On Taking Pictures

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226: You Want The Pixie Dust Aug 23, 2016

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This week, we discuss the magic of things and the legacy of genius. Is Winogrand’s camera, Clapton’s Stratocaster, Picasso’s brush or Hemingway’s typewriter somehow imbued with greatness? In choosing the same tools as our heroes, do we secretly (or not so secretly) hope that a bit of their magic will rub off on us? Photojournalist Nicole Tung is our Photographer of the Week.

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225: The Megapixel List of Life Aug 16, 2016

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This week, a discussion around printing (spoiler: be sure to use the correct profiles) leads to the start of a larger discussion around the perceived value of signatures. Do you sign your prints? If so, why? If you don’t, why not? Also, looking for the one camera that does everything—even the things you don’t currently need it to do—is a fool’s errand. Better to look for the right tool for the job at hand and let the future sort itself out. Brad Goldpaint is our Photographer of the Week.

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This week's OTP is sponsored by Squarespace - Get 10% off with offer code 'OTP'

224: Blink Decision Aug 09, 2016

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This week, a discussion around the work and process of iconic Japanese photographer Daido Moriyama — specifically around the value of revisiting a place in order to refine your vision of it and how details often emerge through repetition. Also, how much time should you devote to your website? What are some “must have” features? Plus, do six-year-olds need to know about Daguerre? Eve Arnold is our Photographer of the Week.

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This episode is sponsored by BackBlaze. Unlimited online backup for only $5/mo. Make sure your images are protected – have an off-site copy! No credit card required, no risk, free 15 day trial

223: Driving Backwards is a Bad Idea Aug 02, 2016

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This week, how do you know if you’re close to the target if the target hasn’t been clearly defined? We discuss the difficulty in embarking on a journey (creative or otherwise) without at least a direction. How to you calibrate your creative compass when there is no true North? Also, next week we’re talking about the work and process of Daido Moriyama, using a video in this week’s show notes as a reference. Plus, who was the nineteenth century’s most photographed individual? The answer may surprise you. Klaus Enrique is our Photographer of the Week.

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This week's OTP is sponsored by Squarespace - Get 10% off with offer code 'OTP'

222: Form of Stupidity, Shape of an Idiot Jul 26, 2016

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This week, a couple books about Saul Leiter show that great photography is not always about per pixel sharpness and bright, saturate color. The problem is, when do you know when it is and when it isn’t? Can a photographic style be plotted like a course on a map, or does it only happen in the rear view mirror? Also, video seems to be the “it” factor for much of the photography industry, but is it worth it, when you consider the gear, the time and the ability required to really do it well? Arthur Tress is our Photographer of the Week.

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This week's OTP is sponsored by Squarespace - Get 10% off with offer code 'OTP'

221: All the Salt in the World Jul 19, 2016

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This week, we talk about getting out of your own way and recognize that giving up control doesn't mean giving up the wheel. Also, we discuss a fascinating article on Chuck Close and what we sometimes leave on the studio floor in the name of art. Plus, photojournalist Ed Kashi is our Photographer of the Week.

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220: They Want Paul Bunyan Jul 12, 2016

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This week, we’re taking a look at the fact vs. the possible fiction around the myth of famed photojournalist Robert Capa — specifically, the photographs of the D-Day invasion in WWII. Also, a discussion around gear. What do you do when the camera is the limitation, not your vision, and you’re trying to decide whether or not you’re “pro” enough to justify a major upgrade? How much should passion play into the equation? Daniel Milnor is our Photographer of the Week.

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219: Bell Curve of Adoption Jul 05, 2016

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This week, an article in the New York Times about Richard Avedon’s project “In the American West” has us discussing legacy. Who really owns your work after you’ve gone? Also, can you overshoot your own “creative sweet spot” only to end up in uncharted waters? We use the work of fantastic painter Andrew Salgado as an example. Plus, when do you give in to technology, even if it means changing a workflow that has worked for years? Janette Beckman is our Photographer of the Week.

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218: Moon Rocks Down Here Cost a Lot of Money Jun 28, 2016

Show notes

This week, a discussion around limited editions and perceived value. Does a false sense of scarcity make people want work more? And how does scarcity affect value if the demand isn’t there to begin with? Also, we talk about the notion of creative rivalry using the Pet Sounds and Rubber Soul as a jumping off point. Plus, some gear thoughts around Hasselblad’s new X1D medium format mirrorless camera. Bill Cunningham is our Photographer of the Week.

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217: A Plus B Equals Jello Jun 21, 2016

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This week, you’ve got questions and we’ve got answers. Spoiler: Not all of the answers are good. Great questions about motivation, focus, growth, the business side, finding balance and more. Plus a new assignment and Josef Hoflehner is our Photographer of the Week.

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