What stories exist beyond the highways, back roads, and forgotten places most people pass by?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Rob Hann, a New York City-based photographer whose work explores the landscapes, people, and overlooked corners of America through a uniquely cinematic lens.
Known for his road trip photography and environmental portraiture, Rob has spent years documenting places that often sit outside the spotlight. His images reveal beauty in weathered storefronts, lonely highways, fading signs, and the quiet spaces that tell stories about the passage of time and the people who inhabit them.
Alongside his personal work, Rob has photographed more than 900 commissioned portraits, developing a remarkable ability to blend portraiture with place, creating images that feel both intimate and deeply connected to their surroundings.
In 2018, his acclaimed book Diesel Fried Chicken was published by The Artist Edition, showcasing his distinctive vision of America's hidden landscapes and roadside culture. His work continues to be exhibited internationally, with limited edition prints represented by galleries in New York City and Stockholm, Sweden.
In this conversation, we explore road trip photography, portraiture, storytelling, Americana, and the enduring beauty found in places that many people overlook.
In This Episode:
• Rob's journey into photography and visual storytelling
• The inspiration behind his book Diesel Fried Chicken
• What draws him to forgotten places and roadside America
• Photographing more than 900 commissioned portraits
• Blending portraiture with environmental storytelling
• Capturing authenticity through travel photography
• The role of observation in creating meaningful images
• Exhibiting work internationally through galleries
• Why preserving overlooked stories matters
This is a conversation about curiosity, photography, travel, and finding beauty where others may not think to look.
Whether you're a photographer, road trip enthusiast, storyteller, or someone fascinated by the landscapes and people that shape our world, Rob's perspective offers a thoughtful reminder that every place has a story worth telling.
Visit Rob:
Instagram:@rob.hann
Threads:@rob.hann
Web:www.robhann.com
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
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The P.H.Y.S Podcast (Photography Heals Your Soul) is where creativity, storytelling, and human experience meet.
Through conversations with photographers, filmmakers, artists, adventurers, entrepreneurs, and change makers, we explore the stories behind the work, the lessons learned along the way, and the power of creativity to connect, inspire, and heal.