Episode 31: Mike Farnham - Photographer's Evolution

Episode 31: Mike Farnham - Photographer's Evolution

It all started with a Brownie Hawkeye box camera and taking pictures of family vacations. As he grew up, he joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to a nuclear submarine. From there he went to work for the United States government, which during those periods of his life he developed and nurtured his skills as a photographer. His work allowed him to travel to many exotic locations around the world. Affording Mike the opportunity to create amazing landscapes, architectural and editorial photographs.

What makes this episode so interesting is how Mike's journey through his occupations gave him the opportunity to become a very talented and recognized photographer with many accolades to his name. He is very forthcoming with his life story and how it ultimately shaped him as a creative maker of images.

Show Notes:

Opening music

R: People jokingly say take a picture it lasts longer. I wished that was true of the desert you made the other night. 

I: Me too. That was really good, wasn’t it? And I did take of picture of it with my phone and sent it to our daughter. 

R: And she replied?

I: That looks so delicious. But little does she know, I tweaked the photo.

R: And now we’ve come to photoshopping everything. 

R: Hi everyone...And here we are...Celebrating what people love to do creatively by giving them a voice... I’m Rod Jones 

I: And I’m Inci Jones...Welcome to the Thought Row podcast. We invite you to subscribe wherever you listen. We are available virtually anywhere you listen to your podcasts. 

R: No matter what you do creatively this is the podcast for you. And please tell a friend about the Thought Row podcast. Inci, what are we discussing today? 

I: Today we’re going to be speaking with Michael Farnham. He is a photographer. 

R:  Mike and I have three things in common...we both were in the Navy, we were both on submarines and we both pursued careers in photography. Ok...but now...Let’s hear this week’s quote. 

I:  Okay, so here is the quote for this week - A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective. It’s by Irving Penn

Discuss - 

I: Now it’s your turn, Rod...We are ready for Rod’s motivational moments. 

R: Most everyone has captured a memory by making a photograph, which when posted on social media is just as fleeting as the thought itself. By me.

Discuss 

I: I remember the first time I met you in the studio and shortly after that, you photographed me for one of your assignments. 

Discuss 

R:  It’s interesting how valuable black and white photography has become.

Discuss 

I: Ok...So let’s hear what Michael Farnham the photographer has to say.  

Play middle music. 

R: Mike...welcome to the Thought Row Podcast, we always enjoy chatting with photographers. 

I: Hi Mike, I agree and I know our listeners will enjoy what you have to say.  

R: Mike... you and I have three things in common, we were both in the Navy, we were both on submarines and we both are photographers. At least I used to be a commercial photographer. 

I: Yes...Ok, Mike before move on to the interview...We always like to ask our guests what they had for breakfast.

R: We know that you have taken some pretty amazing photographs from various parts of the world. Tell us how you came to be in those locations. 

Discussion 

I: I found it interesting that you and Rod have a lot in common, especially the submarine part. Tell us about your time in the Navy and if that gave you an opportunity to start photographing. 

Discussion

R: Most every photographer can remember the first photograph they took. Which one are you most proud of?

Discussion 

I:  Tell us a little bit about the State Department and how that has been a career for you as a photographer. 

Discussion

R: You have mentioned that you like architectural photography, but many of the photographs that I have seen of yours seem to lean towards nature or environmental scenes. 

Discuss  

I: When did you first become passionate about photography? 

Discussion

R: As photographers, we all have our favorite subjects, what would be your very first choice?

Discussion

I: Do you ever write large descriptions to accompany the photographs? 

Discuss

R: What about photographing people? What are your thoughts on that? 

I: What do you prefer...black and white photography or color photography? 

Discussion

R: Was there one person who you feel was the best mentor to you? 

I: Name three things you hope to achieve or accomplish in the next year? 

R: In less than five words what would you tell people that want to live more creatively. 

I: So now... we’re going to ask you a question that we have been asking all of our guests. If you could sit on a park bench and chat with anyone from the past, who would it be?

R: Mike, thank you for being our guest today. We suspected you were going to be a very interesting guest...and you certainly did not let us down.    

I: I agree with Rod….our listeners are going to enjoy this interview. Also...Just want to let everyone know...if you want to know more about Mike and his website, we will have links for him under the show guest tab on Thought Row podcast.com. So everyone can learn more about him and connect with him on social media and his website. 

Rod & Inci - Thanks for being with us today...bye for now. 

Outro

Close music.