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 to run from May 20-24, where you can enjoy a free week of Lightroom training.

In this week's podcast, I delved into the subjective nature of photographic quality, emphasizing that a photograph's value extends beyond monetary terms and is more deeply tied to the experience and emotional connection it brings, reflecting on the influence of audience, intention, and purpose in determining what makes a photograph acceptable or praiseworthy, and how experience itself adds value to a photograph.

I also wonder if the notion of good is sometimes an automatic praise given to certain historical figures in photography, noting that not all works by recognized artists are necessarily exemplary. Finally I wonder how much the weight we put into an image is our good verse snapshots categories of image. Where a good 'snapshot' quality, advocating for their potential to carry memory, meaning, and context might be the best of our work.

My goal in the episode is to return to that question of what makes a photograph meaningful is likely what also makes it good, and the significance of photographs that capture the essence of a place or situation, which may not necessarily satisfy the criteria of structured competitions, but nonetheless stand as good photography in their own right.

Mark Your Calendars for the Lightroom Virtual Summit 2024

Before we get into the topic just a save the date note for the Lightroom Virtual Summit 2024 for May 20 through May 24. This will be a free week packed with Lightroom training. These sessions are going to be invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their photo processing and organizational skills with this tool.

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Gear used in the podcast

One of the questions I get asked frequently is what sort of equipment do I use to record my podcast. I have used a variety of equipment in the years that I have been recording, but here is the current list of equipment that I am using. Also as an FYI and full disclosure, the links are affiliate links to Amazon.Rode Procaster XLR microphoneRode Boom ArmRode PSM ShockmountAll three Rode components a kitFocusrite Scarlet 2i2Adobe Audition (part of creative cloud subscription)LogicPro XMacbook ProOWC Thunderbolt 3 dockHeadphones