There is a corollory between the need to slow down and the frequency of excursions with a camera. Time is my biggest barrier, the result being that my immediate reaction when I do get out is to rush and, even though I recognise this trait in myself it still happens. My solution is to get that desire out of the system with the first images, normally the obvious ones, and then to relax into the location.
Very helpful and wise insights Alister- I would respectfully add a corollary to Tip number 1 that 'comparison' also is the death of creativity, or can diminish the pleasure
This is the most practical advice I have heard! Simple common sense truths that really hit me. Thank you reminding me to sit with nature, take in the moment, see what nature is reveling.
Hi Alister, a fantastic video, buddy! Oh yes, I agree. Especially tip 2 is something we should even practice as often as possible: slow down and have patience. It will reward 😊 Thank you for the video and nice greetings, Christian
when people have looked at some of my photos they ask how did you get that , my usual answer is there a difference in looking at something and seeing it
Having been on one of the retreats with you and John, I can wholehearted agree that fully being in the moment, slowly noticing details and forming a relationship with a puddle, a tree, a reflection in a pond can be so rewarding. I remember sitting in the forest for a couple of hours without taking a single photo. I remember entering into an intimate relationship with a tree, staying with it for several hours, lying under its crown on my back, connecting with the soil, making some of my favourite images. It was an amazing experience and the atmosphere that John and you created for us was highly fertilising. Did I bring the spirit back home? I think so!
Delighted to hear that the echo has continued. Ann and I were back in some of the locations these past few days and what a different look now! Each day is an opportunity to see a new world. Looking forward to chatting on Friday.
@@Alister_Benn Going back to a place means getting to know it again, reconnecting, re-discovering, because both of us have changed. I haven't made a lot of images since I came back, but I have fallen back in love with some of my local places. Looking forward to our chat, too!
Thank you very much Alistair, for this and the other videos I have viewed, for me finding your approach has come at an opportune moment. I relate to many of the comments made here by others, and it has made me re-evaluate my approach to photography. Up to now I have used a PentaxK1 ii but have ordered a Fuji X T5, so now have an ideal opportunity to explore, play, practice with my new 'toy'!
55 years ago I paddled in the water in your opening scene. Great to see the old place. Many happy memories of growing up there. Now I'm a Canadian and play at lake Abraham. Enough of this reminiscing. Lol. Awesome video alister. Great advice as always. At 60 years old I still practice. It's always good to play around with ideas. Sometimes something different turns out Great.❤ shoot often and we'll folks.
As always good advice. I certainly feel that going out with expectations most often leads to disappointment, but I do not entirely agree that it would be better to stay at home :) - at least I got out! That leads me to another comment: Practice: because I sometimes find that some of the source of disappointment is a lack of technical skills. I have ideas but fail to capture what I want, partly because I can't find the right way. I have done this for many years, but only very few years with any intent. So I should go out with some intent and expectations - and then, instead of being disappointed, spend some time analysing why I didn't come home with the images I wanted to. And I certainly need to learn to take my time - trying to capture a scene from every conceivable angle is one of my many flaws.
Hello Alister, i really like this video. You discuss important items, which blocks many men in their creativity. It´s not the gear, it´s you and your head which makes the best images. I congratulate you on your decision leaving instagram and facebook. I never joined them, but i noticed there´s a lot of trouble and discussions when the rules changed.
I certainly agree that simply sitting and taking it in is very worthwhile. One of the things I always take with me is a decent pair of binoculars. As you sit, you can examine all manner of things with them.
Your comments on play and practice resonate with me - but are the oportunities to undertake these activities not inversely proportional to the size and weight of your camera system?
You missed: You don`t need fancy, expensive kamera`s and a heavy tripod. Then You are not playing. Bring the phone or a small camera like Fuji XM1 or similar and play on the beach or where ever You are.
In our recent trip to the zoo I left pictures of the kids to my wife, because if I wanted a good picture of an animal they were long gone while I was still setting up my shot
There is a corollory between the need to slow down and the frequency of excursions with a camera. Time is my biggest barrier, the result being that my immediate reaction when I do get out is to rush and, even though I recognise this trait in myself it still happens. My solution is to get that desire out of the system with the first images, normally the obvious ones, and then to relax into the location.
Yes, I agree, get a few out of the gate to break the barrier - thanks for the kind feedback and input
A thought provoking video essay as always. Thank you Alister
I love that: listen to the whispers in the landscape that only you can hear…
❤️
Great video, thx for the information and insights
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful and wise insights Alister- I would respectfully add a corollary to Tip number 1 that 'comparison' also is the death of creativity, or can diminish the pleasure
Yes, that’s very true, comparing is also a form of expectation
Thanks! Inspiring and helpful. Enjoy watching your videos.
Thank you so much, that is very kind of you
This is the most practical advice I have heard! Simple common sense truths that really hit me. Thank you reminding me to sit with nature, take in the moment, see what nature is reveling.
Awesome many thanks for the kind feedback
Hi Alister, a fantastic video, buddy! Oh yes, I agree. Especially tip 2 is something we should even practice as often as possible: slow down and have patience. It will reward 😊
Thank you for the video and nice greetings,
Christian
Thanks for these reminders! You hit it spot on.
I think I've learned these the hard way.
Glad it was helpful!
Great thoughts 👌
when people have looked at some of my photos they ask how did you get that , my usual answer is there a difference in looking at something and seeing it
Great recommendations!
Having been on one of the retreats with you and John, I can wholehearted agree that fully being in the moment, slowly noticing details and forming a relationship with a puddle, a tree, a reflection in a pond can be so rewarding. I remember sitting in the forest for a couple of hours without taking a single photo. I remember entering into an intimate relationship with a tree, staying with it for several hours, lying under its crown on my back, connecting with the soil, making some of my favourite images. It was an amazing experience and the atmosphere that John and you created for us was highly fertilising. Did I bring the spirit back home? I think so!
Delighted to hear that the echo has continued. Ann and I were back in some of the locations these past few days and what a different look now! Each day is an opportunity to see a new world. Looking forward to chatting on Friday.
@@Alister_Benn Going back to a place means getting to know it again, reconnecting, re-discovering, because both of us have changed. I haven't made a lot of images since I came back, but I have fallen back in love with some of my local places. Looking forward to our chat, too!
John is an awesome photographer and a great human to boot!
Love the video, thanks for sharing.
That’s very kind, thank you
Item 4 - Practice... well that certainly hit home. Thanks for all your insights!
Thanks for that. Yeah, lots of people forget to practice
Thank you very much Alistair, for this and the other videos I have viewed, for me finding your approach has come at an opportune moment. I relate to many of the comments made here by others, and it has made me re-evaluate my approach to photography. Up to now I have used a PentaxK1 ii but have ordered a Fuji X T5, so now have an ideal opportunity to explore, play, practice with my new 'toy'!
You're very welcome
55 years ago I paddled in the water in your opening scene. Great to see the old place. Many happy memories of growing up there. Now I'm a Canadian and play at lake Abraham. Enough of this reminiscing. Lol. Awesome video alister.
Great advice as always. At 60 years old I still practice. It's always good to play around with ideas. Sometimes something different turns out Great.❤ shoot often and we'll folks.
Cheers man, thanks as always
As always good advice. I certainly feel that going out with expectations most often leads to disappointment, but I do not entirely agree that it would be better to stay at home :) - at least I got out! That leads me to another comment: Practice: because I sometimes find that some of the source of disappointment is a lack of technical skills. I have ideas but fail to capture what I want, partly because I can't find the right way. I have done this for many years, but only very few years with any intent. So I should go out with some intent and expectations - and then, instead of being disappointed, spend some time analysing why I didn't come home with the images I wanted to. And I certainly need to learn to take my time - trying to capture a scene from every conceivable angle is one of my many flaws.
Hello Alister, i really like this video. You discuss important items, which blocks many men in their creativity. It´s not the gear, it´s you and your head which makes the best images.
I congratulate you on your decision leaving instagram and facebook. I never joined them, but i noticed there´s a lot of trouble and discussions when the rules changed.
Wow, thank you 🙏 I really appreciate the kind feedback
Seeing! 👀👍🥂
👍
Another very insightful video, fairly short but a lot to take in, think about and hopefully execute!😀
Many thanks, I appreciate that
Great advice Alister!!!
Wolfgang
Glad you enjoyed it
I certainly agree that simply sitting and taking it in is very worthwhile.
One of the things I always take with me is a decent pair of binoculars. As you sit, you can examine all manner of things with them.
Yes, I am often out with just my binoculars
The one and most important thing to improve photography is PRACTICE
Agreed
So true. Thanks Alister
My pleasure!
Your comments on play and practice resonate with me - but are the oportunities to undertake these activities not inversely proportional to the size and weight of your camera system?
Yesterday I took out one lens for the GFX100ii and shot handheld all day, it was so liberating. I made some of my favourite shots of the year
You missed: You don`t need fancy, expensive kamera`s and a heavy tripod. Then You are not playing. Bring the phone or a small camera like Fuji XM1 or similar and play on the beach or where ever You are.
Sure that’s true.
In our recent trip to the zoo I left pictures of the kids to my wife, because if I wanted a good picture of an animal they were long gone while I was still setting up my shot
Haha, that happens
👍
Thanks mate