The Perceptive Photographer

Working with sweet spots

23 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we explore the “sweet spots” in photography. You know when things feel right when those , settings, and workflow tweaks that make...

Playing a good mind game with our work

16 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, I explore a positive “mind game” you can play in your photography that can inspire you to see your work differently. These ment...

Thinking about entry points

09 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 574 of The Perceptive Photographer, I dig into the idea of the emotional “entry points” that invite viewers into a photograph. ...

In conversation with Jenny Hansen Das

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I sit down with Jenny Hansen Das a great friend and Seattle-based fine art photographer whose work has...

Exploring meaning from John Berger’s essay “Understanding a Photograph”

02 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Hey there!  I hope you are having a great week. In this week’s podcast, I wanted to talk about some of the things that came up for me when ...

When Meaning Splits: Navigating Disagreement in Photographic Critique

23 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In the start of our 11th year, episode 572 of The Perceptive Photographer, I dive back into a often discussed topic that every photographer eventuall...

Composition as Personal Expression and Growth

16 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I hope you are having a great week and thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of the Perceptive Photographer. The just happens to be episode...

Is an audience required for meaning, or just for momentum?

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 570 of The Perceptive Photographer, I found myself circling a couple of questions: Is an audience required for meaning, or just for momen...

Moments that make us stop

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When was the last time a photograph or moment behind the camera lens truly made you stop and catch your breath? Not just a quick “oh, that’s nice,...

Photographing for Ourselves vs. Seeking Validation

26 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, Episode 568 of The Perceptive Photographer, I spend some time reflecting on a tension many photographers experience, wh...

Why two photographers never see the same scene: myth of objectivity

19 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I’m exploring why photography is never truly objective. I mean, why is it that two photographer...

Relational vs. Transitional Viewing

12 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I begin by asking photographers to consider not what a photograph shows, but how it is encountered. I frame the conversation around t...

In Conversation with Rachel Demy

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I am so excited for this episode of In Conversation, where the amazing Rachel Demy joins me to discuss the periphery in photography. I have known Rac...

Why your best work might feel boring to you

05 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

As we start a new year, I want to talk about a feeling that almost never gets discussed openly, even though nearly all of us experience it. That momen...

The Danger of Consistency

29 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Episode 564 of the podcast, I’m thinking through an idea that comes up often in photography but is rarely examined closely: consistency. We tend ...

When the Photograph Stops Explaining: Seeing Without Searching

22 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast (episode 563), I want to first say Happy Solstice and how nice it is to start getting those longer days. I discuss the ...

Not Every Good Photograph Needs to Be Shared

15 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, I dig into an idea that feels increasingly important in a culture built around constant sharing. Not every good photog...

Books for the giving season

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I talk about book ideas for the holiday season, especially for photographers and creative folks. Thank...

Working With What the Photograph Wants

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, I explore the notion of what it means for a photograph to be something it wants versus something I like. We all spend ...

Interpretation and translation

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast I explore the idea of editing as translation. Rather than treating editing as technical cleanup, I look at how it becom...

What it means to share your work

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, we explore the quiet tension between the solitude of making photographs and the importance of sharing the work we crea...

The Importance of Intention and Emotional Connection in Photography

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Episode 557 of The Perceptive Photographer, we explore how true creativity in photography comes from emotional connection rather than technical master...

Burnout verse rest

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's podcast, we talk about burnout verse resting. Creative burnout and creative rest may look similar on the surface, but they come from ve...

Magic in the mundane

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

n episode 555 of The Perceptive Photographer, I celebrate what I like to call “magic number day” by exploring the creative power of photographing ...

Seasons of Light

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the days get shorter, I find myself paying more attention to how light changes this time of year. The low angle of the sun, the long shadows, and t...

Thoughts on Creative Momentum

13 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I reflect on five simple ideas to help keep your creative life moving forward. From finishing imperfect work to embracing boredom, le...

Learning to Trust Your Eye

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I explore what it means to trust your own eye. Like learning to read and write, photography re...

In Conversation: single images verse projects

02 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I chat with Ken Carlson about moving from single images to building cohesive photographic proj...

What I don’t know may mean more than what I do know

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

n Episode 551 of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore how what I don’t know often means more than what I do in my photography. Instead of trying t...

The role of quiet or silence in our photographic practice

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, the importance of silence in photography is explored. Embracing quiet helps us be present, notice details, and connect with s...

Are You Measuring the Right Things in Your Photography?

15 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to growth in photography, it’s easy to get caught up in the wrong metrics. In this week’s episode, I dig into the idea of measuring ...

Which story telling structure do you use in your photography?

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We often talk about “telling a story” in photography. But when you look closer, a single image may only hold part of the story: the introduction, ...

How spicy can you handle?

01 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with you about finding the right balance in your photography, or what I call your creative “spice level.” Based on a trip ...

Storytelling Through Images

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Photography isn’t just about making a single strong image. It’s about what happens when we put images together. In this episode, we explore the cr...

An arrow in the quiver

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, I explore the idea of “arrows in your quiver”. You know, the skills you don’t think you’ll ever need but that ...

What you see and what you photograph

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about that all-too-familiar moment when you look at your photos and realize they don’t quite match what you saw or felt in t...

Finding Meaning Beyond Description

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about how to look deeper into photographs and find their meaning, not just describe what’s in them. Drawing from Sylvan Barn...

In Conversation with Ken Carlson on Roland Barthes Death of the Author

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Ken and I return to a conversation we had in the past about Roland Barthes’ famous essay Death of the Author. This is an essay tha...

No title means you don’t know this week’s topic

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about why titling photographs matters. I share how titles help us organize our work, give context, and deepen both our own and...

Embracing Imperfection and Authenticity in Photography

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

n episode 541, I explore ideas that surface across conversations, readings, and experiences—all pointing toward the spirit of wabi sabi. It’s abou...

In Conversation with Ken Carlson on Composition in Photography

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk with Ken Carlson about photographic composition. We move past the usual rules—like lines and shapes—and focus on how compo...

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

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

Art for Me or for You? Navigating the Creative Tug-of-War

07 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

In Conversation with Ken Carlson: Curiosity, Craft, and the MFA Path

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Finding Your Point of Entry in Photography

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Seeing Clearly: Mentorship, Duality, and the Core of Your Work

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Photographic trophies verse experiences

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 a...

How asking “What do I see?” can transform your photography

09 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 pr...

Working with the mundane in your photography

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explored something that doesn’t always get the love it deserves—mundane photography. Y...

Ep 533 Understanding the why of your visual narratives in editing & sequencing

26 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I dive into the relationship between form and content in photography, especially when editing and sequ...

Episode 532 How can embracing more of your irrationality over your rationality enhance your photography?

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore the balance between the rational (exceptions) and irrational (creativity) sides of photograp...

Talking about Robert Frank and The Americans

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we dive into The Americans, Robert Frank’s groundbreaking photo book that reshaped the way we think about documentary and street p...

Discussing the power of “just one more thing” in your photography

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I found myself thinking about Steve Jobs. You know that classic moment in his presentations whe...

Deepening our Understanding of Photography

28 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Moving beyond "good" or "bad" judgments, I explore how asking better questions can deepen our understanding and connection to photography.

Thinking about print size can change your approach

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Are You Overthinking Your Photography and Missing the Moment?

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dig into a common challenge many photographers face: the transition from enjoying pho...

Connecting “Things” and “Relationships” in Photography

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast we dig a little into the impacts of thinking about photographs as of things or of relationships.

Visiting the impacts of New Topographics on modern landscape photography

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, we discuss the impact of the "New Topographic—A Man-altered Landscape" exhibition on modern ...

Choices Behind Minimalist and Simple Photography Part 2

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome back to another episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, as we continue our exploration of the distinctions between simplicity and mini...

Navigating the Fine Line Between Simple and Minimal Photography Part 1

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the podcast this week, we have part one of two on simple verses minimalism in photography. Happy B-day Bro!

Finishing the image

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the podcast this week, we focus on the impact framing a photography can have on our creative process

The Hawthorne Effect

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the podcast this week, we take a look at the impact of observation and changes that happen when we are observed or are observing.

Celebrating 10 Years

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "The Perceptive Photographer," I celebrate the podcast's ten-year anniversary, marking its 520th episode. I reflect on the signific...

Random Thoughts on your past, present and future

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I take a step back to reflect on the evolution of a photographer’s journey—your journey,...

The don’t know what you don’t know bucket problem

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore the nature of knowledge—what we know, what we don’t know, and the even more elusive rea...

Where’s your focus?

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Perceptive Photographer, I explore the idea of focus—not just in terms of sharpness or camera settings, but the deeper reaso...

Revisiting Our Approach to Understanding Photography Critique

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In the latest episode of "The Perceptive Photographer," I dip my toe back into the pool of critiquing photographs. Critique is more than just forming ...

Thoughts on finishing

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 515, we dig a little into what it means to finish in both how we view our images and more importantly how we view ourselves.

Unpacking what makes a good photograph

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "The Perceptive Photographer," I talk about what makes a photograph "good."

Flip the question

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I kick off 2025 diving into the topic of photography critique.

Wishing you a happy new year

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we approach 2025, I cheated and recorded a podcast when I am supposed to be off work, and I wanted to share five wishes for my audience:

Exploring the Visual Language of Photographs

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, we are going to dig a little deeper into the visual language of photography. Before we jump in...

How we think about removing distractions can impact our images

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dig into the topic of distractions in photography, focusing on not just the technology of AI...

Adapting Your Photography: Turning Personal Challenges into Creative Opportunities

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I tackle two listener questions.

Great photography exercises for the holiday season

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of "The Perceptive Photographer". We're diving into episode 508, which coincides with the hustle and bustle of Cyber Monday...

How Can Finding Balance Transform Your Photography?

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of "The Perceptive Photographer," I dive into the theme of balance in both life and photography.

Finding Peace in the Frame: How Photography Helps Us Cope with Life’s Challenges

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I spend some time reflecting on the passing of the influential photographer Paul Caponigro.

The importance of simplifying when facing complexity

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of my podcast, the Perceptive Photographer, I dive into the concept of "layers" in photography, drawing inspiration from the movie "Sh...

The importance of simplifying when facing complexity

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I dive into the importance of working the balance between simplicity and complexity in our pho...

How Can We Embrace Mistakes as Happy Accidents in Our Creative Journey

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, I dig into how we go about dealing with mistakes and unexpected outcomes in our creative proce...

Thinking about the Connection Between Perception and Photography

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of podcast, I ponder and dig into how perception shapes our understanding of photographs

Are You “Mailing It In” with Your Photography?

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 501 of “The Perceptive Photographer,” I really open up about the concept of “mailing it in” when it comes to photography and creati...

Reflecting on 500 Episodes: The Importance of Patience and Discovery in Photography

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this special 500th episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I reflect back on my journey in podcasting and photography.

Enhancing Your Photography Through Critique and Visualization

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hey there! I’m excited to share the latest episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast. This episode is particularly special to me as it marks th...

How do we draw the boundaries in processing our images

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Perceptive Photographer Podcast, I delve into the continuing dialog and conversations around the evolving role of generative A...

Do you already know the answer?

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, we look at what can happen when we ask a question that we already know the anwer to.

Theater, sitcom storylines and your photography

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in to this weeks episode of the Perceptive Photographer whre we dig into how theater, photography, sitcom A, B, and C narratives in epsisode can...

Realizing what we thought we knew we didn’t know in our work

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, I talk about some of the challegenes we can face when we look at our photographs under the lens of thinking we knew wh...

Impacts of tension on our photography

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the podcast, we dig into the impacts of tension on photography. Not the tension in the frame...

Can Originality Be Taught? Exploring Innate Talent vs. Learned Skills

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's podcast I'm diving deep into a debate that really got me thinking: Can anything truly be taught?

How we think about photographs

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I dive into Stephen Shore's thought-provoking photography concept of mental models and thinking about your images based on his book, ...

Forks in the road of the creative process

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In take 357 of episode 491 of the podcast, I dive into the impacts of forks in the road of our creative process. From the early excitement and motivat...

Embracing Fragmentation in Photography

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I delve into the impacts of fragmentation in our photography

Discussing the Role of Chance in Photography

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week in episode 489, I dig into the intersection of chance, self-expression, and photography. In revsiting the text from Clive Scott's "The Spoke...

Simple Language Shapes How We View our Photographs

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore how the language we use—especially definite and indefinite articles—shapes our understanding and critique of photograph...

The importace of learning in making meaningful images

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In episode 487, I dig into breaking the cycle of repetitive photography habits that have you spinning your wheels.

The Role of Self-Acceptance in Your Creative Journey

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I dive deep into the impacts of acceptance in our creative practices.

Ideas on Time and Presence in Your Photographic Process

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week's podcast asks you to forget the technical jargon or future worries that you might have in your photographic practice. Instead, in episode 4...

Musings on simplicity and complexity in photographs

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hey everyone, in this episode, I'm diving into two of the simple pleasures in my studio—a great cup of coffee and capturing the meaningful photograp...

Revealing Your Photography Personality through F-Stops

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to podcast 483, In this podcast, I’m diving into the world of f stops and depth of field in photography. Imagine your favorite f stop as a p...