The Stop Down Photography Podcast

Opening question - What has photography given you beyond just the images? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or send a private message using the contact form. Photo critiques are an important part of how we grow as photographers. We learn from the insights and experiences of other photographers. When I give a photo critique, I incorporate empathy into the discussion. It is important not onl...

In the last few episodes, I asked you to share stories about your biggest burden with photography. Each one of us has a least favorite part of photography. In today’s episode, I share a few of those stories and thoughts about how to work through each burden - or at least make it a lighter burden to carry. Resources in this episode: Rime of the Ancient Mariner , Samuel Taylor Coleridge The Story Be...

These past few weeks many of us around the world have stayed at home, doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19. I’ve kept busy reviewing and organizing older photos, which inevitably leads me down the path of thinking about travel. I also realized my approach to travel planning has exerted an influence on my photography, too. Today’s podcast explores this idea. Resources in this episode: Fiel...

I’d been working on a project, a video course. For one of the segments, I processed a seascape and crafted what I felt was a solid image. I stepped away from it. The image popped in and out of my mind, my subconscious saying “Hey …. I don’t think you’re done with that.” A few days later, I took the photo off the shelf and continued work on it. The flaws and shortcomings were so much more obvious a...

Bruce Lee is best known as a martial artist. And it’s no wonder. He was a phenomenal athlete. Bruce was also a deep thinker with strong, insightful philosophies that apply to everyday life. Many people know his “Be water, my friend” quote that speaks to fluidity and adaptability. That certainly factors into my photography. Yet there is another philosophy of Bruce’s that’s even more influential to...

Every photographer, every artist, has creative struggles. It’s part of the process, I suppose. I listened to an interview with writer and producer Vince Gilligan that framed the creative struggle in a way that really resonated with me. I share that story and some ideas on how to push through a creative struggle in today’s episode. A question for you… What is your photography albatross? What is the...

Is there truth in photography? I think it depends - and it depends on a lot of things. The photographer influences the “truth” in the photo. The viewer does as well. I am not sure there is a definitive truth in any photo. Truth is the topic for today’s podcast. Let me know what you think. Leave a comment below. References in this episode: Joint Security Area JSA movie View the photo from JSA menti...

There are two types of metadata, organizational and artistic. Organization metadata helps you sort, gather, arrange, and track your photos. Artistic metadata is information about your photos that will help you grow as an artist. That’s the topic of today’s podcast. The wise use of a few key pieces of metadata will help you grow as an artist. Metadata is an invaluable tool to build point-in-time re...

Gear Acquisition Syndrome, or GAS, is something every photographer I’ve met has fought against. The urge to get the latest camera, lens, bag, phone, or computer can rack up a lot of money… but does it help you improve as a photographer? Does a new camera or faster glass help you become a better artist? Comedian Craig Ferguson has simple yet profound advice for relationships, which also helps me fi...

Nod if this sounds familiar? You’re in a beautiful place, perhaps a popular place. Many photographers and visitors coming and going, snapping away with their cameras. Selfies might be involved. They scurry from place to place, getting their photos. How many slow down, stop moving, and just take in the space. Be present and enjoy the area? I try to be mindful of that when I’m out with my camera. An...

A familiar routine in a place of comfort. The more times we do something, the better we get at it. The task becomes easier. Muscle memory builds up. We get the job done faster. The steps become second nature. That’s why we practice - be it photography, music, sports - so the mechanics become effortless. A familiar routine has value.  However, there is a dark side. Too much “auto-pilot” can le...

For many of us, photography is a solo endeavor. Camera work happens alone. Editing happens alone. Research and learning happen alone. That can lead to a creative rut … and every photographer hits a rut from time to time. When I’m in a creative rut, I often don’t even want to pick up the camera. A total lack of inspiration can set in. One of the ways I wriggle out of my own creative ruts is to find...

Peaks and valleys as an artist are normal. I’ve had my share in the creative ruts in the past, as I’m sure I will in the future. It’s part of the journey. In recent weeks I have been in a different kind of photographic valley. I have the drive and desire to make photographs, but other constraints have prevented me from doing so. It’s more of a “downtime” than a rut. And I’m finding this downtime p...

Although The Beatles had dissolved before I was born, the music, as they say, lives on. I really like the music of The Beatles. A lot. Their music is why I picked up a bass and later a guitar. I’ve gone down the rabbit hole of Beatles fandom, and I could talk little bits of trivia about Beatles music all day. Yet this is a photography podcast. And there is a connection to photography. A story I re...

Photo workshops are a great way to grow as a photographer. A good photo workshop immerses you in photography, pushes you creatively, and reinvigorates your passion for photography. In my experience, workshops are actually one of the best ways to grow as an artist. In one of my early workshop experiences, I was initially disappointed. However, upon reflection, the workshop did grow my creativity. I...

This week’s topic is Make Art And Make Memories. Making art is important. Making memories is also important. I am sometimes torn between the two. I share thoughts about how my growth as a landscape photographer has a potential downside… becoming too dismissive of non-landscape photographic opportunities. In particular, missing out on capturing memories with my camera. Art is important. So is makin...

Welcome to The Stop Down Photography Podcast! My goal with this podcast is to slow down, think about photography more deeply, and explore why we create the images we do. Ok ... that sounds deep and heavy ... but I think you're going to enjoy it. In this first episode, I share my background with photography and what has led me to create this podcast. My photography origins probably sound familiar -...