"Celebrities provide an escape from the mundane. They are photographed so we can worship them—so they are worthy of our worship." -- David LaChapelle

"A photographic portrait is a picture of someone who knows he is being photographed." -- Richard Avedon

In this episode Antonio and Ward take on the world of celebrity portraiture — from the classic work of masters like Irving Penn, Avedon, and Karsh to modern takes by photographers such as Platon and Tyrell Hampton. Their discussion starts with Oscar Isaac’s recent GQ shoot and spirals into a larger conversation about what it means to photograph fame: whether we’re seeing the real person or a performance crafted for the camera. They weigh how much control the celebrity, the photographer, and the publication each have in shaping these images, and how context — from lighting to location — turns a portrait into a cultural artifact.

The two also reflect on why celebrity portraits endure long after the marketing fades, comparing timeless images like Audrey Hepburn’s portrait by Irving Penn and Platon’s unnerving shot of Vladimir Putin. Along the way, they contrast authenticity and artifice, recalling famous stories behind iconic portraits — from Churchill’s scowl to Meryl Streep’s unretouched close-up.

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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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In this episode, Antonio, Ward, and their guest Dave Szweduik dive into the creative process behind Fujifilm “recipes”—custom in-camera film simulation settings—and what they reveal about each photographer’s way of seeing. Dave shares how he’s been using AI-assisted tools like ChatGPT to generate color and tone profiles inspired by the look of classic film photographers such as Joel Sternfeld. What started as an experiment became a way to simplify his workflow and rediscover his photographic voice. His images—especially a quiet snow-covered church scene—sparked a conversation about warmth, subtlety, and finding cohesion between subject and color, reminding the group how digital tools can still lead to deeply personal results .

The discussion then shifts to Ward’s recent Substack essay, The Journey or the Destination, where he explores how photographers view their own work differently than their audiences do. Ward describes “journey” photos as the images that document exploration and process, while “destination” photos are the finished statements—the ones that feel complete and timeless. Together, the trio reflect on how both types of photos shape a photographer’s evolution, with Antonio connecting the idea to his own recurring sunrise shots and Dave relating it to his spontaneous, project-free approach.

Dave Szweduik's Substack "Noted Nonsense"

Ward’s recent Substack essay, The Journey or the Destination

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Help out the show by buying us a coffee!

Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.

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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.

Ornis Photo Website

The Unusual Collective

Street Shots Facebook Page

Street Shots Instagram

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In this episode, Ward reflects on photographing his nephew’s wedding with a street photographer’s mindset, describing how he avoided traditional posed shots in favor of authentic, in-the-moment captures. His approach, shaped by instinct and observation, gives listeners a look at how street techniques translate into event photography and how spontaneity can lead to stronger visual storytelling.

Antonio shares his experience photographing both the University of Nebraska’s flagline at Memorial Stadium and the Huskers game itself—a whirlwind weekend of early mornings, long hours, and on-field access. He discusses the logistics of working in that environment, from equipment choices and technical challenges to the creative mindset needed to stay sharp under pressure. The conversation explores how returning to structured photography jobs can rekindle that sense of purpose and flow, reminding both hosts why the act of shooting—whether for work or passion—still matters.

Subscribe to our Substack Newsletter

Help out the show by buying us a coffee!

Support the show by purchasing Antonio’s Zines.

Send us a voice message, comment or question.

Show Links:

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

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

The Unusual Collective

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Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music

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