Podcast: Road-trippin’ for Fun and Profit and Episode 3 of “Dispatch”

07/07/2017Link4

We return to OPTIC 2017 this week for two wonderful conversations with photographers who ply their trade on the road. First, we speak with Jonathan Irish, who, along with his partner, Stefanie Payne, spent 2016 crisscrossing the country in an Airstream trailer on an epic quest to photograph all 59 U.S. National Parks. They succeeded, and have branded their adventure The Greatest American Roadtrip. Irish discusses the planning it took to reach all of the parks, dividing the workload, the sponsorship they received, and the photographic aspect of the journey, trying to capture the legendary landmarks, as well as the off-the-beaten-path locales of each park.

Jillian Mann and Kyla Trethewey are Our Wild Abandon and they, too, cruise the country in a trailer, but their journey started four years ago and has no end point—yet. Like most great road trips, theirs started with a need to just get away (from their native Vancouver) and, as often goes, they suffered early setbacks, including a roll-over accident and visa complications. They persisted and not only have documented their experiences, but have developed successful photo careers along the way. Their journey was not initially a photographic exercise, but we speak with them about how their Instagram feed grew and became a method to raise funds, eventually including branded content, and how they made the transition to commissioned assignments and agency representation, while still living on the road.

After a break, we continue with our serial, “Dispatch,” with Adriane Ohanesian. Ohanesian discusses her attempt to return to South Sudan, new approaches to fund long-terms stories that surpass “most horrific image competitions,” assignments in Nairobi and Congo, and an update on the plight of four-year-old Mohamed, who is stuck in Kenya, trying to reunite with his mother in the United States.

Guests: Jonathan Irish, Jillian Mann, Kyla Trethewey and Adriane Ohanesian

Click here if you missed Episode 2 of “Dispatch.”

Badlands National Park, Photograph by Jonathan Irish
Death Valley National Park, Photograph by Stefanie Payne
Saguaro National Park, Photograph by Jonathan Irish
Grand Canyon National Park, Photograph by Jonathan Irish
Grand Canyon National Park, Photograph by Jonathan Irish
Redwoods National Park, Photograph by Jonathan Irish
Glacier Bay National Park, Photograph by Jonathan Irish
Joshua Tree National Park, Photograph by Jonathan Irish
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
Photograph by Our Wild Abandon
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Host: Allan Weitz
Senior Creative Producer: John Harris
Producer: Jason Tables
Executive Producer: Lawrence Neves

4 Comments

This was an inspirational podcast and I've listened to it a few times.  To see how Kayla and Jillian found an amazing profession from the ground up through friendship and exploration is something I wish I could have experienced.  I'm so glad you all filled in the gaps by asking questions about where they had postcards made and the little details that are so helpful.  Thanks guys for another amazing podcast!

Thank you so much Ken for the feedback and continued support of the podcast.

I enjoyed listening to the podcast. It was interesting listening to Jillian Mann and Kyla Trethewey travels. Anytime someone photographs a classic Chevrolet, they got my attention; but I enjoy seeing classic cars regardless of brand.

Justin Bieber also has a visa: Alien of Extraordinary Ability

I agree with Allen's assessment that Bieber's visa needs to be reviewed.

Thanks Ralph, as always.  Funny, we almost left that comment on the cutting room floor.  Am I the only one that likes the biebs?