice to God as a form of worship. Such devotion is rare nowadays, but the memories and the echoes persist.

[@MSOTV-ug4ln]

idiotism 😂😂😂😂

[@fastermd]

The dad and the garbage bag pic...middle of answering a question, you can see him register the shot walking at him, he sets his zone, and at the right moment steps forward and takes the shot. Brilliant.

[@garrytrinh3062]

Daniel is able to verbally articulate what it feels like to be an active contemporary 'street photographer' better than anyone else.

[@danicee]

I've met Daniel a few times now & I honestly feel like he's doesn't act like he's a photographer. He loves taking photos and talking about photography, but he doesn't act like most photographers I know, even the photographers working. And that's a good thing. It's how he carries himself that makes me enjoy his work so much. And there's a part of it that makes me feel like he still feels like a kid at heart - yes, some photos are edgy, but I feel like it's more about his journey than the pursuit of creating work, which is ironic as he does credit a lot of his success to social media, specifically Instagram, which is basically promoting art as content.

[@johnwaine56]

I get similar vibes from him as from the Saul Leiter interviews. A bit self-deprecating but a strong urge to just keep taking the pictures even if the immediate purpose and value of them isn’t totally clear to him. This is series of videos is such an important historical record of the people making the real historical record of our times.

[@danicee]

@@johnwaine56 I've only studied Leiter's work, never looked into interviews, but I'll be sure to check some out. I don't think Daniel's self-deprecating, I just feel that as a society we've become too complimentary of our work. I don't think it's possible to love every photo we capture, and yet he's admitting that he's been doing this for so long and reached a degree of success that he has become more critical of himself because of standards he has set for himself. Constantly boasting about how good we are doesn't help keep our egos and expectations in check. It could be debated that, as street photographers, these videos are historical records of the time we live in. To me, these interviews are an opportunity to learn a bit about a person's life, like peeking through a window, that we're looking from the outside in. We don't know what day-to-day life is like for Daniel, only what he's comfortable sharing in regards to his thoughts about his process and career. Maybe the Patreon video has more info, but this version highlights more of his photographic process and his feelings about his life up until this point, which was right about when the show "New York Life" opened. Having seen that show and picked up the book (same work as featured), I understand now what he meant about having someone else put together that show. From what he shared, it kind of feels as if he was overwhelmed by how much work he has archived and wanted a fresh pair of eyes to sequence the work for that exhibition.

[@canturgan]

Basically street photography is an addiction, it's unpredictable and potentially dangerous. Personally I can't do the sneaky pic, I take them head on but most people think I'm taking a picture of someone or something behind them, and I just keep walking and never look back which completes the illusion.

[@danicee]

@@canturgan It is addictive, but I don't think we continue taking photos because we enjoy every moment. We enjoy the good & the bad. Yesterday I walked down Broadway by Broome St, took a photo of a street charlatan (I call anyone who is claiming to be religious and preaching this) and they cursed me off, called me a midget. I just kept walking, didn't even bother to give them the satisfaction of a reaction. Meanwhile, I was thinking about that subject earlier in the day because I crossed paths with 2 smaller people and I realized I wasn't much taller, maybe 1.5 feet taller. I'm not sneaky, I use disposables and a Ricoh GR III and I show what I'm doing. Not everyone likes being photographed & I'm more aware of boundaries with children, but I think every person is deserving of being photographed. When I started I took photos from farther away but now I want to get as close as possible.

[@elliotresnick5433]

@@daniceedo you know what focal length he shoots, what lens he uses , and what his work flow looks like after getting back the negatives? I know he mentioned getting back small prints, but is there scanning and post involved?

[@diybriguy]

First photo instantly reminded me of the walking, talking, Trevor Wisecup sharing how great photos have you guessing on the time period...Daniel's photo feels timeless! I love that great photographers can create something new and nostalgic with the same frame. And walkie talkie is seriously the best interview format! Absolutely love this series.

[@Betrue875]

I enjoy the eclecticism of NYC street photography. Daniel Arnold is a down-to-earth spokesman for a lot of us who a looking for that creative niche. Thanks for this video! Good one!

[@jessyparr]

"to cultivate such a deep relationship with failure" damn Daniel, you didn't have to come right out of the gate with this one. Love watching as always, paulie

[@danosdotnl]

This might be the most important quotes from these series

[@omarallam8080]

Daniel Arnold is the humblest guy in person. he always gave me his time whenever we'd bump into each other shooting on the street. I learnd a lot about photography and about being human from these brief interactions. cool to know i walked the same streets at the same time in history as someone making such sincere work.

[@danosdotnl]

He seems pretty humble on video as well =)

[@nicolasguillenc]

"digital photography is a conversation with success, and film photography is with failure" that's crazyyy

[@KaptainKerl]

again, big words that are really just rambling. He could've said the exact opposite and it would sound just as deep lol. how is digital a conversation with success? like it doesn't even make sense.

[@paulatwood3337]

​@@KaptainKerl His comment would communicate something completely different if it was the other way around. Digital photography gives you the opportunity to instantaneously review your work, allowing you assess whether or not you've taken enough 'successful' pictures to call it a day. When you get film back it's either good, or it's not... and if it's not, there's not a whole lot to be done about it other than to accept the failed frames and to learn from the experience moving forward. Also lmao where are the big words that you speak of? I find Daniel Arnold articulates his thoughts on photography in an extremely unpretentious way.

[@jahikhalfani]

The baby holding the "Does life have a purpose sign?" is a crazy one

[@joshywhvick]

time stamp?

[@NickVanHouse]

@@joshywhvick 7:44

[@2DogAle]

I find Daniel's take on life just perfect and just have fun. The images you show here really do stand out to me and I connect with them like I did the first time I saw Robert Frank, Garry Winogrand, or Saul Leiter's and many other legends images. Don't tell Daniel though, he'll get a swelled head and start positing more on Instagram and actually leaving them up😄

[@joshkingjosh]

D Arnold on a Monday?! Well...no work will be getting done today. Thanks for making the start of the week awesome, Paulie!

[@isaaccedeno1]

best series on youtube by far

[@loreo1235]

wrong side of the lens is amazing as well

[@costelloandsilke7321]

The best walkie talkie so far. The narrative should be transcribed as an essay on the human condition.

[@iloveweezer69]

agreed.

[@film.fiasco]

I just can't stop watching this

[@smlelikeyoumeanit3882]

Daniel's whole demeanour and attitude was a really interesting contrast to other walkie talkie episodes, and I honestly think that came from his maturity. He's older and comes across a lot more relaxed about it all. Perhaps in a way where he is more relaxed about his success/pressure to produce given he's already 'made it' in the photography world, and the pressure that comes with the early days not being there anymore. It's also a great example of how the landscape of instagram has changed from it's original purpose (which afforded Daniel so much well deserved attention) to what we have now, and how the challenge of producing original work in NY is difficult. Great episode Paulie!

[@zerobladehonmono]

34:07 Amazing the way he just instantly sets up the M6, steps back, grabs the shot without even looking and it's a banger -- all while holding a conversation. I wish I could develop those instincts.

[@whateverjustposting]

that part gave me anxiety, thats the type of shit that i could never do even if i had the instinct to do it. that guy absolutely knew that he just had his picture taken and that would stress me tf out. that whole encounter could have easily turned into that dude (maybe somewhat understandably) getting pissed off that not only did some stranger intentionally just step in front of him and cut him off, but he also snapped a shot of his kid. street photography is just not for me lmao

[@factoryfreak-nz5xy]

What camera is he using?

[@robindro1961]

@@whateverjustposting I totally get that, but keep in mind the US has a culture of comparatively low personal boundries. Especially in a big city like NY that means once you're out in the public, that's public, even when it's private. I live in Germany and things almost couldn't be more different, people will snap at something like this 9 times out of 10

[@marcyeo1]

@@whateverjustposting first off I don't think it'd be totally clear to the guy that his photo was taken. secondly, I think that what you choose to take photos of and how you choose to approach it says a lot about you as a person. everyone thinks about it differently, so it doesn't mean you can't do photography in this style

[@eletor]

I like this dude, he speaks my inner monologue. Thanks for the vid!

[@zacklarez]

This is currently my #1 favorite series on KZbin. Love every one.

[@AHP32]

Paulie, you're truly doing god's work interviewing these legends AND filming how they shoot the streets. THANK YOU. Daniel was just pouring out wisdom the whole time. I'll definitely be rewatching this one several times.

[@robertochocula]

I always find myself going back and watching his interviews just to listen to what he has to say again. With many photographers today, I cant help but feel that they're pretentious or uninspired. Daniel, however, seems more enigmatic. It's rare that you find someone who is both incredibly talented and endearing as a person. He's a sage.

[@theirishfront12]

The holy grail of walkie talkies. I think we’ve all been waiting for this one

[@Johnatlanticism]

I’ve watched a lot of Walkie Talkie episodes, but nothing like this. Daniel speaks with words that many of us as photographers can’t. The addiction of street photography, the hunt, the always striving and pushing your style and progressing as a photographer. It’s genuinely beautiful how he talks the entire episode, he isn’t snapping away as he’s walking, but being real and talking about the roots of it all. Major respect.

[@jeffclaassen]

Easily my favorite walkie talkie so far. Nicely done!

[@TinCanCampers]

“The #1 complement is “how?” And that’s not a question that should be answered”

[@daniilpavlovich]

I obsessively watch everything what has his name in it. He is a true inspiration. Really genuine person. Thank you for this. I didn’t expect this honestly. You made my day. I’m gonna watch this again and again for sure.

[@UlrichBrinkmann]

That guy is so deep. That was an hour well spent. Thank you for the video.

[@navehori9075]

I followed Daniel on IG for the longest time. Had no idea he was such a big deal in photography. Love this!

[@UFPhotos]

I’ve never clicked so fast in my life. My favorite photographer doing a walkie talkie for an hour!! Let’s goo 🔥🔥

[@RagsCS]

same i was surprised how fast my eyes darted to my screen with clicking as fast as I did! 😂

[@Brandoando]

what a start to the week

[@kristian21]

It's easy to be a 'great' photographer, living in NYC. Waiting for a video documenting a photog who lives in a small town somewhere in Europe.

[@xTwistedFleshX]

Unfortunately Paulie is engrossed in that NYC culture. It's a meme at this point. There's nothing easier than NYC as a street photographer. He really should branch out more often because it's just the same shit every single video.

[@Maxhuertas]

@@xTwistedFleshXyup

[@TinLeadHammer]

Europe has a lot of interesting places. It has history. The US has NYC, Chicago, Philadelphia, maybe another half a dozen cities, and that is it. Everything else is either desert or never ending suburbia, which is the same thing.

[@GaitaPonto]

the segment you edited with Daniel`s pictures pertinently illustrating each of Daniel`s words was so good. wow...this made me want to watch a Daniel Arnold vs Reuben Radding Epic Rap Battle...

[@supergranular]

Great. Just great.

[@login415]

Paulie B's back! Love your videos bro. Keep em coming. Super inspirational. Loved learning about Daniel today.

[@TheHamNinja]

Another awesome video Paul. Daniel had a lot to say and I think it was an excellent interview. It went longer than some of your other vids and I think that's grand!!! I'm inspired to get back out there and shoot. Excellent editing. This is one of my favorites.

[@emanuelschimpfossl5919]

We NEED another part with Daniel. This was amazing, i couldn't even sleep yesterday after watching the first half. Please make another one with him! :)

[@readytowander6344]

I totally agree with that! make another one with him, a philosoph that likes to make pictures!

[@KarlMeyer]

This will go down as one of the best walkie talkies. This episode is why I watch this series.

[@huxtable3406]

This hour long walkie talkie was weird in a good way. I kept checking the time I didn't want it to end Paulie might have to do more of these

[@RolandKaufmann]

This is BIG!! Daniel is my photography hero. Had to say this prior to even watching. I. AM. PUMPED!!

[@David-h4z2s]

Bruce Gilden, Jeff Mermelstien Joel Meyerowitz Have done it all before

[@RolandKaufmann]

This series will forever be a reminder that, no matter how many pictures I take, someone will have always taken more. This episode fired me up to go and capture the impossible moments 🤍

[@on-streetphotography366]

The pictures are great. In my opinion great street photography. You can feel the amount of work to have such a selection. Great pics. Thanks Paul for your great videos and interviews!

[@duprebushnell2488]

DAMN 2024 just started but Christmas has come early boys LETS GOOOOOO!!!!!

[@ianteresting]

34:02 - his ultra instinct is phenomenal

[@stevenskinny47]

His website is so cool

[@brentoncooper3926]

I loved this episode. He's so articulate and interesting to listen to. No more warp stabilization though PLZ it's hurting my eyes lol

[@vinylisland6386]

This series is utterly amazing. Visceral, inspiring, funny, intimate and honest. As a fellow street photographer it is just uplifting to see a brother-and-sisterhood of like-minded, courageous and devoted individuals trudging the streets, often thanklessly, devotedly snapping with their M6s, expanding this fantastic, seemingly limitless art form.

[@rafaelmoretzsohnfinardi6798]

The coment here about the toxic relation between photographers and particulary, photographesr that shoot in the street, with the instagram and the "share" act its very important, mainly because its shared from a perscpetive that is originate in someone that for me, always produced the felling of failure.

[@breakfastaudio219]

This episode is genius and I hope Daniel disagrees.

[@LASHMAR]

These are awesome Paulie. So good man. Love to do one of these with ya if you'd ever have me. In NY in October. :) You've probably got hundreds of folks enquiring. Whatever ... all the best mate great channel.

[@Raffiano]

One, thank you for this interview/dialogue. I really believe people should go on more walks with conversation. Secondly, I'm new to.photography, and this personal narrative about philosophy - and addiction and evolution; is so refreshing and therapeutic and gives such a good perspective on why we do the things that we do, or what sparks the things that we do. Thank you ❤️

[@JustinPhillip]

I dont know why everyone acts like you cant use a digital camera the same way you can an analog one. If you treat the digital camera as if you cant preview the image, you can literally have the same experience. If you prefer the look of film, thats understandable, but to act as if a digital camera cant be used in the same fashion is a false statement.

[@MJL7557]

Yeah, it's a strange one, isn't it? I recently saw someone on IG post that they're switching from digital to film because, 'a conservative estimate says I shot roughly 63,000 images in 2023... reflecting upon the sheer number of drives I’ve amassed, full of terabytes of pictures... I’ve decided to make a change and slow down a bit...' Like, if you want to 'slow down,' just do it instead of trying to rationalize it. I have no doubt that this person will end up blasting through rolls of film and won't slow down.

[@johnwaine56]

What a really good guy. This could be a manual for what it is to be a street photographer. His photos are original, impactful and generally awesome! Great work, Paulie. Thank you so much

[@goncalonascimento1]

love the fact that he says "energy" at 26:23 and we hear a voice saying "energy" 2 seconds later.

[@tricityterror]

The mensch of NYC

[@joshywhvick]

grab the popcorn

[@jeez0r]

Daniel says things I can relate to , also holy sh*t his shooting from the hip is insanely skilled

[@MrDastardly]

Love these walkie talkie videos. Never stop producing them as they are so relaxing & fascinating to watch. 👏👏

[@RonvanMiddendorp]

Wonderful. From start to finish, total immersion. Great to listen to Daniel's ramblings. Glad it is not just another video of some know-it-all ego-babbler, telling others how or what to shoot... Nobody knows anything. How true that is...

[@jhvivadelli2214]

“Look at that great kill I got out there today…to put it in hunter-gatherer terms” 😂 this man lives a life of meaningful allegory most people have decidedly abandoned

[@RagsCS]

IVE BEEN WAITING YEARS FOR THIS WALKIE TALKIE AND NEVER THOUGHT ID GET IT OMG

[@ongxa9346]

Nice pictures but this guy talks too much.

[@David-h4z2s]

I have no idea what he's talking about???

[@themframes]

Long admired Arnold's work and his personality and outlook on the craft. I'm 15 mins and loving this.

[@alfredocristinziano]

wow, this guy loves talking ! ;)

[@GastonShutters]

This guy is not only an amazing street photographer but an incredible poet.

[@caleblebourgeois7290]

8:08 Love this. With long term projects failure is inevitable, but also a driving force to get better and succeed. Only 8 minutes into this and I love this. Daniel's perspective on life and photography is very intriguing.

[@wzrdpwrs4426]

Love all your videos, This hands down might be one of my fav walkies without a doubt. I'd fucking love to walk and talk while shooting with Daniel Arnold. That was so enjoyable!

[@italogiardina8183]

There is a sense of being the uncanny observer through the act of caring a camera with the intension of being an extension of the optic nerve as it were that excites the frontal cortex into unusual thoughts of taking a unique perspective without actually telling the self that repeatedly qua frontal cortex monologue.

[@seandavey7085]

How can you not like this dude. Nice philosophy.

[@IceBergs]

Paulie, I want to congratulate you on making the single most important video in modern photo history

[@daryx.langdale]

I appreciated J cut at 46:41, letting the shot rest on Daniel's face while his voice carries on and completes the thought. Thoughtfully edited.

[@stephanegainche8235]

Watching from France, North Bretagne, little country ; i like the philosophie, the story from this man ; good feeling.

[@Emerald_City_]

What an impossibly good documentary... I replayed countless of fragments... will certainly watch it again some time soon.

[@Camjam7000]

Hey Paulie, I don't think I've never commented on a video before but I feel like I need to tell you that you have such a skill for interviewing and questioning. No matter what is said to you, you always manage to ask personal, insightful questions in response. your walkie talkies are phenomenal. well done.

[@huginn2649]

Charlie Chaplin lives

[@arricammarques1955]

Passion & instincts are priceless. Its an evolving personal journey.

[@xity_]

Omg Walkie Talkie

[@eriksellstrom2679]

I’ve been waiting for this one for so long. So glad you made this. 🙏🙌🤘😎🤘

[@amb8405]

I like the photographers like him that in their own way add an almost philosophical aspect to photography.

[@shuttertwix]

“I take pictures because it makes me brave” 💯 riveting and inspirational walkie talkie. Thanks so much Daniel and Paul for the wisdom! 🙏🏽

[@Edlouis564]

Does he really think that he's responsible for "bringing street photography back" LOL, " I see my influence" what disrespect to the lineage of great photographers he's a cheap knockoff of, ya know people were into "street photography" before everyone on Tik tok/KZbin decided you get a film camera, 28mm and just randomly pop off on people walking around and call themselves a street photographer.

[@KGeorge-1]

After 34 minutes of this video, I don't know anymore about this guy, his style or where he's going or what his end game is. (nothing wrong with that) He just rambles, seems to be happy and not concerned about anything. I may have missed his point but I don't give a shit. However, there's something very cool about "no worries" everyday and carrying a camera! Now this video from Paul is the best... L.A.'s most popular street photographer? -- Walkie Talkie w/ Jeremy Paige (around the U.S. ep 7)

[@melvilroucou6126]

Thank you so much !! Next we want to see Cameron Belliveau ;)

[@Dracielia.]

daniel has such a way of communicating his emotions, ideas and thought process that can be both relatable and inspiring. I think anyone can take away something from just this video alone!

[@jeffreyzie]

That shot at 34:16. That man is a magician

[@lilbean_eth]

so effortless

[@mynewcolour]

I thought the same. I rewatched a few times. Did he know what he was taking? I mean …. too good.

[@Oske.images]

Been watching from the beginning.. And this is the best one so far..

[@TinLeadHammer]

Good interview. Garbage image quality. Horrible post-stabilization. Long DOF is ok to see the city, but at least shoot 60p to make it smoother.

[@pcmc8461]

Requesting for Episode 39 part 2.

[@philgelb7726]

Welcome back mate, hope you've recovered well and the families ok after the scare!

[@metalfingersfilm]

gotta be my most anticipated walkie talkie, yet! Keep it up, paulie!!

[@KEHcamera]

Daniel walking us through how he got into film photography was a very interesting and relatable conversation!

[@LR1507]

Didn’t know how much I needed this as I sit burnt out of this ‘sort of corporate creative work’

[@toohundred]

Paulie I have watched this 5 times, this is one of the most profound, engaging and inspiring videos on photography I have ever seen. Daniel Arnold has a way of thinking that I really connect with, and his work backs up every word. This is amazing...THANK YOU for making these videos! "The photographs have so little to do with it." is a powerful sentence.

[@cherryshea579]

Arnold's website is goofy, I love it XD

[@Maxhuertas]

He knows he’s good, he just doesn’t want to admit it.

[@tomclaisse7471]

Been waiting for this one for soooo long. Amazing ! Thank you both

[@andreww5574]

I realized this guy was good once I saw his work, but I also when I saw how few pictures he takes

[@jdstrobist]

👀💥Daniel Arnold! 😎He’s a living 📷 legend! 👍 Welcome back Paulie .B. I love your films, this is no exception. amazing interview thanks for sharing this video and I can’t wait to see what you create next!😎✌️

[@AI-Hallucination]

“Stay lose” fuck Uhm ❤ this c…t is class he is right about frank

[@CRJines]

I love New York!

[@williammilton7428]

High quality and well edits vids - thank you @paulie