Thoughts On Photography

In this podcast I interview photographer Bill Vaccaro to discuss his photography, his creative process, and how he goes about living a photographic life. You can see Bill's work and read more about him at his web site.Some other web sites and/or photographers mentioned on this show include:Mark TuckerKeith CarterJames FeeFan HoRocky Schenck

In this podcast, I discuss how learning from other photographers and their work (sometimes through imitation) can be essential step towards learning how to see photography and contributes towards gaining inspiration for your own work and eventually your own vision.

In this episode, I discuss the use of photosharing web sites (i.e. Flickr) by fine art photographers as possible alternatives to creating and managing a traditional stand-alone web sites.

In this podcast, I try to address the question of what it means to "live a photographic life", a term I frequently use in my podcasts.

In this podcast I discuss the importance of model releases and I cover some important issues to remember when shooting in public. Below is a sample model release that you can copy and modify to suite your particular purpose. Also, here is a link to a document called "The Photographer's Right: Your Rights and Remedies when Stopped or Confronted for Photography" by Bert Krages, Attorney at Law.[NOTE: This podcast and associated information are not meant to be actual legal advice. Please consult the local laws where ever you happen to be shooting photographs and/or seek professional legal advice.]Model Release[INSERT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER NAME, ADDRESS, AND OTHER CONTACT INFORMATION HERE]    I, _______________________________, grant [PHOTOGARHER NAME] all rights and permission to use the photographs taken of me on ____/____/____ at __________________________, _______ in any manner [PHOTOGARHER NAME] chooses.___________________________________________Signature                 Date: ____/____/____                    I

In this podcast, I discuss how essays about photography can help us gain insight into our own photography. Below are links to several essay collections that are mentioned throughout this episode:Beauty in Photography: Essays in Defense of Traditional Values - Robert AdamsWhy People Photograph - Robert AdamsAlong Some Rivers - Robert AdamsThe Mind's Eye: Writings on Photography and Photographers - Henri Cartier-BressonCamera Lucida: Reflections on Photography - Roland BarthesOn Photography - Susan SontagLight Matters - Vicki GoldbergAdvice for Photographers - Al WeberTruth and Photography: Notes on Looking and Photographing - Jerry ThompsonBetween the Eyes: Essays on Photography and Politics - David Levi StraussInside the Photograph - Peter BunnellThe Education of a Photographer - Traub, Heller, and BellThe Photography Reader - Liz Wells25 Lessons I Have Learned (About Photography): The Art of Living - Lorenzo Dominguez

In this podcast I discuss the photographer's obsession with cameras, gadgets, and technology and I offer up some tips on breaking the chain of the "must upgrade" craze.

This episode of the Focus Ring (a round-table discussion featuring podcasters from the Photocast Network) features John Arnold (PhotoWalkthrough.com), Rolf Steinort (Meet the Gimp), Benoît Marchal (Déclencheur), and Paul Giguere (Thoughts on Photography). In this episode, we discuss how to find something to shoot (when you live in the least interesting place in the world), continuous versus strobe (or flash) lighting, getting your images to the wall, and composing and shooting in a square format with your digital SLR. We also mention various products and web sites during the show which are listed below: http://citydailyphoto.com/portal/ http://www.parisdailyphoto.com/ http://www.lenswork.com http://www.elinchrom.com/ http://www.alienbees.com/ http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=filters&itemnum=BWVF http://www.photosenaveugle.fr/ http://www.aperture.org/store/books-detail.aspx?ID=210 http://www.herorat.org/

In this podcast I interview photographer Susan Burnstine to discuss her photography, her creative process, and how she goes about living a photographic life. You can see Susan's work and read more about her at her web site:www.susanburnstine.com

In this podcast, I discuss the various debates that have occurred in photography since its early beginnings through present day and how these debates, while sometimes useful to move the entire field of photography forward to the next evolutionary level, can also stifle our creativity as photographers.

In this podcast, I discuss the various labels that we apply to ourselves (or are applied to us) as photographers (e.g. fine art photographer) and whether such labels are pretentious or practical.

This podcast focuses on a discussion of websites as a way of marketing and promoting your fine art photography. The podcast covers such issues as:- identifying your audience- setting goals for your website- elements of a fine art website- types of website solutions for the photographerLinks to sites mentioned in this podcast include:VisualServerFoliolinkPhotobistroArtspanFlickr

In this podcast I discuss the artist statement. Why are they important, who the audiences are for them, the different types of statements possible, and how to write them.

Continuing a discussion started in Thoughts on Photography #16, which looked at developing a photographic style, I discuss an approach to selecting a subject to photograph.

In this podcast I define what a photographic style is and what it means to you as a photographer.

This podcast explores the concept of "flow." According to the definition on Wikipedia, flow is a mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing, characterized by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity. In photography, flow can be used to help achieve a sense of heightened creativity with your photography.As a reference for this podcast, here is a simple chart that explains the four levels of flow:Level 1Low Skill - Low Challenge = Typically breeds apathyLevel 2Low Skill - High Challenge = Typically causes frustration and anxiety.Level 3High Skill - Low Challenge = Can bring about contentment and can build confidence but the challenge must increase to encourage true engagement.Level 4High Skill - High Challenge = Desired focused state where flow is attained,

In this podcast I discuss the pros and cons or printing large sized prints and how that relates to selling your work both to the collector and the average consumer.

In this podcast I discuss limited edition prints, what they are, who they benefit, and whether they are right for you. I also cover some of the details that you need to consider should you wish to sell your prints in limited editions.

In this podcast, I discuss how to arrive at a price for your photographic prints regardless of whether you sell your work in unlimited or limited editions. Below is a simple formula that I discuss in the podcast for determining the price:Art Fair Pricing (unlimited)Step 1: Determine the cost of your materials for a single print. For example:- 13x19 paper- inkjet print- bag and board- add framing costs if applicable$10 for materials X 33% = $13.30Step 2: Multiply the result from Step 1 by 3. This is the price you could charge for your print (and probably sell it). For example:$13.30 X 3 = $39.90 (round up to $40)Exhibition/Gallery Pricing (limited)Step 1: Determine what level you are at as a fine art photographer with regards to your reputation and experience exhibiting and/or publishing and then multiply an hourly rate by 33%. For example:Beginner - $100/hr X 33% = $133Emerging - $200/hr X 33% =$266Established - $300/hr X 33% = $399Step 2: Multiply the result from Step 1 by 3. This is the price you could char

In this podcast, I discuss ideas that help you remain engaged in your fine art photography when time doesn't permit to actually go out and make photographs.