The Perceptive Photographer

The Perceptive Photographer

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!

Episodes

How Do Truth, Wonder, and Trust Shape Your Photography?

July 14, 2025 • 11 mins
In this episode, I talk about how truth, wonder, and trust support my creative process in photography. Inspired by a chat and some recent reading, I reflect on balancing technical skills with staying open to new ideas. For me, creativity isn’t just about getting things right—it’s about being curious, authentic, and willing to experiment. I hope these thoughts encourage you to find your own balance in photography.
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Art for Me or for You? Navigating the Creative Tug-of-War

July 7, 2025 • 16 mins
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 crit...
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In Conversation with Ken Carlson: Curiosity, Craft, and the MFA Path

July 3, 2025 • 47 mins
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, an...
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Finding Your Point of Entry in Photography

June 30, 2025 • 11 mins
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 c...
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Seeing Clearly: Mentorship, Duality, and the Core of Your Work

June 23, 2025 • 15 mins
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 ...
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Photographic trophies verse experiences

June 16, 2025 • 12 mins
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.
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How asking “What do I see?” can transform your photography

June 9, 2025 • 13 mins
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.
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Working with the mundane in your photography

June 2, 2025 • 13 mins
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.
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Ep 533 Understanding the why of your visual narratives in editing & sequencing

May 26, 2025 • 13 mins
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 t...
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Episode 532 How can embracing more of your irrationality over your rationality enhance your photography?

May 19, 2025 • 12 mins
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.
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Talking about Robert Frank and The Americans

May 12, 2025 • 18 mins
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.
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Discussing the power of “just one more thing” in your photography

May 5, 2025
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, ...
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Deepening our Understanding of Photography

April 28, 2025 • 14 mins
Moving beyond "good" or "bad" judgments, I explore how asking better questions can deepen our understanding and connection to photography.
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Thinking about print size can change your approach

April 21, 2025 • 11 mins
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 re...
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Are You Overthinking Your Photography and Missing the Moment?

April 14, 2025 • 15 mins
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 epis...
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Connecting “Things” and “Relationships” in Photography

April 7, 2025 • 14 mins
In this episode of the podcast we dig a little into the impacts of thinking about photographs as of things or of relationships.
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Visiting the impacts of New Topographics on modern landscape photography

March 31, 2025 • 18 mins
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.
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Choices Behind Minimalist and Simple Photography Part 2

March 24, 2025 • 15 mins
Welcome back to another episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, as we continue our exploration of the distinctions between simplicity and minimalism in photography. If you missed the first part, I highly recommend catching up at some point with part one where I cover some of the more central differences between the two. While simple compositions can be clean and balanced, minimalism takes it a step further by intentional...
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Navigating the Fine Line Between Simple and Minimal Photography Part 1

March 17, 2025 • 18 mins
In the podcast this week, we have part one of two on simple verses minimalism in photography. Happy B-day Bro!
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Finishing the image

March 10, 2025 • 11 mins
In the podcast this week, we focus on the impact framing a photography can have on our creative process
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