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. Using the classic journalistic questions—who, what, when, where, why, and how—I reflect on how these can help us connect more emotionally with our work. Photography isn’t just about capturing what’s in front of us; it’s about understanding our motivations, the emotions we bring to the moment, and how we translate that into meaningful images.

I talk about how our audience, whether real or imagined, shapes the way we shoot. I also consider the role of our emotional state—how our feelings influence composition, subject matter, and the stories we tell. While technical skills matter, I emphasize that photography is ultimately about expressing something personal. Balancing the mechanics with a deeper sense of purpose allows us to create work that feels both intentional and resonant.

Along with these ideas, I share details about an upcoming artist talk and gallery show in Seattle with fellow photographer Nikki. If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to join the conversation. After all, photography isn’t just about making images—it’s about connection, storytelling, and seeing the world in a way that’s uniquely your own.

Gear used in the podcast

Rode Boom Arm
Rode PSM Shockmount
Rode Podcast Mic
Focusrite Scarlet 2i2
Adobe Audition (part of creative cloud subscription)
Macbook Pro
OWC Thunderbolt 3 dock