On Taking Pictures
On Taking Pictures is a weekly show hosted by photographers Bill Wadman and Jeffery Saddoris about the art, science, and philosophy of photography. Each episode digs into how those ideas play out behind the camera during the process of making images. The hosts mix practical shop talk for working professionals with accessible insights for newcomers to the craft. They also offer opinionated commentary on trends, gear, and the legacy of the medium.
Episodes
380: Make The Next One Better
Bill and Jeffery gripe about Apple's new pricing and gear decisions, then get into Norman Rockwell's staged reference photography after a Vermont museum trip, and wander through social media algorithms, creative burnout, and letting go and moving onto the next project, before wrapping with photographer of the week Frank Horvat.
Photograph search of Norman Rockwell Archives
Norman Rockwell “Behin
379: Artifacts Of Time And Place
Bill and Jeffery grumble about Apple's Mac mini and Mac Studio price increases and Jeffery’s love for the Supernote Manta, then spend most of the episode remembering photographer Jay Maisel, touring stories and photos from his cavernous bank-building archive and debating what makes a photographic legacy. They wrap up with this week's Photographer of the Week, Life magazine shooter Nina Leen.
Supe
378: X-Wing not the X-1
Bill and Jeffery dig into where creative legitimacy actually comes from now that gatekeepers like ASMP and Magnum have lost their grip, and talk about why they stopped chasing metrics and just make the show for its own sake. They also swap stories about a QR-code standoff at the Air and Space Museum and their shared guilt over unfinished projects and letting themselves have fun, before closing wit
377: Touching The Backstop
Bill and Jeffery talk through a buggy macOS beta, a $10 thrift-store flatbed scanner, and the endless search for a good digital asset manager, then get into why they both might be pulling back from Instagram and just taking photos for themselves again. They also swap stories about vintage audio gear, dream up a DJ-style internet radio show, wrestle with headphone pad mysteries, and close with Phot
376: Shrink-wrapped In Anxiety
Bill and Jeffery ramble from brushes with celebrities and growing up before the internet to a deep dive into old Mold-A-Rama toy machines, vanishing physical media, and why modern life feels so overwhelming, before wrapping up with this week's featured photographer, Arthur Elgort.
Freedom Train
Mold-A-Rama
Mold-A-Rama Gorilla
Ebba Forsberg Album on Apple Music
PotW Arthur Elgort
Estella Warr
375: Don’t Get Sucked Into The Battle
Episode 375 opens with a personal reflection on the death of photographer William Coupon, a friend Bill made through the show years ago, and a broader conversation on grief and mentorship. Bill also describes vibe-coding a custom Mac app with Claude Code to automate uploading episodes and drafting WordPress posts. The back half covers David Hockney's photographic collage work and how scale affects
374: Iterating on Noise
Ansel Adams in AI color? Yuck! Do we ever get past the fear of complete failure and should we? Color grading footage and getting lost. Montana native Robert Osborn is our Photographer of the Week.
Danziger response to the AI Ansel Adams print
Degas “Woman seat beside a vase of flowers”
Bill’s portrait of Alon at a piano
Burden video of “Shoot” (User discretion advise
373: Uncertainty Within An Envelope
How to teach an old dog new tricks by learning new skills, tools, and processes. Also some discussion of first stage movie making and William Gottlieb as our Photographer of the Week.
Jacob Collier Berklee Commencement Speech
William P Gottlieb on Wikipedia
372: Mental Proprioception
Big long conversation about change and mental health, then a trip down a used camera rabbit hole. Emma Summerton is our Photographer of the Week.
“Bowling Alone”
John Stewart talking about AI
PotW – Emma Summerton
Sandra Huller in Vanity Fair
371: Moon Joy
Jeffery & Bill are back to discuss the amazing pictures from Artemis II and the cameras they used, as well as whether doing something without it trying to be great is doing it at all. Lillian Bassman, who has a show at The Met in NYC right now, is our Photographer of the Week.
Lunar Eclipse from space – Artemis 2
Strong Songs – Both Sides Now
Liza Minelli and Michael Feinstein
Hock
370: Detritus of Life
Is it worth going backwards in order to go forward? Finding yourself again in things you thought were in your past. Pioneering documentary photographer Alice Seeley Harris is our Photographer of the Week.
“Conjuration” by Pepper Adams
“Blame it on my Youth” played by Keith Jarrett Trio
Ze Frank “The Wave” video
Alice Seeley Harris on Wikipedia
369: Digital Entitlement
We're back!! At least every once in a while when we feel like it. This time to discuss Bill fixing the battery door of his beloved Pentax, how changing technology is effecting the reasons why we make things, and whether anyone has a good reason to buy a new camera anymore. Helen Levitt is our impromptu Photographer of the Week.
The Quest for Perfection Is Stunting Our Society
Kodak Brownie 3a
Hele
368: Everything Has Limits
Jeffery and Bill discuss the Dan Winters episode of the Disney/Hulu series ‘Photographer’ and how maker’s relationships with their partners and families allows them to do what they do. Adventure photographer Krystle Wright is our Photographer of the Week.
'Photographer' on Hulu
Dorothy Simpson Krause
Krystle Wright on IG
367: Offended By Extension
Should you react to changes in the industry by going on defense or offense? And what does offense in this context mean. TIF vs PSD vs PSB and more. Ken Nahoum is our Photographer of the Week.
Jerry Ghionis website
366: A Big Fluffy Thing
Change the variables you control when that's what's holding you back. Also, how to have your portfolio stand out and fit in to the preconceived notions of your viewers all at the same time. Bastiaan Woudt is our Photographer of the Week.
Canva Acquires Affinity
Rebecca Ferguson photos by @juankr
Randomness - The 1975 interview
"Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" by Robert Pirsig
Cinci
365: It Feels Different
Something feels different for Jeffery and it's a good thing, something feels different for Bill and it's not a good thing. Tony Notarberardino is our Photographer of the Week.
Attention!: The power of simple decisions in a distracted world
Jony Ive on Steve Jobs focus
Bill's picture of Cisco
Bill's other picture Cisco
Ai Vs Artists - The Biggest Art Heist in History
Tony Notarber
364: I Don’t Think It’s Gonna Work
Is Instagram still about photography? Even if it is, are they photographs of real life anymore or is AI imagery just the next step toward the fantasy the world seemingly wants. Bill got little Godox Lux Junior flash, but is still not sold. Jack Delano is our Photographer of the Week.
EU Parliament tries to control AI
New TikTok App Spotted
Triathlete IG account
16,000 Artists in Midjourney Tra
363: Not In My Vocabulary
Jeffery is copying his art to photographs and Bill has found a new online color editor which he's playing with while learning to accept and grow from critique. Todd Schick is our Photographer of the Week.
San Francisco Art Institute bought by Laurene Powell Jobs
Color.io
Jacob Collier interview
Chris Ashworth new book
"The Unseen Saul Leiter" on Amazon
Todd Schick on Instagram
362: Motion Is The Hapiness
Turns out Jacob Collier is an amazing musician even if he doesn't label his tracks. Jeffery and Bill discuss figuring out other people's process and how sometimes it's more fun not to know. Jo Ann Callis is our Photographer of the Week.
LOGIC SESSION BREAKDOWN: "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
Dorothy Simpson Krause
Dustin Yellin
Djesse Vol 4 cover art out of glass
Sam Maloof Woodworker
This unc
361: Didn't Have Enough Power
AI video is here, but who is it good for? Reviews are mixed for the new Fuji x100VI. When does change make sense and when to leave well enough lone? Marion Post Wolcott is our Photographer of the Week.
Why “Shot on Iphone” Commercials Look So Good!
Fuji X100VI – PetaPixel
Fuji X100VI – Phoblographer
Marion Post Wolcott – Flashbak
Marion Post Wolcott – Wikipedia
360: Toiled Away In Quiet Desperation
Circus Models and Slot Cars lead Jeffery and Bill into discussing the skill of overcoming indecision and the emotional ownership of the things you make. Classic 20th century photograph Norman Parkinson is Photographer of the Week.
Slot Mods article
Slot Mods
Man Dodging a Kettle - Know Your Meme
Howard Brother's Circus
"Ringmaster of His Own Design"
Elton John is selling his Photography coll
359: Consistency is Hard
Jeffery and Bill discuss the new documentary "The Greatest Night in Pop" on Netflix, photographing art, and pictures of themselves at 21. 20th century German photographer Herbert List is our Photographer of the Week.
The Greatest Night in Pop
The Photography Behind Earthrise
U2 Songs of Surrender cover photo
Herbert List on Artnet
Herbert List Archive on IG
Herbert List on Wikipedia
358: Inverse of Social Media
Sitting on the knife's edge of needing people around and also wanting to be alone. Plus how do you make friends in your 50's. Bill finally got his knives sharpened and made some friends along the way. Gerald Cyrus is our Photographer of the Week.
LinoType Documentary
Murder of Kitty Genovese
Brain and Life podcast featuring Bill Wadman
PhotoWalk podcast featuring Jeffery Saddoris
Unboxing Det
357: Knife Burrito
Jeffery and Bill take a look at the feedback loop between confidence or competence. Also Bill's kitchen knives sharpening adventure Part One. Fashion photographer Cody Rasmussen is Photographer of the Week.
Del Re Grinding Truck
John's Sharpening Service
Zefrank "The Innovation Wave"
NYT Rat Selfies
9:30 Club in DC
Search Engine Podcast
Photofolio Website Tool
Cody Rasmussen
356: Archaeological Remnants
A big folder of family photos to Bill leads him and Jeffery to discuss family history. We also go deep on the concept of a workspace and what it takes to make a good one. Plus we take a gander at a NYTimes piece which considers culture dead. Karl Bissinger is Photographer of the Week.
Vintage KitchenAid Superba dishwasher
Why Culture Has Come to a Standstill
Karl Bissinger Obituary
Karl Bissin
355: A World of Noise
In a world where we're overrun with images already, some people are gunning to give machines copyright, but to what end? Also some Q&A about recommendations and process. Fashion Photographer Deborah Turbeville is our Photographer of the Week.
Stephen Thaler AI article
Jeffery Film Rec: "In The Mood for Love"
Bill Film Rec: "Cinema Paradiso"
Jeffery Album Rec: "Chicago Transit Authority"
Jeffe
354: Effort as Currency
How do you hold onto inspiration and remind yourself later? Your process is the result of your experiences. Perhaps it's better to lean into how you work rather than force yourself into someone else's system. A great AI rebuttal on the NYTimes and South African photographer Peter Magubane is our Photographer of the Week.
Christopher Nolan on ScriptNotes podcast
"In The Court of the Crimson King"
353: We Need Another You
Some thoughts on last week's in-person episode leads Jeffery and Bill to discuss how copying is never a perfect copy and why that's a good thing. A recent conversation about AI imagery from the NYTimes is discussed and we answer a listener question about physical controls for Lightroom. Alain Laboile is our Photographer of the Week.
A.I. Is the Future of Photography. Does That Mean Photography Is
352: There's Always Value In The Effort
Join Jeffery and Bill on a walk down the National Mall in DC as they discuss the Dorthea Lange and Rothko shows at the National Gallery and cut to the quick on the meaning of life, this time, in person! French Vietnam War photographer Catherine Leroy is Photographer of the Week.
Dorthea Lange at NGA
Rothko on Paper at NGA
Catherine Leroy thread on Threads
351 : Don’t Cater To The Camera
Bill spends hours digging midi data out of a 17 year old file to open up a box that already had a bow on it. Also, should you cater to the camera or let the camera cater to you? All this and 80's-90's fashion photographer David Seidner is our Photographer of the Week.
CakeWalk by BandLab
Tony Banks synth patches
03-31-05 original sketch
David Seidner on ICP
Used David Seidner books on Abe
350 : Creative Closure
Bill regales Jeffery with stories from his "Sleep No More" experience this past weekend. Which of course leads the two of them into discussing communications within an organization and deciding when you're old enough to just be yourself, regardless of what other people think. The recently passed Elliott Erwitt is again our Photographer of the Week.
I Was Scared To Say This To NASA - Smarter Every
349 : Save The Clocktower
Does the way we learned to use the tools we use hold us back when those tools inevitably change under our feet? The Apple TV+ series "The Supermodels" teaches us a lesson on the value of a good subject and the role of collaboration as tool for improvement. At the end Bill throws in some musings on the musical Merrily We Roll Along that's currently on Broadway and asks Jeffery to weigh in on what i
348: We Turn Over The Soil
Memories, nostalgia, and where to draw the line. How our representations of ourselves on the internet change over time and how we define what it is we are to the outside world and how you can't control how they see you. Ben Lowy is our photographer of the week.
Led Zepelin IV cover photo found
Four Thousand Weeks
Mary Spender YouTube income breakdown
ScanCafe - Company that scans your photos
347: Untied String
Listen to us zag into a technical episode where we discuss Apple's new M3 processors, Adobe's new noise reduction system in Lightroom, how good the new 24MP iPhone photos are, the cool technology that led to a new Beatles song in 2023, and where to start in a lighting kit. British photographer Brian Griffin known for his 1980's album covers is Photographer of the Week.
Apple Macbook Pro M3 Max re
346: Chase the Creative Dragon
A conversation of the impact of your mood on your work, especially photography leads to us diving back into our brains in an attempt to rewrite the memories of our past through photographs. Architectural photographer and meme-master Simon Devitt is our Photographer of the Week.
Marina Abramovic interview in the NYT
Jim Carrey on Sadness and Depression
Never let your mood dictate what you do
345: I’m Beholden to No One
Bill is back from Paris so it's time for some deep thoughts on fear, pain, and the present. Plus a story about getting lost in a French library that could have been a Star Wars matte painting. Korean photographer Cho Gi-Seok is photographer of the week.
USB-C craziness on iPhone 15 Pro
Louis XIV globes at the Bibliothèque Nationale
Star Wars matte paintings
Cho Gi-Seok on Instagram
Vice article o
344: I See What You Mean
Bill's headed to Paris on a jet plane, so we've got a short one for you today. The recent story of the demise of Moog synths (again) gets us talking about brands and gear and whether the tools being made with art and intention effects the results you get from those tools. Skate and music photographer Glen E. Friedman is Photographer of the Week.
Why Moog Died on YouTube
Kiev 88 Camera
OM System
343: The Difference Is What Makes It Yours
We start by discussing retro lens recreations, take a ride on a bus, and then decide that ending at a different place than your goal is often the whole point. Miniature set photographer Marius Sperlich is our Photographer of the Week.
Nonikkor lenses
Julie London Album Cover
Bill’s recreation of the Julie London Cover
Canon 5D Mark II
Blackmagic Design Cinema Camera product page
Classic Harl
342: It's Not The Photography
Jeffery learns that Bill doesn’t play games, enjoy Halloween, or watch comedy, so they spend some time unpacking all of that that. I guess they’re not playing Jeffery’s Dreamcast together. The Manet/Degas show at The Met is discussed and a bit of Camera Corner because Bill played with an M10 and the new Fugi GFX 100 II this week. Arno Rafael Minkkinen is our Photographer of the Week.
Sega Dreamca
341: Overcoming The Initial Inertia
Cutting up your plans into small enough pieces that they no longer stop you from getting going. Plus a little bit about the new iPhone 15 Pro. Homework for the week is to watch the 2017 film “Columbus”. Marvin Newman, who died this week at 95, is once again out photographer of the week.
Olivia Rodrigo Video shot with iPhone 15 Pro
“La La Land” BTS
Garrett Brown working
“Columbus” film
340: Hope Marketing Doesn’t Work
Jeffery and Bill discuss finding the process that works best for you and how keeping your brain guessing can often help. They also tackle a few listener questions. Lee Miller is our Photographer of the Week.
Bernie Taupin on WTF
Ken Mogi on Ikigai venn diagram
The Bikeriders trailer
Kate Winslet in Lee Miller biopic
Lee Miller on ArtNet
Lee Miller on WikiArt
339: Just Jump Into The Water
Jeffery and Bill discuss the Japanese concept of Ikigai and how the more you ignore your inability the more your inability will become your ability. Early 20th century showgirl photographer Alfred Cheney Johnston is our Photographer of the Week.
Ikigai
Phil Hartman
Wicked
Coney Island Polar Bear Club
Filming the Shining
Boston Strangler movie
PotW: Alfred Cheney Johnston
Noirchick
338: Is The LED Still Lit?
Has making art ceased to be special? And might that be a consequence of external and internal forces? Any time spent making is better than time wasted not. Victoria Will is out Photographer of the Week.
Jill Greenberg on John McCain
Wes Anderson – Grand Budapest Hotel BTS
PosterLad
OTP #43 – Artistic Monkshood
Sylvester Stallone on screenwriting
Barry Manilow “This One̵
337: My Whole Life Is A Year of Sabbatical
Bill got back from summer vacation and doesn’t feel restored. So he and Jeffery spend some time discussing how to switch off. Skater and artist Ed Templeton is our photographer of the week.
The Shark is Broken
Daniel Milnor – Shifter: Question and Answer 54
Matthew Lesko
Ed Templeton
336: There Has To Be A Mythology
How do we distinguish between things we make for us and things we make for money? That, submarines references, and a fairly deep dive into Bill's old Drabbles project are discussed.
Squaring the Circle documentary
Andy Warhol’s Factory of Truth on Cautionary Tales podcast
Proto Drabble of Heather by Bill Wadman
https://www.lucasstoffel.com/art
Mines on the first day of the Somme in WWI
335: The Lesson In This Season of My Life
What’s Jeffery working on lately? If not, why not? Also, does everyone think they’re a fraud deep down and just keep it to themselves? Christian Witkin is our Photographer of the Week.
Jeffery Saddoris Substack
Chemtrail Conspiracy Theory
Christian Witkin Portfolio
Christian Witkin Instagram Post
334: Nature of the MrBeast
Movies, PSH, fan theories, and oh yeah, only the dialectic pull of simultaneously not wanting to undersell or oversell yourself. We also get into the reasons for making art and how how all these AI LLM are kind of missing the point. Steve Schapiro is our Photographer of the Week.
Tommy Westphall Universe Theory.
CJ Hendry Illustrations on Instagram
Painter Cecily Brown
Jean Claude Van Damme in
333: Answering The Call
Jeffery and Bill dive deep on the idea of community and new perspectives on old things. Including the Canon 5D from 2005 that Bill bought recently on a whim. Victor Skrebneski is the photographer of the week.
Van Wilder
Soft White Underbelly Poorest Region of America – What It Really Looks Like
Gauntlet (Video Game)
Walnut Grove – Then & Now
Canon 5D
Victor Skrebneski
Victo
332: You Did That Wrong, Make It Right
What starts with a conversation about Bill’s new skateboard, and righting the sins of childhood leads us to discuss overcoming fear and mental paralysis. We also get a bit into the Adobe license news, the portraits of the King Charles, and Jeffery’s ideal trail bike.
King Charles Official Portraits
The Girl skateboard deck Bill bought
Adobe tells users they can’t use old versions
331: I Was On A Sofa
In this episode, we talk about why simpler is often the more attractive solution and how not spending your creative life trying to do something new is okay. Plus, is having goals too goal oriented?
Rudolf Schwarzkogler Aktion #2
John Singer Sargent A Capriote at the Boston MFA
Fuji GFX 100s 14 bit vs 16 bit
On Taking Pictures Ep. 177 recorded during a walk on the Washington DC Mall
330: Losing Your Bearings
We start with Bill going back to his roots in audio, first as a equipment repairman and then in due course a mix engineer. Which leads he and Jeffery into a discussion about getting turned around and losing your bearings. How do you know which direction to go? What if you've achieved your original goals and need to find new ones?
Elly Smallwood on Instagram
“Time Stops” Song by Bil
329: Interpretation At Every Step
Jeffery starts right out of the gate with a deep dive on how we're supposed to feel about how we're supposed to feel, which gets us to being overwhelmed while making things, which gets us to tethering to CaptureOne on the iPad and using diffusion filters to get the look we're after in camera if we can. Less options later, but perhaps that's what we're should be going for.
328: Between the Accolades
Jeffery's exploration of media, materials, and IKEA shelving leads us to a discussion of legacy and perspective and hope in creative endeavors. And yes, there's a bit of follow-up about Bill's GFX.
327: Going Back To Move Forward
Jeffery and Bill are back on mic in 2023 discussing Bill's apprehension about his new camera purchase. Is it really the camera that's the problem or is it a stand-in for how he feels about the direction photography is headed?
326: Special Episode - Apple Announcement Oct 2018
They said it would never happen – that we were through, done for, washed up. Turns out, all it took was a new Mac Mini, Macbook Air, and an iPad Pro for us to dust off the mics and smash that record button. Is it a one off? Will there be more? Time will tell...
325: Closing The Loop
This week, we close the loop on 325 episodes of talking about photography, creativity, and sometimes just the ups and downs of life in general. It has been such a privilege to be a small part of your lives for the past six years. Speaking for myself, I am a better person for having done this show, though I would imagine Bill feels the same. This show has—in no uncertain terms—changed my life and w
324: Another Stick in the Spokes
With only one more episode of OTP left, this week we actually start with a discussion around photography—specifically, focusing on the tools (either hardware or software) you need or will actually use in your creative workflow. Sometimes we get caught up in looking at all of what a camera or piece of software does or is capable of doing without looking at what we actually need it to do. Also, a co
323: There’s No Control Group in Life
This week, a discussion around knowing (or thinking we know) when it’s time to change directions, whether in a body of work, a relationship, where to live, etc. Also, what happens when the dream you wanted isn’t the reality you get? Plus, according to a federal judge, photos on the internet are fair use...yes, even yours. Don McCullin is our Photographer of the Week.
Links for this episode:In Holl
322: Waiting For The Supersaturation Point
This week, a pre-show discussion spills over into the show as we dive into the idea of myth and reputation and wrestle with the evolving definition of success. Also, episode 324 will be the last episode of OTP. We are grateful for the time that we’ve spent with you and with each other—logging well over 600 hours talking about photography and creativity—but we both feel like it’s time to explore so
321: And There It Hangs
This week, sometimes hardware fails or at least doesn’t perform the way you think or hope it should We start the show with a couple stories about dealing with what happens next. Also, at what point to upgrades no longer make sense. Plus, a fascinating body of work from a very unexpected source. Kenji Toma is our Photographer of the Week.
Links for this episode:AppleCare - AppleReview: Fujifilm 35m
320: Put This Robe On And Come With Me
This week, we go a little off the reservation talking about connecting to a process but not to outcome of what was ultimately produced. We cite examples from photography, cinema and music. Also, a discussion around the first time we felt like we were part of a tribe and how we sometimes are still able to tap into how that felt. Vivian Cherry is our Photographer of the Week.
Links for this episode
319: Who Buys The Ink?
This week, if everyone is chasing the same aesthetic, how do you know when what you make is good? Also, where do you take your work if you feel you’ve peaked? Plus, is the old stuff really better than what’s new? Or is it just that it’s more familiar? Jim Reed is our Photographer of the Week.
Links for this episode:Carrie Mae Weems: Kitchen Table SeriesInterview: Photographer Jim Reed on Hurricane
318: You Have To Go Further Back To Go Forward
This week, we’re talking about finding that type of photography that clicks with you, regardless of how broad or how niche it may be. One of the wonderful things about photography is that it’s both an art and a science and there’s room to deep dive one without necessarily losing the other. Also, self-printing seems to be a common source of confusion and anxiety - between finding the “right” printe
317: You’re Gonna Need A Bigger SIM
This week, what happens when you decide to get off of the hamster wheel of social media and rely on your own website? Are you leaving money on the table or controlling your brand? Also, getting out of your comfort zone via the great American road trip. Plus, finding meaning in what you do beyond just what you make and share. Vanessa Winship is our Photographer of the Week.
Links for this episode:S
316: Nice Sallah There
This week, a pre-show discussion about Tom Petty and crafting the perfect pop song leads into our sense memories around specific film stocks. It sounds strange, but there’s a throughline there if you give it a chance. Also, is Instagram just one big performance art piece? Plus, a listener question prompts a discussion around objective vs subjective challenges and moving the needle. Jojakim Cortis
315: A New Branch On The Tree
This week, we talk about refining the scope of personal projects so that they can be more productive and less of just a time suck—sometimes, you just need to tweak the brief. Also, what happens when a portrait is not a portrait but is still manages to capture the essence of a person? Plus, does your love for photography wax and wane, or is it constant? Jim Krantz is our Photographer of the Week.
L
314: It’s Either Silence Or A Heart
This week, we discuss the potential value of critiques in a social media landscape where the conversation around the work is often not a conversation at all. Also, a terrific NYT article begins a conversation around a veteran using photography as therapy and as a way to document the lives of other service men and women. Plus, we tackle a few #askOTP questions. Hideki Fujii is our Photographer of t
313: No One Wants To Be In A Cover Band Forever
This week, we’re circling back to an earlier discussion around style and whether you choose your style (and maybe even overall aesthetic) or your style chooses you. Also, do you recognize the point at which emulating or being inspired by your artistic heroes became something more unique? Plus, planned obsolescence, photography in video games and do we really need a digital 8x10 camera? Ara Güler i
312: I’m Put Off By Such Comfort
This week marks the end of year six of OTP and we’re talking about style - specifically questions around whether or not our particular style of making (photographic, design, painting or otherwise) is “baked” into how we see. If we stray too far from what we “know” does it simply look like we’re trying to emulate someone else? Also, a listener asks what (if any) obligation does one creative have to
311: Poseidon Giveth and Poseidon Taketh Away
This week, a look inside four Instagram photographers who reveal the “contact sheets” behind some of their images. Turns out it can take quite a few shots to get that perfect selfie or lifestyle pic. Also, the start of a broader discussion around social media and the number of “subs” or follows as the real barrier on entry into making a living as a photographer. Also, trouble on the high seas cost
310: Let Me Just Finish This Donut
This week, do individuals make the collective better? Do we have a responsibility to use whatever talents or gifts we may have (artistic or otherwise), or is it okay to simply walk away and do something else? Also, a recurring question from a listener around overcoming self-doubt, who asks, “does it ever go away?” Spoiler: no, but it’s often an interesting discussion. William Ukoh is our Photograp
309: Giant Bags of Stuff in the Car
This week, we talk a little about the upcoming relaunch of Ektachrome and wonder whether Kodak will be able to make a boutique film commercially successful. Also, some insight into exhibiting your work from three successful curators, courtesy of the British Journal of Photography. Plus some terrific questions from YOU, the listeners, that we do our best to answer. Miranda Penn Turin is our Photogr
308: Sixth Gen VHS Tape from a Prog Rock Convention
This week, a conversation with Joel Meyerowitz inspires a discussion around legacy and whether art of a specific time has a shelf life of relevancy, aesthetic or otherwise. Also, what’s more valuable as a photographer, being a generalist or focusing (no pun) on one subject, area, or technique? Plus a few words about enthusiasm with 600+ hours in the rear view. Jacko Vassilev is our Photographer of
307: We’re All in the Optometrist's Office
This week, a question from a listener around making photos “that have more meaning and heart” inspires a discussion around narrative and determining what we as makers are trying to say with our work versus what we want—or need—an audience to take away from it. We also touch on editing (not post processing) as a skill that often gets minimized or even overlooked in the picture making process. Plus,
306: The Venn Diagram of You and Me
This week, we’re talking about context and meaning in the work we create using Sally Mann’s new show at the National Gallery as background. Within the discussion, we address changing creative directions, the relationship between process and outcome and, despite repetition how sometimes taking a dramatic creative leap comes down to timing. Also, advice on creativity, courtesy of famed portrait and
305: I Really Like The Deep Dives, Ted
This week, we’re talking about planning purchases — specifically, how do you determine what gear you want, versus what you need? Also, a recent gallery show inspires a discussion around editioning work and the value (or potential caveat) of arbitrary editions in a digital world. Plus, a new social media platform is gaining ground, but is it the new Instagram? Finally, a bit of gear talk musing ove
304: No Filters Named After Places
This week, we’re wrestling with the concepts of “good” vs “different” and whether one is better than the other, both as an end product and as a prime mover. What’s more important to you, good or different? Also, a couple interesting items around copyright and how others can or can’t share your images. Plus, preserving Disney cels and documentaries about William Eggleston and Ansel Adams. Thomas St
303: Who The Hell Goes To Picasso’s House?
This week, making art because you have to and how context can elevate humble materials to something extraordinary. Also, connecting to the past through the tangential experiences of the present. Plus, why is serious subject matter taken more...seriously as important work? Donna Ferrato is our Photographer of the Week.
Links for this episode:On Taking Pictures - Google+ - Assignment: #bookshelfIntr
302: The Audience Holds You Accountable
This week, we start with a question we missed on last week’s Q&A show around balancing available light and flash using speedlights. Also, a discussion around accepting not only who, but also where you are on your creative curve. Plus, what do you look for from a podcast? Eugene Richards is our Photographer of the Week.
Links for this episode:On Taking Pictures - Google+ - Assignment: #tangenti
301: It’s Like Amway With A Camera
This week, questions and answers from YOU, the listeners. Topics range from the business side of photography — including social media and marketing — to how to approach subjects who may not “get” your vision on the shoot. We’re also talking about how art can sometimes be overwhelming to look at and even a few technical questions around gear. A couple questions were too big to answer here and we’ll
