LensWork - Photography and the Creative Process
Brooks Jensen
Random Observations on Art, Photography, and the Creative Process. These talks focus on the creative process in fine art photography. LensWork editor Brooks Jensen side-steps techno-talk and artspeak to offer a stimulating mix of ideas, experience, and observations from his 50 years as a fine art photographer, writer, and publisher. Topics include a wide range of subjects from finding subject matter to presenting your work, and building an audience.
Included in this RSS Feed are the LensWork Podcasts — posted weekly, typically 10-20 minutes exploring a topic a bit more deeply — and our almost daily Here's a thought… audios (extracted from the videos.) Here's a thought… are snippets, fragments, morsels, and tidbits from Brooks' fertile (and sometimes swiss-cheesy) brain. Usually just a minute or two. Always about photography and the art life.
Brooks Jensen is the publisher of LensWork, one of the world's most respected and award-winning photography publications, known for its museum-book quality printing and luxurious design. LensWork has subscribers in over 73 countries. He is the author of 13 books on photography and the creative life -- the latest books are The Best of the LensWork Interviews (2016), Photography, Art, and Media (2016), and the four annual volumes of Seeing in SIXES (2016-2019).
Included in this RSS Feed are the LensWork Podcasts — posted weekly, typically 10-20 minutes exploring a topic a bit more deeply — and our almost daily Here's a thought… audios (extracted from the videos.) Here's a thought… are snippets, fragments, morsels, and tidbits from Brooks' fertile (and sometimes swiss-cheesy) brain. Usually just a minute or two. Always about photography and the art life.
Brooks Jensen is the publisher of LensWork, one of the world's most respected and award-winning photography publications, known for its museum-book quality printing and luxurious design. LensWork has subscribers in over 73 countries. He is the author of 13 books on photography and the creative life -- the latest books are The Best of the LensWork Interviews (2016), Photography, Art, and Media (2016), and the four annual volumes of Seeing in SIXES (2016-2019).
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 15, 2025 • 3min
HT2381 - PBWA Is Not Luck
HT2381 - PBWA Is Not Luck
On several occasions, I've mentioned that my favorite way of exploring photography is PBWA — Photography By Wandering Around. At first this might look like a dependence on luck, but I think there is more to it than random happenstance. It has to do with subconscious sensitivities
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Sep 15, 2025 • 13min
LW1471 - A Case for Project Photography
LW1471 - A Case for Project Photography
We all love creating that spectacular image that gets matted, framed, and hung on the wall. There is a real sense of accomplishment in a single image like this that we can be proud of. A case can be made, however, for project-oriented photography and the different challenges a project presents to us. A single image can be a lucky shot. A project always demands more of us as creators and as masters of the craft.
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You might also be interested in. . .
Every Picture Is a Compromise, a series at www.brooksjensenarts.com.
and...
"How to" tutorials and camera reviews are everywhere on YouTube, but if you're interested in photography and the creative life, you need to know about the incredible resources you can access as a member of LensWork Online.
5 snips
Sep 14, 2025 • 3min
HT2380 - Sometimes Easy, Sometimes Not
Discover the intriguing dynamics of photography projects that can swing from effortless to extremely challenging. The speaker shares personal experiences from a cornfield shoot, emphasizing the creativity needed for tough subjects. Explore why some projects flow seamlessly while others demand relentless effort. This journey highlights the contrast between the exhilarating ease of engagement and the hurdles that spark innovation. A fascinating discussion on the complexities of capturing moments through a lens!
6 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 3min
HT2379 - Introducing Photographers on Photography
Dive into the timeless wisdom from Nathan Lyons' influential 1966 book on photography. Explore how classic insights can reshape your creative journey. Reflect on Berenice Abbott's critique that challenges the obsession with technique, urging a deeper focus on content and meaning. Discover how photography can serve as a powerful medium for connection and artistic expression. Tune in for thought-provoking quotes and commentary that inspire both photographers and art enthusiasts alike.
Sep 12, 2025 • 3min
HT2378 - Young Brooks
Delve into the speaker's childhood intrigue with protozoa, sparked by a microscope gift from their grandfather. Discover how this fascination evolved into a passion for photography, as they transformed their bedroom into a mini science lab. The journey takes a turn with a life-changing connection to a book by Wynne Bullock, highlighting the profound power of images and the importance of vision over mere technical skill. It's a captivating blend of personal storytelling and reflections on the creative process.
Sep 11, 2025 • 3min
HT2377 - Why Not Everywhere?
Photographers tend to flock to iconic landscapes, but what about the beauty right outside their doors? This discussion dives into the overlooked treasures in less-celebrated areas, like Minnesota's Itasca State Park. It emphasizes that every location has its own photographic potential, inspiring listeners to embrace the unique beauty of their surroundings. This refreshing perspective challenges the norms and encourages exploration beyond the usual hotspots.
4 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 3min
HT2376 - No Fall Colors
Explore the power of embracing the present moment in photography. Discover how to find beauty in every location, regardless of the season. The discussion encourages photographers to see beyond the typical fall colors and appreciate the unique charm of their surroundings. It's a refreshing reminder that creativity thrives in any environment, challenging listeners to express their vision every day.
Sep 9, 2025 • 3min
HT2375 - Focal Lengths That Fit Our Vision
The discussion showcases the transformative power of focal lengths in photography. The speaker shares their journey from limited options to a versatile setup, now equipped with lenses ranging from 16mm to 800mm. Excitement builds around a west coast trip, with plans to experiment with a new 100 to 400mm lens. Will this newfound flexibility unlock creative potential? Tune in to explore how lenses shape artistic vision!
