The war is internal, not technical.

Lessons From a Terrible Photographer is a book for creatives who feel stuck, burned out, or disconnected from their work, even though they know what they’re doing.

It’s not about gear or technique. It’s about the internal stuff no one talks about, and focusing on why we make work, not just how.

Preorders help determine the first print run. Copies ship once printing begins.

Preorder here:

https://www.terriblephotographer.com/the-book

When Vanity Fair published Christopher Anderson’s portraits of the White House’s inner circle, the internet reacted to the politics. But as photographers, we need to look closer. We need to look at the framing.

In this bonus episode, Patrick Fore deconstructs the word "Framing." It’s not just the rule of thirds or leading lines—it’s authorship. It’s the decision to show truth over comfort, and humanity over "hero energy." Patrick opens up about his own struggle with "cowering" to the moment and why we’ve all become a little too good at making the world look beige.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between geometry (composition) and power (framing).
• Why Christopher Anderson’s refusal to "smooth" his subjects is an act of courage.
• The "Light Switch" metaphor: How small, boring details tell the biggest stories.
• How to stop being a decorator and start being an author again.
• Why being a "Terrible Photographer" means being terrible at following the rules that kill your voice.

ABOUT CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON

Christopher Anderson is a member of Magnum Photos and is widely considered one of the most influential photographers of his generation. He first gained international recognition for his work documenting the Haitian refugee crisis, where the boat he was traveling on sank in the Caribbean—work that earned him the Robert Capa Gold Medal.

Whether he is documenting conflict, the streets of Shenzhen, or the corridors of power in D.C., Anderson’s work is defined by an intense, emotional intimacy and a refusal to provide a "clean" or "commercial" version of reality.

Find his work here:

• Website: christopherandersonphoto.com
• Instagram: @christopherandersonphoto
• Monographs: Approximate Joy, STUMP, and Pia.

LINKS

• Website: terriblephotographer.com
• The Newsletter: Sign up for Pub Notes – Musings, updates, and things I probably shouldn't say in public.
• Support the Show: Help keep the lights on
• Email the Host: patrick@terriblephotographer.com
  • Questions, hate mail, and existential spirals are all welcome.

CREDITS

• Music: Licensed through Epidemic Sound and Blue Dot Sessions.
• Written and Produced by: Patrick Fore