S1E41 - Frederick Van Johnson - Punishing Pixels for a Better Story

We met with photographer and podcaster Frederick Van Johnson to learn about the latest developments in photography and philosophize with him about the outsized role it plays in our evolving world.  Van Johnson contends that photos like Jeff Widener’s 1989 shot of Tank Man in Tiananmen Square have always had the power to communicate immense meaning in the glance of an eye.  A photo can tell a story and can change minds.  Advancements in photography are expanding access to the stories that need to be told.  And yet, a photo is half the capture of the image, and half the “performance” of modifying the image to tell the stories that want to be seen and heard.  Can we assume that any photo today reflects the “truth?”  No.  But this science fiction future need not be doom and gloom if we are solving for humans and trying to make the world better for humans.  AI and technology advancement is not a zero sum game.  It is always changing and growing, as are we.  The key is to see where things are going and press forward smartly to take advantage of the bigger “wrenches” that are now within reach.  We can do more with less, and live more meaningful, human lives.  Join us.

Biography

Frederick Van Johnson is an accomplished figure in the photography industry. With a diverse background spanning combat photojournalism, marketing, podcasting, and editorial leadership, Frederick brings extensive experience to each of his endeavors. He proudly served as a Combat Photojournalist in the United States Air Force, earning recognition for his exceptional work. After his military service, Frederick pursued Business Management and Visual Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Throughout his career, Frederick has held prominent marketing positions at Yahoo!, Apple, and Adobe, making significant contributions in each role. He also served as Chairman of the Board at Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, providing strategy and marketing guidance.

In 2022, Frederick's company was acquired by SmugMug, where he now serves as Head of Content & New Media. Leveraging his photography knowledge and passion, Frederick drives the creation of compelling content for professionals and enthusiasts, shaping the industry's evolving landscape.

frederickvan.com  |. @frederickvan
thisweekinphoto.com
smugmug.com
flickr.com
TWiP - YouTube
Twitter - FrederickVan

Conversation recorded on June 30, 2023.