Through the Grain with Cory Routson - News Makers, Episode 48

Through the Grain On this episode of News Makers, Greg Enslen sits down with photographer Cory of Staple Gun to talk about the art of capturing life through a different lens.Cory never went to school for photography. What started with a basic DSLR and pictures of his dog eventually evolved into a passion for 35mm film photography, street photography, and documenting the people, places, and moments that often go unnoticed.Cory discusses his transition from digital photography to film, why he believes film has more “life” and “soul,” and how shooting with a limited number of frames forces him to slow down and be intentional about every photograph. He also shares his experience photographing punk rock shows, including the challenge and reward of getting that one perfect image in the middle of hundreds or thousands of shots.A major focus of Cory’s work is downtown Dayton, where he walks the streets looking for unusual, provocative, and authentic moments. From abandoned buildings and everyday encounters to people living on the streets, Cory's black-and-white photography captures a side of Dayton that isn't always seen in traditional photography.Greg and Cory also dive into the growing resurgence of analog and physical media, comparing the experience of shooting film to listening to vinyl, watching movies on Blu-ray, and the trade-offs that come with an increasingly digital world.The conversation also explores Cory’s photography of local and touring punk bands, his use of natural and existing venue lighting, the process of selecting and editing concert photographs, and his goal of eventually making photography his full-time career.Looking toward the future, Cory shares plans for a potential photography book about downtown Dayton "Concrete Pillow", a project focused on people sleeping on the streets, with hopes of eventually donating proceeds to a local homeless shelter.If you love photography, punk rock, Dayton, street art, or the beauty found in unexpected places, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Find Cory's work:Follow Staple Gun DYT on Instagram to see more of Cory's photography and learn how to book him for events, concerts, and more.