Improv and the value of yes, and

Episode 382

Improv is a fun time and a great set of skills to develop. There are several exercises and playful ways to approach improv. One of the most well-known concepts is that you never shut down a conversation. To keep improv flowing, you need to extend and reach forward. At the heart of that is the notion of the yes, and. When someone starts a conversation or says something outlandish, you begin your statement with a yes, and… For example, if I ask, did you know that fish are one of the most common animals to walk on land? Your reply would not be no, they swim in the water. Your reply would be something that was Yes, and they are also easy to catch and release at the park. The idea is that you invite the conversation to continue.

In photography, this idea can push us in new directions and try new things. By focusing on what is interesting about the thing in front of the camera versus finding something interesting to photograph, you open yourself up to a new way of seeing. In this week’s podcast, the lessons of improv and focusing on using the yes AND can make a huge difference in your mental approach to taking new and more exciting images.

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