A photography-focused podcast hosted by Nick Tauro Jr. Each episode delves into the creative process, and the trials and tribulations of bringing lasting value to your artwork, regardless of the medium. I discuss a range of topics including: interviews with creators, self-publishing books and zines,
Another episode where I fly solo, this time taking a fresh look at Walker Evans’ seminal photo book American Photographs. First published in 1938, the book is widely regarded as a classic—not only for the photographs themselves, but for the enormous influence it has had on the medium of photography and the photobook. I revisit the images, the book, and its creator, all through a 21st-century lens. Links: Walker Evans page at MoMA website a video page turn through the book via YouTube (not my ...
This episode features a great conversation with photographer, archivist and researcher Lukas Birk. We discuss his work with the Afghan Box Camera Project and Myanmar Photo Archive, the strange appeal of found photographs, and what happens when photography, history and obsession collide. Links: Instant Box Camera Myanmar Photo Archive Fraglich Publishing Box Camera NOW Afghan Box Camera The Photo Vault
I fly solo on this episode, where I discuss a classic photograph by 20th Century master, William Klein. This image is a personal favorite of mine, and I enjoyed the experience of spending an extended amount of time pondering it. Click on the link below to have the image readily available before you listen! This one is worth at least a thousand words. Bonus! I share the rare color version of this scene as well. Links: Bikini; Moscow 1959 by William Klein William Klein at the Howard Greenberg G...
Season 6 of the podcast kicks off with a great conversation with legendary NY writer Lucy Sante. We discuss life in the Big Apple in the 70s and 80s, her interest in vernacular and anonymous photography, and the value (or lack thereof) of a formal college degree. Links: Lucy Sante website Lucy Sante Instagram Folk Photography: real photo postcard book Lucy Sante: Evidence essay
Season Five concludes with a fun conversation with a master of color photography, Cig Harvey. We discuss finding inspiration from the world right outside your door, merging the personal with the universal, and the value of putting in the daily work in your creative practice. The journey truly is the destination. Links: Cig Harvey website Cig Harvey Instagram Eat Flowers promo video
Since the onset of digital imaging, there has been a distinctive swing toward the analogue "look," whether achieved through true analogue processes or digital simulations. The rise of AI has further muddied the waters, raising questions about what is real and what is simulacrum. I discuss all of this and more with my guest, Lev Manovich. Together, we explore what the future of photographic and artistic image-making may entail. Lev Manovich website Lev's "Photography and Automation" Timeline L...
Peter Hujar's career flew mostly under the radar during his lifetime. Active from the 1950s through 1980s, his work straddled the bohemian, creative worlds of downtown New York City. After acquiring an extensive archive, The Morgan Library & Museum has been bringing this work to a wider audience. I talk with curator Joel Smith about Peter Hujar's life and work and the upcoming exhibition "Hujar: Contact." Links: Hujar: Contact exhibition at The Morgan "Peter Hujar's Day" film The Peter Hu...
Jeff Cowen is an American artist best known for pushing photography beyond documentation into something closer to alchemy. We discuss his early days on the streets of New York, his association with Larry Clark and Ralph Gibson, and his journey to Europe, all while single-mindedly pursuing his muse. Links: Jeff Cowen website David Campany: thoughts on the work of Jeff Cowen Jeff's exhibition at Fotografiska
In this episode, I talk with Anastasia Samoylova about navigating America as a Russian artist and building her work from the unlikely vantage point of Florida—a place that often feels like a microcosm of the country itself. We discuss displacement, cultural distance, and how her connection with the work of Walker Evans has sharpened her perspective on the American landscape. Links: Anastasia Samoylova website "Floridas" exhibition at the Met Anastasia on Instagram
Magnum photographer and true master of the medium Susan Meiselas joined my for a nice chat to discuss her lifetime of work, as featured in her traveling exhibition "Mediations." We talked about many of her iconic images and series, including "Carnival Strippers" as well as her noteworthy work in a Nicaraguan war zone. Such an honor to speak with a true giant of photography. Links Susan Meiselas website Susan's Instagram Carnival Strippers at the Magnum website "Malatov Man" photography
Advertising visionary, artist, curator, and prolific bookmaker Erik Kessels joins me for a sharp, funny conversation about creativity across commerce and art. We talk appropriation and context, knowing when to say “no,” and why some of the best ideas start in your own creative backyard. Links: Erik Kessels website Muddy Dance book Erik Kessels on Instagram
Dystopian urban landscapes shimmer forth from a variety of dead technology formats... just another day at the studio for London UK based photo artist Antony Cairns. We talk punch cards, pixels and digital ink. An inspiring chat with an adventurous, audacious artist. Links Antony Cairns website Nice video about Antony by Tate Modern Pixelvision 2000 profile
I am so thrilled to share my 100th episode. To celebrate, I speak with curator Sarah Greenough about my all-time favorite photographer, Robert Frank. Sarah had the privilege of working with Robert when the National Gallery of Art acquired his archive from "The Americans." Such a treat to talk all about my photo hero with someone who knew him and his work so well.
Edward Burtynsky is one of the preeminent photographers working today. For decades, his work has examined the human impact on the environment. By turns troubling and awe-inspiring, his large-scale images reveal a world in rapid transition. An illuminating and deeply engaging discussion. Links: Edward Burtynsky website Burtynsky at the International Center of Photography Edward Burtynsky Instagram
We take a peek behind the scenes of the photo collecting world in this conversation with Howard Greenberg. As owner of his prestigious namesake gallery in New York City, Howard has been a integral champion of photography's collectability and value as an art form. A fun chat with a dyed-in-the-wool New York icon. Links: Howard Greenberg Gallery website Profile on Int'l Photo Awards website Howard Greenberg Gallery on Instagram
Another detour into the world of cinema. Legendary Soviet director Andrei Tarkovsky reshaped how we think about the image—through time, movement, and the frame itself. I take a deep dive into his life and work with Russian historian Raymond De Luca. Links: Andrei Tarkovsky website Raymond De Luca bio "And The Cow Burned" book by Raymond DeLuca
To wind down the year I am presenting an encore of my episode with the great Todd Hido. We had this conversation back in 2022, so if you're a new listener, here's your chance to dive into a terrific talk with one of today's major photographers. So much valuable insight shared here... thank you again, Todd!
In the aftermath of World War II, a stark new visual language was developing in Japan. No photographer epitomized this provoking new direction more than Daido Moriyama. I welcome editor and writer Mark Holborn to discuss the seminal work being presented (finally) in the new book Daido Moriyama: Quartet. Links: Daido Moriyama website The new book: Quartet Mark Holborn at Artforum Mark Holborn on Goodreads
On this episode, I have a wonderful conversation with Beirut, Lebanon based photographer Tanya Traboulsi. We discuss family, memories and the desire to connect with the place we feel most at home. An enlightening exploration of personal and universal yearning. Links: Tanya's website Tanya's Instgram
Excited to welcome Michael Ackerman back to the podcast. We talk all about his return to New York on the eve of his newest book release, appropriately titled "Homesick New York." An inspiring artist shares his process.
My guest for this episode is multi-talented, multi-media artist Martin Venezky. We discuss graphic design, collage and, of course, photography. All of this while pondering the challenges of staying curious as you move through life, and learning new things, no matter how old you are. Really enjoyed this conversation; I hope you do, too.
Thrilled to welcome to the podcast fellow Gen-Xer, high desert dweller and photographic experimenter Liz Potter. From Holgas to Polaroid lifts, we run the gamut of topics. I hope you enjoy this fun conversation. Links: Liz Potter website Liz Potter IG
I welcome photo historian and professor Todd Cronan to the podcast to discuss the life and work of the enigmatic Minor White. A driving force in 20th Century photography who deserves a refreshed consideration, White not only held a pivotal role at the helm of Aperture magazine, he also created photographic work that melded the spiritual with the cerebral.
Robert Stivers is a visual artist who uses analogue photographic processes in surprising ways. We have a really fun discussion about his life and his work, noting that one must dance their way through life in order to fully embrace their creative potential... both literally and figuratively. Links: Robert Stivers website Robert Stivers Instagram Exhibition at Akron Art Museum
Season Five starts off by looking back to the 19th Century. Julia Margaret Cameron was a trailblazing figure in the early days of the medium, whose work is still being celebrated today. I talk with curator Allison Pappas about the current exhibition on view at the Morgan Library and Museum in NYC. Links: Arresting Beauty at the Morgan Julia Margaret Cameron at the V&A
Back to my roots on this one... Your questions, my answers. A nice way to wrap up my fourth season of the podcast. So grateful for all of your support and for listening. Thank you!
In this episode, we dive into the renewed energy around the photographic darkroom—and the magic that keeps people coming back. Lucia Rollow joins us to talk about the Bushwick Community Darkroom, where she's built a vibrant, supportive space for analog photography. We get into the ups, the downs, and everything it takes to keep this kind of creative community thriving. Links: Bushwick Community Darkroom Lucia Rollow's website Grain movie (as discussed)
In this episode I talk with photographer Ron Jude about his evolving approach to image-making, his connection to place, and how he weaves mystery into his work. We also get into the role of music and sound in his creative process, adding another layer to how he thinks about storytelling. Non-guilty pleasures are also discussed!
For over 50 years photographer Mitch Epstein has been interpreting the breadth and complexity of American life and our relationship with the urban and natural environments via his diverse work. I was excited to talk to this stalwart of contemporary photography, especially about his most recent work "Old Growth."
In this episode, photographer Reuben Radding talks about hitting the streets of New York with his camera and an open mind, chasing moments full of emotion, energy, and human connection. We get into how his photos reflect both the city and his own inner world, and how making art has become a way to close the gap between himself and others. Links: Reuben Radding website "Heavenly Arms" book purchase Lou Reed song "Heavenly Arms"
About Right Eye Dominant
A photography-focused podcast hosted by Nick Tauro Jr. Each episode delves into the creative process, and the trials and tribulations of bringing lasting value to your artwork, regardless of the medium. I discuss a range of topics including: interviews with creators, self-publishing books and zines,
Right Eye Dominant is a English arts & books podcast from Nick Tauro Jr.. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.