Episode 15 - Alex Noriega and Mastering the Art of Curation
- Shutter Nonsense
- Dec 2
- 4 min read
Taking your photos from good to memorable through thoughtful curation
In this episode, renowned nature photographer Alex Noriega joins the hosts Michael and Jeffrey. The trio delve into the critical importance of curating your nature photography to elevate it from good to memorable.
The conversation covers a variety of topics, including the selection and refinement of images, social media’s impact on curation, balancing personal satisfaction with audience engagement, and the influence technology may have on future curation. Alex shares his insights and experiences, offering listeners a new perspective on curating their work.
Whether a hobbyist, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this episode highlights the significance of a well-curated portfolio and how thoughtful curation can improve one’s photographic journey
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Highlights Include:
Welcoming Alex Noriega
Diving into Curation
Emotional Attachment in Photography
The Curation Struggle
Building Excitement Through Tighter Curation
Standing Out in a Saturated Market
Social Media and Mediocre Work
Curation for the Hobbyist and Professional
The Role of AI in Photography
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Contents
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Episode Summary
Understanding Curation’s Role
Curation is the meticulous process of selecting and refining images that best represent a photographer’s vision. Alex emphasized that curation is pivotal—it’s what sets apart the good photographers from the great ones. The ability to discern which photos resonate with your artistic intent ensures that your body of work remains engaging and cohesive.
Through curation, photographers make their collections memorable, something that Alex strives for in his own work. This selective process prevents the viewer from becoming overwhelmed, instead leaving them with a concise, lasting impression of the photographer’s true capabilities.
Curation Is Key to Presentation
Alex’s approach to curation is deeply personal and ruthless, as he articulates. He believes that excelling in photography isn’t just about capturing great images but also about curating them effectively. By being honest and sometimes brutal about the images that reflect his aesthetic, he ensures that his online galleries captivate and remain concise.
Michael, another voice in our discussion, highlighted that curation doesn't stop once the image is captured. The editing process itself serves as another layer of curation—ensuring that polishing a photo doesn’t translate into forced creativity.
Social Media Versus Personal Portfolios
Our conversation touched on the contrast between curating for social media and personal portfolios. Alex candidly admits that his social media presence doesn’t stress him as much, whereas his website is sacred territory that demands rigorous curation. He focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring only the most impactful images make it to his social platforms, thereby maintaining an air of exclusivity.
Broader Context of Curation
The episode guided us through the often complex relationship between personal satisfaction and public engagement. Photography, as discussed, should be more than capturing aesthetically pleasing images—it’s about building a personal narrative through carefully curated work. By limiting the selection to images that truly represent one's unique perspective, photographers can cultivate a distinct identity.
Why Curation Matters Beyond Professional Photography
Even hobbyists, who may not be aiming for professional accolades, benefit from a granular approach to curation. Implementing a careful selection process helps in crafting a body of work that remains faithful to their evolving skills and personal expression.
Conclusion: Crafting a Curated Identity
Our discussion with Alex revealed curation as an essential aspect of photography. Whether for the professional seeking to define their brand or the hobbyist aiming for personal growth, curation remains at the heart of powerful visual storytelling. By focusing on curation, photographers of all levels can achieve a compelling uniqueness in their work.
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Follow your Shutter Nonsense Hosts
Michael Rung
Michael is a nature and landscape photographer based in Texas, with a deep appreciation for quiet forests and the unique character of trees. His photography often explores the subtle beauty in overlooked scenes, capturing atmosphere and emotion through careful composition and light. Michael brings thoughtful insight, honest reflections, and a grounded perspective to every episode of Shutter Nonsense.
Jeffrey Tadlock
Jeffrey is a landscape photographer from Ohio who finds inspiration in waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and the ever-changing light of the natural world. He enjoys sharing stories from the field and helping others improve their skills through practical, experience-based tips. With a passion for teaching and a love of the outdoors, Jeffrey brings clarity and encouragement to fellow photographers at all levels.
