The problem with clear and concise in photography

One of the significant challenges that many of us are brainwashed into thinking when photographing is that photography is about making a simple, clear, and concise photograph that checks all the boxes. One that meets the photographer’s intention is accepted by the viewer and meets all the criteria for what compositionally and processing-wise makes for a good image. We spin up all sorts of language that says if you follow these guidelines, use these tools, and process this way, you will have the foundation for making a good photo. However, art and creativity aren’t poorly constructed multiple-choice tests or true-false tests that do more to reveal the weakness of the test rather than the strength of the test taker. Great photographs are bound by clear and concise as the sole criteria. They are one way to view a photograph but not the only way to view it.

In this week’s podcast, we tackle the idea of being boxed into the notions that photographs are to be simple and concise to be good in an attempt to dispel the myth that images are best when they check the boxes when we aren’t even sure the boxes are correct.

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