Foto Podcast

Photographer Shawn Walters spent years working professionally with digital cameras, for commercial clients and tourism boards, and even as a Sony ambassador. But despite having access to the latest technology, something was missing. He found himself drawn to slower, more deliberate ways of making photographs, eventually landing on large-format film photography.
In this episode, Shawn discusses his transition from digital to film, why he fell in love with the 8×10 view camera, and the creative freedom he found in slowing down. We also explore two long-term projects he is currently developing: The American Dream, a series examining the tension between ordinary American life and the growing influence of industry and corporations, and The Locals, a portrait project documenting people and small businesses in his community.
Rather than looking back on a completed body of work, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the early stages of a photographer discovering where a project might lead. We talk about composition, color, large format workflow, portraiture, creative uncertainty, and the challenge of building meaningful work while balancing family life and raising young children.
Website: lifeandmylens.com
Foto: @lifeandmylens
IG: @lifeandmylens
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In this episode, Michael sits down with filmmakers Ken Hanson, Jack Davidson, and Dave Myszewski to discuss their upcoming documentary about legendary photographer Art Shay.
Over a career that spanned more than seven decades, Art Shay photographed everyone from Martin Luther King Jr., Ernest Hemingway, Muhammad Ali, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Algren to people living on the margins of American life. He covered the 1968 Democratic Convention, the aftermath of MLK’s assassination, organized crime, street life in Chicago, war, politics, and everyday people trying to survive.
The conversation explores how Shay developed his eye during World War II, how he hustled his way into rooms nobody else could access, and why his work feels like a visual history of America itself. The filmmakers also discuss digging through his enormous archive, the emotional complexity of his later life, and why they believe Art Shay deserves far greater recognition in the history of photography.



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Michael talks with photographer, author, and educator Elizabeth Messina about building a long, values-driven career in photography. They trace her path from the darkroom at San Francisco Art Institute to a 6 month-long trip in India and an early museum solo show, then into client work, books, and education. Elizabeth shares practical thoughts on trust, privacy, and respectful collaboration; working with high-profile clients, balancing film instincts with digital workflows; and why community and consistency matter more than hype.Elizabeth just launched her new course 'The Arte Of Maternity' on Feb 14th, 2026. It's available now at The Arte Dept website.
Website: https://www.elizabethmessina.comThe ARTE Dept (courses): https://theartedept.com
The ARTE Society (membership): https://theartesociety.com
Book — The Luminous Portrait: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/210741/the-luminous-portrait-by-elizabeth-messina-with-jacqueline-tobin/
Book — The Silver Lining: https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Lining-Supportive-Insightful-Breast/dp/1476743711



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Michael talks with North London–based photographer Phil Sharp about transforming a studio session into a collaborative experience. Phil traces his path from assisting and high-street portrait studios to scrappy New York musician shoots, then back to London, where actor headshots became a place to make pictures that feel alive. He breaks down his sessions, featuring natural light, bold colors, and playing music, so the sitter can stop overthinking. He also explains why he works until the image is genuinely there. They dig into trust, vulnerability, and why “do nothing” can be the most human direction of all.
🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS
* 🌐 philsharp-photo.com
* 📸 Instagram: @philsharp
* 📸 Foto: @philsharp
Thank you to our sponsor State Film Lab! If you’re in the US, consider State Film Lab for your film processing and scanning needs.
Reminder: We’d love for you to join us on Foto as we publicly build a new photo-sharing app for the world. Foto is available on Apple and Android. Direct links are on our website fotoapp.co



Get full access to Foto at fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe

Michael talks with Ed Templeton about the through-line from 1990s skate culture to a lifetime of painting and photography: DIY zines, doing your own board graphics, and learning to work with chance. Ed traces his path from Orange County/Huntington Beach to turning pro by 1990, discovering photobooks (Nan Goldin, Larry Clark), and realizing he had insider access to a tour-bus world most photographers never see. They dig into failure, risk, and why he prefers to shoot candidly while walking instead of stopping to ask.
🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS
* 🌐 ed-templeton.com
* 📸 Instagram: @ed.templeton
* 📸 Foto: @edtempleton
Thank you to our sponsor State Film Lab! If you’re in the US, consider State Film Lab for your film processing and scanning needs.
Reminder: We’d love for you to join us on Foto as we publicly build a new photo-sharing app for the world. Foto is available on Apple and Android. Direct links are on our website fotoapp.co



Get full access to Foto at fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe