Excellent Scott. My experience has been slightly different. I feel that I’ve always had a healthy outlook on others’ work; appreciating excellence when I see it, and using it in my early days to have an influence in developing a good eye for composition, lighting, etc. I never found myself being jealous or experiencing any kind of toxic emotion with others’ work. What I have found to be cancerous though for me is the social media platforms themselves, in the way they have evolved - no -devolved into the awful, punishing, money-focused machines that they are. In the early days of Facebook, we had 100% organic reach, where all of our followers saw what we posted. Now, it is about 1%, and we’re constantly prodded to pay to reach more people - the very people who are our followers! That has me spitting tacks on a daily basis. The same thing has happened with Instagram; it used to be that my posts would receive thousands of likes, and loads of comments, and now, even though I have more followers, and my images are better, the engagement is very little compared to what it used to be. That is what I find so incredibly discouraging, frustrating and saddening. Another similar thing that I have found to be disquieting (especially on Facebook), is the experience of seeing loads of people tripping over themselves to praise an image that is the poorest image imaginable, yet I post a flawless masterpiece only to hear crickets. That my friend is discouraging.
Loved this video ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻…for me it’s all about being in nature. Always has been since I can remember as a young child. Years later being creative and being able to interpret the experience back home with the editing process just expands on the joy. Whilst it’s nice if other people enjoy my images, for me it’s far more about my connection to the amazing creatures we share this planet with. Any encounter is always such a privilege. There is no better way to spend my time. As you say…without that foundation I think frustration can set in early on as the passion is missing and the expectations put upon yourself can be too daunting. It’s meant to be fun after all ☺️
Yes, i have experienced the comparison trap. My trap is to think that “ if only I had a better camera, a better lens… I could take better pictures “. And although it is true to a certain extent (i.e. better AF tracking, more powerful telephoto lens) that equipment does matter, I have seen some excellent wildlife pictures taken with lesser quality cameras, because it is the photographer that makes great pictures. I need to remind myself that once in a while. The problem with social media is that the “likes” and “comments” are not sincere, so we get a false sense of how good we are because of the false praise that we get. My goal is to be in nature and to observe and capture it. But my goal is also to become better and to keep learning. Thank you for this video that was really good for taking a step back and reflect on the journey and the traps. Have a very merry Christmas. Your channel is my best discovery in the world of photography this year. I truly enjoy listening to you and the diversity of your topics, which are not just about gear.
I’m at the 3, 4 year mark and the last few weeks I’ve been mulling over where I want to go and do I still love it. Yes I do ❤ and I have so much to learn about behaviors and species. Love the discoveries of each outing. This resonates👍 been fighting the comparison trap. Not where I want to be yet but getting there is part of the fun. Meeting awesome people along the way 😊 bonus!
Great video! It all comes down to how you define your goals and success. My goal is to get some fresh air, exercise and more Vitamin D. If I am blessed with photo opportunities, then that is icing on the cake.
My expectations I always set too high is when I go out to the field I picture in my head the birds landing in the perfect spot and having a perfect photography morning, then I go out and I'm disappointed to not even find the target species! Then I wonder how I will ever get a good shot, but I realise I have taken good shots in the past and they just come with time, sometimes at random and the most important thing is being out in the field consistently.
When I was half way through my photography hobby I used to wonder why certain people had the photos they had and upon giving that a lot of thought I realised a lot of the things you mentioned here. There's a lot at play. Location - the birds are tamer at some locations. Light - speaking about Australia where I am, in Melbourne the number of sunny/clearer days are not as much compared to western Australia and some other places. Gear-you can't compare your photos taken with third party lenses to someone's F4/F2.8 especially in low light conditions like dusk/dawn. Learning process -if you're self taught then it'd take you more time to learn than someone who's in the mentorship program. Baiting-few people might be baiting the birds. Plus the skills like post processing and other field crafts would take some great number of hours to master. I'm the kind of photographer who's more about outdoor experience and it's a very fulfilling hobby for me. I even know a couple of people who are not on social media but they go out 3-4 times a week.
Sometimes the most important thing we learn afters years of doing something is what not to do. We waste a lot of time on stuff that is unnecessary. Thats the difference between a two year wildlife photographer and a 40 year wildlife photographer. I guess you could just call it "Ring Savvy"
Well stated. Not really affected by the comparison trap. Really enjoy the outing mostly. Sometimes great areas to see rarer birds are not particularly photogenic. Sometimes we have bad years where our target species isn't particularly available. I can get as much joy seeing the successes of others. I do enjoy your Flickr page in that more recently you focus on the surroundings and story line. I think one of the advantages of our own photos is the brain trap where the image recalls what the brain saw. We don't even notice the twig near the birds eye for example. Others though may be bothered by it. Also, many times great photographers are great salesmen. I remember a photographer that spoke of his strenuous efforts to make it through Lower Antelope canyon. It's not ADA accessible but millions have done it.
I started out in the local camera club in 1984 and felt like I could not even enter any contests for two years. I hung in their and learned from those better than me. I was newly married and had little budget for gear or travel. Gradually I improved and even placed in a few contests. Today I have been retired four years and Photography is my primary activity. I have improved my post processing a good deal but more important I have the time to wait, go back and try something or some place when conditions are better or I am more inspired. I still have new things and avenues to explore and grow. I see others work and I get ideas, inspiration, and most of all enjoyment. I don't have the pressure of having to make an income from my work. It is my passion and gives me purpose. Can't ask for anything else.
I do compare myself with others on social media. But I enjoy taking photos and being there in that moment. I have learned a lot in the last few years and I’m much better than where I started. But I also know I have lots to improve upon! And that’s a good thing, at least for me.
Outstanding video, Scott, with important perspectives for everyone. I've been doing this "work" semi-seriously since I retired about 18 months ago but have had a life-long interest in photography. Many family members and acquaintances have suggested my work is good enough to sell but I have always known better. Maybe I'm getting to the point where some of my work is marketable but I do this only for personal enjoyment; once I consider making it a business it changes from a hobby to a job and that's not what I want. On a similar theme, I avoid social media sites like Facebook as I think nothing good comes out of it. I have no idea why amateur photographers post their pics on those sites other than to get accolades from nameless people. I frankly do not care what these nameless people think of my work. To your point, I do compare my work with myself and I routinely go back and delete shots that may have been the best I could have done at the time but which have been supplanted by better shots later. It's remarkable how many old shots I end up getting rid of. I'm sure this cycle will continue. And that's a good thing. This has allowed me the "luxury" of not taking shots just to take shots; if I know the scene/pose is going to be poorer for a given bird/animal than what I already have I merely sit back and enjoy the view. Sometimes I come across a new bird for me; even if I know the end-product will be poor I'll take some shots just for documentation purposes and hope I have the opportunity to take better shots in the future. That's the comfort in understanding and accepting the difference between a snapshot and a photograph: a snapshot is documentation and a photograph is art. When I go out shooting I have 4 priorities. In order they are: 1. Get my steps in (for exercise purposes) 2. Visit a peaceful, scenic area 3. See some wildlife. This may be animals or birds but may also be insects or flowers. 4. Photograph that wildlife If I keep reminding myself of this I find I'm never disappointed with an outing. Sometimes I come home after a 6 hour outing and my wife will ask "how many shots did you take?". I may say "zero!". Her response will be "oh, too bad, you must be disappointed.". And I say, "Not at all! This was a great day!. What a beautiful place!!" Happy holidays!
Brilliant motivational video. I think in my 12 ish years with wildlife photography, I have come through all the points you mention. I am now at a stage that I can see improvement from previous images. I accept some of the feedback offered in camera club competitions but I take images and show those that please me. I don’t care what others think. Being out in nature, just as you say, is the big thing. Getting images that please me at the same time is a real bonus. Keep up the good work👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Finally! Someone has explained it. I've said such remarks to so many photographers who raise their expectations so high and when they don't get to where they felt they should be they become disconnected and unmotivated and tend to only get remotiviated if they get an opportunity to go out in the field. I left my full time job to focus on wildlife photography I currently have my own hide in the UK which is in its early stages but it can only grow from here on with determination and commitment. I have a family two girls, my other half is an absolute star works so hard whilst also doing her 3rd year at university with nursing. The commitment which is needed in photographer especially wildlife its hard to really explain 100% as everyone's journeys and opportunities are different along the way but what you have said is the basis of it that's for sure. You've got to be that committed it almost seems crazy to others reality is setting goals is key. Not relying on others to give you want you need.
@@WildlifeInspired Thank you and I wish you all the best for 2023 and onwards Scott. I do follow you on Insta which I don't think you followed back (goes to grab tissues haha).
Hi Scott, another Great inspirational video! So Scott, let's say you or someone you know wants to be the 'Best' small bird photographer. What about all of the Best that have come and gone before that person? I'm thinking that the only thing that will separated them is the current generation of gear. Many of those greats had the talent but also the bank rolls from the camera and lens companies. To me, the decisive moment was recently stated by Simon d'Entremont, 'capturing common birds in uncommon settings'. The environment and habitat set the intimacy of the image, you've been doing an outstanding job with that inclusion. A rare bird in my area might be a common bird in your area, the setting and environment would seem to be the key.
Scott this is so true. Social media is good. but at the same time we compare ourselves with others, which often lead to dissapoinment. I totally agree with you and your point of comparing yourself to your old self last year, is superb, cuz it leads to self improvement where as comparing to others lead to dissapointment. Thanks for the video.
Solid points. I think some of what we experience is also situational and in the wrong context can be taken as failure when in fact we are quite capable of producing images that are compelling in the right light, setting, timing... etc. Example, even as a seasoned photographer there are days where it's all stacked against you. You can't get the angles, birds aren't cooperating, no clean backgrounds, bad light, atmospheric conditions, places overrun with people scaring the birds, someone in "your" spot... etc. As a shooter most of us just keep shooting hoping to get "something"... anything to make the effort worth it. This is especially true if you took time off and made a long trip just for this. You get home and look at those images and sometimes you forget that it just wasn't the right day to be out there. Some doubt creeps in and you think maybe I am regressing but that's flawed thinking. When I look back at the entirety of 2022, I see images that can compete with anything and I see some crap that I should have never shot because it just wasn't setup for success on that day. But that's just life and you're never gonna hit .1000 in this hobby so you gotta accept the good with the bad
I love this...going to share this video with former colleagues. I retired back in September but not only see this as relevant to photography but to many other things in life especially the work I was involved with.
I do wildlife and landscape photography 5-7 days a week since I retired five years ago. Previously, I did photography on the weekends for 10 years. Is it still a joy for me? You bet it is - every single day. Comparisons with another photographer's work can be a trap, if I let myself pursue them, as you say, with an unhealthy goal. However, when I pursue comparison to find compositional or technical elements in other people's work that I can mimic to improve my own photographs, I find it healthy behavior. My goal is to to capture and share my personal view of a constantly evolving world. And to do it joyfully. My method is constant improvement of the artistry and engineering of my photographs. I completely agree with all your points. I enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing it.
There are many fabulous Facebook specialty photography sites and TH-cam videos that make me think and improve my photography. I am competitive with myself foremost. My motto is "Inspiration not Intimidation". I get amazed by some photos and try to figure out how the photographer did it. These fabulous photos drive me to do better.
Scott, I love these “talks” that make me think about my photography. After watching one of your previous videos I realize I am a “sharer” who enjoys being out with nature. But even knowing that, I still would fall in the comparison trap. I enjoy seeing other’s photos but I now realize I may not get to that level but that is ok, because I can see the improvement over the last couple of years. Thanks for presenting about natural plants at the LVPC. I enjoyed talking to you that night.
I think you’ve missed out on one of the biggest comparison traps and that’s equipment. Many will go on the likes of TH-cam in particular, to help them learn, only to see these people boasting their latest top end equipment. Not only this, but when the latest model comes out, they will buy that or even just change systems. Non of this is realistic for most of us. For the last eight months I just stopped with all social media. It’s become so poisonous and negative and just reminded myself why I did wildlife photography in the first place. A brief return to TH-cam and some of those channels I used to watch and most of these people have completely upgraded their equipment within that short space of time and talking about the next camera due. Interestingly their photography hasn’t seemed to improved.
I do gear reviews and will continue many find it helpful, but I hope my message comes across that gear is never the end all be all. There is so much more. I could you many stories of people constant upgrades yet I have never seen their images upgrade.
Excellent video and good advice. My goal has been to enjoy nature first. I don’t always take a camera out in the field, but try to improve. However, I do take my photography seriously. My goal is not to compete with others. I do post somewhat on facebook, but, to post to please others is a quick way towards disappointment. A lot of it is who you are. I see photographers doing things like way over saturating sun rise or sets or doing composites and fooling people calling them amazing photos. They are unaware the photographer has fooled them. Few photographers address this issue. It is ok to be out in nature and return home without any photos. If you enjoy nature first you won’t be disappointed.
Scott, this video is so good and so important! I hope many take time to watch it. There is nothing that brings me joy in life quite like spending time in nature, especially with my camera in hand. It’s the reason I’m out in the field whenever I have a spare moment. It’s the reason I create time in my schedule for it. As someone who shares their photography online, it is a daily choice to not fall into the comparison trap, as social media sets us up for that in so many ways. If I feel those thoughts wanting to rise up? I do as you suggest and compare where I was a year or two ago. If I haven’t improved as much as I hoped, I have a new goal to meet. And if I see drastic improvement? I have something to celebrate.
Excellent video. I use my photography as a motivation to get out into nature. It is my impetus to get off my duff and get outside where I am happier. I am not one who can just take a walk, there has to be a reason or some motive. I need the mental distraction as I am out to relax and to take the focus off of the stressors of the moment. I guess you could call it a form of therapy.
I just love being out in nature, and taking photos makes me appreciate more and i often see something in the image, i did not notice at the time. It is nice to share and get compliments, but if I enjoy the photos and they bring back good memories, that is just fine.
What you say has much for people to learn. I've been into photography for near 65 years. There are times i have fallen into just about every "trap", (and more), that you have mentioned. Another thing is that what you say falls into all the other styles of photography. So you don't just need to be a wildlife photographer. Over the years I've learned to do my best as it comes and not worry about it. Small mistakes often don't matter since the average customer doesn't realize it.
Scott, when I first got interested in shooting wildlife I would only compare my photography to photographers who I considered the best. Actually, I don't think I was comparing my work to theirs in a competitive sense. I was studying their work to see what made it successful in my eyes. And I looked at my work to see why it was not comparable to the best and what I had to do to improve it. Initially it was equipment. I needed some serious upgrades in equipment or I was just wasting time. So, I bit the bullet and spent thousands of dollars on a new camera and a 500mm F/4 G lens and subscribed to a photo processing program. The best available at the time (in my estimation). Then I had to bite the bullet again and make another huge expenditure. This time in time and effort to climb the learning curve of all of this. I watched TH-cam videos; I worked on processing techniques; I worked on learning where and how to get the best shots at birds. I worked on this every day. And eventually I could start to see myself climbing up out of the hole into a little more light for the number of captures and then the number of usable captures. Still, I would only look at the best professional work. That was the only way I was going to improve. The local people I knew who were doing this were not making the effort so measuring my work on their scale meant I was never going to improve. But, my work got compared to everyone's work when I entered photo contests. Gradually, I got to the point where every one of my entries got at least an honorable mention. This year I won a best of show and a 3rd place with my two entries. But, I still grapple every day to do the best that I can and also with knowing the Babe Ruth struck out more times than he got on base. I still enter contests with trepidation knowing that one lucky shot can often knock skill and ability out of the ring. So, the real thing about getting better wildlife photo results is being in love with the journey. And you will never get any better by sitting on the couch reading about it or just watching TH-cam videos. You have to be a player. You have love being out there every day that you can and shooting as much as you can and trying new things occasionally. I'll be 81 years old in March. I suffer badly from sciatica some days but I still try to find a way to shoot every day.
Great video. Little story for context, because it made me thinking about why I’m doing this. Long before I started making pictures of wildlife I liked to go and walk in forest. For a long time I have taken those crappie pictures in full sun, without thinking to much about it. And then I saw one of those longer episodes from channel, one from time when Ray was cohosting them. It was 2018 back then. I thought “I’m already out there, why not try take it to next level and experience golden hour my self”. How good it felt. And yes, I thought back then that it will be easy to get to that level I saw in that episode. After 4 years do I think I’m there. Well no. Do I care that I’m not there yet. No, because otherwise why would I want to get up earlier and earlier every next weekend to be out there. Did I improve. A lot. What I have discovered on my own is that enclosing my self on just bird photography was probably the true frustration maker. Later on I tried macro and landscape, especially I like those IR images. Having sort of a backup plan in my backpack, when I can switch to different type of subjects gives me really big motivation boost. There is always something to photograph in the forest. How to summarise this. My prime photography is bird photography. And still I got more recognition from something different. And still rather than just concentrating on making pictures of it I’m still consider my self as bird photographer. Do I need to say more? I just like being out there. Congratulations if You staid with me that long 🙂.
Great thoughts Scott. I think it can be easy to fall into this comparison trap. I often look at photos on social media and think that I wish mine could be like that, however rather than being discouraged by it I do try to use it as inspiration. It also gives me hope, hope that next time I'm out I can get a photo on the same level. Either way, it gives me joy just to be out with the camera and experiencing this amazing creation that we've been given. I feel fortunate to come back with the images I get, even if they aren't great, knowing that I can learn from them and continue to improve.
Well timed advice for me as I am literally days into bird photography (not new to photography). I like to think my goals are realistic. My current pictures are terrible, but I know they will get better. I have no illusions that I will achieve excellence... I tend to pursue the first 80% where improvement comes comparatively easily, then move on to another pursuit.
Thank you for your presentation, I enjoyed it a lot. I think re-evaluating our goals periodically is wise. Having a reminder to do that is a good thing. I have caught myself in the comparison trap, and yes, it involved social media. My primary motive for sharing wildlife I see is simply passing on the experience, and I am geared toward continuous improvement, as seeing growth in any aspect of our lives is rewarding. But, the social media on photography is somewhat dominated by professionals that "promote learning proper exposure and tack sharp images, in 5 minutes". It's somewhat a camouflaged click-bait to attract viewers. That said, your straight-up opinian piece here was refreshing to view ~ Peace
The click bait headlines are appealing, I can't lie, I have tried to stay away from that but........ it's tempting when you see people with 100k views and subscribers
@WildlifeInspired Thanks for your reply. While I'm no where near being TH-cam savvy- it's my impression that the most vital metric is time watched. If that's true, it tells me that content is king, and for seeking growth, it matters more than clicks or subscriber numbers. So, while clickbait titles generate view numbers, if a presentation can't hold attention, that's the wrong metric to focus on. Ditto with subscriber count. Please accept this as a compliment - I find content here has so far, always taken me through watching to the end. : )
I think this video should be mandatory viewing for wildlife photographers. It's spot on. It takes years to be really good, sellable, competition worthy etc etc, but that does end up taking the joy out of the moment, The key is keeping that joy while growing, taking what you can from others work but making your own story from it, not a direct copy. I think the worst and the best thing to happen to photography have been the socials, everyone can be a wildlife photographer and enjoy nature, share and meet people..thats the good. The bad is people who like you say set unreal expectations, shoot only for the platform they are sharing on and drive themselves for likes. I see a lot of people making potentially excellent images into garbage because they can't see past that instagram crop. What will attract the millisecond of attention they crave to get that like. It is far less important than making an excellent image that actually says something. Photography is the practice of drawing with light (look it up) so we're meant to create art...not just some garbage for a second of interest. I've been shooting 40 years now, and I still love it, I just hate a lot of what I see for the reasons you expressed rather eloquently. I'm shocked I said that heh
I do compare my stuff to others - but it is for inspiration not jealousy - I do this for me to share my experiences with others and the better I can make that experience for them is what I'm after. I do feel I have a leg up to some others in the scope that I've spent my life out of doors pursuing Wildlife with other means besides a camera, so knowing where or how to find Wildlife isn't my problem - the technical and artsy side of Wildlife Photography is where I need the most improvement - oh and the Editing is a huge learning curve.
Thank you for this awesome upload, Scott!!You hit the points !!If someone is in it for winning prizes or to be famous as you mentioned, he's in for a loss!!.Love for what you do is the fuel for this long trip of ,in my opinion, making a distinguished style of oneself.
I'm about 3 years in now and I'm slowly realizing what my style is. I watch a lot of TH-camrs to learn tricks and tips and now I'm seeing that sometimes I don't agree with them and I'll do things my way because it makes me feel better when I look at my pictures. That is a big step for me.
Very thought provoking video. I am comfortable with my photography. I will always be improving in all aspects and still watch a lot of TH-cam on different subject matters. In my early days on Social Media, my motivation was always tied to the likes. But I found dissatisfaction in chasing the likes. As soon as I realized that the Likes did not matter then I felt a great deal of pressure come off my back. Soon I seen my photography start to improve. I have been doing some form of photography the last 40+ years. I favor Landscape/Waterfall photography. 4 years ago I was able to afford gear that would allow me to get captures of wildlife and with the help of TH-camrs like yourself Scott, I improve in my wildlife photography daily. I have a long ways to go but, I am comfortable in my skills and my results shooting wildlife. Thanks for your channel and always look forward to your content.
Awesome video like always Scott. I'm on my second year with wildlife photography and since day one I never compare myself with anyone, I wacth your videos to better myself and learn new techniques and looking back on my first year I have improved a lot but I am still in the learning process. Merry Christmas and Happy new year 🐦🎄🎅✨
I can resonate with every single word in this! This is probably the most valuable vlog I've listened this year! I always talk about expectations in every aspect in our life and how important is to know where our boundaries are so we can keep ourselves sain! 🍻
@@WildlifeInspired I met a guy few days ago in one of those photography groups a s we hooked so much on these things so I showed your vlog to him too! Thank you too! 🍻
I enjoy the process from field to the share button. There is alot of times I feel like my work is not so good.. But someone always seems to like it and if it brings some type of positivity from a simple "like" then it's worth it..
Thank you for that very inspiring video essay. I have always loved being out in the wilderness or in a local park where I can see or hear wildlife. Photography has been a bonus. I now have a health situation, and I do not know for sure that I will ever again have the mobility to do be outside in beautiful places. I am thinking scout what options I might have in the future. At least I hope I can still see these places through people like you whom I follow on TH-cam. Thank you for all the beautiful images and the stories behind them. My goal is to get back out there and do whatever I can within the limitations that remain.
Great subject, and one that I have personally pondered, or found myself in on numerous occasions. As a child growing up in a northern rural area, I spend most of my time outdoors and felt very close to nature and very much tuned into the cycles of nature and the environment. The change of seasons and migration patterns were something that I experienced daily, not just read about, and it often brought about a feeling of excitement. Even though I was not a wildlife photographer, seeing the first Sandhill Cranes flying overhead, the first Blue Heron perched along the shore, the spring Robins foraging, or the ice breakup on the river, would always bring a sense of joy. That joy has never left me, and I still feel a great connection to nature, and study the patterns of life, which brings me to the questions you have raised. I have experienced the comparison trap at numerous times in my photographic journey, and have experienced disappointment in the results of my photographic efforts, when after driving or flying for many hours to a location or locations to photograph wildlife, only to either have poor weather, not see the wildlife I was expecting, or worse, having good conditions and opportunity, only to have mediocre results with my efforts. Fortunately for me, I can appreciate, and even cherish, the time in the field, and the wonderment of nature, without taking a single shot. The difficulty I sometimes experience is not being able to fulfill the expectations of my family and friends, who are expecting that great shot, or at least a good story of my experience. Social media can be an extension of this, especially when I see great photographs from locations that I have been to, and never gotten similar results, although it can also be a motivator as well, and that is the paradox. While I always strive to be a better photographer, I am mature enough to realize that I my not have the talent to become a GREAT photographer, and once I reconcile that, I find great joy in the experience, and occasionally get that great shot, that brings praise from others, but maybe even more important, that brings me joy in the memory of the day.
One of the harder things for me is migrating birds, I've been into photography itself for a while so have a handle on my gear although not expensive I'm pretty good with it. I've always been an outdoorsman, but over the past two years I really have gotten into finding and capturing Pa's migrating birds, This has been hard for me, they are only here for a limited amount of time and my time is limited, so trying to locate them is a challenge and then getting the time to capture them if I do find them is difficult. But that is part of the thrill for me, there is noting more rewarding to me than when I upload that image on a new bird or just a fantastic pose and it all worked correctly. And this is where you can't go by likes on social media. People like different things, I can post a technically almost perfect picture of a rarer bird and get a few likes, my wife can post a starling picture on a cage feeder in the backyard with a blown out sky and get 100 lol.
Migrating birds are really tough. So random. Those birds are all about locations that attract them and give you good perspective. Its a great challenge.
@@WildlifeInspired Definitely very challenging and that's where the rewarding part comes in when capturing, I'm getting better and better and have been getting a lot of lifers now that I'm focused on it with the time I do have to spend. I'm learning a lot from you and glad to see you are some where near me I guess, I saw eastern PA. I'm about 1/2 hour North of Philly, I see all these migrating birds you get, so I assume they have to pass me somewhere to get to you!
Wonderful video. Having just reintroduced myself to photography after many years I can tell you that you are right on the money. I started wildlife recently. It can be terribly frustrating but exciting. I love being out there. I come home with 500 or more images and hope I have I one that makes me happy. If not, there's always tomorrow. Thank you and have a great holiday.
Excellent points for a beginner like me. I have studied wild life all my life. I'm excited to be a birder. Taking a photo of my birding journey has become fun. My goals are simple. #1 a crisp photo that i enjoy and can use in a photo journal of mine. I will share my journey. I do not have a desire to become a professional photographer. My goal is enjoyment of a day in nature. A bird, a wild flower, a lizard, an interesting behavior of a bug. A journal about my journey. Thanks for pin point a trap I don't want to fall into. Comparison to a professional. I can learn what I like about a photo others have taken without comparing mine to theirs. Your thought on this subject make total sense to a beginner that will always be a beginner. Thank you very much, I appreciate helping me to focus on a direction I needed to define about my enjoyment of life in photos. Beginner always.
Hey Scott, this is such a great video with thoughts about comparisons and the ideas on the complete joy of taking photographs in the wild. Wonderful suggestions pertaining to goals and realistic self achievement by looking back at one's own images in years prior is enormously helpful in forming one's style, Being flexible and open minded is key to making wildlife photography a life-long hobbie. Just the shear enjoyment of being out in nature fine tuning your skills and developing your individual perspectives is so inspiring. Thank you for the great topic, definetely one of your finer discussions. Keep them coming, Scott!!!
Funny...just before I watched this, I was journaling a bit about why I love photography and what my goals are! Yes, I have experienced the comparison trap.....and you hit on all the external motivators why I have often been anxious and frustrated with my photography. Social media certainly amplifies this....I have been on and off Facebook for some years. It has been hard for me to understand why, when I posted what I thought was a really nice (engaging and technically very good) photo, it got fewer "likes" than a blurry photo of a squirrel, etc. I started shifting into what you said about intrinsic goals, especially spending time observing and being with nature - and generating conversations with others about nature - telling photo stories. These bring me joy. I think that's the biggest issue I've had with FB - the likes thing doesn't do it for me; I want to engage with others, and FB is pretty hollow. Your suggestion to compare what I'm shooting now with what I shot a year ago is great! I can really say that I see alot of improvement, and that's enough - better than being "great"!
Excellent! I get it now. Thank you for putting it in those terms. Completely agree.
Excellent Scott.
My experience has been slightly different. I feel that I’ve always had a healthy outlook on others’ work; appreciating excellence when I see it, and using it in my early days to have an influence in developing a good eye for composition, lighting, etc. I never found myself being jealous or experiencing any kind of toxic emotion with others’ work. What I have found to be cancerous though for me is the social media platforms themselves, in the way they have evolved - no -devolved into the awful, punishing, money-focused machines that they are. In the early days of Facebook, we had 100% organic reach, where all of our followers saw what we posted. Now, it is about 1%, and we’re constantly prodded to pay to reach more people - the very people who are our followers! That has me spitting tacks on a daily basis. The same thing has happened with Instagram; it used to be that my posts would receive thousands of likes, and loads of comments, and now, even though I have more followers, and my images are better, the engagement is very little compared to what it used to be. That is what I find so incredibly discouraging, frustrating and saddening. Another similar thing that I have found to be disquieting (especially on Facebook), is the experience of seeing loads of people tripping over themselves to praise an image that is the poorest image imaginable, yet I post a flawless masterpiece only to hear crickets. That my friend is discouraging.
Loved this video ❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻…for me it’s all about being in nature. Always has been since I can remember as a young child. Years later being creative and being able to interpret the experience back home with the editing process just expands on the joy. Whilst it’s nice if other people enjoy my images, for me it’s far more about my connection to the amazing creatures we share this planet with. Any encounter is always such a privilege. There is no better way to spend my time. As you say…without that foundation I think frustration can set in early on as the passion is missing and the expectations put upon yourself can be too daunting. It’s meant to be fun after all ☺️
Yes, i have experienced the comparison trap. My trap is to think that “ if only I had a better camera, a better lens… I could take better pictures “. And although it is true to a certain extent (i.e. better AF tracking, more powerful telephoto lens) that equipment does matter, I have seen some excellent wildlife pictures taken with lesser quality cameras, because it is the photographer that makes great pictures. I need to remind myself that once in a while.
The problem with social media is that the “likes” and “comments” are not sincere, so we get a false sense of how good we are because of the false praise that we get.
My goal is to be in nature and to observe and capture it. But my goal is also to become better and to keep learning.
Thank you for this video that was really good for taking a step back and reflect on the journey and the traps.
Have a very merry Christmas. Your channel is my best discovery in the world of photography this year. I truly enjoy listening to you and the diversity of your topics, which are not just about gear.
I’m at the 3, 4 year mark and the last few weeks I’ve been mulling over where I want to go and do I still love it. Yes I do ❤ and I have so much to learn about behaviors and species. Love the discoveries of each outing. This resonates👍 been fighting the comparison trap. Not where I want to be yet but getting there is part of the fun. Meeting awesome people along the way 😊 bonus!
Great speech.... Feels your word are just really true
Never compare, get inpiration and enjoy your work
Great video! It all comes down to how you define your goals and success. My goal is to get some fresh air, exercise and more Vitamin D. If I am blessed with photo opportunities, then that is icing on the cake.
My expectations I always set too high is when I go out to the field I picture in my head the birds landing in the perfect spot and having a perfect photography morning, then I go out and I'm disappointed to not even find the target species! Then I wonder how I will ever get a good shot, but I realise I have taken good shots in the past and they just come with time, sometimes at random and the most important thing is being out in the field consistently.
When I was half way through my photography hobby I used to wonder why certain people had the photos they had and upon giving that a lot of thought I realised a lot of the things you mentioned here. There's a lot at play. Location - the birds are tamer at some locations. Light - speaking about Australia where I am, in Melbourne the number of sunny/clearer days are not as much compared to western Australia and some other places. Gear-you can't compare your photos taken with third party lenses to someone's F4/F2.8 especially in low light conditions like dusk/dawn. Learning process -if you're self taught then it'd take you more time to learn than someone who's in the mentorship program. Baiting-few people might be baiting the birds. Plus the skills like post processing and other field crafts would take some great number of hours to master. I'm the kind of photographer who's more about outdoor experience and it's a very fulfilling hobby for me. I even know a couple of people who are not on social media but they go out 3-4 times a week.
Sometimes the most important thing we learn afters years of doing something is what not to do. We waste a lot of time on stuff that is unnecessary. Thats the difference between a two year wildlife photographer and a 40 year wildlife photographer. I guess you could just call it "Ring Savvy"
Well stated. Not really affected by the comparison trap. Really enjoy the outing mostly. Sometimes great areas to see rarer birds are not particularly photogenic. Sometimes we have bad years where our target species isn't particularly available. I can get as much joy seeing the successes of others. I do enjoy your Flickr page in that more recently you focus on the surroundings and story line. I think one of the advantages of our own photos is the brain trap where the image recalls what the brain saw. We don't even notice the twig near the birds eye for example. Others though may be bothered by it. Also, many times great photographers are great salesmen. I remember a photographer that spoke of his strenuous efforts to make it through Lower Antelope canyon. It's not ADA accessible but millions have done it.
I started out in the local camera club in 1984 and felt like I could not even enter any contests for two years. I hung in their and learned from those better than me. I was newly married and had little budget for gear or travel. Gradually I improved and even placed in a few contests. Today I have been retired four years and Photography is my primary activity. I have improved my post processing a good deal but more important I have the time to wait, go back and try something or some place when conditions are better or I am more inspired. I still have new things and avenues to explore and grow. I see others work and I get ideas, inspiration, and most of all enjoyment. I don't have the pressure of having to make an income from my work. It is my passion and gives me purpose. Can't ask for anything else.
This is a great video. Thank you.
Good thoughts here Scott. Nice one!
I do compare myself with others on social media. But I enjoy taking photos and being there in that moment. I have learned a lot in the last few years and I’m much better than where I started. But I also know I have lots to improve upon! And that’s a good thing, at least for me.
Thanks for sharing!!
Inspiring !
Lovely talk 👌 I do agree 💯
Outstanding video, Scott, with important perspectives for everyone. I've been doing this "work" semi-seriously since I retired about 18 months ago but have had a life-long interest in photography. Many family members and acquaintances have suggested my work is good enough to sell but I have always known better. Maybe I'm getting to the point where some of my work is marketable but I do this only for personal enjoyment; once I consider making it a business it changes from a hobby to a job and that's not what I want.
On a similar theme, I avoid social media sites like Facebook as I think nothing good comes out of it. I have no idea why amateur photographers post their pics on those sites other than to get accolades from nameless people. I frankly do not care what these nameless people think of my work.
To your point, I do compare my work with myself and I routinely go back and delete shots that may have been the best I could have done at the time but which have been supplanted by better shots later. It's remarkable how many old shots I end up getting rid of. I'm sure this cycle will continue. And that's a good thing. This has allowed me the "luxury" of not taking shots just to take shots; if I know the scene/pose is going to be poorer for a given bird/animal than what I already have I merely sit back and enjoy the view.
Sometimes I come across a new bird for me; even if I know the end-product will be poor I'll take some shots just for documentation purposes and hope I have the opportunity to take better shots in the future. That's the comfort in understanding and accepting the difference between a snapshot and a photograph: a snapshot is documentation and a photograph is art.
When I go out shooting I have 4 priorities. In order they are:
1. Get my steps in (for exercise purposes)
2. Visit a peaceful, scenic area
3. See some wildlife. This may be animals or birds but may also be insects or flowers.
4. Photograph that wildlife
If I keep reminding myself of this I find I'm never disappointed with an outing. Sometimes I come home after a 6 hour outing and my wife will ask "how many shots did you take?". I may say "zero!". Her response will be "oh, too bad, you must be disappointed.". And I say, "Not at all! This was a great day!. What a beautiful place!!"
Happy holidays!
Your content has gotten so good, Scott. Looks like lots of folks agree… sub base is really growing, congrats!
I appreciate that!
Great video!
Thanks Cheryl!
Helpful details. Subscribed 👍🏻
Thanks for the sub!
Brilliant motivational video. I think in my 12 ish years with wildlife photography, I have come through all the points you mention. I am now at a stage that I can see improvement from previous images. I accept some of the feedback offered in camera club competitions but I take images and show those that please me. I don’t care what others think. Being out in nature, just as you say, is the big thing. Getting images that please me at the same time is a real bonus. Keep up the good work👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks so much Nigel
Agreed.
👍🏼👍🏼
Finally! Someone has explained it. I've said such remarks to so many photographers who raise their expectations so high and when they don't get to where they felt they should be they become disconnected and unmotivated and tend to only get remotiviated if they get an opportunity to go out in the field.
I left my full time job to focus on wildlife photography I currently have my own hide in the UK which is in its early stages but it can only grow from here on with determination and commitment.
I have a family two girls, my other half is an absolute star works so hard whilst also doing her 3rd year at university with nursing.
The commitment which is needed in photographer especially wildlife its hard to really explain 100% as everyone's journeys and opportunities are different along the way but what you have said is the basis of it that's for sure. You've got to be that committed it almost seems crazy to others reality is setting goals is key. Not relying on others to give you want you need.
Best of luck with your pursuits!
@@WildlifeInspired Thank you and I wish you all the best for 2023 and onwards Scott. I do follow you on Insta which I don't think you followed back (goes to grab tissues haha).
Great video Scott!
Lots of great points
Glad you think so!
Hi Scott, another Great inspirational video! So Scott, let's say you or someone you know wants to be the 'Best' small bird photographer. What about all of the Best that have come and gone before that person? I'm thinking that the only thing that will separated them is the current generation of gear. Many of those greats had the talent but also the bank rolls from the camera and lens companies. To me, the decisive moment was recently stated by Simon d'Entremont, 'capturing common birds in uncommon settings'. The environment and habitat set the intimacy of the image, you've been doing an outstanding job with that inclusion. A rare bird in my area might be a common bird in your area, the setting and environment would seem to be the key.
Simon is a smart man
Scott this is so true. Social media is good. but at the same time we compare ourselves with others, which often lead to dissapoinment. I totally agree with you and your point of comparing yourself to your old self last year, is superb, cuz it leads to self improvement where as comparing to others lead to dissapointment. Thanks for the video.
Loved it
Solid points. I think some of what we experience is also situational and in the wrong context can be taken as failure when in fact we are quite capable of producing images that are compelling in the right light, setting, timing... etc. Example, even as a seasoned photographer there are days where it's all stacked against you. You can't get the angles, birds aren't cooperating, no clean backgrounds, bad light, atmospheric conditions, places overrun with people scaring the birds, someone in "your" spot... etc. As a shooter most of us just keep shooting hoping to get "something"... anything to make the effort worth it. This is especially true if you took time off and made a long trip just for this. You get home and look at those images and sometimes you forget that it just wasn't the right day to be out there. Some doubt creeps in and you think maybe I am regressing but that's flawed thinking. When I look back at the entirety of 2022, I see images that can compete with anything and I see some crap that I should have never shot because it just wasn't setup for success on that day. But that's just life and you're never gonna hit .1000 in this hobby so you gotta accept the good with the bad
Thanks for the continued educational and inspirational videos Scott. Great stuff and I look forward to watching and learning in 2023
Thanks Jason!
you will find The Pareto principle everywhere … and most important is to know who you are …
Very true
Great points. Realistic self evaluation.
Thanks Gary!!
I love this...going to share this video with former colleagues. I retired back in September but not only see this as relevant to photography but to many other things in life especially the work I was involved with.
Thanks Pete !
I do wildlife and landscape photography 5-7 days a week since I retired five years ago. Previously, I did photography on the weekends for 10 years. Is it still a joy for me? You bet it is - every single day. Comparisons with another photographer's work can be a trap, if I let myself pursue them, as you say, with an unhealthy goal. However, when I pursue comparison to find compositional or technical elements in other people's work that I can mimic to improve my own photographs, I find it healthy behavior. My goal is to to capture and share my personal view of a constantly evolving world. And to do it joyfully. My method is constant improvement of the artistry and engineering of my photographs. I completely agree with all your points. I enjoyed this video. Thank you for sharing it.
Thanks Steven, I agree, if you can find healthy inspiration, that can really help our work
There are many fabulous Facebook specialty photography sites and TH-cam videos that make me think and improve my photography. I am competitive with myself foremost. My motto is "Inspiration not Intimidation". I get amazed by some photos and try to figure out how the photographer did it. These fabulous photos drive me to do better.
I think that is a great approach
Scott, I love these “talks” that make me think about my photography. After watching one of your previous videos I realize I am a “sharer” who enjoys being out with nature. But even knowing that, I still would fall in the comparison trap. I enjoy seeing other’s photos but I now realize I may not get to that level but that is ok, because I can see the improvement over the last couple of years. Thanks for presenting about natural plants at the LVPC. I enjoyed talking to you that night.
Thanks George!
I think you’ve missed out on one of the biggest comparison traps and that’s equipment. Many will go on the likes of TH-cam in particular, to help them learn, only to see these people boasting their latest top end equipment. Not only this, but when the latest model comes out, they will buy that or even just change systems. Non of this is realistic for most of us.
For the last eight months I just stopped with all social media. It’s become so poisonous and negative and just reminded myself why I did wildlife photography in the first place.
A brief return to TH-cam and some of those channels I used to watch and most of these people have completely upgraded their equipment within that short space of time and talking about the next camera due. Interestingly their photography hasn’t seemed to improved.
I do gear reviews and will continue many find it helpful, but I hope my message comes across that gear is never the end all be all. There is so much more. I could you many stories of people constant upgrades yet I have never seen their images upgrade.
Excellent video and good advice. My goal has been to enjoy nature first. I don’t always take a camera out in the field, but try to improve. However, I do take my photography seriously. My goal is not to compete with others. I do post somewhat on facebook, but, to post to please others is a quick way towards disappointment. A lot of it is who you are. I see photographers doing things like way over saturating sun rise or sets or doing composites and fooling people calling them amazing photos. They are unaware the photographer has fooled them.
Few photographers address this issue. It is ok to be out in nature and return home without any photos. If you enjoy nature first you won’t be disappointed.
Well said neighbor!
Wonderful video, even though I'm old enough to be wise, I enjoy hearing the advice. It's a journey:)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Best video so far. Past are amazing of course but this is as the kids would say...legit haha 😄
Thanks Shawn!
As a new wildlife photographer, I really apreciated you video and may help me not fall in this trap. Thanks
Glad it was helpful!
Scott, this video is so good and so important! I hope many take time to watch it.
There is nothing that brings me joy in life quite like spending time in nature, especially with my camera in hand. It’s the reason I’m out in the field whenever I have a spare moment. It’s the reason I create time in my schedule for it. As someone who shares their photography online, it is a daily choice to not fall into the comparison trap, as social media sets us up for that in so many ways. If I feel those thoughts wanting to rise up? I do as you suggest and compare where I was a year or two ago. If I haven’t improved as much as I hoped, I have a new goal to meet. And if I see drastic improvement? I have something to celebrate.
Thanks so much Jakz :) You're a smart one
👍🏼👍🏼
Excellent video. I use my photography as a motivation to get out into nature. It is my impetus to get off my duff and get outside where I am happier. I am not one who can just take a walk, there has to be a reason or some motive. I need the mental distraction as I am out to relax and to take the focus off of the stressors of the moment. I guess you could call it a form of therapy.
Whole heartedly agree. I hate taking a "walk" but let me roam around an be curious with nature, I can walk all day!
I just love being out in nature, and taking photos makes me appreciate more and i often see something in the image, i did not notice at the time. It is nice to share and get compliments, but if I enjoy the photos and they bring back good memories, that is just fine.
Well said!
Great video and thoughts 👌
Glad you think so!
Thank you, I really needed to see this!
Glad it was helpful!
What you say has much for people to learn.
I've been into photography for near 65 years. There are times i have fallen into just about every "trap", (and more), that you have mentioned.
Another thing is that what you say falls into all the other styles of photography. So you don't just need to be a wildlife photographer.
Over the years I've learned to do my best as it comes and not worry about it. Small mistakes often don't matter since the average customer doesn't realize it.
You've probably seen so much with all that experience. Impressive!
Scott, when I first got interested in shooting wildlife I would only compare my photography to photographers who I considered the best. Actually, I don't think I was comparing my work to theirs in a competitive sense. I was studying their work to see what made it successful in my eyes. And I looked at my work to see why it was not comparable to the best and what I had to do to improve it. Initially it was equipment. I needed some serious upgrades in equipment or I was just wasting time. So, I bit the bullet and spent thousands of dollars on a new camera and a 500mm F/4 G lens and subscribed to a photo processing program. The best available at the time (in my estimation). Then I had to bite the bullet again and make another huge expenditure. This time in time and effort to climb the learning curve of all of this. I watched TH-cam videos; I worked on processing techniques; I worked on learning where and how to get the best shots at birds. I worked on this every day. And eventually I could start to see myself climbing up out of the hole into a little more light for the number of captures and then the number of usable captures. Still, I would only look at the best professional work. That was the only way I was going to improve. The local people I knew who were doing this were not making the effort so measuring my work on their scale meant I was never going to improve. But, my work got compared to everyone's work when I entered photo contests. Gradually, I got to the point where every one of my entries got at least an honorable mention. This year I won a best of show and a 3rd place with my two entries. But, I still grapple every day to do the best that I can and also with knowing the Babe Ruth struck out more times than he got on base. I still enter contests with trepidation knowing that one lucky shot can often knock skill and ability out of the ring. So, the real thing about getting better wildlife photo results is being in love with the journey. And you will never get any better by sitting on the couch reading about it or just watching TH-cam videos. You have to be a player. You have love being out there every day that you can and shooting as much as you can and trying new things occasionally. I'll be 81 years old in March. I suffer badly from sciatica some days but I still try to find a way to shoot every day.
Thanks Clifton, love seeing that you are still enjoying the journey!
Of course I hung in for the whole video - every minute is interesting and triggers thought-provoking introspection. Love this kind of content!
You're the best Tom!
Great video. Little story for context, because it made me thinking about why I’m doing this.
Long before I started making pictures of wildlife I liked to go and walk in forest.
For a long time I have taken those crappie pictures in full sun, without thinking to much about it.
And then I saw one of those longer episodes from channel, one from time when Ray was cohosting them. It was 2018 back then. I thought “I’m already out there, why not try take it to next level and experience golden hour my self”. How good it felt. And yes, I thought back then that it will be easy to get to that level I saw in that episode.
After 4 years do I think I’m there. Well no. Do I care that I’m not there yet. No, because otherwise why would I want to get up earlier and earlier every next weekend to be out there.
Did I improve. A lot.
What I have discovered on my own is that enclosing my self on just bird photography was probably the true frustration maker. Later on I tried macro and landscape, especially I like those IR images. Having sort of a backup plan in my backpack, when I can switch to different type of subjects gives me really big motivation boost. There is always something to photograph in the forest.
How to summarise this. My prime photography is bird photography. And still I got more recognition from something different. And still rather than just concentrating on making pictures of it I’m still consider my self as bird photographer. Do I need to say more? I just like being out there.
Congratulations if You staid with me that long 🙂.
You have improved so much and you are terrific! more importantly you still love it! I stayed
@@WildlifeInspired Thank You.
Great thoughts Scott. I think it can be easy to fall into this comparison trap. I often look at photos on social media and think that I wish mine could be like that, however rather than being discouraged by it I do try to use it as inspiration. It also gives me hope, hope that next time I'm out I can get a photo on the same level. Either way, it gives me joy just to be out with the camera and experiencing this amazing creation that we've been given. I feel fortunate to come back with the images I get, even if they aren't great, knowing that I can learn from them and continue to improve.
Thanks Craig, always like seeing your comments here
@@WildlifeInspired Perhaps I'll have to see about commenting more often. Have a great weekend.
Good advice and video. The way I like to look at it is: "The adventure is the journey and the journey is the adventure."
Well said!
@@WildlifeInspired thanks
Well timed advice for me as I am literally days into bird photography (not new to photography). I like to think my goals are realistic. My current pictures are terrible, but I know they will get better. I have no illusions that I will achieve excellence... I tend to pursue the first 80% where improvement comes comparatively easily, then move on to another pursuit.
Thank you for your presentation, I enjoyed it a lot. I think re-evaluating our goals periodically is wise. Having a reminder to do that is a good thing. I have caught myself in the comparison trap, and yes, it involved social media. My primary motive for sharing wildlife I see is simply passing on the experience, and I am geared toward continuous improvement, as seeing growth in any aspect of our lives is rewarding. But, the social media on photography is somewhat dominated by professionals that "promote learning proper exposure and tack sharp images, in 5 minutes". It's somewhat a camouflaged click-bait to attract viewers. That said, your straight-up opinian piece here was refreshing to view ~ Peace
The click bait headlines are appealing, I can't lie, I have tried to stay away from that but........ it's tempting when you see people with 100k views and subscribers
@WildlifeInspired Thanks for your reply. While I'm no where near being TH-cam savvy- it's my impression that the most vital metric is time watched. If that's true, it tells me that content is king, and for seeking growth, it matters more than clicks or subscriber numbers. So, while clickbait titles generate view numbers, if a presentation can't hold attention, that's the wrong metric to focus on. Ditto with subscriber count. Please accept this as a compliment - I find content here has so far, always taken me through watching to the end. : )
Great video Scott👍
Glad you enjoyed it
I think this video should be mandatory viewing for wildlife photographers. It's spot on. It takes years to be really good, sellable, competition worthy etc etc, but that does end up taking the joy out of the moment, The key is keeping that joy while growing, taking what you can from others work but making your own story from it, not a direct copy. I think the worst and the best thing to happen to photography have been the socials, everyone can be a wildlife photographer and enjoy nature, share and meet people..thats the good. The bad is people who like you say set unreal expectations, shoot only for the platform they are sharing on and drive themselves for likes. I see a lot of people making potentially excellent images into garbage because they can't see past that instagram crop. What will attract the millisecond of attention they crave to get that like. It is far less important than making an excellent image that actually says something. Photography is the practice of drawing with light (look it up) so we're meant to create art...not just some garbage for a second of interest. I've been shooting 40 years now, and I still love it, I just hate a lot of what I see for the reasons you expressed rather eloquently. I'm shocked I said that heh
40 years! old bastard
@@WildlifeInspired I know, we're both over 50 and have our own hair too. We've lived
I do compare my stuff to others - but it is for inspiration not jealousy - I do this for me to share my experiences with others and the better I can make that experience for them is what I'm after. I do feel I have a leg up to some others in the scope that I've spent my life out of doors pursuing Wildlife with other means besides a camera, so knowing where or how to find Wildlife isn't my problem - the technical and artsy side of Wildlife Photography is where I need the most improvement - oh and the Editing is a huge learning curve.
Thank you for this awesome upload, Scott!!You hit the points !!If someone is in it for winning prizes or to be famous as you mentioned, he's in for a loss!!.Love for what you do is the fuel for this long trip of ,in my opinion, making a distinguished style of oneself.
My pleasure!
I'm about 3 years in now and I'm slowly realizing what my style is. I watch a lot of TH-camrs to learn tricks and tips and now I'm seeing that sometimes I don't agree with them and I'll do things my way because it makes me feel better when I look at my pictures. That is a big step for me.
Very thought provoking video. I am comfortable with my photography. I will always be improving in all aspects and still watch a lot of TH-cam on different subject matters. In my early days on Social Media, my motivation was always tied to the likes. But I found dissatisfaction in chasing the likes. As soon as I realized that the Likes did not matter then I felt a great deal of pressure come off my back. Soon I seen my photography start to improve. I have been doing some form of photography the last 40+ years. I favor Landscape/Waterfall photography. 4 years ago I was able to afford gear that would allow me to get captures of wildlife and with the help of TH-camrs like yourself Scott, I improve in my wildlife photography daily. I have a long ways to go but, I am comfortable in my skills and my results shooting wildlife. Thanks for your channel and always look forward to your content.
Thanks for watching Ron.
Awesome video like always Scott. I'm on my second year with wildlife photography and since day one I never compare myself with anyone, I wacth your videos to better myself and learn new techniques and looking back on my first year I have improved a lot but I am still in the learning process. Merry Christmas and Happy new year 🐦🎄🎅✨
Happy holidays my friend
Best wishes!!
I can resonate with every single word in this! This is probably the most valuable vlog I've listened this year! I always talk about expectations in every aspect in our life and how important is to know where our boundaries are so we can keep ourselves sain! 🍻
Wow, thank you!
@@WildlifeInspired I met a guy few days ago in one of those photography groups a s we hooked so much on these things so I showed your vlog to him too! Thank you too! 🍻
I enjoy the process from field to the share button. There is alot of times I feel like my work is not so good.. But someone always seems to like it and if it brings some type of positivity from a simple "like" then it's worth it..
Thanks Toby!
Thank you for that very inspiring video essay. I have always loved being out in the wilderness or in a local park where I can see or hear wildlife. Photography has been a bonus. I now have a health situation, and I do not know for sure that I will ever again have the mobility to do be outside in beautiful places. I am thinking scout what options I might have in the future. At least I hope I can still see these places through people like you whom I follow on TH-cam. Thank you for all the beautiful images and the stories behind them. My goal is to get back out there and do whatever I can within the limitations that remain.
Great subject, and one that I have personally pondered, or found myself in on numerous occasions. As a child growing up in a northern rural area, I spend most of my time outdoors and felt very close to nature and very much tuned into the cycles of nature and the environment. The change of seasons and migration patterns were something that I experienced daily, not just read about, and it often brought about a feeling of excitement. Even though I was not a wildlife photographer, seeing the first Sandhill Cranes flying overhead, the first Blue Heron perched along the shore, the spring Robins foraging, or the ice breakup on the river, would always bring a sense of joy. That joy has never left me, and I still feel a great connection to nature, and study the patterns of life, which brings me to the questions you have raised. I have experienced the comparison trap at numerous times in my photographic journey, and have experienced disappointment in the results of my photographic efforts, when after driving or flying for many hours to a location or locations to photograph wildlife, only to either have poor weather, not see the wildlife I was expecting, or worse, having good conditions and opportunity, only to have mediocre results with my efforts. Fortunately for me, I can appreciate, and even cherish, the time in the field, and the wonderment of nature, without taking a single shot. The difficulty I sometimes experience is not being able to fulfill the expectations of my family and friends, who are expecting that great shot, or at least a good story of my experience. Social media can be an extension of this, especially when I see great photographs from locations that I have been to, and never gotten similar results, although it can also be a motivator as well, and that is the paradox. While I always strive to be a better photographer, I am mature enough to realize that I my not have the talent to become a GREAT photographer, and once I reconcile that, I find great joy in the experience, and occasionally get that great shot, that brings praise from others, but maybe even more important, that brings me joy in the memory of the day.
Loved reading this Todd. Very thoughtful.
One of the harder things for me is migrating birds, I've been into photography itself for a while so have a handle on my gear although not expensive I'm pretty good with it. I've always been an outdoorsman, but over the past two years I really have gotten into finding and capturing Pa's migrating birds, This has been hard for me, they are only here for a limited amount of time and my time is limited, so trying to locate them is a challenge and then getting the time to capture them if I do find them is difficult. But that is part of the thrill for me, there is noting more rewarding to me than when I upload that image on a new bird or just a fantastic pose and it all worked correctly. And this is where you can't go by likes on social media. People like different things, I can post a technically almost perfect picture of a rarer bird and get a few likes, my wife can post a starling picture on a cage feeder in the backyard with a blown out sky and get 100 lol.
Migrating birds are really tough. So random. Those birds are all about locations that attract them and give you good perspective. Its a great challenge.
@@WildlifeInspired Definitely very challenging and that's where the rewarding part comes in when capturing, I'm getting better and better and have been getting a lot of lifers now that I'm focused on it with the time I do have to spend. I'm learning a lot from you and glad to see you are some where near me I guess, I saw eastern PA. I'm about 1/2 hour North of Philly, I see all these migrating birds you get, so I assume they have to pass me somewhere to get to you!
Wonderful video. Having just reintroduced myself to photography after many years I can tell you that you are right on the money. I started wildlife recently. It can be terribly frustrating but exciting. I love being out there. I come home with 500 or more images and hope I have I one that makes me happy. If not, there's always tomorrow. Thank you and have a great holiday.
Thanks Bruce!
Excellent points for a beginner like me. I have studied wild life all my life. I'm excited to be a birder. Taking a photo of my birding journey has become fun. My goals are simple. #1 a crisp photo that i enjoy and can use in a photo journal of mine. I will share my journey. I do not have a desire to become a professional photographer. My goal is enjoyment of a day in nature. A bird, a wild flower, a lizard, an interesting behavior of a bug. A journal about my journey. Thanks for pin point a trap I don't want to fall into. Comparison to a professional. I can learn what I like about a photo others have taken without comparing mine to theirs. Your thought on this subject make total sense to a beginner that will always be a beginner. Thank you very much, I appreciate helping me to focus on a direction I needed to define about my enjoyment of life in photos. Beginner always.
Thanks Cathy!
Hey Scott, this is such a great video with thoughts about comparisons and the ideas on the complete joy of taking photographs in the wild. Wonderful suggestions pertaining to goals and realistic self achievement by looking back at one's own images in years prior is enormously helpful in forming one's style, Being flexible and open minded is key to making wildlife photography a life-long hobbie. Just the shear enjoyment of being out in nature fine tuning your skills and developing your individual perspectives is so inspiring. Thank you for the great topic, definetely one of your finer discussions. Keep them coming, Scott!!!
Thanks Tom!
Funny...just before I watched this, I was journaling a bit about why I love photography and what my goals are! Yes, I have experienced the comparison trap.....and you hit on all the external motivators why I have often been anxious and frustrated with my photography. Social media certainly amplifies this....I have been on and off Facebook for some years. It has been hard for me to understand why, when I posted what I thought was a really nice (engaging and technically very good) photo, it got fewer "likes" than a blurry photo of a squirrel, etc. I started shifting into what you said about intrinsic goals, especially spending time observing and being with nature - and generating conversations with others about nature - telling photo stories. These bring me joy. I think that's the biggest issue I've had with FB - the likes thing doesn't do it for me; I want to engage with others, and FB is pretty hollow. Your suggestion to compare what I'm shooting now with what I shot a year ago is great! I can really say that I see alot of improvement, and that's enough - better than being "great"!
Great thoughts Diana