#467 DOCUMENTING THE LA FIRES

FEATURING PHOTOJOURNALISTS TED SOQUI AND MARISSA ROTH

I’m joined on the show by the photojournalist Ted Soqui, regarded by his peers as a visual historian of modern American life. His career spans four decades, capturing pivotal moments like the 1992 LA riots and the city’s relentless wildfires. His striking images have been featured in national and global media, telling raw, powerful stories. Ted will share the unique challenges and dangers of covering the 2025 LA fires, offering insight into life on the frontlines with a camera.

From the mailbag and contributions to the show, Vicky Robb brings us a thought-provoking quote from a famous Mexican photographer, photojournalist Marissa Roth shares a powerful essay on the LA fires, and I consider how our senses shape the way we see and create. Tom Warburton whisks us away to India with a vibrant audio postcard, and Wesley Harney uncovers the beauty and storytelling potential in photos captured right on your doorstep. Plus, a reminder of Ted Forbes’ one-word assignment, which is sparking some amazingly creative entries.

Email your stories, thoughts, and pictures to the show. If you can optimize/resize photos to 2,500 pixels wide, that’s always much appreciated. If you’d like to support this show and have access to further content and the midweek Extra Mile show, we’d welcome you as an EXTRA MILER. There’s also our thriving Facebook group, a safe place to meet and talk with photographers of all interests, the Photowalk YouTube channel, plus the show is featured on Instagram, VERO and X.

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LEARN:

MORE ABOUT names, words, THE MUSIC and places FROM TODAY’S SHOW

Bart Bartholomew’s photographic career has placed him in the company of Presidents, Royalty, celebrities, refugees, rioters and countless CEOs.

Tongva community leaders say the Indigenous practices implemented on their Altadena property helped lessen damage from the Eaton fire.

Claire Thomas is an award-winning photojournalist and fine art photographer from Wales, currently based between the UK and Egypt.

Bob Shonkoff is a photographer with an observational style, blending curiosity, human connection, and disciplined post-processing to create compelling visual stories.

Graciela Iturbide is a renowned Mexican photographer celebrated for her black-and-white images that explore Mexican culture, rituals, and everyday life.

Multiple photographers have won Pulitzer Prizes for their work documenting the 1992 Los Angeles riots, including Marissa Roth, Kirk McKoy, and Hyungwon Kang.

Giles Penfound is a documentary photographer and educator.

Kelvin Brown’s flickr Photowalk inspired group - join by invite by clicking on to THIS LINK.

The ENCOUNTERS workshop in April.

MUSIC LINKS: Yael Kraus sang and wrote today's playout song Melody of Longing. Music on the show is sourced primarily from Artlist and also features in Michael Brennan’s Spotify playlist GoFoto.


THE SHOWPAGE GALLERY

ted soqui

See more of Ted Soquie’s work on his website and Instagram. Photographs copyright. Not to be reproduced or used without express permission from the photographer.


MARISSA ROTH

‘After the fire, Malibu, 1986’ by Marissa Roth. Photograph copyright. Not to be reproduced or used without express permission from the photographer.


TOM WARBURTON

Tom Warburton’s adventures in India, served up on the show as an audio postcard.


NEALE JAMES

Sketchbook photos from today’s walk recording the show. Can you identify the item (left)?


VIDEO LIBRARY

The following videos or subjects are referenced within today’s show.

Neale James

Creator, podcaster, photographer and film maker

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#468 WANDERING THE EARTH WITH EYES WIDE OPEN

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#466 HUMAN CONNECTION: HOW PHOTOGRAPHY CHANGED MY LIFE