On this episode of The PHYS Podcast, Tyson Martin sits down with New York City photographer Rob Hann for a captivating conversation about road trip photography, portraiture, visual storytelling, and the beauty hidden within America's overlooked landscapes.

Rob has built a distinctive photographic career by combining a documentarian's curiosity with a portrait photographer's understanding of people. Known for his cinematic approach to photography, his work explores the relationship between individuals and the environments they inhabit, creating images that feel both intimate and expansive.

Over the years, Rob has photographed more than 900 commissioned portraits while also developing a deeply personal body of work documenting forgotten places, roadside Americana, small towns, and the landscapes that often exist beyond the spotlight of major cities.

A centerpiece of this conversation is his acclaimed book Diesel Fried Chicken, published by The Artist Edition in 2018. The project serves as a visual exploration of America's backroads and hidden corners, capturing moments, locations, and stories that reveal a side of the country many people drive past without noticing.

Rob's work has earned international recognition, with limited edition prints represented by galleries including Clic Gallery in New York City and Larsen Warner Gallery in Stockholm, Sweden.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Rob Hann's journey into photography and visual storytelling
• How road trips became central to his creative vision
• The inspiration behind his book Diesel Fried Chicken
• What draws him to forgotten places and overlooked landscapes
• Lessons learned from photographing more than 900 commissioned portraits
• How portrait photography informs his documentary and travel work
• The importance of slowing down and paying attention to everyday details
• Insights into exhibiting photography through international galleries
• Why preserving visual stories matters in a rapidly changing world

This episode is a thoughtful exploration of photography's ability to preserve places, people, and moments that might otherwise disappear from memory.

Rob's work reminds us that beauty is not reserved for famous landmarks or dramatic destinations. Often, the most meaningful photographs are found along quiet highways, in small towns, and in the spaces where ordinary life unfolds.

Whether you're a photographer, traveler, storyteller, artist, or someone who appreciates the overlooked corners of the world, this conversation offers valuable insight into seeing beyond the obvious and discovering stories hidden in plain sight.

Photography has the power to transform forgotten places into lasting memories and overlooked moments into meaningful stories.

Follow Rob Hann
Instagram: @rob.hann
Web: www.robhann.com