S2 E5: Tom Collins: There’s an app for that

Podcast

17 Apr

In the fifth instalment of our second season, which marks a significant transition by moving into a video format for the first time. This episode features Dan and Paul, along with long-time collaborator Tom Collins, as they explore the delicate balance between professional design work and the pursuit of documentary photography. Central to the discussion is the philosophy of selection, which holds that a photographer's greatest responsibility is to be a ruthless editor rather than an exhaustive archivist. From the shores of the Isle of Sheppey to the chaotic streets of New York, the conversation traverses the necessity of physical photo books, the ethics of utilising AI as a creative assistant, and the importance of finding a personal voice amidst the noise of digital platforms. It is a grounded look at why photographers must unlearn the habits of the internet to create work that carries genuine emotional weight and lasting significance.

Timestamps & Key Moments

00:00:02 — The group discusses the transition to a video format as a natural evolution for a podcast that has always been rooted in visual storytelling and the physical presence of photo books.

00:06:26 — A deep dive into the psychology of image delivery reveals why providing a client with a thousand photos is often an artistic burden rather than a service, necessitating a shift toward ruthless curation to preserve the narrative of the work.

00:10:07 — The hosts explore the enduring value of the physical photo book, arguing that an online gallery is merely a temporary library for a final product that should eventually exist in a tangible, linen-bound form.

00:24:17 — The process of unlearning is identified as a vital stage in creative growth, where photographers must move beyond simply imitating popular styles found on digital platforms to discover their own unique space and artistic voice.

00:34:28 — Dan outlines his experiment with "vibe coding" using AI tools to build a personal cataloguing application, illustrating how technology can assist with administrative grunt work without replacing human intent or creativity.

00:51:56 — The narrative focus shifts to long-term documentary projects, specifically Dan's work on the Isle of Sheppey and how a deep personal connection to a landscape prevents a project from becoming stagnant over several years.

01:18:26 — The group analyses the work of Daniel Arnold, debating the merits of his high-speed, intuitive approach to street photography versus the highly considered and slow-burning compositions typical of traditional documentary practice.