"Sometimes the simplest pictures are the hardest to get."

– Neil Leifer

“I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.”

– Diane Arbus

In this episode, Antonio talks about getting ready for his upcoming six-week class, The Narrative Lens, at Southeast Community College. That leads to a discussion about teaching photography, helping new photographers build confidence, and why so many photographers feel pressure to chase “hero photographs” instead of paying attention to the ordinary subjects that are already around them. Antonio and Ward also discuss the value of constraints, personal projects, and finding meaningful photographs close to home.

The conversation moves to gear, including some new USB-C rechargeable batteries Antonio has been using with his Fujifilm cameras. They also talk about collecting photographic prints after Antonio finally opens a signed Gregory Crewdson print that had been sitting unopened in its box for far too long. That leads to a discussion about living with photographs, hanging prints on the wall, and the different ways photographers connect with the work of artists they admire.

The second half of the show focuses on Ward’s recent trip to the Hand Hills Lake Stampede rodeo. Returning to an event he photographed ten years ago, Ward set out to make something different from the traditional rodeo photographs he had made in the past. Instead of concentrating on the obvious action, he focused on color, movement, gesture, and smaller details within the scene. The result was a series of photographs that received a strong reaction from other photographers and online audiences. Antonio and Ward spend some time discussing one particular image and why it works. The conversation looks at shape, color, rhythm, timing, and composition, along with some of the practical challenges of photographing fast-moving events. Ward shares his approach to photographing the rodeo, while Antonio breaks down some of the visual elements that make the photograph successful.

The Narrative Lens — Antonio’s six-week photography course at Southeast Community College
Ward’s Rodeo Print — Featured image from this episode (link when available)
Big Boy Locomotive Photograph — Antonio’s train image discussed during the show
Edward Weston (60th Anniversary Edition) — The book Antonio has been reading and plans to discuss in a future episode
SMALLRIG Fujifilm NP-W126S USB-C Battery
SMALLRIG Fujifilm NP-W235 USB-C Battery

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Show Links:

Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook page

Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook page.

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