In this episode of the Foto Podcast, we sit down with Michael Wriston, a Baltimore-based street portrait and long-exposure photographer whose work captures the soul of the city—one person, one building, one streetlight at a time. Michael shares how photography became a grounding force in his life during military night shifts and how it evolved into a way of deeply connecting with the world around him.
We talk about the energy of late-night wandering, what it means to photograph lived-in neighborhoods, and the stories told by forgotten buildings and hand-painted signs. Michael’s work is all about seeing the beauty in what others overlook—and documenting it with empathy, curiosity, and respect.
Whether photographing strangers on their stoops or exploring alleys at 2 a.m., Michael brings a calm, authentic presence to his work that shines through in every frame.
🔗 Resources & Links:
• 📸 See Michael’s Work: michaelwriston.com
• 🖼️ Follow Michael on Foto: @mwriston
• 📷 Follow Michael on Substack:
• 📚 Mentioned in the episode: Wide Angle Youth Media, Baltimore Photo Space
➡️ Download Foto on the App Store or Google Play — no ads, no videos, no crop, and a real chronological feed. Foto is photography how it should be—focused, intentional, and built around community.
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