🎙️ Inside the World of Photojournalism: Rich Joseph Facun on Appalachia, Photobooks & Publishing
Published on 10 Frames Per Second Blog – April 21 2026
Discover Rich Joseph Facun ’s journey from skate‑boarding zines to award‑winning photobooks on Appalachia. Learn the differences between street photography and photojournalism, the responsibility of universities to their towns, and why creating an independent imprint like Liar’s Corner matters today.
Table of Contents
- Who Is Rich Joseph Facun?
- From Skateboards to the Darkroom
- Photojournalism vs. Street Photography
- Documenting Appalachia: The Three Books
- The Role of Ohio University in the Community
- Building an Independent Imprint: Liar’s Corner
- Is There a Golden Age of Photobooks?
- Key Takeaways for Emerging Photographers
- Listen to the Full Episode
Who Is Rich Joseph Facun?
- Otomi & Pinoy storyteller based in Ohio.
- Photographer, author, and publisher focusing on the intersections of geography, economics, culture, and community in Appalachia.
- Founder & Creative Director of Liar’s Corner, an imprint that amplifies marginalized voices.
“My work is an ongoing inquiry into place and lived experience.” – Rich
Rich Joseph Facun: From Skateboards to the Darkroom
Early Years: DIY Zines & Skate Culture
- 1980s: Started photographing skate tricks with Polaroids and 110‑film cameras.
- Published a DIY zine with a local skate shop’s Xerox machine – a free creative outlet.
Life Detour
- Became a young parent at 17, dropped out of school, and worked to support his family.
- Lost touch with photography until a community‑college class in 1997‑98 reignited the passion.
The Turning Point
- Attended a week‑long workshop in Portsmouth, Virginia (Visual Arts Center) with legends like Bill Eppridge and Carol Guzy.
- Realized photography could be a career, not just a hobby.
Photojournalism vs. Street Photography
| Aspect | Photojournalism | Street Photography |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Document news, build relationships, tell a story for an audience | Capture spontaneous moments, often anonymous |
| Access | Requires permission and often long‑term engagement | No permission, often a snapshot of the public sphere |
| Narrative | Structured, with a pitch to editors | More intuitive, free‑form sequencing |
| Tools | Interviews, research, editorial collaboration | Quick reflexes, keen eye for composition |
Rich emphasizes that street photography skills are a foundation for strong photojournalism, but the latter adds depth through relationships and context.
Documenting Appalachia: The Three Books
- Black Diamonds – Exploration of former coal‑mining towns in Southeast Ohio.
- Little Cities – Focuses on land use and cultural memory, weaving indigenous narratives.
- 1804 – A deep dive into Athens, Ohio, its youth culture, and Ohio University’s legacy (the first federally funded university, founded in 1804).
What Sets These Rich Joseph Facun Projects Apart?
- Intentional avoidance of over‑documented themes like opioid addiction and poverty.
- Research‑driven: Rich read both academic and narrative sources, even photocopying out‑of‑print books on Appalachia.
- Visual tone: Muted colors to avoid “moody” lighting that could bias viewers.
The Role of Ohio University in the Community
- Economic powerhouse: Most residents rely on the university for stable, middle‑class jobs.
- Community responsibility:
- Open‑source medical pharmacy for low‑income retirees.
- Infrastructure support (roads, utilities) tied to university growth.
- COVID‑19 impact: The university’s shift to remote instruction left Athens “abandoned” for weeks, exposing the town’s dependency.
Rich argues that any dominant institution—whether a university or corporation—must foster a reciprocal relationship with its host community.
Rich Joseph Facun on Building an Independent Imprint: Liar’s Corner
Why Create a New Imprint?
- Creative control: Hands‑on involvement from sequencing to design.
- Cultural alignment: Desire for an imprint owned by marginalized voices (indigenous, Asian‑American).
- Future vision: Turn Liar’s Corner into a non‑profit that funds artists’ production costs.
Lessons Learned from the Publishing World
- Traditional models often require photographers to fund $15k–$30k for production, leaving them with minimal returns.
- Successful imprints like Deadbeat, Trespasser, and Charcoal aim for fairer revenue splits and ethical practices.
Is There a Golden Age of Photobooks?
- Yes & No:
- Pro: Technological tools (social media, email) make self‑publishing easier than ever.
- Con: Financial viability remains low; many photographers still self‑fund their books.
- Analogy: Like the 1990s skate‑boarding boom where skater‑owned companies disrupted the market, today’s photobook imprints are reshaping the industry.
Key Takeaways for Emerging Photographers
- Research First, Shoot Later
- Dive into local histories, academic texts, and community narratives before you head out.
- Build Relationships
- Whether you’re a photojournalist or street photographer, trust and dialogue enrich your work.
- Own Your Narrative
- Consider starting an imprint or partnering with ethical publishers to keep creative control.
- Be Mindful of Community Impact
- Ask: What does my work add to the conversation? Avoid redundant or exploitative storytelling.
Quick Checklist
- Identify a unique angle not already saturated in the field.
- Conduct both academic and anecdotal research on your subject.
- Draft a pitch that explains the story’s relevance to editors or funders.
- Choose a publishing model that aligns with your financial and ethical goals.
- Keep the visual tone consistent with your narrative intent (muted vs. saturated, color vs. B&W).
Listen to the Full Episode with Rich Joseph Facun
Want the deeper dive?
- 🎧 Listen on 10fps.net (new episodes every Tuesday)
- 📱 Find it on all major podcast platforms
- 📻 Catch back episodes on WLOY.org
Stay Connected
- Follow Rich Joseph Facun on Instagram @facun and @liarscorner.press for behind‑the‑scenes shots.
- Subscribe to the 10 Frames Per Second podcast for future episode updates, photo essays, and publishing tips.
Ready to start your own photobook journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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photojournalism, skateboarding photography, DIY zines, 110 film, punk rock culture, Ohio University, Appalachian region, coal‑mining towns, Black Diamonds (book), Little Cities (book), 1804 (book), Liar’s Corner imprint, book publishing, Yaffe Press, Charcoal Book Club, Terry Eiler mentorship, Matt Eich collaboration, book sequencing, editorial collaboration, community impact, university‑town responsibility, COVID‑19 pandemic effects, economic dependency, opioid crisis, poverty in Appalachia, indigenous heritage, marginalized voices, photo‑book industry, golden‑age debate, square‑format photography.
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