455: Mark Schumann - Capturing Homelessness with Humanity

In this episode of "F-Stop Collaborate and Listen," host Matt Payne sits down with photographer Mark Schumann to discuss his powerful multiyear documentary project capturing homelessness across America. Mark Schumann shares his journey photographing and interviewing hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness in over 70 cities, focusing on portraying them with dignity, humanity, and nuance rather than stereotypes. The conversation explores the complexities and misconceptions of homelessness, the ethical challenges of documentary work, the importance of personal connection in portraiture, and Mark Schumann's choice to shoot the project entirely on film for its historical resonance. The episode also offers reflections on the broader impact of storytelling in photography and advice for other photographers interested in meaningful long-term projects. If you're interested in the intersection of ethics, empathy, and visual storytelling, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources and Links Discussed

1. Mark Schumann's Website
2. Robert Turner
3. Dorothea Lange's book - Grab a Hunk of Lightning
4. Nathan Benn's book - Florida: A Peculiar Paradise
5. Arthur Meyerson's book - The Color of Light
6. Support this podcast on Patreon