Andrew Kaufman is a journalist. Armed with a camera, he documents what he sees, embedding himself in situations and allowing the story to unfold organically.

We learned this about Kaufman while spending the afternoon with him at the Miami Book Fair at Miami Dade College where he was presenting multiple books.

“The Isthmus – A New Path Between the Seas” documents the Panama Canal expansion. His involvement lasted 12 years and the completion of the book is a major feat.

In Miami, Kaufman is best known for his trilogy of books that document the street art in Wynwood. As with “The Isthmus” where he immersed himself in the expansion project, Kaufman immersed himself in the Wynwood street art culture.

What came from our conversation was a greater understanding Kaufman’s journalistic ethics; and though he was reticent to discuss the current state of journalism, one might gather that the industry’s lack of objectivity is of concern to him.

Following his public talk about the Wynwood street art scene, Kaufman was gracious and answered questions from a handful of fans before signing their books. He seemed truly touched by the appreciation he was receiving.