Why Photobooks Will Outlast the Internet - Matthew Genitempo (Part 2)

This is part two of a conversation between host Matt Jacob and photographer/publisher Matthew Genitempo, diving deep into Genitempo's photobook practice and his small press Trespasser (co-run with Bryan Schutmaat and Cody Haltom). The episode explores two of his key works: Mother of Dogs, created during lockdown walks with unconventional binding (packing tape) and symbolic cover details (three smashed pennies), and Dogbreath, which documents teenagers in summer heat and features narration by a boy named Dove who never actually appears in the photographs. Genitempo discusses the practical and philosophical sides of his work: how lockdown became creatively generative rather than restrictive, the origins of Trespasser as a collaborative venture between friends, and the decision-making process behind which books the press publishes. The conversation covers self-publishing strategies, portfolio reviews, and the importance of managing expectations around traditional book deals. A significant theme emerges around pacing—how to structure a photobook so viewers naturally slow down and engage deeply. The episode also touches on broader cultural questions, including the "dead internet theory" and why photobooks may have greater longevity than digital content. Genitempo shares advice on letting photography projects develop organically rather than forcing them into predetermined shapes, and practical guidance on getting work into the world without waiting for institutional validation. The host emphasizes that the photobook world is more accessible than emerging photographers typically assume. The episode positions itself as both a deep-dive into specific artistic practice and a practical masterclass for photographers considering self-publishing or small-press routes.

Verdict: A substantive, expert-led conversation that delivers on its title with specific artistic examples and practical guidance for photographers, grounded in real creative practice rather than theory alone.

Arts rubric

• Insight into the work 4/5 20%

  Specific details about two photobooks (Mother of Dogs' packing tape binding, three smashed pennies, Dogbreath's narrative structure with Dove) reveal intentional craft choices; discussion of pacing and letting projects find their own shape

• Expertise and access 5/5 20%

  Matthew Genitempo is a practicing photographer and publisher with direct experience running a small press; he speaks from lived expertise about self-publishing, portfolio reviews, and book production decisions.

• Sparks curiosity 4/5 15%

  The specific details about Mother of Dogs and Dogbreath, combined with discussion of unconventional binding and narrative choices, create genuine interest in seeing these works; practical advice on self-publishing may inspire listeners to p

• Substance 4/5 15%

  Show notes indicate substantive topics: specific book analysis, self-publishing strategies, press decision-making, pacing theory, and broader cultural commentary on digital versus physical media; some padding likely exists in a 71-minute co

• Delivers on its title 5/5 15%

  Title promises discussion of why photobooks outlast the internet; episode directly addresses this through dead internet theory, photobook longevity, and contrasts digital versus physical permanence while grounding it in specific artistic pr

• Value for time 3/5 15%

  71 minutes is substantial; show notes suggest rich content but without hearing the episode, pacing cannot be fully assessed; typical podcast structure may include some conversational drift in a two-part interview format.

How we score Arts

Worth it if you're a photographer interested in self-publishing, a photobook enthusiast wanting to understand artistic decision-making, or anyone curious about why physical media might outlast digital platforms.

Based on the episode description. AI-generated; it can be wrong.