The biggest thing that effected my work was starting to ask the question why. When I see photos that I like, I try to take the time to figure out why I like it, whether its the tones, lighting, composition, etc. Once I could figure out why certain images were "good" I could figure out how to replicate it and build technical skills from that which I can incorporate into my work.
I will add some of the advice that I have given over the years A - Learn from photographers regardless of the gear they shoot with. I am a Fuji shooter and Pat Kay is a Sony shooter. I still visit his TH-cam channel and other photographers to hear their thoughts. When they go into specific brands I skip that TH-cam vid. This is especially true when it comes to Street Photography because there are so many opinions on the lens they use and why. I will watch a Photographer's TH-cam channel and not care if they are using Prime and I use Zoom when it comes to Street Photography. B - I treat some aspects of my photography as work. When it comes to shooting and photo editing, just like a 9 to 5 job you have to get your work done by 5pm to leave on time. So before I go out to shoot, I make plans for the area. Take in travel time to get there and back home. How long do I plan to be in the area before I move to another location? This prevents me from what I call 'fishing for a photograph' and focuses my limited time on creating one. If I get one great photo for the day, I am a happy camper. C - This also applies to photo editing in LR which I use. If you using 90% of your time to edit a photo, do you want to spend another 1/2 hour editing for that extra 10% and no one will notice or do you decide to never post the photo so no one will ever see it? Time is a precious thing to use. D - Develop a thick skin when it comes to opinions on your work. Because of the internet, there are plenty of jerks who in my view have a miserable life, and because of that, they want to make everyone life's miserable too. And this also comes to people who like your photo. Ok, you like my photo but can you tell me why. Sometimes what I see in my photo is not what they see. Feedback is valuable and likes are useless to me. E - If you have the choice between new gear especially when it comes to an expensive camera body or lens, and the choice of going to a location you have never been to before or a workshop with a 'Pro' photographer, the best decision is taking a trip to a new location or workshop. My recommendation for location is Lisbon Portugal, eye candy for you to shoot all day and night. In a workshop with a pro, you have the chance to watch them go through their thought process when they shoot and ask questions. Go to the workshop with a mindset to take your photos to the next level. Do not do what I see some students do, shoot the next-level photos but are not prepared to shoot those next-level photos on their own. At the workshop, those questions can be answered by the pro, and your job is to make it happen. F - Have a backup plan. Not a backup plan with life, but with your photos. If you are taking Pat's recommendation of the number of photos to shoot, you need a backup in case of hard drive failure. In my opinion, you need to do this earlier and find a backup method that works for you. Also, how you rename your photos. If you are using LR, what do the color and stars mean when applied to photos?
I've been a photographer for almost 7 years now and lately I have been feeling like I've hit a rut, and I want to relearn photography. This video is perfect for my journey, so I want to thank you for making it.
I will give a few points for someone new to know what to think about, because when you are new you don't even know what to put emphasis on. Know what you are getting into and that it could be expensive, depending on what you want to do, but you could need so less gear, that it is not that expensive. Some basic important things: Few examples- for landscapes you don't need fast autofocus- you can buy older or less expensive lower level camera. You don't need lenses that make the background blurry as well (f 1.2
A thoughtful walk through some of the early stages of learning and development as a photographer, with some specifics about milestones -concluding with some savvy remarks regarding feedback and sources of it, and a caution about social media.
At one point photography was my full time gig and I loved it. After personal life situations led to taking a break for a few years, I am back but this time with an entirely new approach: I want to take my time re-learning everything as if I am a beginner and truly become an expert on the subject and of gear. I just discovered your channel and I just want to say thank you! You are concise, informative while also being inspirational. I’ll be looking into your website offers! ☺️
Amazing how you did a masterclass in 20 minutes. So helpful for beginners but also to remind photographers not as begginers, very well explained. Thank you, Pat!
It was rough at first when shooting like 2 rolls and after developing them finding out they are over exposed or out of focus. I learned to shoot back ups with slightly different settings for certain shots. Today with digital I turn off the preview and don’t find out what I shot until the end of the day. I also limit myself to 24 exposures. So when I go out shooting I have to make each shot count.
Dude, this was extremely useful. I am quite experienced and wishing to teach youngsters and this was an excellent resource for even me. Many thanks for taking the time to share and contribute to the photography community in a big way!
Excellent presentation. Very comprehensive and there is hardly any step that a serious learner could disagree. I am in photography as an amateur for the last 30 years. Now 73 years old and drawn to photography after 8 years of absence again primarily due to Monochrome camera introduced by Pentax K3 miii at affordable price. To me, photography is always about B&W. conversion from colour (that's what I had been doing) to B&W has no standing and no comparison.
I'm new and so much of your content is very helpful. It's been two months and I chose to watch this again. Bingo! Now that I kind of know what you're talking about, this has clicked with me. Thanks for ALL of your content.
My first tip would be to make a plan on what to photograph when you can and can't go outside because of weather, light - whatever. For most beginners, I'd say look at your south facing windows and video lights as a backup - especially video lights for winter so you can shoot all night, play with gobos, walls, backgrounds etc. 100% of the time you're making excuses, you're in the way of your best shot.
Super valuable and high quality video, Pat! I have several years of experience and I definitely went through that honeymoon phase you describe. But you've inspired me to really focus on nailing my fundamentals and developing my style.
Thank again , Pat! You have the best educational photography channel on youtube! I clearly see your programming background in a way how you organise everything in some sort of algorithms :) I love that! :)
I have always been interested in photography as an art form, but never interested in picking it up myself. I recently had an idea for a story I want to tell (step 10) but had no idea how to get from Point A to Point B until this video! Thank you so much for this because it was so daunting to dive in until you broke this down step by step.
Hel-lo, I'm a little late to the party. I'm an aspiring photojournalist and sometimes my vision for my photography career is too lofty and overwhelming. Your videos help me break the needed actions down into bite-sized steps, so thank you!
Pat has hands down my favourite photography channel, I would only suggest to try editing earlier.. Just to add some joy to your experience, a satisfaction of seeing a finished picture rather than thousands of blend ones. In any case, this is an exceptional video, thank you!
I was a little worried with the title but as always, great advice. I couldn’t agree more with the color thing “it’s an undulating process, strap in for the ride” 😂
Pat, your video is fantastic. Learning photography is complicated and I love your roadmap. But where would you put composition? What about just after focus? I'm so glad that I found you!
Thanks for this Pat. I can see the logic in your advice. As you say there is so much to learn. A "great view" does not mean it will make a great landscape photograph. So what does? If it does, why? Who said so? Without feedback how could you possibly improve? Do you want to make more eye candy? It's already everywhere; billions of photos. Regardless, do it because you love it. Cheers.🤪
5 years he says lol! I better run like the wind..time is not on my side 😂.As always Pat, you pack a load of helpful and very useful information one go...thank you ever so...👋👋
I would agree with most of what you said, but I did laugh at 500,000 shots in the first 5 years. Just as well they are not using film, that would cost you about £530 a week just for film.
The game-changer for me was learning to ask why. Whenever I see a photo that stands out, I take a moment to break it down-what is it that draws me in? Is it the tones, the lighting, the composition, or something else entirely? Understanding why certain images resonate helped me not only appreciate them more but also figure out how to replicate and adapt those techniques in my own work. It's amazing how much your technical skills grow when you approach photography with curiosity and purpose. What’s your process for analyzing photos you love?
The biggest thing that effected my work was starting to ask the question why. When I see photos that I like, I try to take the time to figure out why I like it, whether its the tones, lighting, composition, etc. Once I could figure out why certain images were "good" I could figure out how to replicate it and build technical skills from that which I can incorporate into my work.
I will add some of the advice that I have given over the years
A - Learn from photographers regardless of the gear they shoot with. I am a Fuji shooter and Pat Kay is a Sony shooter. I still visit his TH-cam channel and other photographers to hear their thoughts. When they go into specific brands I skip that TH-cam vid. This is especially true when it comes to Street Photography because there are so many opinions on the lens they use and why. I will watch a Photographer's TH-cam channel and not care if they are using Prime and I use Zoom when it comes to Street Photography.
B - I treat some aspects of my photography as work. When it comes to shooting and photo editing, just like a 9 to 5 job you have to get your work done by 5pm to leave on time. So before I go out to shoot, I make plans for the area. Take in travel time to get there and back home. How long do I plan to be in the area before I move to another location? This prevents me from what I call 'fishing for a photograph' and focuses my limited time on creating one. If I get one great photo for the day, I am a happy camper.
C - This also applies to photo editing in LR which I use. If you using 90% of your time to edit a photo, do you want to spend another 1/2 hour editing for that extra 10% and no one will notice or do you decide to never post the photo so no one will ever see it?
Time is a precious thing to use.
D - Develop a thick skin when it comes to opinions on your work. Because of the internet, there are plenty of jerks who in my view have a miserable life, and because of that, they want to make everyone life's miserable too. And this also comes to people who like your photo. Ok, you like my photo but can you tell me why. Sometimes what I see in my photo is not what they see. Feedback is valuable and likes are useless to me.
E - If you have the choice between new gear especially when it comes to an expensive camera body or lens, and the choice of going to a location you have never been to before or a workshop with a 'Pro' photographer, the best decision is taking a trip to a new location or workshop.
My recommendation for location is Lisbon Portugal, eye candy for you to shoot all day and night.
In a workshop with a pro, you have the chance to watch them go through their thought process when they shoot and ask questions. Go to the workshop with a mindset to take your photos to the next level. Do not do what I see some students do, shoot the next-level photos but are not prepared to shoot those next-level photos on their own. At the workshop, those questions can be answered by the pro, and your job is to make it happen.
F - Have a backup plan. Not a backup plan with life, but with your photos. If you are taking Pat's recommendation of the number of photos to shoot, you need a backup in case of hard drive failure. In my opinion, you need to do this earlier and find a backup method that works for you. Also, how you rename your photos. If you are using LR, what do the color and stars mean when applied to photos?
awesome
Helpful, thank you so much
Thanks for the tips 🎉
As a beginner, my favorite channel.
agreed, Pat is one of those who value quality over quantity.
I've been a photographer for almost 7 years now and lately I have been feeling like I've hit a rut, and I want to relearn photography. This video is perfect for my journey, so I want to thank you for making it.
I will give a few points for someone new to know what to think about, because when you are new you don't even know what to put emphasis on.
Know what you are getting into and that it could be expensive, depending on what you want to do, but you could need so less gear, that it is not that expensive.
Some basic important things:
Few examples- for landscapes you don't need fast autofocus- you can buy older or less expensive lower level camera. You don't need lenses that make the background blurry as well (f 1.2
You are such a good teacher , great job
Love your way of speaking and teaching, thanks a lot Pat!
Thanks!
A thoughtful walk through some of the early stages of learning and development as a photographer, with some specifics about milestones -concluding with some savvy remarks regarding feedback and sources of it, and a caution about social media.
At one point photography was my full time gig and I loved it. After personal life situations led to taking a break for a few years, I am back but this time with an entirely new approach: I want to take my time re-learning everything as if I am a beginner and truly become an expert on the subject and of gear. I just discovered your channel and I just want to say thank you! You are concise, informative while also being inspirational. I’ll be looking into your website offers! ☺️
Amazing how you did a masterclass in 20 minutes. So helpful for beginners but also to remind photographers not as begginers, very well explained. Thank you, Pat!
It was rough at first when shooting like 2 rolls and after developing them finding out they are over exposed or out of focus.
I learned to shoot back ups with slightly different settings for certain shots.
Today with digital I turn off the preview and don’t find out what I shot until the end of the day.
I also limit myself to 24 exposures. So when I go out shooting I have to make each shot count.
Appreciate your time, great advice.
Dude, this was extremely useful. I am quite experienced and wishing to teach youngsters and this was an excellent resource for even me. Many thanks for taking the time to share and contribute to the photography community in a big way!
Excellent presentation. Very comprehensive and there is hardly any step that a serious learner could disagree.
I am in photography as an amateur for the last 30 years. Now 73 years old and drawn to photography after 8 years of absence again primarily due to Monochrome camera introduced by Pentax K3 miii at affordable price. To me, photography is always about B&W. conversion from colour (that's what I had been doing) to B&W has no standing and no comparison.
I'm new and so much of your content is very helpful. It's been two months and I chose to watch this again. Bingo! Now that I kind of know what you're talking about, this has clicked with me. Thanks for ALL of your content.
My first tip would be to make a plan on what to photograph when you can and can't go outside because of weather, light - whatever.
For most beginners, I'd say look at your south facing windows and video lights as a backup - especially video lights for winter so you can shoot all night, play with gobos, walls, backgrounds etc.
100% of the time you're making excuses, you're in the way of your best shot.
Super valuable and high quality video, Pat!
I have several years of experience and I definitely went through that honeymoon phase you describe.
But you've inspired me to really focus on nailing my fundamentals and developing my style.
Thank again , Pat! You have the best educational photography channel on youtube! I clearly see your programming background in a way how you organise everything in some sort of algorithms :) I love that! :)
A great and thoughtful reminder for beginners and experienced photographers alike, fabulously done...
I have always been interested in photography as an art form, but never interested in picking it up myself. I recently had an idea for a story I want to tell (step 10) but had no idea how to get from Point A to Point B until this video! Thank you so much for this because it was so daunting to dive in until you broke this down step by step.
..you came to the right place!
All these vids are extremely helpful. Excited to shoot, learn and share
Great video Pat. Informative and well structured.
This video is so helpful. It's all I need as a beginner but don't know where to start. Thank you so much, I will follow the guide!
Hel-lo, I'm a little late to the party. I'm an aspiring photojournalist and sometimes my vision for my photography career is too lofty and overwhelming. Your videos help me break the needed actions down into bite-sized steps, so thank you!
Pat has hands down my favourite photography channel, I would only suggest to try editing earlier..
Just to add some joy to your experience, a satisfaction of seeing a finished picture rather than thousands of blend ones.
In any case, this is an exceptional video, thank you!
I was a little worried with the title but as always, great advice. I couldn’t agree more with the color thing “it’s an undulating process, strap in for the ride” 😂
I had learned a lot of uncommon stuff from this channel, keep up the good work!!!
THANK YOU FOR SUCH A POWERFUL VIDEO. ✌️
Pat, your video is fantastic. Learning photography is complicated and I love your roadmap. But where would you put composition? What about just after focus? I'm so glad that I found you!
It’s at #7 (visual patterns)
you really become my favorite chanel !
Thank you for this video!!
Thank you Big Bro
After 8 years of learning photography obsessively, I highly recommend taking your time.
where can I learn the quality of lightthat Pat just mentioned?
Keeo up the good work PK.
This guy gets it. Thank you.
Thanks for this Pat. I can see the logic in your advice. As you say there is so much to learn. A "great view" does not mean it will make a great landscape photograph. So what does? If it does, why? Who said so? Without feedback how could you possibly improve? Do you want to make more eye candy? It's already everywhere; billions of photos. Regardless, do it because you love it. Cheers.🤪
nice video. But before the exposition triangle i would have put composition basics… So they can shoot in green mode..
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
5 years he says lol! I better run like the wind..time is not on my side 😂.As always Pat, you pack a load of helpful and very useful information one go...thank you ever so...👋👋
Great insight
Great stuff my guy
such an amazing info , Just love this @pat
Really good one. Thanks.
Great teaching
Awesome videos ❤️ I will improve my photography and show you my photos one day
more things to learn.
Hi Pat, great video. One question though, at what point of this journey should you begin to monetize your craft?
simply great!
Do these principles apply to videography?
intentional practice period 6:22
Hi Pat! Is it lifetime use for your presets once I buy it?
Wow. Amazing.
I would agree with most of what you said, but I did laugh at 500,000 shots in the first 5 years. Just as well they are not using film, that would cost you about £530 a week just for film.
Thanks champ
Need videography vid too
The game-changer for me was learning to ask why. Whenever I see a photo that stands out, I take a moment to break it down-what is it that draws me in? Is it the tones, the lighting, the composition, or something else entirely? Understanding why certain images resonate helped me not only appreciate them more but also figure out how to replicate and adapt those techniques in my own work. It's amazing how much your technical skills grow when you approach photography with curiosity and purpose. What’s your process for analyzing photos you love?
great video
exactly the tips I want RN
That's so much
❤❤❤❤
I wish more youtube how to channels would create videos based on the best path and not based on the algorithm
What i recommend, funny kitten to other people's bs
Chat gpt
@elsfotografi