It was my pleasure to sit and have a chat with fine art photographer Doug Kaye, who I’ve occasionally co-hosted the TWiP podcast with. We are two peas in a pod when it comes to our thoughts on the craft of photography and how to develop your skills. Even though Doug comes from a background in technology his images are outstanding and he is a true gentleman. I think he personally proves that artistic talent can be developed, you’re not always born with it.
“Artistic talent can be developed, you’re not always born with it and that’s okay” – Darlene
As you watch this Doug is currently in Turkey (or on his way home) and was right in the middle of the protests in Istanbul. Perhaps I can convince him to join me again and talk about his experience there and photographing in the midst of a country in turmoil. Let me work on that!
Today we talk about the art of photography and learning to see, training your eye to look at things perhaps a little bit differently.
Some lessons you could take away from my chat with Doug Kaye
- you’re the interpreter. Viewers of your image won’t have the benefit of anything outside the frame: smells, sounds, depth.
- study subjects from 360 degrees in all three (or four!) dimensions.
- try looking only at shadows.
- do something different than the usual, camera angle
- get out with others, join a photo walk or local camera club
- share your images on social media and get comments
- look at all kinds of fine art
Have a listen and learn!
Here are some of Doug’s images
Doug’s Bio
I grew up in my father’s wet darkroom, majored in theatrical lighting as an undergraduate and cinematography in grad school, then became a documentary filmmaker. After a 25-year diversion as a tech executive, I went back to still photography in 2009. Like everyone else, I’m still learning and trying to improve my fine-art photography (mostly architectural and urban), but also teaching photography and Photoshop when I can.
Where to find Doug online
- Google Plus profile – Doug Kaye
- Doug’s website dougkaye.com
- @DougKaye
Links and other things mentioned in the video
- Free Photoshop actions & video tutorial
- Gear reviews and other technical articles on Doug’s blog
- Drink and Click main website. Search the chapter pages for an event near you
- More info on why we’re so big on doing photo walks
- Related article: What is your message? Storytelling photography
- Cuba photo tour January 2014 – info now available!
- a recent TWiP (This Week in Photo) podcast that Doug and I both co-hosted – Episode #300 This is Sparta
Action Plan
If you haven’t already done so, sign up and grab my ebook 10 Challenges to help you take better pictures, 100% FREE! To get it just use the sign up form just below here. It’s a big green box you can’t miss it!
Share any insights you have learned on the art of seeing? How do you work on your creative side?
Until next time, cheers
