I don't think enough people see my photos to have the small percentage call them bad, although I'll know I could've done something better if I get a, "hmm..." 😅 Both things I'm working on!
I think that for a lot of people time is a limiting factor and that's also why "nice" is sometimes already very fulfilling. Time is important for scouting locations, waiting if something good shows up etc. I have the luxury that I live in nature and have a lot of free time. But the number of afternoons/mornings spent waiting and returning emptyhanded is by far greater than the times where you'll hit the jackpot. My tip to add to Simons list is "Shoot for yourself, not for others or their opinions".
It's also alot about making it the jackpot, and increasing the chances. Don't go out mid-day - pick the time before sunrise, or from an hour before sunset.
Absolutely. If you’re playing to the crowd you’re going to produce crowd pleasers. Do it for yourself primarily - why crave attention from strangers? Narcissism?
@@irinasp3723 well I was of course talking about making an effort to achieve something and not getting what you wanted. I might shoot something else entirely to have at least something.
I've been a serious amateur photographer for well over 20 years. This is one of the best, if not the best videos I have ever seen about getting out of the box of other people's expectations. And, to really get back to the love of photography.
Except that I think I'm older than you (my 20 years is more like 40 but with interruptions), I really agree with you. This was a great video. My problem lately is that I've kind of gotten bored with my own work -- some of which is "nice" and some of which is (I think) innovative.
As someone who’s started my photography business by watching Simon’s videos, I can truly say all his tips genuinely helped me learn and think more creatively. Thank you!!
Two things about photography .Images and short videos make wonderful diaries .( much better than my handwriting ) Also photography is a life saver when needed .I fractured my spine / discharged from hospital I was sent home ( I live alone ) and the Physiotherapist visited twice a week .Pain was awful and boredom worse .I asked her to get me my small camera. Atrocious images focused from whilst lying in bed facing south .Crows saw the glimmer of my lens and came to see .They then visited each day and looked through my window .Whilst trying to focus pain was diminished .Once recovered & going outI was greeted by some crows who walked along with me...They still visit and see me in the city
I've had a similar situation with photography. Cancer wreaked havoc with my lumbar region; now, on a good day, I'm O.K. for a 3/4 mile walk out then back with just the camera. I'm exhausted after. Each time I lug the tripod along the walk is considerably shorter. However, the photography and camera usage keep me moving.
@@rayphenicie7344 Only just seen your comment Hope you are still getting about and about Nothing stops me not even the weather.I always say the greatest pain killer and health bringer ( for me ) = nature and wildlife .OK I live in a city but we have a lot Keep using your cam .
You North Americans and your relentless positivity! In Scotland, Nice! is one of the highest compliments you'll ever hear. Our equivalent to your nice, would be "No bad" or maybe even "Alright".🙂 Thanks for the ongoing tips!
I fully understand what you were getting at and the importance continually improving and upping our game. I will say "nice" isn't always an insult or an indication of sub par photography. A lot of my friends are not photographers but enjoy the nature photography I share. I hear "your camera takes great photos" and "wow those are really nice". Honestly, I take those comments as the compliment they were intended to be. I hear photographers getting upset with the "camera takes great photos" comment. People who are not photographers have absolutely no idea . Our best answer is "thank you.." And then talk a little about the shot, where you were, what the creature was doing and how I captured the shot.
That’s my general approach too but some of my friends who don’t necessarily know I do photography and when they see a photo I’m particularly proud of say “hey that’s actually pretty good man!” As you said I think they mean it as a compliment but it still kind of stings because it makes it seem like they didn’t have very high expectations 😂
Having a custom ' ready to capture ' setting is a great, really useful tip. I love dramatic black and white with high contrast and crushed blacks. Since I stopped wondering what others will like about my images and started shooting what I like I'm getting much more enjoyment and satisfaction from my photography.
Simon said it best when he said it was like opening presents. A lot of the time I find extra "subjects" in the photos I take that I couldn't see at the time because I was watching or looking for the "nice" shot.
Yep, grabbing a few "nice" photos that trigger memories is something I feel good about. It's why I persist with photography and videography even though I rarely achieve better than "nice".
One thing I am noticing with taking photos as someone new to it, just taking photos has been the best for me learn what I like. My favorite photos were just random quick setups and taught me what kind of photos I want to take more of and what I want to look for.
I watch every one of your videos, Simon. Thanks for all you do for your fellow photographers. This video coincides with what I'm trying to do right now: be more inventive and daring. I've mastered the camera settings and am nearing savant level in Lightroom. But, looking at thousands of my photos, it turns out that I have a style. Perfect focus, sun at my back, lit subject/darker background, well-framed...a lot of animal "portraits." If the shot was dramatic but the bird was so close that its wingtips were cut off, I used to throw away the file. No more of that. The recent assignments I gave myself: more creative perspectives, sun-splashed subjects, and to be as close or far as necessary to tell a great story. Your video inspired me to double down on these assignments.
Great video ,Simon. The thing with my hobby is that I shoot for me, not social media , or ask myself would so & so like this shot. If I like it, I'm good with that.
To go along with the "shoot, shoot, shoot," I'm new to wildlife photography and I'm finding that culling a thousand or two photos down to a dozen or so for sharing really helps me be aware of what makes a photo more worthwhile and stand out so that I'll think more that way later when I'm in the thick of things.
This applies to many creative endeavors. One of the most amazing things I ever sewed was a dress made with a floral fabric that looked like Granny's drapes. When cut and sewn in multiple vertical panels the flowers became abstract and at 40 years of age I stopped traffic in South Beach Miami in my homemade dress. Merci, Simon.
Fabulous video, thank you. Having taken many thousands of "nice" (and not quite nice) photos over the years, I have really lost interest in photography, but watching your videos brings back some of the spark, although my camera is still gathering dust.....
Yes, shooting when the sun is low, this is very good advice; golden and blue hours. The problem is, this usually is the time when people expect you to be with them instead of out in the field... It's not easy when you see the right lighting (calling you through the windows) but can't go out there and make great photos...
I took a photography class in high school, and I have an uncle who's a retired photography professor. I've seen photos he's taken and they'd consistently have me saying "Wow! That's incredible! That looks amazing!" Seeing the photos you've taken gives me that same feeling, and I'm excited to learn how to improve from your videos.
You are spot on. The truth is, there is no fixed set of arbitrary rules when it comes to taking photos. Photography is an artform and way too many people look it like at it like its some subject to be studied and learnt. Just go with the flow.
This was a masterclass in the *art* of photography’ which for me, and perhaps for others is much more of a challenge than the gear and the techniques ! Thank you for this inspiring video.
I cannot believe I am NOT paying for this! This puts to shame every course on photography. You have built me as a person. I really appreciate. Thank you!
Thank you Simon. This type of content is the reason I keep coming back. I don't need any more camera gear videos, but I can certainly use many more videos that teach me about photographic technique.
I know what you mean, but I still feel compelled to defend my 40,000+ photos. The vast majority are on the spectrum of rubbish to nice, but I value all of them for the memories they trigger. Well, most of them. 😉 Grabbing a few "nice" photos that trigger memories is something I feel good about. It's why I persist with photography and videography even though I rarely achieve better than "nice".
Great breakdown! This video hits home for me. I've been shooting for almost 5 years and I was getting the "nice" comments the first couple of years. Earlier this year I read Rick Rubin's book called "the Creative Act: a way of being" and it put me in a new state of mind and I changed my workflow completely. I now don't mind to break rules and I now focus more on quality over quantity. I'm getting more of the "I love your work" comments. That book was a life changer
Love the advice Simon, I photograph Las Vegas a place that’s been photographed millions of times and I had to create my own unique style to stand out and it’s worked so far 🙌🏽
Thank you very much for your inspiring videos! I can still remember how I felt the first time someone said "I knew it was your photo as soon as I saw it" It's a feeling that will never leave me and keeps me wanting to grow.
Simon, thanks so much for sharing these invaluable tips, you are the best photography teacher! Thank you for your generosity and positivity, it is incredibly inspiring and prompting us to keep shooting and improving our art. Keep doing your great work!
Another great video! I have finally learned to always "work the scene." Don't shoot it one way. Move around and get various angles. It always amazes me how people view photos. Your most artful work can be overlooked for the simplest composition that you thought was just "nice."🤣
The problem with the online photography scene: a lot of technically sound photographers who don't know what subject matters they want. Good exposure, good light, sharp pictures, proper framing... but no ideas.
Great stuff! This doesn't just apply to photography, it's a metaphor for life. If we apply your advice in this video to the way we live every day, our lives will be so much richer. We shouldn't live a "nice" life, but instead, go all out, break the rules, and do our own thing regardless of what others think we should be doing. Not just in photography, but in EVERYTHING we do. Thanks Simon.....perfect timing for this video!
You quickly became my mentor after watching your first video a couple years back. I am thrilled when you post a new video so i can continue on my photography journey and practice the techniques and tips you present. I also LOVE the inspiring quotes in this video. Very thought producing.
Hey Simon! Love your work, ever since i picked up a used camera a while ago i have been going out taking photos having lots of fun and your videos have been a huge help, drastically improving my skills and building my self confidence in a otherwise scary and intimidating field such as photography when you first start out. Your video have given me endless precious advices conveyed in a way that is simple and easy to understand even for a newbie. You are a true inspiration! Please keep up the amazing work and keep looking out for us little photography chicks moving our first steps! 🐥
Mr. Ambassador, your videos are always encouraging, educational and insightful, with a splash of good humour. Great timing Simon, as I'm off to England in two weeks and have been working on a list of things I want to achieve while there. My top goal is covered by your, "What can I do differently?" Yes, I plan to shoot, shoot, shoot, etc. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and taking the time to share with us. Fellow Bluenoser, always learning. Kindest regards.🙏
You can also find that as you become better you begin to receive negative comments from people who hate the fact you are taking better photos. With modern cameras so much is taken care of so composition plays a bigger part. A slight change of angle or height can bring huge rewards. Sometimes I will take a photo of the same subject from differing angles. It is surprising how this can have a big impact. One tip I do use from a previous video is you do not always need to have the subject in the centre. This is a great tip for birds in flight or animals running. Cheers Simon for your continued help and encouragememt to the photography community.
So right you are. What is even worse: On platforms like Flickr, Instagram and others many folks will let you know that your photos are nice only for one purpose: To trigger you to tell them their photos are nice, too. Thus creating a multitude of false positive feedback. Well, if this satisfies them .... Cheers from Germany, Roland
Thanks Simon. I was just talking with my wife about this this morning. Low and behold this is what your video is about. I always say even if people don't seem to like my work I'm the one that has to be happy with it. I always try to do something different. This is the kind of video that helps everyone and that's the kind I like. Your creative imagination is great.
I'm new to "serious" photography and have been looking through the vf realizing that most of my shots have been nice and am now seeking more inspiring or thought provoking photos. Your instruction and wonderful videos are the best and have been a tremendous help! Thank-you!!
Thank you for the encouragement. It's Egret season in Central PA and I'm getting discouraged trying to capture good shots. I've always shot Aperature mode but recently switched to Manual. Can't wait to get back out there and try some more.
Another great video Simon. You never disappoint your viewers. What you described in this video is the difference between a snapshot and a photograph. Another way to improve one's photography is to add a bit of tension in the image; i.e. something in the photo that might be distracting but viewers will remember.
Simon another great video !! for me i work crazy hours to keep me comfortable i take photos (capture a memories) for my own pleasure and to share with others that appreciate wildlife and i also use photography as my escape from the real world i find any positive comments a bonus including those "Nice picture" ones anything else including a like works for me i just shows someone has expressed their gratitude for my work in taking the picture posting it i guess if i was a professional or relied on the financial gains myview may change keep up the great videos i appreciate your hard work to help others
Thanks Simon for all your tips and advice. I am still learning day by day and your video's certainly help me. Your photography is the best and you are the best teacher ever. I am going to try and do something different and know it will take courage and lots of photos, but hey that's how we learn.
Thank you for your teaching. I have taken birds photos for twenty years. I learned bird photo retouching from you. And also I learned Photography English . From Japan
Yes I made it 😀 one of my last published images received comments by several: “I love this photo”, “Unique”, and “Great art-work”. Guess that must align with your statement on a photo that is not just “nice” - by the way I love your channel 😉
On the best of my days I'm an above-average amateur photographer but I love the work you've been doing here with these videos. Because most of the time your advice is applicable in seemingly unlikely areas outside of photography as well! I for one make use of them in my music composition -or if I may brag a little bit check what I've been already doing against them and feel confirmed :) Once again, I love your work, on and off your camera. Keep it up and best wishes.
I really needed this. I love a lot of the photos that I take, but sometimes I feel like I'm missing that creative flare recently. This thought process is going to help get me back on track. Much appreciated. Great video!
I always love your videos. I am a portrait photographer mainly but it doesn’t matter. Your advice and perspective is so transferable to all types of photography genres.
This is a really nice video... I can't be the first person to make that joke. In all seriousness, this is such great advice I don't know where to begin. And well-executed with photo examples and excellent quotes. Thank you Simon - I've been in a bit of a slump, and this inspired me. Photography is a bit of a mental sanctuary for me, and this video is a nice reminder of why that is. I'll be watching this several more times.
Hi Simon. You are correct, of course. But I have to say, looking at my photos now and thinking "that's nice", is a good feeling, because not too long ago I looked at my photos and I was a little disappointed. Nice is a step up for me :). But you are correct. The next step now is probably a bigger challenge than just gaining the experience and technical knowledge to go from "I am not happy" to "that's nice" - I think that moving beyond "that's nice" is all about being at the right place at the right time and being ready for that moment. I was thinking about this just today as I was doing a three-hour guided safari. I was taking photos of lions, and the thought occurred to me that a unique, interesting photo, would be if a lion happens to DO something interesting. Or if the sun happens to be at just the right place relative to the lion and relative to me to create something visually interesting. And I think this requires planning, a lot of time waiting, and a little bit of luck. And I think the first two of those things, is what separates a good photographer taking epic photos, from a photographer just taking nice photos. For now, I am happy that my photos are at least nice to me. But coming up next - going beyond just nice! Thanks for your guidance, you actually got me into photography, and it is becoming more and more special to me. Thanks for your videos. If you are interested, here are two of my just nice photos that I took today, but that makes me happy for now :). Stepping stones to the photos that will be taking in the future that are better than nice, I hope. 1drv.ms/i/s!AkkV5BHA56QjjrcOMYBq7aYiTHegzg?e=h4vpU0 1drv.ms/i/s!AkkV5BHA56QjjrcN2JBiJ8iZ71obIA?e=to3kFF
I love your videos and your tips, they run through my mind every time I go out to take pictures. They have really helped me as a beginner photographer, you are an amazing teacher, thank you
May sound odd, but I am going from an iphone 12 mini to a full framed camera...lol. Mostly for video, but am interested in a bit of photography. Sites like this are so helpful to me, especially in understanding the basics, then I can move on to the things that truly confuse me. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Thank you Simon! With this video I understood I already have all these way of Thinking in my daily photography routine, so I’m already at a good level! What about a video for “making editing; editorial work”?
I subscribe to a few photography channels on TH-cam. If could only have one, it would be this channel--no contest. Thank you again for another insightful, enlightening, and motivating video!!!
I often joke: How many photographers does it take to change a lightbulb? 10. 1 to change the bulb, and 9 to tell the first guy how they'd have done it better. Some of the best photos I ever took were horrid in composition. But touched people. My issue was getting the compliments and thinking "dude it sucked." Eventually, I learned to just take the compliment.
If a Tree Falls in the Forest, and There’s No One Around to Hear It, Does It Make a Sound? If I take a photo and there's no one around to view and praise it, can it still be satisfying? Of course it can. For introverts, no praise is needed. Now if you're selling your work then that's different.
@@SirGregoryFamilyTH-cam I heard an anectode, and I believe it's true that Kurt Vonnegut once wrote a young man who'd written him, and told him to write an amazing poem. But instead of turn it into class, tear it up and burn it. Nobody would know about it, but the experience of having written it would expand and better him.
Thanx Simon,always U helped in a tough situation,also this time u gave some imp tips which will actually help me. I wish one day I will get a chance to work with you. Thanx buddy
I’m still told to this day sometimes that my photos “suck” because I dare to do different things. What about you?
I don't think enough people see my photos to have the small percentage call them bad, although I'll know I could've done something better if I get a, "hmm..." 😅
Both things I'm working on!
I've got the "suck" down solid! :-D I do appreciate your tips, both artistic and technical.
Great advice! Your videos stand out among all the chatter on TH-cam. Thanks for all your hard work.
I am still deeply buried in the 'nice' phase 😂😂😂😂. But I am coming out!
The only person who tells me that's a nice photo anymore is my sister. She's well.. a social media user. I think she's numb to beauty.
Whoa, slow down captain, I’m still working on getting to “nice” 🤣
😂
😁
Same here, but we'll all get there soon. I believe in us haha
Know the rules with intent then break the rules with intent.
Me too! Hahaha!!
No matter how great my photos become, my mom will always look at them and tell me, "That's such a nice camera you have!"
😂😂
I believe I left 'nice' behind when I was told this... "Stunning. Love seeing the world through your lens." ❤
I think that for a lot of people time is a limiting factor and that's also why "nice" is sometimes already very fulfilling. Time is important for scouting locations, waiting if something good shows up etc. I have the luxury that I live in nature and have a lot of free time. But the number of afternoons/mornings spent waiting and returning emptyhanded is by far greater than the times where you'll hit the jackpot.
My tip to add to Simons list is "Shoot for yourself, not for others or their opinions".
It's also alot about making it the jackpot, and increasing the chances. Don't go out mid-day - pick the time before sunrise, or from an hour before sunset.
Absolutely. If you’re playing to the crowd you’re going to produce crowd pleasers. Do it for yourself primarily - why crave attention from strangers? Narcissism?
How is it possible to return emptyhanded?
@@irinasp3723 well I was of course talking about making an effort to achieve something and not getting what you wanted. I might shoot something else entirely to have at least something.
Taking good photos takes time, if someone can't afford it, they will always take regular photos. The end.
I've been a serious amateur photographer for well over 20 years. This is one of the best, if not the best videos I have ever seen about getting out of the box of other people's expectations. And, to really get back to the love of photography.
Same and completely agree. Great advice and well done.
Except that I think I'm older than you (my 20 years is more like 40 but with interruptions), I really agree with you. This was a great video. My problem lately is that I've kind of gotten bored with my own work -- some of which is "nice" and some of which is (I think) innovative.
As someone who’s started my photography business by watching Simon’s videos, I can truly say all his tips genuinely helped me learn and think more creatively. Thank you!!
That’s nice. 😂
😂@@meececa
Two things about photography .Images and short videos make wonderful diaries .( much better than my handwriting ) Also photography is a life saver when needed .I fractured my spine / discharged from hospital I was sent home ( I live alone ) and the Physiotherapist visited twice a week .Pain was awful and boredom worse .I asked her to get me my small camera. Atrocious images focused from whilst lying in bed facing south .Crows saw the glimmer of my lens and came to see .They then visited each day and looked through my window .Whilst trying to focus pain was diminished .Once recovered & going outI was greeted by some crows who walked along with me...They still visit and see me in the city
Spaces don’t come before the period in a sentence. They come after.
I've had a similar situation with photography. Cancer wreaked havoc with my lumbar region; now, on a good day, I'm O.K. for a 3/4 mile walk out then back with just the camera. I'm exhausted after. Each time I lug the tripod along the walk is considerably shorter. However, the photography and camera usage keep me moving.
@@rayphenicie7344 Only just seen your comment Hope you are still getting about and about Nothing stops me not even the weather.I always say the greatest pain killer and health bringer ( for me ) = nature and wildlife .OK I live in a city but we have a lot Keep using your cam .
You North Americans and your relentless positivity! In Scotland, Nice! is one of the highest compliments you'll ever hear. Our equivalent to your nice, would be "No bad" or maybe even "Alright".🙂 Thanks for the ongoing tips!
Scott's and Germans do have some things in common apparently
In Swabia we say: No scolding is praise enough 🙂
Haha! My west coast Scottish mother forbad the use of 'nice' as it just meant 'bla'!
Not bad of a comment
@@johnfranzenphotography why thank you kind sir.
I fully understand what you were getting at and the importance continually improving and upping our game. I will say "nice" isn't always an insult or an indication of sub par photography. A lot of my friends are not photographers but enjoy the nature photography I share. I hear "your camera takes great photos" and "wow those are really nice". Honestly, I take those comments as the compliment they were intended to be. I hear photographers getting upset with the "camera takes great photos" comment. People who are not photographers have absolutely no idea . Our best answer is "thank you.." And then talk a little about the shot, where you were, what the creature was doing and how I captured the shot.
That’s my general approach too but some of my friends who don’t necessarily know I do photography and when they see a photo I’m particularly proud of say “hey that’s actually pretty good man!” As you said I think they mean it as a compliment but it still kind of stings because it makes it seem like they didn’t have very high expectations 😂
@@Peztastic When you cook someone a meal and they say, "This is actually pretty good!" 😑
Having a custom ' ready to capture ' setting is a great, really useful tip.
I love dramatic black and white with high contrast and crushed blacks. Since I stopped wondering what others will like about my images and started shooting what I like I'm getting much more enjoyment and satisfaction from my photography.
Simon said it best when he said it was like opening presents. A lot of the time I find extra "subjects" in the photos I take that I couldn't see at the time because I was watching or looking for the "nice" shot.
There's something very therapeutic about listening to Simon!
I love the shout to Anthony! He's a great kid! I've had the pleasure to meet him and his family multiple times at various car events!
cool
The most important tip when taking photos is that you have fun when doing it.
Yep, grabbing a few "nice" photos that trigger memories is something I feel good about. It's why I persist with photography and videography even though I rarely achieve better than "nice".
Agree 💯
That it boss Mouseville
fun won’t matter in-front of viewers if you can’t evoke the “fun” emotion out of them.
@@dbb7_ it matters to me
One thing I am noticing with taking photos as someone new to it, just taking photos has been the best for me learn what I like. My favorite photos were just random quick setups and taught me what kind of photos I want to take more of and what I want to look for.
I watch every one of your videos, Simon. Thanks for all you do for your fellow photographers. This video coincides with what I'm trying to do right now: be more inventive and daring. I've mastered the camera settings and am nearing savant level in Lightroom. But, looking at thousands of my photos, it turns out that I have a style. Perfect focus, sun at my back, lit subject/darker background, well-framed...a lot of animal "portraits." If the shot was dramatic but the bird was so close that its wingtips were cut off, I used to throw away the file. No more of that. The recent assignments I gave myself: more creative perspectives, sun-splashed subjects, and to be as close or far as necessary to tell a great story. Your video inspired me to double down on these assignments.
Great video ,Simon. The thing with my hobby is that I shoot for me, not social media , or ask myself would so & so like this shot. If I like it, I'm good with that.
To go along with the "shoot, shoot, shoot," I'm new to wildlife photography and I'm finding that culling a thousand or two photos down to a dozen or so for sharing really helps me be aware of what makes a photo more worthwhile and stand out so that I'll think more that way later when I'm in the thick of things.
This applies to many creative endeavors. One of the most amazing things I ever sewed was a dress made with a floral fabric that looked like Granny's drapes. When cut and sewn in multiple vertical panels the flowers became abstract and at 40 years of age I stopped traffic in South Beach Miami in my homemade dress. Merci, Simon.
It's amazing how a lot of this advice is clearly based on your wildlife photography, but very easily applies to other genres. Very well presented!
Fabulous video, thank you. Having taken many thousands of "nice" (and not quite nice) photos over the years, I have really lost interest in photography, but watching your videos brings back some of the spark, although my camera is still gathering dust.....
I like the way you speak in your videos, it helps me keep concentrated and entertained.
Yes, shooting when the sun is low, this is very good advice; golden and blue hours. The problem is, this usually is the time when people expect you to be with them instead of out in the field... It's not easy when you see the right lighting (calling you through the windows) but can't go out there and make great photos...
I took a photography class in high school, and I have an uncle who's a retired photography professor. I've seen photos he's taken and they'd consistently have me saying "Wow! That's incredible! That looks amazing!" Seeing the photos you've taken gives me that same feeling, and I'm excited to learn how to improve from your videos.
Perfect image composition! You have magic eyes dear Simon! Great professional!
You are spot on. The truth is, there is no fixed set of arbitrary rules when it comes to taking photos. Photography is an artform and way too many people look it like at it like its some subject to be studied and learnt. Just go with the flow.
This was a masterclass in the *art* of photography’ which for me, and perhaps for others is much more of a challenge than the gear and the techniques ! Thank you for this inspiring video.
I love Simon’s work, as a photographer as well as a TH-camr.
I cannot believe I am NOT paying for this! This puts to shame every course on photography. You have built me as a person. I really appreciate. Thank you!
Definitely one on the (TO BE) most important photography videos :) And not just that, but this mindset should be applied anywhere!
Absolutely!
I always learn so much when I watch your channel.
Thanks for making it fun to learn. 😊
Exquisite, intelligent humour, combined with practical tips! Brilliant, Simon!
Thank you Simon. This type of content is the reason I keep coming back. I don't need any more camera gear videos, but I can certainly use many more videos that teach me about photographic technique.
I know what you mean, but I still feel compelled to defend my 40,000+ photos. The vast majority are on the spectrum of rubbish to nice, but I value all of them for the memories they trigger. Well, most of them. 😉 Grabbing a few "nice" photos that trigger memories is something I feel good about. It's why I persist with photography and videography even though I rarely achieve better than "nice".
Great breakdown! This video hits home for me. I've been shooting for almost 5 years and I was getting the "nice" comments the first couple of years. Earlier this year I read Rick Rubin's book called "the Creative Act: a way of being" and it put me in a new state of mind and I changed my workflow completely. I now don't mind to break rules and I now focus more on quality over quantity. I'm getting more of the "I love your work" comments. That book was a life changer
Absolutely love tip #5. When i got over that fact, I created MY style and my work took off!
Love the advice Simon, I photograph Las Vegas a place that’s been photographed millions of times and I had to create my own unique style to stand out and it’s worked so far 🙌🏽
Very thought provoking and excellent advice. Thanks for your help!
Simon is the best! Le meilleur! 👍🙂👍
Merci!
Thank you very much for your inspiring videos!
I can still remember how I felt the first time someone said "I knew it was your photo as soon as I saw it"
It's a feeling that will never leave me and keeps me wanting to grow.
Simon, thanks so much for sharing these invaluable tips, you are the best photography teacher! Thank you for your generosity and positivity, it is incredibly inspiring and prompting us to keep shooting and improving our art. Keep doing your great work!
Another great video! I have finally learned to always "work the scene." Don't shoot it one way. Move around and get various angles. It always amazes me how people view photos. Your most artful work can be overlooked for the simplest composition that you thought was just "nice."🤣
The problem with the online photography scene: a lot of technically sound photographers who don't know what subject matters they want. Good exposure, good light, sharp pictures, proper framing... but no ideas.
Thanks for the reminders! Great advise as usual, Simon!
No worries!
Great stuff! This doesn't just apply to photography, it's a metaphor for life. If we apply your advice in this video to the way we live every day, our lives will be so much richer. We shouldn't live a "nice" life, but instead, go all out, break the rules, and do our own thing regardless of what others think we should be doing. Not just in photography, but in EVERYTHING we do.
Thanks Simon.....perfect timing for this video!
You quickly became my mentor after watching your first video a couple years back. I am thrilled when you post a new video so i can continue on my photography journey and practice the techniques and tips you present. I also LOVE the inspiring quotes in this video. Very thought producing.
Hey Simon! Love your work, ever since i picked up a used camera a while ago i have been going out taking photos having lots of fun and your videos have been a huge help, drastically improving my skills and building my self confidence in a otherwise scary and intimidating field such as photography when you first start out. Your video have given me endless precious advices conveyed in a way that is simple and easy to understand even for a newbie. You are a true inspiration! Please keep up the amazing work and keep looking out for us little photography chicks moving our first steps! 🐥
Mr. Ambassador, your videos are always encouraging, educational and insightful, with a splash of good humour. Great timing Simon, as I'm off to England in two weeks and have been working on a list of things I want to achieve while there. My top goal is covered by your, "What can I do differently?" Yes, I plan to shoot, shoot, shoot, etc. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and taking the time to share with us. Fellow Bluenoser, always learning. Kindest regards.🙏
You can also find that as you become better you begin to receive negative comments from people who hate the fact you are taking better photos. With modern cameras so much is taken care of so composition plays a bigger part. A slight change of angle or height can bring huge rewards. Sometimes I will take a photo of the same subject from differing angles. It is surprising how this can have a big impact. One tip I do use from a previous video is you do not always need to have the subject in the centre. This is a great tip for birds in flight or animals running. Cheers Simon for your continued help and encouragememt to the photography community.
So right you are. What is even worse: On platforms like Flickr, Instagram and others many folks will let you know that your photos are nice only for one purpose: To trigger you to tell them their photos are nice, too. Thus creating a multitude of false positive feedback. Well, if this satisfies them .... Cheers from Germany, Roland
Thanks Simon. I was just talking with my wife about this this morning. Low and behold this is what your video is about. I always say even if people don't seem to like my work I'm the one that has to be happy with it. I always try to do something different. This is the kind of video that helps everyone and that's the kind I like. Your creative imagination is great.
Glad it was helpful!
this is one of the best of simons videos
Simon, I honestly love your work ☺️.
It's amazing.
Thank you so much 😀
I totally agree.
Awesome pictures exist beyond the limits we set for ourselves by following the rules.
Experience comes from trying new stuff.
Good job making a video like this with quotes from some famous photographers. Truly inspiring.
Thanks Simon, that’s the most useful video I’ve watched long time, will put your tips into practice 😎
I'm new to "serious" photography and have been looking through the vf realizing that most of my shots have been nice and am now seeking more inspiring or thought provoking photos. Your instruction and wonderful videos are the best and have been a tremendous help! Thank-you!!
Excellent. Such a great compilation of good ideas into a snappy video.
Thanks so much!
Thank you for the encouragement. It's Egret season in Central PA and I'm getting discouraged trying to capture good shots. I've always shot Aperature mode but recently switched to Manual. Can't wait to get back out there and try some more.
Another great video Simon. You never disappoint your viewers. What you described in this video is the difference between a snapshot and a photograph. Another way to improve one's photography is to add a bit of tension in the image; i.e. something in the photo that might be distracting but viewers will remember.
Great tips! Thank you Simon
Simon another great video !! for me i work crazy hours to keep me comfortable i take photos (capture a memories) for my own pleasure and to share with others that appreciate wildlife and i also use photography as my escape from the real world i find any positive comments a bonus including those "Nice picture" ones anything else including a like works for me i just shows someone has expressed their gratitude for my work in taking the picture posting it i guess if i was a professional or relied on the financial gains myview may change keep up the great videos i appreciate your hard work to help others
Thanks Simon for all your tips and advice. I am still learning day by day and your video's certainly help me. Your photography is the best and you are the best teacher ever. I am going to try and do something different and know it will take courage and lots of photos, but hey that's how we learn.
Thank you so much, Simon. I appreciate your wisdom & experience in teaching us who are still learning.
Thank you for your teaching. I have taken birds photos for twenty years.
I learned bird photo retouching from you. And also I learned Photography English .
From Japan
Wonderful!
I absolutely love this channel! I am currently residing in "nice". I hate it. This made me think. Thank you sir!
Yes I made it 😀 one of my last published images received comments by several: “I love this photo”, “Unique”, and “Great art-work”. Guess that must align with your statement on a photo that is not just “nice” - by the way I love your channel 😉
Your advice is absolutely sound. I find it so encouraging, thank you so much for these videos !!!
Those two examples of “invention” are excellent! Love the squirrel shots. Very out of the box.
Glad you like them!
On the best of my days I'm an above-average amateur photographer but I love the work you've been doing here with these videos. Because most of the time your advice is applicable in seemingly unlikely areas outside of photography as well! I for one make use of them in my music composition -or if I may brag a little bit check what I've been already doing against them and feel confirmed :)
Once again, I love your work, on and off your camera. Keep it up and best wishes.
Thank you for always inspiring me to go out again and seeing the unique in the daily!
I really needed this. I love a lot of the photos that I take, but sometimes I feel like I'm missing that creative flare recently. This thought process is going to help get me back on track. Much appreciated. Great video!
Simon, i love you man. Your wisdom and advice has helped me so much. This is such good advice!! I recommend you to all my photography friends.
Thanks for sharing!!
I can’t say Thank You enough! Sharing your encouragement to us!
Many thanks for the shout out Simon.
I always love your videos. I am a portrait photographer mainly but it doesn’t matter. Your advice and perspective is so transferable to all types of photography genres.
Great advices. Thanks for sharing!
This is a really nice video... I can't be the first person to make that joke. In all seriousness, this is such great advice I don't know where to begin. And well-executed with photo examples and excellent quotes. Thank you Simon - I've been in a bit of a slump, and this inspired me. Photography is a bit of a mental sanctuary for me, and this video is a nice reminder of why that is. I'll be watching this several more times.
Simon, amazing. Thank you.
A super video that I’ll watch over again…it’s full of great advice. Thank you
Fantastic advice and so well explained. This is something I've been working on and your practical advice is much appreciated Simon.
Thank you for your wonderful inspiration, Simon! I always look forward to watching your videos.
Hi Simon. You are correct, of course. But I have to say, looking at my photos now and thinking "that's nice", is a good feeling, because not too long ago I looked at my photos and I was a little disappointed. Nice is a step up for me :). But you are correct. The next step now is probably a bigger challenge than just gaining the experience and technical knowledge to go from "I am not happy" to "that's nice" - I think that moving beyond "that's nice" is all about being at the right place at the right time and being ready for that moment. I was thinking about this just today as I was doing a three-hour guided safari. I was taking photos of lions, and the thought occurred to me that a unique, interesting photo, would be if a lion happens to DO something interesting. Or if the sun happens to be at just the right place relative to the lion and relative to me to create something visually interesting. And I think this requires planning, a lot of time waiting, and a little bit of luck. And I think the first two of those things, is what separates a good photographer taking epic photos, from a photographer just taking nice photos.
For now, I am happy that my photos are at least nice to me. But coming up next - going beyond just nice! Thanks for your guidance, you actually got me into photography, and it is becoming more and more special to me. Thanks for your videos.
If you are interested, here are two of my just nice photos that I took today, but that makes me happy for now :). Stepping stones to the photos that will be taking in the future that are better than nice, I hope.
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Love your philosophy Simon, it's always good to step outside the boundaries and try something new!
Absolutely!
I love your videos and your tips, they run through my mind every time I go out to take pictures. They have really helped me as a beginner photographer, you are an amazing teacher, thank you
I'm so glad!
May sound odd, but I am going from an iphone 12 mini to a full framed camera...lol. Mostly for video, but am interested in a bit of photography. Sites like this are so helpful to me, especially in understanding the basics, then I can move on to the things that truly confuse me. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience.
Thank you Simon! With this video I understood I already have all these way of Thinking in my daily photography routine, so I’m already at a good level! What about a video for “making editing; editorial work”?
Great advice. It takes a brave artist to buck the trends.
I subscribe to a few photography channels on TH-cam. If could only have one, it would be this channel--no contest. Thank you again for another insightful, enlightening, and motivating video!!!
Wow, thank you!
Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge
You bet!
I often joke:
How many photographers does it take to change a lightbulb?
10. 1 to change the bulb, and 9 to tell the first guy how they'd have done it better.
Some of the best photos I ever took were horrid in composition. But touched people. My issue was getting the compliments and thinking "dude it sucked."
Eventually, I learned to just take the compliment.
If a Tree Falls in the Forest, and There’s No One Around to Hear It, Does It Make a Sound?
If I take a photo and there's no one around to view and praise it, can it still be satisfying? Of course it can. For introverts, no praise is needed. Now if you're selling your work then that's different.
@@SirGregoryFamilyTH-cam I heard an anectode, and I believe it's true that Kurt Vonnegut once wrote a young man who'd written him, and told him to write an amazing poem. But instead of turn it into class, tear it up and burn it.
Nobody would know about it, but the experience of having written it would expand and better him.
@@andychandler3992 I like it.
Great tips! Probably among the best I’ve ever received.
Inspirational! I especially liked the tip on using the space behind the rear screen.
Thank You Simon, ❤️😃
Your photos are so inspiring! Can't wait to have the opportunity to take photos like this
You should!
Dann how good video again! Thanks Simon! ❤️🤙
My pleasure!
Love the video, also a huge fan of Anthony Schmidt as well. Keep Rockin' the Good Stuff!!!!
Thanks Simon for a wonderful video. Keep them coming. Cheers
Thanx Simon,always U helped in a tough situation,also this time u gave some imp tips which will actually help me.
I wish one day I will get a chance to work with you.
Thanx buddy
I hope so too