The Perceptive Photographer

In this week’s podcasts, we look at the importance of making work personal and speaking about why personal matters in our work.

In this week’s podcasts, I jump into the essence the struggle between practice, inspiration and making images.

Episode 468 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast delves into the world of presets in photography not just in Lightroom but in conceptual work as well.

In episode 467 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we draw inspiration from the book "Art and Fear" by Ted Orland and Richard Bayless.

Often in my artistic endeavors, I'm driven by a desire to produce remarkable pieces that resonate with both myself and my audience. But what's the path to achieving such a goal? Drawing from the teachings of "Art and Fear", I point out a fundamental lesson: the best I can do is make art I care about—lots of it. Because as I churn out my creations, only a handful will rise to the top as finished products of note.

Learning Through Volume: The Continuous Journey of Art Creation

Good work, as highlighted in today's discussion, is born from a surplus of efforts that may not initially hit the mark. I encourage myself to generate an abundance of work and gradually filter out the less impressive aspects. It's through this sifting process that I learn about my unique visions and inch closer to the art I aspire to create. Someone has to do the work, and it might as well be me.

Reimagining Weaknesses as Strengths in Art

Creating art can sometimes transport me to a peculiar place beyond satisfaction. It's during this struggle with my flaws and weaknesses that art truly takes form. By reframing these apparent shortcomings as strengths, I unlock new perspectives in my craft. The podcast reminds me that it isn't until the pain of not working exceeds the pain of working that I truly commit to my art form.

In closing, I reflect on the long-lasting impact "Art and Fear" has had on my creative philosophy. The book's insights are not to be overlooked by anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the artistic experience. As I bid farewell for the week, I extend an invitation to embrace the book's wisdom and carry it with us on our creative journeys.

Remember, keep creating, push through the struggles, and allow your artwork to be an honest exploration of your inner world. Until next time, keep nurturing your craft and perhaps join me for my upcoming free webinar on March 7, where editing and transformation of photographs into striking black and white images will be the day's adventure.

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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.

Photographers often find themselves at a crossroads, seeking to create work that resonates and has significance. The initial steps towards crafting meaningful photography can seem daunting, yet it is a journey worth embarking on.

In this episode, we explore the pivotal moment between capture and concept and how making sure we focus on the right creative process at the right time and really push our work forwards in meaningful ways.

In this episode, the perceptive photographer, we reflect on the importance of revisiting one's own work for growth.

Dive into episode 436 of The Perceptive Photographer to explore the intertwining of camaraderie, standards, and idealism in photography. In this episode, I reflect on an owl photo adventure, revealing insights into how photographers can enhance their craft through communal experiences, precise goals, and a contagiously optimistic outlook.

Key Topics

Community matters in photography

Setting expectations can limit you

Positivity is infectious on shoots

Photography is a privileged pursuit

"That sense of idealism also was really sort of interesting because it came out and I remember one guy said something to the effect of, I’m gonna get one of the greatest shots I’ve ever gotten today."

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

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.

In the podcast this week, we look at five bad habits that might be blocking you and your photographic process and exploration behind the camera.

Dive into the ideas of what makes a good photograph in this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. In episode 461 we try to unlock what defines quality in a image and how our assessment of the subjective nature of good changes and evolves over time From engaging our emotions to shifting at our thinking, we talk about how to discover the key elements that make a photograph truly stand out.

Key Topics

What makes a good photograph?

Distractions in photos: purposeful or not?

The subjective nature of photographic interest

Emotional evocation as a photo's marker

Thinking photos: contemplation and engagement

"I also believe that photographs that are good have us think. They have us shift our way at our awareness of the world in a way we hadn't considered before."

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

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.