Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lindsay Godin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lindsay, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?

I took a full-time academic position back in 2020. This job required much more responsibility and expectations than I used to (like 30+ hours a week more work than I was used to). I often prioritized my job obligations over my studio time, general health and well-being, and relationships. I learned a valuable lesson that you need to give time, care, and attention to yourself, your artistic practice, and to others. No job is more important than your physical health and well-being and your relationships. Make time for yourself and make time to care for others. Schedule time for this, it’s important.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I got into photography as a hobby when I was 13 years old, which led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Art & Design and a Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts, emphasizing in Photography & Design. I currently work in the education sector where I teach undergraduate Photography and Media courses in the Art Department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. I research photography programming and curriculum and provide data to other educators on how to best align our programs to the field’s current (and future) photography practices. I also observe and analyze any shortcomings of the photographic practice and find solutions for others’ programs on how photography can best serve our students, the university, and the community at large.

A big question for photographers right now is: What is an authentic image in today’s time? Based on my data collection, analog (color and black & white) and alternative processes practices are making a huge comeback due to the rise of digital and AI practices. We are treasuring the magic of the handmade print again!

Photography continues to become highly applicable to other disciplines outside of the arts. How can your photography practice be used in conjunction with other non-art disciplines like History, Science, English, STEM fields, amongst many more? I’ve conducted many cross-disciplinary collaborations over the years for students to push the boundaries of the photographic medium to bring social awareness, expand new approaches to boost creativity and engage in new modes of image capture outside of the arts. This opens the door to the various career paths one could take in photography rather than just traditional training in the medium.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I did not learn ‘how to see’ and critically think about photography and see the world around me until graduate school. I find it key to engage my students in various forms of critical reflection throughout the entirety of their undergraduate training. I have found reflection prompts on process and practice to be very enlightening when it comes to defining one’s artistic voice and amplifying the importance of photography in today’s time. Some books that were pivotal to my own practice and my students are: Anne West’s Mapping The Intelligence of Artistic Work and Aperture’s Photowork: Forty Photographer’s on Process & Practice.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I strongly encourage society to buy art from local artists and to invest in community art programs! I recently came across an article about how art can positively impact public health by addressing issues related to collective trauma, racism, social exclusion and isolation, and chronic disease, especially in rural areas. From 2020-2024, I lived in a rural town and the lack of art education and creative integration in the community was profound. To my fellow readers, fund the arts and you’ll be enhancing the community in ways you never thought of!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lindsaygodin.com/
• Instagram: Lindzgodin
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lindsay.godin/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsaygodin/

Image Credits

Lindsay Godin