I have been struggling lately trying to understand why so many more bad photographs are out there. Part of it is a volume game. Part of it is an education game. However, I am not focusing on the bad photographs from someone who doesn’t aspire to make great photographs. This weeks’ podcast is focused on why a photographer who wants to make great work continue to put out bad photographs.
As I spent time reflecting on this, I realized that we spend so much time consuming bad photography that it impacts how we see behind the camera. Like eating nothing but junk food, it is hard to be healthy when nothing good is consumed. So how do we get better? We spend time looking at better work. Look at photo books, museums, and photographers we respect. Spending time with great works inspires us to do great work.
To be better at making good photography, we need to find a way to consume good photography. By removing and eliminating the terrible part of our visual diet, we can work to see better and make better photographs. Sure junk food now and then is ok, but you can’t live on cake alone.
Gear used in 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 three 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 microphone
Rode Boom Arm
Rode PSM Shockmount
All three Rode components a kit
Focusrite Scarlet 2i2
Adobe Audition (part of creative cloud subscription)
LogicPro X
Macbook Pro
OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock
Headphones

Podcast #202 Do you know a bad photograph?

Podcast that looks at photography as an art and craft rather than a collection of camera gear.

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Defining your best 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 hardest, as presented in the podcast, as everyone's perspective on what's challenging varies. But I hope each one can shift a perception or rekindle a creative spark if you feel a little stuck.



Crafting Project Statements



The first challenge is crafting project statements. I'm asking you to write three project statements, each one or two paragraphs at most, to help organize some photographic projects or initiate a new project you have only thought about. 



The Gift of Art: Sharing Your Work



Challenge number two is about generosity and the power of giving away ten prints. The purpose of this is to select images you value enough to share and think about a deeper connection to what truly matters in your work as you share it.



Exploring New Perspectives Through Cropping



The third challenge involves taking 25 existing images and cropping them into new aspect ratios, which hopefully pushes you to consider alternative compositional frames. This practice can dramatically shift your approach to capturing images in the future.



The Art of Titling



In the fourth challenge of the week, I am challenging you to title 50 currently untitled images. Crafting suitable titles can often be as challenging as taking the photos themselves, but it's part of the process that adds depth to our work.



Curating a Cohesive Collection



The last challenge starts with building a collection of 100 images that seem to fit together. This exercise emphasizes the importance of identifying what makes each photograph unique and also different. You are looking for the common threads that tie them together, using your own photographs as a feedback loop for growth.



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. 



Subscribing to the podcast ensures not missing any new episodes released every Monday.



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

Five Photography Challenges to Connect to Your Work


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. 



Subscribing to the podcast ensures not missing any new episodes released every Monday.



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

Defining value in the image: snapshots to fine-art


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 running a class on April 6 and 13 designed to refine your ability to understand and discuss your photographs more profoundly. Now, let's get into the heart of today's discussion, learning to identify and understand the influences in your photography.



The Role of Influences in Shaping Your Craft



In a recent class I taught about imitation, inspiration, and influence, we uncovered the significance of in-depth knowledge about the photographers who shape our work. It's incredible to note how many of us begin our photographic journey under the subtle guidance of our predecessors without even realizing it. Our personal style often evolves from emulating the images that captivate us. Identifying these pivotal influencers is the first step towards acknowledging the roots of our creative expression.



Why Delve into the Lives of Influential Photographers?



The exercise of recognizing influential photographers goes beyond a simple acknowledgment. Once we pinpoint these individuals, it becomes immensely rewarding to undertake a biographical exploration. Unraveling the stories behind the artists who resonate with us strengthens our connection to their work and enriches our own creative process. By understanding the context of their lives and their art, we open ourselves up to deeper insights about their impact on our photography.



The Power of Significant Works and the Lessons They Teach



As we immerse ourselves in the lives of these photographers, it's crucial to dissect their portfolios and identify the pieces that speak to us the loudest. These significant works are often a composite of the lessons we absorb and apply to our own photography. However, influences can be as diverse as the genres we explore. They can pivot our perspective, technique, and expression in ways we might not have predicted.



As we continuously seek out inspiration and endeavor to refine our craft, it's important to stay updated with fresh insights and discussions in the world of photography. Subscribing to the Perceptive Photographer podcast ensures that every Monday, you'll have access to the latest episodes packed with thoughtful commentary and tips to further your photographic journey.



Subscribing to the podcast ensures not missing any new episodes released every Monday.



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

Diving deeper into photo inspiration and influences


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 meaning behind our photographs, this episode dives into how our interactions shape the essence captured in every shot. Hopefully, some of this will give you a chance to think about how your approach and what you see defines your visual stories.



Subscribing to the podcast ensures not missing any new episodes released every Monday.



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

Podcast #202 Do you know a bad photograph?

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