When we started the B&H Photography Podcast more than six years ago, the concept was “watercooler conversations” with photographers, about gear. Well, honestly, it hasn’t always turned out that way, but this episode with famed photojournalist David Burnett comes as close to that idea as any we have done; there’s barely an edit in the whole episode. Burnett joins us, and we just talk.
We start with his coverage of the recent presidential inauguration and his decision to use a 1930 Graflex 4 x 5 camera in addition to his Sony mirrorless with an FE 100-400mm lens. Burnett reflects on the reasons he incorporates vintage cameras and lenses into his workflow and the need to challenge your own point of view as a photographer. We discuss the motivations that bring a particular camera to his eye and his sense of “obligation to all that has come before.”
In the second half of the show, we talk about using legacy glass on mirrorless cameras and the relentless (and at times “goofy”) experimentation that both Burnett (and Allan) enjoy. From aerial reconnaissance lenses to old Kodak cine lenses, there is nothing that can’t be adapted, and we go into the weeds to discuss some of the many, many lenses Burnett has not just tried, but used successfully for his professional assignments. We also ask about the new Sony Alpha 1, the benefits of customizable functions, and his preference for the Sony a9 II and a6600 cameras. Join us for this easygoing conversation.
Guest: David Burnett
Photograph © David Burnett
Cinemagraph Portraits and the "Facing Life" Project
You Can't Fake Time – Camille Seaman at OPTIC 2022
2022 OPTIC Conference Preview and Michael Kenna Encore Interview
Drone Photography 2022, with Randy Scott Slavin
Timeless: The Photography of Moshe and Eddie Brakha
Pioneering Photojournalist Catherine Leroy
Polaroid History and Techniques for Creative Instant Film Photography
"The Drowning" by Cornell Watson
Shifting Expectations -- Photojournalism after 2020
Earth Day Encore Episode: The Ethics of Landscape Photography
Somewhere Between Love and Obsession - The Photography of Stanley Greenberg
Photography and Loss of Sight, with Pete Eckert
Photography Accessories 101: The Basics
Memory Cards and Storage for Digital Photography
Conversation with Jay Maisel and Stephen Wilkes (Encore Episode)
Macro Food Photography, with Christina Peters
"Generosity of Persistence", with Amy Touchette and Larry Fink
ASMP-NY and the Future of Photo Trade Organizations
In the Soup - Photographing Marine Plastic, with Mandy Barker
Football Photography, with Al Bello and Callena Williams
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Spider-Man Crawlspace Podcast
The Week in Art
Art Sense
Black Beauty
Frankenstein
The Art Angle
Harlem Is Everywhere: The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism