The Perceptive Photographer

In this week’s 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 for—ourselves or our audience? It all started with a thoughtful question from longtime listener Dennis, and it led to a deeper look at motivation, ego, and the tricky dance between personal expression and external validation. From the pull of social media likes to the sting of critique, I explore how feedback can both shape and distract us. I also talk about the importance of being your own first audience—because if your work doesn’t move you, it probably won’t move anyone else. Whether you’re creating for clients or for yourself, this episode is a reflection on staying true to your voice while remaining open to growth.

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 experiences shape his art. We discuss the challenges and rewards of being a non-traditional student, the value of mentorship, and how curiosity drives creative growth. Ken reflects on learning to listen, embracing new perspectives, and the importance of continually evolving as an artist. It’s an honest conversation about lifelong learning and finding your voice in photography.

In this episode, I talk about the idea of a “point of entry” in photography—what draws us into a photograph and how we connect with our subjects. I share some personal thoughts on creativity, reflect on what catches my eye when I’m shooting, and encourage you to slow down and notice your own reaction. My main point this week is to pay attention to what pulls you into an image, as it can shape your creative process and deepen your connection to your work.

In this week’s episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I take some time to reflect on the people who shape us, the dual nature of photography, and the internal compass that guides our creative work. Episode 537 feels especially personal as I honor my mentor, Seth Thompson, and revisit the big questions that keep me engaged behind the camera. Seth isn’t just someone who taught me how to see color—he teaches me how to think about it, how to push beyond the surface of an image, how to chase deeper meaning. Even now, his influence runs through everything I do. Mentorship, I realize, isn’t just about gaining skills—it’s about learning how to see and how to be as an artist. And at some point, it becomes our turn to pay it forward. I also talk about the duality of photography—how every image straddles the line between nonfiction and fiction. Yes, we capture real moments, but we also make choices that shape those moments: framing, color, tonality, sequencing. Black and white often abstracts; color anchors. What matters is recognizing what story we’re telling—and why. This episode also circles around clarity—specifically, getting clear on the core themes in your work. I share a simple exercise I use to uncover those recurring threads—words or ideas that quietly (or loudly) show up again and again in the images I make. Knowing what drives you creatively doesn’t limit you—it gives you direction when you need it most. There are a few exciting things on the horizon too. The Unseen Mystery Show opens July 8 at Image City Photography Gallery in Rochester, NY, featuring work from my meaningful image workshop group. I’m currently teaching a workshop in the Palouse, and 2026 dates are now set. Plus, I’m kicking off a new In Conversation series—bonus podcast episodes with fellow photographers about process, practice, and perspective. At the end of the episode, I touch on something I’ll explore more soon: the question of audience. Who do we make our work for, and how does that shape what we create? It’s not a simple answer, but it’s one worth wrestling with. As always, thanks for listening—and for being part of this community. I hope this episode gives you something to think about as you continue making, reflecting, and growing in your own work. —Daniel

We’ve all chased the “bucket list” shot—the iconic scenes everyone wants. But is that really where creativity lives? In this episode, I talk about letting go of trophy hunting and leaning into personal expression, being present, and making images that reflect how you see the world.

In this episode, I talk about the importance of really seeing when I’m out photographing. I also discuss a self-exploration exercise I’ve been practicing—asking myself, “What do I see?”—to help me notice more in my images.

In this week’s episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explored something that doesn’t always get the love it deserves—mundane photography. You know, the kind of work that isn’t flashy or dramatic. It's not towering landscapes or intense street moments. It's ferns on the forest floor. The corner of a quiet room. The way sunlight hits the sink at 3 p.m.

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I dive into the relationship between form and content in photography, especially when editing and sequencing a body of work. While a photo might carry personal meaning for me, I know it doesn’t inherently hold that story for the viewer—it’s their interpretation that brings it to life. That’s why I encourage photographers to critically assess what’s included and excluded in the frame to better communicate their intent.

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore the balance between the rational (exceptions) and irrational (creativity) sides of photography. Great work emerges when we combine our technical skills with personal instincts, vulnerability, and a willingness to take creative risks. Over time, this blend leads to wisdom—an ability to create images that are not only well-crafted but deeply meaningful.

In this episode, we dive into The Americans, Robert Frank’s groundbreaking photo book that reshaped the way we think about documentary and street photography. Over the course of 10,000 miles, 28,000 images he selected a core 83 images that cut through the facade of 1950s to reveal a country grappling with race, isolation, and inequality. When it was released it ultimately influenced generations of photographers to come.

In the latest episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I found myself thinking about Steve Jobs. You know that classic moment in his presentations when he'd pause, turn back, and say, “Oh, just one more thing…”? It was his signature move—something small that ended up being hugely impactful. And it got me thinking about photography. That idea—just one more thing—has stuck with me. It’s become a way to look and critique my own work, and in this week’s podcast, I dig into how paying attention to one more detail, one more adjustment, one more question can fundamentally shift the power and clarity of a photograph. That “one more thing” doesn’t always mean doing more. Sometimes it’s about refining. Sometimes it’s about taking something away.

Moving beyond "good" or "bad" judgments, I explore how asking better questions can deepen our understanding and connection to photography.

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I dive into the fascinating topic of print sizes in photography and how they impact the way we perceive images. Even if you mostly share your work digitally, I believe it’s important to consider how print size influences the viewing experience. From the intimacy of small prints to the immersive nature of large ones, the size of a photograph plays a powerful role in how it's received. I also share details about an upcoming print workshop and encourage you to explore making physical prints to build a deeper connection with your work. This episode is a thoughtful look at how print size shapes our experience and appreciation of photography.

In this latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dig into a common challenge many photographers face: the transition from enjoying photography as a creative outlet to overthinking the process in pursuit of "better" photographs. This shift can often lead to a disconnect between what photographers see and what they believe they should be capturing. Let's break down the key insights and actionable advice from this episode to help you foster a deeper connection to the act of seeing and creating.

In this episode of the podcast we dig a little into the impacts of thinking about photographs as of things or of relationships.

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, we discuss the impact of the "New Topographic—A Man-altered Landscape" exhibition on modern landscape photography.

Welcome to part 2 of the Perceptive Photographer as we continue our exploration of the distinctions between simplicity and minimalism in photography.

In the podcast this week, we have part one of two on simple verses minimalism in photography. Happy B-day Bro!

In the podcast this week, we focus on the impact framing a photography can have on our creative process

In the podcast this week, we take a look at the impact of observation and changes that happen when we are observed or are observing.