The Perceptive Photographer

The Perceptive Photographer


Latest Episodes

An arrow in the quiver
August 18, 2025

In this episode of the podcast, I explore the idea of arrows in your quiver. You know, the skills you dont think youll ever need but that can transform your photography when the moment comes. From

What you see and what you photograph
August 11, 2025

In this episode, I talk about that all-too-familiar moment when you look at your photos and realize they dont quite match what you saw or felt in the moment. I explore why this disconnect happens and

Finding Meaning Beyond Description
August 04, 2025

In this episode, I talk about how to look deeper into photographs and find their meaning, not just describe whats in them. Drawing from Sylvan Barnets ideas on formal analysis, I explain the differe

In Conversation with Ken Carlson on Roland Barthes Death of the Author
July 31, 2025

In this episode, Ken and I return to a conversation we had in the past about Roland Barthes famous essayDeath of the Author. This is an essay that can really have you rethink what you know about int

No title means you don’t know this week’s topic
July 28, 2025

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 viewers understanding of an image. I suggest

Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity in Photography
July 21, 2025

n episode 541, I explore ideas that surface across conversations, readings, and experiencesall pointing toward the spirit of wabi sabi. Its about embracing imperfection, time, and authenticity in ph

In Conversation with Ken Carlson on Composition in Photography
July 17, 2025

In this episode, I talk with Ken Carlson about photographic composition. We move past the usual ruleslike lines and shapesand focus on how composition can express deeper meaning and intention. We sh

Art for Me or for You? Navigating the Creative Tug-of-War
July 07, 2025

In this weeks 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 forourselves or our audience? It all started wi

In Conversation with Ken Carlson: Curiosity, Craft, and the MFA Path
July 03, 2025

In this episode, I talk with Ken Carlson, a longtime friend and photographer, about his decision to pursue an MFA in photography at age 78. Ken shares how his background as a veterinarian and his life

Finding Your Point of Entry in Photography
June 30, 2025

In this episode, I talk about the idea of a point of entry in photographywhat draws us into a photograph and how we connect with our subjects. I share some personal thoughts on creativity, reflect