Color Me Muted
Description
"In a good or successful color photograph, the picture's definition or meaning will somehow arise through the use of color”
"Photographs have always been convincing lies."
-- Joel Sternfeld
In this episode, Ward shares stories from his recent road trip to Saskatchewan, including a visit to a hometown dirt track race—a nostalgic return since his last visit in 1978. The conversation turns toward grassroots motorsports, photography at the races, and how families get deeply involved, even with kids racing $40,000 modified cars. Antonio reflects on settling into life in Nebraska, exploring his surroundings, and using the Fuji X-Half camera as a spontaneous photo companion. He shares how the small, JPEG-only camera has helped him rediscover simple photographic joy, especially during a recent photo class with teens.
The heart of the episode focuses on photographer Joel Sternfeld. Antonio and Ward explore Sternfeld’s thoughtful approach to color, how his emotional state influenced his editing choices, and the meticulous process behind his transition from 35mm to large-format 8x10 photography. They dig into Nags Head, his lesser-known 1975 series that unexpectedly triggered vivid memories for Antonio from his childhood summers in Provincetown, MA—despite being shot in North Carolina. The conversation also covers American Prospects, Sternfeld’s iconic work that blends subdued color palettes with a reflective look at American culture. Ward reflects on how Sternfeld’s careful use of color theory and restrained composition creates a sense of presence and emotional clarity rarely found in contemporary work.
YouTube - Joel Sternfeld and Geoffrey Batchen
YouTube - ARTIST TALKS - JOEL STERNFELD - PARIS PHOTO 2019
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Show Links:
Antonio M. Rosario's Website, Vero, Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook page
Ward Rosin’s Website, Vero, Bluesky, Instagram and Facebook page.
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