I am 71 years old, my love of photography started in high school. As my life progressed, I chose a career with good pay, health benefits and a solid retirement at a young age. Photography was always there as a hobby but when I retired, I made the mistake of taking paying gigs doing weddings, portraits and events. It turned into a job I didn't want, the joy had gone out of it. So, once again I "retired" and begun a journey of doing photography for myself, not needing anyone's approval of what I was doing. Street and landscapes are my most satisfying, travelling from coast to coast. My daughter had told me to start selling my work and my reply was that she can sell them after I'm gone. I'm not lonely because I take comfort in what I do.
Tomlew55 inspires me. I'm a bit older, been shooting a bit longer, with less dedication, but I've vowed to always take a camera with me, and to pull it out more often when the inspiration crosses my mind.
I’m a lone wolf- I do street photography alone, walk at a snail’s pace and look at everything-I want to see what I see without someone urging me on, being chatty or getting in my way. Community is nice after I’ve done the photography and edited the photos-and I’m on instagram lightly-I’m not interested in having a million followers, I prefer people offline and I can be social; but not at the cost to my photography.
Your narration on your videos is excellent, the pace is perfect and you have a very smooth and rounded voice. The videos you make are superb with a wide and interesting range of topics. Keep up the great work.
I loved this video so so much. I paused to concentrate on each of the images that begins at the 10 minute mark. One scenario you didn't cover, Hugh, is mine. I walk every day with my dog. He's on the lookout for places he might find a mouse. I'm on the lookout for places I might make an image. We give each other our own space, enjoy each other's company, and each gets better at our personal goal. That's enough.
Could not agree with all the expressed observations more. A handful of times a year, I provide small-group tour experiences in cities around the world for those interested in the rewards of street and "urbanscape" photography. The comraderie, cross-learning, and cross-inspiration are always deep and broad. Work is presented and discussed, and ongoing collegial friendships found. Thank you for all you highlight in this video.
For most of my life I shot alone as none of those in my circles were interested in photography (I was the one asked to record our get togethers). The retirement community I now live in has a photo club and I look forward to our meetings once a month and our outings to exchange ideas and just talk to people who share my passion. So its never too late to find those who share the passion. I still shoot by myself but now with idea that I can share my best with others. Thanks Hugh.
Lovely. I am the official/unofficial documentarian of my tribe (my family & friends). I always say of my photographs...the smiles captured are for me (my recording device is inconsequential). Though, I love my fujis.
@@3BMEP Tell if you decide to come, I would love to join you or at least to meet you for a talk. I could potential help you as a guide to different photo locations in Copenhagen.
Well said Hugh. I hope you're still running: I'm 77 and very slow but not nearly ready to stop yet. As for photography, sometimes alone and sometimes with others. When in a group, we all do our own thing and converse briefly when we coincide, then eat together and share results later - I've never found company distracting while shooting
Like you said most people might expect your talks about gear. But I will take this meandering of your soul and passion over everything, it is food for thought and that’s far more precious than gear.
Enjoyable watch as I eat my breakfast and soon I am off to meet up with another photographer, not takings pics, just drinking coffee and chatting. But that is all part of the game, the joys of photography.
Hugh! I've been watching you for a while but this video is by far my favorite you've ever done. YES, it's life-affirming to share in that passion with others. I started the Atlanta Street Photography Group precisely because I wanted to encourage and share my love for SP. At first we all shot together on weekends, during events, and then, we began meeting monthly to talk about gear and maybe some of us would go out together and maybe some of us went off on our own. As you mentioned, the drift towards solitary shooting coupled with the lockdown just shut it all down. I'm still working on getting the group revived. I think your message is so important, that I shared it with the remaining members of the group. Thank you so much for this video, for the encouragement and for your ongoing passion for this beautiful genre!
Fantastic message, Hugh. I am now inspired to go find my tribe of fellows, right here in my neighborhood. Thank you for making this important, rare message. Trey
Hi Hugh I teach photography in groups. I teach photography with depression and anxiety to connect with others ...it provides safety. Connection. It builds their self esteem. It's strengthens thier courage 💪 to try new things. I teach in high schools too as an assistant. I work in addictions too.and help people with addictions recover with photography. They produced amazing work ....and I can tell you this gave me way more joy than my images
Ya estoy retirado. Tengo 71, igual que la persona de abajo. Me gusta, me fascina andar solo; tomar fotos solo. La fotografía exige concentración. Es como un descanso, un remanso curativo el buscar las buenas oportunidades fotográficas. Será que no he encontrado a alguien con quien realmente compartir la pasión por la fotografía. Felicidades por tratar temas tan interesantes y humanos!
Hugh, another amazing video. Thank you for bringing the "human" side of photography to the forefront for use to discuss. Yes, gear is important but it's more about getting in touch with humanity. This is why I love Street Photography and why an amazing street photo speaks to me personally. In my life I have lived in Asia and have married into the Asian Culture. This May after seven long years I'm heading back to Taiwan for a month with my Taiwanese Wife and family. I have already made contact with our mutual friends for my street expedition starting in Taipei and ending in Kaohsiung. Taiwan is a street photographers paradise with its 24x7 culture and endless day and night markets. My goal is to tell the story of the Taiwanese people so others can fall in love with the culture as I have. Hopefully before I go I can schedule some 1:1 time with you to discuss my approach. Once again thank you for this video, it really did touch home.
I haven’t done street since the covid years and then the homeless situation made it feel unsafe for a lone senior to be walking around lesser areas of downtown Austin, TX. But for several years alone I was only rarely striking up conversations with anyone and yes I enjoyed the solitude.
One of the delights of Paris photo this year was I kept bumping into fellow photographers, Joel Meyrowitz at the show, Phil Penman and Alllan Schaller, among others, at Leica Village Royale, and two more at Cafe Flore, Patrick Colpron out in eateries and on the streets. The shared enthusiasm and camaraderie was palpable and such a buzz. You are always alone behind a viewfinder, but knowing you are a part of something much bigger is a sustaining thought as we trudge the boulevards looking for THE shot.
Absolutely wonderful essay Hugh! While I love gear and struggle to fight my addiction....it has very little to do with my devotion to photography. I came to image-making late in life (about 50). So it has been 16 years. In those years I have made more dear and cherished friends than I could have imagined. Photography is all about HEART and that means people! Thank you for your words.
Every year you do a couple of videos that hit a level above your usual introspective offerings and this is #1 for 2024. In the 70s,,in semi-rural Idaho ,,I had to separate myself from my compadres just to get a quiet moment away from the teenage energy and take my time to see what I wanted to shoot. Now, at 66, I would love a group to hang with,, travel and shoot with. I frustrate my family at times with needing to spend extra minutes (hours) getting the light, angle, shadows and poses just right. Not that I haven't tried to form a group. Everyone seems to have conflicting schedules.. Sometimes photography just has to be a solo expression,, but in any endeavor, a like-minded companion has its own rewards.. Consider yourself especially blesssed my friend.
Just when I thought you were gonna zig, you zagged Hugh. When you began by asking what 'Street Photography" meant to us, I immediately thought "well, we're not taking pictures of the street, are we?" We're taking pictures of people! How one interacts with their subjects is very revealing. I do think "street" naturally draws introverts as well as intellectuals. Most, sole practitioners. But those artists come in many forms, from the bombastic in-your-face Bruce Gilden types to the quiet observers (insert your fav here).
Hi Hugh, here in Brussels Belgium I run 2 meetup groups for photography; "Photography of Brussels" and "Art Portrait Flash Photography" (in studio and outside. These are free for participants. For the "Photography of Brussels" group we admit anybody including the people with their smartphones. Great moments of sharing passions, learning from each-other and socializing. Thanks for the inspiring videos you make!
Being very hearing impaired, I find myself often very "alone," even in a room full of people. Fortunately, I have a partner [we just celebrated 50 years since we met] who is patient and who shares my passion for travel and accommodates my never-ending quest to do better in my photographic efforts. I have attended two of your workshops. Though street photography is not my native genre, both of these workshops gifted me with a smallish cohort group with which I continue to exchange ... and I am better for it. Thank you Hugh and Claudia. Be well.
Funny, i had not even noticed the video was shot in B&W until it was almost over 🙂 Great points! I started taking (making?) photographs at a very early age, but i really got back into it after a fortuitous meeting with a great older photographer; we started roaming the streets of L.A. together and my passion was rekindled, i will always be thankful for his encouragement and positive reinforcement. A few years have past, i put together a couple of books, magazine articles, small exhibitions....we are still friends, once in a while we still go shoot together unfortunately his health no longer allows him long walks (BTW, I also had my scary adventure with my heart, had a massive heart attack but luckily a fantastic doctor managed to bring me back - and I got away with just a stent, even though i did manage to damage one third of it). I got back on the saddle quickly, refusing to let one episode restrict my existence; i walk as much as i did before , if not more, especially when i am in cities where walking with a camera in your hand is the only way to do it (like this week, I am in NYC, walked almost 13 miles yesterday and 10 today.... thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts, they do matter much more than gear talk!
Great video on so many levels, Hugh. We forget that photographers know other photographers and when admiring their work, we seldom think about who they were with in those moments and the influence they had. I also love the running story - another "alone together" activity - very inspirational!! While I'm pretty much always a "lone wolf" out there (shooting and running), I enjoy seeing and interacting with the street community when I see them. And I have even snagged a few shots of some of the new guard shooting together which always makes me happy :)
Thank you, Hugh. Being a hermit & AM Cellphone photographer..that was a touching video. ‘Street’ is my chosen muse. I agree we shouldn’t be ‘alone’ in regards to inspiration, sharing of ideas & different ways individuals see a subject. However, as it’s just me. Having trust issues & letting someone else in so I can take my hobby forward? That very much still needs working on. Loneliness kills. Humans are sociable creatures. Unlike apes we derived from - digital has limited human communication face to face. I wish, Hugh, we would lover our phones and raise our hands to ask hello, how are you. Without being seen as ‘creepy’ or intimidating. I’m lonely. I hope your video has at least gave people an inspiration to do something to make their lives bear fruit. Stay safe.
Eagerly awaiting your take on the new Hasselblad 907X! Sorry to be off topic, it's just that you are my definitive source on "all things exotic photo."
I enjoy getting together with other photographers for coffee and disguising/arguing about some aspects of our art. I do not however agree with you about team shooting and especially group shooting. If I want to wait for the clouds to change or for someone to walk into the frame I do not want to be disturbed by someone wanting to move on. When I am out shooting I pay attention to what I am doing and do not need to be distracted or brought out of the zone I am in. I agree with you that the human side of photography is more enjoyable than the technical side and I appreciated hearing your point of view. Thanks.
Great video. Some of the photo talking heads, tell you that you need to do street photography on your own, so you can go your own way. Its good to have someone with you and be able to exchange ideas.
There is a contemporary adage for the artistic collaboration you mention , its " Game recognize Game," or Game respects Game." Most inspiring talk, thanks!
The whole shooting loneliness sub-genre of street photography is a bit of a double edged sword. While it leaves so much unsaturated space for positive feeling images, it's typically those exact images which gain no traction among the community, because there is a certain expectation of melancholy as the driver for story in an image. I haven't shared my photos in a long time, because I know they'll go largely overlooked for not being the on trend mood. People are tired of seeing fun, and others living their best lives - it's not relatable anymore. They want sorrow until it's cringe, and then we'll flip polarity again. 😂
Hey Hugh, love this episode so many good points. Personally photography is my life, It's my day job, and my hobby, when I'm not out shooting I'm editing video content for YT photography is my life long passion at the expense of most other things, I'd rather shoot others doing cool stuff that do cool stuff myself haha my kids are all grown up and we are still great mates, my relationship though is toast I always forget to remember my great ability for messing up relationships it's my unwanted gift but photography is still there and that's where I honestly feel genuinely happy. I've tried the meet up's with fellow snappers altho' I've enjoyed them I've never produced a shot I like, I actually rarely put the camera to my eye, but once everyone goes their separate ways the game is on, I guess like being alone and the camera gives me a great excuse to do what I enjoy. Right now being alone is good for me.
Hugh, this is a wonderful share. I’ve a pal in the USA (I’m in the UK) who I miss a lot. Shooting with him is the best. I do think it’s possible to shoot street with others but they need to be on the same wavelength so to speak. All the best to you.
Hello Hugh, Just love your and Claudia's output on this channel. This video has really got me thinking. I am, if not always, on my own when I have a camera in hand. The exception is a little bit of festival or concert work that I manage to get a pass for in the "pit". A "pit" is usually busy, but I do love the interaction, hopefully me learning, from the others. Do you have any tips for a solo photographer, just wandering around, in London, not really wanting to take "scenery", but maybe portraits, capturing the moment, not being intrusive, just getting it naturally? Note to self....If you're coming back to London (and I've missed the opportunity to book) I think I'm going to have to save up a bit. I would love to join you and Claudia even just for a beer or two after your day... always watch, always inspired. G.
If you haven’t already done so, please see our Webby award-winning series we did with B&H. It’s free, and you’ll find it here: B&H x Hugh Brownstone th-cam.com/play/PLv-JVvCoZ7LfxaTm2emId7LNN5zAhAn8j.html Unfortunately, we had to cancel our March workshops because of an insurmountable scheduling conflict, but we hope to be back in London next year!
Been entirely alone for the better part of 4-5 years .. not a friend … not a family member … no way to live life if not for my desperate clinging on to photography and nature I would of punched out by now .. very thankful for wildlife .. love your vids Mr elephant
Excellent, would rather hear more like this than gear reviews. No disrespect but, there are more than enough gear channels that present pretty much the same information.
Hi, I’d love to get your thoughts on the new Hasselblad CFV 100 back… or even a full review. At the moment I’m working with a GFX100 so a comparison would be great
See my review of the original 907X! As the CFV 100 back is the same sensor as in my X2D, it's easy for me to say it offers the most beautiful image of any camera south of 150mp.
@@3BMEP I’ve watched it again just before you commented, I’m wondering whether they did more than just slot the 102MP sensor into the old 50MP back, or whether there have been other upgrades to AF etc. Is using a 100MP without IBIS and a tripod even viable?
I still treasure those few days where I got to meet Carl, Dan, Ico, and of course you and Claudia in 2021. I carry those memories and lessons learned whenever I can manage to get out and shoot. While I think it isn't in the cards for 2024, my hope is to rejoin the NYC workshop in 2025 and make new memories and friends.
I mostly shoot alone. But I've notice when we are traveling and I'm walking around a city with my wife it's different. It feels like I shift from creepy guy with a camera sniping candids, to a guy with his wife taking pictures.
Been on TH-cam for decades and never seen this channel before, lovely video with pertinent points, i subscribed directly, thanks, looking forward to an interesting journey with you going forward 😊. PS I'm an old timer, i used to run around solo in my hometown with a TriX and locking myself into a darkroom for hours
I've never been on or had social media accounts...I saw them as privacy nightmares early on and avoided them. But I've never missed ANYTHING, I've always had my large number of friends...REAL friends, that I meet up with as often as possible in "meatspace". I love my friends and my time with them...HOWEVER, I love my alone time too. Perhaps that an unmentioned aside (hold that thought)....that people don't know how to be "alone". They never learned how to be just with themselves, and enjoy that time of solitude and solace...quiet time. Perhaps this 'skill' is easier learned by being an only child...but I feel that is you are comfortable with yourself, if you actually LIKE yourself....being by yourself is not synonymous with a gig in purgatory. Social media friends, in general are not really friends. As the old saying goes...."Friends help you move....REAL friends help you move bodies". And there is such a thing as being your own friend...just you and that internal voice in your head (should ONLY be 1). Being alone does NOT necessarily mean, being lonely.
I find that I have no friends that do photography other than on their phones. Just no interest. If I didn't see videos on youtube., I'd never hear another person even mention cameras. I just turned 74 and I've done photography since I was 10 and shooting my dad's little Kodak Bantam ( 828 roll film). I go out alone, go pick up my pictures, look at them, and into a drawer they go. I am alone.... my wife died three years ago. I am truly alone.
Sometimes its not easy to find someone, the "right one" to take a photowalk with. Here in Denmark so many especially in the Leica community are more into gear that photos. When traveling to eg NYC I try post in different groups if someone is up for meeting but no luck so far. Oh well maybe I should get a dog... two stray dogs then... 🙂
People cling together just to keep from being alone. Masterpieces are created when artists are at their best of self-time, being alone. Artists don't have friends. All contact with people leads to conflicts and problems. Humans have a tendency to claim absolute truth based on their limited, subjective experience as they ignore other people's limited, subjective experiences which may be equally true. Like your channel :)
mate bang on with this comment, I stuck out a pretty dodgy last few years with someone primarily because I didn't want to be alone even tho' the relationship became a drain on my creative nature. Too many conflicts too much walking on eggshells to keep the peace man all I want to do is take pictures and have no hassle. Alone is good for me right now, no more jumping into a relationship so as not to feel alone. Love your comment cheers
Street photography is becoming dangerous. I had a person who was on the other side of the street from where I was shooting some performance street cars in a parking lot who called the police because he believed I intended to take explicit pictures of his children who were walking on the street with their parents. Police came, checked my phone, checked my camera, took the memory card with all the car pictures on it as well as some signed releases from the car owners and proceeded to take the memory card to investigate for a month and then returned the wiped and scrubbed (using DOD scrubbing tools suspect) since I could not recover any data and it had been completely rewritten with zeros and had to be reformatted to be readable. I was told it was necessary to do a destructive analysis of the images on the card. All because of some nimby who was not even on the same side of the street whom I never even noticed till the police showed up. So now I use my phone since it is not a target like a person with a camera is.
I am 71 years old, my love of photography started in high school. As my life progressed, I chose a career with good pay, health benefits and a solid retirement at a young age. Photography was always there as a hobby but when I retired, I made the mistake of taking paying gigs doing weddings, portraits and events. It turned into a job I didn't want, the joy had gone out of it. So, once again I "retired" and begun a journey of doing photography for myself, not needing anyone's approval of what I was doing. Street and landscapes are my most satisfying, travelling from coast to coast. My daughter had told me to start selling my work and my reply was that she can sell them after I'm gone. I'm not lonely because I take comfort in what I do.
I well understand!
Tomlew55 inspires me. I'm a bit older, been shooting a bit longer, with less dedication, but I've vowed to always take a camera with me, and to pull it out more often when the inspiration crosses my mind.
I’m a lone wolf- I do street photography alone, walk at a snail’s pace and look at everything-I want to see what I see without someone urging me on, being chatty or getting in my way.
Community is nice after I’ve done the photography and edited the photos-and I’m on instagram lightly-I’m not interested in having a million followers, I prefer people offline and I can be social; but not at the cost to my photography.
I understand. 😊🖖🏻
My eyes were dry before watching this video. I found it beautiful. Thanks for reminding us, reminding me, that we are not alone.
😊🖖🏻
Your narration on your videos is excellent, the pace is perfect and you have a very smooth and rounded voice. The videos you make are superb with a wide and interesting range of topics. Keep up the great work.
Thanks again, Michael - so glad you enjoy them!
I loved this video so so much. I paused to concentrate on each of the images that begins at the 10 minute mark. One scenario you didn't cover, Hugh, is mine. I walk every day with my dog. He's on the lookout for places he might find a mouse. I'm on the lookout for places I might make an image. We give each other our own space, enjoy each other's company, and each gets better at our personal goal. That's enough.
Wonderful! 👊🏻😊🖖🏻
Could not agree with all the expressed observations more. A handful of times a year, I provide small-group tour experiences in cities around the world for those interested in the rewards of street and "urbanscape" photography. The comraderie, cross-learning, and cross-inspiration are always deep and broad. Work is presented and discussed, and ongoing collegial friendships found. Thank you for all you highlight in this video.
👍🏻🖖🏻
For most of my life I shot alone as none of those in my circles were interested in photography (I was the one asked to record our get togethers). The retirement community I now live in has a photo club and I look forward to our meetings once a month and our outings to exchange ideas and just talk to people who share my passion. So its never too late to find those who share the passion. I still shoot by myself but now with idea that I can share my best with others. Thanks Hugh.
Wonderful!
Lovely.
I am the official/unofficial documentarian of my tribe (my family & friends). I always say of my photographs...the smiles captured are for me (my recording device is inconsequential). Though, I love my fujis.
They make some wonderful cameras, but I'm glad you're so clear about what's truly important. :)
I love the image @ 5:29 of Claudia and yourself as you have that little smile while looking her way... Thanks Hugh...
We love it, too! 😊🖖🏻
But your hat . . . 😛
Well said, Greetings from another photographer in Copenhagen, Denmark
Hello, Copenhagen! You are on our bucket list
@@3BMEP Tell if you decide to come, I would love to join you or at least to meet you for a talk. I could potential help you as a guide to different photo locations in Copenhagen.
Well said Hugh. I hope you're still running: I'm 77 and very slow but not nearly ready to stop yet. As for photography, sometimes alone and sometimes with others. When in a group, we all do our own thing and converse briefly when we coincide, then eat together and share results later - I've never found company distracting while shooting
Running is infeasible for me at the moment, but I have discovered MAF and have begun to train this way on our treadmill! Thanks for sharing!😊🖖🏻
Like you said most people might expect your talks about gear. But I will take this meandering of your soul and passion over everything, it is food for thought and that’s far more precious than gear.
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Well said.
:🙂
Enjoyable watch as I eat my breakfast and soon I am off to meet up with another photographer, not takings pics, just drinking coffee and chatting. But that is all part of the game, the joys of photography.
Excellent!
You are very very very right, photography is not about gear, is about people!!!
Alfredo Guadarrama, Mexico
😊🖖🏻
Thank you!
You're welcome! 😊🖖🏻
You would be a great university lecturer to inspire anything you talk about. Whether it be photography or anything
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
Walking alone with a camera is wonderful. Have met so many wonderful stangers and have had so many wonderful conversations. Rewarding!
Excellent!
Hugh! I've been watching you for a while but this video is by far my favorite you've ever done. YES, it's life-affirming to share in that passion with others. I started the Atlanta Street Photography Group precisely because I wanted to encourage and share my love for SP. At first we all shot together on weekends, during events, and then, we began meeting monthly to talk about gear and maybe some of us would go out together and maybe some of us went off on our own. As you mentioned, the drift towards solitary shooting coupled with the lockdown just shut it all down. I'm still working on getting the group revived. I think your message is so important, that I shared it with the remaining members of the group. Thank you so much for this video, for the encouragement and for your ongoing passion for this beautiful genre!
My pleasure, Juliette! 😊🖖🏻
Thanks!
Thank YOU, Bobby! 😊🖖🏻
My wife sits at waterfalls but no one wants to wait, so true with birding as well
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I'd love so watch more of these videos between the gear reviews. ❤
Fantastic message, Hugh. I am now inspired to go find my tribe of fellows, right here in my neighborhood. Thank you for making this important, rare message. Trey
Onward, Trey! 😊🖖🏻
Thanks for sharing your life stories. I enjoy all your videos but this one really was beautiful!
So glad! 🙏🏻😊🖖🏻
Hi Hugh
I teach photography in groups. I teach photography with depression and anxiety to connect with others ...it provides safety. Connection. It builds their self esteem. It's strengthens thier courage 💪 to try new things. I teach in high schools too as an assistant. I work in addictions too.and help people with addictions recover with photography.
They produced amazing work ....and I can tell you this gave me way more joy than my images
So wonderful to read this - thank you for sharing!
Ya estoy retirado. Tengo 71, igual que la persona de abajo. Me gusta, me fascina andar solo; tomar fotos solo. La fotografía exige concentración. Es como un descanso, un remanso curativo el buscar las buenas oportunidades fotográficas. Será que no he encontrado a alguien con quien realmente compartir la pasión por la fotografía. Felicidades por tratar temas tan interesantes y humanos!
El gusto es mio. :)
Hugh, another amazing video. Thank you for bringing the "human" side of photography to the forefront for use to discuss. Yes, gear is important but it's more about getting in touch with humanity. This is why I love Street Photography and why an amazing street photo speaks to me personally. In my life I have lived in Asia and have married into the Asian Culture. This May after seven long years I'm heading back to Taiwan for a month with my Taiwanese Wife and family. I have already made contact with our mutual friends for my street expedition starting in Taipei and ending in Kaohsiung. Taiwan is a street photographers paradise with its 24x7 culture and endless day and night markets. My goal is to tell the story of the Taiwanese people so others can fall in love with the culture as I have. Hopefully before I go I can schedule some 1:1 time with you to discuss my approach. Once again thank you for this video, it really did touch home.
I am THRILLED for you and excited about your project. Happy to chat any time!
I haven’t done street since the covid years and then the homeless situation made it feel unsafe for a lone senior to be walking around lesser areas of downtown Austin, TX. But for several years alone I was only rarely striking up conversations with anyone and yes I enjoyed the solitude.
Hugh, this is one of my favorite videos of yours. Such heart. Thank you for sharing!
So glad you enjoyed it! 😊🖖🏻
Social Media is the least social thing in the world
thx for another comforting video :)
My pleasure 😊🖖🏻
I love your channel Hugh. Thanks. So vibrant, even in b&w.
So glad! Thank YOU! 😊🖖🏻
One of the delights of Paris photo this year was I kept bumping into fellow photographers, Joel Meyrowitz at the show, Phil Penman and Alllan Schaller, among others, at Leica Village Royale, and two more at Cafe Flore, Patrick Colpron out in eateries and on the streets. The shared enthusiasm and camaraderie was palpable and such a buzz.
You are always alone behind a viewfinder, but knowing you are a part of something much bigger is a sustaining thought as we trudge the boulevards looking for THE shot.
I can imagine that being on a photo walk with you and Claudia would be very enjoyable.
Any plans on coming to Chicago for a street photography workshop??
I miss you on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.
😎🖖🏻
Always a pleasure!!! Thanks for sharing your story. I agree. Also, I feel that if you don't find a tribe, create one...
That’s the spirit, Karen!
Absolutely wonderful essay Hugh!
While I love gear and struggle to fight my addiction....it has very little to do with my devotion to photography. I came to image-making late in life (about 50). So it has been 16 years. In those years I have made more dear and cherished friends than I could have imagined. Photography is all about HEART and that means people! Thank you for your words.
Thank YOU!
Ever the entrepreneur, in 2025 Hugh will establish 'Three Blind Dates and an Elephant', a Tindr-style dating site for lonely photographers.
Get on this Hugh 😂😂😂
But would people swipe photos of the person, or the person’s photos? 😳
@@3BMEP ...posts photos of Leica collection..."Hey, baby....wanna see my bokeh?"
@@3BMEPboth
I almost shot my coffee out my nose, well played!
Every year you do a couple of videos that hit a level above your usual introspective offerings and this is #1 for 2024. In the 70s,,in semi-rural Idaho ,,I had to separate myself from my compadres just to get a quiet moment away from the teenage energy and take my time to see what I wanted to shoot. Now, at 66, I would love a group to hang with,, travel and shoot with. I frustrate my family at times with needing to spend extra minutes (hours) getting the light, angle, shadows and poses just right. Not that I haven't tried to form a group. Everyone seems to have conflicting schedules.. Sometimes photography just has to be a solo expression,, but in any endeavor, a like-minded companion has its own rewards.. Consider yourself especially blesssed my friend.
I do! 😊 Thanks for sharing!
Just when I thought you were gonna zig, you zagged Hugh. When you began by asking what 'Street Photography" meant to us, I immediately thought "well, we're not taking pictures of the street, are we?" We're taking pictures of people! How one interacts with their subjects is very revealing. I do think "street" naturally draws introverts as well as intellectuals. Most, sole practitioners. But those artists come in many forms, from the bombastic in-your-face Bruce Gilden types to the quiet observers (insert your fav here).
Hi Hugh, here in Brussels Belgium I run 2 meetup groups for photography; "Photography of Brussels" and "Art Portrait Flash Photography" (in studio and outside. These are free for participants. For the "Photography of Brussels" group we admit anybody including the people with their smartphones. Great moments of sharing passions, learning from each-other and socializing. Thanks for the inspiring videos you make!
Delighted to learn of it! Keep going!
@@3BMEP Thank you! I will!
Thank’s Hugh for sharing your story and inspire us to go out and make photos :) coz we all love what we do !
Artur! 😊🖖🏻
Wow, what a gem of a piece and immediately made me think of the people in my “tribes”. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Awesome clip. Thanks!
My pleasure!
Being very hearing impaired, I find myself often very "alone," even in a room full of people. Fortunately, I have a partner [we just celebrated 50 years since we met] who is patient and who shares my passion for travel and accommodates my never-ending quest to do better in my photographic efforts.
I have attended two of your workshops. Though street photography is not my native genre, both of these workshops gifted me with a smallish cohort group with which I continue to exchange ... and I am better for it. Thank you Hugh and Claudia. Be well.
Love you guys! You chose wisely with Lynnae! 😊🖖🏻
Funny, i had not even noticed the video was shot in B&W until it was almost over 🙂 Great points! I started taking (making?) photographs at a very early age, but i really got back into it after a fortuitous meeting with a great older photographer; we started roaming the streets of L.A. together and my passion was rekindled, i will always be thankful for his encouragement and positive reinforcement. A few years have past, i put together a couple of books, magazine articles, small exhibitions....we are still friends, once in a while we still go shoot together unfortunately his health no longer allows him long walks (BTW, I also had my scary adventure with my heart, had a massive heart attack but luckily a fantastic doctor managed to bring me back - and I got away with just a stent, even though i did manage to damage one third of it). I got back on the saddle quickly, refusing to let one episode restrict my existence; i walk as much as i did before , if not more, especially when i am in cities where walking with a camera in your hand is the only way to do it (like this week, I am in NYC, walked almost 13 miles yesterday and 10 today.... thanks for sharing your heartfelt thoughts, they do matter much more than gear talk!
long time no see, a video not about gear. love it!!!
:)
Great video on so many levels, Hugh. We forget that photographers know other photographers and when admiring their work, we seldom think about who they were with in those moments and the influence they had. I also love the running story - another "alone together" activity - very inspirational!! While I'm pretty much always a "lone wolf" out there (shooting and running), I enjoy seeing and interacting with the street community when I see them. And I have even snagged a few shots of some of the new guard shooting together which always makes me happy :)
Thank you for a lovely contribution!
Excellent !!! I was a runner too and a loner a long time .. Your unselfish and heartfelt piece was powerful….
Thanks, man! 😊🖖🏻
Thank you, Hugh. Being a hermit & AM Cellphone photographer..that was a touching video. ‘Street’ is my chosen muse. I agree we shouldn’t be ‘alone’ in regards to inspiration, sharing of ideas & different ways individuals see a subject. However, as it’s just me. Having trust issues & letting someone else in so I can take my hobby forward? That very much still needs working on. Loneliness kills. Humans are sociable creatures. Unlike apes we derived from - digital has limited human communication face to face. I wish, Hugh, we would lover our phones and raise our hands to ask hello, how are you. Without being seen as ‘creepy’ or intimidating. I’m lonely. I hope your video has at least gave people an inspiration to do something to make their lives bear fruit. Stay safe.
You too, man. 🖖🏻
This was a beautiful comment.
Eagerly awaiting your take on the new Hasselblad 907X! Sorry to be off topic, it's just that you are my definitive source on "all things exotic photo."
Hey, Rick! Won’t be getting to it anytime soon, but if you’ve watched my videos on the X2D and first gen 907x, you’ll get a good idea. 😊🖖🏻
@@3BMEP "Good things comes to those who wait," right! Hope its not too to wish you & Lady C, "Good Light," in 2024!
Thank you for this video. I appreciate it wholeheartedly.
I enjoy getting together with other photographers for coffee and disguising/arguing about some aspects of our art. I do not however agree with you about team shooting and especially group shooting. If I want to wait for the clouds to change or for someone to walk into the frame I do not want to be disturbed by someone wanting to move on. When I am out shooting I pay attention to what I am doing and do not need to be distracted or brought out of the zone I am in.
I agree with you that the human side of photography is more enjoyable than the technical side and I appreciated hearing your point of view. Thanks.
There is room for both approaches depending on the people and the circumstances. 😊
Great video. Some of the photo talking heads, tell you that you need to do street photography on your own, so you can go your own way. Its good to have someone with you and be able to exchange ideas.
Just so!
There is a contemporary adage for the artistic collaboration you mention , its " Game recognize Game," or Game respects Game." Most inspiring talk, thanks!
The whole shooting loneliness sub-genre of street photography is a bit of a double edged sword. While it leaves so much unsaturated space for positive feeling images, it's typically those exact images which gain no traction among the community, because there is a certain expectation of melancholy as the driver for story in an image.
I haven't shared my photos in a long time, because I know they'll go largely overlooked for not being the on trend mood. People are tired of seeing fun, and others living their best lives - it's not relatable anymore. They want sorrow until it's cringe, and then we'll flip polarity again. 😂
Note the quote in my profile! 😊🖖🏻
I remember that conversation you recorded. It was wonderful and I'll go back and watch it again. Well done Hugh, well done.
😊🙏🏻🖖🏻
It's not just happening in the U.S. I spent 5 years in Japan....even worse there.
Hey Hugh, love this episode so many good points. Personally photography is my life, It's my day job, and my hobby, when I'm not out shooting I'm editing video content for YT photography is my life long passion at the expense of most other things, I'd rather shoot others doing cool stuff that do cool stuff myself haha my kids are all grown up and we are still great mates, my relationship though is toast I always forget to remember my great ability for messing up relationships it's my unwanted gift but photography is still there and that's where I honestly feel genuinely happy. I've tried the meet up's with fellow snappers altho' I've enjoyed them I've never produced a shot I like, I actually rarely put the camera to my eye, but once everyone goes their separate ways the game is on, I guess like being alone and the camera gives me a great excuse to do what I enjoy. Right now being alone is good for me.
I understand, Paul!
Hugh, this is a wonderful share. I’ve a pal in the USA (I’m in the UK) who I miss a lot. Shooting with him is the best. I do think it’s possible to shoot street with others but they need to be on the same wavelength so to speak. All the best to you.
Delighted you've each got a bud on the same wavelength, Dave. :)
Thank you!!!
Thank YOU, Greg!
Hello Hugh, Just love your and Claudia's output on this channel.
This video has really got me thinking. I am, if not always, on my own when I have a camera in hand. The exception is a little bit of festival or concert work that I manage to get a pass for in the "pit". A "pit" is usually busy, but I do love the interaction, hopefully me learning, from the others.
Do you have any tips for a solo photographer, just wandering around, in London, not really wanting to take "scenery", but maybe portraits, capturing the moment, not being intrusive, just getting it naturally?
Note to self....If you're coming back to London (and I've missed the opportunity to book) I think I'm going to have to save up a bit. I would love to join you and Claudia even just for a beer or two after your day... always watch, always inspired. G.
If you haven’t already done so, please see our Webby award-winning series we did with B&H. It’s free, and you’ll find it here: B&H x Hugh Brownstone
th-cam.com/play/PLv-JVvCoZ7LfxaTm2emId7LNN5zAhAn8j.html Unfortunately, we had to cancel our March workshops because of an insurmountable scheduling conflict, but we hope to be back in London next year!
More philosophical videos please!
:)
Been entirely alone for the better part of 4-5 years .. not a friend … not a family member … no way to live life if not for my desperate clinging on to photography and nature I would of punched out by now .. very thankful for wildlife .. love your vids Mr elephant
Excellent, would rather hear more like this than gear reviews. No disrespect but, there are more than enough gear channels that present pretty much the same information.
Appreciated and understood.
Hi, I’d love to get your thoughts on the new Hasselblad CFV 100 back… or even a full review. At the moment I’m working with a GFX100 so a comparison would be great
See my review of the original 907X! As the CFV 100 back is the same sensor as in my X2D, it's easy for me to say it offers the most beautiful image of any camera south of 150mp.
@@3BMEP I’ve watched it again just before you commented, I’m wondering whether they did more than just slot the 102MP sensor into the old 50MP back, or whether there have been other upgrades to AF etc. Is using a 100MP without IBIS and a tripod even viable?
1) Unclear; 2) depends on your use cases and priorities.
I still treasure those few days where I got to meet Carl, Dan, Ico, and of course you and Claudia in 2021. I carry those memories and lessons learned whenever I can manage to get out and shoot. While I think it isn't in the cards for 2024, my hope is to rejoin the NYC workshop in 2025 and make new memories and friends.
We so enjoyed having you with us, Christopher! Here’s to 2025 and everything in between!
@5:30 pure gold. ❤
Link between photography and the human condition - wonderful stuff.
Hugh, an excellent and insightful video on so many levels. Thank you.
Thank YOU, Kevin! 😊🖖🏻
I mostly shoot alone. But I've notice when we are traveling and I'm walking around a city with my wife it's different. It feels like I shift from creepy guy with a camera sniping candids, to a guy with his wife taking pictures.
That was lovely. Thank you.
You’re welcome! 😊🖖🏻
Nice video and important information that goes way beyond photography in this. Being on one's own can become too habitual.
😊🖖🏻
Been on TH-cam for decades and never seen this channel before, lovely video with pertinent points, i subscribed directly, thanks, looking forward to an interesting journey with you going forward 😊.
PS I'm an old timer, i used to run around solo in my hometown with a TriX and locking myself into a darkroom for hours
Welcome
Thank you for sharing.
😊🖖🏻
Thanks
Thanks so much! 😊🙏🏻
My pleasure!
I've never been on or had social media accounts...I saw them as privacy nightmares early on and avoided them.
But I've never missed ANYTHING, I've always had my large number of friends...REAL friends, that I meet up with as often as possible in "meatspace".
I love my friends and my time with them...HOWEVER, I love my alone time too.
Perhaps that an unmentioned aside (hold that thought)....that people don't know how to be "alone". They never learned how to be just with themselves, and enjoy that time of solitude and solace...quiet time.
Perhaps this 'skill' is easier learned by being an only child...but I feel that is you are comfortable with yourself, if you actually LIKE yourself....being by yourself is not synonymous with a gig in purgatory.
Social media friends, in general are not really friends.
As the old saying goes...."Friends help you move....REAL friends help you move bodies".
And there is such a thing as being your own friend...just you and that internal voice in your head (should ONLY be 1).
Being alone does NOT necessarily mean, being lonely.
Well put!
Beautiful and true.
I find that I have no friends that do photography other than on their phones. Just no interest. If I didn't see videos on youtube., I'd never hear another person even mention cameras. I just turned 74 and I've done photography since I was 10 and shooting my dad's little Kodak Bantam ( 828 roll film). I go out alone, go pick up my pictures, look at them, and into a drawer they go. I am alone.... my wife died three years ago. I am truly alone.
Sometimes its not easy to find someone, the "right one" to take a photowalk with. Here in Denmark so many especially in the Leica community are more into gear that photos. When traveling to eg NYC I try post in different groups if someone is up for meeting but no luck so far. Oh well maybe I should get a dog... two stray dogs then... 🙂
Hah! Keep at it! Maybe looked for another tribe? 😉
People cling together just to keep from being alone. Masterpieces are created when artists are at their best of self-time, being alone. Artists don't have friends. All contact with people leads to conflicts and problems. Humans have a tendency to claim absolute truth based on their limited, subjective experience as they ignore other people's limited, subjective experiences which may be equally true. Like your channel :)
mate bang on with this comment, I stuck out a pretty dodgy last few years with someone primarily because I didn't want to be alone even tho' the relationship became a drain on my creative nature. Too many conflicts too much walking on eggshells to keep the peace man all I want to do is take pictures and have no hassle. Alone is good for me right now, no more jumping into a relationship so as not to feel alone. Love your comment cheers
I'm a Billy no Mates too
Doing photography for
fourth years.
I find that unless I am with another photographer, I will generally not find great photos.
Some of my photos look better edited in black and white. But having no color in all my photos is a sad thought.
mixed feelings!
Street photography is becoming dangerous. I had a person who was on the other side of the street from where I was shooting some performance street cars in a parking lot who called the police because he believed I intended to take explicit pictures of his children who were walking on the street with their parents. Police came, checked my phone, checked my camera, took the memory card with all the car pictures on it as well as some signed releases from the car owners and proceeded to take the memory card to investigate for a month and then returned the wiped and scrubbed (using DOD scrubbing tools suspect) since I could not recover any data and it had been completely rewritten with zeros and had to be reformatted to be readable. I was told it was necessary to do a destructive analysis of the images on the card. All because of some nimby who was not even on the same side of the street whom I never even noticed till the police showed up. So now I use my phone since it is not a target like a person with a camera is.
✅👍🏼❤
🙂
Swipe left for Band w…
A long time follower of your art (not your photos, nudge/wink) this could not have been more poignant
Thank you
Thank you!