Design Matters with Debbie Millman 20th Anniversary celebration with photographers Catherine Opie, Albert Watson, Pete Souza, Lynn Goldsmith, and Mary Ellen Matthews
6 snips
Nov 17, 2025 
Celebrating 20 years of impactful conversations, Debbie Millman revisits insights from leading photographers. Catherine Opie discusses her work documenting queer communities and the importance of a protective approach to intimacy. Albert Watson shares his evolution in technical mastery and his early revelations with photography. Pete Souza reflects on capturing political life and significant moments with Obama. Mary Ellen Matthews recounts her serendipitous journey to becoming SNL’s chief photographer. Lynn Goldsmith shares her unforgettable experience capturing the Beatles, highlighting iconic details.
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Documenting Your Own Community
- Catherine Opie photographed for lesbian magazines like On Our Backs while embedded in San Francisco's queer neighborhoods.
- She intentionally documented her community from within rather than as an outside voyeur.
Community As A Space For Healing
- Catherine Opie used BDSM community participation to process childhood trauma while keeping details private.
- She emphasizes healing through community without needing public disclosure of personal history.
Use Constraints To Define Your Style
- Catherine Opie created a consistent visual system (yellow backdrop, framing) to conceptually reposition documentary portraiture.
- She used constraints to differentiate her work and avoid direct comparison to Mapplethorpe.
