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. This idea is especially relevant in the creative process, where growth often comes not just from refining our skills but from stepping into the unknown with curiosity and openness.

One of the key themes I discuss is the role of play and experimentation in creativity. As children, we naturally embrace play, testing ideas without fear of failure. Yet, as adults, we often lose that ability, held back by self-doubt, the fear of making mistakes, or the pressure to create something “successful” rather than simply exploring possibilities.

Creativity thrives in uncertainty, but that can be an uncomfortable space to inhabit. By intentionally seeking out moments of not knowing—whether it’s trying a new technique, exploring a different subject matter, or questioning our own assumptions—we create opportunities for deeper artistic growth.

I encourage you to embrace uncertainty, challenge your habits, and push beyond your comfort zones. The unknown isn’t something to fear; it’s where creativity truly comes alive.

Don’t forget the upcoming Photoshop Creativity Summit, happening from March 23rd to 26th.

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