

Bryan Schutmaat
Feb 18, 2025
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.
01:19:26
The White Whale
- Alex Gagne introduces Bryan Schutmaat as a photographer he's been wanting to interview.
- Gagne humorously describes their interaction as a 'white whale', four years in the making.
Ethical Considerations
- Bryan Schutmaat discusses photographing hitchhikers and drifters.
- He addresses potential ethical concerns of showcasing people in hard times, emphasizing kindness and honesty.
Photo Book Editing
- Edit photo books intuitively, focusing on pictures that complement each other.
- Consider how images "rhyme" or fit together like puzzle pieces, both in content and form.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Reflections on Friendship and Photography
03:01 • 17min
The Art of Engagement in Portrait Photography
19:50 • 4min
Capturing Landscapes: Long Exposure and Human Presence
24:13 • 6min
Navigating the Artistic Journey
30:03 • 14min
Navigating the Art of Self-Publishing
44:03 • 7min
The Power of Connection in Photography
50:50 • 19min
Exploring Photography and Collaborations in Film
01:09:59 • 2min
Capturing Chaos: A Photographer's Journey on Set
01:11:36 • 6min
Reflections on an Engaging Interview and Audience Connection
01:17:21 • 2min
Richard Misrach
Richard Misrach
Lucas Foglia
Meghann Riepenhoff
Richard Misrach
While not a specific book title, "Richard Misrach" refers to the body of work by the American photographer known for his large-format landscape photography. Misrach's images often depict altered landscapes, exploring themes of environmental degradation and the impact of human activity on the natural world. His work frequently incorporates elements of social and political commentary. Misrach's photographs are characterized by their bold compositions, vibrant colors, and ability to evoke a sense of unease and reflection. His influence can be seen in contemporary landscape photography's engagement with environmental issues and social critique.
Evidence
Evidence
Larry Sultan
Mike Mandel
Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan's "Evidence" is a seminal work of conceptual photography, utilizing images sourced from the archives of the Library of Congress. The book presents a collection of photographs that explore themes of memory, history, and the construction of identity. Mandel and Sultan's approach is characterized by its ironic juxtaposition of images, creating a sense of unease and questioning. The book's significance lies in its innovative use of archival material and its exploration of the complexities of representation. The book's impact on contemporary photography is undeniable.
Richard Avedon's in the American West
Richard Avedon's in the American West
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Richard Avedon
While not a single published book, "Richard Avedon's in the American West" refers to Avedon's iconic photographic project documenting the American West. This extensive body of work, captured in the 1970s and 80s, features striking portraits of individuals from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the cultural and social landscape of the region. Avedon's signature style, characterized by stark lighting and close-ups, creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy. The project is celebrated for its unflinching portrayal of the human condition and its contribution to the history of American portraiture. The project's impact continues to resonate with photographers and art enthusiasts alike.
I imagined it empty
I imagined it empty
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Ruth Lauer Minetti
Ruth Lauer Minetti's "I imagined it empty" is a photobook that showcases her distinctive style and approach to photography. The book features a collection of images that are both intimate and evocative, capturing the essence of domestic life. Minetti's work is characterized by its thoughtful composition and emotional depth, creating a powerful connection with the viewer. The book's significance lies in its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, revealing the beauty and poetry in the mundane. The book is a testament to Minetti's talent and vision as a photographer.

Polar Night
Gen Géricault
Good Goddamn
Good Goddamn
Bryan Schutmaat
Bryan Schutmaat's "Good Goddamn" is a photobook that showcases his distinctive style and approach to photography. The book features a collection of images that are both intimate and evocative, capturing the essence of everyday life. Schutmaat's work is characterized by its raw honesty and emotional depth, creating a powerful connection with the viewer. The book's significance lies in its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, revealing the beauty and poetry in the mundane. The book is a testament to Schutmaat's talent and vision as a photographer.
Stephen Shore kind of stuff
Stephen Shore kind of stuff
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Stephen Shore
While not a specific book title, "Stephen Shore kind of stuff" refers to the overall style and thematic concerns of the renowned American photographer Stephen Shore. Shore is celebrated for his pioneering work in color photography, particularly his documentation of American landscapes and roadside scenes. His images often capture the mundane aspects of everyday life, revealing the beauty and strangeness of the ordinary. Shore's work is characterized by its sharp focus, vibrant colors, and ability to evoke a sense of place and time. His influence on contemporary color photography is undeniable.
Vandals
Vandals
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Danny Lyon
While not a book by Danny Lyon himself, "Vandals" is a book of photographs inspired by his work and style. The book features images from the movie set of "Bike Riders," capturing the behind-the-scenes atmosphere and the process of filmmaking. The photographs evoke the spirit of Lyon's documentary style, emphasizing the raw energy and authenticity of the subject matter. The book offers a unique perspective on the creation of a film inspired by Lyon's iconic work. The book's significance lies in its homage to Lyon's legacy and its exploration of the intersection of photography and cinema.
The Bike Riders
The Bike Riders
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Danny Lyon
Danny Lyon's "The Bikeriders" is a seminal work of documentary photography, capturing the subculture of motorcycle clubs in the American Midwest during the 1960s. Lyon's intimate and immersive approach provides a raw and unfiltered look into the lives and experiences of these individuals. The photographs are characterized by their gritty realism, capturing both the camaraderie and the violence inherent in biker life. The book is a powerful example of photojournalism, offering a nuanced and complex portrayal of a marginalized community. Its influence on documentary photography and its exploration of counterculture remain significant.
Day Sleeper
Day Sleeper
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Dorothea Lange
While not a book by Dorothea Lange herself, "Day Sleeper" is a book featuring her photographs, likely curated and presented with a specific theme or narrative. The book showcases Lange's iconic style and approach to photography, which is characterized by its emotional depth and ability to connect with the viewer on a personal level. The book's significance lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a lasting impression. The book is a testament to Lange's talent and vision as a photographer. Further details about the book's specific content and themes would require additional information.
Sons of the Living
Sons of the Living
Bryan Schutmaat
Bryan Schutmaat's "Sons of the Living" is a decade-long photographic project capturing the essence of the American Southwest. The book masterfully blends intimate portraits of individuals encountered along the way with expansive landscapes, creating a powerful narrative of human interaction within the vastness of the desert. Schutmaat's work explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the impact of human presence on the environment. The photographs are rendered in both color and black and white, enhancing the emotional depth and visual impact of the project. The book is a testament to Schutmaat's dedication to capturing the raw beauty and complex realities of the American West.
Mike Brody's book
Mike Brody's book
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Mike Brody
Mike Brody's book, while the exact title isn't specified, is described as heart-wrenching and epic. The book likely features Brody's distinctive style and approach to photography, which is characterized by its emotional depth and ability to connect with the viewer on a personal level. The book's significance lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and create a lasting impression. The book is a testament to Brody's talent and vision as a photographer. Further details about the book's specific content and themes would require additional information.
Dog Breath
Dog Breath
null
Matthew Gentempo
Matthew Gentempo's "Dog Breath" is a photobook that showcases his distinctive style and approach to photography. The book features a collection of images that are both intimate and evocative, capturing the essence of everyday life. Gentempo's work is characterized by its raw honesty and emotional depth, creating a powerful connection with the viewer. The book's significance lies in its ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, revealing the beauty and poetry in the mundane. The book is a testament to Gentempo's talent and vision as a photographer.
Robert Adams kind of work
Robert Adams kind of work
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Robert Adams
While not a specific book title, "Robert Adams kind of work" refers to the overall style and thematic concerns of the renowned American photographer Robert Adams. Adams is celebrated for his evocative black and white photographs of the American West, often focusing on the intersection of nature and human development. His images subtly explore themes of environmental change, suburban sprawl, and the human impact on the landscape. Adams' work is characterized by its quiet beauty, thoughtful composition, and ability to evoke a sense of place and time. His influence on contemporary landscape photography is undeniable.
Mark Rudel
Mark Rudel
null
Mark Rudel
While not a specific book title, "Mark Rudel" refers to the body of work by the American photographer known for his large-format landscape photography. Rudel's images often depict vast and dramatic landscapes, emphasizing the scale and power of nature. His work frequently explores themes of environmentalism and the human relationship with the natural world. Rudel's photographs are characterized by their meticulous detail, rich tonality, and ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. His influence can be seen in contemporary landscape photography's emphasis on environmental awareness and the sublime.
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