Lenswork Interview
This past week, I had a very engaging telephone interview with Brooks Jensen, the publisher of Lenswork. The interview is slated for release sometime this month or in October. I’m not exactly sure.
If you don’t know much about Lenswork, then I would strongly urge you to seek it out. There are not that many interesting photography related magazines or on-line subscriptions which focus on the art and creative aspects of being a photographer. In fact, I think it’s telling that most of the sites out there are predominantly focussed on gear. So it’s really refreshing to have Brook’s magazine available.
Anyway, the interview with Brooks was covered by himself recording his own audio while he chatted to me on Skype, and I recorded my own segment with my handy Sony PCM-D50 audio recorder (I love taking a little audio recorder with me on my travels as I think sound is a further dimension in which one can creatively explore their surroundings and it’s been very useful for adding a richness to some of my podcasts).
In his interview, Brooks covered many things with me, but I think the area that interested him the most was how I’ve managed to make a living from photography and in which mediums I’ve managed to do this (we discussed e-books, printed books and also my podcasts). I think he’s very interested in photographers thinking more outside the box, and not being too constrained by the ideas that they should try to sell images or prints only.
Anyway, Brooks was very nice to talk to. He came over very much as he does in his audio podcasts. You should really check out his magazine. Yes, there is a predominant focus on black and white photography, but he also has a Lenswork ‘extended’ edition which covers colour photography and how best to illustrate or show your work to others.
Very highly recommended.
I would like to back the recommendation for Lenswork. I subscribe to LensWork Online and it represents very good value. Aside from the magazine that’s available in a variety of formats there are many podcasts, interviews, portfolio’s and tutorials that are expertly produced and don’t come layered with the hype (sorry enthusiasm) some of our state side cousins. Additions to the site come at approx 1 per day and are invariably very high quality.
Much of the content is thought provoking and interesting in a way that other sites struggle to be.
Brooks’ approach seems to be very similar to Bruce’s and I think if you like one you’ll like the other.
Much of the content is thought provoking and interesting in a way that other sites struggle to be.
Brooks’ approach seems to be very similar to Bruce’s and I think if you like one youll like the other.
Comment by ian s — 21 September, 2012 @ 7:32 pm
Thanks Ian,
Of course, I’d agree :-)
Comment by Bruce Percy — 21 September, 2012 @ 7:41 pm
Bruce,
Just noticed the interview and HD podcast are available on Lenswork for subscribers to download (soon to have 260 Meg less space on my HD)
I suppose this part answers my request for an early pdf of the new book :-)
Thanks
Ian
I
Comment by ian s — 18 October, 2012 @ 6:48 pm
Hi Bruce,
I’ve just listened to your interview with Brooks and enjoyed it tremendously. I am glad now that I brought some copies of Lenswork to the Skye workshop last year to let you see them. I can be a bit evangelical about Lenswork but I remember that you were impressed by the quality and concept of the magazine.
Looking forward to seeing you at the book launch.
Cheers
Norrie
Comment by Norman Bews — 18 October, 2012 @ 11:39 pm
Hi Bruce,
I just viewed your portfolio on LensWork and listened to the interview. I very much enjoyed both and the interview came across very well indeed. Now I can’t wait for the book in a few weeks!
JM
Comment by jmotzi — 20 October, 2012 @ 12:37 am
Dear all,
Sorry for the lateness in my reply to your kind encouragement – re the Lenswork interview. I’m just home from a workshop, so time has been very limited. Thanks so much for letting me know the interview came over well. I haven’t heard it or read the transcript from it.
Kind Regards,
Comment by Bruce Percy — 20 October, 2012 @ 12:26 pm