The Perceptive Photographer

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...

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&#82...

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 remi...

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 push...

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...

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’...

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 photograph...

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 uniqu...

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 w...

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 in...

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 photogra...

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 st...

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...

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 connec...

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 V...

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 th...

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 ses...

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 c...

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 buil...

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 subj...

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...

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 natu...