B&H Photography Podcast

Above Photograph © Donald Pettit, NASA At its best, photography draws from both science and art, to give resulting images a dual purpose—aesthetic innovation and scientific merit. And when that photography happens from the windows of the International Space Station, capturing star trails, city lights, and our blue planet against the void of space, it becomes something truly transcendent. In today's show, we're privileged to chat with NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit, a scientist, inventor, and photographer who has spent nearly two years living, working, and making pictures in orbit. Some fun take aways from our chat include: How photographing in a microgravity environment can turn a traditional group portrait into bodies scattering like bowling pins when the photographer tries to join the shot. The vast perspective when viewing out a window of the ISS—on the order of half a continent—rather than a 50-to-100-kilometer horizon on earth. The stratospheric volume of imagery captured during a mission, and the discerning Lightroom workflow Don uses to retrieve individual photos from his archive at home. The importance of a humble synch cord to connect two cameras and render the "many decades of brightness" on an EV scale as a single HDR image to illustrate the rapid transition from day to night that occurs in orbit. And, finally, how Don has taken the concept of synchronized imagery to a cosmic level by pairing the same phenomena he captures from orbit with a complementary view recorded from earth, in collaboration with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi. As Don explains towards the end of our chat, "I'm a big proponent of the concept of a frontier. My frontier happens to be space, but there are frontiers all around us." He then shares this parting advice: "So just explore the frontiers that present themselves to you, the frontiers that you're motivated to go to. And just open your eyes and collect data, and then record or write about it, because you could make an observation and if you don't somehow share that with others through publications or imagery, it's almost as if it's never been done." Guest: NASA Astronaut Donald Pettit Episode Timeline: 2:06: Donald Pettit's introduction to photography, plus connections between his love of science and his creative vision. 5:51: Don's first space flight in 2002 - 2003, using both film and digital cameras, plus the learning curve on the ground to prepare for photographing in space. 10:36: The success rate when shooting with film and challenges to photographing in orbit. 13:42: From photographing with a barn-door tracker to Don's recent use of an orbital sidereal tracker. 19:07: Advances in digital camera technology, Don's relationship with NASA photo trainers, and challenges to capturing group shots in microgravity. 23:43: Don's most memorable photos from space, the advantages of pro-level camera technology, plus his personal everyday camera—the Nikon Z9. 29:38: Episode Break 30:33: The benefits to fast glass for nighttime images, plus Don's reluctant transition to mirrorless technology. 33:57: Capturing the colors of city lights, plus the spread of cosmic fireflies—commonly known as Starlink satellites 37:54: Changes on Earth that affect a view from space, plus the extra gear list for Don's next flight. 42:10: The volume of images captured during a mission, Don's Lightroom workflow at home, plus taking notes on the ISS for future reference on Earth. 49:32: Don's Antarctic expedition to hunt for meteorites, and the creative potential of a frontier environment. 53:17: Don's project From Above and Below with astrophotographer Babak Tafreshi, plus the unicorns in space he hopes to capture on future missions. 57:52: Parting advice about chasing your dreams—Explore the frontiers that present themselves, open your eyes, record your observations, and share them with others. Guest Bio: Donald Pettit is NASA astronaut and a veteran of four spaceflights, logging more than 590 days in space, primarily on the International Space Station. Currently NASA's oldest active astronaut, Don's missions have focused on scientific research into topics that include microgravity, 3D printing, water purification, and plant growth. He's also known for his remarkable in-space inventions, stunning astrophotography, and engaging educational content that makes space science engaging and fun. A native of Silverton, Oregon, Pettit was selected as an astronaut candidate in 1996. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Oregon State University and a doctorate in the same field from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining NASA, Pettit worked as a staff scientist at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. Stay Connected: Donald Pettit on the NASA Website: https://www.nasa.gov/people/donald-r-pettit/ Donald Pettit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/astro_pettit/ Donald Pettit on X: https://x.com/astro_Pettit Donald Pettit's Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Pettit# Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

One of the most polarizing questions in the mind of any photographer is "Should—or shouldn't I—get an agent?" The role of an agent in a photographer's career is often misunderstood, leading hungry creatives to think that securing representation is their number one key to success. In truth, the relationship between a photographer and agent is far more nuanced than simply booking more assignments. In today's podcast, we take a deep dive into this complex alliance in a discussion with two generations of top agents, whose combined careers span from the film-era to the latest in media buys. Listen in for a behind-the-scenes look at the many details involved, from the four P's Jennifer (JP) Perlmutter looks for in a photographer's work to Michael Ash's skill in editing a portfolio to allow a photographer's individual vision and passion to shine. Our experts also shed light on critical topics such as branding, while making distinctions between a physical and emotional brand. Get fresh insights about standing out in an oversaturated marketplace and the matter of seeing ahead of the curve on trends. As JP notes, "You don't have to hop on the current trend. You don't need to create the new trend. You need to create what's true to you, what's true to your vision, and then know that there are enough people out there—that there is your niche. There are the people who are going to love what you're doing." Guests: Jennifer Perlmutter & Michael Ash Episode Timeline: 3:16: Is there a difference between the terms agent and rep? 4:11: Michael Ash on his start as an agent in late 1970's New York. 7:46: Jennifer Perlmutter talks about her beginnings at the dawn of social media. 12:25: Having a good eye for talent, plus the qualifications and skillsets needed to be a rep. 16:54: Producing as part of an agent's role, plus a peek inside relationships between photographers and a rep. 20:16: Navigating connections between clients, photographers, and reps—plus contracts. 27:34: An agent's role in protecting a photographer's interests, plus their skill in editing and curating the work. 35:46: JP describes the Four P's—what she looks for in a photographer's work. 43:14: Episode Break 44:36: To brand or not to brand, plus distinctions between physical and emotional branding. 47:28: How do you stand out in an oversaturated marketplace and hone a unique vision? 53:29: The current trend for nostalgia and harkening back to the analog world. 57:56: Michael and JP discuss today's advertising marketplace and usage rates. 1:01:08: The matter of taste vs analytics in today's commercial marketplace. 1:04:21: How do you see ahead of the curve or know which trends are worth jumping on? Where do we go from here? 1:11:14: Apostrophe's mentorship program, advice for young creatives, and some thoughts on AI. Guest Bios: Michael Ash is a photographers' agent and creative consultant who began representing photographers in 1979, after failing to get drafted into Major League Baseball. Born in Brownsville, Brooklyn, and raised on the streets of New York, Michael founded and led a successful agency in New York City from 1979 to 2016, focused on guiding the careers of more than 40 photographers from around the globe. He introduced this international talent to the world of commercial photography through representation, creative direction, and mentorship. Michael is an expert in contract negotiation, editorial curation, and client development. Most importantly, he has a lifelong dedication to nurturing artistic vision and unique creativity. Jennifer "JP" Perlmutter is currently a senior photo and motion rep at Apostrophe, with nearly two decades of experience representing and producing for photographers and directors across commercial and editorial realms. A 2006 graduate of Emerson College, where she studied advertising and visual arts, JP fell in love with photography early on and built a career at the intersection of creativity and commerce. She's known for her collaborative approach, sharp production insight, and deep commitment to artist development, especially when it comes to mentoring emerging talent. Possessing a robust skill set that includes artist representation, marketing strategy, photography, print production, social media and more, JP has built meaningful connections between artists, agencies, and brands, helping creatives collaborate authentically and thrive. She's passionate about championing visual storytellers and creating space for new voices in an ever-evolving industry. Stay Connected: Michael Ash on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelash_original/ Michael Ash on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelash2/ Jennifer Perlmutter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnperl/ Jennifer Perlmutter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jperlmutter/ Apostrophe Reps Website: https://apostrophe.is/ Apostrophe Reps on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apostrophereps/ Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Dana Glidden

While its origin is murky, the adage "Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time," is at the heart of this wide-ranging discussion about ethical practices in wildlife photography. From exotic safaris to local birding expeditions, interest in this subject matter has grown tremendously in recent years. Ever advancing camera technologies and increasing ease of use make stunning pictures more accessible than ever, but when these advantages combine with an unbridled enthusiasm for getting the shot, it can often put wildlife at risk. After defining conservation photography as an act that extends beyond image capture to effect a change in the world, we delve into questionable practices that can threaten animal safety and compromise natural behaviors. From avoiding obvious red flags of baiting an animal with food or using audio lures to trigger photogenic results, to more subtle actions of approaching too quickly, getting too close, or staying too long—our guests shed light on alternative methods for ethical behavior in the field. As Melissa states, "You just have to become a part of the landscape and feel yourself within this community of other beings whose voices and whose messages are as filled with meaning as ours are, but we really have yet to tap into it." Guests: Melissa Groo & Bobby Stormer Episode Timeline: 3:56: Defining the term conservation photographer and making a distinction with the term wildlife photographer. 5:25: Melissa's career shift to focus on animal research and her early days photographing wildlife. 12:15: Bobby's expansion from fine art to photography, his shift to photographing animals, plus his passion for local wildlife & animal rescue. 16:49: Bobby's rescue of a fox and her kits, and his work with rehabbers to rehabilitate animals in need. 20:04: The ethics of photographing wildlife, best practices to consider, and mistakes photographers can make that cross ethical lines. 28:59: An increased awareness of wildlife ethics and the importance of sharing best practices in photographing animals to help educate one another. 36:04: Truth in image captioning and the question of sharing detailed location details, plus the distressing truth behind wildlife game farms. 44:42: Episode Break 46:24: The cameras, lenses, and related photo gear Melissa and Bobby pack, plus their camera set-ups. 56:09: Bobby and Melissa talk focusing, aperture, shutter speed, ISO and other considerations for settings. 102:45: Ethical considerations beyond baiting animals and staging wildlife photo-ops at a time when nature and animal photography has gained huge traction. 1:05:57: Concerns related to captive animal photography, plus distinctions between various facilities—from zoos to sanctuaries to animal havens to wildlife game farms. 1:11:08: Wildlife rescue, the path to becoming a licensed animal rehabber, plus discussing the upsurge in interest in wildlife photography during the pandemic. 1:25:45: Advice for anyone seeking to become a professional wildlife or conservation photographer. Guest Bios: Melissa Groo is a photographer, writer, and conservationist dedicated to telling stories of the natural world. As a leading voice and consultant on ethics in wildlife photography, it's her mission to inspire conservation of the animals she's privileged to witness, and the habitat crucial to their survival. A Sony Artisan of Imagery since 2024, Melissa also serves as an Associate Fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers, an advisor to the National Audubon Society, and a contributing editor for Audubon magazine. In 2023, Melissa received the "Jay N. Ding Darling Memorial Award for Wildlife Stewardship Through Art," from The Wildlife Society. In 2017, she received NANPA's Vision Award, in recognition of early career excellence, vision and inspiration to others in nature photography, conservation, and education. Her award-winning fine art prints are widely exhibited and featured in both personal and corporate collections. Additionally, Melissa has served as a juror for numerous competitions—from the Audubon Photography Awards to Wildlife Photographer of the Year and beyond. As an ambassador for Project Coyote, Melissa is equally invested in the importance of carnivores in our landscapes, continually advocating for co-existence with, and appreciation of, these animals.. She also serves on the Advisory Council for Wyoming Untrapped, the Board of Directors for The Little Egg Foundation, and as a volunteer photographer at the Cornell Wildlife Hospital, near her home in Ithaca, New York. Bobby Stormer first picked up a camera in 2010, transitioning from traditional art to photography as a new creative outlet. Born and raised just outside New York City, his early work focused on urban exploration and automotive shoots, but everything changed six years ago when he took a deep dive into wildlife photography. Shaped by both cityscapes and suburban ecosystems, Bobby developed a unique approach to capturing local wildlife, from foxes and owls to black bears, often within minutes of home. His mission is to show others the beauty hidden in their own backyards and foster a sense of coexistence with the wild. But what truly sets Bobby apart is his hands-on commitment to animal welfare. Apart from the image making, he's helped rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of animals. For Bobby, the photo is just a keepsake, his real reward is the moment itself, while letting empathy and respect guide his every frame. Stay Connected: Melissa Groo Website: https://www.melissagroo.com/ Melissa Groo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissagroo/ Melissa Groo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melissa.groo Melissa Groo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-groo-23252324/ Melissa Groo Linktree: https://linktr.ee/melgroo Bobby Stormer Website: https://robertstormer.smugmug.com/ Bobby Stormer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.stormer/ Bobby Stormer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobby.stormer/ Bobby Stormer Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobby_stormer32/ National Audubon Guide to Ethical Bird Photography: https://www.audubon.org/photography/awards/audubons-guide-ethical-bird-photography-and-videography Melissa's Rolling Stone article on Game Farms: https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-features/photography-game-farms-exploiting-wild-animals-1235002275/ B&H Explora article on the Ethics of Wildlife Photography: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/the-ethics-of-wildlife-photography Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

Brandon Stanton, photographer and storyteller behind Humans of New York, turned street portraits into a practice of deep human connection. He talks about stopping strangers to create intimacy, the art of active listening, handling rejection, and how struggle reveals unique stories. He also shares how his work evolved into large public projects like the Dear New York installation.

CJ Wolfe, Philadelphia photographer and entrepreneur who built Immortal Vision Studio, an agency, and a nonprofit for youth. He talks about learning on the fly with his first camera. He explains how athletics shaped his grit and the 10,000-hour mindset. He shares the challenges of starting a local rental studio and plans to expand to other cities.

Paul Mobley and Ian Spanier have much in common: from starting their respective careers in New York City before relocating to the West Coast, to their knack for forging a human bond with portrait subjects, to an unrelenting drive to generate ambitious commercial assignments while being equally dedicated to complex personal projects. In today's podcast, Paul and Ian compare notes on their photographic journeys from coast to coast, while discussing their shared inspiration for 20th century portrait masters such as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and in Ian's case, Harry Benson. A few of the key points covered: Secrets to becoming invaluable as a photo assistant; how no one can ever out hustle a New York photographer; and while great gear is important for reliability, what's more essential is to engage with your subject and shoot for feeling And, when it comes to surviving as an artist amid the latest media challenges, Paul adds a heartening note to the end of our chat: "You know, if we go back to what we started talking about: these pictures are made with our hearts and our minds, AI can never replace that. And if people want to hire us, they really want to know what's inside of us, so for that reason alone, I'm not worried." Guests: Paul Mobley & Ian Spanier Episode Timeline: 3:50: Paul's decision to move from Detroit to New York City after college and his early years as a photo assistant. 7:44: Ian's early photo journey through high school, college, and working as a photo editor in the publishing industry. 10:28: The influence of 20th century master portraitists such as Irving Penn, Richard Avedon, and Harry Benson. 15:28: Comparing the photo industry vibes of New York and Los Angeles. 22:11: The business of being a professional photographer: 10% taking pictures, 90% putting out fires and taking care of business. 28:40: The importance of gear in developing a style—equipment is secondary to what comes out of your heart, your mind, and your eye. 36:44: Episode Break 37:20: Preparation for a portrait shoot, getting the keywords for what a client needs and getting in front of a portrait subject. 43:32: Top challenge—Getting around the gatekeepers to get time with your subject. 49:35: The famous subjects at the top of Paul and Ian's bucket lists. 56:11: Personal projects and what this work lends to Paul and Ian's output. 1:01:44: Staying relevant in today's commercial marketplace, the value of past work, and the influence of hybrid media to getting new jobs. 1:06:38: The question of generative AI in today's creative economy—it's all about adapting, but AI can never replace what's in our hearts and our minds. Guest Bios: Paul Mobley is the quintessential portrait photographer, with a career that bridges high-profile commercial work and deeply human documentary projects. After formal photo training in college and years assisting top image-makers, he developed a clean, direct style rooted in precision and genuine engagement with his subjects. Paul's commercial portfolio includes celebrities, athletes, and major brands, yet his approach remains consistent across both commercial and personal projects: Build trust, find authenticity, and create portraits that capture the soul of his subjects by combining technical clarity with emotional depth. Additionally, he is widely recognized for his long-form documentary books, projects that have taken him across the United States to photograph ordinary people—farmers, centenarians, firefighters, and community heroes—whose stories often go unseen. Paul splits his time between New York and Los Angeles, where he lives with his wife, Suzanne, and their rescued shar-pei, Jessie. In his spare time, he loves traveling, especially to Mexico, sampling tequila; and visiting Michigan to eat his mother's Italian cooking. In March 2026, Paul will be the first photographer ever to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate degree by his alma mater, The College of Creative Studies in Detroit. Website: https://www.paulmobleystudio.com/ Ian Spanier began making photos at age six, with a point-and-shoot camera received from his parents. A photo major in college, he started out in publishing, where he worked as a photo editor for 13 years, but making pictures never left him. He taught himself to shoot with medium and large formats, in addition to learning lighting techniques. These methods did the trick because Ian has since established a long and distinguished client list within editorial, corporate and entertainment industries. He has also published several books, including Playboy, A Guide to Cigars, Arturo Fuente: From 1912, Local Heroes: America's Volunteer Fire Fighters and, most recently, Cigars: A Biography, featuring nearly two decades of his work in the cigar industry. Ian is a brand ambassador for Westcott Lighting, Spider Holster, Tether Tools, ThinkTank, Evoto AI, and several other brands. Additionally, he regularly lectures and creates video content for Canon, B&H Photo, and PP of A. Previously a New York resident, Ian now lives with his family in sunny California, although his work still takes him around the world. Website: https://www.ianspanier.com/ Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

In case you didn't already know, 2025 marks 10 years since we started the B&H Photography Podcast, making today's show our tenth annual Photo Gear of the Year episode! A lot of cameras have come down the pike since that first recap, along with a veritable roller coaster of marketing strategies and photographic trends. To follow up on a trend discussed last year, we start out with a nod to point-and-shoots, a craze that, according to Kevin, has "become fever pitch." To expand on this theme, we look back in time to when digital point-and-shoots were losing ground to the ubiquitous camera phone, leading to Mike's theory that the current digicam trend is "real nostalgia for mid-aughts frivolity." We also point to a multi-tiered strategy among manufacturers, allowing them to cater to different user bases—from vloggers to professionals to hybrid shooters to the all-important enthusiast market. This lighthearted banter leads into our main course, focused on new releases from Canon, FUJIFILM, Godox, Hasselblad, Leica, Nikon, OM SYSTEM, Panasonic, Peak Design, Ricoh Pentax, Sigma, and Sony. Finally, in addition to predictions for 2026, we wrap things up with Kevin's picks for travel-friendly photo accessories to catch his eye this year. Stay to the end to learn about Peak Design's latest travel bags and tripods, plus the innovative modular design behind a new flash system from Godox. Guest: Kevin Rickert Episode Timeline 2:50: Kevin looks back at recent camera trends, and identifies separate tiers for vlogging, high resolution cameras, hybrid cameras, and the nostalgia for old point & shoots. 9:11: Canon releases: R50 V, R6 Mark III, Powershot V1… plus a nod to the older G7 X Mark III 18:00: FUJIFILM releases: X-half digital camera, X-E5, X-T30 III, GFX100RF, Instax Wide EVO 33:10: Hasselblad release: X2D II 100C 37:37: Leica releases: M EV1, Q3 Monochrome, SL3-S, SL3 Reporter 43:30: Episode break 43:52: Nikon releases: ZR 6K, Z5 II, and a Z6 III firmware update 54:22: OM SYSTEMS releases: OM-3, OM-5 MK II 57:38: Panasonic releases: S1R II, S1 II, S1 IIE 1:02:48: Ricoh release: GR IV 1:05:40: Sigma release: BF Mirrorless 1:09:48: Sony releases: RX1R III, FX3A, FX2, a7 V 1:23:50: Kevin's recommendation for a better editing workflow when travelling with an Apple iPad Pro 1:26:06: Peak Design releases: Roller Pro Carry-On & Pro Carbon Fiber Tripods with Ball Head 1:28:45: Godox release: iT-32 TTL Mini Flash system 1:30:12: Revisiting the current point and-shoot craze and the digicam look 1:34:52: Kevin's upcoming travel plans, and thinking ahead for the total eclipse in mid-August 2026 1:39:00: Kevin, Derek, and Mike share their predictions for 2026 Guest Bio: Kevin Rickert is B&H Photo's Senior Sales Trainer for Photography and Lighting. It's Kevin's job to keep in touch with camera and lens manufacturers and get details about all the latest releases and updates. His role is to make sure the world-renowned B&H staff has all the information to answer your who, what, why, and other questions that you may ask, so they can satisfy all your wants and needs. Born and raised in New York, Kevin is an intrepid street photographer, an avid traveler, and a baseball fan with 23 years in electronic retail, the last 11 of which have been spent as a sales trainer at B&H. Stay Connected: B&H Photo Video Website: https://www.bhphotovideo.com B&H Photography Podcast landing page: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts B&H Photography Podcast on B&H Photo's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BandH/podcasts B&H Photo Video Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhphoto B&H Photo Video Twitter: https://twitter.com/bhphoto Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

Chelsea Mayer, a wildlife and adventure photographer with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions, shares her unique career journey. She recounts her early love for photography and a pivotal whale-watching trip that opened her eyes to ocean photography as a profession. Chelsea emphasizes the importance of mentorship, especially through Girls Who Click, and offers insightful advice on overcoming fears and navigating a male-dominated field. With plans to teach in Antarctica and expand her art, she inspires aspiring photographers to become undeniably qualified.

Join Deanna as she welcomes professional side-quester, storyteller, and video editor, Mylene Mae (@mylenesmind). Mylene shares her personal journey, including how she pivoted from working in STEM and got started in video, as well as her learning process and the struggles of digesting long-form content. They discuss the importance betting on yourself, staying curious, and forgetting the metrics and finding the fun in content creation. Credits: Host & Creative Producer: Deanna Testa Creative Producer: Elena Maidebura Creative Editor: Larissa Mattei Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens

Photographs preserve what daily life cannot—moments that would otherwise fade into obscurity. In today's show, we explore this topic through a nexus of American culture, popular folklore, and photographic archives in a chat with Alan Govenar and Adam Forgash, two photographers and visual historians who are passionate about unearthing and preserving forgotten stories. Coming from different backgrounds, Alan's formal training and experience with the non-profit Documentary Arts complements Adam's hands-on skills hunting for treasures and selling vintage photographica at New York's Chelsea Flea Market. A few of the points they discuss include: the central role of the community photographer in twentieth-century life, the cultural significance of Route 66 as a favored connection point, the painstaking process of resurrecting century-old portraits from damaged glass plates, and much more. As Adam notes about these rescued portraits now titled "Faces of the Mother Road," "I've had these kinds of collections over the last 30 years and kind of let them go, but this one, I knew there was something special about it. So, as soon as I realized what I was looking at, I stopped. I put it in climate control storage. I got archival paper to put it in. I started a numbering system. "It feels pretty good," he adds, "to get more serious about my craft, realizing that I am a photo historian, even though I don't have a degree." Guests: Alan Govenar & Adam Forgash Episode Timeline: 3:07: Alan Govenar's early connections to photography and his introduction to Stoney, the hunchbacked tattoo artist who jumpstarted his photo career. 8:33: The role various media has played in Alan's work as an interdisciplinary artist and how changes to media has influenced his storytelling. 11:37: Adam Forgash describes New York's Chelsea Flea Market and the treasure trove of 8,000 glass negatives he discovered there. 16:18: A peek into the Texas African American Photography Archive, and the era of the community photographer. 22:02: Storytelling within a historical context and a photographer's accountability in reverse engineering a story from vestiges of the past. 27:01: Adam's accidental discovery of a second half to SJ Tyler's archive and tracking down information about the photographer. 30:49: Connecting the story of SJ Tyler's portrait studio to an exhibit celebrating the centennial of Route 66. 32:28: Episode Break 33:47: Making distinctions between Alan's formal education in folklore and Adam's schooling at the hands of New York's Chelsea flea market crowd. 40:23: Adam's approach to beginning this project, and how SJ Tyler's collection differed from past archives he's worked on. 42:52: Connections between Tyler's photographs and the significance of travel on Route 66, plus Adam's relationship to Tulsa. 44:26: Placing photographic stories in a wider historical context and their connection to the communities being served. 49:54: Funding and sponsorship for large photographic projects and the benefits to working with a registered non-profit as a pass-through organization. Guest Bios: Alan Govenar is an acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, writer and folklorist. A 2010 Guggenheim Fellow and the author of more than 40 books, Alan is also founder and president of the organization Documentary Arts, which he created to spotlight marginalized voices and cultures, through projects such as the Texas African American Photography Archive. As a filmmaker, Alan has produced and directed documentaries in association with NOVA, ARTE, and PBS. And as a playwright, he has written and produced musicals that have been performed from New York City to major venues across Europe. This year marks some major milestones in Alan's career, with a photography retrospective at the Center for Photography at Woodstock, a new documentary film premiering at New York's Cinema Village, and the publication of three new books, including Kinship & Community, released by Aperture. Adam Forgash is a photographer, filmmaker, photo history specialist, and proud former Oklahoman. In 2023, while foraging for visual treasures at New York's famed Chelsea Flea Market, Adam happened upon the archive of the undiscovered portrait photographer Sidney J Tyler. From 1913 to 1943, Tyler operated a photo studio in Afton, Oklahoma, making portraits of everyday subjects as they passed through the region, during a break in their travels along Route 66, otherwise known as the "Mother Road". This once-lost visual history of northeast Oklahoma features working-class people of all races and communities, including the famed Tuskegee airmen. After two years of intensive research into Tyler's archive, Adam's project, now titled Faces of the Mother Road: The Lost Portraits of S.J. Tyler - A Route 66 Story, is poised to make a lasting impact on Oklahoma's visual and historical narrative, just in time for the centennial of Route 66 in 2026. Stay Connected: Alan Govenar Documentary Arts Website: https://www.docarts.com/ Adam Forgash Website: https://adamforgash.com/ Adam Forgash Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adamforgash/ Credits: Host: Derek Fahsbender Senior Creative Producer: Jill Waterman Senior Technical Producer: Mike Weinstein Executive Producer: Richard Stevens