Most Interesting People 2015: Seph Lawless

WHY HE'S INTERESTING: The local photographer, who operates under a pseudonym, documents spaces such as abandoned factories, shopping malls and mansions that symbolize the crumbling American dream. His work, largely spread via his 124,000-plus Instagram followers, has garnered an international audience with exhibits in Munich, Milan and Paris.

Native son: Lawless, who grew up in Olmsted Falls, got into photography during the economic downturn of 2008. With his pictures, he wanted to illustrate the decline in a visual way. "I want people to try to change the problems or help the places they see. Because if it is bothering them, and if I've portrayed the images creatively enough, I knew it could deeply impact the viewer."

Above the law: To get his photos, Lawless must go where he isn't technically permitted. He took on a pseudonym to protect his identity in the early days. "I thought it was a better way to go around, illegally trespass if you will, without having it attached to me per se."

Police run-in: After Fox News aired an interview with him, his cover was blown. The Cleveland Police Department tracked him down and tried to charge him with a felony. He eventually got off with a misdemeanor and a fine. The detectives actually liked his work, he says, although not how he got it. "One actually fist-bumped me before I left."

Left behind: Black Friday — The Collapse of the American Shopping Mall, includes photos of vacant properties in Northeast Ohio, such as the Randall Park and Rolling Acres malls. He saw them, now decrepit, as a powerful symbol, a place people remembered from better days. "You know how malls were growing up, you dressed nice. Even if you couldn't afford the stuff, you went. It was a communal space. Before social media, that's where you went to talk to people."

Going analog: Lawless has rosy memories of the malls he now photographs. His favorite store was Record Den. He recalls standing outside, the gate still down, waiting for the store to open for the release of a new album. "That was a cool place."

Style vs. substance: Though his style has been replicated, giving rise to the ruin porn aesthetic, Lawless doesn't want his images divorced from their message. He protested against the Iraq War and is involved in a project to illuminate the Edward Snowden documents through art. "My dad's an autoworker, union guy, and my brother is very political too, a teacher. Our dinner table discussions were very heavily doused in politics."

Speed demon: While in Germany to open his exhibit, The Autopsy of America, based on a book by the same name, Lawless took to the autobahn in a BMW M3. He drives a hybrid in the U.S., so hitting speeds of up to 135 mph was a new experience. "I was nervous. I tell you what, I had blisters from holding the wheel. But it was safe. Nobody was texting. They weren't cutting you off with these egos. They used their turn signals."