Episode 287
I often think of photography as an active verb. It is something that we do, see, and respond. It involves action on both the creator of the image and the viewer. We create photographs to see better, learn about the world and our place in it, and share those insights with others. Hopefully, people look at our photographs to have the same experiences as we did when we created them.
There is, however, a whole set of photography that is created without the photographer. Video and photos are created by surveillance systems and unattended cameras. These photographs and videos are used for evidence for the most part to show the actions recorded by these cameras without the influence of a photographer. As we get more and more of this type of information, this content’s context becomes critical to our understanding of these images. Unlike artistic photos that we accept to have the creator’s bias as part of the image, our expectations of this type of imagery should be that it is the truth, whole truth, and nothing but the truth. However, because we can slice and dissect this type of content to our own needs, I think it essential that as photographers, we have conversations about what this can mean to our understanding of these types of images.
This week’s podcast takes a look at how we define photography in the context of who and how the image was created and the responsibility of photographers to help have meaning conversations about intent and context for how images and videos are made.
Please remember to keep safe and wear your mask!
Also, don’t forget that there are a couple of new workshops I am offering. Each workshop will run for 6-7 months and is limited to six participants. There is a foundation workshop about editing and workflow and an advanced workshop about finding more meaning in your work. You can get more information from the Workshops/Teaching menu above or using one of the links below.
Perceptive Photographer Foundation Workshop: The Developing Image
Perceptive Photographer Advanced Workshop: The Meaningful Image
Gear used in the podcast
One of the questions I get asked frequently is what sort of equipment do I use to record my podcast. I have used a variety of equipment in the three years that I have been recording, but here is the current list of equipment that I am using. Also as an FYI and full disclosure, the links are affiliate links to Amazon.
Rode Procaster XLR microphone
Rode Boom Arm
Rode PSM Shockmount
All three Rode components a kit
Focusrite Scarlet 2i2
Adobe Audition (part of creative cloud subscription)
LogicPro X
Macbook Pro
OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock
Headphones