John M. Simpson’s Journey from War Zones to Homeless Advocacy

Our guest this week is John M. Simpson the featured photographer in the of August 2024 issue of Street Photography Magazine, who brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to street photography. A retired history professor and former military man, John’s journey into photojournalism began with a simple thought: “I can do a better job.” This led him down a path that included multiple embedments as a photojournalist in Iraq and Afghanistan during intense periods of conflict.

John’s approach to photography is deeply personal and driven by a desire to tell important stories. His current focus is on documenting the lives of homeless individuals in Olympia, Washington. What sets John apart is his commitment to spending time with his subjects, getting to know them, and approaching his work with genuine respect and compassion.

In our conversation, John shares insights from his experiences as an embedded photojournalist and how that informs his current work. He emphasizes the importance of building trust, getting close to subjects, and letting photographs come to him rather than actively hunting for shots.

John’s work isn’t just about capturing images – it’s about shedding light on important social issues and giving a voice to those who are often marginalized. His passion for his subjects and his craft comes through clearly in our discussion.

Whether you’re interested in street photography, photojournalism, or simply hearing from someone with a unique life story, I think you’ll find our conversation with John engaging and thought-provoking. Give the podcast a listen – I’m sure you’ll come away inspired by John’s dedication and perspective.

Links from the show

• John’s work on Social Documentary Network