The Book Exists—Joan Liftin, Minor Matters Books, and “The Unconcerned Photographer”
B&H Photography Podcast
Jill Waterman
4.6 • 2K Ratings
🗓️ 3 September 2020
⏱️ 72 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
On this week’s episode of the B&H Photography Podcast, we welcome editor, educator, and photographer Joan Liftin and Michelle Dunn Marsh, founder and publisher at Minor Matters. In the first half of the show, we speak with Liftin about her latest book, Water for Tears, and then we focus on Minor Matters and the unique business model this publishing house utilizes.
We also discuss the person who brought them together, the late photographer Charles Harbutt. Liftin was married to Harbutt and was his collaborator, and Marsh has recently published a book of Harbutt’s work and words, titled The Unconcerned Photographer.
With Liftin we relate the genesis of Water for Tears, which is a sort of photo memoir—images from travel and family and fleeting impressions that tie together a lifetime. We discuss editing, sequencing, collaboration, and the subtle difference between narrative and story. We also talk about editing Harbutt’s work and, along with Marsh, about the making of The Unconcerned Photographer.
After a break, Marsh elaborates on the publishing model they employ at Minor Matters—a hybrid of crowdfunding, support membership, and a direct, organic connection between artist, publisher, and consumer. Have a look at their catalog, which presents work from established photographers and new voices in the medium. Join us for this compelling discussion.
Guests: Joan Liftin and Michelle Dunn Marsh
Photograph © Joan Liftin
Transcript
Click on a timestamp to play from that location
| 0:00.0 | You're listening to the B&H Photography Podcast. |
| 0:04.1 | For over 40 years, B&H has been the professional source for photography, video, audio, and |
| 0:08.9 | more. |
| 0:09.9 | For your favorite gear, news, and reviews, visit us at bnh.com or download the B&H app to |
| 0:15.5 | your iPhone or Android device. |
| 0:17.7 | Now here's your host, Alan White. |
| 0:19.7 | Greetings and welcome to the B&H Photography Podcast. |
| 0:22.5 | Today, we welcome to the program Photographer and Editor Joan Lichten and Michelle Dunn |
| 0:27.5 | Marsh, founder and publisher of Minor Matters Books. |
| 0:31.1 | We're going to be talking with each of them about their individual projects, but we're |
| 0:34.2 | also going to discuss the person that brings them together, the late Photographer Charles |
| 0:38.1 | Harbott. |
| 0:39.1 | Joan, of course, was married to Charles and was his collaborator. |
| 0:41.9 | Michelle recently published a book of Charles' work that includes Harbott's Thoughts on |
| 0:45.6 | Photography in Art in General, which we're going to be talking about shortly. |
| 0:49.4 | We also plan on discussing the unique business model that Minor Matters employs to create their |
| 0:53.6 | beautiful catalog of photography books. |
| 0:56.7 | Joan Lichten has worked as a photographer, Photobook Editor and Teacher. |
| 1:00.8 | She's the author of three photo books, Drive-Ins in 2004, Marseille in 2015, and Water |
| 1:07.1 | Fatires in 2018. |
| 1:09.4 | Lichten was chair of the documentary program at the International Center of Photography |
| 1:13.3 | from 1988 to 2000, and the director of Magnum Photos Library. |
... |
Please login to see the full transcript.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Jill Waterman, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.
Generated transcripts are the property of Jill Waterman and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Copyright © Tapesearch 2025.