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Well said! I'm grateful to the film rebels out there! Indeed, I greatly enjoy shooting film these days. Due to marketing efforts, manufacturers have competed in a megapixel race over the last several years. It all started when digital technology began competing with film. Indeed, how much is enough? Thank you for sharing the very thought-provoking comment. Hope to see you on the trail!

It's all about the experience 😀

Your right! Indeed, it's not the gear; the planning and previsualizing of the final image make the photograph.

That's a good thought! I never considered that. If they did embed the batteries in the camera body, I'd be out of the photography business.

Wow, now that's film photography! Maybe one day I'll have a darkroom, but right now, I just don't have the room or the time. I imagine a darkroom to be quite therapeutic.

@@ScottymanPhoto my bathroom now

@@chriscard6544 Maybe that's what I should be doing, but I'm not sure the wife would approve 😂

It's all about the glass! Camera bodies come and go, but those lenses will likely be with you for life. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching!

@@bradleyholbrooks I’m a Nikon fan! For sunrise and sunset photography, depending on your budget, I suggest a used Nikon D750 or D800.

@@ScottymanPhoto it would be under 400 i know that's low

@@bradleyholbrooks maybe consider a Nikon D5500. You can typically buy one with an 18-55mm Lens. This would be a pretty good camera for sunrise and sunset photography with a pretty good lens to start out with.

Yeah, I think we've all captured our fair share of blue skies. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

Thank you for the sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching!

Sometimes, something is better than nothing 😄. I’d rather capture a spectacular moment with my iPhone, than a mundane scene with my DSLR.

Hello Stephen! Yeah, the 14-24 is certainly a special lens despite the huge filters. I use the Nikon MC-30A shutter release; it's simple and reliable. I've used a few other off-brands in the past, but they eventually failed. The Nikon MC-30A is a tank and just keeps on working. Thanks for watching and subscribing, and thanks for sharing your thoughts!

@@ScottymanPhoto Thanks for the info ive ordered a second hand one.

Wow, you make some great points there! The value of something can be entirely subjective. What’s perceived as worthless by one may be another’s dream. I have enjoyed many cameras and lenses throughout the years and suffer from gear acquisition syndrome as much as the next person. Indeed, none of that is worth the images captured or my experiences in the field. No matter how good a phone becomes, I can’t see it ever replacing the feeling of having that large camera and long lens in hand. Like we’ve always said, it’s all about the memories. Good to hear from you, Peter. Hope you’re doing well, buddy.

@@ScottymanPhoto We definitely think alike. I’ve been stupid-busy with work, but I’m about to take a few weeks off and just enjoy taking photos and making videos. 🙂

@@peterfritzphoto I agree! I've also been quite busy at work. On that note, I'm focusing less on weekly videos and more on better-quality videos. I enjoy making videos in the field, but I also enjoy solely focusing on photography. It's great when I can do both.

@@ScottymanPhoto Totally. I’ve been going out for half-hour photography breaks close to home, lately, and it’s just sooo nice. No pressure. I switched to fortnightly videos ages ago and it’s probably helped my channel more than hindered it. Quality over quantity.

@@peterfritzphoto yeah, quality is best overall. However, coming up with interesting topics with a eye catching thumbnail, well that’s something else. Truly, I’m not interested in copying anybody’s work, and TH-cam is full of repetitive videos. It is challenging to come up with original ideas. Just when you think you have one, someone else has already beat you to it.

Thanks for the kind comment! I’m very glad you enjoy my videos. You’re absolutely right! There is indeed something special about that camera in my hand. No matter how good an iPhone is I can’t see it replacing that feeling. Thanks for watching and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Good point! The basics go a long way indeed! It’s all about the marketing nowadays. Don’t get my wrong, there are many modern features I very much enjoy these days. however, I don’t use half the features available in the settings on my cameras. Indeed, it seems like such a waste. Thanks for watching, and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Totally agree! In fact, I really wasn’t expecting my iPhone to make such a good image. The quality was far better than I expected. Regardless, I better stick with my D850 for now 😄 it’s great to hear from you Brian, I hope you’re doing well!

Haha! Never thought of that one! Indeed, that would be interesting to hire a wedding photographer and they show up with an iPhone. That says it all! Thanks for watching and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Two excellent points to consider! Indeed, the workflow is far different. Unless one has spent considerable time working with film, it may not be apparent there is that much difference. I agree; there's something about the mechanics of a film camera that makes me focus more on the composition. However, some digital photographers disagree, and maybe that's true from their perspective, but having started on film first, that's my viewpoint as well. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching!

@@ScottymanPhoto the modern film camera is still much different than a digital camera. Closer to digital, but I didn't mean to suggest it was the same. You still don't see the final product for weeks, and you still only have 36 shots, so while you CAN spray and pray, it won't last long. So you still get that slower feel where you're spending more time in the moment, but it's not as crazy as the fully manual camera. The light meter on my F2 no longer works btw, so for each shot or set of shots, I had to stop and pull out my phone to check metering. Very slow indeed!

@@Falcrist yeah, I still enjoy both film and digital, but they are very different. Honestly, I’ve considered purchasing a newer film camera, medium format would be awesome, but I just haven’t found anything that really gets my attention. Who knows what the future holds.

@@ScottymanPhoto go all the way with an 8x10 view camera. Lol

Here : 5x7 cameras from 1900s with brass lenses. My shutter is a lens cap.

I'm so glad I could help you with your decision! Buying a tripod is far more complex than people think. There's much to consider, and no one wants to make the wrong choice. Enjoy and Take car

@@ScottymanPhoto yup absolutely tripods are generally considered one of the more long term purchases to start with and man your video is probably the most comprehensive guide for tripods imo

@@TECH3_ I appreciate that! Indeed, there's something very fulfilling about sharing one's experiences and helping others.

Glad it was helpful! You should be able to make some fantastic photos with that setup. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching!

Thank you very much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching.

Yeah, I seem to remember something about the pics not being of the actual item. I really have to see the photos when buying anything used. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching.

Totally agree! Picking the right camera can be a daunting task. The market is flooded with choices. Maybe consider a good used camera. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

True! People sometimes suggest that film doesn't cause one to slow down, but that's not true from my perspective. Even today, when I shoot film, I spend far more time on each frame than on my digital cameras. I think you're right; for anyone who's never shot film before, give it a shot. Thanks for watching, and thanks for sharing your thoughts.

It ofen is 😁

It's hard to believe so many people focus so much on the debate between the best camera. Truly, it's like you said, it's not the camera, it's the photographer that makes the difference. Thanks for watching and thank you for commenting!

I don't see why not, although a wide rubber band would be best. Avoid any tape that leaves a residue. Have a great day!

It's easy to get lost in gear, especially if you're trying to rebuild what you had. However, keep it simple. Because you're mainly interested in landscapes and nature, I suggest a used Nikon D800 with a 24-70 f/2.8. The D800 is a full-frame camera; you may not need a full frame, but the D800 is a camera that you can keep for years and never have to worry about upgrading-just my thoughts. I still own mine and had it for about 12 years. I am a Nikon fan; what can I say? Indeed, there are many great cameras and brands out there. Search eBay, MPB.com, or KEH.com. Hope this helps!

You’re very welcome!

Hello, Martin! Yeah, borrowing gear can definitely save some money and help you decide what gear is right for you. The rock formations are in eastern Kentucky, a place called the Red River Gorge. Indeed, it’s one of my favorite places for landscape photography. Thanks for the comments, and thank you for watching!

Thank you very much! Thanks for watching!

Nicely said! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

Very Interesting! One day, I can see that becoming an organization or a certification to restore trust and confidence. Indeed, the world has suffered its share of con artists, cheats, propagandists, and purveyors of fake news. Some believe the internet introduced fake news to the world, but this practice is far from new. Many people, myself included, are tired of being misled and have no desire to introduce more fake or misleading material into the world. I don't think there's anything wrong with using tools like Photoshop to replace a sky, but there is something wrong with passing it off as genuine or original work.

@@robguyatt9602 GreGreat comment! Yes, for me anyway, the disclaimer is essential. As I mentioned, art is subjective, and like many crafts and occupations, we each have to decide what tools to use and how best to conduct our business. I’m thrilled I posted this video because I’ve learned a lot from many of you. Indeed, things I never would’ve thought of myself. Thank you for watching, and thank you for sharing your thoughts!

It's a thing 😃 Thanks for stopping by!

Fascinating perspective! Indeed, what a thought-provoking comment. Whether a painting, sculpture, high-rise building or a photograph, It’s all a creation spawned from the human mind. Indeed, is it wrong for a painter to use paint and brushes created by another? How about that canvas? As I mentioned in the video, art is indeed subjective. Honestly, it appears our creations depend upon the building blocks constructed by the work of those before us. Perhaps, in some strange sense, we are all connected. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching!

Nicely put 😃

Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching!

Thank you very much for the kind comments, Phillip. Also, thank you for watching!

You hit the nail on the head! Indeed, it's how one represents one's work that matters most! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for watching!

I thought you might agree. Thanks for stopping by. Take care, buddy!

@@ScottymanPhoto You too, old boy.

Many fantastic points here! Very well said, in my humble opinion. Indeed, it is all about the memories. As the landscape photographer, I feel a connection to many of the images I make. As I mentioned in the video, I attempt to bring out the vision I held in the mind’s eye. Part of a great photograph is not only what one sees in the field, but the emotions and feelings of that particular moment. Excellent comment! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching.

Well said! Like cameras, lenses, and many other tools, Photoshop serves a valuable purpose for many photographers, helping them bring out and even discover their creative talents. Thank you for sharing your comments, and thank you for watching!

@@ScottymanPhoto An image is created 50% on the field and 50% on the computer. A photo is incomplete in raw form, it does not depict the photo that the photographer visualized when he pushed the button. Raw photos are dull, they do not allow us to fully make use of that dynamic range that was captured in the moment. Editing gives every photographer out there his unique style. Editing will make a photo stand out. Editing will allow emotions to come out of an image in most occasions. Okay, composition and subject makes a style or a moment, too, but it cannot stand by itself in most occasions.

​@@katsak89 VThat's very true, indeed! Some form of editing will always occur, whether done in camera software, Lightroom, Photoshop, or even film. Although the human eye also has limitations, it's doubtful that any camera or lens will ever be able to recreate a scene in the same way we see it. Many film photographers used dogging and burning techniques in the darkroom to "make" their vision come to life. Still, the way I see it anyway, replacing a sky is altogether different. Great comment! Thank you for watching, and thanks for sharing your thoughts for sharing your thoughts!

@@nielsv2025 Probably one of the best examples of a good use of Photoshop in your profession. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

In your example, sky replacement is a tool and has a practical purpose. It's not about raising ego's. You want to sell something and so it has to look good, you are not going to use this photo on a contest or brag about it. Okay, if it is very well done, you might brag, but you earned it. :D

​@@katsak89 Although I fully agree with you, it may not be this simple. That's why this is such an interesting discussion. I may want to sell my prints. And I may use photos that look really natural for the sky replacement. Just a tad different. Not overcooked in any way, no big and/or obvious changes. It won't really raise my ego in that case (or will it?) It won't give the viewer that 'wow, awesome' feeling triggered by the sky. It will just look good. No one will ever notice, it may be just a tiny bit better than the original in the view of the photographer. What it comes down to in my view is ethics. Is it ethical to replace the sky. Or is it ethical to remove something from the skin or eye in a documentary photo. Do I need to use a disclaimer if I change only one cloud? And if not with one cloud only, then when? Ethics is difficult and damn interesting. Does something like 'less ethical' even exist? No conclusion here. Just that is very interesting.

@@nielsv2025 Ethics is something that every person is thinking about differently, but there are some untold rules that the majority accepts. Raising the shadows, playing with the white balance, removing a cable from the background, these kind of things I think that are acceptable for the majority out there. But changing a scene completely by trading skies? Nope. This starts to get controversal! Then it comes down to personal preferences and setting the border lines. When it is a blog, an instagram page or a website, everyone can do whatever he finds better and more suitable. The problems begin in contests, where there should be a divide in my opinion: Contests with AI allowed, and contests that it is not. This will restore the fairness and stop the "war". Each will compete with his kind, and everyone should be happy. But now, where everyone is thrown in the same contest, not very fair, and leaves ground for debate.

I'm just a hobby photographer. Your comment about use shots without the sun in the frame reminds me of one of my favorite shots. My son asked me to do the shots for the sale of his house. That favorite was of the house from the front with the sun behind. I did a 3 shot exposure bracket and nailed it in post. A retired real estate photographer friend said WOW! I said FIGJAM LOL. But she was just being polite I am sure LOL.

Many people seem too concerned with competing with social media for the best image. It's easy to get lost and lose sight of what's most important: pleasing oneself first! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

@@ScottymanPhoto Thank you for taking the time to reply! I am selling photos and doing photoshoots. People keep loving my work so it must be ok to not manipulate my work. I don't care about contests either...I don't need that type of attention or credit. Life is what we make it! Glad you are able to get the word out about the sky removal!

@@romy4593 thank you! Very kind of you ! Do you have an online store? I sell a few select images on my website, but also on fineartamerica.com.

@@ScottymanPhoto Thank you for your lovely response! I sell my cards and my photos by word of mouth, my facebook page and meeting folks. Been helping my husband with his youtube channel. One talent I have is speed reading so I can keep up with all his messages. I know its important and you do great responding to folks! I will be setting up my website soon with photos, cards etc to sell. I will subscribe to you and let you know when its up. Will go check you out now to see your work!

Busy, busy! That's great! Let me know when you have that website setup and have a look. You guys take care!

Indeed! You're right! The new terms are alarming. They lead you to believe the data is used for program improvements and AI learning, but our data can be used without our consent, and there doesn't seem to be much we can do about it. There is a lot of media attention on this right now; we'll see what happens. Thanks for bringing this up, and thank you for watching! Take care!

@@DEKarting I feel the same way. Truly, I enjoy reliving the experience when viewing my work. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

What about birds in flight and the sky is grey? You're right of course but I figure at least changing to a blue sky makes the shot printable. Apart from making it a black and white of course.

@@robguyatt9602 that’s an interesting question. One could consider that a minor alteration. However, some suggest that no alteration should be done. However, that’s just not realistic. An iPhones alters dynamic range and color to a great extent. One could take this to an extreme, but I think the line in the sand, for me anyway, is introducing someone else’s work into my image. Take care!

@@Dan-G.1979 I love that robot analogy, Dan! I wish I had thought about that earlier. Indeed, that’s an interesting concept. When I think about it, it’s like using AI to create scripts for TH-cam content, term papers, and many other things. Good point! Great comment! On that note, I would send my robot to work full time while I spend the rest of my life practicing the art of landscape photography 😃 Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

That makes perfect sense! I think it’s a personal choice. Indeed, it would absolutely be terrible to capture, fantastic image, but miss an amazing sky all because of bad weather and time. But, on those rare occasions when I do pull it off, it’s worth it. At least for me. Great comment! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and thank you for watching!

Why do you travel around the world to take a picture if you going to replace the scene anyway? Just sit in the home and find the perfect foreground and background on the internet and do some photoshop. It's easy and you can save the pennies.

@@jay10242 Well, that may get the photo, but one would miss the journey! For many, the experience plays into the photography. Honestly, I enjoy both the art of making the photography as well as the travel and experience.

@@ScottymanPhoto yes, but he travels for the "moneyshot" not for the fun.

@@jay10242 when it comes down to it, I guess it depends on one’s goals, and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.

That’s interesting! Indeed, I never considered someone making an accusation like that on one’s original work. However, with AI on the rise, everyone is so skeptical, we get accused of fake images whether they are or not. For me, it doesn’t matter. I process my image with the intention of bringing my vision to life. If that involves a sky replacement, then so be it. However, I don’t want to mislead anyone by passing it off as “real,” but that’s me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for watching!

@@ScottymanPhoto Thank you for the video. As a songwriter with vast experience I can tell that Ai platforms are committing copyright infringement on a massive scale. ripping off millions of works uploaded to the internet and using them without a license. To me all those companies should bebe banned because of their inability to pay compensation for the damage already done. Ai is a real problem for all artists and should not be taken for granted. For us songwriters this war started 25 years ago with file sharing, then streaming. Nowadays almost none of us can make a living out of writing music.

@@MyFlyingEyes Wow! AI is just getting started and far reaching. Great comment! In fact, I don’t think many people think about many of the implications of AI. Indeed, it’s sad when one’s intellectual property is stolen or misrepresented. On that note, I use Epidemic Sound for my videos. Whether required or not, I always list the artist’s name in the video description , not because I have to, but because I want to. Truly, like most artists I’m sure, I want credit for my work as well. A little recognition goes along way.

@@uhoh7541 Yep I got those claims and weird claims too. Some people ask respectfully how does it look to naked eye and some accused me of deceiving tourists that because of my picture they go to see the Milky Way and are unable to see those colors...Some accused me of adding dinosaurs with Ai when I photographed the metal sculptures of Anza Borrego. When I stage a miniature astronaut on alien looking landscape they also accuse me of being fake. I have friend who has an astronaut custom who's picture has been removed by Facebook which accused her of misleading people get views and likes...

@@uhoh7541 Exactly! And I do my photos mostly for my own sake, sometimes to make other people happy. In that case my photos are fakes, because I removed food stains, coffee stains etc on teeth and deep black wrinkles in harsh sunlight to resemble a portrait taken with an assistant with a large soft-box and another to lighten up the shadows with a golden reflector. Some of this can be done in photoshop, and I was never going to hire 2 assistants anyway, and nobody would have hired a pro photographer to record the family gatherings I participate in anyway. On the average I spend about 15 minutes per photo removing unwanted hands, quarter faces, flagpoles growing out of peoples heads etc. etc., but I do not change the proportion of peoples heads, ....unless they look really good, but unfortunately were caught near the edge of a 24 mm wide-angle shot and suffer the feared "ball perspective" turning a ball into an oval. Perspective correction can fix this. The work is there, if you look for it.

Indeed, I guess that’s one way to look at it. Like I mentioned, I’m not opposed to sky replacements, they’re just not for me! In any case, I enjoye the journey, it’s the experience for me that is most important. Thanks for watching, and thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Milky-way doesn't change, but like here in Northern hemisphere I cannot see the Milky-way Core never. Ever.

@@jay10242 That's certainly one of the challenges of landscape photography. We may not alway have ideal conditions, but we can make the best of the conditions we have. Nevertheless, we can enjoy the process along the way. Take care, Jay!

@@ScottymanPhoto I agree with you one hundred percent. After I thought about making a composite of the photo that I really want, I don't think I would be happy with it. It's manipulated and it's just NOT right! I'm going to wait for my perfect shot, half the fun is going out to get the photos!

@@tiger93rsl Indeed, I share your thoughts. There's more to a photograph than just the images itself. It's the feelings and emotions baked in that have meeting and value to photographer, not to mention the joy of moment! Thank's for watching, and thank you sharing your thoughts!