The Perceptive Photographer

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...

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 int...

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 th...

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 per...

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 crit...

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 t...

In episode 467 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we draw inspiration from the book “Art and Fear” by Ted Orland and Richard Bayless. Often in my artistic endeavors, I’m driven by a desire to produce remarkable pieces that resonate with both myself and my audience. But what’s the path to achieving such a goal? Drawing from the teachings of “Art and Fear”, I...

Welcome to a new episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. For those of you who are returning listeners, your continued support is invaluable. And to the newcomers, a warm thank you for tuning in. Exciting updates such as webinars are on the horizon, and I encourage you to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest news. Discovering Work That Matters Photographers often find themselves a...

In this episode, we explore the pivotal moment between capture and concept and how making sure we focus on the right creative process at the right time and really push our work forwards in meaningful ways. Key Topics Understanding the “click” moment The “what” versus the “how” The iterative nature of photographic meaning Presence of mind in photo making “W...

In episode 464 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we delve into an intriguing discussion on the importance of artists looking back at their own completed work. Contrasting the view of individuals who refrain from revisiting their past creations, I try to show that reviewing one’s work is crucial for evaluation and self-reflection. I also talk about the value of self-critique in the crea...