
In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore the nature of knowledge—what we know, what we don’t know, and the even more elusive realm of what we don’t know we don’t know. This idea is especially relevant in the creative process, where growth often comes not just from refining our skills but from stepping into the unknown with curiosity and openness.
One of the key themes I discuss is the role of play and experimentation in creativity. As children, we naturally embrace play, testing ideas without fear of failure. Yet, as adults, we often lose that ability, held back by self-doubt, the fear of making mistakes, or the pressure to create something "successful" rather than simply exploring possibilities.
Creativity thrives in uncertainty, but that can be an uncomfortable space to inhabit. By intentionally seeking out moments of not knowing—whether it’s trying a new technique, exploring a different subject matter, or questioning our own assumptions—we create opportunities for deeper artistic growth.
I encourage you to embrace uncertainty, challenge your habits, and push beyond your comfort zones. The unknown isn’t something to fear; it’s where creativity truly comes alive.
Don't forget the upcoming Photoshop Creativity Summit, happening from March 23rd to 26th.
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Feb 10
11 min

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore the idea of focus—not just in terms of sharpness or camera settings, but the deeper reasons behind why we take the photos we do. Using the classic journalistic questions—who, what, when, where, why, and how—I reflect on how these can help us connect more emotionally with our work. Photography isn’t just about capturing what’s in front of us; it’s about understanding our motivations, the emotions we bring to the moment, and how we translate that into meaningful images.
I talk about how our audience, whether real or imagined, shapes the way we shoot. I also consider the role of our emotional state—how our feelings influence composition, subject matter, and the stories we tell. While technical skills matter, I emphasize that photography is ultimately about expressing something personal. Balancing the mechanics with a deeper sense of purpose allows us to create work that feels both intentional and resonant.
Along with these ideas, I share details about an upcoming artist talk and gallery show in Seattle with fellow photographer Nikki. If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to join the conversation. After all, photography isn’t just about making images—it’s about connection, storytelling, and seeing the world in a way that’s uniquely your own.
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Feb 3
14 min

In the latest episode of "The Perceptive Photographer," I dip my toe back into the pool of critiquing photographs. Critique is more than just forming an opinion; it's a structured approach to understanding and evaluating photographic work. In this episode, I'll try to offer up some advice to help you improve your critique skills. We start with a Quick Look at critical Theory and m ethodology
* Critical Theory: This refers to the assumptions and ideas we bring to the critique. It has its roots in academic discussions, such as those from Frankfurt University, where it was initially developed to study Marxism and consumerism. In the art world, this concept helps us analyze and interpret various forms of artistic expression.
* Methodology: This encompasses the specific processes we use to analyze the work. Different methodologies can lead to varied interpretations of the same photograph, highlighting the subjective nature of art critique.
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As I have discusses many times on the podcast, one my the core principle in the critique process is the importance of suspending judgment. It's crucial to set aside initial assumptions about a photograph—whether you perceive it as good, bad, or interesting—until you've thoroughly examined it. This approach allows for a more objective analysis and helps prevent personal biases from clouding your critique.
Many of us, myself included, often seek to validate our initial beliefs about a photograph rather than objectively assess its merits. This tendency can lead to a skewed critique process, where we force our opinions onto the work instead of allowing the work to inform our understanding. It's essential to approach critique with an open mind, letting the photograph guide your analysis. When critiquing a photograph, consider the questions you're asking yourself and the motivations behind your critique. For instance:
* What am I trying to understand?
* Is it the technique, the concept, or the emotional impact of the work?
By clarifying these questions, you can better navigate your critique process and gain deeper insights into the work.Conclusion
Critiquing photographs can be a challenging process. By suspending judgment, asking the right questions, exploring different methodologies, and considering the context, you can approach critique with greater clarity and intention. Engaging in meaningful dialogue and participating in critique workshops can further enhance your skills and appreciation for the art of photography.
I hope episode 516 can help you improve your critique skills a bit. Always remember, the goal is not just to evaluate a photograph but to understand and appreciate the depth and complexity of the work.
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Jan 27
13 min

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 their completed projects.
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Jan 20
12 min

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 expression and the ability to interpret photos in various ways.
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Jan 13
11 min

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 enhance storytelling.
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Jan 6
9 min

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 photography, accepting praise, managing their inner critic, and setting and completing personal projects. Overall, the episode aims to act as a motivator for you to reflect on their work and personal growth as you enter the new year.
Gear used in the podcast
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Dec 30, 2024
11 min

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. Over the course of the episode I hope you get more interested in reading and analyzing your images through this framework. From it you might be surprised how much better you can articulate intentions and emotions in the image. I also hope you have a wonderful and joyful holiday season.
Gear used in the podcast
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Dec 23, 2024
11 min

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 boil back up to the surface. So in this episode, I digress into how we think about a distraction when we notice a distraction and the importance of being present during the photographic process.
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Dec 16, 2024
15 min

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. I emphasize embracing personal challenges and adapting creatively, turning potential obstacles into strengths in one’s photographic journey.
Gear used in the podcast
Rode Boom ArmRode PSM ShockmountRode Podcast MicFocusrite Scarlet 2i2Adobe Audition (part of creative cloud subscription)Macbook ProOWC Thunderbolt 3 dockHeadphones
Dec 9, 2024
16 min
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