A photography podcast featuring interviews with photographers, artists, cultural thinkers, and technologists. We also launched a photography social platform - https://fotoapp.co
fotoapp.substack.com (https://fotoapp.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Photographer Shawn Walters (https://www.lifeandmylens.com/) 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 (https://www.lifeandmylens.com/American-Dreams), a series examining the tension between ordinary American life and the growing influence of industry and corporations, and The Locals (https://www.lifeandmylens.com/The-Local), 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 (https://www.lifeandmylens.com/)
Foto: @lifeandmylens (https://the.fotoapp.co/lifeandmylens)
IG: @lifeandmylens (https://www.instagram.com/lifeandmylens/)
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Get full access to Foto at fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe (https://fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
8 May 2026
Foto 034 - Art Shay Documentary
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.
Get full access to Foto at fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe (https://fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
16 Feb 2026
Foto 033 - Elizabeth Messina
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.com (https://www.elizabethmessina.com)The ARTE Dept (courses): https://theartedept.com (https://theartedept.com)
The ARTE Society (membership): https://theartesociety.com (https://theartesociety.com)
Book — The Luminous Portrait: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/210741/the-luminous-portrait-by-elizabeth-messina-with-jacqueline-tobin/ (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 (https://www.amazon.com/Silver-Lining-Supportive-Insightful-Breast/dp/1476743711)
Get full access to Foto at fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe (https://fotoapp.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
Who has been a guest on Foto Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Nina Berman
Betina La Plante
Jean Andre Antoine
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
19 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
19 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 34 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
36
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
77
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