How to Photograph Boring Places... | Q&A
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 มิ.ย. 2024
- This week I'm answering photography questions, and some non photography questions. Some about cameras, some about places, others about inspiration.
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00:00 Intro
00:51 First thing I think about at a new location?
00:59 Isn't milk just cereal sauce?
01:26 How are you enjoying e-biking?
01:51 Are you worried AI will replace us as photographers?
02:46 What's your process while editing photos?
02:58 Can you make a living out of only selling prints?
03:07 Favourite locations to photograph?
03:16 Dream place to travel to?
03:25 How do you take care of gear in rain?
03:35 Where is your camera strap from?
03:42 How do you work out how big you can print a photo?
04:41 Inspiration for photographing boring areas?
05:11 How to take photos with a baby?
05:36 Your favourite photo of this year?
05:40 When are you coming to New Zealand?
05:59 Work-life balance?
06:49 How to edit greens?
07:04 Sony 24-50, Interested?
07:23 Fomo with a minimal set up?
08:06 Ducks and horses...
08:20 Where do I want to go in the US for landscape photography?
08:36 Projects for next year?
09:26 Best piece of photography advice ever?
10:04 Snacks?
10:18 Opinion on film photography?
11:10 Urge of buying more gear?
11:17 Who creates advanced in cameras?
11:55 Aperture and AI denoise?
12:20 Japan?
12:25 Do you research photo locations?
13:19 Biggest inspirations?
13:27 Christmas list?
13:43 Difference between buying new and used?
14:34 Sponsor message
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"“Human beings make life so interesting. Do you know, that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to invent boredom." - Terry Pratchett
Great video as always James.
Glad to see another photographer struggling with Welsh weather at the moment 😄!
I appreciate your answer about "boring places." I remember a Japanese photographer asking to exchange pictures of things that can only be seen where you live. The only thing I could think of was the alligators but that got him excited...
If you were living in Peckham, London that would excite me as well.
To be serious though that's something that I'd like to photograph but, from a distance. I think it's a very good point that it's often hard to see the unusual and exciting amongst things you see every day, which is the reason for trips away to places like New Zealand, Iceland ect. You just need to look harder to find a different angle.
I'm from the south of the UK, but I'm married and living in Thailand. Both places have their appeal and I always want to be in the place I'm not. I'm not in Bangkok or one of the beach areas such as Pattaya or Phuket but In Mahasarakham in northeast Thailand. Hence I've taken a few pictures of sunsets over the local reservoir, some with silhouettes of a temple and coconut trees and a few of water buffalo in and out of the water. None of women in bikinis though unfortunately.
I've taken pictures of bugs, beetles geckos, scorpions, crabs and snakes, both inside and outside of the bedroom but all with my smartphone. I'm hoping to do better with my used Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II from MPB. Actually I need to remove a snake that's curled up under the toilet. It was chased there by our ever helpful dogs. I could wait for my wife to get home from work so I can take pictures while she chases it out but I should try to sort this out myself. I wish I knew how to get a snake to pose.
oh my god yes! literally all of my photography is of "boring" places but they don't actually look boring.
they look boring bro
@@jezpacito what
@@jezpacito listen to what James says about those "boring" places in this video
Former sports photographer…spot on. My primary camera malfunctioned mid game, and I rolled over to other one and the older as the backup. The old subpar and disrespected camera body got the job done and because of that I held onto it. Still works great today and as I am retired from sports and concert photography I find myself grabbing that old body because I trust it and despite its age and lack of features it gets it done.
Another brilliant video James, thanks for the humour, entertainment and education in 2023. Nobody comes close to that mix.
'Cameras with soul', you got it in three words, thats why I love my cameras and have no real urge to upgrade and put them to pasture. I just enjoy taking photos thats it for me, I do have a day job. Thank you once again for your quirky humour always makes me laugh and just love your images. I also like to have a balance of human intervention in my photos. Have a great new year with your family.
To be honest, I expected to be thoroughly bored by a Q&A. But I wasn’t! Thank you for being entertaining.
10:50 'cameras that have a little bit more soul instead of pointless tec ...' That sentence of yours speaks right out of my heart. iI'm pretty annoyed about all those feature packed monsters marketed today, which force me to study the manual literally for weeks before getting really productive. I'm dreaming of having a camera like back in the days of 1973 or so when I shot with a Leicaflex SL for the first time. After making sure that the ASA was set correctly I took the camera, looked through the viewfinder, my then still very limited experience could tell instantly what to make of the metering presented, and my fingers knew instantly what to do. I did not even have to look at that camera, not to speak of reading a manual. A camera like that, only in digital, would be a dream.
Your whit always makes me smile, still laughing about the Barbour jacket and not having to own a farm. Keep up the good work
You just blew my mind with the new vs used question! I just realised that’s the reason I’ve missed some potentially great photos because I’ve been afraid to potentially damage my (weather sealed) gear, despite it being insured…
Been a fun and informative year watching your videos, James. Always enjoyable. Happy New Year, to you and your family.
You mentioned that your camera has the image stabilization, AI eye focus tracking, and a ton of pixels, but that you really don't need it. I got into photography through birding, and I absolutely wish I had those features on my entry level DSLR. I've still gotten some great shots, but there's plenty of instances where the gear absolutely makes a difference. To be fair, my photography so far has mainly been about the gear. I also do deep space astrophotography and microscopy, I cover single cells to multiple galaxies, and the gear for those is more than a little important. Watching your vids has made me want to get my kit lenses back out to try my hand at the medium sized stuff (for me), like landscapes. You're right that most photographers don't need all those camera features.
I very much enjoy all your TH-cam presentations. Keep up the good work James!
I love your videos so much! Thank you, James!
glad to know that your dream place is india , hoping to see you soon in our beautiful country. lots of love and respect from india
OMG I was starting to suffer from withdrawals without a video from you James. Seasons Greetings to you and yours and the very best in the new year from Nova Scotia, Canada.
I wake up and I have skin 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Very nice to see a more serious side of you. You touched many topics with useful replies.
Putting soul back into the cameras is exactly how I feel with my gear. Its too good, and I dont need 80% of the stuff it does. At this point, I dont even want a hybrid camera.
Wrap Christmas lights around a tube from wrapping paper. Tape each end at each end of the tub. Makes it like a garden hose reel.
Loved that Swiss tourism series. Can't wait to see what you come up with in 2024! Will be watching
As a fan from India, I am happy to hear that you are considering visiting, and maybe one in a billion chance that I will get to meet you!
You me both Popsy, Ive had 2 weeks off for Christmas and its rained every day, you watch, ill go back to work and the sun will come out, great vid mate, have a great New Years, cheers
Great video James! I love these Q&A sessions, you always bring a level head and humour which is very much appreciated
BTW, the picture behind you... right hand side, lower corner... its wonky and doing my head in
Have a great New Year mate. Looking forward to more great stuff in 2024
I enjoyed that! Yes, grey skies in late-fall and winter was one of my big reasons for moving to Vegas.
Brilliantly entertaining and informative.
Totally understand your new v used philosophy, I feel the same way! Love getting new gear but hate getting it damaged, you don’t get that with used.
I’m in North Wales too so like seeing your local videos.
Wishing you and the family a Happy New Year!
Brilliant video.
There's a surprisingly small amount of egg in mayonaise. It's mostly oil.
Love the video, so love your presentation st5, so naturall ❤
Great point about AI in commercial work. As a commercial designer I get a lot of requests for things which don't have the assets to support. When pressed for assets clients suddenly do not give a monkey if it's just AI spat out garbage, so long as it looks passable and carries their message. On the flip side consumers click regardless too. I don't personally use AI generators, because I can't really be bothered, since most of the time I could do something equally passable with less time and effort. However, I will receive wonky looking lifestyle images that were generated by the client.
Excellent, thanks for this video
Shane, Australia
I have the fujifilm xt3 and although it's considered "old" now, I know how to use it and still love taking photos with it! I chose it because every reviewer said it's fun to use, and as a hobbyist photographer, that's what I want!
Fuji is the one camera manufacturer I know of focused on making 'cameras with soul' in the budget class. They do have unneeded tech in some models but even still the vast majority have physical dials and a fantastic tactile experience. I honestly would be hard pressed to jump ship at this point, the user experience is just too good to trade.
@@user28a7dj8e7 Yes, the Fujifilm Instax line is very low tech and very popular!
As always, entertaining and informative. Looking forward to seeing you again in 2024. Happy New Year.
Thank you!
Très pro, de l'humour, une parfaite expression: trop fort ce James !
as a Canadian I'm so jealous of the ability to easily buy and sell gear on MPB.
James thank you for the "Flavor Trip" recommendation. They are awesome!
Just watched your video (wonderful video, as usual) and had to say that the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is practically in my "back yard", so to speak. It is DEFINITELY worth the sweat and effort it takes to hike there. The natural photographic opportunities are endless. Keep it on your bucket list. :)
.....a heads up....
be prepared to book a year in advance if it's 'the enchantments' that's got your attention
the area is extremely fragile, the snow-free season short, and justifiably popular so access is very limited.
Thanks for answering my question about making a living from landscape/street photography 🙌. It gave me some extra hope
Love the Christmas tree lights analogy for photographic simplification.
I struggle with boredom in the Antelope Valley, my solution is usually to go south to civilization. But there remains stuff to be photographed here.
Fun, entertaining, and insightful post.
James listens to chill house sets omg best news wver
Oh no! I’ve always loved your work and thought that your insights and views of all things photographic were worthy of my time, and then you go and describe Mike Chudley as “another fantastic photographer “ REALLY? Maybe you were just being polite? sarcastic? Did he pay you? “The Emperor’s new clothes “ always comes to mind at the thought of him. Just the right shoulder bag, the right trainers and the wasted Leica.
Aaaarrgghhh!
Carry on. 👍🥂 Happy New Year! 🎆🍾
LI can’t recommend Alpine Lakes Wilderness enough. Absolutely beautiful.
Man if you ever come to the States, you can spend easily 2 weeks to a month in WA, or even the PNW in general, and still not get enough of it. Absolutely breathtaking views right in my backyard. Love living here. Rainier National Park is a must as well! And the Olympic National Forest too. Oh man. So many good sights.
8:31 I live close by. The Enchantments is a dream destination, but requires overnight permits by lottery. The rest of the Alpine Lake Wilderness is awesome too and VERY accessible for most reasonable fit people.
James peering out of my screen to see if anyone was awake nearly cracked me up good and proper🤣. I was tilted back in my "office" chair with my feet on the desk... I nearly prodded his nose with my toe!
Love the video. First, I feel photographing boring places (i.e. not novel) has made me a better photographer by forcing me to look at little details and seeing the place I already know in new ways, and two, you definitely should visit India. I spent a year in Rajasthan. Incredible. All of it. The whole country, in fact.
Still awake and some great questions, I got your first three volumes for Xmas, only read 2018, it's great and nearly amusing as your videos. Favourite photos are the coloured houses and the whale tail, can't believe the cliff and tail had the same colours in them.
James: photographers only need simple cameras.
Also James: has an a7RV.
Another spot in Washington close-ish to where you said you'd like to go is the Olympic National Park. I spent a few days last year going around that loop and barely scratched the surface of all the stuff to stop at. Coast/beaches, mountains, rainforest, etc. all in one area. Amazing.
Very entertaining. Especially the skin care regimen.
that's wonderful places
Looking forward to your visit to Japan. I am very interested to see what sort of photos you would come up with here, especially those with man-made objects in nature (which we seem to have too much of 😀).
New v old, yep, that is me 😅. Another superb interesting video, thanks. Happy New Year to you and your family, and thanks for the entertaining year .
Totally agree about buying used. Even though I look after my equipment I am less “precious” about it. All of my gear is used and I love it all. I sold a lens via MPB and was very pleased with their service. Would definitely use them again.
Dan Baker! One of the most humble decent photographers I’ve had the good fortune to meet. Mike Chudley is ok but not from up north 😅
Fantastic content as ever and a cracking dry sense of humour 👌
Big fan but I’m embarrassed to say too much 🙈
I must commend your sponsor who sorted out a DPD problem in a matter of days. Very professional and efficient service.
Two things. One - Pictured Rocks and the areas around the Upper Peninsula and Lake Superior are worth a trip. And, two, thanks for the rabbit hole… I just lost 15 minutes looking up what a Barbour jacket was and exploring the different types.
Interesting. It's making think .
Got a toddler. I just run around with a 24-105 f4. I had a dslr, three lenses - and i agree. It's really not feasible when herding a kid to be swapping lenses. Tempted to try out the sigma 65mm f2 for other smaller prime for walking around.
I find it very intriguing that a photo of a "boring" place can be so much more interesting that the place itself. This is not specifically a photographic phenomenon. Many still life paintings of bowls of fruit are so much more interesting than actual bowls of fruit. Our minds are playing tricks on us, maybe.
Northern east or west coast of the US is worth the trip. I'm in Maine and it's amazing.
Come on out to Washington state, we'd love to have you!
As a Washingtonian who loves the alpine lakes wilderness if you ever make it out here I’d love to go on a workshop with you here! Or otherwise meet up and go shooting. It’s phenomenal here!
The two worst things that could ever happen together, my bike falling over in the wind, and then nearly landing on my camera bag 😱🫣😳😭
I've kept spare lenses in my Barbour jacket's duck pocket.
Superficial familiarity breeds boredom. But if you actually really look, most areas aren’t boring.
I live in a small city and I often think it’s boring, but in truth I keep going to the same locations to shoot the same things the same way, and it’s really that that makes it boring. Now I might go out with a single prime just to mix it up, and force new ways of seeing and capturing moments.
I will even go at different times of the day. Variety is my key to keeping it interesting.
With your love of nature vs manmade you must check out the abandoned sides of the US!!! Such as interstate 40 through Arizona and New Mexico
Oooh would love if you did a meetup or photowalk while in Japan. I'm in/just out of Tokyo and would love to hang out and chat.
Btw my recommendation would be fall/winter, the weather is amazing. Hot til November though!
I like your comments about manufacturers making simpler digital cameras without all the confusing tech. I would love a camera that is just like a Nikon FM2 with manual focusing with a fully engraved lens barrel, f stop ring, split focussing, dials/knobs for ISO and shutter speed but with a digital back. For some reason that stage was bypassed?
Great little inspirational video. As a multi genre photographer the new camera capabilities have made things easier and possible. BUT most importantly where did you get the jumper/hoody from? 🧐
Just have to say again how much I enjoy your videos and how well you relate to me, anyway. If I ever get to your side of the pond would enjoy buying you a pint or two and talking shop. And if you are ever in the PNW of the US, be sure to let me know. Maybe a collaborative video could be created.
As always a fun video. Hard to be more personable than my guy right here! One day, when I can afford it, I will 100% go on a Popsys workshop (Popshop...? Worksys...?)
Also I got an eMTB last year... best money I've ever spent. I can go 3x as far without having to worry about being tired! But maybe if I didn't drop that money on a bike I'd have some to go on a Popshop... Damn you my old nemesis: financial planning.
This is the same as people who live next to some cool attractions. They see it all the time. Whuch makes it seem mundane. But if you got some one else there, its really neat.
Hey James! If you’re looking at doing some projects with other people, I’ve been trying to figure out a cool way to mix Drums with my nature photography! Best part is I’m also from wales, a little place called Pembrokeshire! Don’t know if you’d be interested in this but it’s something I plan on trying at somepoint!
MAYO 🤮
Great video as always! Come to the Oregon coast in the states. A few lighthouses, dramatic rocks, big waves and incredible greens.
I second the Alpine Lakes WA. Oregon/Washington are just unreal
I’m just starting out. Would love a video on how best to plan a coastal photography trip in the uk (time of day/year etc)
I agree with you on camera tec where it is right now. Way to much I don't need. Exept IBIS. I can't go back.
But still fascinating stuff overall. That is why it is so hard no to buy new stuff.
Dont really need the question graphic but as for ‘goin back to find them’ you could probably just screencapture each one after you answer… since you put a cut between each one that screengrab moment wont be on camera
haha Flavour Trip have literally exploded this last year 😂😂 they are awesome tho
While I agree with the boring part, there are always things to photograph. I mean you've been to a winter wasteland before, but still would be interested to see what you come up with in North Dakota. xD There's a lot here. It just doesn't always feel like it. Especially when I can't travel. xD But winter fog crystalizing on trees is gorgeous, even if I've never successfully taken a photo of it that I like.
Is that a Mason Bokeh you have? Lovely bike!
Does anyone know what the hoodie is that James is wearing?
What's the time code for the “how to photograph boring places” answer?
Can we get an ID on that hoodie? It looks comfy as hell
One more question, I hope somebody asked: Why did you left LUMIX m43 for SONY FF? Yeah, I know AF was a big thing, but do you really need super fast and reliable AF shooting human landscape? BTW, I just made that term up, to categorize your photography. I used to have Olympus cameras, an E-M1 and an E-M5 Mark II, and even the E-M1 had PDAF, my G9 focuses faster and more reliable than that.
james, something wrong with your store link. getting "private site" message.
There can be a problem with buying used: I bought a used Olympus camera that I was overjoyed with, also bought several lenses. Five months down the line and the camera developed a problem with the screen which I discovered was a known issue and a manufacturing fault. Of course it wasn't under warranty and the repair is so expensive I could have just bought the brand new camera and had a full twelve months warranty. Now I am deeply regretting buying used and buying Olympus after having been a Canon user for 25 years.
the site is currently private, any idea on when it will be available to everyone?
If you'd done some research before moving to Wales you wouldn't have been so pleasantly surprised about the constant sideways rain and grey. Just a thought.
see your world through the eyes of the stranger
Thanks for the feedbacks! Actually, I was saying the same: Please take me out of those boring blue skies, please give me clouds!
We're never happy with what we have it seems ;)
Go to Japan!!!
15:31 yeah, still awake but I am listening to Pendulum at the same time and writing a marketing plan for a potential client. Sleep when I'm dead.
I have to say my home location became boring after the pandemic. I shot so much I knew every weed in the pavements. I even took portraits of the residents. But I seriously ran out of inspiration and had to move house to a new location.
What is the Airspeed Velocity of an Unladen Swallow? African or European. Your choice. ... And how would you photograph it?
Hey I'm only a few hours from Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area (Leavenworth basically) and I'm sure someone like Nick Page would have experience there. Be cool to see you guys meetup for a shoot, maybe invite a total stranger along 😉
Careful what you wish for, there will be a camera out soon with a 'Soul' adjustment.