"Just go out and do the work, even if you're not sure where it's going. Get up and do some work, any work, and something may come of it. Make something and react to what you've made in order to find a path." - Harry Callahan.

Thanks for looking.

I wonder about everyone that I photograph, what are they thinking at the moment, what is going on in their life, what are they really like. Photographs are such abstractions of real life, both true and false at the same time and so limited in the scope of what can be captured, yet limitless in how it stimulates our imagination. Indeed, photography is a rich medium.

This is my stream of consciousness site where I put up works in progress and the occaisional random images. The edits are loose and the selections are far from final. My regular site gets all of the completed projects.

The give and take of comments is enlightening and informative, and I will say, somewhat addictive.

Just an FYI, what I shoot here is just what I shoot for my own edification. I've been shooting professionally for 30 years, and now all of my client work is digital. I may post some of that from time to time.

By the way, I have 3 Blurb books available: Coney Island Summer 2007, Times Square Gym, and Street Stories. You can view, and order if you are so inclined here: www.blurb.com/user/store/mikepeters

In addition to this site, I have another flickr account for my paying work here: www.flickr.com/photos/26299823@N04/

And this is the web site of my day job where I provide the visuals for everything: www.montclair.edu/

Have fun!

-One other thing, I appreciate invites to groups, but please, no flashing, pulsating, screaming icon thingy's, it drives me nuts. Thanks.

Photos of mikepetersphotography (4)

  • Mike Peters by undertheturnpike
  • Looking for a model)) by shirley_turner
  • Annual Coney Island Polar Bear Swim 16 by ifotog, Queen of Manhattan Street Photography
  • Mike and Dennis. by Faux Sure
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mikepetersphotography's favorite photos from other Flickr members (1,764)

  • Back Again by Jim Blob Blann
  • 120304-181148 by MikeSebPhoto
  • 120304-210236 by MikeSebPhoto
  • 120304-174224 by MikeSebPhoto
  • lift by e l e c t r o l i t e
  • by krameroneill
  • IMG_0730 by locaburg
  • 483 by locaburg
  • "Bitch Slapped" 2011 by URBAN PHOTOS
  • ind-3089.jpg by Ed Peters 286
  • "No Alcoholic Beverages Allowed" #2. U.S. Route 90, Marathon, TX 79842 by Terrorkitten
  • It's A Cold World by Travis Jensen SF
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Testimonials (17)

  • view profile

    surrealist ideal says:

    ":) I see a complicated picture rather than a superficial one. I see that you have a lot of compassion to the people you photograph. you see them, not just look. you observe, and therefore manage to capture more than just what is seen on the surface. America is full with stereotypes, prejudice, preconceived judgment and opinions. looking at your stream it feels that you are able to transcend it all. allowing your viewers to sense the distinct human being, and enjoy a more complex perspective. therefore.... a fresh one.

    in other words... you have the ability to open the eyes of those which closed them long ago."

    2nd March, 2011

  • view profile

    notraces says:

    "Total inspiration. That's what Mike's imagery means to me."

    23rd December, 2010

  • view profile

    michael cinque says:

    "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Mike, your work is a powerful look at America today - while many of the subjects of your pictures are longing for an America that no longer exists. You are a caring, compassionate, patriotic artist who has the ability to create very personal and intimate pictures in public spaces - while simultaneously noting political, economic, and social issues that are affecting the people you photograph. I look forward to seeing your work for many years to come."

    21st November, 2010

  • view profile

    nosdy / Pierre Belhassen says:

    "Mike is someone which can easily makes a great picture, he knows how to frame, using colors as their best but much more than that he has this incredible feeling for making a real and deep "connection" with the people he shoots.
    That's why I can say he's a unique photographer.
    Thank you Mike."

    26th October, 2010

  • view profile

    Sergey Bobovich says:

    "I visit very often New Jersey and New York. I love Kearny and Coney Island with their simple, beautiful people. These people seem to have something very original, something very sad and happy; they are so real from a real life, truly depicted by a wonderful photographer. And during every journey I find something new, something very special about all these people and places.
    When I ever go to USA in reality, these places will be the first I visit. And I hope to meet a photographer there, a special one, a great one – Mike Peters… Thanks a lot for such beautiful Photos."

    10th September, 2010

  • view profile

    Raymond Kehrberger says:

    "Many other portraits consist of facial expression, crinkles and some props. When you look at them, you often think to yourself that something is missing. The images of mike reveal personality and a story - that is, in short, the substance of them.
    In some way, when looking at them, one can even comprehend the old dread of being photographed, for fear of being robbed of one´s soul."

    2nd December, 2009

  • view profile

    Stewart Capper says:

    "You my man, are a great photographer. Your images hold great form, Adams describes form as "beautey", and that definatley shows the strengths within your work, Im glad to see that use a hasselblad too :)

    Some feedback on my set would be greatly appreciated.

    Stew"

    23rd November, 2009

  • view profile

    moriza says:

    "Mike's stream is where I come to learn about street photography. Where I come to study timing, composition and focus. Where I secretly come for advice on the grace of taking picture of strangers. Thanks Mike!"

    14th September, 2009

  • view profile

    chuckp says:

    "It isn't just that Mike wields his Hasselblad with the swiftness and accuracy you'd expect with a much lighter, smaller machine. It's that in picture after picture there's an incredible empathy with his subjects whether its a portrait or a Winogrand-in-a-square street candid. It's as if everyone in these pictures is a friend of his, even when they're a little bit, uh, different. I don't know what he's got, but I wouldn't mind having a little of it."

    17th May, 2009

  • view profile

    pintodosouto says:

    "One of the greatest galleries on Flickr."

    13th April, 2009

  • view profile

    paul beefs says:

    "everytime i casually drop into his stream i feel astonished.
    his sets are just fanstastic.
    real documenting photography."

    31st October, 2008

  • view profile

    Willem Wernsen-Photo says:

    "You are very good my compliment"

    28th July, 2008

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    david_fisher says:

    "I can say that Mike is my favorite alltime photographer on Flickr. I simply love his work, his series, his medium format equipment and his sense for framing and capturing instants, people and places.

    I wish I will have the ability, skills, and time to make such interesting work with my medium format equipment.

    Hats off, Sir."

    21st December, 2007

  • view profile

    Rossella, Italy says:

    "Mike's photos are sensitive, vibrant and rich of details.
    His pics are inspiration for me, I consider him a maestro.
    Every Mike's pictures tell us stories and memories.
    I like his vision of the world and I am always amazed when I see his new pics.
    I suggest you to visit his stunning website:
    www.mikepeters.com and begin to dream!"

    14th December, 2007

  • view profile

    i didn't mean to go to Stoke says:

    "Mike's street photographs attain an iconic status by being deeply heartfelt, touching and masterly exercises in technique, he has the insane ability to be in the right place at the right time, the Coney island set are some of the best i have ever seen. His portraits have a warmth and humanity, a major talent."

    3rd November, 2007

  • view profile

    David Axelbank says:

    "I've just discovered Mike Peters and I am huge fan! His skill is capturing people with sensivity - observing nuisances of the scene and subtle emotions, while maintaining a highly aesthetic approach is what immediately struck me. Not to mention his great technical skill with a camera and a scanner. There are too many favourites to choose from!"

    6th September, 2007

  • view profile

    rustman says:

    "Even a quick pass through Mike’s Flickr stream will reveal his unique ability to catch you and I doing the usual things we do, but in a way that begs a story to be told. Not just snapshots, glimpses. Candid or posed, his portraits are thoughtful and well composed. For me the most remarkable thing about Mike’s work is that he’s using medium format cameras. Anyone who has tried to shoot street with a Rollei or a Hassie will know that this is no easy feat. Treat yourself to a leisurely stroll through this gifted individual’s photostream."

    10th December, 2006

Name:
Mike Peters
Joined:
January 2006
Currently:
NJ, USA
I am:
Male and Taken
Occupation:
Photographer
Website:
http://www.mikepeters.com