"Life is not significant details, illuminated by a flash, fixed forever. Photographs are." - Susan Sontag

"I am forever chasing light. Light turns the ordinary into the magical." - Trent Parke

In this episode, Antonio talks about visiting the Cass County Fair in Nebraska, using the trip as a chance to explore how he wants to approach photography in his new environment. Surrounded by the mix of people, animals, and small-town fair details, he leaned into shooting with his often-neglected Fuji X-Pro3 and a wide 16mm lens, embracing the different perspective it offered. The outing became less about documenting the event in a straightforward way and more about experimenting with composition, perspective, and mood to see how his work might evolve outside of Brooklyn.

Both he and Ward recently picked up compact Godox iT30 Pro flashes with the intention of using them for street photography, but once out shooting, each decided against firing them. That hesitation becomes the starting point for a deeper discussion on flash photography. They trace its evolution from the early days of magnesium powder and flashbulbs, through the era of Polaroid flashcubes, to the development of strobes and today’s TTL units. The conversation touches on photographers who made notable use of flash, including Jessie Tarbox Beals, O. Winston Link, Philippe Halsman, and Bruce Davidson, exploring how each applied it to their work. Alongside the historical overview, Antonio and Ward get into the technical differences between older and modern flash systems, the practical challenges of using flash in the field, and how light-shaping tools and timing have played a role in iconic images.

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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 a good or successful color photograph, the picture's definition or meaning will somehow arise through the use of color”

"Photographs have always been convincing lies." -- Joel Sternfeld

In this episode, Ward shares stories from his recent road trip to Saskatchewan, including a visit to a hometown dirt track race—a nostalgic return since his last visit in 1978. The conversation turns toward grassroots motorsports, photography at the races, and how families get deeply involved, even with kids racing $40,000 modified cars. Antonio reflects on settling into life in Nebraska, exploring his surroundings, and using the Fuji X-Half camera as a spontaneous photo companion. He shares how the small, JPEG-only camera has helped him rediscover simple photographic joy, especially during a recent photo class with teens.

The heart of the episode focuses on photographer Joel Sternfeld. Antonio and Ward explore Sternfeld’s thoughtful approach to color, how his emotional state influenced his editing choices, and the meticulous process behind his transition from 35mm to large-format 8x10 photography. They dig into Nags Head, his lesser-known 1975 series that unexpectedly triggered vivid memories for Antonio from his childhood summers in Provincetown, MA—despite being shot in North Carolina. The conversation also covers American Prospects, Sternfeld’s iconic work that blends subdued color palettes with a reflective look at American culture. Ward reflects on how Sternfeld’s careful use of color theory and restrained composition creates a sense of presence and emotional clarity rarely found in contemporary work.

YouTube - Joel Sternfeld and Geoffrey Batchen

YouTube - ARTIST TALKS - JOEL STERNFELD - PARIS PHOTO 2019

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

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In this episode, Antonio and Ward talk about the challenge of photographing in new places. Antonio’s just moved to Lincoln, Nebraska and is still unpacking boxes, figuring out where to store his gear, and trying to spot what’s interesting to shoot in a much quieter environment than New York. He shares how different it feels to look for subjects like grain elevators, small-town architecture, or even backyard birds, and mentions playing around with his Fuji X-Half and a little drone to stay inspired. He also talks about noticing the slower pace of life, meeting friendly neighbors, and thinking about how he might approach more deliberate projects like set-up portraits in a community where people seem more open.

Ward describes his recent nights photographing the Calgary Stampede, explaining how he focuses on close-up, expressive portraits and uses different cameras to stay low-key in crowds. He talks about the energy of the event, shooting into the night with carnival lights, and building a long-term series he can add to each year. They talk about the tension between shooting things that have been done before and bringing your own perspective. Ward encourages just picking something and getting started, and they discuss ideas like making connections through local coffee shops, setting up portrait sessions, and simply finding a way to feel at home with the camera in a new environment.

Photo Gallery: https://adobe.ly/4kGspYf

Recent Substack Articles:

From the F Train to Farmland - Part 1

From F-Train to Farmland - Part 2

Point of Departure: Japan

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.

Ornis Photo Website

The Unusual Collective

Street Shots Facebook Page

Street Shots Instagram

Subscribe to us on:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music

iHeart Radio