Will Moneymaker Photography Podcast

Searching for meaning is something that most of us photographers do almost by default. After all, that’s the point of creating artwork, isn’t it? To create something meaningful that resonates with the people who enjoy it. And that’s why we spend so much time talking about how to imbue our photographs with meaning. Here is perhaps another way to look at or to approach that search for meaning. As I said, this is something that most of us do sort of automatically as part of the creation process—but when we’re searching for ideas or photographs to take in the field, we’re also usually searching for other things beyond meaning. We might be looking for beautiful objects or looking for things that fit a theme we happen to be working on. For some of us, at times, the objective is to search out new things that no one has ever photographed before. In this way, the search for meaning almost becomes an accessory to the rest rather than the primary focus of what we’ve set out to do on a given day. Perhaps instead of searc

Experience and insight is what makes each of our perspectives unique. No two of us can lead the same life. Even though on the surface, it may seem as if some of us are on very similar paths, we all experience it a little bit differently. Every person will have a different set of successes and failures, joys and hardships, achievements and ambitions—the list goes on. Our experiences are even more unique than our fingerprints. And I think these experiences can—and perhaps even should—be applied to the art that we create. Experiential art, or art created through the lens of our experience, is the truest way I can imagine to create unique things. It’s nearly impossible to photograph something that has never been photographed before, but no one has photographed these things through your eyes. That’s the key thing to remember here. The thoughts, feelings, and memories associated with the things that you photograph are what gives you an individualistic frame of reference that no other person is going to have because

We photographers produce an awful lot of content. It’s not just the photographs that we put up to share with the world, but also the words that we publish, too. Many of us run our own businesses or have photography as a side gig or a hobby that we promote via websites, social media, and elsewhere. Some of us just enjoy blogging, so we do that along with our photographs. The point is, we put out a lot of content—and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Now, you’ll often hear from marketers about two different types of content, at least broadly speaking. This would be evergreen content versus timely content. What’s the difference? Evergreen content is the stuff that is good and relevant no matter when one consumes it. A blog post that is still relevant a decade after it was published is evergreen. Timely content is relevant to the time in which it is posted. Things like current events fall into this category—they burst onto the scene, and their relevancy fades away with time. Among photography sites, gear reviews

There’s been a lot of buzz about the “death of prints” in photography. But frankly? Prints aren’t going anywhere. They may become less popular over time as digital technology continues to proliferate, but there will always be a demand for prints. Why is that? Well, some people argue that prints are the only way to preserve photographs forever—though I would argue that the exact opposite is true. That’s because prints degrade with time. No matter what papers, printing methods and archival techniques you choose, there will come a day when your ancient print just isn’t salvageable anymore. Digital image files, I would say, will always be around so long as we take care to back them up in multiple places. Particularly images that we make public. Perhaps all of our cloud drives will go by the wayside, and private data there will be deleted, but once it’s on Facebook? Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/prints-arent-going-anywhere/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/po

We all experience creative lulls occasionally, and sometimes, a good break is in order, so we spend a few days or weeks focusing on things other than art. Whatever the case may be, when you’ve not been engaged in art for a while, it takes a little bit to get back into the swing of things. It’s like going on vacation and then coming back to work. Your mind is still in “vacation mode” even though a whole different set of tasks is now in front of you. This is something that anyone in a creative line of work experiences from time to time, and some of us experience it on a daily basis—that moment in the day where you’re not at your most productive, and the art and creative ideas just don’t flow as freely. That’s why I think “warm up” exercises are a helpful tool in our arsenals. These are little things we can do to keep the creative gears turning so that when it’s time to really think critically about artmaking, we don’t find ourselves seizing up. So to that end, here are a few ideas for exercises that you can do.

We spend so much time talking about photography—and for those of us who enjoy this pursuit as more than a passing hobby, we spend a lot of time in photography. Some of us who do this for a living spend most, if not all, of our time immersed in images and the world of art in general. But what about the rest of life? Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/making-time-for-yourself/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Creative guilt is a surprisingly common phenomenon. You’ve probably experienced it, and if you’re like most of us, you’ve probably experienced it more than once. Perhaps we can call it part of the human condition for people engaged in creative works. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-creatives-guilt Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Most of us photographers are very particular about maintaining our tools. Lenses need to be stored in dry, temperature-controlled, padded places to prevent scratches mold growing between the elements, or even something like oil leaking between the elements. We take great care to ensure that our cameras are well-protected if it is raining, or we might even avoid taking photographs that day simply to prevent damage to our equipment. Some of us invest lots of money in camera bags to keep our equipment armored, dry, and safe, even on the roughest of trips. But what about the most important tool of all? Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/maintaining-your-tools/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

The more you dig into advice about photography—and really, probably advice about anything—the more you will find conflicting advice. One of these contradictions is within the way we’re taught to work on or to pursue our art... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/taking-a-break/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Not long ago, I had the chance to talk with a childhood friend. We started reminiscing about school—the teachers who shaped us, the friends we made, and the moments that stuck with us. Some of our classmates are still around, while others have passed on. We talked about our kids and grandkids and how our interests changed as we got older. At some point, we landed on music. It has always been a big part of our lives... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/from-the-first-note/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Weddings are momentous occasions that encapsulate the essence of love, commitment, and celebration. As such, the decision of whether to allow guests to take photos during the ceremony can spark considerable debate. This nuanced discussion touches on preserving the sanctity of the moment, while also embracing modern social practices and personal preferences. Let's dive deeper into the arguments on both sides, and explore potential compromises that cater to various needs and expectations. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/navigating-camera-use-at-wedding-ceremonies/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

As photographers, we pour our hearts into our work, often searching for the next opportunity to showcase our art. But what happens when that opportunity comes with a price tag—literally? Lately, I’ve been wrestling with a growing trend where photographers are asked to pay to submit their photos to contests or books. It’s been on my mind, and frankly, it’s a bit troubling. Let’s explore why this practice is gaining traction and whether it’s truly fair to the artists who create the work. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-ethics-of-paying-to-play-is-it-fair-to-charge-photographers-for-exposure/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Creating new photographs is an incredibly exciting thing. I think at one time or another, we’ve all rushed home with our digital negatives to process them quickly because we’re just so eager to show them to the world. And that excitement is wonderful—we should be excited about our photography. It’s that kind of passion that breathes life into it and keeps us producing more photographs. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/aging-photographs/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Photojournalism is more than just taking pictures; it’s about capturing the essence of events as they unfold, often in the most challenging circumstances. During the Trump rally assassination attempt, the true spirit of photojournalism was on full display. Four seasoned photographers stood their ground in the photo pit while an intern, understandably, fled the scene. This incident highlights the bravery required in this field and underscores the dedication to getting the shot that tells the story... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/through-the-lens-of-danger-the-courage-of-photojournalists/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Oh, those were the days! It's incredible how much has changed since I was a kid in Hinton, West Virginia. There was something almost adventurous about needing to go to the payphone two blocks away to talk with a friend. I remember it vividly. The payphone stood under a big tree right next to the courthouse. It felt like a secret mission every time I left the house, coins jingling in my pocket, ready to make that call. The payphone was a sturdy old thing with a heavy receiver and a slightly scratched glass window that always reflected the sun just right... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/nostalgia-and-lessons-from-childhood-adventures Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Can you force creativity? Should you force creativity? The answer to the first question is most definitely yes—you can force creativity. But for the second question, things get a bit murky. My gut instinct is to say that no, you should not force creativity. But, sometimes, you have to. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-creative-flow/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Since painting with light is what we photographers do, we’ve discovered over all these decades how to utilize light in many different ways. When you stop to consider it, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of things we can do simply by manipulating light. We’ve learned to apply colors to lighting or to utilize the colors of the ambient lighting around us. Intensity varies — sometimes bright lighting is what we need, and other times, we seek to capture as little light as possible to focus on specific, hard-to-capture points of light, as is the case with long nighttime exposures. Color and availability are just two of three major factors concerning lighting. There is another, one that maybe we don’t pay attention to as much as we could, and it can have as dramatic an effect on our images as color and availability. This third factor is the direction or angle of the lighting. Once you consider this, you’ll see how this aspect can revolutionize your photography. Let’s look at some of the things you can do with a

Audiences are a tricky beast! Who are these people? On the broad scale, we often categorize our audiences into two groups: Those who look at prints, and those who consume photography digitally. But that is painting with a very, very broad brush—and it’s vital that we go deeper to really understand audiences and their various disparate fragmentations. I’ll explain why it’s critical to understand these audiences in a bit. First, let’s examine how these audiences fragment into smaller groups. For instance, on the digital side of things, it’s not good enough to say “digital viewers.” Digital audiences can be subdivided into social media audiences, those who visit photographers’ websites, those who subscribe to email lists for PDF images, those who follow digital photography magazines, and so on... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/fragmented-audiences/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.inst

Today, we’re diving into the magical world of night sky photography. You're in the right place if you've ever wanted to capture the stars in all their glory. Let’s get started! Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/capturing-the-cosmos-a-journey-into-night-sky-photography/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What is a photographer’s medium? I can see where maybe you’re scratching your head and thinking that our medium is of course photography. But technically, that’s not quite true. Not when you think about the finished products that we produce. So let’s look at it through the lens of other art mediums. Painting for instance. If you’re a painter, then your medium could be oil on canvas, or maybe you’re a watercolor artist. Perhaps you prefer to work in acrylics. Mixed media artists combine different mediums to get whatever effect they desire. Same goes if you’re a sculptor—then your medium could be clay or stone. Sketch artists might choose charcoal or pencil as their medium... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/blurred-mediums/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker https://www.instagram.com/willmoneymaker https://www.youtube.com/@willmoneymaker https://www.flickr.com/photos/willmoneymaker #PhotographyClip