In Conversation with Rachel Demy
About this week's episode
Episode List
Are You Overthinking Your Photography and Missing the Moment?
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.
Connecting “Things” and “Relationships” in Photography
In this episode of the podcast we dig a little into the impacts of thinking about photographs as of things or of relationships.
Visiting the impacts of New Topographics on modern landscape photography
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.
Choices Behind Minimalist and Simple Photography Part 2
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...
Navigating the Fine Line Between Simple and Minimal Photography Part 1
In the podcast this week, we have part one of two on simple verses minimalism in photography. Happy B-day Bro!
Finishing the image
In the podcast this week, we focus on the impact framing a photography can have on our creative process
The Hawthorne Effect
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.
Celebrating 10 Years
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...
Random Thoughts on your past, present and future
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.
The don’t know what you don’t know bucket problem
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.
Where’s your focus?
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.
Revisiting Our Approach to Understanding Photography Critique
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
Thoughts on finishing
In episode 515, we dig a little into what it means to finish in both how we view our images and more importantly how we view ourselves.
Unpacking what makes a good photograph
In this episode of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I talk about what makes a photograph “good.”
Flip the question
In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I kick off 2025 diving into the topic of photography critique.
Wishing you a happy new year
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:
Exploring the Visual Language of Photographs
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...
How we think about removing distractions can impact our images
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 tool…
Adapting Your Photography: Turning Personal Challenges into Creative Opportunities
In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I tackle two listener questions.
Great photography exercises for the holiday season
Welcome to another episode of “The Perceptive Photographer”. We’re diving into episode 508, which coincides with the hustle and bustle of Cyber Monday.
How Can Finding Balance Transform Your Photography?
In this episode of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I dive into the theme of balance in both life and photography.
Finding Peace in the Frame: How Photography Helps Us Cope with Life’s Challenges
In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I spend some time reflecting on the passing of the influential photographer Paul Caponigro.
The importance of simplifying when facing complexity
In this episode of my podcast, the Perceptive Photographer, I dive into the concept of “layers” in photography, drawing inspiration from the movie “Shrek.”
The importance of simplifying when facing complexity
In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dive into the importance of working the balance between simplicity and complexity in our photography.
How Can We Embrace Mistakes as Happy Accidents in Our Creative Journey
In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I dig into how we go about dealing with mistakes and unexpected outcomes in our creative process.
Thinking about the Connection Between Perception and Photography
In this episode of podcast, I ponder and dig into how perception shapes our understanding of photographs
Are You “Mailing It In” with Your Photography?
In episode 501 of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I really open up about the concept of “mailing it in” when it comes to photography and creativity.
Reflecting on 500 Episodes: The Importance of Patience and Discovery in Photography
In this special 500th episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I reflect back on my journey in podcasting and photography.
Enhancing Your Photography Through Critique and Visualization
Hey there! I’m excited to share the latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast. This episode is particularly special to me as it marks the 499th episode, leading up to the big 500th milestone. In this episode, we dig into the importance of understanding the...
How do we draw the boundaries in processing our images
In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I delve into the continuing dialog and conversations around the evolving role of generative AI in photography.
Do you already know the answer?
In this podcast, we look at what can happen when we ask a question that we already know the anwer to.
Theater, sitcom storylines and your photography
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.
Realizing what we thought we knew we didn’t know in our work
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.
Impacts of tension on our photography
In this episode of the podcast, we dig into the impacts of tension on photography. Not the tension in the frame…
Can Originality Be Taught? Exploring Innate Talent vs. Learned Skills
In today’s podcast I’m diving deep into a debate that really got me thinking: Can anything truly be taught?
How we think about photographs
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”.
Forks in the road of the creative process
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...
Embracing Fragmentation in Photography
In this episode, I delve into the impacts of fragmentation in our photography
Discussing the Role of Chance in Photography
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...
Simple Language Shapes How We View our Photographs
In this episode, I explore how the language we use—especially definite and indefinite articles—shapes our understanding and critique of photographs
The importace of learning in making meaningful images
In episode 487, I dig into breaking the cycle of repetitive photography habits that have you spinning your wheels.
The Role of Self-Acceptance in Your Creative Journey
In today’s episode, I dive deep into the impacts of acceptance in our creative practices.
Ideas on Time and Presence in Your Photographic Process
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...
Musings on simplicity and complexity in photographs
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.
Revealing Your Photography Personality through F-Stops
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...