What if photography isn't really about photographs?
What if it's about the relationships we build along the way?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Portland, Oregon–based street photographer Ryan Aanderud, whose work is a powerful reminder that photography can be an act of service, connection, and community.
Like many photographers, Ryan has carried a camera for most of his life. But over time, photography became something much bigger than making images. Today, his work exists at the intersection of street photography and community care.
When Ryan heads out with his Leica Q2 Monochrom, he's carrying more than a camera. Alongside it are food, clothing, first aid supplies, Narcan, and printed photographs that he returns to the people who trusted him enough to step in front of his lens.
His approach is rooted in respect and genuine human connection. Working exclusively with a 28mm lens means getting physically close to his subjects, a process that demands honesty, trust, and vulnerability from everyone involved.
The result is powerful black-and-white photography that highlights the dignity, humanity, and stories of people who are too often overlooked.
In This Episode:
• Ryan's journey into street photography
• How photography became a form of community service
• Building trust with the people he photographs
• Why human connection matters more than the image itself
• Working exclusively with a 28mm lens and the Leica Q2 Monochrom
• Returning prints to the people who share their stories
• Carrying food, clothing, medical supplies, and Narcan alongside his camera
• The relationship between empathy and photography
• Using creativity to give back to the community
Visit Ryan:
Instagram: @portrait_project.17
Web: www.1studio7.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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