Spokane's Dark Secrets and Social Crises

Support this project on Patreon:
/ fstopandlisten
Description:
Welcome to another captivating episode of F-Stop Collaborate and Listen! In this week's journey, we host the incredibly talented and thoughtful photographer, Michael McMullen, who dives deep into the soul of Spokane with his project "Unidentified." Michael and our host, Matt Payne, engage in a profound dialogue that spans from the importance of awareness in photography to tackling the issues of homelessness and unidentified individuals through his lens. Discover how Michael uses his craft to connect with challenging societal issues, transforming the act of viewing into an opportunity for change. Stay tuned for a special bonus episode on Patreon where we will examine Michael's creative ventures including his Etsy store.
Three Key Takeaways:
1. Photography with Purpose: Michael McMullen highlights the significance of embarking on projects that probe deeper societal concerns, like his project "Unidentified," which portrays the locations of unidentified individuals in Spokane, capturing both the reverence and ordinariness of each site.
2. Societal Impacts on Art: Delve into the conversation about how photographers can tackle uncomfortable subjects and the transformation Michael experienced through his work, prompting discussions on homelessness, mental health, and the power of genetic genealogy in providing identities and closures.
3. Visual Storytelling Insights: Gain valuable perspectives on starting photography projects with an impact. Michael shares his methodology, from compiling a list of interests, visualizing the end product, to finding the motivating hook for the narrative being crafted.
Links Discussed
Michael's Etsy Page: mcmullenink.ets...
Michael on Instagram: / mcmullen_photo
Michael's book, Unidentified: www.blurb.com/...
Photographers that Michael mentioned:
Chloe Dewes Mathews: www.chloedewema...
Nick Fancher: www.nickfanche...
Jan C. Schlegel: www.janschlege...