Photography and the expression of idea

Episode 383

One of the purposes of language is used to express ideas and share observations. The visual language of photography is no different. It is about expressing the ideas and feelings behind the camera. For many photographers, this can prove to be a significant challenge.

Many photographers have developed routines for unconscious biases towards what makes a good photograph. Images need to be a certain something to be good. They need to be in focus, centered, color, or some other arbitrary assumption of good. This twisted logic of what is required for a photograph to be good can get in the way of the meaning needed for the photograph to communicate effectively. What if what you have to say needs to be blurry. What if it needs to be underexposed. Is the need to communicate effectively more important than need to photograph to a unrealistic standard.

In this week’s podcast, we talk about the importance of language to express ideas and how our own constructs of what makes a photograph “good” can get in the way of making an effective image.

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