The Perceptive Photographer

Defining your best work

Five Photography Challenges to Connect to Your Work

It's "Challenge Week," in this episode of the Perceptive Photographer, so I am outlining five tasks designed to refresh and inspire your approach to your work. Each challenge ranges in difficulty and is not necessarily organized from easiest to...

Defining value in the image: snapshots to fine-art

In this latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I revisited the evergreen question of what constitutes a good photograph. A quick announcement before we jump into the topic. I wanted to announced the upcoming Lightroom Virtual Summit 2024, set...

Diving deeper into photo inspiration and influences

Welcome to another installment of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. I'm excited to bring you episode 472. Before we dive deep into this week's topic, a quick note for those eager to enhance their photography critique skills: I will be...

Symbolic meaning and thinking in photography

In this week's episode of the Perceptive Photographer, we try to unpack photography's connection to symbolic meaning in images and how some of key tenants of symbolic interactionism can shift how we approach our work. From social constructs to...

The reason does matter

This week is episode 470 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast I dive into the importance of the personal part of personal work and projects. So many times I hear from people who are trying to find a deeper connection to...

When it is practice and when is it insanity?

In this week’s podcasts, I jump into the essence the struggle between practice, inspiration and making images. I emphasize the necessity to actively engage in practicing the craft of photography, emphasizing the importance of honing technical, organizational, shooting, and preparatory...

Discussing the concept of presets both in software and as a mindset for photographers

In episode 468 of my podcast, the Perceptive Photographer, I talk about the world of presets in photography. I chime in on how their role and importance can enhancing workflow efficiency, especially for repetitive tasks. I also share how important it...

Imitate, Influence, Inspire: Lessons from ‘Art and Fear’

In episode 467 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we draw inspiration from the book "Art and Fear" by Ted Orland and Richard Bayless. Often in my artistic endeavors, I'm driven by a desire to produce remarkable pieces that resonate with both...

Key elements to thinking about your work as projects instead of images

Welcome to a new episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. For those of you who are returning listeners, your continued support is invaluable. And to the newcomers, a warm thank you for tuning in. Exciting updates such as webinars are...

Keeping perspective before and after the click

In this episode, we explore the pivotal moment between capture and concept and how making sure we focus on the right creative process at the right time and really push our work forwards in meaningful ways. Key Topics * Understanding the...

What can happen if you don’t revisit your work

In episode 464 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we delve into an intriguing discussion on the importance of artists looking back at their own completed work. Contrasting the view of individuals who refrain from revisiting their past creations, I ...

Seeing the shots with community

Dive into episode 436 of The Perceptive Photographer to explore the intertwining of camaraderie, standards, and idealism in photography. In this episode, I reflect on an owl photo adventure, revealing insights into how photographers can enhance their craft...

Five bad habits to drop like a hot potato

This week, we dive into five bad habits that you may have that are blocking your photographic process. Hopefully, in the podcast, you can see how to challenge your approach, shake off stubbornness, improve your listening skills, and inspire...

Questions of quality: The viewing of a great Photo

Dive into the ideas of what makes a good photograph in this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. In episode 461 we try to unlock what defines quality in a image and how our assessment of the subjective nature...

Sights and Insights: Starting 2024 with a Photographic Mindset

As we start 2024 on the perceptive photographer, we dive into the nuances of photography in the digital age, challenging myths and embracing goals for 2024. Tune in for an insightful mix of critical thinking, resolutions, and the power of...

Finding inspiration in quotes on photography and connecting

The latest episode of The Perspective Photographer, number 459, dives into some thought-provoking perspectives on photography from some great quotes by other photographers. In these quotes, we see our need to connect to our work and subjects in a meaningful...

Embrace Failure: A Key to Success

Ever thought being a dismal failure could be your best move? Dive into our exploration of failure as a stepping stone in photography and creativity on this episode of The Perceptive Photographer. Let’s wrap up 2023 by finding beauty in...

Listener Question Week

This episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast is all about listener questions. Starting with the common mistakes made by photographers while critiquing their work. We then look at strategies to tackle procrastination. We try to examine how many photos you...

Unlocking conversations about your work with 11 easy questions

In this week's podcast episode, we explore the use of 11 dynamic questions that are specifically designed to spark meaningful conversations about photography. Using these questions, you can easily discuss your work with your audience and, in turn, help them...

Work is never linear

This week's perceptive photographer podcast dives into the dynamic interplay between time and creativity. This episode peels back the layers of how a non-linear approach to time can reshape our photographic journey and push the boundaries of our artistic...

Hitting the bullseye in goal setting for your photography

In this perceptive photographer podcast this week we focus on how coming up with three key goals can make a difference in your work. From setting strategies for goal setting, exploring the impact of language in photography, connecting with your...

The shape of influences

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer, we dive into the impacts of influences on our work. From life's twists to jazz beats and social justice, explore the diverse elements that shape our sense of seeing. "Our influences come from...

The difference between knowledge and wisdom in photography

This week's podcast explores the distinction between knowledge and wisdom in photography, emphasizing the importance of experience and trusting yourself. My goal is to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, trust your existing skills, and take action...

Are you in it for the long haul?

In this episode 451 of the Perceptive Photographer this week, I discuss the significance of commitment and personal growth in photography. By focusing on our unique perspectives and experiences to create meaningful images, I believe we end up capturing the...

Why sitting with uneasy feelings can help you better edit your photographs.

As a photographer, I believe it's essential to step out of our comfort zones to improve the quality of our images. In this episode, I discuss the significance of exploring new techniques, embracing uncertainty, and actively engaging with the creative...

10 questions to being a better photographer

In the podcast this week, we take a look at ten thought-provoking questions that delve into the motivations, emotions, and personal approaches of photographers. It emphasizes the importance of paying attention and taking progressive steps forward in the creative journey....

It’s not a corporate gig so don’t act like it is

In a recent conversation with a friend, they mentioned they were moving on from a job. They had been there since the early days in the company and now found that too much had changed, and they felt as if...

Metaphors and story telling

In the podcast this week, we take a look at how using metaphors and developing multiple metaphors in your photography can help you find a more exciting and consistent voice in your work. Gear used in the podcast One of the...

Like healthy eating, you know what you need to do in your photography

I like to eat junk food. There are so many good cakes, pies, cookies, ice cream, funnel cakes and more. I also know that too much junk food isn't good for me and causes all sorts of issues. I know...

Gear does matter. It affects your work

We often hear that gear doesn't (or does) matter. Those on the doesn't matter side will discuss how great images are made independently of the gear used. However, in this week's podcast, we take a look at how the gear...

Celebrating the uniqueness of episode 444

This week is episode number 444 of the podcast. In honor of the episode number, we are looking at three lists of four great ways to improve, have fun and make more photographs. Gear used in the podcast One of the...

A question of quality

Over the past few weeks, I have had a couple of questions sent to me in email that I thought were interesting topics for the podcast. While each question is unique, they sort of get to a central question when...

Acts of Kindness

In this week's podcast, I talk about the importance of kindness and how that can make a difference in someone's life even when you might not be aware. Nothing about photographs this week, but something bigger than all of that...

Framing considerations

In this week's podcast, we talk about the importance of framing and the impacts framing has on compositions in photographs. I also make a personal plea for you to stop clicking on gear-related clickbait. Gear used in the podcast One of...

Keep it simple with one small thing

I often hear photographers make things needlessly complicated, as if complexity is something to strive for. In this week's podcast, we explore the idea of keeping things simple. The simpler, the better. Whether it's discussing photographs, setting up Photoshop, or...

Got a song stuck in your head? Might be good for your photography

Ever get a song stuck in your head that you can't seem to shake? Or, do you ever have a random fact that you can't remember but can remember everything else about the fact? For example, you can't remember the...

Being bold

This week on the Perceptive Photographer, we are talking all about being bold about how you answer some of the simple questions people ask you about your photography and the types of images you make. Gear used in the podcast One...

Considerations for better compositions

This week on the Perceptive Photographer, we are taking at look at some key considerations or questions to ask yourself about your photographic compositions. * Are the objects in your composition with purpose, or are they a distraction? And, more...

Where’s the fire?

In this week's podcast, we take a look at how rushing and invoking our fight or flight responses to framing and composing our photographs can have an unintended detrimental impact on our work. And, how small steps like deep breaths,...

Projects, odd questions and toning black and white images

This week's podcast is a dive into a few listener questions that have come in over the past few weeks. We look at how to approach big projects and use the amazing Matika Wilbur's Project 562 work as an example...

Chicken and the egg

In looking at photographs, there are a lot of ways to evaluate the work. Two of those approaches are content and concept. We can look at how well the concept is executed, and we can look at how well the...

Working Projects

One of the great aspects of working in photography is the chance to work on projects. And in this case, by projects, I just mean a collection of similar themed work. Many of us start out taking images of...

Simple lessons from my last workshop and an editing effect to keep a close watch on

The podcast this week is a quick review of lessons observed in my last workshop out in the Palouse. Gear used in the podcast One of the questions I get asked frequently is what sort of equipment do I use to...

Five challenges to push your photographic process forward

In the podcast this week, I offer up five challenges each with 10 outcomes to try that will help push you forward as a photographer. While some of them seem simple on the surface, each of these challenges can be...

What to do with all those bad ones?

I have had several conversations about what to do with bad images lately. So, in this week's podcast, we revisit a classic topic for organization and working with your images--what to do with all those bad images. I am not...

Generative AI, Diane Arbus and other musings on the creation of images

This past week I was asked a lot about the new generative AI tools in Photoshop and how they will impact my workflow. To be honest, I am not yet sure how they will completely impact my workflow, but...

Details and other small things

In this week's podcast, we dive into the importance of details and how the small things in our photographic practice can make all the difference in getting the work we want and hope to create. Gear used in the podcast One...

Starting from failure

In this podcast, I talk about how much faster you can achieve your goals when you start by failing and how failing is a great indicator of action. Gear used in the podcast One of the questions I get asked frequently...

Balancing act in photography

In the latest podcast episode, I discuss the significance of balancing not only our visuals but also our mindset toward our work. This approach can positively impact our appreciation for our work and our journey towards achieving it. Gear used in...