Understanding your Photography
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ก.ย. 2024
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Every now and then, particularly if the weather hasn't been very good, I spend some thinking about my journey in photography - Am I happy with my progression? What events or things have had an impact on my work? Have there been any notable turning points?
In this video I talk about three photographs that have represented a significant turning point in my landscape and woodland photography. They aren't necessarily my best images, but they signify a positive change and influence in the direction of my photography. I also briefly mention a couple of other key photos and briefly cover why I think it's been important to reflect and understand the 'whys' in my work.
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That Glen Coe shot is spectacular.
Your photo treatment has always been subdued to retain the true atmosphere of the scenery and this is one of the reasons I truly enjoy your channel.
One of the other reason is how much Meg is enjoying each one of your hikes.
One thing I am absolutely sure about you Simon is that your photography comes from the heart. Regards from Somerset.
Okay, first I have to say … how bloody cute is Meg! The way she looks at you at the beginning of this video is just priceless! She is a lovely soul. I thoroughly enjoyed this blog, SImon. Your photos are just stunning, and it was interesting (and instructional) to learn the stories and thinking behind some of your compositions. Looking forward to your next video. Wishing all of you a wonderful week!
My turning point was retirement and a comment made by another photographer. He thought that my images weren't up to much, that's true … they weren't. I was determined to take a "slow" path to improving the technical side of my photography and enjoy both the ups and downs that would come my way. I love taking photographs, exploring the creative side of my personality. There are millions of photographers who are better than I am, have access to amazing locations. I don't care. My journey, my images, my learning. Love it. Your woodland work is inspirational. Thanks Simon.
Simon, the word is EXEMPLARY. This is probably the6th or 7th time I have watched this video, it has all my favorites in it. Thank you as always for taking us along.
Loved the video. My turning point in photography was after my divorce, I had started hiking more and just taking photos along the way. After a while, I found myself more into the photography than the hikes. I am still improving my photography daily. It's something that for me is therapeutic and yet when I get too busy with work and such I crave it more.
I could not agree more, photography is therapeutic. Good luck to you.
You are very gifted in articulating the meaning in not only how you view the philosophical side of your photography but also in how and why you craft your images the way you do. The images here are, if I may, “exemplary!” Wonderful video Simon! ✊
That's very kind of you to say, Danny. Many thanks :)
I agree with you. It depends on what mood you are in as to what you shoot that day. I get inspirited by your work. so keep up the great job.
I love your work Simon. A key turning point for me in my landscape photography was walking down an old muddy track early one morning on my way to an old ruin of a manor house in Ireland. It was misty but the sun had risen and I thought the best light had passed. Half way down the track the fog thickened and the low winter sun went behind the ridge behind me. I turned around and was stunned by the sudden beams of light piercing the mist and creating all sorts of interesting shadows and contrasts. It took me right back to the early mornings of my childhood working on a farm near Pendle Hill in Lancashire, when I would walk up muddy tracks amidst such natural glory on my way to collect the cows for milking. Only now I had the skills and equipment to capture the moment. Probably one of the finest mornings in my photographic journey to date.
I find many videos on TH-cam not worth the time to watch. I have never felt that with one single video from you Simon. Great work!
Beautiful location. Beautiful story. Beautiful moment. Beautiful image. Beautiful vlog.
So many congratulations to you two and Meg! Thanks for sharing such a special moment. I love this image, all of them really. And yes I agree, if we care, the landscape dictates the photo. You were inspired but inspire so many of us. With regard to the Guardians of the Forest discussion - the group went right, you went left. You took the road less travelled then and that has made all the difference.
Hi Linde. Your supporting comments are always much appreciated. Many thanks!
Truly some of the best landscape photos I have seen. Right, I’m off to my local wood.
Thank you very much :-)
Wow! I’ve been following a number of you TH-camrs over the past 5 years, after a personal setback that allowed me time to pursue photography more seriously. Most of you grew, but some grew much more. Looks like you are in that camp. The only advice I can offer is that your images look startlingly like paintings. Spend time in museums. I think you will find artists who see the world like you do.
Gracias Simon, acabo de llegar a tu fiesta y he disfrutado mucho con tus comentarios y por supuesto por tus magníficas fotografías.
I completely agree ... first, decide what you want to communicate, then use rules/techniques of composition as needed to help get a clear feeling/message across. That is also so important for post-processing. Start with what you want to achieve and why ... then proceed with using your expansive toolkits (e.g. Lightroom/Photoshop).
Simon...first of all, congratulations on your proposal and may your marriage be richly blessed! Second, thanks so much for your sharing what must have taken months of reflection to realize, then carefully prepare and share! You have helped provide wonderful perspective to all of us who are trying to understand how to best express our creativity.
This is the first of your videos that I've seen. As a person with ADD, there aren't many videos over 2 minutes that keep my attention. This one certainly did and it was because I related to it on numerous levels. I am a farrier by trade and photography is my hobby. It's also my escape. I do my best work when I'm alone and isolated from people, business, noise, etc. Thanks for creating this video. I'm glad to know that there are like minds out there. You have a gift.
One of your best. Every insightful.
Hi Simon, I’m a bit late to the party and only watching these videos now but I just wanted to say that you along with Thomas Heaton and Sean Tucker are the ones who inspire me the most, because I look at your images and they are just perfect and exactly the kind of thing I love in photography. You always manage to touch my heart somehow, well done mate and keep up the great work 👍
A great video with wonderful thoughts and pictures. And, of course, a very nice story at the beginning of this video. Thanks Simon
Very encouraging words, Simon! I must confess I struggle with getting myself "out there" despite the fact that when I finally do I absolutely love it. What a dichotomy of willingness and will, but your video renews the interest and that's a very good thing. So thank you... and of course, your images are beautiful indeed.
Stunningly beautiful!
What a beautiful memory your proposal makes!
Simon, singularly the most inspirational video I've watched on YT to date. Thank you for sharing your innermost thoughts and some engaging stories. All best.
Much appreciated, Ian! Thank you :)
I love the moodiness of your images but those two oak trees are just breathtaking.
Lovely video, Simon. Great hearing your thoughts on all those wonderful images...but you made me cry at the beginning!
Awww, I hope I didn't! Chuffed you enjoyed it, Martin :)
I started following your channel a few months ago. Your story resonates with me. I was keen walker and loved my time in the mountains but several years ago I developed a spinal condition and arthritis. Hill walking and climbing are no longer an option. This made me angry and frustrated and I didn't want to pick up a camera. I started to make images again based around my local area and I've now begun to venture back out into the landscape. The development of CSC has helped tremendously because the cameras and lenses are lighter. I live near the coast and used to enjoy walks by the sea with my dad as a child. Now I've come to terms with my condition my images are quite serene and relaxed, whereas they used to be quite somber. I certainly lacked confidence but now I'm able to push myself more, ok legs giving way without warning putting me and others in danger means fells and mountains aren't a good idea but getting out more has helped. Your work has inspired me to venture into my local woods and try to work with complex and chaotic compositions that are well outside my comfort zone of simple images with just a few elements. I'm really enjoying your channel, not only for the images but for your honest communication. Thanks Tony
I enjoy watching and hearing your videos, it gives something to think about and then it is some fantastic pictures you take.
Absolutely stunning.... you have the eye.
Excellent - I think that if photography is a passion it is as therapeutic as any medicine. There is nothing quite like being mesmerised by the world around you no matter what form of photography you enjoy. Very enjoyable video.
Some of these look so surreal. Like a painting that couldn't happen in real life.
I'm new to photography and still trying to find my path. I've often felt uninspired by my local area as it's a desert. Lately I've found myself shooting the landscape almost like a portrait, with a bush or tree isolated against the background. This has truly reflected my mood looking back on it now. Understanding that and noticing that I've begun to develop my own style has been a turning point. Thank you for this video and for sharing your stories. Deeply inspirational and I look forward to more.
This...is your best video so far. No doubt about it.
Very much appreciated, Henry! Thank you :)
Thanks Simon for sharing your journey it remembered me about a turning point in my life 6 years ago. Whenever I need to make important decisions I used to wander into nature opening my senses, smelling, hearing, observing my surroundings. It was on one of this hikes, where I was at a crossroads in my life, after spending several hours in the woods that I came to open place in the woods where they had cut down all the pines. My first feeling was sorrow about the loss of the trees when I noticed that they left one birch tree catching the light which must have been hidden by the pines before. When I allowed the scene to sink in the sorrow transformed in something beautiful with the realization that in order to allow this small birch to grow and bloom it was needed to bring it into the light by cutting down the pines. I felt that it was also the affirmation that I needed to make the right decision by letting go of my fears and old convictions in order to allow myself to grow and bloom. I now believe that it also planted the seed for my fascination with trees. Two years ago I started photographing during my hikes and find myself in the process from mastering the techniques into developing my connection with nature and capturing it into an image that will speak to me as it did that day and hopefully by sharing it also will speak to others.
Many thanks for sharing your story, Aad! All the very best to you!
First Simon thank you for a great video. I am incredibly impressed with the way you delivered the entire thing in one take. You speak with total passion and I find you incredibly inspiring. I have lived in the New Forest for 25 years and really struggled to get a passion for my photography in the Forest. My love is coastal and underwater photography..until now! Watching and listening to you has suddenly changed something in me, and I feel totally motivated to make the most of my privileged position of living in the heart of the National Park. If you ever fancy a shoot in the New Forest please shout. Thank you again
Many thanks for your kind words and offer for a shoot in the New Forest. Much appreciated :)
My turning point was your first or second video.
I have a small forest right in front of my house, but never thought of taking photographs there. After watching your video, I went right into it, got off the path and spent the most wonderful time in the forest exploring and photographing.
beautiful shots, Simon!
For me I just can’t budge from woodlands. It’s that solitude in nature and away from the hustle and bustle, that healing power of nature. With or without the camera. Mind you I do love taking that camera.
Hi Simon, been following you for a while and was moved to comment on this video. The ability you have to articulate the feelings and artistic process behind your images is a rare skill, and perfectly compliments your work. You have inspired me to consider my own photography turning points, something I haven’t really thought about up to now. I think we all have images we personally like, or even ones that have done well in competitions or whatever, but to reflect on the ones that have shaped our own personal photography journey seems like something well worth doing.
Thank you very much for your kind comment, Philip! I'm delighted that you found some inspiration from the video :)
Well done, Simon. Very well done.
An exemplary video. Thanks. The oak tree that has become your logo and "Guardians of the Forest" truly capture the magic of the woodlands. Perhaps it's my Scots/Irish DNA that draws me to the woods.
Videos like this keep me watching your channel and others like it - discussing images and what lies behind them. (and not a bit of gear discussion anywhere, hurray!)
Marvelous images.
You are exactly right Simon. Are photographs are what we feel or what we are going through. Keep up the great work, love your photos and channel.
I watch photography videos to improve my own photography but you always deliver so much more! Love you and Meg!
Inspiring Simon and confirms how powerful and personal an image can be.
Thank you so much for that, Simon. Your videos are getting better and better, with no end in sight, and the metaphor of a journey seems just right. Maybe when you feel it's ripe, you could give us a video about, well, your videos? But thanks, whatever you do.
Not only is your story interesting, I really enjoy the images you have captured. I am drawn to images that exude a feeling or mood, and the images you shared do that for me. I'm hoping I can apply this realization to my own work.
This is the reason i started follow your channel to be honest, there is thoughts and a story/feeling behind each frame you shoot. Great work and keep it coming!
Simon,what can I say other than INCREIBLE!!!!! I always enjoy your videos but this one just took my breath away. Each image was better and yes I did recognize several of them, BRAVO, Thanks well done!
Insightful, inspiring and a top, top video Simon - thankyou...
Very important info there Simon. Self-exploration and a review of one's work is a truly honest path to growth both as an artist and a person.
Congratulations Mate.
To me, it's dream like. There's a comfort inside that mist.
Thanks for this Simon. I always appreciate your reflections on why you craft the images that you do. I am increasingly finding more pleasure in trying to convey an emotion through an image, and your style of photography has really helped me develop along that journey.
Wow, that landscape is jaw dropping... What an amazing place. It would be hard to not come back with some keeper photos!
Thoughtful and considered presentation which strikes a real note with me. So much more enjoyable to watch and listen than some from other photographers who seem too intent on promoting themselves. Thank you.
Simon: I have recently gotten back into photography and for me also I did it for personal healing and renewal. In my case, I needed something to get my head out of politics as I now feel we no longer truly have a voice and it was tearing me apart. Landscape photography has a triple healing effect for me: it is physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Being a new comer to photography is difficult because it is so daunting to try and find yourself/photography and I enjoy videos of people like peter McKinnon but it seems so commercial and and flashy which I don´t believe myself to be. Watching these videos have helped me understand a side of photography which is more intimate and is growing my understanding a lot more. Thanks for the videos and I will be using them to both enjoy myself more during photography and help me take "better" photos
Thank you for sharing those special moments with us. I love your photography and your videos. So inspiring.
Stunning video and image. This brings passion back to photography. Sick and tired of having to look at Camera reviews. Great to see the soul of photography.
Hi Simon. Your thoughtful, contemplative approach to photography is such a pleasure to enjoy. It puts me in mind of the Taoist / Japanese Zen Bhuddist concept of 'Wabi Sabi'. Everything I've heard you say in your videos is a reflection of that ethos, something that helps me find peace and happiness in everyday life.
If you're not familiar with 'Wabi Sabi' you might find it interesting to explore and understand in the context of your own thinking.
Finally, thank you for giving me the clarity of thought to start trying to see my own favourite woodland in ways that will hopefully enable me to encapsulate the elements that make it special for my wife Ruth and I.
Hope you and yours stay fine and well at this difficult time and emerge unscathed.
Stunning Simon.What a great understanding of our woodlands you have. Keep the video's coming.
Great photos but the look on your wife's face on the Scotland walk was just so good. Thanks for the video!
Simon, Loved the video and your commentary, but was truly blown away by your photos! I was transported into those places, and the feeling I got was wonderfully peaceful. Thank you!
Excellent video Simon, it is great to hear some of the stories behind your photos. The way you capture the emotion in your photos is fantastic.
Awesome, thanks for sharing
I very much enjoyed this video, your images are breathtaking and inspiring to me. At the ripe ages of 73 I have become an enthusiast, hungry to learn. From the vast information readily available, your videos and information are of a kind, full of meaning and passion I thoroughly enjoy. Thank you Simon. Regards Bill from Australia downunder.
Simon, I throughly enjoyed this video and listening to your comments. The photographs are simple amazing too. Well done Sir.
Thought provoking video on emotions and stories behind the photos.
Inspiration in a way !
Thank you Simon, for sharing your thoughts on your photographic journey. (And we saw Meg! Briefly.) I find that the challenge of self-improvement over time is good therapy for me - I can go back over several years and see that, while maybe not as quickly or consistently as I would like, I am getting better at composition and finding "good light". I don't think I will ever stop learning in this (for me) hobby and it will always make me a happier person. I look forward to your next installment.
Fabulous video Simon, I get what you mean, I have come to the realisation that certain areas are much more inspirational to me than others and that I must make more time to get to those places , cheers Del
Sitting in the car having a coffee after a very cold and snowy day photographing Loch Ard. I really enjoyed the video and can completely relate to your images, the mood created by the light and mist is what I have been trying to capture for a while. First class, thank you.
Thank you, Simon. having spent the last 2 weekends deep in the forests here by my place, and only walking away with a handful of mediocre shots, but identifying some great potential but still feeling really despondent, I feel more inspired now. It really is a case of pushing on, getting up early, walking, and learning, and coming back to get the right shot...
I will be back on the trails this weekend!
Many thanks! Yes, it's hard work and woodland/forests is one of the most challenging genres but there's great rewards to be had :)
Thanks Simon. Your deeper exploration of photography really speaks to me and I’m left inspired to keep going with my photography (after a couple of years being uninspired) I’ll be watching more of your videos here.
Thank you Simon! I found the video so full of honesty and integrity, but also inspiring! Keep it up!
Congratulations on your engagement. I enjoyed the video. One thing is for sure, the proposal photo is definitely not 'miserable'.
You are one of my top 5 photographers mate. Your work blows my mind. Amazing to watch you and see your work
I have a massive issue with my own self confidence and always wanting to do better. I have never looked at any of my photos and had the same feeling I do when I see the likes of your work. I have thought many times about giving up. But I love the camera so I keep on snapping. I also got in LPotY but you beet me haha and rightly so. Look forward to your next video.
Loved this video. Thank you.
Simon, your work is so inspiring on many levels. I just love the feeling of your moody woodland images. There is a melancholy element to them, but that is often the feeling you get while exploring isolated woodlands. There is a sense of isolation, vulnerability, fascination by the complexity of the woodland and it's beauty mixed with the fear of the unknown. And then you find a subject that owns you, you get so transfixed by it that all the other emotions get pushed aside while work to bring forth the image. Thank you for allowing us to tag along.
That's very kind of you, Bruce! Thank you very much for watching and enjoying!
Cheers, Simon! I just realised that I have been a subscriber of yours from the beginning and since then, I have discovered a handful of awesome photographers from the UK that I love. But, you are my favourite and I wanted to tell you that. Every time I look at my print of Guardians of the Forest, I have to smile! You have given me a sense of the magick that is Britain even though I live in Atlanta! I love your moody compositions and look forward to discovering the next, and the next... Thank you, my friend, and also know there is another "spinal sufferer" on the other side of the pond that gets to live life through your lens.
Sean
That's very kind of you and much appreciated, Sean :-)
Stunning Images .. The mood you create in a scene is an art in itself and a skill that is very rare. Your passion comes across in your videos that its not all about the photo but its about being there in the moment. Great Videos and images Simon.. Very inspirational .. Thank you
That's very kind you of you, Glen. Thank you!!
Thank you for the video, Simon. I feel I can relate to the notion of confidence when it comes to photography. The subjective nature of photography always leaves room for doubt so continuing to believe in yourself must be one of the most important things out there.
First congrats on the engagement!!! What a wonderful backdrop, I'm sure the two of you will never forget that moment and that place. Your woodland images are so sublime, you are truly a master at one of the most difficult genre's of landscape photography. Enjoyed seeing all of these and hearing the stories behind them!
Very inspiring Simon, don't ever stop :)
Very inspiring... congrats for your great work...
Great video. I was really excited when I saw the title of this as I too like reflecting on my photography- where it’s going, staying true to myself and I’m still trying to find my style and also how I process images. I feel I’m not there yet but I’m also not in a rush. I want it to happen naturally without being forced. I feel if I rush it there’s less chance that I will develop my own style and just end up copying someone else’s. it’s amazing to see where you have come from and your almost only recent journey into photography however you have managed to produce a handful of award winning images. Just an amazing story and one you should be very proud of.
Thank you very much, Jeff! Your kind support is much appreciated :)
Simon, I really like your photography, your style and your story. I find myself attracted to scenes of mood and atmosphere, dead trees, anything that helps the image. I don't actually think about it that much, I just know when it feels right. I first started photographs in my teens and at that time I was more interested in people, ( had a book published this year with stuff I did 50 years ago!
'A Different Dublin' the 1960s through the lens ). Would love to do something with landscape. Your shots are brilliant. Thank you.
Thanks Simon, your reflections have really helped and encouraged me, thank you
Those of us who also love the woodlands understand completely your love and fondness for a particular tree or scene. Leslie
A great video! I am really inspired with your photos, and the stories behind them! I really love the moodiness of your woodlands.
I myself have actually two turning points in my photography. One was when I picked up my old dslr again after many years of it collecting dust, and decided to take these walks around my local area with the camera, just to get myself out of the house, as I was in middle of a long period of depression.
I particularly remember one of the early walks, when I had this picture in mind with one silver birch and the mist on the lake near me. It was really hard to get myself up and out of the house before sunrise (in a middle of Finnish summer, when there's a sort of sunrise around 0400 in the morning) to catch the one shot I had in mind. I did get the shot, and pleased with myself I was going to just turn back and go look at the capture on a big screen. But funnily enough, I decided against it, to walk around the lake and just see if there's something else to capture. Few hours later, I captured a shot that I still consider possibly my best image -at least it means most to me. As it reminds me that there is always, always something more to be found, when you keep on going, and the best stuff is often found when you just keep your eyes open.
My second turning point was my first trip to Scotland in 2017, and funnily enough, not for the locations, but because the photos from that trip were the first ones that I actually learned to utilize lightroom properly. That did change the way I think my photos on location, as I realize that some things are found in the post-processing.
And of course, finding different (mainly landscape) photographers at youtube has had a major impact on my photography, and you keep inspiring me to grab my gear and get out, instead of getting them covered by the dust again! So a major thank you for that, Simon!
And oh, the shot in the first story can be found here: flic.kr/p/PAF6qx
(I did not actually ever post that shot that I was going to shoot that morning.)
Thank you very much for your kind words and sharing your story, Tommi! It's been great to slowly read through all the wonderful comments :)
Thank you for sharing your inspired photography. Your beautiful work helps motivate me in my journey
Thanks Simon. Just listening to some of your videos while I'm working. So many lessons and advice from you still to be had. Such wisdom and inspiration is always needed to help others. Thanks so much.
Thanks for the great video. Keep Exploring. The last 18 months I experienced life challenges while transitioning to "full time" photography. But one of the things that has helped me is your magnificent photography of your local woodlands area, inspiring me to continue my photography efforts in the local area here, that few photograph.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I find your videos really inspiring.
Inspiring narrative with stunning images! Thank you
Much appreciated, Adrian :-)
Thank you for your insights. Inspirational video.
Awesome video Simon. I find I often relate to your videos and understand them, as well as finding the images you take amazing. From this video especially it has made me think a little more as to my own photography, I am amateur at best but I enjoy taking images and feel a need to get out there and capture better images to improve, better light, better composition etc. I love both landscape and woodland but like yourself I find more intimacy in woodland, gnarly, twisted or broken trees have always resonated with me even when I am just hiking I'll veer off path to see them and walk around them. I am at this minute living where I work (to save up funds for another big adventure) but I am a van lifer and long distance hiker at heart. Sine taking on van life I have discovered I am not the extrovert I thought I was but a bit of both, introvert and extrovert with perplexed me until I started, like yourself, looking at the images I was taking. Most are lonely barren places, beautiful but without people or myself, singular trees in a full forest. I understand your photography and I think that's why I enjoy the videos so much.
Megs pretty cool as well :-D
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment, Mike! Very much appreciated :)