I Regret I Didn't Learn These Photography Tips Sooner
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
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Thanks as always for watching - What do you think of the slideshow inserts in the content? Want to see more of them in future?
I have a question when it does come to a shoot. Usually in a shoot, I do have 1 or two beautiful shots that im proud of but then become disappointed that the other 100 or so aren't good. Am I hurting myself by not focusing on the one for two beautiful shots? When it comes to someone like Annie, I notice that most of the time she only has maybe 3 images per subject. Am I just putting way too much pressure on myself? is it ok to be satisfied with those two or there perfect shots?
Yes, I love the slideshow inserts. This video well illustrated the connections that Annie Leibowitz builds with her subjects. They all look so comfortable, even in the most contrived settings.
@@TheOlympia75 that is normal
Slideshow inserts 👍
It added to and helped understand the concepts. Thank you! I would like to see more of them 🙂
For years I worked in NYC publishing as a photo editor and director of photography. (I joined Rolling Stone just when Leibovitz left to work with Vanity Fair). Besides being technically astute and good with composition, I personally think Leibovitz' main skill that made her stand out amongst her peers is her personality and her pushy and demanding attitude. Somehow, for me, her pictures are really a very seductive and alluring veneer but with little soul. Of course how we react to art and photography is personal, but I think there are other successful photographers who capture a bit more than a surface sheen.
Yes
If her behaviour was as described I would think her photos would have no soul
Only after a few years i found out that if you only have 30 min. to take photos, you get a beter photo if you talk with the person for 25 min. and take 2 or 3 photos in the last min. than using the 30 min. to take (50) photos.
Thank you, thank you THANK YOU for talking about photography and not gear!! Finally!! someone who gets it!
One of your best videos, for sure. The voice over was great. It allowed full screen viewing of your example photos, which were well chosen. Many were familiar but hey, another viewing was a fine gift. Some showed lighting equipment and helped understand how the shots were made. Outstanding work.
Thanks Edward! Glad you enjoyed it - please feel free to share it with your friends
I can't thank you enough for the many things that I've learnt from your videos! The subjects you choose, the way you talk to your viewers and breakdown the matters! Awesome!!! God bless you and good luck with whatever you do in your life!
Wow, thank you for watching
Hi Alex, I love your approach to the world of photography. Less gear is one of the best pieces of advice I have heard for ages and would advocate greatly. I recently took one camera and an 85mm lens to a wedding and I really had to think about my composition. On reflection I would love to have taken a manual lens, set up zone focus and just taken it from there and concentrated on what I was seeing rather than still concentrating on what settings I was using... Though, I still got what I consider to be some of my best portrait photos and my genre is normally landscape!
Only one small niggle for me regarding this video and some others... I find sometimes your voiceover really had to compete with the music. Alex, what you have to say is far more interesting and far outweighs the need for background music... it felt a little like unnecessary "fill flash"
A point that needs to be made is that notoriety (or fame) is like money - it makes more of itself when there's enough of it. So, Annie gets to partake of all these fabulous portraiture opportunities of which she takes full advantage by continuing her trajectory of producing fabulous portraits.
I've admired her work for a long time and been inspired by it to produce images that resonate as do hers. The speaker (I forgot his name and it's mentioned nowhere) has correctly understood that such photographs are the result of the relationship between the photographer and the subject. The skilled photographer is thus required to create that relationship if it doesn't pre-exist. No small feat if you've never done such a thing; much harder if you don't have the skill and personality to do so deliberately in the short time you have with your subjects.
It's so good to see that an amazing photographer is from where I'm from - Waterbury, CT! She's amazing!!!!!
One of my all time favourites is a picture that Annie did for Vanity Fair of Nicole Kidman lying on a couch by some french windows , very directional natural lighting gives this a renaissance painting feel and this makes sense after watching your video and your comments about how Annie loved the Old Masters..... great video Alex as usual
Great point you brought up of being a Portrait Photographer and having trouble talking to the subject! Although I have observed that sometimes as you interact with a subject the Photographer may see a way to capture the subject as the Photographer sees him or her but at the same time the subject may want to show an opposite version of themselves. In any case a conversation must be had. Thanks for all the great content yo make in your great channel Mr. Alex Kilbee!
Thank you for this. It answered a question I've been considering for a while. There is, or was, a photographic channel on TH-cam that featured photographs of a small stable of young women. The photos were quite good-but somehow empty. The women played with their hair, fiddled with hand position, exposed thigh, wore thin shifts, and so forth. Usually, there was a short intro and a short conclusion with the model and often comments from the photographer. So how was it that the photos were appealing but not fulfilling? I think your commentary on Annie Leibovitz explains it. Her photographs offer insight into who the subject of the photograph is. Something about who they are, who they might become whereas the subjects of the site I'm talking about are photographed as decorative objects. Things on a shelf but not more.
It's in love that we find beauty, that's how much she loves her craft, how she masters it...
I wish to build this connection with each photo I take, thank you for this amazing video as always !
Wonderful
Thank you, Alex. Your videos are so amazing. Even after 5 decades of photography, I always get so much of your vids. Cheers!
Really meaningful progression on the channel towards THE WORK which for so many of us want to elevate both for ourselves and in the eyes of clients- and for the long term survival of the craft.
I can not stress enough how much i appreciate your content. I like your calm and deep focussing to one subject or aspect of photography. Thank you very much for all the lessons i've learned from you, for all the inspiration and motivation. Thank you for beeing here when i'm depressed about my own work.
need to love what your photographing was also something the great David Bailey said and the communication between photographer and subject, the chemistry and rapport is paramount and you either have that or you don't.. you can't teach charisma and personality nor can you fake it or copy it.
Annie is amazing but I wonder how much is done in post? Everything is so perfect it must be very photoshopped !
That doesn't matter at all.
It’s true about falling in love with your subject. A former photographer told me you must develop a connection to your subject to get a good shot
Viewing these photos and listening to your comments certainly were educational and very helpful Thank you
This site is the best, always interesting and engaging and the slideshow is a great addition. Thanks Alex keep it up
My pleasure! Great to have you here
Annie is a master at delegating to her team.
Speaking of natural/existing light portraits, are you aware of or done a feature on British photographer Jane Bown? Fantastic celebrity portraits in black and white all done by existing light. There’s a great documentary about her on Amazon Prime.
Thanks for the suggestion, I'd not heard of her
Breathtaking !! Quite contrary to others who commented on this down below, I even couldn't be distracted by the music. Thank you so much!
Very interesting article but Annie is shooting people that are mostly very used to be photographed. She's certainly done well over the years. Most of us shoot people that don't even want to be in front of a camera. Am I envious of how well she's done, yes. Who wouldn't be!
I love the feeling when I order the last G Master!!!! No matter if I am going to take only ONE good photograph with it….or no one.
Annie began her career as a photo journalist. She followed the school of the decisive moment and this is reflected in his portraits.
The light technique is amazing, the material and staff are top, but there is always something else in the photos that leaves the technique for second place.
In the time of analog, Leibovitz created a particular style of light, by working with slide film and printing on paper of inferior qualidae (magazine).
With digital changed the light to a more natural effect and always with good contrast.
Later, she customized (again) her work with a unique color palette, which brings her photos closer to the painting.
That, was one of the best videos I have seen in a while. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! Great to hear that Tom!
I really enjoyed this episode. I always favor the episodes that feature a particular photographer, but this one really stood out for me. Well produced. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing your passion!
Beautfiul work Gavin. The gels and the coast looked so cool 😊👍
Just wanted to thank you for the video. Really enjoyable and thought provoking as always.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent video Alex! Would it be possible to upload the pics showcased so that we can download them?
So true. Less gear = simplicity & creativity
Great video. I learn so much from watching your channel.
I love the slideshow inserts. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I love your portrait work Alex, it really is stunning. Wonderful light and creativity.
Wisdom of the heart always better than knowledge of experience. It can’t go wrong if you love, I found it really useful for my own commitment To be exceptional for everyone in every single moment
I am a puppeteer, many years ago I booked to have some publicity shots done with a puppet that I had a fair amount of success with. I was told the photographer was the official photographer for the Pope when he visited. I tried to briefly to tell him what the show was about which I thought was important, and he said, "I'm not interested". The shots that came out showed that feeling exactly. I had some more shots done by someone else who was interested and who brilliantly captured the feeling.
I recall seeing an exhibition of her work, predominantly work for Vanity Fair, at the National Portrait Gallery in London in the early 1990s. Looking back, I think work form that exhibition has had, and continues to have, an influence over my work to this day.
Anny Leibovitz works with a huge staff of super-talented people and she has the best lighting and camera gear that exists so she could not take a bad photograph even if she tried.
You have to decide whether you want us to listen to you or your music.
All of those photos are NOT photos of the person, they are photos of the personality. What a gift.
Nice video. (If I'm being picky, I think a Peter Hujar portrait slipped in there at 3:00. I could be wrong)
I wonder if Annie does the color editing of her photos?
Ive just bought her book -Wonderland. Fantastic stuff..
It is amazing to learn so much from the photos.
It really is!
Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎
Thanks, you too!
Thanks Alex.
Great discussion and presentation. RS.
Glad you liked it!
wonderful format Alex! More? Yes please👍😉🙏🏻
You got it!
A lot of people over emphasize things about Photography!.. Just to say, Ann just knows how to squeeze the Shutter Button better than others... Once she broke the barrier working for a Magazine, and became Known, the road to Fame becomes a lot easier!!
WOW! Magnificent images! Many Thanks
Thank you
When I studied photography, ehite recently, I started hearing the nqmes of famous photographers.
Annie Leibovitz was one of them.
She was always lauded as the photogrqpher of celebrities, and a cornerstone in portrait.
Then I saw her portrait of Baiden's vicepresident.
I was apalled at her work.
I disagreed with everything, from lens choice to composition to color temperature.
But no. She is the pro. How could I, a mere amateur who rejects the rule of thirds and corrects for color temperature on post dare not bow down to the queen?
Sadly, the intro pictures of this video, alog with some comments, have given me that answer.
You see, the portraiture I enjoy the most is the fancy but subdued one you use for cosplay and adverts.
The one that takes the subject and polishes it to a sheen, just before the edge where it becomes unrealistic.
I love how it makes pictures look dreamy. Magical.
The other portraiture that I love is this triking work where the subject is presented raw. Be it powerful or broken down. But you can get a glimpse at that inner self that is usually obscured by the mask the wear while others are present.
Annie does neither.
She leaves her pictures right smack in the middle, where the subject's mask is firmly set, yet it looks plain and unremarkable.
Is it ironic that the picture I enjoyed the most in this vid was the milk tub one?
Maybe that picture is strikingly different to the rest.
Ah, yes. The Harrison Ford picture was also a good one.
Going with the flow.
If that is a pillar of Annie's work, why do I find so many "peaople standing up, looking at the camera"?
Itonically, those Muse Photography were some of the pictures I found more interesting and attractive of this whole vodeo.
Speaking of the lovely portrait of Susan Sarandon...what really went ping in my head... Is that I have a female friend.....who looks a close double....the likeness is quite stunning...... Anyhow Alex thanks for that.....
Thanks for watching
She is true legend.
Beautiful imagess thanks for sharing
Great video. What was the last background song?
I remember well studying Annie when in photography school. Skilled photographer, and all you've pointed out is true, but yet the one key word we associated with Annie was "Photoshop." Annie's photos would not be Annie's without heavy post-processing.She doesn't take photographs. She makes them.
As - so - often, I agree with you...💁🏼
Awesome video and commentary 👌 Brilliant 🎥
Hi Alex. Thank you for your very informative videos - I watch and learn from all of them. Can you also include Landscape & Wild life photography skills. Very appreciated.
Thank you I had the opportunity To work with years ago was tuff for a week assistant
This is personal, subjective opinion, but I prefer her early work. It seemed more genuine, with a more deeper connection to the subjects of the photos. [Stylistically, there is a bit more variety too it seems, nothing wrong with developing a single style btw].
Examples are the Lennon and Yoko shoots.
The newer stuff (shoots for Vanity Fair etc, for big film releases, the Oscars etc), whilst being technically well executed, seem somewhat cold (and I'm not just talking the colour grading here). There is a lack of connection, I feel.
When I see BTS footage of these shoots, she's taking the photos, but all the post-processing is delegated to her staff. And I can't help getting the feeling that she's not really putting her stamp on how those edits actually come out. She vaguely points them in a direction and they get on with it.
But that's the thing. Those VF, Vogue etc shoots are commissioned shoots. Day to day work for her. So perhaps she's lost her connection with them.
Which makes me think, does she go off and do her own personal portrait projects anymore? Ones without her big team, just back to the simple shoots.
All in my opinion of course.
And, for what it's worth, I think I'd like to go and buy a book of her work. Both the new and old stuff. Fascinating to look at. The newer, complex set pieces are fun to look at, as they tend to make me think about how I could recreate something similar, but with a simpler setup.
I agree about the earlier work, though I do like the set-up and especially the lighting of her latter images
I do remember her in the beginning of 90$ most of her work have photoshop and the best retouching teams, she did have the best labs in New York even before it was to the public, and all the people you know is who you shoot, is my perspective .
Superb, thank you!
Thank you too for watching
When i advise many upcoming photographers i give them a task to take only their camera and one lens at times, learn to work within the boundaries of different lenses and not think expensive choices or solutions. often they can't because they just want to do everything all at once, instead of slowing down and looking at the subject matter in front of them!
...and as ALWAYS great advices! You hit every point on the head!!!🙌🏾
Thank you so much for your wonderfully inspiring, informative and just downright good sense channel! I come to it often and always leave feeling grateful for how generously you share your understanding and thoughts. Just one request, if I may: Please will you consider dropping the piano Muzak from any new videos. It does not add anything of value to the videos. In fact, it is distracting from the images you show and when used as background to your voice, it makes it that much harder to hear what you are saying. It is entirely unnecessary and, for me, considerably lowers the impact of some of the videos. But other than that: again, thank you, a brilliant channel.
I subscribed! Thanks so much.
More wise words! Thanks for another great video!
My pleasure!
You cannot regret retrospective. You made other choises. Thats life.
Is there a website to choose poses ? Please help me out
Great video as always. Thank you
Sorry if that question has been already asked, but I can't find the answer - where can I watch your portfolio?
You do amazing videos...I know so many people with great cameras and lenses but do not put enough time into mentally learning about the art of photography.
Your videos are the best explaining this
I want to know how she got that sharp depth of field. I know that Cinematic lens can do that but is there a setting with a normal DSLR or Full Frame that can achieve the same results? That's my goal.
No offense, but you're not knowing what any lens does let alone a "cinematic" lens if you think a "sharp depth of field" is a setting on a camera? Question makes zero sense...depth of field is simply the amount in focus before and after the plane of focus, which is controlled by the aperture chosen....smaller apertures make for more depth of field...that's it.
It could be that Annie tends to use medium format film cameras such as the Mamiya RB-67.
@@AtlantaTerry first step in helping her if you're trying to is to understand what anyone means by "I want to know how she got that sharp depth of field". Depth of field is not "sharp"....it's simply the amount in focus in front of and behind the plane of focus...it doesn't have a sharpness....so I don't think any answer will answer the question until the question is better understood.
Multiple mentions are made to the fact that Annie Leibovitz went to art school. For those of us who didn't, are there any recommendations along the lines of "Art school for those who didn't go to school for art?"
Hi Adam. That's a very good question and probably one worth covering in a future video -
Here are two episodes from the archives that sort of cover this in the meantime
th-cam.com/video/L5F2Jkt82lI/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/q2zXT06TWyE/w-d-xo.html
I've been to "art school"...largely a joke to be honest...and have worked on multi-million dollar ad campaigns personally ...most artists will tell you the best way to learn is to experiment...some of the best work was been done either by accident, or incorporating an accident into something...but just think of photo techniques as a form of visual words or visual sentences...and you just keep experimenting and learning what different types of lighting "say" as a visual statement , and you gradually just acrue more and more techniques to draw from and apply to your images, always experimenting,...harsh light, soft light, experiment with lens focal lengths, how close you get with each lens, styles of makeup or styles of wardrobe combined with experimenting with context of where the subject is...ie...high fashion in an out of context setting...or casual wardrobe in a high class setting...with pick a lighting style...and pick a lens for how it "draws" (how much compression it has, if any, and what style the bokeh (background blur) is, and how clinically sharp is the lens versus a lens that's more complementary to skin by NOT being clinically sharp...but it's all pretty simple stuff....and when you get each variable under control (just means being familiar with what each variable does), you'll have a blast experimenting with the subject matter while trying different lighting and lenses, and perspectives (get up on a ladder and shoot down?....get a little lower and shoot up? ..etc)...don't worry about playing any role of "artist"...it's a false identity for many, not all...but what matters in creating is learning and experimenting, reacting to the last thing done using your judgement...and gradually getting better....if not getting better after a lot of learning and experimenting then it might not be for that person....I can practice some things until I'm out of time, and never be able to do them.....but if you have a desire to try your hand at making art, being creative, then certainly go for it.
The BIGGEST most vital skill to have that will open the doors to infinite creativity is get to be an expert in using Photoshop....AND understand the foundations of photography in terms of lighting, camera gear, lenses, depth of field, exposure, resolution, and printing....with an eye for composition being one of the most vital things to explore and cultivate and experiment with.
Many pros have made careers with one light and even one or two lenses....and that's a great way to build a foundation of knowledge without overwhelming your brain in the beginning....but none of it is rocket science.
Photoshop is your friend though....not as a crutch...but as the tool that can bring almost anything imagined into your imagery.
I love that…..just take one lens …..choose one and then go photograph. Choice may cause you to miss a great shot!
For the most part, the people being photographed are used to being in front of a camera. Who does her editing, lighting setups etc? To be honest Alex I preferred your shots as they looked more honest. And to see the work of Saraya Cortaville is a delight and she has to work to tight time limits.
what an inspiring video! I want to grab the camera and head out to take portraits. Thank you!
Go for it!
Gear matters, and so do subjects.
Awesome video Sir, However a side not to the new guys Annie owns very little of that equiptment. Most of are rentals.
not completely true...when she went bankrupt she had to sell off a lot of gear...she had plenty...she was very wealthy of course ...so she could afford and did buy plenty of gear. Pro's do both...own an arsenal, and fill in the gaps with rentals, and or rent on location shoots rather than travel with a ton of gear and bill to the client.
@@locophoto6881 So, exactly what I said then?
@@Michaelajacksonfilms Pretty much the opposite of what you said...not sure I understand how you are saying "she owns very little of her own equipment" is somehow the same as me saying "she owns quite a bit of equipment actually" when she was shooting most of these images before her bankruptcy.....
But definitely start an argument with a stranger over TH-cam....that's what all adults do?
@@locophoto6881 I like you, you are interesting.
Super inspiring video today!! Great work thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Passionnant!!!
For me one of the greatest experts in portrait photography is Peter Coulson!
The only photographer that ever made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck was Bailey. No one else came close!
Hi Alex I really love your videos but recently all you are posting about Portrait Photography. I am expecting more about photography in general which covers any photography style as in Landscape, Still Life, Creative, Long Exposures. Hope you'll consider. Thanks.
Hiya. Yeah, there's been a lot of portrait stuff recently - mostly because that's my background, but will be delving into other genres next week. Thanks for watching
@@ThePhotographicEye thanks a lot Alex … you have no idea how much your videos helped me coping with my photography frustrations. Gives me inspiration and boost.
09:16 Precisely explained, the key word is: liquid light
Don't listen to others telling you what to do. Find your own way.
Great video
I'm a photographer, I only look at things I can see, listen to things I can hear and most importantly for nature & wildlife follow scents I can smell. ;-7
Very good!
Thanks!
Thank you Frank
Thank you ❤❤❤❤
Super Thanks
Thank you for good advices
Always welcome
@@ThePhotographicEye How about emulate the ligthing in old paintings?
I love the talk, can you please remove the background music? Thx
recently an AL photo of Volodymyr Zelenski was circulated. imo it doesn't even vaguely reflect her style or quality. it looks like a hostage situation to me. of course, the circumstances of the shoot might've been under severe restrictions and harsh conditions, which would surely have had a negative impact. what do you think, Alex?
Can't say I was fond of that photo either. Seems out of place with the circumstance - like a weird combat fashion shoot thing.