Making photos when you travel is extremely challenging, but there's an excitement of being able to get something quickly because you have the skillset to do so.
Definitely! That part of the list was inspired by a lot of my own experiences. I look back at some photos I made traveling in 2015 and 2016 and they’re still fundamentally not my best work. But at the time I remember thinking they were somehow better just because I was in a new place. The challenges of photography apply in every situation
Def loving this type of content for my walks and editing sessions to absorb more mindset and business info on photography rather than the technical aspects. Cuz end of the day making money from photography is a skill as well that needs to be learned
As a novice taking my early steps at age 60, I found this video by accident but have taken so much from it - your reflectios are sooooo much more useful than a thousand 'gear' lectures. Thanks!
Quality content right here. I’ve missed a few videos as I’ve had no time for watching YT lately, but it’s such a nice feeling to go to your subscribed channels and have lots of great materials to binge watch. Def want more of these longer format vids.
23:05 Listen you never waste our time, at least not mine. You always come with amazing information and it helps every single time. Please keep these coming
I completely agree with what you said in the end. My experience was that as soon as I started taking pictures for others making money, it took away all I love about photography. That‘s why I don‘t want to do it full-time professionally. For me, photography is a way to relax, enjoy myself and take in the world around me (especially nature).
I used to think that I would enjoy making money from photography. When I had some photoshoots and I must ignore my creative vision to make the customers happy. I don't feel too good about it, I thought it was my ego and things like that. But now I heard it from you, I understand that it happens to all photographer. Thank you for the advices, I learn a lot from you
Some people really do have a naturally good sense for composition. My uncle started painting a couple years ago and I recently got to see all his works so far, all self-taught. He mainly paints landscapes from imagination + reference, as in he'll make up a landscape but use a tree or a mountain he can actually see to add those into it. And he understood intuitively when a composition worked and when it didn't, but he couldn't yet understand why! In one he said he didn't like I noticed that most of it was of the sky, and the landscape and especially the mountain he had painted looked tiny and unimportant compared to the big but uninteresting sky. I mentioned this and nudged him to look up on composition so he could understand better when he's doing something "right" and "wrong". Me who dropped out right before the end of an art degree and struggled with understanding composition and my uncle who just knows something's up halfway through a painting.
Exactly right. My nephew is a pro photographer and videographer. He said he mostly saw Sony when began as he was using Fuji at the time. He eventually switched as he finally understood why. The Sony was just simply faster with autofocus and was critical in pro work. It was never about the brand but its all about the capabilities of the camera for the job.
The moment you mentioned the Fibonacci sequence, my mind instantly went to the song "Lateralus" by Tool. The song's based on that sequence. Awesome tips and advice on photography, Evan! :)
Fantastic info thank you! As an old artist beginning my YTJourney. And I sure wish I could freewheel like you speak on camera. Just great skill on that you’ve got I’m truly envious. Thx
also photography certifications to ‘prove you’re a reliable, professional enough photographer to work with’. like why? i still have a lot to learn but i’ve been doing this for 10+ years, and people have asked me to take photos for them and got paid (though not much and not that often). i’ll say depending on your ultimate goal, i think certificate is unnecessary. some of them are only obtainable through paywalls and specific demographic (you can’t be certified by american photography association if you’re not american, for example) and i think the better way to do this is by getting involved more in photography works. this is why portfolio, personal branding, and events are extremely important if one isn’t aiming for a certification
It seems you are quite amazing and very real - just take it from someone who has done 30+ very successful years of what you are talking about - respect for your sensitivity and honesty!
Photography has been my way of bearing witness to the joy I find in seeing the extraordinary in ordinary life. - Harold Feinstein. Unfortunately, I seldom find other photographers who see the interest or beauty in the ordinary things I photograph. As far as shooting mode, knowing when to use what mode is more important. I met a photographer who does portrait and event photography for a career but does urban photography for fun and as a side hustle.
Photo walks are always my preferred entertainment, but discussing the philosophy behind the craft interests me almost as much. My parents gave me my first SLR 48 years ago. In the late 70s and early 80s, I made money taking some portraits, copying older photographs (to preserve the history), and mostly, darkroom work. I love photography, but I don't want it as my job. I've driven a truck for decades now. My profession allows me opportunity for my passion. Social media gets intentionally flawed photos. Family gets to see what I like. I don't want to be known as a photographer... being one, for the sake of the image, is so much better.
Hey Evan. Awesome vid. I’m in the process of turning my passion into a living. This definitely reaffirms the direction I’m going. Namaste S R Garrett Photography
Composition makes for so much what I feel is photography. Often I am able to see the composition in my mind, and then I am using the cameras to fufill my vision. At that time, the camera is just a tool for me. Then there are people like, my camera is so good it makes the photo good for you. I always hate when they say that, because "better cameras" does not make your photos better. Sometimes I just show them what I take with my phone, then they are always shocked.
That 10% knowledge is basically the Dunning-Kruger effect...the person who learns a little thinks they know a lot, but it's only after years of learning they understand how little they actually know. True for any skill, a minimal competency takes 10000 hours of practice.
Hi Evan! Great video! I've been offered the chance to turn my hobby (15 years of photography) into a career. Working in the film industry has given me contacts, and a couple of them have offered me still photography gigs. I've turned them all down because, yeah, it's my craft, and the minute I accept money for a photo, I might stop enjoying it.
Thanks for watching!
-
The free resources and instagram reels course I mentioned in this video can be found here- www.evanranft.com/free-products
Making photos when you travel is extremely challenging, but there's an excitement of being able to get something quickly because you have the skillset to do so.
Definitely! That part of the list was inspired by a lot of my own experiences. I look back at some photos I made traveling in 2015 and 2016 and they’re still fundamentally not my best work. But at the time I remember thinking they were somehow better just because I was in a new place. The challenges of photography apply in every situation
Def loving this type of content for my walks and editing sessions to absorb more mindset and business info on photography rather than the technical aspects. Cuz end of the day making money from photography is a skill as well that needs to be learned
As a novice taking my early steps at age 60, I found this video by accident but have taken so much from it - your reflectios are sooooo much more useful than a thousand 'gear' lectures. Thanks!
Quality content right here. I’ve missed a few videos as I’ve had no time for watching YT lately, but it’s such a nice feeling to go to your subscribed channels and have lots of great materials to binge watch. Def want more of these longer format vids.
23:05 Listen you never waste our time, at least not mine. You always come with amazing information and it helps every single time. Please keep these coming
Thank you so much for this video! I really enjoyed it and look to see more of them. 💯
I completely agree with what you said in the end. My experience was that as soon as I started taking pictures for others making money, it took away all I love about photography. That‘s why I don‘t want to do it full-time professionally.
For me, photography is a way to relax, enjoy myself and take in the world around me (especially nature).
Love to hear you listened all the way to the end! It’s definitely a reality of making this a job. Thanks for watching 🙏
Fantastic video! I'm just starting out and have realized so much of this. Thank you!
I used to think that I would enjoy making money from photography. When I had some photoshoots and I must ignore my creative vision to make the customers happy. I don't feel too good about it, I thought it was my ego and things like that. But now I heard it from you, I understand that it happens to all photographer. Thank you for the advices, I learn a lot from you
Buddy, I LOVE your set! So clean and gorgeous lighting. Bravo man, well done
Been watching you forever man! One of the best on TH-cam. I love this video, making breakfast as I was listening.
This makes us stop and reflect on why and how we approach photography. Great video!
Your efforts deserve more attention, Evan!
Some people really do have a naturally good sense for composition. My uncle started painting a couple years ago and I recently got to see all his works so far, all self-taught. He mainly paints landscapes from imagination + reference, as in he'll make up a landscape but use a tree or a mountain he can actually see to add those into it. And he understood intuitively when a composition worked and when it didn't, but he couldn't yet understand why! In one he said he didn't like I noticed that most of it was of the sky, and the landscape and especially the mountain he had painted looked tiny and unimportant compared to the big but uninteresting sky. I mentioned this and nudged him to look up on composition so he could understand better when he's doing something "right" and "wrong".
Me who dropped out right before the end of an art degree and struggled with understanding composition and my uncle who just knows something's up halfway through a painting.
Exactly right. My nephew is a pro photographer and videographer. He said he mostly saw Sony when began as he was using Fuji at the time. He eventually switched as he finally understood why. The Sony was just simply faster with autofocus and was critical in pro work. It was never about the brand but its all about the capabilities of the camera for the job.
I found your videos so helpful since I'm starting photography which hasn't been easy at all.
I used to live in Georgia so that's a plus
Spot on dude. Love this type of advice, and how well thoughtout it is! You nailed it!
Thank you , I really learned a lot
Long time fan here, live the format!
The moment you mentioned the Fibonacci sequence, my mind instantly went to the song "Lateralus" by Tool. The song's based on that sequence. Awesome tips and advice on photography, Evan! :)
Fantastic info thank you! As an old artist beginning my YTJourney. And I sure wish I could freewheel like you speak on camera. Just great skill on that you’ve got I’m truly envious. Thx
Keep up these podcast videos! I always learn something new, much appreciated
Loved the podcast, great job excellent insight!
also photography certifications to ‘prove you’re a reliable, professional enough photographer to work with’. like why? i still have a lot to learn but i’ve been doing this for 10+ years, and people have asked me to take photos for them and got paid (though not much and not that often).
i’ll say depending on your ultimate goal, i think certificate is unnecessary. some of them are only obtainable through paywalls and specific demographic (you can’t be certified by american photography association if you’re not american, for example) and i think the better way to do this is by getting involved more in photography works. this is why portfolio, personal branding, and events are extremely important if one isn’t aiming for a certification
I like these podcast type video because they’re easier to digest. Nice to be able to just listen sometimes
Thanks for the feedback and for watching!
Good video man, definitely dig the podcast style video. You hit some good points here, thank you!
It seems you are quite amazing and very real - just take it from someone who has done 30+ very successful years of what you are talking about - respect for your sensitivity and honesty!
Really relate to the art and business point!
"10 years ago my pictures were bad". 10 years from now, you will say the same.
Photography has been my way of bearing witness to the joy I find in seeing the extraordinary in ordinary life. - Harold Feinstein. Unfortunately, I seldom find other photographers who see the interest or beauty in the ordinary things I photograph.
As far as shooting mode, knowing when to use what mode is more important.
I met a photographer who does portrait and event photography for a career but does urban photography for fun and as a side hustle.
Composition makes the photographer in my eyes! Great one. Side note where's that hoodie from? 🔥
Aye thanks for watching! It’s ASRV 🙏
this is great, thank you
Photo walks are always my preferred entertainment, but discussing the philosophy behind the craft interests me almost as much. My parents gave me my first SLR 48 years ago. In the late 70s and early 80s, I made money taking some portraits, copying older photographs (to preserve the history), and mostly, darkroom work. I love photography, but I don't want it as my job. I've driven a truck for decades now. My profession allows me opportunity for my passion. Social media gets intentionally flawed photos. Family gets to see what I like. I don't want to be known as a photographer... being one, for the sake of the image, is so much better.
thank you for creating this video
It hits all the point perfectly
very relatable
Thanks for watching! Glad you could get something from it, that’s always the goal 🙏
Hey Evan. Awesome vid. I’m in the process of turning my passion into a living. This definitely reaffirms the direction I’m going. Namaste S R Garrett Photography
Composition makes for so much what I feel is photography. Often I am able to see the composition in my mind, and then I am using the cameras to fufill my vision. At that time, the camera is just a tool for me.
Then there are people like, my camera is so good it makes the photo good for you. I always hate when they say that, because "better cameras" does not make your photos better. Sometimes I just show them what I take with my phone, then they are always shocked.
That 10% knowledge is basically the Dunning-Kruger effect...the person who learns a little thinks they know a lot, but it's only after years of learning they understand how little they actually know. True for any skill, a minimal competency takes 10000 hours of practice.
bro speak facts
Hi Evan! Great video!
I've been offered the chance to turn my hobby (15 years of photography) into a career. Working in the film industry has given me contacts, and a couple of them have offered me still photography gigs. I've turned them all down because, yeah, it's my craft, and the minute I accept money for a photo, I might stop enjoying it.
this hit me like a truck
This is great always rmr Jesus is with u. Loves u and wants a relationship with u