The photos of David Rothenberg are some of the most exciting that we have seen in a while. Condensed and entangled compositions of airplanes over urban housing and portraits of travelers, through plane windows or bathed in a holy light at a train station. His work is provocative, playful, and compassionate and asks us to look at compositions and subjects carefully, addressing issues of isolation and hope. On this episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we will ask how a fine-art photographer works his way through the neighborhoods and transportation hubs of Queens, NY making such insightful images.

Rothenberg’s books, Landing Lights Park and Roosevelt Station are wonderful series and with him we discuss the evolution of these projects, the gear and locations he chose, how he interacts with subjects and the editing and sequencing of the books.

Guest: David Rothenberg

Photograph (detail) © David Rothenberg