Thoughts on Photography

ToP #0147: Winter Photography Tips w/ Alex Soh

08 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! As winter approaches it's important to be safe outside and it's helpful to know a few tips ahead of time.  On ...

ToP #0146: Frogs, Fotography, & Frame of Mind

02 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when a conservationist who loves frogs has a camera? He goes to Haiti to create change.  In this episode I talk with Robin Moore - photo...

ToP #0145: Learning Photography - Workshops

24 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

I just got back from a workshop with ImprovePhotography.com shooting in the BEAUTIFUL area in Utah and Arizona around the Grand Canyon!  What I love ...

ToP #0144: Learning Photography - Online with Jim Harmer

03 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

We all have different learning styles.  Many of us learn best by struggling through things and trying to figure it out on our own; others can read or...

ToP #0143: Joy of Marketing w/ Sarah Petty - Marketing

26 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

With thousands and thousands of photographers out there, how do you get your name known?  What do you do to market your photography business?  In th...

ToP #0142: Joy of Marketing w/ Sarah Petty - Branding

19 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

How is does YOUR BRAND reflect YOUR BUSINESS?  Not sure what it means to "brand your business?"  In this episode, I talk with Sarah Petty - photogra...

ToP #0141: Learning Photography - Intro

12 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

How do you learn photography?  Do you learn best when someone is there to walk you through and explain everything?  Or do you learn best experimenti...

ToP #0140: NFL Photography with Jeff Lewis

05 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Are you ready for some football?!?!  It's (American) football season here in the United States and if you're a photographer and you like football, th...

ToP #0139: From Photographer to Gallery Artist

29 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Many of us dream about having our photography on display in a gallery somewhere.  Anyone who has work displayed had to start somewhere.  In this epi...

ToP #0138: Personal Passion Projects

14 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Clearly photography is a passion of yours, but what is it that you REALLY love to shoot?  Are you working on a project?  Maybe it's something privat...

ToP #0137: Infrared Photography

06 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

With new mirrorless cameras coming out weekly, infrared photography will become easier and easier to shoot.  In this episode I talk with Luka Gorjup ...

CAMERA BAG GIVEAWAY & Photography Start

01 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for me to start the giveaway process for the camera bags I've been reviewing for ImprovePhotography.com  Check out the podcast to see how Y...

ToP #0137: Street Photography w/ Andre Wagner

30 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Although photojournalist have been doing it for years, there seems to be a growing interest lately in street photography.  So many questions arise: H...

ToP #0136: Black and White Photography

23 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Black and white images are both classic and iconic.  In this episode I speak with award winning black and white photographer Jack Curran about his p...

ToP #0135: Film School Africa

16 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Photography is making a difference in lives all around us!  In this episode I talk with Katie Taylor, from Film School Africa, about how photography ...

ToP #0134: Your Own Gallery Exhibition

09 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Photographers often dream about having their work hanging somewhere to be adored by the world, but aren't sure how to go about it.  In this episode I...

ToP #0133: The Rescued Film Project

02 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Every photo tells a story.  Someone somewhere pushed a button to capture a moment in time.  What if that image was never seen?  What would you do i...

ToP #0132: Beginning Photographer Struggles

27 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

As photographers, we've all faced struggles - especially when starting out.  In this episode, I talk briefly with a young photographer, Sinikka Rohre...

ToP #0131: Wildlife Photography with Juan Pons

19 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Lately I've had a hard time believing some of the images I've seen that have gone viral with an animal riding on another animal's backs.  Wildlife ph...

ToP #0130: Hosting A Photography Conference

13 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

As photographers we value the opportunity to grow and learn how to improve our craft.  Often we take advantage of conferences and what they have to o...

ToP #0129: Choosing Workshops with Juan Pons

08 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

One of the best ways to improve our photography skills is to attend a workshop.  With so many photographers out there hosting their own workshops, we...

ToP #0128: Photographers in Community

21 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most challenging parts of starting a photography business, and keeping it going, is trying to do it alone.  There are so many benefits of ...

ToP #0127: Travel Photography

14 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of year here in the U.S.  Photographers and families are traveling on vacation.  In this episode, John Bragg and I share some of our ...

ToP #0126: Photographer Discrimination

08 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Photographers are being discriminated against because of their professional quality gear - at least that's what this episode's guest believes.  On th...

ToP #0125: Wedding Workflow

01 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

With wedding season taking off, many photographers are too intimidated to shoot them. In this episode, I talk with Erica Kay about her workflow to he...

ToP #0124: Reality TV + Photography = Photo Face-Off

16 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Today there seems like there's a Reality TV show for almost anything - so why not photography?  In this episode I talk with Justin Mott, resident pho...

ToP #0123: Copycat or Compliment?

09 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What would you do if you saw a picture you took, but it wasn't a picture you took?  What if you found out someone was copying your photography and pr...

ToP #0122: Wedding Planners

02 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

With wedding season kicking off, one of the most important aspects of wedding photography is having relationships with wedding planners.  In this epi...

ToP #0121: Aerial Photography

25 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Why bother using a drone when you can shoot from a helicopter or airplane?  In this episode I talk with Brad Cavanaugh from Air One Aerial Photograph...

ToP #0120: Meet the Host

18 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

If you've been a subscriber to Thoughts on Photography over the years you may have realized a recent change in the host's voice.  With the wonderful ...

ToP #0119: Networking with INSTAGRAM

09 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Instagram is much more than a place to post pics of your favorite food or selfies.  In this episode I talk with photo enthusiast, Elaine Li, about ho...

ToP #0118: Rooftopping w/ Daniel Lau

02 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Who doesn't like the idea of standing on the top of a skyscrapper, giving a whole new perspective of how you view the world???  In this episode, roof...

ToP #0117: Watermarks

27 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

To watermark, or not to watermark?  That is the question.  Many photographers have a strong opinion on when, where, and how to add a watermark to th...

ToP #0116: The Viewfinder Project

20 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Photography changes lives - period.  Not anyone can be a professional photographer, but almost anyone can take a photograph.  There are many organiz...

ToP #0115: Sports Illustrated Photographers

11 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Sports Illustrated fired all of their staff photographers.  This interview is with Evan Habeeb, a freelance photographer who has had images publishe...

Thoughts on Photography On Hiatus

25 Apr 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Given the many personal things going on in my life (health issues, new job, etc.) and the fact that I really want to use my spare time to work on my o...

ToP #0114: International Guild of Visual Peacemakers

01 Oct 2011

Contributed by Lukas

The International Guild of Visual Peacemakers (IGVP) is an organization devoted to the breaking down of stereotypes by displaying the beauty of cultur...

ToP #0113: Interview with Pete Brook

10 Sep 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Pete Brook is a freelance writer who focuses on the politics of media, visual culture and issues of social justice as they relate to photography and p...

ToP #0112: Interview with Dave Anderson

06 Jul 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Dave Anderson is an image-maker whose work as both a photographer and filmmaker have been celebrated in the United States and abroad. Dave's project R...

ToP #0111: Interview with Wouter Brandsma

02 Jul 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Wouter Brandsma has been involved with photography since his childhood. He uses photography as a form of personal expression. In January of 2011 Woute...

ToP #0110: Interview with Matt Black

25 Jun 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Black is a documentary photographer who has focused much of the past fifteen years on photographing forgotten people and places. He has a deep in...

ToP #0109: Interview with Susana Raab

20 Jun 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Susana Raab describes herself as "a recovering English major who lives to create visual narratives." Her photographs strike a balance between poignanc...

ToP #0108: Interview with Christopher Churchill

20 Jun 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Christopher Churchill is a documentary photographer based in Massachusetts whose work has been featured in exhibitions throughout the United States, h...

ToP #0107: Interview with Morea Steinahuer

27 May 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Morea Steinahuer is a photojournalist who's work has taken her across Latin America and Haiti. Morea most recently has been working on collaborative p...

ToP #0106: Gordon Stettinius on Gita Lenz, New Work, and Book Publishing

06 Mar 2011

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, Gordon Stettinius returns to Thoughts on Photography to discuss his involvement with Gita Lenz and how that led to publishing a book ...

ToP #0105: Favorite Photobooks of 2010

13 Feb 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a list of my favorite photobooks of 2010: Outside Inside - Bruce Davidson One Block: A New Orleans Neighborhood Rebuilds - David Anderson Comi...

ToP #0104: Kickstarter.com (Haiti Project)

14 Nov 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Kickstarter.com is a social funding platform for individuals working on creative projects. Using Kickstarter, anyone can pledge money towards a projec...

ToP #0103: Interview with Leslie Granda-Hill

24 Oct 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Leslie Granda-Hill's approach to social documentary photography involves not just making great photographs that tell a story but making great photogra...

ToP #0102: Interview with Eliza Gregory

17 Oct 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Documentary photographer Eliza Gregory focuses on the lifecycle of communites be they in Cuba, Tanzania, or the United States. In addition to working ...

ToP #0101: Interview with Gloria Baker Feinstein

14 Oct 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Gloria Baker Feinstein is a photographer who follows her heart when deciding what to photograph. Her earlier work explored childhood, the relationship...

ToP #0100: Persistence

10 Oct 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss the topic of persistence in our photographic lives. While one-hundred podcast episodes is an achievement, in a way, the pat...

ToP #0099: Approaching a Photographic Project

27 Sep 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I discuss two specific ways to approach a photographic project that takes into account the many varied kinds of projects that are poss...

ToP #0098: Interview with Matt Eich

12 Sep 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I interview Matt Eich, a documentary/photojournalist freelance photographer and founding member of the Luceo Images, a photographic co...

ToP #0097: Seize the Opportunity

23 Aug 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Part of living a photographic life is also knowing when to take advantage of photographic opportunities when they present themselves.

ToP #0096: When a Project Gets in the Way

17 Aug 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Althought I've been (and still am) an advocate of project-based approaches to photography (if only to keep you engaged and making photography regularl...

ToP #0095: Retiring a Portfolio

28 Jun 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I discuss my process for retiring a portfolio that no longer reflects where I am as a photographer.

ToP #0094: Wedding Photography & the Decisive Moment

20 Apr 2010

Contributed by Lukas

What do wedding photography and Henri Cartier Bresson's decisive moment have in common? It turns out lots as I discovered after photographing my siste...

ToP #0093: Jeff Curto

06 Mar 2010

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff Curto wears many hats in his photographic life. He is a professor of photography at College of DuPage and he is the host of two well known podcas...

ToP #0092: The Costs of Getting Discovered

20 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I outline some of the costs of getting exposure for your work through juried photographic exhibitions, portfolio reviews, and promotio...

ToP #0091: Deadline Extended!

10 Feb 2010

Contributed by Lukas

I've noticed a recent trend in that calls for entries for juried photographic competitions are continually getting extended past the original due date...

ToP #0090: My Podcast Resolutions for 2010

01 Jan 2010

Contributed by Lukas

This past year has been a very busy and hectic one for both my personal life as well as my photographic life. In this podcast, I discuss the progress ...

ToP #0089: Favorite Photo Books of 2009

29 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Here is a list of my favorite photo or photo-related books of 2009 (in order by author):War is Only Half the Story Volume II - Aftermath Project (Kath...

ToP #0088: What's Stopping You Now?

26 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I talk about some of the ways in which we photographers can sometimes veer from the photographic life for one reason or another and I ...

ToP #0087: Interview with Eliza Lamb

09 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Eliza Lamb's most recent photo series explores the neighborhood ofAstoria, Queens in New York City and how people use their yards as a public display ...

ToP #0086: Interview with Lauren Semivan

06 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Lauren Semivan creates imagined events through the use of staged photographs. This approach gives her both the control necessary to tell a story while...

ToP #0085: Interview with Lisa Kereszi

04 Dec 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa Kereszi's latest monograph "Fun and Games" explores places where some people might go to escape from the boredom and challenges of everyday life....

ToP #0084: Interview with Lori Vrba

22 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Currently in the photographic art world, style and process seem to be the means by which we measure photography worthy of the title "art." This is why...

ToP #0083: Interview with Elizabeth Fleming

10 Nov 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Fleming's photography captures the small moments of everyday life. Children at play, objects in our everyday world, and the non-events that ...

ToP #0082: Interview with Ralf Bruck

21 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Ralf Bruck's photographs focus on architecture, landscapes, and people. Educated at the Duesseldorf School of Photography, Bruck's street photography,...

ToP #0081: Interview with Tootie Nienow

18 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Tootie Nienow enjoys exploring photography through experimentation both in terms of tools, technique, and subject matter. Her photography is both conc...

ToP #0080: Interview with Beth Kientzle

06 Oct 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Beth Kientzle's photographs, which focus mostly on urban and natural landscapes, are made using alternative tools and techniques. This allows her to p...

ToP #0079: Project Without End

18 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

This is the third podcast in a three part series where I explore in greater depth the idea of using projects to guide your photography. Today I'm talk...

ToP #0078: Working on Multiple Projects

16 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

This is the second podcast in a three part series dealing with the issue of projects. Today I talk about working on multiple projects. Below are some ...

ToP #0077: Ideas vs. Projects

14 Sep 2009

Contributed by Lukas

I'm continuing with my exploration and discussion of photographic projects with a 3-part podcast series. In this first podcast, I want to explore the ...

ToP #0076: Interview with Liz Kuball

25 Aug 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Liz Kuball is based in Southern California. She began photographing in 2006 and since then has been exhibited in Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit....

ToP #0074: Interview with Alan George

17 Aug 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Alan George is a San Francisco-based photographer who came to photography not through the halls of higher learning or by becoming enamored with phot...

ToP #0073: Getting a Photo Critique

14 Aug 2009

Contributed by Lukas

I'm frequently asked by listeners if I can give them a comprehensive critique/review of their photography. Although very brief comments regarding one'...

ToP #0072: Interview with Manuel Rivera-Ortiz

24 Jul 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Puerto Rican-born Manuel Rivera-Ortiz uses his camera to explore the world and tell the stories of people who have no voice and must struggle for thei...

ToP #0071: Interview with Christy Karpinski

22 Jul 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Christy Karpinski’s undergraduate degree in Women's Studies gave her the chance to focus on issues of identity and of how we make sense of ourselves...

ToP #0070: Obtaining a Photographic Education

17 Jul 2009

Contributed by Lukas

What is a photographic education and do you need one in order to be a photographer? Is school the way to go to get an education or are there other opt...

ToP #0069: Interview with Julio DeMatos

26 Jun 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Julio De Matos is based in Portugal and I first got to know of Julio's work through his book "Fading Hutongs" which are photos of hutongs taken in Chi...

ToP #0068: Interview with Shane Lavalette

24 Jun 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Shane Lavalette is a recent graduate with a BFA from Tufts University in partnership with The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Shane writes...

ToP #0067: Beyond Juried Exhibitions

07 Jun 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast, I discuss what to do when you have already achieved a certain level of success with your photography (particularly through juried exh...

ToP #0066: Interview with Natalie Young

02 Jun 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Like many photographers, Natalie Young didn't start out with the intention of becoming a photographer but rather, photography found her. She left a ca...

ToP #0065: Interview with Victoria Ryan

30 May 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Whether it is her lush photographs of botanticals, images of New Orleans, or her southern landscapes, Victoria Ryan brings a certain atmosphere to her...

ToP #0064: Photo Contests

20 May 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Photo contests can be great ways to get your work on there and in front of other people. Photo contests can also help you develop and refine the skill...

ToP #0063: Interview with Ken Rosenthal

15 May 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Ken Rosenthal's images make use of diffusion, blur, and high contrast as a way of exploring his personal experiences through common memories and arche...

ToP #0062: Interview with Suzanne Revy

09 May 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Suzanne Revy's commercial portraiture (mostly of children) is truly excellent. Revy has that gift of being able to bring out a child's personality and...

ToP #0061: The Rise of Online Fine Art Photo Magazine

01 May 2009

Contributed by Lukas

There has never been a better time to enjoy fine art photography than now, particularly with all of the new on-line web-based photography magazines th...

ToP #0060: Interview with Stella Johnson

22 Apr 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Stella Johnson is a documentary photographer who brings an engaging and captivating approach to her subjects. Her latest book, Al Sol: Photographs of ...

ToP #0059: Black & White or Color?

15 Apr 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Which is better, black and white or color photography? I've gotten asked this question many times by listeners and I find the question to be kind of s...

ToP #0058: Support Your Local Podcast

11 Apr 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Podcasts are a labor of love for those who create them however, even love has a price. This podcast outlines some ways you might help support your loc...

ToP #0057: Interview with Angela Bacon-Kidwell

07 Apr 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Angela Bacon-Kidwell's photography is the stuff of dreams (literally). Angela uses photography as a way to bring substance to her dreams and sub-consc...

ToP #0056: Collectibility of Inkjet Prints

03 Apr 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore whether (at long last) inkjet prints can be considered collectible.

ToP #0055: Editing

01 Apr 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss my own personal editing process (or workflow) from capture to the final decision regarding which photographs make the cut.

ToP #0054: Michael Wood & Miksang Photography

08 Mar 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Miksang is a Tibetan word that translates as ‘Good Eye’, and is based on the Shambhala and Dharma Art teachings of the late meditation master, art...

ToP #0053: Interview with Hiroshi Watanabe

17 Feb 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Hiroshi Watanabe's photographic work is both inspiring and engaging. From his "Kabuki Players" series to his most recent (and very different) series "...

ToP #0052: The Family of Photography

25 Jan 2009

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast I discuss the isolation we sometimes feel when working on our photography and how, in reality, we are really more connected with other...

ToP #0051: Interview with Polly Chandler

22 Jan 2009

Contributed by Lukas

Polly Chandler is a fine art photographer based in Austin, Texas. Polly's subjects vary widely and this makes for a diverse and engaging portfolio o...

ToP #0050: Looking at Photographs

21 Jan 2009

Contributed by Lukas

This podcast discusses the book "On Looking at Photographs: A Practical Guide" by David Hurn and Bill Jay. The book is published by Lenswork Publishin...