Bryan Schutmaat, a celebrated photographer from Houston, Texas, has gained acclaim for his stunning depictions of America's deserts, featured in top publications like the New York Times and National Geographic. He shares insights about his new book, 'Sons of the Living,' created over ten years. The conversation delves into the emotional connections in photography, the meticulous planning behind projects, and the art of engaging with subjects during portrait sessions. Schutmaat also reflects on the balance between solitude and community in his creative journey.
Bryan Schutmaat's decade-long project 'Sons of the Living' intricately explores the human experience through intimate portraits and expansive desert landscapes.
His choice of the 4x5 film camera significantly enhances the quality and emotional depth of his photographs, capturing unique textures and tones.
By balancing commercial and fine art photography, Schutmaat illustrates the importance of community relationships while ensuring financial sustainability in his artistic career.
Deep dives
Introduction to Brian Scootmott's Work
Brian Scootmott is a prominent photographer who recently published a book titled 'Sons of the Living,' featuring a decade-long project exploring the American deserts and small towns in the Southwest. His approach to photography, primarily using a 4x5 film view camera, emphasizes strong portraiture and captivating landscapes. Throughout his career, Scootmott has gained recognition as a Guggenheim fellow and has been published in esteemed outlets such as National Geographic and The New York Times. His artistic style is characterized by a pure, artistic vision that resonates with both his subjects and the vast environments he captures.
The Creative Journey Behind 'Sons of the Living'
The creation of 'Sons of the Living' spanned several years, with Scootmott beginning the project in 2014 and concluding it in 2023. This lengthy timeline allowed him to develop a rich body of work, comprising only a few shooting weeks each year amidst other projects. He strategically withheld a significant number of images to ensure that the release of the book would present fresh perspectives to his audience. By reflecting on his experiences and emotions over the years, Scootmott created a coherent narrative that captures the grandeur of the Southwest landscape as well as the intimate human connections found within it.
Capturing Human Stories Through Portraits
A central theme in Scootmott's work is the interaction and connection with the people he photographs, often hitchhikers and drifters. He emphasizes kindness and honesty in his approach, creating a comfortable environment that encourages genuine interactions. The portraits evoke storytelling elements, allowing viewers to reflect on the complex relationship between individuals and their surroundings. Scootmott believes that depicting vulnerability and sorrow in photography holds significant narrative value, showcasing the multifaceted human experience.
The Role of Technical Choices in Artistic Expression
Scootmott's choice to work primarily with a 4x5 film camera reflects his commitment to creating high-quality images with distinct optical qualities. He appreciates the aesthetic integrity that film provides, particularly in capturing human skin tones and dynamic landscapes. Despite the advantages of digital photography, he believes that film can produce results that digital sensors currently cannot match. The process of shooting on film not only influences the final images but also contributes to the personal connection he cultivates with subjects during sessions.
Navigating the Commercial and Fine Art Photography Worlds
Scootmott expertly balances commercial and fine art photography, recognizing the value of both in his career. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships within the photography community while also acknowledging the necessity of commercial work for financial stability. By participating in editorial assignments, he gains unique experiences and insights that inform his artistic practice. This duality allows him to maintain authenticity in his art while also thriving in the competitive photography landscape.
On today's podcast I welcome on photographer Bryan Schutmaat. Bryan is a photographer from Houston,Texas and just recently published his new book titled "Sons of the Living" a body of work that spans over 10 years photographing the people and landscape of Americas Deserts. Bryan has been published by the New York Times, The Atlantic, National Geographic , and has exhibited his work in galleries around the world.
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Bryan's Work
www.bryanschutmaat.co
IG - @bryanschutmaat
Trespasser Books
www.trespasser.co
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