Thoughts on Photography

In this podcast, I discuss the various labels that we apply to ourselves (or are applied to us) as photographers (e.g. fine art photographer) and whether such labels are pretentious or practical.

This podcast focuses on a discussion of websites as a way of marketing and promoting your fine art photography. The podcast covers such issues as:- identifying your audience- setting goals for your website- elements of a fine art website- types of website solutions for the photographerLinks to sites mentioned in this podcast include:VisualServerFoliolinkPhotobistroArtspanFlickr

In this podcast I discuss the artist statement. Why are they important, who the audiences are for them, the different types of statements possible, and how to write them.

Continuing a discussion started in Thoughts on Photography #16, which looked at developing a photographic style, I discuss an approach to selecting a subject to photograph.

In this podcast I define what a photographic style is and what it means to you as a photographer.

This podcast explores the concept of "flow." According to the definition on Wikipedia, flow is a mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what

he or she is doing, characterized by a feeling of energized focus, full

involvement, and success in the process of the activity. In photography, flow can be used to help achieve a sense of heightened creativity with your photography.As a reference for this podcast, here is a simple chart that explains the four levels of flow:Level 1Low Skill - Low Challenge = Typically breeds apathyLevel 2Low Skill - High Challenge = Typically causes frustration and anxiety.Level 3High Skill - Low Challenge = Can bring about contentment and can build confidence but the challenge must increase to encourage true engagement.Level 4High Skill - High Challenge = Desired focused state where flow is attained,

In this podcast I discuss the pros and cons or printing large sized prints and how that relates to selling your work both to the collector and the average consumer.

In this podcast I discuss limited edition prints, what they are, who they benefit, and whether they are right for you. I also cover some of the details that you need to consider should you wish to sell your prints in limited editions.

In this podcast, I discuss how to arrive at a price for your photographic prints regardless of whether you sell your work in unlimited or limited editions. Below is a simple formula that I discuss in the podcast for determining the price:Art Fair Pricing (unlimited)Step 1: Determine the cost of your materials for a single print. For example:- 13x19 paper- inkjet print- bag and board- add framing costs if applicable$10 for materials X 33% = $13.30Step 2: Multiply the result from Step 1 by 3. This is the price you could charge for your print (and probably sell it). For example:$13.30 X 3 = $39.90 (round up to $40)Exhibition/Gallery Pricing (limited)Step 1: Determine what level you are at as a fine art photographer with regards to your reputation and experience exhibiting and/or publishing and then multiply an hourly rate by 33%. For example:Beginner - $100/hr X 33% = $133Emerging - $200/hr X 33% =$266Established - $300/hr X 33% = $399Step 2: Multiply the result from Step 1 by 3. This is the price you could charge for your print (and probably sell it). For example: $133 X 3 = $399 or $400 (exhibition)$266 X 3 = $798 or $800$399 X 3 = $1197 or $1200

In this podcast, I discuss ideas that help you remain engaged in your fine art photography when time doesn't permit to actually go out and make photographs.