Episode List

In this episode of the podcast, I explore the idea of “arrows in your quiver”. You know, the skills you don’t think you’ll ever need but that can transform your photography when the moment comes. From studying artificial lighting to better understand natural light, to learning portraiture for gesture and expression, to digging into photographic history for inspiration, these extra skills expand your creative toolkit. The more arrows you carry, the more prepared you are to adapt, experiment, and grow in your work.

In this episode, I talk about that all-too-familiar moment when you look at your photos and realize they don’t quite match what you saw or felt in the moment. I explore why this disconnect happens and how being more intentional with composition, framing, and timing can help you capture what really caught your eye. I also share some updates about my upcoming Lightroom Virtual Summit classes and mention that my photography workshops are almost full. Thanks for joining me as we dig into the challenges and joys of making photographs that truly reflect your vision.

In this episode, I talk about how to look deeper into photographs and find their meaning, not just describe what’s in them. Drawing from Sylvan Barnet’s ideas on formal analysis, I explain the difference between simply listing what you see and analyzing how a photo communicates something more. I also discuss how both photographers and viewers help shape a photo’s meaning, and why it’s okay if that meaning isn’t always clear.

In this episode, I talk about why titling photographs matters. I share how titles help us organize our work, give context, and deepen both our own and the viewer’s understanding of an image. I suggest trying out different titles for the same photo to discover new meanings. I also discuss how titles can reveal themes in your work and reflect your perspective. There’s no single right way to use titles—they can be public or private.

n episode 541, I explore ideas that surface across conversations, readings, and experiences—all pointing toward the spirit of wabi sabi. It’s about embracing imperfection, time, and authenticity in photography, and how those themes invite us to see—and photograph—the world with more honesty, presence, and depth.

In this episode, I talk about how truth, wonder, and trust support my creative process in photography. Inspired by a chat and some recent reading, I reflect on balancing technical skills with staying open to new ideas. For me, creativity isn’t just about getting things right—it’s about being curious, authentic, and willing to experiment. I hope these thoughts encourage you to find your own balance in photography.

In this week’s episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I dive into a question that comes up more often than we admit: Who are we really making our work for—ourselves or our audience? It all started with a thoughtful question from longtime listener Dennis, and it led to a deeper look at motivation, ego, and the tricky dance between personal expression and external validation.

From the pull of social media likes to the sting of critique, I explore how feedback can both shape and distract us. I also talk about the importance of being your own first audience—because if your work doesn’t move you, it probably won’t move anyone else.

Whether you’re creating for clients or for yourself, this episode is a reflection on staying true to your voice while remaining open to growth.

In this episode, I talk about the idea of a “point of entry” in photography—what draws us into a photograph and how we connect with our subjects. I share some personal thoughts on creativity, reflect on what catches my eye when I’m shooting, and encourage you to slow down and notice your own reaction. My main point this week is to pay attention to what pulls you into an image, as it can shape your creative process and deepen your connection to your work.

In this week’s episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I take some time to reflect on the people who shape us, the dual nature of photography, and the internal compass that guides our creative work. Episode 537 feels especially personal as I honor my mentor, Seth…

We’ve all chased the “bucket list” shot—the iconic scenes everyone wants. But is that really where creativity lives? In this episode, I talk about letting go of trophy hunting and leaning into personal expression, being present, and making images that reflect how you see the world.

In this episode, I talk about the importance of really seeing when I’m out photographing. I also discuss a self-exploration exercise I’ve been practicing—asking myself, “What do I see?”—to help me notice more in my images.

In this week’s episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explored something that doesn’t always get the love it deserves—mundane photography. You know, the kind of work that isn’t flashy or dramatic. It’s not towering landscapes or intense street moments. It’s ferns on the forest floor. The corner of a quiet room. The way sunlight hits the sink at 3 p.m.

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I dive into the relationship between form and content in photography, especially when editing and sequencing a body of work. While a photo might carry personal meaning for me, I know it doesn’t inherently hold that story for the viewer—it’s their interpretation that brings it to life. That’s why I encourage photographers to critically assess what’s included and excluded in the frame to better communicate their intent.

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore the balance between the rational (exceptions) and irrational (creativity) sides of photography. Great work emerges when we combine our technical skills with personal instincts, vulnerability, and a willingness to take creative risks. Over time, this blend leads to wisdom—an ability to create images that are not only well-crafted but deeply meaningful.

In this episode, we dive into The Americans, Robert Frank’s groundbreaking photo book that reshaped the way we think about documentary and street photography. Over the course of 10,000 miles, 28,000 images he selected a core 83 images that cut through the facade of 1950s to reveal a country grappling with race, isolation, and inequality. When it was released it ultimately influenced generations of photographers to come.

In the latest episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I found myself thinking about Steve Jobs. You know that classic moment in his presentations when he’d pause, turn back, and say, “Oh, just one more thing…”? It was his signature move—something small that ended up being hugely impactful. And it got me thinking about photography.

That idea—just one more thing—has stuck with me. It’s become a way to look and critique my own work, and in this week’s podcast, I dig into how paying attention to one more detail, one more adjustment, one more question can fundamentally shift the power and clarity of a photograph. That “one more thing” doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it’s about refining. Sometimes it’s about taking something away.

Moving beyond “good” or “bad” judgments, I explore how asking better questions can deepen our understanding and connection to photography.

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I dive into the fascinating topic of print sizes in photography and how they impact the way we perceive images. Even if you mostly share your work digitally, I believe it’s important to consider how print size influences the viewing experience. From the intimacy of small prints to the immersive nature of large ones, the size of a photograph plays a powerful role in how it’s received. I also share details about an upcoming print workshop and encourage you to explore making physical prints to build a deeper connection with your work. This episode is a thoughtful look at how print size shapes our experience and appreciation of photography.

In this latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dig into a common challenge many photographers face: the transition from enjoying photography as a creative outlet to overthinking the process in pursuit of “better” photographs. This shift can often lead to a disconnect between what photographers see and what they believe they should be capturing. Let’s break down the key insights and actionable advice from this episode to help you foster a deeper connection to the act of seeing and creating.

In this episode of the podcast we dig a little into the impacts of thinking about photographs as of things or of relationships.

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, we discuss the impact of the “New Topographic—A Man-altered Landscape” exhibition on modern landscape photography.

Welcome back to another episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, as we continue our exploration of the distinctions between simplicity and minimalism in photography. If you missed the first part, I highly recommend catching up at some point with part one where…

In the podcast this week, we have part one of two on simple verses minimalism in photography. Happy B-day Bro!

In the podcast this week, we focus on the impact framing a photography can have on our creative process

In the podcast this week, we take a look at the impact of observation and changes that happen when we are observed or are observing.

In this episode of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I celebrate the podcast’s ten-year anniversary, marking its 520th episode. I reflect on the significance of milestones in my photographic journey and the evolution over the years. I emphasize the importance of…

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I take a step back to reflect on the evolution of a photographer’s journey—your journey, my journey, and the ever-changing creative path we all walk.

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.

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.

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

Welcome to another episode of “The Perceptive Photographer”. We’re diving into episode 508, which coincides with the hustle and bustle of Cyber Monday.

In this episode of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I dive into the theme of balance in both life and photography.

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I spend some time reflecting on the passing of the influential photographer Paul Caponigro.

In this episode of my podcast, the Perceptive Photographer, I dive into the concept of “layers” in photography, drawing inspiration from the movie “Shrek.”

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dive into the importance of working the balance between simplicity and complexity in our photography.