He seems like an interesting guy, with a good sense of humor or maybe I just relate to him because we are both British and almost exact contemporaries (I’m about 20 days older than him).

Martin Parr has the enviable job of traveling the world with a camera. He has been commissioned by brands and publishers to create country-specific series. Everywhere he goes he sniffs for “the extraordinary within the ordinary.” It may be a regular man on a beach outing, but who has the American flag for swimming trucks. A cigarette tucked behind an ear can just as easily catch his attention.

“If you have a camera you can justify your presence everywhere,” Parr tells his listeners via video chat. His tone is not matter-of-factly but humorous. He points out that “the quality of our connection” with strangers, objects and places determines the quality of the picture. This requires a reciprocal relationship with subjects. Parr himself sends out prints to people who mail after seeing themselves in one of his books.

A useful tip from Parr: In most countries photographers are free to shoot in public places, except France. Always carry around release forms if you plan to publish photographs of the French in newspapers and magazines.

via An Educational Video Hangout with Martin Parr · Lomography.