Stepping out onto the high streets with a camera and a simple question What makes you feel alive? began as a personal challenge to spark genuine human connection. Over time, it has grown into a profound documentary journey capturing the heart and soul of our local communities.
I’m Abdullah Chakmakchi (known to many as Abz), the street photographer and creator behind What Makes You Alive, and this month marks a massive milestone for the project: landing the front cover of One Magazine (Issue 196, June 2026)!
Alongside the cover feature, the magazine ran an in-depth "15 Minutes..." interview, exploring the philosophy behind the lens, how trust is built in a 30-second street encounter, and the incredible evolution of documenting independent business owners and everyday faces across Exeter, Plymouth, and beyond.
"I realised the only thing standing between me and a powerful story was the courage to ask."
From collaborating with local organisations like InExeter to spotlighting grassroots creatives, seeing the project in print serves as an incredible reminder of why human stories matter. Thank you to the team at One Magazine for the feature and for championing independent street documentary work.
Be sure to check out the full online spread and interview over at One Magazine.
