That reflective image seems like one of those ones where you scan the negative and it’s just a joy to see come to life. I hope you print that in the darkroom because those colours are great.
For those of us who love photography, one of the challenges is finding interesting things to take pictures of. I can imagine that one of the challenges of running a TH-cam channel is coming up with novel ideas for topics that viewers will delight in. I’m grateful that you have an ability to come up with new and interesting ideas for video topics, because these give me good ideas for things to find that are worthwhile subjects to photograph. Thank you!
Awesome, Willem. You have such a great eye for finding compositions and light. The first moment I saw you composing the photo with the two window reflections I instantly knew it was going to be amazing. I would probably have walked right by that too fast to notice that particular viewpoint. This seems like a great excersize you've come up with in learning to better see. Your channel never gets old to me. I think that alone is an really notable accomplishment you've achieved over the years! Cheers! ✌
Ello mate just stopping by here a bit late to let you know I saw that shot at 9:30 in your night photo viddy and spent an age hunting this one down haha, ABSOLUTE ZINGER
I agree that the concept of a self-assignment is really useful for giving yourself a central theme to explore and work around. I unintentionally did that last summer when I decided to take a camera along with me to the laundromat one day and take photos while I did my laundry. I liked how those photos turned out, so I got it in my mind to start taking my laundry to a bunch of different laundromats throughout the region where I live and take photos while I did my laundry. I went to 17 different laundromats in total, and that all culminated in a a really awesome body of work that I've since used to make my first photo zine and show a few pieces in a couple local gallery shows. It was a really fun and challenging change of pace since most of my other photography work is a lot more aimless without much of a unifying style or feel to it.
I really see this video working brilliantly on people who struggle to start new photography projects. Personally, what I struggle with the most is doing collaborative photography projects or shoots and not finding anyone to do them with. It's a real pain to have a great idea for a project but it falling through because other people involved just don't have the same passion, commitment, inspiration, etc. I've been trying to gather a crew for about two months now😮💨
seriously i'm never not amazed with your work man. "self-assignment" made a lightbulb click in my head and im about to have a lot more fun with personal projects. photo of the house windows was jaw dropping. absolutely nuts
the photo of the house with the two reflections literally brought tears to my eyes, thank you for continuing to inspire me and everyone else who watches these!! You make me want to create and that is hard for me these days! Beautiful images, I'll always be a fan of your art.
My God!! This work of yours is simply stunning to say the least!!! Jesus, that pic of the rock on the window reflection is simply too good!! Keep the god job up! Looking forward to the next video!
I find these videos really valuable. As a hobby photographer who's been going out shooting for about 3 years, I've got to that point now where I'm ready for more intention in my work. I look longingly at locations like California or Europe but know these valuable and original projects are where I am too (Toronto). Thanks Willem.
Your videos are the ones I am most excited about and you never fail to deliver something interesting and inspiring. You are such an amazing creative with a great eye for telling a story, seeing interesting compositions and so on. You managed to make such a variety of interesting perspectives just from one simple subject. Apart from the window reflections I especially liked the composition with the tree in the middle, the rock at one side and the factory on the other. Such a strong and thoughtful image that tells a whole story.
Woa really enjoyed this @Willem! The pacing and subject of these 12 minutes has given me energy and a sort of insight in what personally my next steps may be! Thank you for this, and wish you a great week!
I started my first self-assignment this year. Technically my first photography project. I will take a full year to complete but only 4 months in now I have learned so much about shooting and have felt more productive than I have doing many other shoots.
Reminds me of Monet painting his neighbors haystacks 30+ times over 2 years because he was obsessed with capturing how the light changed throughout the day and seasons. Gorgeous captures! Wonderful vid as always!
Willem, the photo of the reflections with two different perspectives is why you are the GAH DAMN GOAT. I was literally blown away and kept yelling “Jesus Christ!” Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for inspiring as always! 12:17
Your videos remind me why I love being a photographer. I'm delighted I've found you and have the opportunity to learn from you. I love your way of seeing and the practical and encouraging way you teach. Every video feels like a gift. Thank you!
Wow, love this one, as well the previous video about self-assignment which are both about building a personal body of work while ultimately discovering your inner voice as a photographer/artist. It's very cool to see how you drew inspiration for this from 200 Views of Mount Fuji by Hiroshi Masuko and maybe to a lesser extent from Manifest Destiny by John Humble in your project about plant nurseries. Two photo-books that you got to tell us about. Fascinating to see how these mentors of yours translate to your own work/craftsmanship, but also how we can borrow an idea, a concept, a technique or just anything really from someone else while making it our own. If these projects turn into books in the years to come, I'll definitely get them. Thanks
i love that you spent some time in morro bay! the town is really sentimental to me and my family, whenever i'm driving down the coastal highway i'm so captivated by the way morro rock pulls out of the fog or the way the sunset catches on it. when school ends, i'm hoping to get down there to take some photos myself, so this is great inspiration
This is where I come to regain my passion and drive for photography, and these last few videos have been so inspiring and helpful. Thank you very much for your work.
Love your videos so much Willem! Specially because they follow a simple but effective formula. Find something interesting to shoot, go to that place, get the shots, done. No over-phylosophical chit chat, just you describing what you learn from the self-assignment while showing us great photos with some nice phone bts footage. Great work!
I was just there in February, doing a Cali road trip, also camping in our car. Took some film photos of the rock as well. Love your channel, was really cool to see how you photographed something I also did :) I needed some inspiration today, and I just got exactly that, will do a self-assignment in my new city this week, thank you!
Loving these self-assignment videos! Has definitely driven me to seek my own self-assignments. Would really enjoy hearing about more technical aspects of your shots, like exposure and your method behind it. Keep these coming.
Maybe one of my favorites were of the reflection of the water with the Morro Bay Rock in the background! I loved the direct vertical composition a lot, and the light gives off a great feeling of dawn. You’re a good teller through your vids and a teacher in a way, through giving a glimpse into your life on how you shot the self assignment. I would want to see more of the sky, if you ever are able to capture that, the direct changing of light would be an awe to see! 👏🏻
Just here to cheer on my buddy Willem, thank you for consistently pursuing new work, trying new things, and sharing those experiences. The work you do is invaluable 💕
I get more inspiration by watching your videos than by the whole photography course I'm doing, so thank you for that! And of course, the window reflection photo stole my heart, bravo!
There was a skateboard museum in Morro Bay appropriately named the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum. Unfortunately it shut down a couple years around the start of the pandemic I believe, but in 2016 (I was only 14 at the time) Jack, the owner of the museum, planned to skate an electric skateboard across America, as he had done before first in 1976 (and a few times from then on) on traditional skateboards. I sent him a GoPro battery for him to use on his journey. Unfortunately, he cut that journey short due to the danger of riding a skateboard along roadways after multiple near misses (though it seems he successfully completed the journey in 2019!), and when he sent my GoPro battery back, he sent along a few stickers, one of which read "Three Stacks and a Rock". I'd always wanted to visit, then being to visit the museum; I was still skating at the time, but now because it seems to be such a beautiful place to be. This comment ended up being far longer than I intended lol
great video and awesome to see the continuation of this series (and perfect timing on my end I guess haha). There are so many ways to tailor this exercise to just about anything anywhere, maybe that's in part what helps so many people connect to it? pic at 9:34 is incredible, wow.
Thank you! This video inspired me a lot and I would actually just start in this very moment with a photography project. And this photo in 9.33 is amazing, wow, absolutely love it.
Loved it. Really like the idea. Gave me things to think about. I've been clicking refresh on TH-cam for a while now waiting on a new video from you. Don't leave it too long until the next one!
Nice photos! It reminds me to 100 views of Mount Fuji. By Hokusai. I think you may find inspiration in his project, he also worked to find diferente perspective of a single mountain.
I’ve only been to the states twice in my life. The first time we stayed in Los Osos with my friend’s uncle and borrowed some bikes to ride up to Morro Bay. Happy days
I swear I saw you randomly walking around my Morro Bay neighborhood ~1 year ago and then I saw your accompanying video. Sadly my relationship ended up there and I had to leave town. This video makes me a little depressed but nostalgic to see you walking through all the different spots I used to photograph. nice work
Amazing as always, really love the playful nature of that reflection shot and how those two windows give almost polar opposite looks. Keep up the amazing work sir!
Was just there last week, Morro bay is a easy place to shoot. So many opportunities for unique shots and interesting lighting. Right off the PCH it's a great place to stop and hang around.
pls pls make self assignments a series. such a great idea and the photos from these two videos are incredible
The photo in the window reflection was so cool. It looked like 2 paintings on a wall. More of this type of video please!
That reflective image seems like one of those ones where you scan the negative and it’s just a joy to see come to life. I hope you print that in the darkroom because those colours are great.
For those of us who love photography, one of the challenges is finding interesting things to take pictures of. I can imagine that one of the challenges of running a TH-cam channel is coming up with novel ideas for topics that viewers will delight in. I’m grateful that you have an ability to come up with new and interesting ideas for video topics, because these give me good ideas for things to find that are worthwhile subjects to photograph. Thank you!
Awesome, Willem. You have such a great eye for finding compositions and light. The first moment I saw you composing the photo with the two window reflections I instantly knew it was going to be amazing. I would probably have walked right by that too fast to notice that particular viewpoint. This seems like a great excersize you've come up with in learning to better see. Your channel never gets old to me. I think that alone is an really notable accomplishment you've achieved over the years! Cheers! ✌
Means so much Bob! Thanks for always checking out the videos. :)
I need that first shot of the window reflections on my wall! 🤩
Dido! That window reflection photo is definitely a winner
I'm not joking, the picture at 9:28 might be the best picture ive ever seen. Incredible work Willem, your videos and photos are so great
Ello mate just stopping by here a bit late to let you know I saw that shot at 9:30 in your night photo viddy and spent an age hunting this one down haha, ABSOLUTE ZINGER
Reminded me of Hokusai's 36 View of Mt. Fuji. Loved that shot of the window reflections.
I agree that the concept of a self-assignment is really useful for giving yourself a central theme to explore and work around. I unintentionally did that last summer when I decided to take a camera along with me to the laundromat one day and take photos while I did my laundry. I liked how those photos turned out, so I got it in my mind to start taking my laundry to a bunch of different laundromats throughout the region where I live and take photos while I did my laundry. I went to 17 different laundromats in total, and that all culminated in a a really awesome body of work that I've since used to make my first photo zine and show a few pieces in a couple local gallery shows.
It was a really fun and challenging change of pace since most of my other photography work is a lot more aimless without much of a unifying style or feel to it.
9:32 this shot is so beautifully captured. awed
9:33 could be one of my favorite images you have ever made...man..that one is STUNNING.
Thank you :')
@@WillemVerb what settings did you use for this photo?
That photo at 9:35 is freaking dope! what a composition
Yeah, that reflection pic is lovely. One of my favorites you have ever shared on here.
That window reflection photograph is absolutely brilliant and beautiful.
I really see this video working brilliantly on people who struggle to start new photography projects. Personally, what I struggle with the most is doing collaborative photography projects or shoots and not finding anyone to do them with. It's a real pain to have a great idea for a project but it falling through because other people involved just don't have the same passion, commitment, inspiration, etc. I've been trying to gather a crew for about two months now😮💨
5:21
Godzilla taking a nap 😴 Great shot !
that reflection is art my boy
BRUH. 9:36 absolutely bangs. This is so inspiring my man, great video!
seriously i'm never not amazed with your work man. "self-assignment" made a lightbulb click in my head and im about to have a lot more fun with personal projects. photo of the house windows was jaw dropping. absolutely nuts
Morro bay is what made me get into Landscape Photography. One of my favorite places in the world ♥
the photo of the house with the two reflections literally brought tears to my eyes, thank you for continuing to inspire me and everyone else who watches these!! You make me want to create and that is hard for me these days! Beautiful images, I'll always be a fan of your art.
My God!! This work of yours is simply stunning to say the least!!! Jesus, that pic of the rock on the window reflection is simply too good!! Keep the god job up! Looking forward to the next video!
9:37 has to be one of my new favorite photos from you. WOW
Willem, the photo at 6:29 is mint. You’ve impaired me to get out and shoot more and get into film. Keep it up.
Great project and chill vibes. The house and window reflection is a BANGER!
LOVE this. Feels like the makings of a book. Excited to see where this series goes.
How does he find such amazing things to photograph each time!! its sorcery!!
funnily enough, the comp when you were drinking coffee at 7:14 was one of the best comps that includes the landmark you showed in the video imo haha
I find these videos really valuable. As a hobby photographer who's been going out shooting for about 3 years, I've got to that point now where I'm ready for more intention in my work. I look longingly at locations like California or Europe but know these valuable and original projects are where I am too (Toronto). Thanks Willem.
Your videos are the ones I am most excited about and you never fail to deliver something interesting and inspiring. You are such an amazing creative with a great eye for telling a story, seeing interesting compositions and so on. You managed to make such a variety of interesting perspectives just from one simple subject. Apart from the window reflections I especially liked the composition with the tree in the middle, the rock at one side and the factory on the other. Such a strong and thoughtful image that tells a whole story.
Always a delight seeing your photos man. I can't explain it, it just hits differently.
Beautiful framing especially 5:17 got to be my favorite picture
Woa really enjoyed this @Willem! The pacing and subject of these 12 minutes has given me energy and a sort of insight in what personally my next steps may be! Thank you for this, and wish you a great week!
Thank you
How on earth are those reflections even real at 9:34 ? Insane man
that window photo is one of the best ever - insane job man!!!!
I started my first self-assignment this year. Technically my first photography project. I will take a full year to complete but only 4 months in now I have learned so much about shooting and have felt more productive than I have doing many other shoots.
That deer sweater is top notch
that photo of the house w/ the sunset in one window & the rock in the other is just spectacular.
Reminds me of Monet painting his neighbors haystacks 30+ times over 2 years because he was obsessed with capturing how the light changed throughout the day and seasons.
Gorgeous captures! Wonderful vid as always!
9:34 This one is just amazing!
Omg the reflection in the window!!!! Too beautiful ❤️
Willem, the photo of the reflections with two different perspectives is why you are the GAH DAMN GOAT. I was literally blown away and kept yelling “Jesus Christ!” Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for inspiring as always! 12:17
Your videos remind me why I love being a photographer. I'm delighted I've found you and have the opportunity to learn from you. I love your way of seeing and the practical and encouraging way you teach. Every video feels like a gift. Thank you!
I also really love the constant of this large rock, it feels grounding.
Wow, love this one, as well the previous video about self-assignment which are both about building a personal body of work while ultimately discovering your inner voice as a photographer/artist. It's very cool to see how you drew inspiration for this from 200 Views of Mount Fuji by Hiroshi Masuko and maybe to a lesser extent from Manifest Destiny by John Humble in your project about plant nurseries. Two photo-books that you got to tell us about. Fascinating to see how these mentors of yours translate to your own work/craftsmanship, but also how we can borrow an idea, a concept, a technique or just anything really from someone else while making it our own. If these projects turn into books in the years to come, I'll definitely get them. Thanks
this new era of willem verb is so good
That was great Willem!!! I got pumped when I saw you lining up that shot towards the reflective window... did not disappoint!
the photo at 9:33 is absolutely beautiful. wow.
That picture is SICK! Well done Willem, you're great!
That reflection in the window. The balance of the cold and warm tones. Awesome stuff 💯💯💯
i love that you spent some time in morro bay! the town is really sentimental to me and my family, whenever i'm driving down the coastal highway i'm so captivated by the way morro rock pulls out of the fog or the way the sunset catches on it. when school ends, i'm hoping to get down there to take some photos myself, so this is great inspiration
Such a great video! Your shots are amazing!
You are the inspiration for many of us Willem
Wow. That picture with the two windows showing two different views is incredible.
This is where I come to regain my passion and drive for photography, and these last few videos have been so inspiring and helpful. Thank you very much for your work.
Love your videos so much Willem! Specially because they follow a simple but effective formula. Find something interesting to shoot, go to that place, get the shots, done. No over-phylosophical chit chat, just you describing what you learn from the self-assignment while showing us great photos with some nice phone bts footage. Great work!
I was just there in February, doing a Cali road trip, also camping in our car. Took some film photos of the rock as well. Love your channel, was really cool to see how you photographed something I also did :)
I needed some inspiration today, and I just got exactly that, will do a self-assignment in my new city this week, thank you!
the photograph @ 9:35 is stunning man. hats off
Loving these self-assignment videos! Has definitely driven me to seek my own self-assignments. Would really enjoy hearing about more technical aspects of your shots, like exposure and your method behind it. Keep these coming.
The Morro Rock reflection photograph is golden Willem. Love the idea of this photo series, rock on! 🤘
Great inspiration and excellent photography. Especially liked the reflection shot. Amazing! Thanks for sharing those stories.
Maybe one of my favorites were of the reflection of the water with the Morro Bay Rock in the background! I loved the direct vertical composition a lot, and the light gives off a great feeling of dawn. You’re a good teller through your vids and a teacher in a way, through giving a glimpse into your life on how you shot the self assignment. I would want to see more of the sky, if you ever are able to capture that, the direct changing of light would be an awe to see! 👏🏻
Love the shot with the two reflections in the window!!! Would love to see this hanging in my living room!
Just here to cheer on my buddy Willem, thank you for consistently pursuing new work, trying new things, and sharing those experiences. The work you do is invaluable 💕
I get more inspiration by watching your videos than by the whole photography course I'm doing, so thank you for that! And of course, the window reflection photo stole my heart, bravo!
There was a skateboard museum in Morro Bay appropriately named the Morro Bay Skateboard Museum. Unfortunately it shut down a couple years around the start of the pandemic I believe, but in 2016 (I was only 14 at the time) Jack, the owner of the museum, planned to skate an electric skateboard across America, as he had done before first in 1976 (and a few times from then on) on traditional skateboards. I sent him a GoPro battery for him to use on his journey. Unfortunately, he cut that journey short due to the danger of riding a skateboard along roadways after multiple near misses (though it seems he successfully completed the journey in 2019!), and when he sent my GoPro battery back, he sent along a few stickers, one of which read "Three Stacks and a Rock". I'd always wanted to visit, then being to visit the museum; I was still skating at the time, but now because it seems to be such a beautiful place to be.
This comment ended up being far longer than I intended lol
That image at 9:35 is so good!
great video and awesome to see the continuation of this series (and perfect timing on my end I guess haha). There are so many ways to tailor this exercise to just about anything anywhere, maybe that's in part what helps so many people connect to it? pic at 9:34 is incredible, wow.
Thanks Ryan!
Thank you! This video inspired me a lot and I would actually just start in this very moment with a photography project. And this photo in 9.33 is amazing, wow, absolutely love it.
Watching this right before work. Inspirational, got me really in the mood to shoot something.
Loved it. Really like the idea. Gave me things to think about.
I've been clicking refresh on TH-cam for a while now waiting on a new video from you. Don't leave it too long until the next one!
I liked this idea of a new assignment. And the images captured in the windows of a house were great. 👍
Love it ❤ the rock is definitely giving main character vibes
Bro you have single-handedly convinced me to pick up a film camera and loads of film(which costs like gold) My wife is gonna be pissed
9:32 too good!
the reflection shot was total fire
indeed, the reflection image was one of my favourites.
The photo of the reflection is a banger!!! the other are beautiful too though
I know exactly that feeling of waking up camping and being stoked where you are and.... best part yet, you got coffee! ;)
Honestly, I feel called out by the analog and aeropress combo!
Nice photos! It reminds me to 100 views of Mount Fuji. By Hokusai. I think you may find inspiration in his project, he also worked to find diferente perspective of a single mountain.
This is inspiring me to travel. Things are getting warm again and plants are blooming so it’s a good time to do it.
This is really fantastic, lots of incredible photos in here, can't wait to see what the final project looks like
I’ve only been to the states twice in my life. The first time we stayed in Los Osos with my friend’s uncle and borrowed some bikes to ride up to Morro Bay. Happy days
Thank you for the inspiration! I'll try this method in my local area.
Some great shots you took here !
Very nice perspectives and good way to teach oneself a bit !
the shot at 7:10 just has the rock sneaky chilling in the background.... nicely done willem 🤣🤣
also photo through the windows one orange one blue... absolute gas
Loving the self assignment videos!
An inspiring video. Looking forward to seeing your photos in the coming year. Thank you.
Willem, this is both the best video I've seen in a while and also some banger photos. And stoked to see you enjoy a camp trip.
Wowow, beautiful images. Such a great idea doing these! Need to do some myself, thanks for the inspiration!
It’s always a joy to open TH-cam and see a new video. Inspiring as always and you produced some amazing shots.
I swear I saw you randomly walking around my Morro Bay neighborhood ~1 year ago and then I saw your accompanying video. Sadly my relationship ended up there and I had to leave town. This video makes me a little depressed but nostalgic to see you walking through all the different spots I used to photograph. nice work
The photo from inside the restaurant thru the window was the best in my opinion.
You should re do it by stacking exposures!
Amazing as always, really love the playful nature of that reflection shot and how those two windows give almost polar opposite looks. Keep up the amazing work sir!
This was fantastic. Love the reflection photo.
This was actually a great idea. Will try something like this during the summer. Thanks 😊
Was just there last week, Morro bay is a easy place to shoot. So many opportunities for unique shots and interesting lighting. Right off the PCH it's a great place to stop and hang around.
Great video. I love the image with the windows reflection of the rock!
These are some of my favourite photos of yours.