Entering the StreetPX studio today is Bay Area documentary photographer, street photographer and college professor, Dan Fenstermacher.
Early on, Dan chose to pursue a degree at San Jose State and studied in the very same darkroom as his stepfather... continuing the family tradition of photography.
A trip to Ghana on an advertising internship for 8 weeks, set him on a path of travel and expansion of creativity. During which time, he starred in a local television commercial, assisted the head of the advertising agency with location scouting, head shots and even hit the streets with his pocket camera capturing as much of the local life as possible. Thus, solidifying his interest in visual expression.
Living in LA from 2008-2010 and going through multiple jobs in the advertising world, he became jaded on the advertising world and finally found himself by going to school at night at El Camino College, pursuing photography.
I went through a lot of different jobs in the advertising world... But it was not as romantic as I envisioned. Like, I envisioned, 'I'm gonna get into advertising and make these really funny Doritos commercials for the Super Bowl'. Its gonna be creative and fun.... It was not that way... It was filing paperwork and getting copy and delivering mail...
Dan Fenstermacher speaking on his initial experience with pursing an advertising career.
A leap of faith soon set him on a path to teaching and we dive deep into his story of teaching in China. Inspired by his roommate who moved to Seoul, South Korea to teach English and after hearing all the stories of his new life, Dan got decided to do the same.
Finding a website matching teachers with schools in the area, he signed up. Quickly, he got a message from the Xiangfan University in China, which lead to a unique adventure in teaching fine arts and photography to kids and young adults in China.
I had some really sweet students. After each class, they would give me, almost like a gallery, when you have a guest book... they would give me this guest book with a note from all of them and they would bring in a bunch of snacks for all us teachers. They were really sweet kids.
Dan Fenstermacher speaking on how receptive and excited the students were during the classes.
Documented Rick-Shaw drivers in India over the summer, assisted by Whitney Hammel, who he went to undergrad school with and she got him set up.
Further travel included Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan, Cambodia, Angkor Wat.... as well as his travels through Puerto Rico following the destruction of Hurricane Maria, where he traveled with past guest, Harvey Castro. From there they documented the strife of the local people as well as community centers where stacks of water is left to rot. A body of work that went viral, leading to great donations and assistance from caring people around the area and abroad. who was in dire straights following the disaster.
From his travel stories, we pivot to a topic of great inspiration and one very deeply personal to Dan, which was his project on living and dealing with OCD. Or really any challenging mental health issue such as depression and a
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.