by Daniel j Gregory
Welcome to The Perceptive Photographer, the podcast where we explore the art, craft, and creative stories behind the lens. Hosted by Daniel Gregory, each episode takes a deep dive into the fascinating world of photography, where we chat about everything from inspiration and history to the personal journeys that shape our creative process. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, this podcast is here to spark new ideas, share practical tips, and help you see the world in a whole new way. Tune in and let’s see where the lens takes us!
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Publishing Since
7/15/2019
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April 21, 2025
<br /> In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer podcast, I dive into a topic that often goes overlooked in our digital world: the significance of print sizes in photography. I think you’ll find that how we choose to print our images can fundamentally change how they’re seen—and felt. If you really want to dig in to this more, I’m also running a workshop on fine art printing, where we’ll explore all of this in much more depth. If you've ever wondered how to take your digital files and make beautiful physical prints, this is for you. You don’t have to be a print expert—just curious and ready to learn. That workshop is September 9-12, 2025 details under the workshop link on my website.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> We’ve experienced a major shift in photography. Most images are now viewed on screens—phones, tablets, laptops. And while that’s incredibly convenient, it’s also changed how we experience photographs.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Screen Size Limitations: When we view an image on a phone, it’s confined to a few inches. That’s a far cry from standing in front of a large print where you can get lost in the details.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Physical Interaction: Holding a print, flipping through a portfolio, or standing in front of a framed image offers something entirely different—something more tactile, more emotional.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Why Print Size Matters<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Even if you don’t print your work often, I believe understanding print size is essential. It influences how much detail is visible, how a viewer interacts with the image, and how the image communicates.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Intimacy vs. Grandeur<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Smaller Prints: These invite intimacy. They ask the viewer to come closer and spend time with the image. They’re great for portraits or images meant to create a personal, quiet connection.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Larger Prints: These are more communal. They let multiple people view the image at once and from a distance. They’re perfect for landscapes, architecture, and images rich with texture and tone.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Viewing Experience and Composition<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> When I’m behind the camera, I often ask myself questions like:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Am I aiming for intimacy or something grand?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Do I want the image to feel personal or shareable?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The answers affect how I compose the photograph. If I know an image will be printed large, I might look for more fine detail or wider depth. If I’m printing small, I focus more on clarity and impact in a tighter frame.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Power of the Physical Print<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> There’s something powerful about seeing your work printed. It changes your relationship with the image. It becomes real in a new way. Here are a couple things I always encourage photographers to try:<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Print at Different Sizes: You might be surprised how an image changes based on its size.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Think About Viewing Distance: If your print will be seen from far away, it needs strong structure and clarity. If it’ll be viewed up close, you can embrace fine detail and subtlety.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> A Few Takeaways<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Think Ahead: Consider your print goals when you’re composing in-camera. It can shape your entire approach.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Print a Few: Experiment. Print some of your work at different sizes and see how it changes.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> * Join a Workshop: Whether mine or someone else’s, hands-on learning with prints is a game-changer.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Final Thoughts<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I truly believe that thinking about print size—even if you don’t always print—can deepen your photographic pra...
April 14, 2025
<br /> Embracing the Art of Seeing: Overcoming Overthinking in Photography<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 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.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Many of us start our photographic journey with joy and spontaneity. We pick up our cameras and photograph what we find interesting, enjoying the experience without the burden of technical considerations. This initial phase is crucial as it allows us to connect with our subjects more intuitively.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> As we seek to improve our craft, we often become bogged down by arbitrary rules and expectations about what constitutes a "good" photograph. This is where the overthinking begins. We start analyzing every aspect of our images, from composition to technical perfection, and in doing so, we lose the essence of the moment.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> One of the main points this week is the importance of being present in the moment while photographing. Instead of getting caught up in the mechanics of composition—such as the rule of thirds or ensuring that lines are straight—focus on the unique qualities of the scene in front of you. Trust your instincts and allow the act of seeing to guide your photographic process.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Many photographers struggle with the balance between seeing and thinking. When we become too analytical, we may question how to create meaningful work without a clear understanding of that meaning. This can lead to frustration and confusion.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> To counteract this tendency, allow yourself to be present in the moment, fully experiencing the scene before you. Recognize the uniqueness of both the subject and your own perspective. By doing so, you can create photographs that resonate on a deeper level, capturing not just the visual elements but also the emotional experience of the moment.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Failure is an inevitable part of the photographic journey. Even the most accomplished photographers produce a significant number of unsuccessful images. The key is to learn from these experiences rather than be discouraged by them.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Take the time to study your own work and the work of others. This is not about creating rigid rules but developing a deeper understanding of your vision and style. Reflect on what you see and may overlook in your photographic practice.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Ultimately, photography is about the experience of seeing and being present in the moment. Trust your instincts and focus on capturing the essence of what you observe rather than getting lost in the technicalities of composition. By doing so, you can create photographs that are not only visually compelling but also deeply connected to your own experiences and emotions.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I encourage you, "Don't overthink it—just go make some amazing photographs."<br />
April 7, 2025
<br /> Welcome to episode 526 of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast. I want to share these insights with you, focusing on the distinction between photographing individual subjects (things) and the relationships between those subjects within a frame. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> This episode is about understanding how elements within a photograph relate to one another and how your relationship with the subject can influence the final image.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> The Meaningful Image Workshop<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Before we dive into the main topic, I want to mention an exciting opportunity for those looking to deepen their photographic practice: the Meaningful Image Workshop. This online course is approximately nine months and is designed to help you discover your unique voice, vision, and style as a photographer. If interested, visit my website for more information and registration details.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Understanding "Things" in Photography<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> When discussing "things" in photography, we refer to individual things or subjects that capture our interest. These could be anything from a shadow cast by a tree to a person sipping coffee. The focus here is on isolating a single subject and making it the centerpiece of your photograph.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Exploring "Relationships" in Photography<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> When we talk relationships, our purpose shifts the focus to how elements interact within the frame and how you relate to the things in the frame.. This includes considering spatial relationships, context, purpose, and emotion. Understanding these relationships is crucial for creating compelling photographs.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Photography is not simply an either-or scenario of a thing or a relationship. It is most often boht. A balance of capturing interesting subjects and understanding the relationships that exist within the frame. You can create more meaningful and compelling images by approaching your work with intention and considering how framing, interpretation, and subject matter come together.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I hope this weeks podcast of "things" and "relationships" in photography has inspired you to think more deeply about your photographic practice. Remember, the key to creating resonant images lies in understanding the individual elements and their relationships. Happy shooting!<br />
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