November 20, 2024

Episode 127: George Steinmetz (Documentary Photography)

48 minutes

Exploring the World of Aerial Photojournalism: An Interview with George Steinmetz

Welcome back to 10 Frames Per Second, the podcast dedicated to photojournalism, hosted by Joe Giordano and Molly Roberts. In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with renowned photographer George Steinmetz, who has spent decades capturing the beauty and challenges of our planet from unique perspectives.

Meet George Steinmetz

George Steinmetz graduated from Stanford University with a degree in geophysics and embarked on a remarkable journey into photography after hitchhiking through Africa for 28 months. His adventures have taken him to remote deserts around the globe, often piloting a motorized paraglider to capture stunning aerial shots.

Aerial Photography and Adventure

Steinmetz’s approach to photography is akin to modern drone photography, but with a twist: he actually flies in his unique contraption, which he humorously describes as a “motorized lawn chair.” This adventurous spirit has led to some unexpected and thrilling experiences.

Unique Perspective: George’s aerial photography allows him to tell compelling stories about remote landscapes, climate change, and food sustainability.

Published Work: Since 1986, he has completed over 40 major photo essays for National Geographic and published six books, including his latest, Feed the Planet: A Photographic Journey to the World’s Food, released in October.

The Journey into Photography

From Geophysics to Photography: George’s journey into photography was driven by curiosity and a desire to explore the unknown. Growing up in Los Angeles and attending Stanford, he longed for a different experience, leading him to Africa.

Self-Taught Photographer: Despite being self-taught, George’s passion for photography grew as he traveled, capturing moments and learning through trial and error.

First Camera: His first camera was an Olympus OM-1, borrowed from a friend, which he used during his travels in Africa.

Overcoming Challenges: Steinmetz faced numerous challenges while learning photography:

Learning Curve: He made many mistakes, sending photos back to his mother for feedback, which provided him with valuable lessons.

Film Photography: Shooting with Kodachrome 64 and Ektachrome, he learned the importance of exposure, lighting, and composition.

The Art of Aerial Photography

The Motorized Paraglider: George’s transition to aerial photography began with his motorized paraglider, which he began flying in the late 1990s. This innovative flying machine allowed him to capture breathtaking landscapes from above.

Flight Experience: He learned to fly and navigate the challenges of aerial photography, often facing mechanical issues and unpredictable weather conditions.

Safety First: George emphasized the importance of safety, always flying with a pro pilot and having contingency plans in place.

Techniques and Equipment: Steinmetz shared insights into his photographic techniques:

Camera Settings: He typically shot at 1/500 of a second with ISO 40 film, adjusting settings based on lighting conditions.

Focus Tricks: To counteract vibration during flight, he would tape his focus settings to ensure sharp images.

Sustainability and Food Choices

In our conversation, George also delved into the critical issue of sustainability in food production. He discussed how the perception of certain fish species has changed over time, leading to shifts in dietary choices.

The Evolution of Fish Consumption: Overfishing and overconsumption threatens many fish populations.

From Junk Fish to Delicacies: George reminisced about the transformation of once-overlooked fish, like used in a fast-food fish sandwich, into popular menu items, thanks to creative cooking methods.

Overfishing Concerns: He highlighted the alarming decline of species like swordfish and Atlantic tuna, prompting a need to rethink our seafood choices.

Personal Dietary Changes: George shared how his extensive research has influenced his own eating habits:

Local and Sustainable Choices: He now strives to buy locally sourced foods and prefers chicken over red meats when he does consume meat.

Mindful Eating: Emphasizing the importance of informed choices, he encourages people to consider the environmental impact of their food, likening it to casting a vote three times a day.

The Role of Photography in Advocacy

George’s work is not just about capturing beautiful images; it’s about raising awareness.

Educating the Public: Through his photography and writing, he aims to inform people about the environmental implications of their food choices.

Collaborative Efforts: He collaborates with advocates like Michael Pollan to emphasize mindful eating and the importance of understanding food production.

Conclusion

George Steinmetz’s journey as a photojournalist is a testament to the power of curiosity and adventure. His unique approach to aerial photography not only captures stunning visuals but also tells important stories about our world and the choices we make.

George on Instagram

To hear more about George’s incredible experiences and insights, be sure to listen to the full episode of 10 Frames Per Second, available on 10FPS.net or your favorite podcast platform.

Podcast episode transcript HERE

Previous Episode: Angela Owens Next Episode: Kevin Painchaud

The post Episode 127: George Steinmetz (Documentary Photography) first appeared on A Photojournalism Podcast for Everyone.

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