The Perceptive Photographer

10 Episodes
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By: Daniel j Gregory

Hosted by fine-art photographer Daniel j Gregory, the Perceptive Photographer is an exploration of what it means to be a photographer. The podcast primary focus is on the more non-technical aspects of the art of photography covering a wide range of subjects from intention and meaning behind the camera and in the print, meaningful analysis of images, nature of influence and interviews with amazing lesser known working photographers. The podcast is for the photographer who is looking to better understand their own work and the work of other photographers.

Diving deeper into photo inspiration and influences
Last Monday at 5:15 PM

Welcome to another installment of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. I’m excited to bring you episode 472. Before we dive deep into this week’s topic, a quick note for those eager to enhance their photography critique skills: I will be running a class on April 6 and 13 designed to refine your ability to understand and discuss your photographs more profoundly. Now, let’s get into the heart of today’s discussion, learning to identify and understand the influences in your photography.

The Role of Influences in Shaping Your Craft

In a recent class I taught about imitatio...


Symbolic meaning and thinking in photography
03/18/2024

In this week’s episode of the Perceptive Photographer, we try to unpack photography’s connection to symbolic meaning in images and how some of key tenants of symbolic interactionism can shift how we approach our work. From social constructs to the meaning behind our photographs, this episode dives into how our interactions shape the essence captured in every shot. Hopefully, some of this will give you a chance to think about how your approach and what you see defines your visual stories.

Subscribing to the podcast ensures not missing any new episodes released every Monday.

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The reason does matter
03/11/2024

This week is episode 470 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast I dive into the importance of the personal part of personal work and projects. So many times I hear from people who are trying to find a deeper connection to their work that they struggle with what it will mean to everyone who looks at it. The focus of the work is very external. I propose that for work to matter it needs to have a personal connection to the person making the work first. I also believe that if it matters to you then that is enough. The work...


When it is practice and when is it insanity?
03/04/2024

In this week’s podcasts, I jump into the essence the struggle between practice, inspiration and making images. I emphasize the necessity to actively engage in practicing the craft of photography, emphasizing the importance of honing technical, organizational, shooting, and preparatory skills. When we fail to practice, it can leave us unprepared for unforeseen challenges. 

There is also a critical  balance between practicing what we already know and learning new tasks that is crucial to our continued development and excitement as photographers. I also talk about the risk of disregarding moments of influence and inspiration to explore the...


Discussing the concept of presets both in software and as a mindset for photographers
02/26/2024

In episode 468 of my podcast, the Perceptive Photographer, I talk about the world of presets in photography. I chime in on how their role and importance can enhancing workflow efficiency, especially for repetitive tasks.

I also share how important it is to consider the further refinement required to achieve the desired effects. I also try to encourage you to understand the underlying adjustments that make up a preset to better apply them to their images. 

I also try an draw a parallel between presets and expectations set before a photo shoot, emphasizing preparation as another f...


Imitate, Influence, Inspire: Lessons from ‘Art and Fear’
02/19/2024

In episode 467 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we draw inspiration from the book “Art and Fear” by Ted Orland and Richard Bayless.

Often in my artistic endeavors, I’m driven by a desire to produce remarkable pieces that resonate with both myself and my audience. But what’s the path to achieving such a goal? Drawing from the teachings of “Art and Fear”, I point out a fundamental lesson: the best I can do is make art I care about—lots of it. Because as I churn out my creations, only a handful will rise to the top as finishe...


Key elements to thinking about your work as projects instead of images
02/12/2024

Welcome to a new episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast. For those of you who are returning listeners, your continued support is invaluable. And to the newcomers, a warm thank you for tuning in. Exciting updates such as webinars are on the horizon, and I encourage you to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest news.

Discovering Work That Matters

Photographers often find themselves at a crossroads, seeking to create work that resonates and has significance. The initial steps towards crafting meaningful photography can seem daunting, yet it is a journey worth embarking on...


Keeping perspective before and after the click
02/05/2024

In this episode, we explore the pivotal moment between capture and concept and how making sure we focus on the right creative process at the right time and really push our work forwards in meaningful ways.

Key Topics

Understanding the “click” moment The “what” versus the “how” The iterative nature of photographic meaning Presence of mind in photo making

“What is the thing that drew my attention? What is the thing that pulled me into wanting to actually put the camera up to my eye?”

Subscribing to the podcast ensures not missing any new episodes rel...


What can happen if you don’t revisit your work
01/29/2024

In episode 464 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we delve into an intriguing discussion on the importance of artists looking back at their own completed work. Contrasting the view of individuals who refrain from revisiting their past creations, I try to show that reviewing one’s work is crucial for evaluation and self-reflection. I also talk about the value of self-critique in the creative process and how getting more skilled at self-reflection can drive the power of engaging with the work through multiple voices in group critique settings.

Key Topics

Never revisiting your own work? Importance of cr...


Seeing the shots with community
01/22/2024

Dive into episode 436 of The Perceptive Photographer to explore the intertwining of camaraderie, standards, and idealism in photography. In this episode, I reflect on an owl photo adventure, revealing insights into how photographers can enhance their craft through communal experiences, precise goals, and a contagiously optimistic outlook.

Key Topics

Community matters in photography Setting expectations can limit you Positivity is infectious on shoots Photography is a privileged pursuit

“That sense of idealism also was really sort of interesting because it came out and I remember one guy said something to the effect of, I’m gonn...