Episodes

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,...

In this episode, I delve into the impacts of fragmentation in our photography, emphasizing its unique ability to fragment the world in various ways. Starting off with some great quotes from Jasper Johns and Ursula K. Le Guin about fragments of knowledge and then digging into how photography mirrors the fragmented nature of how we frame, see and compose. Over the course of the podcast, I disuss the challenges of managing these fragments in how we use time, spaces, and ideas to create our own per...

This week in episode 489, I dig into the intersection of chance, self-expression, and photography. In revsiting the text from Clive Scott’s “The Spoken Image” I dig a little into the impact of whether photography is more about reacting to spontaneous moments or preparing for them. So as you listent to the podcast, ask yourself are you more of a ‘ready-for-the-moment’ shooter or do you thrive in the unpredictable? “The exposure to the camera, the click of the shutter, is a real world event.” Ke...

In this episode, I explore how the language we use—especially definite and indefinite articles—shapes our understanding and critique of photographs. We’ll dive into how titling, captioning, and asking the right questions can alter our perception and memory of images. This week I hope to uncover the subtle yet powerful role language plays in defining the context and elements within photography. “As you’re talking about your photograph, start to think about how do you use that language unconsciou...

In episode 487, I dig into breaking the cycle of repetitive photography habits that have you spinning your wheels. It’s easy to keep snapping similar shots like sunsets or whatever you shoot again and again without pushing ourselves to what we really need to photograph to connect to our images. So with that in mind, I talk about how we can engage deeper with our subjects and find those unique elements that reflect our personal goals, experiences and growth, ultimately leading to more meaningful ...

In today’s episode, I dive deep into the impacts of acceptance in our creative practices. It’s all about being honest with ourselves, setting realistic expectations, and understanding outu that might impact our photographic progress and relationship to photography. After sharing a little about some workshops coming up, I try to discuss why it is important to appreciate and value what we create, and how respecting our work—and that of others—can make a huge difference–particularly when we are fee...

This week’s podcast asks you to forget the technical jargon or future worries that you might have in your photographic practice. Instead, in episode 485, we are talking about how Edward Hoppers desire to appreciating light on a building, Cezannes seeing the surroundings, and the beauty of just staying put to catch those subtle changes can make a different in our work. We also dig a little into how those ideas become as Louis Kahn says our teachers. After all our work, is about creating a deep co...

Hey everyone, in this episode, I’m diving into two of the simple pleasures in my studio—a great cup of coffee and capturing the meaningful photograph. I’m digging into a random thought that came up after brewing some coffee in the studio. The thoughts of how stripping down complex experiences to their core can lead to deeper connections and more compelling storytelling through photography. There really isn’t an answer that I come up with but rather in this podcast, I wonder the pasture of simpli...

Welcome to podcast 483, In this podcast, I’m diving into the world of f stops and depth of field in photography. Imagine your favorite f stop as a personality quiz—revealing the unique characteristics that define how you see and capture the world. You can of course start with Lightroom’s library filter bar to uncover your natural shooting habits, helping you understand your personal photography style with a metadata sort by f.stop. But rather than be just that simple, I dive into the impacts of ...

Welcome to podcast 482 ! Today, we look at why we might come back and have a second look at an image, and how that can impact our determination of an image’s effectiveness or not. We know that it’s not just about technical aspects but the deeper resonance and significance that prompt us to keep coming back for a second look, and yet, we need the technical aspects to not be a distraction. It is a balancing act. We’ll dive into the importance of engaging with images multiple times, understanding t...

In episode 481 of the Perceptive Photographer, we dig into the different sides of distractions and how they can be both a benefit sometimes and a negative other times. Using examples like peaking at the back of the camera, over preparedness and should and coulds of photography, I discuss how so much of what we are distracted by take us out of the moment of connection behind the camera. That connection should be our goal, so I invite you to revisit and reconsider how you approach your things that...

In episode 480 of the Perceptive Photographer, we dig into the notion of what good customer services looks like. When thinking about your photographs and if you are in the business of making photos, what does good customer service look like in your images. As your own client, what are you doing to make sure that your images have the best experience possible. Mark Your Calendars for the Lightroom Virtual Summit 2024 Before we get into the topic just a save the date note for the Lightroom Virtua...

In episode 479, the podcast delves into the idea of launching a camera club, exploring its potential members and the methods of discussing photography. In focusing on diversity of interests and backgrounds they may bring to the table, we can start to understand more about what we need from our photographic practice.. Additionally, I discuss the approaches to how photographs are discussed within the club setting, considering varying perspectives and approaches. In my club, the idea of and an incl...

In this week’s podcast I dive into the way our photos that only we seem to love can really impact our work and a quick rant on AI marketing language. Mark Your Calendars for the Lightroom Virtual Summit 2024 Before we get into the topic just a save the date note for the Lightroom Virtual Summit 2024 for May 20 through May 24. This will be a free week packed with Lightroom training. These sessions are going to be invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their photo processing and organizational...

Hey everyone, Daniel Gregory here. In this episode, we’re diving into the topic of resistance and how it can seriously mess with our creative flow. I’ll be sharing some personal insights on how resistance shows up in different ways and what we can do to push through it. We’ll talk about how resistance can actually serve a purpose, but also how it can hold us back from embracing change and trying new things. I’ll also touch on how to overcome resistance when it comes to our photography work and h...

In the podcast this week I am so excited to be joined by the amazing and wonderful Dave Cross. Dave is an icon in the Photoshop world. A member of the Hall of Fame, teaching in every state and multiple countries around the world, founder of the Virtual Summits series and just an all-around great individual. I am so excited that he agreed to join me on the podcast this week where we talk about building community, how to approach working on complex ideas or topics and how to always keep improving....

This week’s podcast explores the elusive quest to identify the “best photograph” in a series, delving into considerations like emotional impact, composition, and our own bias. One of the most complex aspects of this process is determining the “best photograph.” Is it the most visually striking image or does it carry the most significance and impact? The answer is subjective and depends on various factors since things like intention, the purpose of the series, and the overall viewing experience c...

It’s “Challenge Week,” in this episode of the Perceptive Photographer, so I am outlining five tasks designed to refresh and inspire your approach to your work. Each challenge ranges in difficulty and is not necessarily organized from easiest to hardest, as presented in the podcast, as everyone’s perspective on what’s challenging varies. But I hope each one can shift a perception or rekindle a creative spark if you feel a little stuck. Crafting Project Statements The first challenge is crafting...

In this latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I revisited the evergreen question of what constitutes a good photograph. A quick announcement before we jump into the topic. I wanted to announced the upcoming Lightroom Virtual Summit 2024, set to run from May 20-24, where you can enjoy a free week of Lightroom training. In this week’s podcast, I delved into the subjective nature of photographic quality, emphasizing that a photograph’s value extends beyond monetary terms and is mo...

Welcome to another installment of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. I’m excited to bring you episode 472. Before we dive deep into this week’s topic, a quick note for those eager to enhance their photography critique skills: I will be running a class on April 6 and 13 designed to refine your ability to understand and discuss your photographs more profoundly. Now, let’s get into the heart of today’s discussion, learning to identify and understand the influences in your photography. The Role o...

In this week’s episode of the Perceptive Photographer, we try to unpack photography’s connection to symbolic meaning in images and how some of key tenants of symbolic interactionism can shift how we approach our work. From social constructs to the meaning behind our photographs, this episode dives into how our interactions shape the essence captured in every shot. Hopefully, some of this will give you a chance to think about how your approach and what you see defines your visual stories. Subscr...

This week is episode 470 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast I dive into the importance of the personal part of personal work and projects. So many times I hear from people who are trying to find a deeper connection to their work that they struggle with what it will mean to everyone who looks at it. The focus of the work is very external. I propose that for work to matter it needs to have a personal connection to the person making the work first. I also believe that if it matters to you then ...

In this week’s podcasts, I jump into the essence the struggle between practice, inspiration and making images. I emphasize the necessity to actively engage in practicing the craft of photography, emphasizing the importance of honing technical, organizational, shooting, and preparatory skills. When we fail to practice, it can leave us unprepared for unforeseen challenges. There is also a critical balance between practicing what we already know and learning new tasks that is crucial to our contin...

In episode 468 of my podcast, the Perceptive Photographer, I talk about the world of presets in photography. I chime in on how their role and importance can enhancing workflow efficiency, especially for repetitive tasks. I also share how important it is to consider the further refinement required to achieve the desired effects. I also try to encourage you to understand the underlying adjustments that make up a preset to better apply them to their images. I also try an draw a parallel between p...