Show Notes
In this episode, I explore how photographs are encountered rather than what they depict, focusing on two modes of looking: transitional and relational viewing. Transitional viewing moves the viewer forward, prioritizing speed, clarity, and momentum, often seen in social media, editorial work, and portfolio reviews. Relational viewing asks the viewer to stay, allowing meaning to unfold over time through return, familiarity, and duration. I argue that this distinction matters because viewing is not neutral. As photographers, we shape how our work is experienced. Episode 566 ultimately asks whether your photographs are made for movement, for staying, or somewhere in between.
More from The Perceptive Photographer
What do you want me to look at and notice?
We are up to episode 603 of the Perceptive Photographer podcast, and this week we are going all meta meta on how to make projects.
In this week’s episode, we’re gonna be talking a little bit about questions and asking the correct questions. Before we jump into the nuts and bolts of the week, just a couple of quick reminders: first, I’ve got a book club that’s running, so you can join that by clicking on the book club link from the workshops and classes section of my website. Also, save the date: November 5 for a lecture I’ll be presenting at the Photographic Center Northwest on ” Does a Landscape Speak, and How Do We Listen? It’ll be free to anyone who registers; it will be a great time.