Lost & Found: A Portrait of American Wanderlust

by Michael Joseph, Benjamin Wolbergs (Designer)

Striking street portraiture of a contemporary American subculture of young Travelers Lost & Found documents a contemporary American subculture of young Travelers through raw, striking portraiture and intimate storytelling. These Travelers abandon home to move around the country by hitchhiking and freight train hopping in a nomadic, transient existence outside of mainstream society. Along their personal journey driven by wanderlust, escapism, or a search for transient jobs, they find a new family in their traveling friends. The high of freedom, however, does not come without consequence. The black and white portraits are made in public, on the street, using natural light. Individual stories, as a collection, form a greater narrative. Over ten years in the making, Joseph’s portraits reveal the human condition. They capture courage, tenderness, and determination in his subjects that have been largely ignored and unseen.

144 pages, Hardcover

Published April 2, 2024

Reviews

[3D · Rating 5 out of 5]

For over a decade, I've been captivated by the work of Michael Joseph, following his journey through the lens of his camera on social media. His ability to weave storytelling with photography has always resonated with me, and his latest book, "Lost and Found: A Portrait of American Wanderlust," is a masterpiece that encapsulates this talent beautifully.

From the moment I held a copy in my hands, I knew I was in for an extraordinary experience. The book is not merely a collection of photographs; it's a portal into the lives of travelers, a glimpse into a subculture that thrives on the fringes of society. Michael's vision through his photography pulls you in, making you feel as though you're a part of the journey, witnessing the raw beauty of human experience firsthand.

Their stories accompanying each portrait add depth to the visual narrative, creating a bond between the subject and the viewer. It's this unique blend of storytelling and photography that makes Michael's work stand out, offering a perspective that is both intimate and expansive.

Having had the book for several days now, I find myself continually drawn to it. Each time I look through its pages, I discover something new, a different detail, or a fresh perspective. It's become a constant presence on my coffee table, inviting me to revisit its contents and immerse myself in the world it captures.

"Lost and Found" is a testament to Michael Joseph's talent and dedication to his craft. It's a book that deserves a spot on the coffee table or on the shelf of anyone who appreciates the art of storytelling through photography. For those interested in the essence of travel, the human spirit, and the beauty of capturing fleeting moments, this book is a must-have.

As I flipped through the pages, I was reminded of the power of photography to connect us to the world and to each other. Michael Joseph's "Lost and Found" is more than a book; it's an experience, a journey, and a celebration of the wanderlust that lives within us all.

[Sinistre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yesterday it arrived.

Lost and Found by Michael Joseph. I remember when I followed his tumblr page, unknowing what a "dirty kid" were. Being european, I didn't understand -someone mentions this in the book- the last breath of Wild West in America.

Busking, train hopping and folk punk combines with atonishing looks, locs and dirt. Having followed the photographer for about then years and knowing what happened to a bunch of these modern travellers I expected a kind of obituary, but this was a celebration not only of wanderlust and freedom, but also of hope.

[Gnaomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photography of an overlooked American subculture. Together with the pristine, minimal portrait style, the stories of the travelers, and the photographer's chance encounter that led him to this project, are very moving.

Read this book!