316: Richard Martin - Tools for More Creative Photography

Photography is one of the most accessible artforms that exists and acts as a creative outlet and tool for personal expression for so many of us. Unfortunately, tapping into that creativity and modes of personal expression in photography doesn't always come naturally for all of us. Fortunately, there are techniques and strategies that exist to help us get there.

On today's episode, I finally was able to speak with one of the most inspiring Canadian photographers of our time, Richard Martin. Richard is a creative powerhouse and I just love his approach to making images. Our conversation covers a huge plethora of topics revolving around his creative approaches for making images and there is a lot of actionable advice in today's episode, so I highly encourage you to listen all the way to the end.

On this week's episode, we discuss:

• Richard's journey into photography.
• How growing up in the Thousand Island region near Lake Ontario informed Richard's interest in nature.
• How photography evolved into a vehicle for personal expression for Richard.
• Richard's philosophical approach to making images in the field.
• Keys to creative development in photography.
• Comparing our work to others.
• Balancing creative ruts with our creative and business needs.
• The importance of restoring our amateur status.
• Why we should question everything we know about photography.
• The role of ambiguity in photography.
• And a lot more!

If you enjoyed our chat, we did a whole bonus episode on Patreon where Richard and I discuss perfectionism in landscape photography and how it relates to Wabi Sabi! See Richard's gallery on Wabi Sabi here.

Other topics/links discussed on the podcast this week:

• Support the podcast on Patreon.
• The Creation by Ernst Haas.
• Eric Bennett critique groups.
• Watch podcast episodes on YouTube.
• Landscape Photographer's Worldwide Discord Server.

Here is who Richard recommended on the podcast this week:

• Stephen Patterson.
• Andre Gallant.
• Mike Grandmaison.
• Maurice Henri.
• Tony Sweet.

I love hearing from the podcast listeners! Reach out to me via Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter if you'd like to be on the podcast or if you have an idea of a topic we can talk about. We also have an Instagram page, a Facebook Page, and a Facebook Group - so don't be shy!

Richard's social media:

Instagram
Vero
Facebook

We also have a searchable transcript of every episode!

Thanks for stopping in, collaborating with us, and listening. See you next week.

P.S. you can also support the podcast by purchasing items through our B+H affiliate link.