Episodes

In episode 515 of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I talk about the importance of finishing work in photography. As I prepare for an upcoming art show in Seattle, I reflect on the clarity and sense of accomplishment that comes with completing projects. There are lots of insights that come from finishing work Completing work, I believe, reveals a photographer’s identity and intentions, highlighting what truly matters in their artistic practice. I encourage you to embrace this process and celebrate ...

In this episode of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I talk about what makes a photograph “good.” But before we dig in, I just wanted to say my thoughts for those affected by the fires in Southern California. This episode is all about the qualities that define a good photograph, such as the photographer’s skill, the uniqueness of the image, and the thought behind it. I also touch on the emotional impact and historical context of photography. I also dig al little into the importance of personal exp...

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I kick off 2025 diving into the topic of photography critique. After a quick update and thanks to everyone for their support as I dealt with my medical issues, I wanted to dig into how photographers can approach feedback. Instead of just answering questions about their work, I suggest flipping those questions to gain deeper insights. This filp will allow you to emphasize the importance of considering the background and context in images to ...

Happy New Year everyone. In this episode, I share a bit about my recent experiences with health issues that have affected my energy and productivity, which have also led to a brief hiatus from work. So thanks to everyone for reaching out and much gratitude for your support As we approach 2025, I cheated and recorded a podcast when I am supposed to be off work, and I wanted to share five wishes for my audience: fostering a deeper connection to their work, focusing on the positive aspects of their...

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we are going to dig a little deeper into the visual language of photography. Before we jump into our topic, I did want to let you know if the energy is a little off it is due to some recent struggles with medication and anxiety, which are hopefully getting resolved. As we jump into our topic, there is a connection between how understanding visual elements—similar to nouns, verbs, and adjectives in language—can enhance our photographic work...

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dig into the topic of distractions in photography, focusing on not just the technology of AI generative tools that remove unwanted elements from images, but how we think about distractions in our work. These new tools have impressive capabilities and their potential impact on a photographer’s approach to composition can’t be easily dismissed. Yet, the philosophical and ethical considerations of manipulating photographs always seems to boi...

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I tackle two listener questions. First, I dive into the role of language in photography, discussing how articulating thoughts about my work can deepen personal connection and understanding. While some argue that photos should speak for themselves, I believe language can enhance this visual storytelling. Then, I respond to Christine, a long-time listener, about adaptability in photography, sharing my experiences with dysgraphia and dyslexia....

Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! Welcome to another episode of “The Perceptive Photographer”. We’re diving into episode 508, which coincides with the hustle and bustle of Cyber Monday. While the world around us is caught up in the frenzy of consumerism, I want to offer you something else to focus your attention on over spending some cash on something you don’t need. I have five exercises for you to try out to keep your creativity going this season. Exercise 1: Finding Interest in the...

In this episode of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I dive into the theme of balance in both life and photography. I kick things off with a quote from Ani DiFranco about striving for balance over perfection and dive into an expeirence many years ago in a yoga class, where I noticed how balance—or the lack of it—can reflect broader life. Over the past week I have been thinking about how those relate to photography, suggesting that our emotional and mental states influence our creative work. I encou...

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I spend some time reflecting on the passing of the influential photographer Paul Caponigro. I really admired Paul and got to meet him several time and so I wanted to shared a few personal stories about Paul, including some lessons and anecdotes on his approach to photography. I also wanted to touch on the current tension and anxiety so many are feeling and talk about how photography can be a therapeutic outlet during tough times. I hope you...

In this episode of my podcast, the Perceptive Photographer, I dive into the concept of “layers” in photography, drawing inspiration from the movie “Shrek.” You know how Shrek says ogres have layers? Well, I believe photographs do too, with multiple layers of meaning. I chat about how elements like composition, emotions, and even political implications can add depth to an image. I encourage you to think about your own layers as photographers and how your personal experiences shape your work. In ...

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dive into the importance of working the balance between simplicity and complexity in our photography. It all started with me finally starting to learn how we see complexity in a scene and how distilling them to their core improved my work. This simplification isn’t about minimalism but about focusing on the core elements. I Don’t forget that I got a bunch of upcoming workshops, including the Photoshop Virtual Summit and my own sessions o...

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I dig into how we go about dealing with mistakes and unexpected outcomes in our creative process. The topic came to mind in thinking about why sometimes bad things happen in my process, and yet, other times it is just a “happy accident.” I wondered how much of that was my reactions to the errors verse the errors themselves. I started to emphasize in my own work the importance how I frame and reframing expectations and seeing mistakes as op...

In this episode of podcast, I ponder and dig into how perception shapes our understanding of photographs. It all starts from thoughts of donuts from Oscar Wilde and mirror from Ralph Waldo Emerson. With their quotes in mind, Igot to thinking about how much of our perception is subjective and influenced by our mental state and not actually factual. As you look at your own work, one of the things in the podcast that I hope you will do is reflect on how your personal experiences and emotions are m...

In episode 501 of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I really open up about the concept of “mailing it in” when it comes to photography and creativity. Hitting the milestone of 500 consecutive episodes got me thinking about how crucial it is to stay truly engaged and not fall into the trap of complacency in our creative journeys. So with the podcast this week, I want to encourage you to stay focused, even when you’re feeling exhausted, and to find those little sparks that keep your creative energy ...

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 th...

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 actuall...

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 ...

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 identifyi...

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.

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.

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.

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 wo...

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 upcom...