The Perceptive Photographer

In this special 500th episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I reflect back on my journey in podcasting and photography. I am very grateful for your listening, support, and friendship which has been instrumental in keeping me going to reach this milestone. In this week’s episode, I dig a bit into the creative challenges and expectations that come with being a photographer, discussing how these experiences have shaped my work and perspective over the years.

I also wanted to emphasize the value of embracing the unexpected in creative work, highlighting how some of the most profound artistic discoveries come from moments of spontaneity and surprise and the importance of allowing space for discovery rather than focusing solely on efficiency. My hope is that 500 serves as a reminder that the path of creativity is ever-evolving, and it is the unexpected twists and turns that often lead to the most rewarding artistic breakthroughs.

Also, don’t forget to check out the upcoming workshops if you want to deepen your understanding and skills in your work.

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Hey there! I’m excited to share the latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast. This episode is particularly special to me as it marks the 499th episode, leading up to the big 500th milestone. In this episode, we dig into the importance of understanding the purpose behind a photograph and how you can learn to see better by critiquing before you ever grab the camera. To help you with this, I have a fun exercise designed to have you visualizing and critiquing photographs without actually using a camera. So check out the podcast for all the details on how to get started making better pictures without the camera.

Also, don’t forget to check out the upcoming workshops on color photography and the creative process if you want to deepen your understanding and skills in your work.

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In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I delve into the continuing dialog and conversations around the evolving role of generative AI in photography. Reflecting on my recent experiences, I share frustrations about people’s reactions without justification and start to set the stage for a broader discussion on AI’s impact.

As I always try to call out, there is a difference between that which is completely generative AI, which is a distinct art form requiring its own critique and classification and photography tools that use AI that make what would have been done anyway easiler.

In the conversation today, I am trying to encourage photographers to reflect on their boundaries regarding image manipulation and engage in meaningful conversations about the ethical implications of AI tools. Ultimately, I urge listeners to embrace the dialogue and continue growing as photographers.

Also, don’t forget to check out the upcoming workshops on color photography and the creative process if you want to deepen your understanding and skills in your work.

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In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I explore the inner monologue and external dialogues we photographers have when critiquing our work and others. It all starts with a story about a friend from my 20s constantly questioning one’s ability to drive after having a drink at the bar is an example of how we often ask questions we already know the answer to. (If you are asking the question of if you can drive after a drink, you can’t). As photographers, we can look at how identifying the importance of recognizing these questions we already know the answer to and holding ourselves accountable for the answers to improve our photography.

Also, don’t forget to check out the upcoming workshops on color photography and the creative process if you want to deepen your understanding and skills in your work.

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Tune in to this weeks episode of the Perceptive Photographer whre we dig into how theater, photography, sitcom A, B, and C narratives in epsisode can be lessons to apply to our photographs.

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In this episode of the podcast, I talk about some of the challegenes we can face when we look at our photographs under the lens of thinking we knew what they were about when we really didn’t know.

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In this episode of the podcast, we dig into the impacts of tension on photography. Not the tension in the frame, but rather the tension we carry with us bedhind the camera and how that can impact what we see, photograph and create.

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Welcome to the podcast episode 493. Today, I’m diving deep into a debate that really got me thinking: Can anything truly be taught? It all started with a professor’s bold statement that even the most original thoughts or unique artistic perspectives, like those of van Gogh, can be learned.

I question whether those innovative ways of seeing or thinking are truly teachable or if they’re just innate qualities. I’ll share how our unique life experiences shape the way we individually perceive the world, especially in art forms like photography.

While we can definitely learn techniques, that distinct vision each of us has is irreplaceable. Ultimately, art is about embracing your unique perspective and creativity, not just replicating skills but expressing your own experiences and understanding your place in the world. Let’s explore this together.

Couple of other notes from the podcast

Just a reminder about my critique class on September 21-22nd.

if you haven’t done so, check out the best images from the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Some of them are amazing and so cool to see what those photographers captured.

I also suggest checking out Ashley Lagrange’s “Basic Critical Theory for Photographers” for a solid grasp of critical photography texts.

One of the things that makes the world so interesting is that we all do have different perspectives.

If everything was teachable and everybody could be made exactly the same through a set of skills that would be learned, that’s a boring world to live in.

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In this episode, I dive into Stephen Shore’s thought-provoking photography concept of mental models and thinking about your images based on his book, “The Nature of Photographs”. In the podcast, we explore how framing, composition, and external influences shape our understanding of photographs on both a mental and physical level.

Couple of other notes from the podcast

Just a reminder about my critique class on September 21-22nd.

if you haven’t done so, check out the best images from the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Some of them are amazing and so cool to see what those photographers captured.

I also suggest checking out Ashley Lagrange’s “Basic Critical Theory for Photographers” for a solid grasp of critical photography texts.

The world around us is impacting us as we make the photograph.

The camera captures light. And again, it’s bound by frame, it’s bound by composition that we set up in an effort to pull an abstraction.

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In take 357 of episode 491 of the podcast, I dive into the impacts of forks in the road of our creative process. From the early excitement and motivation of creative processes to balancing the struggle of staying true to oneself while connecting with others. We dig in and explore some of the journies and paths we might find ourselves in photography, and the tough choices between giving up and pushing through. I hope you join me as I reflect on conversations with others and my own highs and lows, striving for improvement and understanding in my work.

Who am I in my photography? What am I saying about the world and my perception of the world through my photography?

It’s one of the great parts about the photographic process is that growth that comes from a better understanding of who I am and the things that matter to me in the world and how I express those through the photographs

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