Jeff Sonnabend is a documentary photograher who has recently completed a project entitled “The Route 66 Primer: An Uncropped view of the Mother Road”. The project captures Route 66 as it is today. In this interview, we’re proud to present his photos and tell the story behind them.
Jeff Sonnabend owns all images displayed on his website. Please do not use or copy the images unless you have permission directly from the artist.
Jeff Sonnabend Interview
Why did you create this photo?
The work that I have done on Interstate Magazine since 2018 has inspired me to create this work. Interstate Magazine, which was modeled after the FSA of the 1930s and 40s (Farm Security Administration), was intended to counter the current sociopolitical polarization in America.
Route 66 is a unique place in American psyche. It represents the American Identity, a self-proclaimed expression of freedom and independence. However, I felt that the depictions of Route 66 did not accurately reflect current-day America. They seemed to be more focused on neon lights, ghost towns and the past. The route was portrayed as a theme park stretched out, a moving amusement ride.
The Route is a place where I want to capture the real life. I was looking for a photographic documentary of Route 66 – the people and places that exist around it.
How did you create these images?
Route 66 is about 2,500 miles, plus or minus. Route 66 passes through thriving cities, middle class suburbs, rural farmland or small towns. Wealth and poverty are both present, as is the new and decaying. It is difficult to try and capture everything in pictures.
Which cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment were used for the photo?
Canon 5D Mark III was my only camera. The majority of my pictures were taken with the Canon 24mm F1.4L. Some were taken with Canon’s 1.2L 50mm lens. Wide angle is my favorite because it makes the photographer engage with the subject and bring the viewer along. Wide angle photographs are less voyeuristic and more of a look from the inside.
The photos are all taken with a handheld camera and natural light.
Have you got a favourite photo in the series? What is your favorite photo and why?
My favorite pictures are many. In all of my photography, I am more drawn to images of people than inanimate objects. Most of my people photographs are environmental portraits, which I capture after speaking with the subject and asking for their permission. Some of the city pictures are traditional street photos.
The family in Tucumcari New Mexico on their porch is my favorite of the photos. (IMG_4414). This seems to be a casual engagement of the viewer. The boy holding a bucket of fried chicken and fishing equipment (IMG_3157) is also a favorite. It’s hard to imagine a more everyday moment.
This photo shows a reality that is not pleasant along Route 66 today. The trailer (IMG_4239) in San Jon is a full-time home for someone.
The lounge chair (IMG_4336), dangerous curve signs (IMG_4829), or the tricycles (IMG_2724), all capture the feeling of loneliness that travel can bring along the Mother Road.
Could you please share with photographers who are looking for ideas and concepts to produce images that have impact like these?
Photo-documentary is what I do for both Interstate Magazine and The Route 66 Primer. It isn’t “high concept”. I aim to accurately and truthfully capture people and places in America today.
What’s next? What’s next?
Continue to find and photograph images of the real America. Next, for a separate project, I might focus on recreational youth hockey and adult hockey. It could be a series of separate but related works or if you prefer, a single piece. It would be fascinating to not only capture the two worlds but also to demonstrate how an early love for a game can lead to a lifetime association.
Route 66 Photos from the series
About Jeff Sonnabend
The other half is as an attorney focusing on intellectual property, including for other photographers. As an intellectual property attorney, I also represent other photographers. Photo documentary work is important to me but not as much for my bills.