Always a pleasure to watch your videos my friend ! Some really good advices, we always learn, everyday. I remember last year, arriving to the famous Lago Di Braies in Italy, I felt exactly as you, everyone was hurry to take their shots, some in wedding dresses etc, no one seemed to enjoy this peaceful morning with the first rays of the sun at this place... I remember I just sat down for 15 minutes, breathing, watching those trees, those mountains... living the moment! People should eat those energies places like these have to offer instead of just thinking of their social media posts.
As I got into more “serious” photography I definitely got into this loop where I didn’t take photos if I wasn’t going somewhere already good for photography, but my photography and my interest in it got worse. Finding interesting but unknown places locally has been a challenge but I’ve taken more photos now than I did the previous three years. There’s more failures too but that’s how to learn and improve.
I've been there. A trick I've found is to study photo books. Often times, they're filled with normal things. After a while, you start to notice normal things.
Great tips. Being in the moment, relax, and we more likely capture "feel" into images as a result, anyway. Feel always beats perfect exposure or sharpness. And there's nothing like learning a focal length and learning to "see" that way, before even raising the camera. A lens cap will never help you get *the* shot. Also, be ready to accept happy accidents (light, timing, direction, etc).
One of the better videos I’ve seen on the subject of photography. I don’t leave a ton of comments on YT but you deserve one ☝️. Wish I was 30 years younger and knew what I know now. We all go there, we all keep wondering…… what if……. Thank you for your time and thoughts. Much appreciated. Greetings from Sunnyvale CA.
Another great one Dave. Thank you again for your sincerity, your practical advice, and empathy for both novice and expert photographers. I struggle with that moment after all the editing is done: what now? Is all the effort just for social posts? Feels un-motivating. But the prospect of building out a photo book or print order feels like more time spent on the computer, which also deflates my drive. I’m curious to hear your thoughts and others’ about that moment, and what advice I might take to help me get over this so go I create more.
I make galleries a lot, curated work as a collection. I don't post on IG much anymore, but I do build galleries on my website. I also share photos via videos on here. I print too, but more for myself. I think ultimately, we each have a purpose for our photography. Figure out your purpose, and then the applications will make sense.
I liked one saying that photography is never the end but the meaning to an end. I would just say to anybody, even my past self, just enjoy the photography experience, it takes you anywhere, much like a ladder and reflected safe vest that takes you to any sports game without ticket. Just go take photos, the things will show up on the way.
Spending a year on a single focal length should absolutely be a part of every photographer's journey. Even better, a year at one focal length and shooting every single day. If you can manifest creativity on day 150 of that effort, you've grown massively as a photographer. Every time you were on the hunt for motivation or inspiration and a piece of kit couldn't provide it, you grew. "Man, I want to shoot 28 today.. ah well, what now?" Maybe you spend a day working on long exposure to add more movement to your images. Maybe you spend a day learning to better interpret colors as values for B&W photography. Maybe you put in reps testing your zone focus skills. Etc, etc. Limitations offer growth, every time. Totally feel you on just chatting with the kid. I went stay at home dad mode when mine was born. He's 8 now, and he's never had a tablet or phone or anything like that. We just talk, all the time. Easily the best choice of my life.
That's a very thoughtful video. Great job! I totally agree with your points except the white balance thing. It really doesn't matter if you editing raw files. Its only for JPEGs and the preview of the raw. My Sony camera does great job with auto WB, but sometimes when makes it way off i can adjust it the way i want in post. As for the dust in the sensor its a really annoying thing. I had that problem a few years ago when i used a Canon DSLR with various zoom lenses. Especially a DSLR camera is way more vulnerable to dust because of the mirror. Even though i managed to keep my sensor clean, the mirror collected dust like a magnet!! Its impossible to clean it at home (you need to send it to authorized service to clean it properly). Thankfully the mirrorless i am using now is a joy to clean and because i am only using a 35mm prime it stays clean forever. P.S. for geotagging i am using the method you suggested but later i am using my iPhone (via the Apple Photos app) to add the geo information to the photos i edited from my mirrorless. I don't know about android though, maybe it is possible there as well.
The point I was making about AWB is for batch editing RAW files. If you shoot with a white balance that works with your edit, then it's one less thing to worry about changing or correcting. It's a minimal time saver, but I save it by shooting the white balance that matches my edits.
Man, these are all gems! Great intro too! I can't tell you how many times I've taken random non-banger shots that YEARS later I go back and look at with such fondness. Still trying to stop using AWB, but it's harrrrrd. I agree about the cringe "get the photo" influencers - too each their own I suppose. Great video Dave!
Thanks! Seriously give K a try. Set your camera to 4800 - 5200 (whichever looks best to you) if you’re outdoors, and try 3800 if you’re indoors. Take a handful of photos and see how it affects your editing!
I agree with all these things, thanks for another great vid Dave! If I had a piece of advice it would be that no piece of gear will transform your photography, just shoot with what you have and what you can afford. For me personally, having cameras that are limiting has made me a better photographer, to the point where I find cameras with a ton of features and options unattractive.
With regards to number 10, as someone who's been a keen photographer for 50 years, although I agree with your sentiment, I'd advise anyone to learn how to set up and use their cameras to the extent that they can almost use them blindfolded. If you've bought the kit, paid money to travel and decided to take a photograph then definitely make it fun but also make sure you get the most out of it and don't get home with something that will disappoint.
One tip that I would give is so simple it’s not funny. All you need to do is practice. That’s it just get out and practice if you cannot leave the house pull out the camera change the settings take of photo of something stupid but practice. This is how you are going to get better at changing the settings and getting a certain look to your photos
Nice video Dave ! When you mentioned that you clean your sensors every three months may I ask if you do it yourself or you send your cameras to your camera shop. Cheers man ✌️
My best tip, you do you. Dont look on other photographers and how they shoot, try to make it on your own and develop your unique style. And maybe dont overexpose your images. 11:01 you should have made a time-lapse instead of photographing the mountains haha
@@davidherring I'm curious. We used to have similar conditions here in Germany in some places, but that has probably subsided somewhat since Instagram stopped being so popular.
My favorite lines is ……. Just get out and grab the images .. Who cares … I take the images for myself, what I like And how I see it. After that, if I could make only one persons eyes smile, I’ve done my job!
Be very careful of social media, including TH-cam. Are you being facilitated in your journey or are you being led? Are you being provided valuable information or are you being marketed? Hint: your gear is probably good enough. Great advice on the boring photos. Would add: Preservation. Are you going to be able to find all those digital photos twenty years from now? They’re not repeatable, therefore priceless. Thanks
Saw this earlier, and you'll also find my comment on there: th-cam.com/video/pyDM7O_YAcg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=p8PAXZgMlyHKY3-s&t=248 And I'll repeat, "one day it'll all make sense." I think one thing I'll tell my younger self would be to pick up a camera earlier. Photography is a life's work that will never be boring, or useless.
Cringy shit..I love! Get on a plane and come to New Zealand Dave! Beers good, coffees good, lights good and Trump shit no where to be seen!! Love you stuff..Awesome!!
Great content, Dave. I turn 70 years old in Dec and still wish I could tell my young-self new things I learned today, and every day!
Thank you!
Always a pleasure to watch your videos my friend ! Some really good advices, we always learn, everyday. I remember last year, arriving to the famous Lago Di Braies in Italy, I felt exactly as you, everyone was hurry to take their shots, some in wedding dresses etc, no one seemed to enjoy this peaceful morning with the first rays of the sun at this place... I remember I just sat down for 15 minutes, breathing, watching those trees, those mountains... living the moment! People should eat those energies places like these have to offer instead of just thinking of their social media posts.
Thanks! Yeah, it's top level cringe watching people show up, "get the shot," and leave.
As I got into more “serious” photography I definitely got into this loop where I didn’t take photos if I wasn’t going somewhere already good for photography, but my photography and my interest in it got worse. Finding interesting but unknown places locally has been a challenge but I’ve taken more photos now than I did the previous three years. There’s more failures too but that’s how to learn and improve.
I've been there. A trick I've found is to study photo books. Often times, they're filled with normal things. After a while, you start to notice normal things.
You have a great way to highlight the real value of photography in our life!
Really appreciate it!
Great tips. Being in the moment, relax, and we more likely capture "feel" into images as a result, anyway. Feel always beats perfect exposure or sharpness. And there's nothing like learning a focal length and learning to "see" that way, before even raising the camera. A lens cap will never help you get *the* shot. Also, be ready to accept happy accidents (light, timing, direction, etc).
Thank you for sharing!
Your videos are unreal dude! Loved the intro, cozy photography video for a cold morning like today. Keep shining!
Thanks so much!
One of the better videos I’ve seen on the subject of photography. I don’t leave a ton of comments on YT but you deserve one ☝️. Wish I was 30 years younger and knew what I know now. We all go there, we all keep wondering…… what if……. Thank you for your time and thoughts. Much appreciated. Greetings from Sunnyvale CA.
Thanks so much!
Another great one Dave. Thank you again for your sincerity, your practical advice, and empathy for both novice and expert photographers. I struggle with that moment after all the editing is done: what now? Is all the effort just for social posts? Feels un-motivating. But the prospect of building out a photo book or print order feels like more time spent on the computer, which also deflates my drive. I’m curious to hear your thoughts and others’ about that moment, and what advice I might take to help me get over this so go I create more.
I make galleries a lot, curated work as a collection. I don't post on IG much anymore, but I do build galleries on my website. I also share photos via videos on here. I print too, but more for myself. I think ultimately, we each have a purpose for our photography. Figure out your purpose, and then the applications will make sense.
I liked one saying that photography is never the end but the meaning to an end. I would just say to anybody, even my past self, just enjoy the photography experience, it takes you anywhere, much like a ladder and reflected safe vest that takes you to any sports game without ticket. Just go take photos, the things will show up on the way.
So good, thanks for sharing.
Thank you Dave. Thought providing again. You are knocking them out of the park lately.
Thanks so much man!
Spending a year on a single focal length should absolutely be a part of every photographer's journey. Even better, a year at one focal length and shooting every single day. If you can manifest creativity on day 150 of that effort, you've grown massively as a photographer. Every time you were on the hunt for motivation or inspiration and a piece of kit couldn't provide it, you grew. "Man, I want to shoot 28 today.. ah well, what now?" Maybe you spend a day working on long exposure to add more movement to your images. Maybe you spend a day learning to better interpret colors as values for B&W photography. Maybe you put in reps testing your zone focus skills. Etc, etc. Limitations offer growth, every time.
Totally feel you on just chatting with the kid. I went stay at home dad mode when mine was born. He's 8 now, and he's never had a tablet or phone or anything like that. We just talk, all the time. Easily the best choice of my life.
Well said! And being at home with the kids is a blessing. I'm grateful for it everyday.
That's a very thoughtful video. Great job! I totally agree with your points except the white balance thing. It really doesn't matter if you editing raw files. Its only for JPEGs and the preview of the raw. My Sony camera does great job with auto WB, but sometimes when makes it way off i can adjust it the way i want in post. As for the dust in the sensor its a really annoying thing. I had that problem a few years ago when i used a Canon DSLR with various zoom lenses. Especially a DSLR camera is way more vulnerable to dust because of the mirror. Even though i managed to keep my sensor clean, the mirror collected dust like a magnet!! Its impossible to clean it at home (you need to send it to authorized service to clean it properly). Thankfully the mirrorless i am using now is a joy to clean and because i am only using a 35mm prime it stays clean forever.
P.S. for geotagging i am using the method you suggested but later i am using my iPhone (via the Apple Photos app) to add the geo information to the photos i edited from my mirrorless. I don't know about android though, maybe it is possible there as well.
The point I was making about AWB is for batch editing RAW files. If you shoot with a white balance that works with your edit, then it's one less thing to worry about changing or correcting. It's a minimal time saver, but I save it by shooting the white balance that matches my edits.
Great to see wisdom positively creeping into your soul and mind Dave. Big love and respect From a Dad and photography level.
Thank you!
Man, these are all gems! Great intro too! I can't tell you how many times I've taken random non-banger shots that YEARS later I go back and look at with such fondness. Still trying to stop using AWB, but it's harrrrrd. I agree about the cringe "get the photo" influencers - too each their own I suppose. Great video Dave!
Thanks! Seriously give K a try. Set your camera to 4800 - 5200 (whichever looks best to you) if you’re outdoors, and try 3800 if you’re indoors. Take a handful of photos and see how it affects your editing!
I wholeheartedly endorse philosophical Dave.
Haha thanks
I agree with all these things, thanks for another great vid Dave!
If I had a piece of advice it would be that no piece of gear will transform your photography, just shoot with what you have and what you can afford. For me personally, having cameras that are limiting has made me a better photographer, to the point where I find cameras with a ton of features and options unattractive.
Thank you! And thanks for sharing!
when editing know when to stop. make 90% of shot in camera
Good word!
My guy spitting out great video after great video!
Awww thank you!
With regards to number 10, as someone who's been a keen photographer for 50 years, although I agree with your sentiment, I'd advise anyone to learn how to set up and use their cameras to the extent that they can almost use them blindfolded. If you've bought the kit, paid money to travel and decided to take a photograph then definitely make it fun but also make sure you get the most out of it and don't get home with something that will disappoint.
Thank you for sharing!
Again, amazing content. Very inspiring.
Thank you so much!
0:27 Bamberg 😍
Yooooooo that’s right!
@@davidherringYeah that's where I live! Make sure to say Hello if you come to Germany agsin! Please feel invited 😊
Incredible. I will 100% be in Bamberg again. I lived there 1999-2002, and my family lived there from 1999-2007. I love and miss it.
Oh how great! Would be a pleasure to invite you for a coffee or some tasty beer of Bamberg 😊
Good advice dude!
Thank you sir!
Great honest advice. Thanks!
Thanks!
Good advice! Well-done! Thanks!
Thank you!
I guess I’m figuring what white balance to use now lol. At first I was nah, but the more I think about it the more it makes sense
4800 - 5600 range outdoor, just find what you like. 3200-3800 indoors, same thing. See what resonates.
Hello David, I would add: don't just look at your photos on the screen but print them from time to time. Thank you for your very inspiring videos
Well said! I bought a printer this year for this reason.
Top man Dave, thanks for that.
Thanks!
Legend, quality tips 👍
Thanks!
When young you all ready knows everything, no advice needed.
I don’t think that mentality is just for young people.
One tip that I would give is so simple it’s not funny. All you need to do is practice. That’s it just get out and practice if you cannot leave the house pull out the camera change the settings take of photo of something stupid but practice. This is how you are going to get better at changing the settings and getting a certain look to your photos
Well said!
Nice video Dave ! When you mentioned that you clean your sensors every three months may I ask if you do it yourself or you send your cameras to your camera shop.
Cheers man ✌️
I have it done at Leica SF. I don’t touch my sensor haha
My best tip, you do you. Dont look on other photographers and how they shoot, try to make it on your own and develop your unique style. And maybe dont overexpose your images.
11:01 you should have made a time-lapse instead of photographing the mountains haha
Hindsight. If I see it again, I will!
@@davidherring I'm curious. We used to have similar conditions here in Germany in some places, but that has probably subsided somewhat since Instagram stopped being so popular.
It's not about the camera, it's about how you use it.
100% true!
There is nothing in this mug right?
There was when I started shooting the video…
My favorite lines is ……. Just get out and grab the images .. Who cares … I take the images for myself, what I like And how I see it. After that, if I could make only one persons eyes smile, I’ve done my job!
Thanks for sharing!
General culture will make us better photograph.
Thanks for sharing!
Skip the kit lens 😂
THIS
I’ll have to clean my cheese puff hands before my photo walk
But you should touch your sensor first.
😂
Be very careful of social media, including TH-cam. Are you being facilitated in your journey or are you being led? Are you being provided valuable information or are you being marketed? Hint: your gear is probably good enough.
Great advice on the boring photos. Would add: Preservation. Are you going to be able to find all those digital photos twenty years from now? They’re not repeatable, therefore priceless. Thanks
Good words!
Saw this earlier, and you'll also find my comment on there: th-cam.com/video/pyDM7O_YAcg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=p8PAXZgMlyHKY3-s&t=248
And I'll repeat, "one day it'll all make sense."
I think one thing I'll tell my younger self would be to pick up a camera earlier. Photography is a life's work that will never be boring, or useless.
Thanks for sharing!
Cringy shit..I love! Get on a plane and come to New Zealand Dave! Beers good, coffees good, lights good and Trump shit no where to be seen!! Love you stuff..Awesome!!
Haha yep. Man, I'd LOVE to come to NZ. Someday!
@@davidherring Way cool...Id even put you up!...lol All the best to your and your family for Christmas too!
Buy the best gear possible. Gear does matter
Yeah, professional results sometimes just require professional level gear. Not going to get that 85mm f/1.2 bokeh with a kit lens.
Gear does matter, but vision/ability matters most.
Buy quality gear you can afford. Nothing robs inspiration like crushing debt.