Ryan Faer spends his working days studying human performance. As a sports scientist for the Cleveland Guardians, he helps athletes develop, improve and reach their potential. Outside of baseball, however, he’s found another pursuit that has become just as important to him: street photography.

In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine Podcast, Bob Patterson sits down with Ryan to talk about how photography came to be a part of his life, the discipline he brings to learning the craft and why connecting with strangers has become one of his favorite parts of the experience.

Ryan lives in Arizona but frequently travels to Cleveland for work, giving him opportunities to photograph two very different environments. He and Bob, who knows Cleveland well, have plenty to discuss about photographing the city, working with different kinds of light and finding interesting people and places when time is limited.

They also explore Ryan’s approach to improving as a photographer. Coming from a background in athletics and coaching, Ryan believes in consistent practice, studying the work of other photographers and making small improvements over time. But he’s also learning that photography doesn’t always have to be about getting better. Sometimes, it’s enough to enjoy being out with a camera.

The conversation touches on his preference for black-and-white photography, his growing interest in documentary storytelling, the relationships he’s built through photography and how sharing his process on Substack has opened unexpected doors.

One of those doors led to five of his photographs being selected for an exhibition, which runs until October 18th, at the Art Museum of the Americas in Washington, D.C., part of a celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

For anyone who’s relatively new to street photography, struggling to find time to shoot or wondering how to develop their own approach, Ryan’s experience offers plenty to think about.

• Ryan’s Website
• Street Photography // Field Notes (Ryan’s Substack)
• Bob’s guide to shooting in Cleveland

Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to the Street Photography Magazine Podcast wherever you listen, and consider leaving us a review. It helps other photographers discover the show.

What happens when you discover thousands of photographs your father made decades ago, including images you never knew existed?

In this episode, Ashley Riffo and Bob Patterson talk with Andrew Baer about the remarkable story behind the work of his father, photographer John Baer.
Andrew shares how four boxes of prints and negatives sat with him for 27 years before he and his wife, Megan, began uncovering what was inside. We talk about the years of scanning, research and detective work that followed, the extraordinary team that helped bring John’s photographs into book form, and what Andrew learned about his father along the way.

We also hear about the creation of the John Baer Archive and Andrew’s hope that these photographs will continue to inspire new stories, art and interpretations for years to come.

Learn more about the book and the John Baer Archive: https://johnbaerarchive.com/

Read our full feature on John Baer in Street Photography Magazine: https://streetphotographymagazine.com/article/john-baer-what-we-leave-behind/

ABOUT STREET PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINE

Street Photography Magazine is the official journal of street and documentary photography. SPM is dedicated to sharing the stories, work and experiences of street and documentary photographers from around the world.

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▶ HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH A PHOTO BOOK

Andrew had the opportunity to work with an incredible team to bring his father’s archive to life. But you don’t need a publisher or an industry connection to turn your own photography into a book.

Our self-publishing course walks you through the process, from shaping your idea and editing your photographs to design, printing and getting the finished book into your hands.

Learn more: https://streetphotographymagazine.com/learn/

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