I get what you're saying about doing the process. I do studio portrait photography as a hobby. I've watched countless videos on lighting. While I learned some things from those videos, I learned much more by actually getting into a studio, arranging the lights and shooting, then looking at my photos and thinking about where I went wrong.
My takeaway from this is: Experience beats Formal education beats TH-cam quick answer vids. This is nothing new since the 1990's. If you're being responsible you always double check your information. If you want to save time, get a proper education then the "experience game" is sped up tremendously. 😢😮😂
Absolutely. Theory is important because it guides you on where to look. As someone who tried learning to draw alone and then went to school and university, sometimes theory can give you so much power. Yes you must work, but work smart not hard! There is no point in chasing in the dark (sorry ,translating this from my language) trying to find out anwsers that have been found out years and years ago. One must read theory ,apply it and then revisit it again and repeat and ponder on every new time they read the information while practicing it
I hate when you see photographers take portraits or wedding shots and then show heavily edited pictures. I sell cameras and most customers return cameras because the pictures don't look like the ones on TH-cam. I tell them that those pics on TH-cam have been heavily edited and over sharpened in post.😂😂😂
In the first 30 seconds I came away with something super helpful: a reminder that I haven't yet bled the radiators since the heating system was serviced. Cheers Scott.
You are correct, I often watch videos of how to do something I am already well aware of. I do this for a reason you mentioned was a good thing. To learn another's process. I am deeply curious not as much about the end result (though that can be cool too), but of how other people think and tackle challenges. You're never too old to retain a beginner's mindset and stay curious. In my opinion, the moment you start thinking "I won't take a peek, I already know that" you've lost the game of life. Once your curiosity is gone, you're done for intellectually. I find this is true for photography (my hobby) and software development (my profession). I feel like I have a particularly unique perspective on this because the software world is one that follows an Ouroboros Cycle (serpent or dragon eating its tail). Every few years, someone re-invents the old wheel we've been using. Yet, instead of it being a waste of time, the wheel is a bit better than it was before. It's an iterative improvement! The world of software jumps onto that new "serpent" (or wheel) and rides it until it gets eaten by a new head. When you live in such a world, you can never discount a video or tutorial claiming to do something you "think" you already know. There is often a twist, a new paradigm, a new way of perceiving the problem. By remaining curious of even the simplest techniques and how others do them I achieve the "emulate the process, not the result" habit.
I couldn't agree more with what you've said here. I would like to add on top of it that a major issue I see is that the term 'Pro Photographer' is being taken to mean 'good photographer' across a large section of society now. This is a completely false assumption. 'Pro Photographer' simply means that the photographer is getting paid for their photographs, nothing more. An amateur photographer is doing it for the love of photography, that's what 'amateur' literally means "taking part in an activity for pleasure and not as a job". I have seen hundreds of Pro Photographers that are, quite frankly, bad photographers. I've also seen hundreds of amateur photographers that are amazing photographers. The 'Pro' title has nothing to do with the quality of the photography and people need to start realising that.
i am an old crusty and prior to TH-cam spent a lot of money on training - much of which i already knew. Sometimes it was to reinforce existing knowledge and build confidence but i also recognised that I would find the odd important nugget just when i wasn't expecting it. The best single talk i ever heard on sales came from a 45 minute free lecture that i attended at a conference because i had a gap in my diary before lunch. You never know what you don't know remains a constant throughout life
I used to really like a few big content creators on youtube, because they were informing people on the history of photography. But I watched them all fall down a borderline infomercial vibe, where every other video was just a new product demo provided by camera gear manufacturers.
The best thing I did recently was join a local camera club. Discussing & sharing ideas / techniques at all levels has already made me think more about what and why I am aiming for in photography. I know for sure it is not "Commercial" as pounding the "customer is always right" treadmill again repulses me. After 3 years, I am starting to "see light" everywhere, even in the shadows & slowly seeing the photography look and feel I imagined in my head in the beginning. I thank you for your generous insights and "kicks up the ar...." your eloquently deliver and wish you and yours well.
Its so refreshing finding a photographer on youtube here who truly gets it when running a studio and being a commercial photographer. Your channel is such a plethra of amazing information
I think there's something refreshing about your content being somewhat "a glass half empty" and giving the advice most don't want to hear but likely need in order to succeed.
Not all Photography is commercial, working for big brands is not the only way of make a living as a photographer, maybe the most profitable nowdays. but i see a lot of artists working the photographic medium as a way of personal expression, publishing, showing on galleries, etc. i understand there is a plethora of mediocrity and wannabes around youtube.
I just discovered your TH-cam channel a couple of days ago. It's absolute gold for me. I am thinking about finally spending more time on my photography, and I'm starting with a 14-month course with formal education about photography next month. It's refreshing that you speak about everything I became a victim of myself, like the TH-cam stuff in this video. Love it. Keep up the great work.
3:35 is so true. The human instinct to think that the person who can TALK about something the best is the best at it is how so many charlatans and con artists trick people so easily, and TH-cam is a swamp for that.
The biggest issue I have with TH-cam and other social platforms is its overall affect on creators mental health. They all make it seem so easy and 'if you follow their steps exactly, you'll be a millionaire in x years.' Thats just not always the case. I'm in a hell of a rut 5 years into my career. I know I'll get through it, but damn, seeing people on social media hit their stride in creative work can be really disheartening.
Hi Sam, I’m pretty sure there is research that shows that people who don’t watch social media are happier on average than those that do. Oh and I hope you get out of your rut, but if its your career not so easy to just stop doing it for a while.
I just want to say that I stumbled upon your channel because you were pushing against buying brand new gear, and I really appreciate that. You may be the first person on here not pushing the latest hype. And so I've gone down the rabbit hole. I'm not a pro, nor am I a studio photographer, but I do enjoy your perspective and try to adapt what bits and pieces I can to my own work.
Toooootally understand this. I unsubscribed from a lot of photography channels on youtube and photographers on instagram because of what it does. I felt myself getting stagnant so my recent steps have been asking people I can verify are working commercial photographers around me and taking workshops to learn new things I didn't know I needed to know. Speaking of which - your advice about applying for an agent to see if they respond as at sort of litmus test to see if my work is any good was bang on. I didn't get an agent (never expected to) but a few of them did respond saying my work was good, I just need to keep pushing and developing my creative voice.
I'm an amateur hobby photographer, learning a lot every day, and will continue to learn until my last day :) I also know people who explain to me how I can become "professional", euh I do it as a hobby and no ambition to become a pro. I prefer to leave it to those few people who do it top. Your tips teach me a lot, thank you and greetings from Belgium
What a gem of a video! What you shared is so true, and not just for photography but other fields on YT are suffering from the exact same problem. There's a self-rewarding interest in what people already know, and those videos that take on serious issues or shed light on critical issues get no hits and go unnoticed. I am suffering from the exact same thing with my audio channel.... Your videos have been extremely helpful and enlightening, it is fantastic to have educators like you on YT! Thank you, cheers, Janos
“Chasing the process…” I started developing my own film at home because labs are expensive. Learning the literal process of making a photograph has taught me so much more than I could have imagined. It happens to be fun too!
Totally agree. Got to learn about darkrooms back in the day (1980) during photography class and loved the process and it teaches you a lot about photography. The school had fully manual Pentax bodies with prime lenses and we all shot on B&W film as that's how the darkroom was set up and the film was purchased in bulk and loaded into the 35mm canisters.
@@johnhpalmer6098 Hi John, I totally agree. We started film school (1980's-90's) with slide film and then processing and printing darkroom procedures for B&W and color film. I see so many "new" photographer who don't understand the nuanices of photography because they never learned all those basics we learned with film. I got crasy looks from digital only students when I told them about "camera index tests" and not using a "printer". Doing great photos without fancy gear. I had a show in Beiijng several years ago and one of the photos shown was from my films days as a student. One comment was, "Well with all that fancy equipment anybody could do that." The group was shocked when I in formed them it was done with a $100 Richo camera and a $25 50mm pentax lens on exktakrome 100 film! I sure miss my pentax K1000!!! I think so much has been lost to digital and photoshop to "fix" things that should have been done "in camera" when setting up shots. Don't get me wrong, I do love my digital but so much understanding about exposure set up has been lost on so many.
Well said. To be honest: Sometimes it feels like people becoming a photography youtuber before they have even mastered photography in the first place. And if they do it right, have good titles and thumbnails for their videos combined with nice music, they get much more views than someone who might actually know what he/she's talking about ;-)
I hardly even watch photography videos anymore, especially gear reviews because so much of it is clickbait with affiliate links. Plus before they get to anything of substance, we must sit through the begging for likes and subscribers, sometimes multiple times. So tiring.
The more I hear your stand on issues the more I like. I have been around cameras all my life, but only in the last 10 yrs have I got serious about the process. I work out an image, not just take a picture. Some of my favourite portraits took time. Time to draw out the person I was photographing. Practise, practise, practise, and then do it some more so that when it is time, it is natural to follow the process to an incredible image. I am a lifer! Consistently working out the process to a better image.
It’s constantly frustrating watching TH-cam photographers state opinions as facts. It’s taken me years to figure that out. Consistently, I also find that the best photographers work that I’ve ever seen is not on TH-cam, Twitter, Facebook or any other social network. The best work I’ve seen has been in magazines, art galleries and on walls on people’s homes. I think it’s important to keep perspective on who exactly is giving information on TH-cam. I’ve had about a year of photography education at the college level but am far from great. My wife and I are part time ”pros” where we live. Process is everything. When you perfect your process, you not only achieve results, you achieve consistency, time and money savings and an increase in business.
people will ultimately find their way. rookie or pro, good or bad. there is a platform for everyone. im a horrible photographer in the eyes of certain photographers. yet, in the eyes of certain photographer who may skilled understand the PROCESS and perhaps know my journey and see the potential. kinda like a fathers pride. If its a passion, the photographer will continue to learn and develop with time. I think im pretty good simply because i enjoy my own photos. same with other photos that are similar in style. People are on different levels, and come from different walks of life so we see appreciate things in a unique way. Not taking from your opinion or perspective. Good stuff
I somewhat dislike the "Result over Process" approach because it doesn't show the solution to the problem I was having -- primarily because of the "unknown unknowns" as you mentioned. For instance, the talk about photography agencies you had previously was an eye opener for me. Something I had *never* considered before and it's something no one I watch has ever mentioned.
I am fairly new at trying to become a Professional Photographer... I've been doing photography for years, however I can't ever find actual good photography videos. Great advise ❤
What I enjoy most about your TH-cam videos is that there's absolutely no bullshit being thrown in my face. I've been shooting "pictures" since I bought my first camera; a Canon AE-1 in 1979. I had just opened my real estate brokerage a year prior and wanted to show pictures of my property listings and my market area (the first in my market to do so). I knew absolutely nothing about photography, but I got help from a REAL photographer, read some books, shot anything and everything to experiment, and even developed my own film (B&W) to learn more about lighting and composition. Yet, even after several years of experimentation, I was NOT a "photographer." It was only about 6 or 7 years ago that I started to take photography much more seriously, learning more and more, and practicing and experimenting more and more. And, while I've become better than I was, and while I CALL myself a "photographer," I don't feel I've come to the point where I'm ready to put myself "out there" in a whole-hearted effort to try to get meaningful work. That's why THIS particular video of the many (if not all) of your videos that I've watched struck a chord in my head. Thank you. And, yes. it IS the "process" that will move you along.
"Not knowing what you don't know, you don't know" I have always loved that and it was bought home to me decades ago. The other thing is someone else will know something that you don't.
Nailed it! The mental health aspect of it is crucial to understanding your habits and the results they bring. It's all about the process, and developing the right tools for the job. Great video Scott!
I believe that alot of these photographer youtubers get the big shoots with brands after they have already gained an audience on youtube,and you're absolutely right,finding their body of work on a proper website and not just on instagram.
I completely agree with what you say here. Most big TH-camrs are not professional Photographers. Same goes for filmmakers. They might be decent educators, but most do not have a portfolio to back up their "pro" status.
Most of what I see on social media and TH-cam for lack of a better turn of phrase, is prosaic banality. And that is generally what gets produced when the vast majority of photographers on those platforms are chasing likes and dopamine hits.
TLDR: i learned more from 1-2hr long videos. Applied whatever I learned and incorporated it to the style that fits me. Back 2016 or 2017. Sometime I just started with photography. I always consume those short photography videos around 5-10minute long. It was good stuff but those 5-10minute tutorials did not take me far enough. Just when i was starting to learn about OCF, I found this silly page called B&H photo + video. Where they post talks, seminars and webinars about OCF and boy it wasnt pretty. 1hr-2hrs long videos. But hey i still watch those long talks. Learned most of what I have in the skillset from that channel. I still consume those short 5-10min videos from time to time. But those hour longer videos gave me more insight. Tips from a pro. Things those 5-10min videos were not talking about. So yeah, today when somebody ask me about where did I learn photography. I always recommend consuming the right videos and most of the time its the longest ones that give you much information. As for practical work, apply what you have consumed. Experiment what you can do. Assess what you observe. Incorporate what you liked most that fit your style. If I’m still a “bad photographer” then maybe i am. 😂😂😂 i still have plenty of room to improve on. That’s why im still here. Anyway, good content here Tin. Keep the vibes going. Love your videos *edit* Altho i dont consume much like when i was still starting. But the point is, when you dont know or you want to know about something. TH-cam will always be there like a beer in the fridge.
Hi Scott! As always, you are nailing it! Great information and I hope this inspires photographers to focus on the art first. The client work will come, but paying attention to being and living photography has a much higher reward. Thank you for sharing!
I also do learn from YT, but i am very oldschool. My interest in photography predates social media and I have seen the generation of photographers been devastated at digital photography and later at photobanks. Philosophy I try to follow is to do as much of the photo on set, and as few things in post. But certainly there are YT channels nobody should learn from, i will give you an example. A guy with Sony and 85mm f1.4 lens, both worth about 8000 dollars, in studio taking portraits. He stops down to F5,6 and gets perfectly sharp shot. So far so good. Then in POST he adds "glass eyes" by making reflections way too strong, and adds fake bokeh in the background and at the edges of the frame. All he needed to do is to have a white card to reflect some light more directly in the eyes and open the lens to F2.8. Or if he wasnt certain about sharp or more blurry shot just to take two with different settings. He has really succesfful channel about photoshop. But honestly his photographic skills ... well...
I view most of TH-cam as purely entertainment. Some of it is informative and helpful, like a lot of your videos recently giving incite into the business side. Some probably romanticise how they could turn their hobby into a business and there lies the problem with many. I enjoy your videos a lot and have given me food for thought. Thanks
Thanks for making me think. I'm 61 and now thinking more deeply, one hopes usefully, about my hobby photography. I reckon I'm going to shoot better for it.
"Trust in the process..."only you can setup the protocol for your goals/dreams. Creativity is learning how to learn and adapt. Most TH-cam photo channels are very prescriptive and shilling new photo gear. I found your channel just today and checked out your web site and portfolio: your the real deal, thanks. Another new subscriber.
I can say there are 2 main things that are very important doing a lot of pictures and learning to see what you do, because there are photographers who shoot a lot but don't see the mistakes and never get better
I have no interest in being a professional photographer. I already have a career which I've been doing since I was 18. I'm now 47. My only interest in photography is as a hobby. I enjoy taking photos. I read books and watch videos in order to become somewhat better at it. .. if only you knew how many people I know with the the Dunning-Kruger effect in every aspect of life.. it's laughable. As for my photography, yeah.. I don't know every facet of how to be a "photographer".. If I did, that would be my career. I'd probably class myself as an avid snapper, but at least I'm not stuck in Auto. Also, I'm aware this video isn't aimed at me. It's aimed at those that do want to be pro photographers.
A lot of Photography TH-camrs copy each other and rarely have anything original or of substance to say - it's always scratching the surface around a topic without deeply exploring a topic. I have found that as my photography has improved, I'm watching less TH-cam or looking at different channels.
You may or may not read this but as a retired commercial photographer who shot 4x5 five days a week in the studio and 8x10 on the weekends... I've found it hard to watch your videos lately , not because of the content ( which I have whole heart agreed with) but because you're head is at least a half stop overexposed... consider yourself the product... thanks!
On the second part, It's about stroking ego and validating there own preconceived beliefs or value of themselves. Read a book called 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Thank you. The problem is to see all the good photos and compared it to what I'm is able to deliver. It makes growing as a photographer harder. I'm starting up again after a 7 years decline. I used the years to learn art on TH-cam. Today I'm upgrading my equipment to 45 Mix standards but I need to refresh PS and LR.
I absolutely agree. I have followed some portrait photographers for years. Then out of nowhere brands like Sony or Canon have them trying out new lenses and they are suddenly a gear reviewer? It's cool and all, and all for them trying out new lenses but they are not reviewers, they are portrait photographers who got a large following because that is what they do. If I want a gear review then I will watch Tony Northrup or Gerald Undone just like personally, I don't care about those professional reviewers doing a portrait shoot that isn't apart of a review. I want the technical review from the people who know what they are doing and not a portrait photographer who is like "Yeah this lens is real nice, it has ok sharpness" and you know they wont ever use the lens as they only use the typical portrait primes. Anyways...
@theartofphotography used to be good. He would interview actual photographer artists and break down pictures. And then suddenly he went full gear review. But I get it that’s where the money is I suppose. I hope @thephotographiceye doesn’t go that same route
TH-cam’s algorithm is also a huge issue. Once upon a time, quality how-to videos, for whatever your interest, were constantly flooding my recommended feed. Now, it’s a lot of sort-of-adjacent suggestions, mostly of very questionable quality/authority, and if you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s easy to feel stagnant & lost.
TH-cam is a continuum of skill and advice and as you say you have to look under the covers to validate the words and works . I guess all I will say though is once you get through the fanatics and poorly informed commentators its one hell of a good place to find like minded creators just trying to do their best. If I ever had the chance to meet in person some of the people I’ve “met” on TH-cam I’m sure we would immediately have some really friendly and interesting conversations over a coffee 😀
The process is the most important part of any art form, but the least sexy. The only time I've seen the everyday "person on the street" take notice of an artistic process, is when actors discuss Strasberg's 'method'. If I ever start a TH-cam channel, or blog or whatever, I'm just going to focus on 'the process'.
Hi Scott What's your view on TH-cam videos from camera brand 'Ambassadors'? I would have thought that whatever camera brand they're Ambassador for will have done the background checks for us. Some systems ambassadors can be helpful with the process, even if it's just how to go into your camera's menu.
Well said, there is a lot of "disinformation" out there, photography like any work need to be crafted and it could take years of practice to became a photographer, thank you for point it out this issue.
Totally get what you’re saying about the actuations video, I saw it and thought ok that’s interesting (it was in my feed) then I started watching your other videos and got into them, even though I’m nowhere near a commercial photographer I just do it as a hobby. Nevertheless I’m learning a lot from this so thanks. 🙏
One thing that bugs me about youtube and its influence on photography, is that the audience ends up using the style that is most common on youtube. For example, a good chunk of the landscape photography youtubers preach corner to corner sharpness, rule of thirds, and some sort of foreground interest. They mostly shoot at f/11 with a foreground rock and this gets taken as the gospel. The result of which is a whole bunch of photos that look exactly the same. Not that you should never shoot like this, but people should experiment and try different things.
Yes -- The process. I'm an amateur with a reasonable (but definitely not exhaustively complete) understanding of my gear and overall photographic processes. But I need to learn the (literally) "technical" bits, i.e., the *techniques* I can and should use to make the gear and processes work together. That is, the processes. I realize making longer-form (video) instructional content is very demanding, difficult and time-consuming. Maybe that's why it seems 99% of YT videos are "here's how to click a button" 2 minutes "tutorials". As a user / learner, I don't know the processes but I can click a button. I can read a user manual. I can *operate* my gear, I just need to know *how* to operate it better, more appropriately and in less obvious ways. Again, the process, the Why instead of simply the What. Excellent video.
And now I know why I watch several sailing youtubers. I just look for their mistakes in sailing, witch I know as I am certified sailing instructor. It just piss me off that in USA people first buy a boat and later learn how to sail, completely way round in Poland. I just can't stand it.
The number of views on these topics may never match those of "feel good" content. However, I believe that each view on these topics are far more valuable than each view on more popular videos, as it filters out the masses.
Recently in the news, Professional video maker for a wedding releases film with low resolution and sound not syncronized for 4000$ This bad shocking footage ruined this wedding couple's marriage! Personally, I have the impression that you better have a passionate photographer or filmmaker who will perform his hobby in the best way despite his courses! My wife naturally has the ability to reassure people and take beautiful pictures. And this without attending a school for photography! The images speak for themselves, she has an innate talent. I myself have followed photography in an amateur club for years, developing black and white myself, participating in competitions, and still learning every day! Armed with a light meter for incident light, and completely manual setting of the camera was my start of a great hobby! Later in my military career this was also my job and I switched to Photoshop.
Love all of this. I do like watching some videos as entertainment though, which I suspect is why your shutter count video might be doing so well. It’s just fluff around an interest for many.
There is this youtuber figandlight who has great educational value. I watched almost all of his videos , which are food related until one day he dropped a video appologizing to the audience because he felt he was misleading us because of your exact argument. He was a professional wedding photographer, but has never been a food or commercial photographer. I really respect him for coming out, he also used that to try and push out more content that isn't just for food. He is a cool youtuber if you've never heard of him
My biggest difficulty is exactly, discovering what i don't know...what makes pros be pros...what to study or practice to become a pro. Cheers from Brazil ✌🏻
Absolutely agree. In general I think the level of mediocrity has increased, because being consistent and post regularly is more important than the content itself. The issue with online education is also problematic, for the reason you pointed point out in the video. Thanks for sharing!
Easy test: look for information about the field you have some expertie, you will see 80% is rubish (specially the big youtubers), out of context or very missleading for a newbie. Well, guess what, happens also for what you dont have any kind of criteria. Before I went to an art school, i spend years in forums and youtube, now I see that kind of advise and information and almost makes me cry. What a waste of time was that... Ir you are new in photography, just find a teacher, exhibitions and books. Avoid forums and youtubers that doesnt have a respected portfolio.
I always thought it was the Instagram 😄 Also true for other professions like filmography, musicianship and even trades. Creating content about a subject has transitioned from a side line plug attracting attention to one's own business, to the full time occupation just to create - and that in itself these days is mostly aggregating - content about a subject: stock footage, stock audio, bunch of other brands products and a list of links to get the commission on. Is it bad though? I think like you said, it's the viewer's job to sort out the wheat from the chaff.
I hate the gear pushing and the constant line “Camera company sent me this camera early but they don’t have any influence on this positive review”. The big channels get the cameras early so they get all the views (and money on day 1 release and Camera Company controls the narrative. For them to claim Camera Company has “no influence” is dishonest.
I found your channel when I was looking for information on the Cambo Actus as there is very little information about them. I really enjoy your work. Could you do another one in more detail of the Actus please?
This is good advice for beginners, i only follow genuine photographers including you. I do the research first. unfortunately there are channels who is not Photographers we need to be careful about that. Thanks for the advice 💚
GREAT! Less competition. BUT, it redefines quality, lower. You see that in any creative industry when its 'democratised', quality is redefined... down.
I honestly think that it’s simpler than this… TH-cam is a for-profit media, so in the case of cameras, it tries to peddle that “better gear makes better photos”… untrue… learn the basics, practice, practice, practice….
I'd encourage you (and the general population) to learn what Dopamine really is. It is not, as is assumed, a momentary happy feeling following a reward. It is the hormone of motivation. It drives you towards a goal and it's levels drop as soon as the goal is achieved. Thought I'd mention this as you use it as an illustrative element of behaviour a lot here!
Learning on youtube is a big part of it for me' park tools has been great help. I found help at several channels that gave me' the five minute tutorial i needed
One of the more interesting aspects of TH-cam is the photographers who sound like blithering idiots and seem to know very little about the cameras they are using, but then produce some of the most beautiful images.
I am autistic. In common with many others, I have my little obsessions. One of those is being right. Not winning arguments, but actually having my facts correct. If I am challenged, I do some research to decide the challenge. If I'm wrong, I admit it. I am correct, I link to supporting information. Additionally, I try to explain my point. I strongly tend to not believe facts and rules unless I understand them. The "rule of thirds" makes no sense to me, it's nonsense. I read up on Ansel Adams' zone system. It wasn't making much sense to me, nobody explained it's only really useful if you shoot sheet film (or glass, I suppose). Theoretically, it's useful for digital photography, but so long as my histogram doesn't show me clipping highlights I'm usually pretty happy. Sometimes I feel the need to tend to the dark side too, if they tonal range is too great for my camera. I have no idea of mood or emotion and little of composition in photography. Largely, that goes with autism. Oh, beauty is another mystery. Doc Martin could be modelled on me, but unlike him I have extreme executive dysfunction. That is why I should not go professional. It doesn't mean I can't teach though. There's an example in chess that, I think, supports your contention. So far as I can work out, International Master Leonard Barden, several times British Champion, took British chess from the doldrums to a significant place in world chess with a lot of strong grandmasters..
Come and join out friendly facebook group facebook.com/groups/1893064874281393
come on, what you didn't know?
i think you are just a fake photographer
I get what you're saying about doing the process. I do studio portrait photography as a hobby. I've watched countless videos on lighting. While I learned some things from those videos, I learned much more by actually getting into a studio, arranging the lights and shooting, then looking at my photos and thinking about where I went wrong.
Nothing beats real world experience.
My takeaway from this is:
Experience beats Formal education beats TH-cam quick answer vids.
This is nothing new since the 1990's. If you're being responsible you always double check your information. If you want to save time, get a proper education then the "experience game" is sped up tremendously. 😢😮😂
Absolutely. Theory is important because it guides you on where to look. As someone who tried learning to draw alone and then went to school and university, sometimes theory can give you so much power. Yes you must work, but work smart not hard! There is no point in chasing in the dark (sorry ,translating this from my language) trying to find out anwsers that have been found out years and years ago. One must read theory ,apply it and then revisit it again and repeat and ponder on every new time they read the information while practicing it
I hate when you see photographers take portraits or wedding shots and then show heavily edited pictures.
I sell cameras and most customers return cameras because the pictures don't look like the ones on TH-cam.
I tell them that those pics on TH-cam have been heavily edited and over sharpened in post.😂😂😂
In the first 30 seconds I came away with something super helpful: a reminder that I haven't yet bled the radiators since the heating system was serviced. Cheers Scott.
You are correct, I often watch videos of how to do something I am already well aware of. I do this for a reason you mentioned was a good thing. To learn another's process. I am deeply curious not as much about the end result (though that can be cool too), but of how other people think and tackle challenges.
You're never too old to retain a beginner's mindset and stay curious. In my opinion, the moment you start thinking "I won't take a peek, I already know that" you've lost the game of life. Once your curiosity is gone, you're done for intellectually. I find this is true for photography (my hobby) and software development (my profession).
I feel like I have a particularly unique perspective on this because the software world is one that follows an Ouroboros Cycle (serpent or dragon eating its tail). Every few years, someone re-invents the old wheel we've been using. Yet, instead of it being a waste of time, the wheel is a bit better than it was before. It's an iterative improvement!
The world of software jumps onto that new "serpent" (or wheel) and rides it until it gets eaten by a new head. When you live in such a world, you can never discount a video or tutorial claiming to do something you "think" you already know. There is often a twist, a new paradigm, a new way of perceiving the problem. By remaining curious of even the simplest techniques and how others do them I achieve the "emulate the process, not the result" habit.
Well said I often find little tidbits and things I thought I knew well it will help my own work.😊
👍
I couldn't agree more with what you've said here. I would like to add on top of it that a major issue I see is that the term 'Pro Photographer' is being taken to mean 'good photographer' across a large section of society now. This is a completely false assumption. 'Pro Photographer' simply means that the photographer is getting paid for their photographs, nothing more.
An amateur photographer is doing it for the love of photography, that's what 'amateur' literally means "taking part in an activity for pleasure and not as a job".
I have seen hundreds of Pro Photographers that are, quite frankly, bad photographers. I've also seen hundreds of amateur photographers that are amazing photographers. The 'Pro' title has nothing to do with the quality of the photography and people need to start realising that.
Your comments apply to almost every facet of life, not just photography. Well said.
i am an old crusty and prior to TH-cam spent a lot of money on training - much of which i already knew. Sometimes it was to reinforce existing knowledge and build confidence but i also recognised that I would find the odd important nugget just when i wasn't expecting it. The best single talk i ever heard on sales came from a 45 minute free lecture that i attended at a conference because i had a gap in my diary before lunch. You never know what you don't know remains a constant throughout life
Scott, what I appreciate about your TH-cam videos is your unapologetic honesty.
I used to really like a few big content creators on youtube, because they were informing people on the history of photography. But I watched them all fall down a borderline infomercial vibe, where every other video was just a new product demo provided by camera gear manufacturers.
Doubt it was history though
The best thing I did recently was join a local camera club. Discussing & sharing ideas / techniques at all levels has already made me think more about what and why I am aiming for in photography. I know for sure it is not "Commercial" as pounding the "customer is always right" treadmill again repulses me.
After 3 years, I am starting to "see light" everywhere, even in the shadows & slowly seeing the photography look and feel I imagined in my head in the beginning.
I thank you for your generous insights and "kicks up the ar...." your eloquently deliver and wish you and yours well.
Its so refreshing finding a photographer on youtube here who truly gets it when running a studio and being a commercial photographer. Your channel is such a plethra of amazing information
I think there's something refreshing about your content being somewhat "a glass half empty" and giving the advice most don't want to hear but likely need in order to succeed.
Not all Photography is commercial, working for big brands is not the only way of make a living as a photographer, maybe the most profitable nowdays. but i see a lot of artists working the photographic medium as a way of personal expression, publishing, showing on galleries, etc. i understand there is a plethora of mediocrity and wannabes around youtube.
I just discovered your TH-cam channel a couple of days ago. It's absolute gold for me. I am thinking about finally spending more time on my photography, and I'm starting with a 14-month course with formal education about photography next month. It's refreshing that you speak about everything I became a victim of myself, like the TH-cam stuff in this video. Love it. Keep up the great work.
3:35 is so true. The human instinct to think that the person who can TALK about something the best is the best at it is how so many charlatans and con artists trick people so easily, and TH-cam is a swamp for that.
The biggest issue I have with TH-cam and other social platforms is its overall affect on creators mental health. They all make it seem so easy and 'if you follow their steps exactly, you'll be a millionaire in x years.' Thats just not always the case. I'm in a hell of a rut 5 years into my career. I know I'll get through it, but damn, seeing people on social media hit their stride in creative work can be really disheartening.
True 👍
Hi Sam, I’m pretty sure there is research that shows that people who don’t watch social media are happier on average than those that do. Oh and I hope you get out of your rut, but if its your career not so easy to just stop doing it for a while.
@@Chris-NZ thats true and yet here we find ourselves searching videos on the subject of.our passion
I just want to say that I stumbled upon your channel because you were pushing against buying brand new gear, and I really appreciate that. You may be the first person on here not pushing the latest hype. And so I've gone down the rabbit hole. I'm not a pro, nor am I a studio photographer, but I do enjoy your perspective and try to adapt what bits and pieces I can to my own work.
Toooootally understand this. I unsubscribed from a lot of photography channels on youtube and photographers on instagram because of what it does. I felt myself getting stagnant so my recent steps have been asking people I can verify are working commercial photographers around me and taking workshops to learn new things I didn't know I needed to know.
Speaking of which - your advice about applying for an agent to see if they respond as at sort of litmus test to see if my work is any good was bang on. I didn't get an agent (never expected to) but a few of them did respond saying my work was good, I just need to keep pushing and developing my creative voice.
The sentence: "the important is the PROCESS, not the result". Apply not only in photography. In fact, the curiosity helps the continous process, too.
I'm an amateur hobby photographer, learning a lot every day, and will continue to learn until my last day :)
I also know people who explain to me how I can become "professional", euh I do it as a hobby and no ambition to become a pro.
I prefer to leave it to those few people who do it top.
Your tips teach me a lot, thank you and greetings from Belgium
What a gem of a video! What you shared is so true, and not just for photography but other fields on YT are suffering from the exact same problem. There's a self-rewarding interest in what people already know, and those videos that take on serious issues or shed light on critical issues get no hits and go unnoticed. I am suffering from the exact same thing with my audio channel....
Your videos have been extremely helpful and enlightening, it is fantastic to have educators like you on YT! Thank you, cheers, Janos
“Chasing the process…” I started developing my own film at home because labs are expensive. Learning the literal process of making a photograph has taught me so much more than I could have imagined. It happens to be fun too!
Totally agree. Got to learn about darkrooms back in the day (1980) during photography class and loved the process and it teaches you a lot about photography. The school had fully manual Pentax bodies with prime lenses and we all shot on B&W film as that's how the darkroom was set up and the film was purchased in bulk and loaded into the 35mm canisters.
@@johnhpalmer6098 Hi John, I totally agree. We started film school (1980's-90's) with slide film and then processing and printing darkroom procedures for B&W and color film. I see so many "new" photographer who don't understand the nuanices of photography because they never learned all those basics we learned with film. I got crasy looks from digital only students when I told them about "camera index tests" and not using a "printer". Doing great photos without fancy gear. I had a show in Beiijng several years ago and one of the photos shown was from my films days as a student. One comment was, "Well with all that fancy equipment anybody could do that." The group was shocked when I in formed them it was done with a $100 Richo camera and a $25 50mm pentax lens on exktakrome 100 film! I sure miss my pentax K1000!!! I think so much has been lost to digital and photoshop to "fix" things that should have been done "in camera" when setting up shots. Don't get me wrong, I do love my digital but so much understanding about exposure set up has been lost on so many.
Well said. To be honest: Sometimes it feels like people becoming a photography youtuber before they have even mastered photography in the first place. And if they do it right, have good titles and thumbnails for their videos combined with nice music, they get much more views than someone who might actually know what he/she's talking about ;-)
I hardly even watch photography videos anymore, especially gear reviews because so much of it is clickbait with affiliate links. Plus before they get to anything of substance, we must sit through the begging for likes and subscribers, sometimes multiple times. So tiring.
The more I hear your stand on issues the more I like. I have been around cameras all my life, but only in the last 10 yrs have I got serious about the process. I work out an image, not just take a picture. Some of my favourite portraits took time. Time to draw out the person I was photographing. Practise, practise, practise, and then do it some more so that when it is time, it is natural to follow the process to an incredible image. I am a lifer! Consistently working out the process to a better image.
It’s constantly frustrating watching TH-cam photographers state opinions as facts. It’s taken me years to figure that out. Consistently, I also find that the best photographers work that I’ve ever seen is not on TH-cam, Twitter, Facebook or any other social network. The best work I’ve seen has been in magazines, art galleries and on walls on people’s homes. I think it’s important to keep perspective on who exactly is giving information on TH-cam. I’ve had about a year of photography education at the college level but am far from great. My wife and I are part time ”pros” where we live. Process is everything. When you perfect your process, you not only achieve results, you achieve consistency, time and money savings and an increase in business.
Especially people who constantly say: " (and) that is a fact". And two minutes later: I am a humble person.
people will ultimately find their way. rookie or pro, good or bad. there is a platform for everyone. im a horrible photographer in the eyes of certain photographers. yet, in the eyes of certain photographer who may skilled understand the PROCESS and perhaps know my journey and see the potential. kinda like a fathers pride. If its a passion, the photographer will continue to learn and develop with time. I think im pretty good simply because i enjoy my own photos. same with other photos that are similar in style. People are on different levels, and come from different walks of life so we see appreciate things in a unique way. Not taking from your opinion or perspective. Good stuff
I somewhat dislike the "Result over Process" approach because it doesn't show the solution to the problem I was having -- primarily because of the "unknown unknowns" as you mentioned. For instance, the talk about photography agencies you had previously was an eye opener for me. Something I had *never* considered before and it's something no one I watch has ever mentioned.
I am fairly new at trying to become a Professional Photographer... I've been doing photography for years, however I can't ever find actual good photography videos.
Great advise ❤
What I enjoy most about your TH-cam videos is that there's absolutely no bullshit being thrown in my face. I've been shooting "pictures" since I bought my first camera; a Canon AE-1 in 1979. I had just opened my real estate brokerage a year prior and wanted to show pictures of my property listings and my market area (the first in my market to do so). I knew absolutely nothing about photography, but I got help from a REAL photographer, read some books, shot anything and everything to experiment, and even developed my own film (B&W) to learn more about lighting and composition. Yet, even after several years of experimentation, I was NOT a "photographer."
It was only about 6 or 7 years ago that I started to take photography much more seriously, learning more and more, and practicing and experimenting more and more. And, while I've become better than I was, and while I CALL myself a "photographer," I don't feel I've come to the point where I'm ready to put myself "out there" in a whole-hearted effort to try to get meaningful work.
That's why THIS particular video of the many (if not all) of your videos that I've watched struck a chord in my head. Thank you. And, yes. it IS the "process" that will move you along.
👍
"Not knowing what you don't know, you don't know" I have always loved that and it was bought home to me decades ago. The other thing is someone else will know something that you don't.
People don’t watch videos just to learn something they don’t know, I would say most of the time it’s to be entertained
You are THE hero of photography in my eyes. Thank you.
Nailed it! The mental health aspect of it is crucial to understanding your habits and the results they bring. It's all about the process, and developing the right tools for the job. Great video Scott!
👍
How important this video and its message is ! Thanks a lot for the quality of you messages !!
I believe that alot of these photographer youtubers get the big shoots with brands after they have already gained an audience on youtube,and you're absolutely right,finding their body of work on a proper website and not just on instagram.
I completely agree with what you say here. Most big TH-camrs are not professional Photographers. Same goes for filmmakers. They might be decent educators, but most do not have a portfolio to back up their "pro" status.
Most of what I see on social media and TH-cam for lack of a better turn of phrase, is prosaic banality. And that is generally what gets produced when the vast majority of photographers on those platforms are chasing likes and dopamine hits.
TLDR: i learned more from 1-2hr long videos. Applied whatever I learned and incorporated it to the style that fits me.
Back 2016 or 2017. Sometime I just started with photography. I always consume those short photography videos around 5-10minute long. It was good stuff but those 5-10minute tutorials did not take me far enough. Just when i was starting to learn about OCF, I found this silly page called B&H photo + video. Where they post talks, seminars and webinars about OCF and boy it wasnt pretty. 1hr-2hrs long videos. But hey i still watch those long talks. Learned most of what I have in the skillset from that channel. I still consume those short 5-10min videos from time to time. But those hour longer videos gave me more insight. Tips from a pro. Things those 5-10min videos were not talking about. So yeah, today when somebody ask me about where did I learn photography. I always recommend consuming the right videos and most of the time its the longest ones that give you much information. As for practical work, apply what you have consumed. Experiment what you can do. Assess what you observe. Incorporate what you liked most that fit your style. If I’m still a “bad photographer” then maybe i am. 😂😂😂 i still have plenty of room to improve on. That’s why im still here. Anyway, good content here Tin. Keep the vibes going. Love your videos
*edit*
Altho i dont consume much like when i was still starting. But the point is, when you dont know or you want to know about something. TH-cam will always be there like a beer in the fridge.
Hi Scott! As always, you are nailing it! Great information and I hope this inspires photographers to focus on the art first. The client work will come, but paying attention to being and living photography has a much higher reward. Thank you for sharing!
I also do learn from YT, but i am very oldschool. My interest in photography predates social media and I have seen the generation of photographers been devastated at digital photography and later at photobanks. Philosophy I try to follow is to do as much of the photo on set, and as few things in post.
But certainly there are YT channels nobody should learn from, i will give you an example.
A guy with Sony and 85mm f1.4 lens, both worth about 8000 dollars, in studio taking portraits. He stops down to F5,6 and gets perfectly sharp shot. So far so good. Then in POST he adds "glass eyes" by making reflections way too strong, and adds fake bokeh in the background and at the edges of the frame. All he needed to do is to have a white card to reflect some light more directly in the eyes and open the lens to F2.8. Or if he wasnt certain about sharp or more blurry shot just to take two with different settings.
He has really succesfful channel about photoshop. But honestly his photographic skills ... well...
I view most of TH-cam as purely entertainment. Some of it is informative and helpful, like a lot of your videos recently giving incite into the business side. Some probably romanticise how they could turn their hobby into a business and there lies the problem with many.
I enjoy your videos a lot and have given me food for thought. Thanks
👍
Thanks for making me think. I'm 61 and now thinking more deeply, one hopes usefully, about my hobby photography. I reckon I'm going to shoot better for it.
"Trust in the process..."only you can setup the protocol for your goals/dreams. Creativity is learning how to learn and adapt. Most TH-cam photo channels are very prescriptive and shilling new photo gear.
I found your channel just today and checked out your web site and portfolio: your the real deal, thanks. Another new subscriber.
Best working Pro Photographer TH-cam series I've seen since Chase Jarvis in 2009
I can say there are 2 main things that are very important doing a lot of pictures and learning to see what you do, because there are photographers who shoot a lot but don't see the mistakes and never get better
I have no interest in being a professional photographer. I already have a career which I've been doing since I was 18. I'm now 47. My only interest in photography is as a hobby. I enjoy taking photos. I read books and watch videos in order to become somewhat better at it.
.. if only you knew how many people I know with the the Dunning-Kruger effect in every aspect of life.. it's laughable. As for my photography, yeah.. I don't know every facet of how to be a "photographer".. If I did, that would be my career. I'd probably class myself as an avid snapper, but at least I'm not stuck in Auto.
Also, I'm aware this video isn't aimed at me. It's aimed at those that do want to be pro photographers.
You hit the nail on the head with this one. Thank you.
I agree 100% nicely done! Great Conversation!
A lot of Photography TH-camrs copy each other and rarely have anything original or of substance to say - it's always scratching the surface around a topic without deeply exploring a topic. I have found that as my photography has improved, I'm watching less TH-cam or looking at different channels.
Another highlight of the week, always waiting for your latest updates... always funny, or useful stuff... thanx a bunch
You may or may not read this but as a retired commercial photographer who shot 4x5 five days a week in the studio and 8x10 on the weekends... I've found it hard to watch your videos lately , not because of the content ( which I have whole heart agreed with) but because you're head is at least a half stop overexposed... consider yourself the product...
thanks!
Great Video! The point that your most useful videos are your least watched hit home.
I've worked for important clients in my Country, but they don't want me to share this information on my website or social media.
On the second part, It's about stroking ego and validating there own preconceived beliefs or value of themselves. Read a book called 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Thank you. The problem is to see all the good photos and compared it to what I'm is able to deliver. It makes growing as a photographer harder. I'm starting up again after a 7 years decline. I used the years to learn art on TH-cam. Today I'm upgrading my equipment to 45 Mix standards but I need to refresh PS and LR.
I absolutely agree. I have followed some portrait photographers for years. Then out of nowhere brands like Sony or Canon have them trying out new lenses and they are suddenly a gear reviewer? It's cool and all, and all for them trying out new lenses but they are not reviewers, they are portrait photographers who got a large following because that is what they do. If I want a gear review then I will watch Tony Northrup or Gerald Undone just like personally, I don't care about those professional reviewers doing a portrait shoot that isn't apart of a review. I want the technical review from the people who know what they are doing and not a portrait photographer who is like "Yeah this lens is real nice, it has ok sharpness" and you know they wont ever use the lens as they only use the typical portrait primes. Anyways...
@theartofphotography used to be good. He would interview actual photographer artists and break down pictures. And then suddenly he went full gear review. But I get it that’s where the money is I suppose. I hope @thephotographiceye doesn’t go that same route
TH-cam’s algorithm is also a huge issue. Once upon a time, quality how-to videos, for whatever your interest, were constantly flooding my recommended feed. Now, it’s a lot of sort-of-adjacent suggestions, mostly of very questionable quality/authority, and if you don’t know what you don’t know, it’s easy to feel stagnant & lost.
I learned my photography in the library of my university - Brighton had a terrific one.
TH-cam is a continuum of skill and advice and as you say you have to look under the covers to validate the words and works . I guess all I will say though is once you get through the fanatics and poorly informed commentators its one hell of a good place to find like minded creators just trying to do their best. If I ever had the chance to meet in person some of the people I’ve “met” on TH-cam I’m sure we would immediately have some really friendly and interesting conversations over a coffee 😀
The process is the most important part of any art form, but the least sexy. The only time I've seen the everyday "person on the street" take notice of an artistic process, is when actors discuss Strasberg's 'method'. If I ever start a TH-cam channel, or blog or whatever, I'm just going to focus on 'the process'.
Hi Scott
What's your view on TH-cam videos from camera brand 'Ambassadors'?
I would have thought that whatever camera brand they're Ambassador for will have done the background checks for us. Some systems ambassadors can be helpful with the process, even if it's just how to go into your camera's menu.
You Tube is great but you have to filter what you see and where you get your information.
The more bad photographers there are, the more work there will be for real professional photographers.
Just found your channel. I'm one of those beginners looking to learn the process!
Well said, there is a lot of "disinformation" out there, photography like any work need to be crafted and it could take years of practice to became a photographer, thank you for point it out this issue.
Excellent reflection about photography in 2023 - insightful and well thought out- brilliant- thx for sharing!
Totally get what you’re saying about the actuations video, I saw it and thought ok that’s interesting (it was in my feed) then I started watching your other videos and got into them, even though I’m nowhere near a commercial photographer I just do it as a hobby. Nevertheless I’m learning a lot from this so thanks. 🙏
One thing that bugs me about youtube and its influence on photography, is that the audience ends up using the style that is most common on youtube. For example, a good chunk of the landscape photography youtubers preach corner to corner sharpness, rule of thirds, and some sort of foreground interest. They mostly shoot at f/11 with a foreground rock and this gets taken as the gospel. The result of which is a whole bunch of photos that look exactly the same. Not that you should never shoot like this, but people should experiment and try different things.
Yes -- The process. I'm an amateur with a reasonable (but definitely not exhaustively complete) understanding of my gear and overall photographic processes. But I need to learn the (literally) "technical" bits, i.e., the *techniques* I can and should use to make the gear and processes work together. That is, the processes. I realize making longer-form (video) instructional content is very demanding, difficult and time-consuming. Maybe that's why it seems 99% of YT videos are "here's how to click a button" 2 minutes "tutorials". As a user / learner, I don't know the processes but I can click a button. I can read a user manual. I can *operate* my gear, I just need to know *how* to operate it better, more appropriately and in less obvious ways. Again, the process, the Why instead of simply the What.
Excellent video.
well just wondering, which of the videos are golden and should be viewed? Genuinly want to learn more about this!
And now I know why I watch several sailing youtubers. I just look for their mistakes in sailing, witch I know as I am certified sailing instructor. It just piss me off that in USA people first buy a boat and later learn how to sail, completely way round in Poland. I just can't stand it.
The number of views on these topics may never match those of "feel good" content. However, I believe that each view on these topics are far more valuable than each view on more popular videos, as it filters out the masses.
Recently in the news, Professional video maker for a wedding releases film with low resolution and sound not syncronized for 4000$
This bad shocking footage ruined this wedding couple's marriage!
Personally, I have the impression that you better have a passionate photographer or filmmaker who will perform his hobby in the best way despite his courses!
My wife naturally has the ability to reassure people and take beautiful pictures.
And this without attending a school for photography!
The images speak for themselves, she has an innate talent.
I myself have followed photography in an amateur club for years, developing black and white myself, participating in competitions, and still learning every day!
Armed with a light meter for incident light, and completely manual setting of the camera was my start of a great hobby!
Later in my military career this was also my job and I switched to Photoshop.
Love all of this. I do like watching some videos as entertainment though, which I suspect is why your shutter count video might be doing so well. It’s just fluff around an interest for many.
One of the best videos you put out!
Very enjoyable, thanks for the information, I feel I've learnt something worthwhile
Scott, this was awesome, your videos are awesome and you speaking the truth is awesome!
There is this youtuber figandlight who has great educational value. I watched almost all of his videos , which are food related until one day he dropped a video appologizing to the audience because he felt he was misleading us because of your exact argument. He was a professional wedding photographer, but has never been a food or commercial photographer. I really respect him for coming out, he also used that to try and push out more content that isn't just for food. He is a cool youtuber if you've never heard of him
Ironically, I new most of what you were going to say about why TH-cam sucks for photography.
My biggest difficulty is exactly, discovering what i don't know...what makes pros be pros...what to study or practice to become a pro. Cheers from Brazil ✌🏻
👍cheers
Absolutely agree. In general I think the level of mediocrity has increased, because being consistent and post regularly is more important than the content itself. The issue with online education is also problematic, for the reason you pointed point out in the video. Thanks for sharing!
Easy test: look for information about the field you have some expertie, you will see 80% is rubish (specially the big youtubers), out of context or very missleading for a newbie. Well, guess what, happens also for what you dont have any kind of criteria.
Before I went to an art school, i spend years in forums and youtube, now I see that kind of advise and information and almost makes me cry. What a waste of time was that... Ir you are new in photography, just find a teacher, exhibitions and books. Avoid forums and youtubers that doesnt have a respected portfolio.
“Not sure if it’s trolling or sheer stupidly” 😂😂 sadly, it’s usually the latter
I always thought it was the Instagram 😄
Also true for other professions like filmography, musicianship and even trades. Creating content about a subject has transitioned from a side line plug attracting attention to one's own business, to the full time occupation just to create - and that in itself these days is mostly aggregating - content about a subject: stock footage, stock audio, bunch of other brands products and a list of links to get the commission on.
Is it bad though? I think like you said, it's the viewer's job to sort out the wheat from the chaff.
I hate the gear pushing and the constant line “Camera company sent me this camera early but they don’t have any influence on this positive review”. The big channels get the cameras early so they get all the views (and money on day 1 release and Camera Company controls the narrative. For them to claim Camera Company has “no influence” is dishonest.
I found your channel when I was looking for information on the Cambo Actus as there is very little information about them. I really enjoy your work. Could you do another one in more detail of the Actus please?
Glad it was helpful! Yes I will make another one soon.
This is good advice for beginners, i only follow genuine photographers including you. I do the research first. unfortunately there are channels who is not Photographers we need to be careful about that. Thanks for the advice 💚
👍
Youre straight to the point. I like that.
LOVE IT...'For the Cheaps!"
Great videos, and we get it Scott, you’re a pro photographer.
GREAT! Less competition. BUT, it redefines quality, lower. You see that in any creative industry when its 'democratised', quality is redefined... down.
Totally agree. Great video. Useful advice.
I always enjoy your videos. I must admit I cringe watching some of the TH-camrs shooting and giving advice. Some of them are huge TH-camrs as well.
I honestly think that it’s simpler than this… TH-cam is a for-profit media, so in the case of cameras, it tries to peddle that “better gear makes better photos”… untrue… learn the basics, practice, practice, practice….
I do agree, the explanation is simple. Stop the monetization on TH-cam and within a week, half the so-called pro channels disappear ! 😁
I'd encourage you (and the general population) to learn what Dopamine really is. It is not, as is assumed, a momentary happy feeling following a reward. It is the hormone of motivation. It drives you towards a goal and it's levels drop as soon as the goal is achieved. Thought I'd mention this as you use it as an illustrative element of behaviour a lot here!
Learning on youtube is a big part of it for me' park tools has been great help. I found help at several channels that gave me' the five minute tutorial i needed
One of the more interesting aspects of TH-cam is the photographers who sound like blithering idiots and seem to know very little about the cameras they are using, but then produce some of the most beautiful images.
I am autistic. In common with many others, I have my little obsessions. One of those is being right. Not winning arguments, but actually having my facts correct. If I am challenged, I do some research to decide the challenge. If I'm wrong, I admit it. I am correct, I link to supporting information.
Additionally, I try to explain my point.
I strongly tend to not believe facts and rules unless I understand them. The "rule of thirds" makes no sense to me, it's nonsense. I read up on Ansel Adams' zone system. It wasn't making much sense to me, nobody explained it's only really useful if you shoot sheet film (or glass, I suppose). Theoretically, it's useful for digital photography, but so long as my histogram doesn't show me clipping highlights I'm usually pretty happy. Sometimes I feel the need to tend to the dark side too, if they tonal range is too great for my camera.
I have no idea of mood or emotion and little of composition in photography. Largely, that goes with autism. Oh, beauty is another mystery.
Doc Martin could be modelled on me, but unlike him I have extreme executive dysfunction. That is why I should not go professional. It doesn't mean I can't teach though.
There's an example in chess that, I think, supports your contention.
So far as I can work out, International Master Leonard Barden, several times British Champion, took British chess from the doldrums to a significant place in world chess with a lot of strong grandmasters..