Will Moneymaker Photography Podcast

When you've been a photographer for as long as I have, you start to realize that not only does this art give you joy, but it also comes with its own share of frustrations. It seems strange at times to be so frustrated with something that you enjoy so much, but it definitely isn't an uncommon feeling. Let me share some of my frustrations so that you can see that you aren't alone!.. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/a-photographers-frustrations/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What is "artspeak," precisely? It's a kind of blanket term, one you've probably seen used to refer to other activities, the type of term where the prefix is interchangeable. You'll sometimes hear the terms "computer-speak" or "techspeak." In a nutshell, these terms mean that people involved in the conversation are using language - technical terms and jargon - related to the field or area that the conversation is about. "Artspeak" refers to the types of conversations in which people talk about their education, their achievements, technical items like cameras, and the mechanical operation of their equipment. These are all things that pertain to art-making but such conversations tend to be incomprehensible to outsiders not well versed in artspeak and these conversations also tend to only scratch the surface of art itself, rarely delving into deeper concepts like meaning, symbolism or other abstract things... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/artspeak-vs-meaningful-conversation/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

We've long made the assumption that photography is, in itself, an art. And in a general sense, that is true, the same way that painting is an art or that writing is an art. But I think we need a bit more specificity about precisely what the art of photography is. Surveys from 2014 showed that 1.8 billion photographs were uploaded online each day. Now imagine how many photos are taken every day, most of which will never be uploaded. Are all of these images art? Of course not —just as not every written word is considered art, either. Even within my own collection of images, the external hard drives with gigabytes upon gigabytes of image files. Is each and every one of those files something that should be considered art? I don't think so. To me, those files are simply assets. They are a tool that I could use to create art but in and of themselves, they are not actually art. It is similar to the painter who goes to the art store to buy the paints, brushes, and canvas they will need. These three things are the assets that the painter will use, not the art itself. In that same way, image files are not necessarily art. Just an element that can become art. I realize that this must sound confusing, so let me explain my thought process a little more. Photographs, photography, is potential. I'll show you some of the things I think need to be done for those assets to realize their potential... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/photography-is-potential/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

A reflection on preparation, perception, and what really matters when the shutter clicks. There's a familiar ritual before every photography trip. The suitcase waits open, half filled with clothes and cables, but the real challenge sits beside it—the camera gear. I start stacking lenses, checking chargers, counting batteries, and convincing myself that this time I'll finally pack smart. Then the second-guessing begins. Will I need the long lens? Maybe. What if I see wildlife? Better take it. The macro? Could come in handy. The tripod? Probably too heavy, but what if the light calls for it? Soon, the table's covered in carefully chosen possibilities. I know I can't take everything, but each piece whispers its own argument. That quiet debate becomes a strange kind of comfort. There's reassurance in the act of preparing, in the illusion that the right combination of tools will keep me from missing the perfect shot. I've spent more hours planning what to take than actually shooting—and somewhere in that planning, a lesson hides... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-gear-we-bring-and-never-use/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Every once in a while, I come across a story that reminds me how connected all the creative fields really are — photography, design, printing, art. They all share one foundation: color. That's what drew me to Pantone's story. It's not just a company that makes color charts. It's the reason we can all talk about color in the same language. Pantone began as a small printing business in New Jersey in the 1950s. Back then, the world of printing and design had a major problem: color consistency. What one printer called red might come out as pink or orange somewhere else. There was no universal system. The industry was full of guesswork and frustration.. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/pantones-color-of-the-year/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Capturing a photograph is much more than just pressing a camera's shutter button. It's an intricate dance of thoughts, emotions, and technical considerations that come together to capture a moment in time. When I prepare to take a photograph, I go through a detailed mental checklist, each step bringing me closer to the perfect shot. Here's an in-depth look at what goes through my mind before taking a photograph. Every photograph starts with a story. I think about what I want to convey through the image. Is it the serenity of a sunset, the bustling energy of a city street, or the quiet moments of reflection in nature? The story I want to tell guides my approach, the angle I choose, and the timing of my shot. For instance, when I photographed a recent baseball game, I wasn't just looking for the action shots. I wanted to capture the atmosphere, the anticipation, and the passion of the fans. I focused on the details—the weathered mitts, the scoreboard lights, and the intense expressions on the players' faces... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/capturing-the-moment-the-thought-process-behind-every-photograph/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Ever found yourself wondering, "Do I love photography or do I love photographs?" It might seem like a subtle distinction, but there's a significant difference between the two. Photography is the process – the act of capturing moments, exploring locations, and crafting images. Photographs, on the other hand, are the final product – the tangible results that we share and connect over. Understanding where your true passion lies can help you clarify your focus and how you approach your activities in this art form... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/photography-vs-photographs-where-does-your-passion-lie/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Every year on October 31, children walk door to door collecting candy while wearing costumes. The custom feels old and familiar, but it has a real history. Trick or treat did not appear overnight. It grew slowly, shaped by the lives and traditions of many families who came to America from other countries. For genealogists, this story adds useful background to family history. It helps date family photos, record memories, and understand how communities changed over time. This article follows trick or treat from its earliest roots to the way families still enjoy it today... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-power-of-photographic-metaphor-reflections-pathways-and-doors/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Have you ever looked at a photograph and felt a surge of memories or emotions, as if the image before you opened a door to another time or place? This is one of the most magical aspects of photography – its ability to act as a metaphor, connecting us to deeper meanings and experiences beyond the frame. When we look at a photograph, it's not just a snapshot of a moment. It becomes a mirror, reflecting our own stories and memories. This metaphorical power is what elevates photography from mere documentation to an art form... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-power-of-photographic-metaphor-reflections-pathways-and-doors/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Cameras are truly marvelous devices, capable of capturing moments and turning them into lasting memories. They can freeze time, tell stories, and evoke powerful emotions. But here's the catch – a camera can only do these incredible things if you have it with you when the perfect photographic opportunity arises. Mark Twain once said, “The person who does not read has no advantage over the one who cannot read.” The same goes for photography: if you leave your camera at home, you're no better off than someone who doesn't own one. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-importance-of-always-carrying-your-camera-seizing-every-photographic-opportunity/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Integrating the principles of effective communication with the realm of photography offers a unique and compelling perspective, particularly for a blog centered on this art form. Here's how the Three Rules of Communication can be beautifully paralleled with the process and presentation of photography, enriching the content for your blog.. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-three-pillars-of-communication/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Have you ever flipped through an old family album or browsed antique photos online and noticed that hardly anyone is smiling? It almost looks like people from the past never had much fun. But the truth is, the story behind those solemn faces is a mix of technology, culture, and changing ideas of what a photo should capture. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/why-people-didnt-smile-in-old-photos/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What If Color Had Come First? Let's imagine something wild for a second: what if color photography had been invented first? Would we have ever created black and white photography at all? Or would we have dismissed it as incomplete, a technological limitation, an odd artistic experiment? The fact that we even ask this question says something about black and white photography—it's not just a holdover from history. It's not a fallback or a filter. It's a language. A philosophy. And despite the endless tools and possibilities available to us today, photographers still return to black and white with reverence, as if it holds a kind of truth that color sometimes hides. So let's explore why. Why do we keep stripping away the color? Why does this ancient, “outdated” format still have such a tight grip on our imaginations? Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/black-and-white-photography-importance/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

In the arts, practice is everything. I know this because I lived it. In college, I was a woodwind major, playing the saxophone. My life revolved around practice rooms. Hours of scales. Long tones until my lips were buzzing. Etudes, arpeggios, and drills over and over until the notes weren't just learned, they were built into muscle memory. At first, it felt tedious. Repetition can wear you down. But eventually, the practice did what it was supposed to do: it freed me. My fingers no longer stumbled. My breathing fell into rhythm. I didn't have to think about the mechanics anymore—I could focus entirely on the music itself. That's what practice does. It clears away the clutter between you and the art. And photography, though it might not seem obvious at first, works the very same way... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/more-than-just-clicking-a-button/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What makes a famous photographer famous? It's not the gear he uses, and it's normally not a single image, either. Most of the greatest photographers have a certain style that makes their images immediately recognizable. Style is the reason why you can pick an Ansel Adams landscape out from a thousand others. Style makes you unique, it's an extension of your personality and it's what sets you apart from everyone else... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/developing-photographic-style/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

If you ask photographers, most would say that they'd love to go on safari or take a trip to an exotic land just for the opportunity to create amazing images of fantastic animals. However, it's not so easy to break away from daily life for a trip to the wilds. Fortunately, you can still create some amazing images while staying much closer to home. Take a trip to your local zoo and use these tips to take breathtaking wildlife photos! Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/8-tips-for-taking-great-wildlife-images-at-the-zoo/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

You've heard it before: Whenever possible, always create RAW files rather than JPEGs. The reason given is that camera RAWs give you much more data to work with, which in turn means that you can do a lot more in the digital darkroom. The same is true if you look back at film photography. One of the reasons that JPEGs and digital images were so exciting to the first digital photographers is that you can do so much more with a JPEG than with film. To put it all into perspective, I'll show you some of the limits that early film photographers have to work with. You'll also see how RAW files represent a leap in technology at least as great as the leap from film to digital... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/pros-shoot-raw/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

These things and probably a myriad other factors all lead to photographers getting a lot more from their own photographs than viewers ever will. We have an intimacy, a closeness with our own work, that is almost impossible to share. There will be things in our photographs that we see that others simply will not. Of course, this is the natural order of things. Photographers will always get more from what they've created than the average person will. But—and this is a big but—it's our job, as photographers, to make our viewers see what we see. That is how we communicate through art. That places us in a conundrum, since it is impossible to make viewers see everything that we see in our images... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/you-see-differently/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Here's a little something you might not have known about me, but in college, I was a music major. What has that got to do with photography? Well, if you've never made music before, it might be a little tricky to explain, but musicians will certainly understand this feeling, I think. When a musician plays or sings, a lot of what goes into the music is second nature. Sure, there are technical things — learning timing, the enunciation of the notes, dynamics, breathing if you sing or play a wind instrument. Just as photography has technical aspects like lighting and camera settings... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/feeling-what-you-photograph/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

One of the best things about creativity is that it truly is without limits. We can see this in a variety of places, like in the worlds of film and literature. TV shows and movies will have spinoffs, sequels, and prequels—and novels do the same. For some writers, what starts as a single novel branches out until it becomes a 12-book series, plus a collection of short stories, a prequel trilogy, and more. That's what creativity does when the ideas are full of life and allowed to flourish. And as much as we might roll our eyes at the sequel movies in theaters that feel more like an attempt to get us to spend on tickets rather than a legitimate expansion to the story, this is a good thing when our projects take on a life of their own such that they branch out in a variety of ways... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/branching-projects-and-spinoffs/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Creativity doesn't happen in a vacuum. We all need things that motivate us, that inspire us, and that recharge our creative batteries. Fortunately, the creative world is a big one that goes beyond photography and into dozens of different arts where we can get what it is that we need to keep on making photographs. There are many things I like to do to help with motivation, inspiration, and creative energy. Music is a big one—and I think it's something that perhaps many of us can rely on because as arts go, music has the power to compel us in many different ways. Listening to specific well-constructed compositions gives us energy, which fuels our motivation to get up and do pictures. That energy can, in turn, be conducted into creative energy that empowers us to see more when we're hunting for the art in our surroundings... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/music-meditation-and-motivation/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

For any creative—and really, this is probably something that applies in many areas of life, too—the hardest thing to do is to own up to our mistakes and failures. It comes to mind with creativity and photography in particular, because when you embark on a creative path, those failures will be many. I daresay that if any of us look through our archives, the sheer volume of images that never got used tell that tale quite well. Most are failures, and only a few shining images end up making the cut and going on to become something that we process and display. It's important to examine these failures and take them into account. In fact, I'd say it's our duty to face our mistakes and analyze them. That's the only way we can recognize them, then recognize what went wrong, and fix these problems in future endeavors. It's all part of the learning process, same as when we'd take tests in school. When we didn't get perfect grades, we knew what we needed to work on in order to improve... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/owning-mistakes-and-learning-from-them/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

As artists and photographers, we talk about creative endeavors a lot—but we don't often talk about the people involved in those creative endeavors. And yet, these people are perhaps one of the most important parts of the process. I think it's vitally important that, no matter what type of creative work you do, you find your people. Now, one might interpret that statement as getting on social media to promote your work, and to build a community of followers and admirers surrounding that work. I suppose this is helpful if you're selling your work, but truthfully, for the most part, these types of communities are not what I'm referring to when I say to “find your people.” Social media followings devoted to promotion are mainly echo chambers. It's in their nature to be echo chambers because when you are promoting yourself, the last thing you want is negativity or things that might take away from sales. Thus, the community must focus on the positives... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/find-your-people/ Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Curiosity is key to photography. It's what drives us to get outside and explore, discover, learn—and then photograph what we've found and learned so that we can share it with the world. And there's no such thing as being too curious! I think it's safe to say that we can throw out that old saying, “curiosity killed the cat.” So long as we're being smart and practicing art safely, we can't be too curious. So that begs the question, if curiosity is essential to photography, then how do we develop more curiosity? The only way I know is to explore everything you can think to explore. This means not only going out into the world and visiting places you've never been, or turning down those back roads you've always wondered about, but also other forms of exploration... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/what-do-you-need-from-photography/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What is it that you need from photography? Here's an interesting psychological tidbit: When you are going through tough times in relationships with others, therapists will often tell you that all relationships must offer something of value to everyone involved. This could be emotional needs met, good laughs shared, discussions that you value, or something else... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/what-do-you-need-from-photography/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Validation is a wonderful thing. In fact, I would argue that all of us need validation in the things that we do. It's a vital part of what keeps us going. If you've ever received a compliment on one of your photographs, or even something like an award, then you know the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with it—and the renewed vigor with which you go out to create new, even better photographs than the ones that earned you those accolades in the first place. All of this is a natural, normal phenomenon that is quite healthy and perhaps even vital to keep us going. But there is a dark side to validation, too. There are times, I think, when the need for validation is so extremely deep that it just goes too far... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/when-the-need-for-validation-goes-too-far/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

Anytime you're creating something—photography, a painting, a book—it's a question of audience. At least, for those of us who plan to show our creative works to others, which I have to imagine is most of us. While we are ultimately free to create whatever we'd like to create, we need to do it with the idea that someone out there will find some sort of enjoyment in it. So what is it that people enjoy in art? Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/no-one-cares-how-you-got-there/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

This thought of mine is kind of a complex one, but as we go along, you'll start to see what I mean. The first thing I want to express is that we are all human. As humans, innovation is a kind of our thing—it's what we do. We've been innovating since the beginning, and that desire for innovation is responsible for almost every aspect of human life today—including the invention of cameras and all the rest of the photographic equipment that we use. My point here with this discussion of innovation? Well, one of the ways in which we do it is by boiling things down to a formula. That's how we find the easiest, best, or most efficient ways to do almost everything that we do... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/there-can-be-no-formula/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

What do you do when you don't know what else to do? Well, that depends. The first thing to do, in my opinion, is to figure out why you don't know what to do. You see, in my last post, I discussed the value of taking a break from photography—and that's because we all become exhausted or burned out. At other times, there are different reasons why we don't know what to do—and it is essential that we take these moments, pick up the camera, and go with the flow. Photograph whatever catches your eye. It's a meaningful way to approach the act of creation, I think... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/stick-with-it/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

“If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn't need to lug around a camera.” – Lewis Hines Photography is a significant part of many cultures. Whether for career or catharsis, photography is a valuable skill in today's digital, open-source world. Here are some photography tips to guide you on your journey. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/10-essentials-for-beginner-photographers/  Photography Clips Podcast: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/podcast/ Follow me: https://www.facebook.com/Will.Moneymaker  #PhotographyClips #WillMoneymaker #Photography

As the old saying goes, “You get what you pay for.” I find that nowhere is this more true than in photography. It's not just the gear that you are paying for. In photography, you are also paying for art with your time, creativity, and effort. And, if you don't pay out much with those currencies, well, then this saying rings true. Here, I will discuss all the ways that you get out what you put in when it comes to photography. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/you-get-what-you-pay-for-in-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

At first glance, the life of a photographer can seem almost magical—traveling the world, creating beautiful images, and having your work admired by others. But once you step behind the lens with serious intent, reality begins to set in. Photography is deeply rewarding, yes—but it's also filled with challenges that many outsiders never see. Whether you're building a business, pursuing art, or simply hoping to grow, you'll need to face these struggles head-on. Here are some of the most common hurdles photographers face—and why persevering through them is worth it... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/photography-struggles/ 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

Today, let's talk about travel—and more specifically, what to bring when you're heading out on a photography trip. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a big vacation, a little preparation goes a long way when it comes to making the most of your time with a camera... And one word that keeps coming up, quietly but persistently, is permission... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/tips-photographers-vacation/ 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

You know, something I've learned over the years—something that becomes clearer the more time I spend with a camera in hand—is that photography is just as much about relationships as it is about light, shadow, and subject matter. Not just relationships with the people in front of the lens, but with the communities we enter, the land we stand on, and the cultures we interact with. And one word that keeps coming up, quietly but persistently, is permission... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/photography-permission-guide/ 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

Today, we're going to talk about something that's supposed to be fun—something that should feel freeing, adventurous, and inspiring. But sometimes, well… it gets a little heavy. I'm talking about the photography trip. You know the kind. That big escape where it's just you, your camera, and the world outside your front door. But if you've done a few of these trips, or even just tried to plan one, then you probably already know: photography trips can be stressful... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/open-yourself-to-possibilities/ 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

A large portion of my time is devoted not just to photography itself, but to something just as important: finding new places to create it. Scouting, for me, is part of the adventure. It's a little like being on a treasure hunt with your camera bag in the passenger seat and curiosity behind the wheel. And over the years, I've discovered a few ways to make that hunt easier, more enjoyable, and a whole lot more rewarding. Back when I first got serious about photography, I used to just hop in the car and drive with no particular plan. Sometimes, that spontaneous approach works. But more often than not, I'd come home with a few random shots and the nagging feeling that I had missed something better just around the bend. Today, I plan more deliberately—and it's made a big difference. Here are a few tips I've picked up along the way to help you make the most of your own scouting adventures... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/scouting-great-new-locations-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

You know, one of the hardest things about being a creative person—whether you're into photography or painting or writing—is motivation. Just getting started. I can't tell you how many times I've had every excuse in the book. I'm not feeling inspired. I don't have the right gear. There's no time. The light's wrong. You name it. But if I'm being honest, those are just that—excuses. Life's busy, sure, and things pop up. But most of the time, it's not that something is actively standing in the way. It's just that the motivation isn't there. So let's talk about how to get motivated. Because over the years, I've found a few tricks that really do help me get moving again. And maybe they'll help you, too... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/motivational-tricks-increase-productivity/ 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 stereotypical image of the artist is someone who spends a large part of their life not producing anything. Then, when the inspiration strikes, the artist goes to work, spontaneously producing works of art. The artist finally had the exact right sequence of thoughts. Whatever the case is, the work is something that just came to them, spur of the moment. Photographers often have a mental image of the inspired artist. It is sometimes even stronger because people assume that all a photographer must do is keep pushing that shutter button. Eventually, something magical happens. In a fit of inspiration, the photographer figures out the method to create the perfect piece of art. With a few quick snaps, the job is done. Nevertheless, that isn't how artworks. Any art, not just photography, but painting, writing and so forth. More often than not, the greatest works are those that took the most time. They are the works that the artist spent days, weeks, or even years producing. In photography, a lot of that time is time spent waiting. Thinking, digesting, and letting ideas coalesce and grow. What's more, there are several points throughout the photographic process where you should find the time to wait. Let the image percolate in your mind. Give yourself the time to forget about it just enough so that you can look at an image more critically. Let me show you the three stages of the photographic process where I find myself simply waiting and thinking... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/spontaneity-doesnt-work/ 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

Photographers hear it all the time: follow the rule of thirds, shoot during golden hour, use leading lines, frame your subject just so. These formulas are everywhere. They promise guaranteed results, and sometimes, they do deliver something pleasing. But if we rely too heavily on formulas, our photography runs the risk of becoming repetitive and uninspired. That's why it's important to understand the difference between a formula and a strategy. One boxes you in; the other sets you free. In a previous post, I explored how photography formulas can become a trap—producing predictable photography techniques that lack depth. Here, I want to dig into the contrast between formulas and photography strategies, and why embracing a strategic mindset can lead to more creative photography... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/formulas-versus-strategies/ 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 are the best tools for photography? I spend a lot of time talking about what the reviewers say. If you listen, they will have you believe that the best gear is the gear that has the highest megapixels, the things that will produce the sharpest image quality, the best colors—that sort of thing. I've long argued against this, saying that, in most cases, these costly items are overkill. The megapixels and incredibly sharp resolutions are a wasteful investment when you consider that the average photographer will never produce the billboard-sized prints these devices are designed for... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-best-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

For most of us photographers, the reality is that we're not making a living from photography. For many of us, that's deliberate. Some simply don't want to turn a favorite hobby into a job. Others of us may have goals and dreams, but perhaps we're just starting out, or the demand for our particular brand of photography just isn't that high yet. Whatever the reasons, the point is that most of us have to do something else for a living—and everything else that we have to do, from jobs to family obligations, takes away from the time we have to devote to photography. All of that leads to us seeing all kinds of photographic opportunities as we go about the rest of our lives. But, because we are busy with the rest of our lives, we just don't stop to take the picture. I'm sure it's happened to you, and it's definitely happened to me many times. How many times have you noted that thus and such place looked like a great spot for photography—but you didn't have time to stop.., Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/taking-notes/ 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

There are a few things that top the list of struggles for photographers. For instance, portrait subjects who find it hard to be comfortable in front of the lens, or lighting that just won't cooperate no matter how you try to modify it. But nothing is so ubiquitous as the weather. It causes all kinds of problems, from rained out trips to the high humidity that results in frizzy hair. So how do we photographers deal with the weather? Well, the first step is planning around it. It's always a good idea to check weather forecasts and plan our photography tripsaccordingly, choosing days when we think the weather will be just what we need to complement our photographs... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/dealing-with-the-weather 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

Today, I find myself thinking of the concept of “the hero's journey.” If you're not familiar with this, it's basically a type of plot that you'll commonly find in novels. The idea is that while the destination might be the goal, it's not what makes the bones of the story. Rather, the heart of the story is in the journey—the hero's journey, in which he or she perhaps literally journeys across the land, faces a whole lot of adversity, and in the process, undergoes an inner journey in which the hero learns, grows, and adapts. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/dont-discount-the-trip/ 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 a photographer, sometimes you get the sense that opportunity isn't finding you. There are no new places around you to take interesting new photographs, and you don't have the time or money to head out on a trip to somewhere exotic. You fall into a kind of doldrums, unable to move forward, and find that it becomes an incredible struggle to get the inspiration you need to create something new. Worse, that attitude often extends into other areas of photography. Your work isn't being published or displayed because no good opportunities have presented themselves to you, for instance. Once you get into this mode of thinking, it can be tough to break free, to keep going. I've been there myself. The thing is, an opportunity is not something that will come to you. Though it is a challenge, an opportunity is something that each photographer creates for themselves. Let me show you some ways to make the opportunity happen. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/photographers-make-opportunities/ 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      

How many times have you snapped a few pictures from the hip only to realize the lens cap is still on? How many times have you taken a few photographs, only to come back later and find spots and smudges in them because your lens had a fingerprint or dust on it? I know these sorts of things have happened to me more often than I'd like to admit. Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/good-habits-are-the-enemy-of-silly-mistakes/ 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

If you've never heard of “sunk cost fallacy,” I'll take this opportunity to explain it. It's a phenomenon that happens when you've invested in something so that you're unwilling to stop pursuing that thing. Among gamblers, the idea is that if they keep betting another few bucks, eventually, they'll win. They've sunk too much into their evening of gambling to walk away without a win. Sunk cost fallacy isn't just about gambling, though. It rears its head everywhere. You'll see it in someone unwilling to sell a car they've invested a lot into because they won't recoup the value. You'll see it in managers who refuse to give up on a system that just isn't working for the company, but they keep pursuing it because they've sunk time and money into that system and feel they can't turn back now... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-dangers-of-sunk-cost-fallacy/ 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

One day seems like the perfect day for some fall photography—the leaves are beautiful, the sun is shining—but you don't have the time that day because life's other demands are calling. The next day? It's snowing! That's a picture-perfect example of how opportunities can truly be fleeting. Sometimes, we miss photographic opportunities because we think, “It'll be there another day, I can always come back to this.” But, the problem is, that isn't always the case. Seasons change—sometimes rapidly before we realize what is happening. We pack up and move across the country, then look back at where we came from and recognize that we missed opportunities while still there... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/opportunities-are-fleeting/ 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

There's one big aspect of creativity that tends to get lost in the shuffle of everything else. We spend a lot of time thinking about how to think in innovative ways or learning new techniques and approaches to art. In all of this discussion about creativity and how to be creative, we lose sight of the fundamental fact that creativity is often about mindset. That old “mind over matter” saying rings true, I think. Aside from techniques, skills, knowledge, and new ways of thinking, it's the desire or the motivation to be creative that is the thing that drives us to make photographs. The thing is, it's not the easiest thing in the world to always be in that positive, motivated mindset, especially in this day and age with so much happening in the world. We must always remember that overcoming challenges and motivating ourselves to be creative starts with our view of the world we live in... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/seize-the-day/ 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

Here's something I've discussed before, though when I last spoke about it, it was a bit different. It's the idea that we must get to know our surroundings or subjects to photograph them most effectively. Today, I'm framing it a bit differently because we photographers have a habit of always going after something new. New places, new subjects—we want to expose ourselves to as much new and unique as possible. It's all in the name of creating new and exceptional photographs. Most of us believe that if we're seeing as many new things as possible, we're photographing new things that may haven't been photographed as much by other photographers. To an extent, this is a good thing. Where would photography be if none of us ever left our backyards? Most of the world wouldn't have been explored through the lens! Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/extreme-familiarity/ 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

Adaptability—Being adaptable is one of the key parts of being a photographer. There are a few different ways to look at this, too. Being flexible can apply to the vagaries of daily life, the things we photograph, and even the techniques and styles we use to create our photographs. On the day-to-day level, being adaptable means being able to roll with whatever the day throws at you. Sometimes, this means you expected the day to be sunny and warm. Still, it turns out cold and rainy—thus, you need to adapt, which could mean bringing extra gear to accommodate different lighting conditions or protecting your equipment against moisture. This can also mean your car breaks down on the way to your location. For most of us, the hassle and annoyance of such a thing would stop us from taking photographs. But is it possible to explore your immediate area while you're waiting for the tow truck? Being flexible means not coming home empty-handed, no matter what happens to alter your best-laid plans... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/the-best-laid-plans/ 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

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 searching for the next new thing, things to fit our themes, or things of particular beauty, we should focus the whole of our search on meaning alone... Podcast Notes: https://www.moneymakerphotography.com/searching-for-meaning/ 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