Dave Jordano7The Secrets of a Documentary Photographer

In this episode of Eyeshot 50mm, we sit down with Dave Jordano, a key voice in contemporary American documentary photography whose career spans more than five decades. Jordano traces his path from an unexpected encounter with photography during military service in Germany to a long, successful career as a commercial still-life photographer in Chicago, before returning decisively to personal, documentary work.

For Jordano photography is attention, patience, and responsibility. Jordano speaks about how decades of studio practice, with large-format cameras, controlled lighting, and meticulous preparation, shaped his way of seeing the world outside. Even in the street, his approach remains slow and deliberate, treating buildings, interiors, and neighborhoods as carefully composed still lifes.