Ben Geier is a photographic artist whose work revives the faded charm of American nostalgia. Rooted in his Midwestern upbringing, Ben began his journey through a fascination with the abandoned—drawn to forgotten buildings, rusted signage, and the ghostly remnants of roadside culture. His signature aesthetic and retro-inspired color palette breathe new life into these lost spaces, offering a vibrant homage to a bygone era.
In this episode, Ben explores his deep connection to Americana, discussing how his background in design and music shaped his eye for composition, tone, and storytelling. He reflects on the visual influence of cinema and the power of memory in shaping his work. His debut book, Viewing Hours, spans a decade of images captured across 15 states, documenting the decline—and dignity—of theatres, restaurants, motels, and main streets that once defined American culture.
Ben also opens up about the emotional resonance of photographing overlooked subjects, the creative process behind compiling his book, and how photography became a way to preserve fleeting pieces of cultural identity. His work stands as both artistic expression and historical preservation, keeping alive the textures and stories of the American landscape.
I hope you enjoy the show!
You can find Ben’s work here: Website: https://www.bengeier.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bengeierphotography/
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@bengeierphotography
BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bengeierphotos.bsky.social
Listen to this and other episodes wherever you find your podcasts or on https://grantswinbournephotography.com/lpw-podcast
Or subscribe to my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@grantswinbournephotography
Theme music: Liturgy Of The Street by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com
#bengeier #americanaphotography #retroaesthetic #viewinghours #abandonedamerica #roadsideattractions #midwestphotographer #filmphotography #neonsigns #photographicpreservation #americanarevival #storytellingthroughphotography #architecturephotography #designandphotography
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