So right. I like all landscapes. But my favorites are foggy scenes along the shorelines of lakes and bays of lakes in Canada when the Loons are calling.
Nice lighthouse lamp in your room! Speaks of one of your big enthusiasms! I love having the southern part of Loch Lomond "on my doorstep". There is always beauty to be seen in the constantly changing light and colours on the hills, mountains, water and trees, and varieties of birds on the loch. It inspires me in writing my rather naff poetry, and I combine words and pictures to try to capture the refreshing experiences I have in the moments I am soaking it all in. My results always fall short of the beauty I keep in my memory of the most inspiring moments. I share your philosophy of getting out and seeking what inspires you.
Thank you Kim you made some excellent points. You are so right not everyone will like what we do photographically but first and foremost we need to like and embrace what we do. Thanks for another wonderful video.
Good for you Kim. You've just got to have the courage to do your own thing and I admire that enormously. Well done on creating such a great channel. It takes a lot of time and commitment and I think you're fantastic. All the best, David :-)
I really appreciated what you had to say about finding your niche. I am in the early stages of rediscovering photography. I aim to get out as often as I can but feel a little nomadic in my wanderings around where I live. I have ideas and hopefully, these will guide me in my quest to find a subject I want to explore further. I find your TH-cam channel very inspiring. I live on the coast in Whitby so have the sea & Moors on my doorstep with woodlands also nearby. Thank you for your creativity it keeps me motivated to watch you enthuse about an area or site you are visiting. Wishing you all the best. Stephen.
Thanks Kim was sat here asking myself how can I find a niche and immediately found your video and realised I get very excited when near any place with water so am heading down that road and see how it goes thank you ❤
Excellent video Kim and you are spot on. I play a bit of music and I think you always play better when it’s your favourite genre. The audience also makes a difference to the performance. It’s a reasonable analogy for what you are speaking about in the video. As always you deliver very helpful thoughts and advice.
thanks so much kim, i love the way you think, what really does it for me considering where i live and theres not many grand mountain and costal areas it cause me to find the beauty in other things in nature, we have many parks and wooded areas close to home so animals and birds are a favorite, bugs, flowers, ice, just whatever catch's the eye.. and sometimes just taking a long drive and shooting out the car window is fun..
Thanks for sharing Kim....only just watched video.. your description of your feelings/suggestions etc are beautifully put and I agree with all you say....I just love taking pics of whatever interests me as I look at photos as being a 'moment in time' and as a hobbyist, this suits my photography inspiration..... cheers from Australia 😀❤️
Your right Kim, we are so worried when people don't like or tell us what is wrong with it some time its positive but others its not. Great to just get out and do your own thing you like, just taken a look at my back photos and it seem i have a niche and was not fully aware, thanks for letting me see it. Great channel.
Hi Kim, great message in this , I do photography first and foremost for myself as long as I like the results and I feel I am improving then I am more than happy, if others like some of my results so much the better. Photography really is an art and just as divisive . Take care Kim stay safe !
My favorite places to photograph, are in the region where I live. I feel part of this region and a photo is a connection of sort. As always, I enjoy your videos.
Hi Kim! I'm really glad you uploaded this video, because I think it highlights some very valid points. My own personal niche isn't actually landscape photography at all I don't think. It's macro photography! Although I fully appreciate landscape photography, it's not where I feel the most inspired. Maybe it's because I haven't been able to photograph any truly breathtaking landscapes, I don't know. My brother is a semi-professional photographer and he once said to me "A boring landscape, will make a boring photograph."
Great video Kim. I've found that since lockdown started I've decided to concentrate on flower photography as that's something I've always enjoyed. I would say that this is my niche and is a subject matter I would be happy to specialise in. I feel I would rather strive for excellence in one area rather than be mediocre in many. If you're not inspired by a subject matter, even if you feel you should be, it doesn't make for a happy photographer.
Great video Kim it was something to think about. I do love going to the coast. Love to photograph seabirds or waves when there is a storm, but sometimes i go photographing kitesurfers. This morning it was snowing so i went to a forest, in summer then it's time for macro and butterflies. I just like to do different subjects
I really enjoyed the point you made at the end around photographing an area that always provides you with inspiration and you always come away with photos from. I recently went and spent a day in a forest here in New Zealand and as much as I loved it I didn't really come away with any photos I really liked. Whereas when I go to my local beach I often come away with a lot of abstract photos that I really like. Its almost like the act of creating enjoyable photos at locations is sometimes intuitive to the areas you find most inspiring on a subliminal level. Like its second nature to create images you like in certain locations?
I found your podcast because of the photography. I come back for the whole package and more importantly your positivity and enthusiasm of your posts. Thanks and keep it up.
Hi Kim, great talk! I can totally relate to what you're saying. I have such a place, it's called the Palouse. I've photographed everything from the money shots from Steptoe Butte in the spring at sunrise to cold blowing snow storms across stubble fields in the dead of winter. I never tire of venturing out there largely because it's where I find peace and because the conditions can change so fast, it rarely disappoints. I enjoy your channel.
Good video Kim. I paint and this is all very relevant to that or any other medium. Personally, I find that discovering my niche (tends towards portraits) is relatively straightforward (just following interest), the much more difficult, and also ultimately more important, thing to find is a sense of purpose for the work. The why? I'm sure it has to be something that involves others / the wider world in some way, as a purely internal purpose such as interest, pleasure, relaxation, learning skills and processes, etc. doesn't seem to be sufficient long-term. This is my present challenge.
Thank you Kim, for a thought provoking video. I have struggled this past year to find ways to be creative with my photography. I have discovered that while macro, abstract, still life and (empty) street photography can be fun, I really miss long hikes in our state parks. Hopefully some form of normal will come back soon for us all. Stay safe and well.
Yes Kim, great video. You hit it right on the head. Some things just don’t talk to me and i waste a lot of time and battery power trying to make them happen. You validated my issue, I was beginning to think that there was something lacking in me, thank you.
Good for you to stand for what you believe in , we are all individuals and like different things, loved the video today, inspiring as usual , I personally like photographing wildlife/nature but have recently gotten into architecture which is an eye opener
really valid thoughts and advice. Thanks for actually putting this into words. I love Glencoe, but had an appalling time there just before you went, with terrible weather for a whole week that just dragged me right down. When I expressed my lack of 'seeing' anything to another photographer he was quite short with me because there was 'so much' to photograph there. I left and went to skye for the remainder of my trip instead, and had a ball. Its not just the niche, but its also being in the right mindset for the particular spot you are in. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt, but you are correct, it is about connecting with your subject to get the most out of it for your shots. I have been back since and found a bit of Glencoe that worked better for me second time round, so I think its well worth revisiting places and subjects again from time to time, since you may be suddenly surprised that your interest and connections may differ enough to warrent further investigations in your photographic journey.
Another good one Kim. I'm really hoping one day I can join you on a workshop on the beach. I'm 5th gen Australian on both sides but of mainly Scottish descent, Campbell and McDonald lol, I have a real urge to explore the country of my ancestors and your vlogs are feeding that.
Fantastic video Kim! This is jumping out at me more now that I’ve started vlogging - I’ve had a couple recent vlogs out in the rainforest and felt so engaged and alive, then did one down by the beach, and while I really enjoy taking photos involving waves otherwise I just don’t feel that same connection. Thanks so much for making me more aware of this - it’s certainly something for me to ponder on and consider more while I’m out and about. 🙏
Hope to get back to Scotland some day. I upgraded my camera and dedication 5 years ago, with a trip to Scotland. Still haven't settled on a niche. My greatest satisfaction is the enjoyment of others in my work. Stay safe. Oh, a tip a pint for me. ;-)
Inspirational Kim, love your work & Video channel! I’m a novice in photography & trying to gather as much information and skill to improve my images your channel has been very helpful! I’m tending to gravitate towards landscape photography as like you say you also get to enjoy & take in your surroundings! Two thumbs up from down under Australia Kim 🇦🇺👍👍
Hi Kim well that was different and some what thought provoking, I don't have a particular niche I take photographs of landscapes with a view to painting them at a later date and I love wildlife photography purley for the pleasure of it. I don't share anything on social media because what I do I do for my own pleasure and if I like what I've done then that's good enough for me. My advice to anyone would be do what makes you happy and let others do the same. Until next time take care and stay safe.
Thanks Kim, I felt exactly the same strange feeling last year. I took part of a photography trip in the Dolomites. Really the landscapes are incredibly impressive. It was great but I didn't enjoy really those nice photos, I could deduce from this experience, that I prefer nature but tiny details, I prefer looking for single things. This must be a niche... Thanks again for your videos
I picked up photography in Finland. A place with landscapes many people call boring but I call peaceful. Mostly just hills, forests, lakes and swamps. I just love how serene it is. And interestingly enough, it's photography that's taught me I loved it. Photography's taught me to open my eyes. Anyway, what happened next, unbeknownst to me at first, was I was photographing everywhere like it was a peaceful landscape. Patagonia, with its VERY strong winds and dramatic mountains? Sure, looks peaceful in my photographs. Iceland, where most mountains are dormant volcanos and it can sometimes feel like you're right in between two tectonic plates? Looks peaceful in my work. Paris, where I live these days? That bustling city? Sure, you guessed it, even that urban sprawl looks like a peaceful landscape in many of my photographs. And I don't even try. It's just what I like and long for. Peacefulness, serenity, quietness, .... Call it whatever you like, that's what I love and want to share in my work. I look forward to seeing where my Patreon project will take me. Will feeling like I have to make photos for my subscribers change what I'm interested in? So far, and it's been 3 years already, I don't think it has. We'll see...
Liked this video a lot. Of special interest was your feeling about Glencoe and the highlands. On this side of the pond we have similar attractions in the west, national parks such as Yosemite, Arches, Zion, and Bryce canyon. A photographer can come away with WOW! images, if you can force your way through the other photographers. I find, like you, personal-intimate compositions in so many other places, often alone where you do not need a people filter. Another way to find a niche may be understanding what is not your niche. I will look forward to more videos..
Very true. People generally accept that there's genres of music and that not everything is for everyone, yet there's this general idea that all landscape photography is landscape photography and therefore for everyone. Which is like saying jazz is jazz and if you like jazz then you must like all jazz. Which... Is ridiculous.
Agree, your photographs should be what you enjoy (unless it is work). I live in the Lake District so luckily it is what I enjoy. I do love seascapes as well mainly in North West Wales (I do intend to visit Scotland) but woodlands for example which I love walking in does nothing for me from a photography perspective. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
Can totally relate, spent my whole life on the coast and for the last 2 years ive been in the beautiful rocky mountains however its just not as inspirational to me personally. Good talking points in this one
Excellent thoughts that you have shared here. Some of it sounds logical or common sense but you managed to summarise the thought-process so well. I love birds, always have but photographing them just isn’t for me. I admire my friends in our camera club who take amazing bird shots. There was a time I wanted to be able to do this, too but then when I’m out photographing birds I just don’t enjoy it. On the other side, get me out to a Loch surrounded my mountains and my creative juices start flowing. - Interestingly, the only birds I really photograph are those on lakes ...
Great video, but I feel a bit torn on this one. Some days I love exploring smaller details, sometimes the big vistas, I also have a big passion recently discovered (20 years too late lol) for gig photography, and I have missed it terribly. And recently I've really enjoyed trying some different things, having a go with toy photography at home, which was great fun. So maybe my niche is experimentation and creative photography - but mostly I think of my self as a photographer of no fixed genre. Anyway, great video to get you thinking on a Sunday morning 👍 thank you!
This video is all about inspiring people to photograph what they enjoy. It's great that you enjoy a mix of subjects and genres. I am not saying at all that people need a niche but that they should enjoy the subjects they enjoy. Experiment and listen to your heart. :)
Thanks a lot for making this video. It is very inspirational , i will think about my niche and work it out. About the questions To ask yourself why and where and what attracks me in doing it? Sometimes when one watch other phtographers and their work and tutorials, a lot of the time it is about Landscape. Sometimes one het the feeling not To be an serious phtographer not doing te same. Thanks for the example you gave about that your passion is not the mountains, but de seashores en you are very happy being on the coast and less extited when photographing other stuff. Taking photographs just for your own pleasure and heaving fun with it. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Well, I thought my niche as a beginner photographer might be my kids and grandkids but they are pretty much sick of me so now I have look for something else. Ungrateful wretches. Great advice Kim. Thanks I think.
I really like the clips where you walk away from the camera in your videos. Could you make a video about that, how you plan them and how to set the camera for them? Please. :-D
Yes that's something to think about, I found my niche years ago I think it was just getting out with a camera, I only take pictures of what I like but I do share them with others, I have only been to Scotland 3 times, 1 working and I have taken 2 holidays there and wow its lovely If I had the chance again it would be Glencoe, but all these places are a long way from where I live in the West Midlands so I have to make the best of whats around me, and because of lock down I have only managed to get out with a camera about 5 times when we have had the all clear. I look forward to seeing you do more About Scotland trips in the future I think they are great, I don't mind a few pictures thrown in too, it's nice to be on the beach...Thank you, now where's my bucket and spade! 😀..
Hope you make it up here again sometime to enjoy Glencoe when it is safe and allowed once more. It's great to be able to get out and enjoy what's in your local area though. It's amazing what we can find and how much more enjoyable life can be, when we appreciate what's near.
I have had my campervan for 3 years now and never spent any time in glencoe/Fort William area. Its a beautiful area but I have no desire to go there, there is so much more to scotland than the mountains on the west coast 😊.
i did a month long photographic tour in my camper, of the highlands, last summer between lockdowns, and was very surprised to realise the east coast excited me far more than the west... (tho the midges may have been part of my issue there ...LOL) Very understated part of the highlands...
@@kimgrantphotography oh gosh doesn't it?!!! I adore waterfalls and keep trying to get a shot that I am happy with, and was amazed by those at Whalligoe, Wailing Widow, Clashnessie, Smoo Cave, I fell in love with Big burn, and the adorable sputie burn, and a whole bunch of little ones everywhere else, and then there were all the other awesome spots between them... 😍😍It was such a packed trip I am still only halfway thru my blog lol!!! Cannot wait for another chance to get back! Very jealous of you being so much closer!
You nailed it Kim. I think of it this way: on the 8th day, God created Pistachio ice cream because not everyone likes chocolate or vanilla. Keep on keepin' on. 👍
Ah niche, not nitch.... Out of curiosity, is it a distance thing? How long does it take to get to the mountain vs the beach and is it the thought of travelling that's the issue? For me it is, but that might just well be me :-)
Not a distance thing no. Out with Covid times I travel around the country quite a lot. Love a good road trip/day out. I just love the coast and it's where I find most of my inspiration. Mountains have personally never given me the same inspiration.
Do what you love, and love what you do! The ingredients for happiness, creativity and mastery. Well said, Kim!
So right. I like all landscapes. But my favorites are foggy scenes along the shorelines of lakes and bays of lakes in Canada when the Loons are calling.
Totally agree with you Kim, I used to shoot everything but now I concentrate on coastal landscapes. Keep up the good work.
Nice lighthouse lamp in your room! Speaks of one of your big enthusiasms! I love having the southern part of Loch Lomond "on my doorstep". There is always beauty to be seen in the constantly changing light and colours on the hills, mountains, water and trees, and varieties of birds on the loch. It inspires me in writing my rather naff poetry, and I combine words and pictures to try to capture the refreshing experiences I have in the moments I am soaking it all in. My results always fall short of the beauty I keep in my memory of the most inspiring moments. I share your philosophy of getting out and seeking what inspires you.
Thank you Kim you made some excellent points. You are so right not everyone will like what we do photographically but first and foremost we need to like and embrace what we do. Thanks for another wonderful video.
Good for you Kim. You've just got to have the courage to do your own thing and I admire that enormously. Well done on creating such a great channel. It takes a lot of time and commitment and I think you're fantastic. All the best, David :-)
That's very kind of you David - thank you very much.
I really appreciated what you had to say about finding your niche. I am in the early stages of rediscovering photography. I aim to get out as often as I can but feel a little nomadic in my wanderings around where I live. I have ideas and hopefully, these will guide me in my quest to find a subject I want to explore further. I find your TH-cam channel very inspiring. I live on the coast in Whitby so have the sea & Moors on my doorstep with woodlands also nearby. Thank you for your creativity it keeps me motivated to watch you enthuse about an area or site you are visiting. Wishing you all the best. Stephen.
Thanks Kim was sat here asking myself how can I find a niche and immediately found your video and realised I get very excited when near any place with water so am heading down that road and see how it goes thank you ❤
Well said Kim! I'm with you:). Seascapes are where I get my affirmation for life!!! xx
Yup I agree. Do the things you love and the world will see your love. Simple
A lovely 'Pause for thought' for Sunday morning, thanks for sharing.
Excellent video Kim and you are spot on. I play a bit of music and I think you always play better when it’s your favourite genre. The audience also makes a difference to the performance. It’s a reasonable analogy for what you are speaking about in the video. As always you deliver very helpful thoughts and advice.
well said! makes you think about what is important to you.
thanks so much kim, i love the way you think, what really does it for me considering where i live and theres not many grand mountain and costal areas it cause me to find the beauty in other things in nature, we have many parks and wooded areas close to home so animals and birds are a favorite, bugs, flowers, ice, just whatever catch's the eye.. and sometimes just taking a long drive and shooting out the car window is fun..
Great points Kim, particularly for people starting out it just pays to start of simple and not try to cover too many things
Thanks for sharing Kim....only just watched video.. your description of your feelings/suggestions etc are beautifully put and I agree with all you say....I just love taking pics of whatever interests me as I look at photos as being a 'moment in time' and as a hobbyist, this suits my photography inspiration..... cheers from Australia 😀❤️
Very well expressed. Good job, thanks for sharing this.
Your right Kim, we are so worried when people don't like or tell us what is wrong with it some time its positive but others its not. Great to just get out and do your own thing you like, just taken a look at my back photos and it seem i have a niche and was not fully aware, thanks for letting me see it. Great channel.
Great to hear you've found your niche and enjoy what you shoot Duncan. Thanks for watching :)
Hi Kim, great message in this , I do photography first and foremost for myself as long as I like the results and I feel I am improving then I am more than happy, if others like some of my results so much the better. Photography really is an art and just as divisive . Take care Kim stay safe !
its what you like Kim, your doing a great job no complaints from i look forward to you vlogs on a Sunday morning take care and stay safe
My favorite places to photograph, are in the region where I live. I feel part of this region and a photo is a connection of sort. As always, I enjoy your videos.
Hi Kim! I'm really glad you uploaded this video, because I think it highlights some very valid points. My own personal niche isn't actually landscape photography at all I don't think. It's macro photography! Although I fully appreciate landscape photography, it's not where I feel the most inspired. Maybe it's because I haven't been able to photograph any truly breathtaking landscapes, I don't know. My brother is a semi-professional photographer and he once said to me "A boring landscape, will make a boring photograph."
Great video Kim. I've found that since lockdown started I've decided to concentrate on flower photography as that's something I've always enjoyed. I would say that this is my niche and is a subject matter I would be happy to specialise in. I feel I would rather strive for excellence in one area rather than be mediocre in many. If you're not inspired by a subject matter, even if you feel you should be, it doesn't make for a happy photographer.
Well said. Do what you 💘
YES.....Photography is an Art form, some will like.it and some won't....but what matters is how you feel about it yourself and what makes you happy 🌿
Great video Kim it was something to think about. I do love going to the coast. Love to photograph seabirds or waves when there is a storm, but sometimes i go photographing kitesurfers. This morning it was snowing so i went to a forest, in summer then it's time for macro and butterflies. I just like to do different subjects
Very much looking forward to your new journey. Your love of nature is conveyed beautifully and I can’t wait to see more of Scotland’s nature.
Thank you very much Michelle :)
I really enjoyed the point you made at the end around photographing an area that always provides you with inspiration and you always come away with photos from. I recently went and spent a day in a forest here in New Zealand and as much as I loved it I didn't really come away with any photos I really liked. Whereas when I go to my local beach I often come away with a lot of abstract photos that I really like. Its almost like the act of creating enjoyable photos at locations is sometimes intuitive to the areas you find most inspiring on a subliminal level. Like its second nature to create images you like in certain locations?
I found your podcast because of the photography. I come back for the whole package and more importantly your positivity and enthusiasm of your posts. Thanks and keep it up.
That's very kind David - thank you :)
Hi Kim, great talk! I can totally relate to what you're saying. I have such a place, it's called the Palouse. I've photographed everything from the money shots from Steptoe Butte in the spring at sunrise to cold blowing snow storms across stubble fields in the dead of winter. I never tire of venturing out there largely because it's where I find peace and because the conditions can change so fast, it rarely disappoints. I enjoy your channel.
Good video Kim. I paint and this is all very relevant to that or any other medium. Personally, I find that discovering my niche (tends towards portraits) is relatively straightforward (just following interest), the much more difficult, and also ultimately more important, thing to find is a sense of purpose for the work. The why? I'm sure it has to be something that involves others / the wider world in some way, as a purely internal purpose such as interest, pleasure, relaxation, learning skills and processes, etc. doesn't seem to be sufficient long-term. This is my present challenge.
Thank you Kim, for a thought provoking video. I have struggled this past year to find ways to be creative with my photography. I have discovered that while macro, abstract, still life and (empty) street photography can be fun, I really miss long hikes in our state parks. Hopefully some form of normal will come back soon for us all. Stay safe and well.
Fingers crossed you'll be able to get back to your long hikes soon Gisele
Thank you for that video...it is very insightful and gives meaning to my own photography journey.
Yes Kim, great video. You hit it right on the head. Some things just don’t talk to me and i waste a lot of time and battery power trying to make them happen. You validated my issue, I was beginning to think that there was something lacking in me, thank you.
Thanks Kim, for a thought provoking and stimulating discussion, thanks for sharing
As a new photographer, this is exactly what I needed and is excellent advice! Thank you Kim!!
Good for you to stand for what you believe in , we are all individuals and like different things, loved the video today, inspiring as usual , I personally like photographing wildlife/nature but have recently gotten into architecture which is an eye opener
really valid thoughts and advice. Thanks for actually putting this into words. I love Glencoe, but had an appalling time there just before you went, with terrible weather for a whole week that just dragged me right down. When I expressed my lack of 'seeing' anything to another photographer he was quite short with me because there was 'so much' to photograph there. I left and went to skye for the remainder of my trip instead, and had a ball. Its not just the niche, but its also being in the right mindset for the particular spot you are in. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt, but you are correct, it is about connecting with your subject to get the most out of it for your shots. I have been back since and found a bit of Glencoe that worked better for me second time round, so I think its well worth revisiting places and subjects again from time to time, since you may be suddenly surprised that your interest and connections may differ enough to warrent further investigations in your photographic journey.
Inspirational. Many thanks.
Thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts.
Another good one Kim. I'm really hoping one day I can join you on a workshop on the beach. I'm 5th gen Australian on both sides but of mainly Scottish descent, Campbell and McDonald lol, I have a real urge to explore the country of my ancestors and your vlogs are feeding that.
Fingers crossed Lisa. Hopefully once covid is over this can be arranged 🤞 would be great for you to see your ancestors country
Fantastic video Kim! This is jumping out at me more now that I’ve started vlogging - I’ve had a couple recent vlogs out in the rainforest and felt so engaged and alive, then did one down by the beach, and while I really enjoy taking photos involving waves otherwise I just don’t feel that same connection. Thanks so much for making me more aware of this - it’s certainly something for me to ponder on and consider more while I’m out and about. 🙏
Great you can relate to this Lisa. All the best with your vlogs. Never been to a rainforest myself but can imagine how incredible it is
Hope to get back to Scotland some day. I upgraded my camera and dedication 5 years ago, with a trip to Scotland. Still haven't settled on a niche. My greatest satisfaction is the enjoyment of others in my work. Stay safe. Oh, a tip a pint for me. ;-)
Inspirational Kim, love your work & Video channel! I’m a novice in photography & trying to gather as much information and skill to improve my images your channel has been very helpful! I’m tending to gravitate towards landscape photography as like you say you also get to enjoy & take in your surroundings! Two thumbs up from down under Australia Kim 🇦🇺👍👍
Thanks Kim!! I'm now a subscriber!
Thank you - welcome to the journey Tony
Hi Kim well that was different and some what thought provoking, I don't have a particular niche I take photographs of landscapes with a view to painting them at a later date and I love wildlife photography purley for the pleasure of it. I don't share anything on social media because what I do I do for my own pleasure and if I like what I've done then that's good enough for me. My advice to anyone would be do what makes you happy and let others do the same. Until next time take care and stay safe.
Love that advice Clive "Do what makes you happy and let other do the same".
Thanks Kim, I felt exactly the same strange feeling last year. I took part of a photography trip in the Dolomites. Really the landscapes are incredibly impressive. It was great but I didn't enjoy really those nice photos, I could deduce from this experience, that I prefer nature but tiny details, I prefer looking for single things. This must be a niche... Thanks again for your videos
I picked up photography in Finland. A place with landscapes many people call boring but I call peaceful. Mostly just hills, forests, lakes and swamps. I just love how serene it is. And interestingly enough, it's photography that's taught me I loved it. Photography's taught me to open my eyes.
Anyway, what happened next, unbeknownst to me at first, was I was photographing everywhere like it was a peaceful landscape. Patagonia, with its VERY strong winds and dramatic mountains? Sure, looks peaceful in my photographs. Iceland, where most mountains are dormant volcanos and it can sometimes feel like you're right in between two tectonic plates? Looks peaceful in my work. Paris, where I live these days? That bustling city? Sure, you guessed it, even that urban sprawl looks like a peaceful landscape in many of my photographs.
And I don't even try. It's just what I like and long for. Peacefulness, serenity, quietness, .... Call it whatever you like, that's what I love and want to share in my work.
I look forward to seeing where my Patreon project will take me. Will feeling like I have to make photos for my subscribers change what I'm interested in? So far, and it's been 3 years already, I don't think it has. We'll see...
Liked this video a lot. Of special interest was your feeling about Glencoe and the highlands. On this side of the pond we have similar attractions in the west, national parks such as Yosemite, Arches, Zion, and Bryce canyon. A photographer can come away with WOW! images, if you can force your way through the other photographers. I find, like you, personal-intimate compositions in so many other places, often alone where you do not need a people filter. Another way to find a niche may be understanding what is not your niche. I will look forward to more videos..
wise words, given lots to think about. thanks for sharing.
Very true. People generally accept that there's genres of music and that not everything is for everyone, yet there's this general idea that all landscape photography is landscape photography and therefore for everyone. Which is like saying jazz is jazz and if you like jazz then you must like all jazz. Which... Is ridiculous.
Agree, your photographs should be what you enjoy (unless it is work). I live in the Lake District so luckily it is what I enjoy. I do love seascapes as well mainly in North West Wales (I do intend to visit Scotland) but woodlands for example which I love walking in does nothing for me from a photography perspective. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
With you 100% on the subject of Glencoe. It is, without a doubt, awe inspiring, but it's so difficult to get an original picture.
Freedom is not 'allowed' - it is fought for, it is our right! Get out and do what you want to do.
Very inspirational video. Thank you 😊
your awesome girl!!
Can totally relate, spent my whole life on the coast and for the last 2 years ive been in the beautiful rocky mountains however its just not as inspirational to me personally. Good talking points in this one
Spot on Kim I am new and iam finding my way thanks for sharing 👍 📸
Great to hear Andy - thank you for watching :)
Good morning Kim Grant enjoying your Sunday chat ...
Excellent thoughts that you have shared here. Some of it sounds logical or common sense but you managed to summarise the thought-process so well. I love birds, always have but photographing them just isn’t for me. I admire my friends in our camera club who take amazing bird shots. There was a time I wanted to be able to do this, too but then when I’m out photographing birds I just don’t enjoy it. On the other side, get me out to a Loch surrounded my mountains and my creative juices start flowing. - Interestingly, the only birds I really photograph are those on lakes ...
Great advice and wisdom. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Great video, but I feel a bit torn on this one. Some days I love exploring smaller details, sometimes the big vistas, I also have a big passion recently discovered (20 years too late lol) for gig photography, and I have missed it terribly.
And recently I've really enjoyed trying some different things, having a go with toy photography at home, which was great fun.
So maybe my niche is experimentation and creative photography - but mostly I think of my self as a photographer of no fixed genre.
Anyway, great video to get you thinking on a Sunday morning 👍 thank you!
This video is all about inspiring people to photograph what they enjoy. It's great that you enjoy a mix of subjects and genres. I am not saying at all that people need a niche but that they should enjoy the subjects they enjoy. Experiment and listen to your heart. :)
Love your accent! 🙂
Thanks a lot for making this video. It is very inspirational , i will think about my niche and work it out.
About the questions To ask yourself why and where and what attracks me in doing it? Sometimes when one watch other phtographers and their work and tutorials, a lot of the time it is about Landscape. Sometimes one het the feeling not To be an serious phtographer not doing te same.
Thanks for the example you gave about that your passion is not the mountains, but de seashores en you are very happy being on the coast and less extited when photographing other stuff. Taking photographs just for your own pleasure and heaving fun with it.
Greetings from the Netherlands.
Well, I thought my niche as a beginner photographer might be my kids and grandkids but they are pretty much sick of me so now I have look for something else. Ungrateful wretches. Great advice Kim. Thanks I think.
Good luck with finding a new niche Frederick
I really like the clips where you walk away from the camera in your videos. Could you make a video about that, how you plan them and how to set the camera for them? Please. :-D
Lovely to find a niche not a nitch ! It took me ages to settle on wildlife ! Great video Kim 👍😍
Sound advice Kim, could say that was a bit of a lighthouse moment 😉
LOVE IT! Thanks Mark :)
Yes that's something to think about, I found my niche years ago I think it was just getting out with a camera, I only take pictures of what I like but I do share them with others, I have only been to Scotland 3 times, 1 working and I have taken 2 holidays there and wow its lovely If I had the chance again it would be Glencoe, but all these places are a long way from where I live in the West Midlands so I have to make the best of whats around me, and because of lock down I have only managed to get out with a camera about 5 times when we have had the all clear. I look forward to seeing you do more About Scotland trips in the future I think they are great, I don't mind a few pictures thrown in too, it's nice to be on the beach...Thank you, now where's my bucket and spade! 😀..
Hope you make it up here again sometime to enjoy Glencoe when it is safe and allowed once more. It's great to be able to get out and enjoy what's in your local area though. It's amazing what we can find and how much more enjoyable life can be, when we appreciate what's near.
Sadly, I live so far away from landscapes/geography from what I would love to photograph. I'm still trying to find my photography voice this area.
All the best with finding is Raymond. Sorry to hear you've a long way from the areas that speak to your heart
I have had my campervan for 3 years now and never spent any time in glencoe/Fort William area. Its a beautiful area but I have no desire to go there, there is so much more to scotland than the mountains on the west coast 😊.
i did a month long photographic tour in my camper, of the highlands, last summer between lockdowns, and was very surprised to realise the east coast excited me far more than the west... (tho the midges may have been part of my issue there ...LOL) Very understated part of the highlands...
Great to hear you enjoyed the east Sandy. It has so many hidden gems :)
@@kimgrantphotography oh gosh doesn't it?!!! I adore waterfalls and keep trying to get a shot that I am happy with, and was amazed by those at Whalligoe, Wailing Widow, Clashnessie, Smoo Cave, I fell in love with Big burn, and the adorable sputie burn, and a whole bunch of little ones everywhere else, and then there were all the other awesome spots between them... 😍😍It was such a packed trip I am still only halfway thru my blog lol!!! Cannot wait for another chance to get back! Very jealous of you being so much closer!
You nailed it Kim. I think of it this way: on the 8th day, God created Pistachio ice cream because not everyone likes chocolate or vanilla.
Keep on keepin' on. 👍
Just like listening to the radio, the song may be in the genre you like, but may not like the song that's playing.
Great analogy :)
Ah niche, not nitch.... Out of curiosity, is it a distance thing? How long does it take to get to the mountain vs the beach and is it the thought of travelling that's the issue? For me it is, but that might just well be me :-)
Not a distance thing no. Out with Covid times I travel around the country quite a lot. Love a good road trip/day out. I just love the coast and it's where I find most of my inspiration. Mountains have personally never given me the same inspiration.
Don’t forget the more you shoot ,the more you will know what your favourite subject is!
Very true Neil
I just love to listen to you speaking with the lovely accent.. And I completely agree with you about finding your own niche❤️
Well said.
Thanks for pointing this out. It’s so obvious but most of us just don’t realise it.
have you ģònè now