LensWork - Photography and the Creative Process

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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).

Recent Episodes

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Recent Reviews

buranis

Every day I learn something new

This is by far the most instructive photography forecast I follow. For a small time investment, every day there is something new and enriching to learn.
Hasan200

Awesome Podcast

This is the best podcast on photography. Brooke has such clear, soothing and pleasant voice. He speaks to commonsense and reason. Even my wife, who is only an occasional iPhone photographer likes to listen to his podcast. I highly recommend these podcasts.
sdweller

Simply the best podcast on photography

This is simply the best photography podcast. It is the one that makes me think, inspires me to be a better photographer.
Jarhead0369

Well worth your time.

Many photography podcasts go for too long, this is well-done and concise.
VJWild

Quick powerful bits of wisdom

I’ve had this podcast on my feed for a few months now and only recently did I start listening. Big mistake!! I should’ve been listening WAY sooner. The episodes are meditative and make the lightbulb above my head flick on. Highly recommended for creatives of any medium!!
Christen Humphries

Thoughtful analysis of creativity

Daily musings on the creative process, and my new favorite podcast for artists.
Joseph Haz

Great Podcasts

Excellent content, great subjects that are touched and most of all a great balance of opinions!
cas5photo

So glad I discovered this gem!

I’m so glad that I discovered this gem! These short episodes are filled with the advice and musings of a mature photographer and artist. It is often the first thing that I listen to before I get up in the morning. I’ve even downloaded several episodes because I intend to listen to them multiple times for inspiration.
C Timothy Floyd

#1 Photography Podcast

Brooks’ daily musings and meditations are a great way to start the day of your photographic life. Enjoy each episode with your morning cup of tea or coffee. Always thought provoking and insightful.
kolhausen

A True Gentleman of Photography

His insights are invaluable. This podcast is truly inspiring and I hope others get much out of his wisdom and experiences. Brooks is a legend.
Andy ZM

Out of date, out of touch

I have been listening for years. Now I am disappointed and I want to let Brooks Jensen know that I find his reference (in podcast #HTO743) to an Asian author as a “cute little thing” offensive and disrespectful. Neither cute, nor little nor thing is an apt description of the successful, influential, internationally acclaimed entrepreneur. An apology is in order.
DiligentPodcaster

Critical black details

Great recommendations! Thank, thank you for sharing!!
Cystokidd

Brevity

I love the two minute format. Great pearls to think about on a daily basis.
Mazemusic

Best photography podcast there is!

My only regret is it’s not on Stitcher, since I don’t use iTunes for podcasts. You are missing out on a huge audience, Brooks!
27slm

Why I listen to Lenswork

One of the best sources for exploring photographic theory, philosophy, history, and presentation of work! You are in the wrong place if you were looking for gear oriented podcast or a how to take a picture class. Brooks Jensen is brilliant, articulate, and Lenswork is a wealth of information!
Crista Cloutier

Brooks Jensen rocks

I was one of the first subscribers to Lenswork magazine and continue to follow Brook's work today. This podcast is concise, at just a few minutes a day. it offers both information and inspiration. well worth a listen.
JMPortME

Creativity is more important than technique

Brooks Jensen talks more about the creative process and the aesthetics of photography than about technique and equipment and that is refreshing and right. He is well spoken, thoughtful, and conveys his excitement for and love of photography. Listen to this podcast to be inspired—not for opinions on the “best” lens or camera (there’s no such thing).
CCTVretr

Ehh

Anyone who refers to people who don’t take part in their profession/hobby as a “civilian” is kind of a narc
jwgreg60

Outstanding podcast

I look forward this podcast each week as a source of photographic inspiration.
CWDaly

A listener before they were called podcasts

If you want a true artist in the work he creates, in the way he thinks, look no further. Brooks Jensen is someone we will look back to in history to admire his views and his contributions. No one has influenced my work more than his thoughts. I am grateful for finding this podcast (I was a listener before they were even called podcasts) as well as his publication. Thank you Brooks. @CWDaly Podcaster at Cybrcast, Bubblesort Show, Bubblesort TV, and Through My Lens with Clay Daly
k5kj

LensWork - Inspiring and Educational

Brooks is quick and to the point with his podcasts, but informative and inspirational at the same time. As a LensWork podcast and LensWork magazine subscriber for more than a decade, I'm always looking forward to the release of each new episode and delivery of each new magazine. Both are top quality!
David Fehrman

Always leaves me wanting more

A very refreshing podcast: great commentary and information that always ends too quickly. THIS is the model other podcasters should emulate!
LeslieEbert.com

Inspiring and informative

The gold standard for all pod casts. One topic thoroughly considered, no adds, no rambling. A joy to listen too.
Andrew in Honolulu

Short reflections on the art of photography

I love the short and very personal reflections on photography as an art through this fine publisher’s eyes.
Golfing_Fool

Short and to the point

A brilliant podcast. Covers a wide range of topics not just photography. For instance one recent topic was on seeing. Sort of looking at composition in new ways. However as you improve your photographer eye it also increases your ability in all aspects of ones life to observe Not really long I think the longest one I have was heard was 10 minutes or so.
In Two Minds

The Obi-Wan Kenobi of photographic philosophy

So Brooks Jensen has now hit exactly 1,000 photography podcasts -- a staggering and monumental achievement. You really owe it to yourself to dip into his archive. In addition to possessing a rich, deep professional radio voice, and a wry sense of humor, Jensen is remarkably wise and perceptive and gently self-critical. Jensen is the real deal. The Obi-Wan Kenobi of photographic philosophy. I hungrily devour each word this man says. Jensen is fond of saying we are now living in a golden age of photography. That is 100% true. And this is by far the greatest podcast series on photography. A veritable embarrassment of riches.
Citizen6

The creative process, not gear or news

Brooks Jensen's musings on the creative process fill a need only partially addressed in the other podcasts. I wish they were even longer!
Stillmike

Images are wonderful

I really love seeing the images in the "looking at images" episodes. Please make many more!
C-L Rössel

Short & Sweet

I look forward to this podcast.
Duckbar

Lenswork - Photography and the Creative Process

This is one of my favorite podcasts on the subject of the photographic journey.
Corky_

Excellent Photo Essay

Brooks essays about the artist aspects of photography can be translated to any artistic medium. That is to say, he explains the thoughts and process to make fine art. Lenses, exposure and tech are skipped to focus on the why. In my minds eye, I can see how he goes about making photos and how to make my work better. Thanks.
photognurd

Nice!!

A quick 3-4 minute blurb on photography is a great treat on my long commute. I like the focus on creativity instead of gear. I can buy gear, I need inspiring thoughts to develop creativity.
AJKULA

Great!

I have enjoyed every episode. Looking forward to hear some new taughts.
P9277

Repetition

Mr. Jensen has a nice approach on talking about the process of creating art. Sometimes he comes across a little snide, but I can handle that. However, I think he run out of relevant topics to talk about a few hundred episodes ago. Approaching the episode number 700 as I write this is impressive, but inevitably very repetitious. Since there are no other photo podcasts like his, I keep listening.
lovelylistener007

Compact brilliance

I so appreciate anyone who can say so much in so few words. Inspiring, enlightening, exciting, wise. When I fall in the mental hole of wondering why I should bother with photography or art or creativity, he pulls me out and shakes me awake. Good for the soul. I value every episode.
Patricks1234

Blah

Most photography podcasts these days seem as just seo projects or rants about young photographers doing weddings for 500 dollars...This one is no different
Tattooed Fay

Short and dry and boring...

I listened to about 7 before wiping the entire series from my iPod and computer. The speaker is so monotone, to the point you don't care what he is saying by the end. And the info I did take in really wasn't useful at all.
Clinton Wolf

Great podcast

The best photography podcast. Intelligent, motivating and thought provoking. Thanks for the great work.
Bslippy

About the ART

One of the best podcasts on the art from one of the best magazines out there. If you're looking for tips or gear reviews -you havent read the magazine. This is the next level, getting into the art, and past just "good pictures." This is about the mental process, beyond "nice settings and good light" . It's about going from photographer to artist
On 2 Wheels

Love LensWork

I have just recently discovered this podcasts and love them. Currently I have a very busy life and do not have time to hang out with other photographers in my area. This podcast provides me with a communication, all be it one way, which I am lacking. That of someone like a professor or mentor. Mr. Jensen's thoughts and ideas on a variety on different subjects, stimulate my outlook and view points.
tomSTAR3000

One of the best

Wonderfully inspiring to keep shooting everyday. Tom Portland, OR
flipmcgee

What is This?

I suspect that like me very few take the time to actually write a review. But yeaterday as I listened to the most recent episode, I said enough already. This podcast is like the tweet on twitter. It seams to be a random collection of whatever crosses the mind. What really gets me is how he comes across like he is delivering acient knowledge that would never be considered and doing so in a sometimes scolding manner. I would highly recommend that everyone listen to the episode from 4/29. Wow! two minutes and 44 secs I wish I could have back along with the time I spent selecting and downloading the show and then unsubscribing.
Bart1963

Thought Provoking

In the classes and workshops that I lead the very first thing I always tell my "students" is to always, always ALWAYS look at someone's work before you take their advise, and on that I can say that I respect what Brooks has to say both as a photographer, and as a mentor. Being someone who has been into photography for over twenty years I find that Brooks is very insightful in both photography and philosophy..!!! It is amaizing to me how many times I find myself being reasured by Brooks comments. I have found a kindred spirit, although one who is much more eloquent and insightful. I recommend this podcast to just about every photographer I meet, so if you are reading this I recommend that you give it a listen..!!! FYI... I have listened to every podcast that Brooks has put out to date and learned from each one (well, maybe with the exception of #500).
CJB1

Superb

This is the best photography podcast, period. Brooks' reflections on photography, art, business and life are thought provoking and inspiring. I've downloaded all of the episodes and have the on mp3 disks that are always in the cd player in my truck. They are just the right length to listen to one or two for short trips.
NoelEiffe

Mercifully short, surprisingly inspirational

I think the first time I heard this podcast, I suspected Brooks of being a bit stuffy. But over time, his voice develops authority and presence and dare I say, artistic integrity, dignity even -- so on any given day, in 5 minutes or less, Brooks can touch on profound subjects far beyond the typical photogeek discussion of gear that's available everywhere else. So my first impression was wrong. My second, third, and fourth impressions are that this man puts it out there -- he has real ideas, ambitions for the podcast medium, and something important to say, often. Pretty rare stuff and I'm sure it takes a great deal of time and work to produce this consistently, week after week. I find I'm grateful to the author/broadcaster/editor ... whatever it is that Brooks Jensen is and does.
tmnk

Always insightful

Hands down the best podcast on the creative aspect of photography. I've learned more from Brooks' thoughtful insights then from 4 years at college. Look this podcast is not about Photoshop tips, it's about creativity!
clint wolf

Great podcast

Outstanding! It's refreshing to listen to a podcast that makes you think, unlike some other podcasts that just ramble on about gear. Great photos come from photographers, not their gear.
isutmase

boring... pro: it's short

check out Photo tips by BC Photo... much better. The only reason this boring soapbox got two stars is becasue it ends quick. No useful photo taking/editing advice, just extremely boring and monotone ranting...
Nanoodog

Come on ITUNES!!!

Some of the most thoughtful commentary going... even if you're not into photography Itunes just cannot keep this feed straight...
windwatchr

Wonderful thoughtful podcast

Short and sweet. Good for the creative process. Definately worth a few minutes of your time!

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.