In this episode, Michael talks with photographer, educator, and editor Alex Harris, whose work explores memory, place, and the evolving nature of storytelling. Alex was a founding member of the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University. He’s also the author of 20 books, including River of Traps (a Pulitzer Prize finalist), The Idea of Cuba, and Our Strange New Land — a project exploring Southern independent film sets, recently exhibited at the High Museum of Art.
Alex shares how his early work in New Mexico shaped the way he sees, how teaching has influenced his practice, and why he’s drawn to projects that unfold slowly over time. They talk about the space between truth and fiction, the role of editing, and how personal storytelling has changed his relationship to photography.
If you’re interested in long-form projects, quiet observation, and images that live beyond the moment, this is a thoughtful, reflective episode with one of the most respected voices in American documentary photography.
🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS
* 🌐 Website: alex-harris.com
* 📸 Instagram: @ourstrangenewland
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