In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, Bob Patterson and Ashley Riffo sit down with photographer, filmmaker, and educator Bethany Eden Jacobson for a conversation that was part time capsule and part behind-the-scenes look at a creative life.

Bethany takes us back to the gritty, electric energy of 1980s downtown New York, which was an era where art, music, and rebellion collided. From photographing icons like Iggy Pop to documenting the underground scene shaped by figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat, her work captures a moment that was raw and unfiltered, and though she didn’t realize it at the time, transformative for the art world in general.

But it wasn’t just the nostalgia that made this conversation interesting. We also talk about what it means to revisit your archive decades later, how filmmaking influences photographic storytelling, and why editing—whether for film or a photo book—is where the real work begins. Bethany also shares her thoughts on creative identity, resisting the pressure to “niche down,” and embracing a multidisciplinary approach in a world that often demands labels. It’s a great conversation for anyone out there in the wild navigating their own creative path right now.

• Bethany’s Website
• Kickstarter for “Another Time, Another Place” – LAUNCHING APRIL 14TH

Several months ago, after an editorial meeting with Bob, which was packed with beautiful and meaningful projects, I admitted that I often feel like I don’t know what I want to say with my camera.

I did not share this with Jorge Delgado-Ureña, photographer, writer, educator, and co-founder of The Raw Society, but it goes without saying that our conversation hit home for me personally.

In this episode, Jorge and I talked, among other things, about intention in photography. Why it’s so hard to nail down, and why it matters more than we might like to admit.

Jorge shares his perspective on storytelling, responsibility, and the difference between simply taking photos and actually saying something with them. Plus, you’ll hear about how The Raw Society came to be, what a fantastic community it’s turned into, and what’s in store for the upcoming inaugural Raw Photo Fest. I loved hearing about a festival that will showcase photography in a way that is accessible to anyone and everyone, including kids, locals, and non-photographers.

“Raw Photo Fest is more than a festival. It is an invitation to slow down and connect — with photography, with stories, and with Menorca itself.” – Christelle Enquist, Co-founder of The Raw Society and Festival Director

This episode has plenty of food for thought, and it might just challenge the way you’ve been shooting. I know it gave me a little something to wrestle with.

• The Raw Society
• The Photographer’s Journal (Jorge’s Substack)
• Raw Photo Fest

Watch this episode on YouTube

In this episode of the Street Photography Magazine podcast, Bob and I had the chance to sit down with photographer Doug Bruns. And the conversation we had was the kind that sticks with you long after it’s over.

We talked about how growing up around cameras and photographers shaped his path, and how a formative trip abroad set him on a lifelong journey of travel and image-making. But this episode goes way beyond origin stories.

We talked about what it means to photograph for yourself instead of for validation, how stepping away from social media impacted Doug’s creativity, and why committing fully to black and white photography gave him a surprising sense of freedom. We also got into the realities of creative dry spells, discipline, and the long, often nonlinear relationship we have with our work.

Doug shared a few stories that really stayed with me too, especially one about discovering a sculpture deep in the Maine wilderness that reshaped how he thinks about creativity and purpose.

This isn’t just a conversation about photography. It’s about identity, intention, and figuring out how to stay connected to your creative voice over time.

If you’ve ever questioned why you make photos, or if you’ve ever felt stuck, distracted, or disconnected from your work, I think you’ll find something meaningful in this one.

• Doug’s Website
• Doug on PixelFed
• Doug on Glass
• The photography of Alison Wright

P.S. You can also watch our conversation on YouTube.