Thoughts on Photography

ToP #0031: 20X200

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:39:00 GMT

In this podcast I discuss the 20X200 photography and fine art print sales site hosted by Jen Bekman of Jen Bekman Gallery in New York City. Their whole approach to limited edition sales of prints involves pricing three different size prints (small, medium, and large) in different quantities (200, 20, and 2 respectively) at varying prices ($20, $200, and $2,000 respectively). This could be a whole new approach to limited editions and pricing in general for most photographers that allows the average person the ability to purchase a photograph based on their budget and their motivation as a collector of photography.

ToP #0030: Entering Juried Photo Exhibitions

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 01:34:00 GMT

In this podcast I discuss juried photo exhibitions, what they are, how they work, and the pros and cons of entering them. I also provide some helpful tips should this be something you wish to pursue for your own fine art photography. An excellent resource for finding out when and where various exhibition opportunities are and other great advice for marketing your fine art photography is Mary Virginia Swanson's book "Marketing Guidebook for Photographers." Ms. Swanson also maintains a blog that frequently list exhibition opportunities as well.

ToP #0029: Interview with Bill Vaccaro

Thu, 22 May 2008 01:03:00 GMT

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 Tucker
Keith Carter
James Fee
Fan Ho
Rocky Schenck

ToP #0028: Imitation and Inspiration - Learning from Other Photographers

Tue, 20 May 2008 01:45:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0027: Photosharing Web Sites for Fine Art Photographers

Sun, 18 May 2008 01:58:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0026: Defining a Photographic Life

Fri, 2 May 2008 01:20:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0025: Model Releases & Shooting in Public Places

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:15:00 GMT

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, undersigned, being the parent of guardian of the minor whose name appears above, hereby consents to the forgoing condition and warrants that I have the authority to give such consent.

___________________________________________ Signature                 Date: ____/____/____

ToP #0024: Essays About the Photographic Life

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:35:00 GMT

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 Adams

Why People Photograph - Robert Adams

Along Some Rivers - Robert Adams

The Mind's Eye: Writings on Photography and Photographers - Henri Cartier-Bresson

Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography - Roland Barthes

On Photography - Susan Sontag

Light Matters - Vicki Goldberg

Advice for Photographers - Al Weber

Truth and Photography: Notes on Looking and Photographing - Jerry Thompson

Between the Eyes: Essays on Photography and Politics - David Levi Strauss

Inside the Photograph - Peter Bunnell

The Education of a Photographer - Traub, Heller, and Bell

The Photography Reader - Liz Wells

25 Lessons I Have Learned (About Photography): The Art of Living - Lorenzo Dominguez

ToP #0023: Overcoming Our Obsession with the Tools of Photography

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:46:00 GMT

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.

Focus Ring #13: Lucky Number Thirteen

Sun, 6 Apr 2008 22:02:00 GMT

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), BenoÃt Marchal (DÃclencheur), 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/

ToP #0022: Interview with Susan Burnstine

Sun, 6 Apr 2008 15:20:00 GMT

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

ToP #0021: Moving Beyond Photographic Debates

Sun, 30 Mar 2008 19:16:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0020: Art or Artifice - Labeling the Photographer

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 01:05:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0019: The Long Tail, Websites, and Your Fine Art Photography

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:39:00 GMT

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 photographer

Links to sites mentioned in this podcast include:

VisualServer
Foliolink
Photobistro
Artspan
Flickr

ToP #0018: Creating an Artist Statement

Sun, 9 Mar 2008 02:31:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0017: Selecting a Subject

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 02:24:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0016: Developing a Photographic Style

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 01:32:00 GMT

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

ToP #0015: Flow - The Psychology of Optimal Photography

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:14:00 GMT

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 1
Low Skill - Low Challenge = Typically breeds apathy

Level 2
Low Skill - High Challenge = Typically causes frustration and anxiety.

Level 3
High Skill - Low Challenge = Can bring about contentment and can build confidence but the challenge must increase to encourage true engagement.

Level 4
High Skill - High Challenge = Desired focused state where flow is attained,

ToP #0014: Does Print Size Really Matter?

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 01:51:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0013: Limited Edition Prints

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 03:06:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0012: How to Price Your Photographic Prints

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 02:59:00 GMT

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% = $13.30

Step 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% = $133
Emerging - $200/hr X 33% =$266
Established - $300/hr X 33% = $399

Step 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:

$133 X 3 = $399 or $400 (exhibition)
$266 X 3 = $798 or $800
$399 X 3 = $1197 or $1200

ToP #0011: Ten Ideas for Living a Photographic Life

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:25:00 GMT

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.

ToP #0010: Alternative Photographic Processes: What's Old is New Again

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:27:00 GMT

In this podcast I discuss alternative photographic processes and their rise and prominence in the fine art photography realm.

ToP #0009: Getting Started Marketing Your Photography

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 01:42:00 GMT

This podcasts discusses how to get started marketing your fine art photography. Below is a list of the major centers of photography in the United States mentioned in the podcast that provide juried exhibition opportunities:

Blue Sky Gallery
1231 NW Hoyt
Portland, Oregon, 97209
www.blueskygallery.org

Center
PO Box 2483
Santa Fe, NM 87504
www.visitcenter.org

Center for Creative Photography
University of Arizona
1030 North Olive Road
Tuscon, AZ 85721
www.creativephotography.org

Center for Photography at Woodstock
59 Tinker Street
Woodstock, NY 12498
www.cpw.org

Griffin Museum of Photography
67 Shore Road
Winchester, MA 01890
www.griffinmuseum.org

Houston Center for Photography
1441 W. Alabama
Houston, TX 77006
www.hcponline.org

The Light Factory
Spirit Square Suite 211
345 N College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202
www.lightfactory.org

Light Work
316 Waverly Avenue
Syracuse, NY 13244
www.lightwork.org

Minnesota Center for Photography
165 13th Avenue NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
www.mncp.org

Photographic Center Northwest
900 Twelfth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98122
www.pcnw.org

Photographic Resource Center
832 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, MA 02215
www.bu.edu/prc/

Silver Eye Center for Photography
1015 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
www.silvereye.org

ToP #0008: Using Projects to Sustain Your Photography

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 02:36:00 GMT

In this podcast, I discuss the importance of developing and implementing photographic projects as a way to sustain yourself as a fine art photographer. I also cover a project planning and implementation process that listeners may find useful.

ToP #0007: Promoting Your Fine Art Photography

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 01:24:00 GMT

In this podcast, I discuss the role of motivation in promoting your fine art photography. In particular, I cover three specific levels of motivation and use them to create a framework to help you effectively promote your work while remaining true to your goals as a photographer.

ToP #0006: Inspiring Photography Books Published in 2007

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 02:09:00 GMT

In this podcast, I discuss six of my favorite new photography books that were published in 2007. You can get more information about these books by visiting the links below (available only via my blog, thoughtsonphotography.com):

Driftless: Photographs from Iowa - Danny Wilcox Frasier

Cage Call: Life and Death in the Hard Rock Mining Belt - Louie Palu (Note: this book is no longer available however, selections from the book were recently published in Lenswork)

Eye of the West - Nancy Wood

Shaolin: Temple of Zen - Justin Guariglia

I See Angels Every Day - Hiroshi Watanabe

Findings - Hiroshi Watanabe

ToP #0005: Finding Inspiration in Photography Magazines

Sun, 9 Dec 2007 02:41:00 GMT

In this podcast, I discuss various magazines that I find inspirational, informative, and pleasureable to read. Magazines mentioned in this podcast include:

Lenswork

Aperture

Blind Spot

Spot

Contact Sheet

Photography Quarterly

Nueva Luz

B&W Magazine

Focus

CameraArts

Photo-Eye Booklist

ToP #0004: Self-Publishing A Photography Book

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:18:00 GMT

This podcast discusses self-publishing options for photographers using on-line publishing companies. Mentioned in this podcast is Blurb.com

ToP #0003: Attending a Photo Review - Part 2

Sun, 21 Oct 2007 20:38:00 GMT

Here are some of the reviewers mentioned in this podcast:

Brooks Jensen - publisher and editor of Lenswork Magazine

Darius Himes - editor of PhotoEye Booklist

Tim Anderson - publisher and editor of CameraArts Magazine

Mary Virginia Swanson - consultant, educator

Other Great Reviewers
Laura Addison, Curator of Contemporary Art, Museum of New Mexico
Pilar Graves - Owner and Director, Pilar Graves Fine Art
Marita Holdaway - Director, Benham Gallery
Julianne Newton - Editor, Visual Communication Quarterly
Larry Padgett, Executive Director, The Center for Fine Art Photography
Ann Pallesen - Gallery Director, Photographic Center Northwest
Alan Rapp - Photography and Design Editor, Chronicle Books
Madeline Yale, Program Director, Houston Center for Photography

ToP #0002: Attending a Photo Review - Part 1

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 00:52:00 GMT

This podcast focuses on photo reviews (or portfolio reviews) and provides an overview of how they can help emerging photographers move to the next level with their fine art photography.

Some of the photo review venues that are mentioned in this podcast include:

PhotoLucida

Review Santa Fe

FotoFest

ToP #0001: Welcome

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:09:00 GMT

This is the first episode of Thoughts on Photography, a podcast that explores what it means to live a photographic life.