#11 You forget to have fun with your photography. With so many “photographers” today, everyone is going to be a critic; everyone is an expert. Don’t sweat them. Enjoy YOUR photography. And - if it doesn’t tell a story, so what? If you had fun getting that shot, or if it’s meaningful to you (like the one Chelsea shared of the grapefruit), that’s all that matters. You don’t have to be a pro. You don’t have to be competitive. Sure - to get better you have to study, practice, and shoot a lot, but you can have fun at the same time. If you enjoy what you do, you’ll do it better. The minute you start shooting for acceptance, you’re done. At the end of the day, not everyone is going to like your shots (news flash). Accept this, going in - and you’ll be fine.
Agreed. It should be fun and something you look forward to, with maybe a hint of frustration to bring ya back to continue to improve. Think of it like cooking.
In early 2000, I took several photos with my Canon 10D. After working them for hours and hours with entry level photoshop I THOUGHT I had my best work to earn me kudos. Just with my family only. To top it off, my local camera shop sold me the camera for darn-near $3,000. I studied, I read, I watched how to videos. Soon as I printed out my custom 8x10 Canon final creation, my $800 photo printer. Showing my product to my wife she immediately blurted out “Oh NO! WAY TOO MUCH GREEN!!!” I was done... I’m color blind. I’ve only taken photos with my iphone. I am 64, it seems my life has been filled with many opportunities, but Mastering one or two positives still has not entered my world. I even failed at, “How to Play Harmonica Like a Pro” I cannot point my tongue.
jestes7-Someday, you will also experience people phucking you off. Old and grey, lacking so much beauty and physical grace the body once assumed would never begin to die. Well guess what? Its fleeting-all of it. Woe is me? Woe is too all mankind as nobody gets out alive. Fact.
My reason 11: You forget that other photographers have their bad and unlucky days as well. Usually you see the best of their work, not their "okay" or outright bad pictures, which can be quite discouraging if you're thinking "Man, they've got only those stunning pictures, but I've got only one or two great images". Then it's important to remember that even very skilled and experienced photographers are sometimes just unable to find a good composition, or they had bad luck with the weather or any other reason you'd usually consider as a minor drawback for a experienced photographer.
My #11 is thinking if I just watch enough tutorials my photo's will get better, even though I don't shoot enough. But also I hide behind the veil of FOF (Fear of Failure) and perfectionism. You gave me a ah ha moment of why I might feel and behave this way due to not putting myself around enough positive people until the last few years. Appreciate the deep awareness analysis Tony & Chelsea 😀 Now I'm off to be Free to Fail and move Forward!
Be there (Be Present) leave everything else behind. It amazes me to see people wanting to be creative, yet taking negative thoughts with them. Yes, I understand we all have issues in life, and life can be demanding. I like to stop and think about what I want as a result before I pick up my equipment. I am a beginner in photography and I really enjoyed this episode it encouraged me to take more photos and to putting my work online. Thanks, Chelsea & Tony
Doing the same thing over and over for 40 years does not mean you have 40 years' experience. It means you have 1 year's experience, repeated 40 times! This video has so many great points on how to keep on growing in photography.
I know old comment, but Bruce Lee said that: 'you don't improve by practice. you improve by better practice' - experience is worth nothing if you haven't set yourself the goal to actively improve.
@@daveleger2002 one of my favourite sayings, yes! I think it was from Einstein and it goes hand in hand with the quote of Bruce Lee in my last comment. incredible that so many people still fall into that trap so often... e.g. depressed people and their inability to change their life to get out of it.
I'm extremely new to proper cameras. But the best thing I did was on day 2. Turn off automatic settings and just play around with a few different settings. Awful pics? Just delete them. I couldn't believe the quality of the pics even I managed after 2 days. Obviously they aren't brilliant. They'll never appear in a book/magazine. But compared to what I was used to they where unreal (to me).
I can't believe this has been sitting on the internet for 2 years and I haven't seen it until now! I use this When I'm learning a new computer program: I remind myself repeatedly that I'm really really unlikely to break anything that can't be fixed.... Same with the camera.... And now, I'm going to go grab that new camera of mine and muck around :)
#10 nailed me to the wall. Fear of failure keeps me from trying to do something that lets me enjoy photography as a vocation, and it's an incredibly difficult hurdle. Thanks for facing it down.
What got me into wildlife photography was one shot I took on my, at that time, new Sony a6000 with the 55-210mm lens. I didn't know at that time what AF-C was and I was horrible at tracking my subject with a single AF point, but I got a photo of an eagle dive bombing and scaring the hell out of a crane. The photo wasn't in perfect focus and I had to really REALLY crop it, but that photo change me from a "I'll casually take picture while I'm traveling" to "I'm traveling just to take pictures". I don't think I'll ever call myself a pro, but I know my images are above average and this was all because that one image gave me so much confidence and drive.
Plus, you either get the shot or ya don't. Whereas landscapes have turned into a post production product than anything else. Plus there's just something about a deeper connection capturing life in action
Colette its important to understand the audience as well. Just like Chelsea was saying how her melon pic wasnt liked by her following but on some artsy site it gets positive feedback. Instagram has a specific crowd but an artist should put that to his/her advantage and expand instead of limiting their style. And keep shooting!
11/12: buying camera and you don't know anything about ss/apertutre/iso .. I'm not saying that you must always use manual, but you should know more about it. There's a difference between pro that use auto mode(rarely,) and beginner that think he is a great photographer but doesn't know much. Maybe it's better to have story than knowing technical things but imagine if you have eyes(to see compose , tell a story) and technical knowledge . ...
This was really good and incredibly helpful, and #10 was the clincher. Just shoot and shoot and shoot. Enjoy all your goofy mistakes. Delete like a madman. Experiment. Learn to laugh at yourself. I've been doing this professionally for 35 years, and I learn stuff almost every day (thanks, Tony and Chelsea), and just this morning I threw three entire folders away from a shoot I did yesterday (fortunately it wasn't for a client, just some lighting experiments in my backyard). The only thing I might add is to get the very best gear you can afford. Photography is one of those endeavors where investing more money in equipment really will help. Especially lenses. Sure, your kit zoom is OK, but who wants to shoot just OK? Take the money you would have spent on the next 100 Starbucks designer coffees, and get yourself a good prime lens...then go take the same shots you took with your kit lens, and you will smile from ear to ear. Love your stuff, T and C! Keep them coming!
Great lesson(s). Thank you Chelsea and Tony for the ten reasons…. As a newer photographer, who enjoys using my camera, I was able to see where my weakness(es) is, and what I need to do to become a better photographer.
The person who was my mentor in photography (RIP Jim) inspired me by critiquing my photos in a positive way and always encouraged me to keep shooting, refining, improving. I look back on some of those same photos (they are even in frames) and think, that photo sucks so bad, but Jim never said that. Ever. And so I was motivated to keep shooting. Now, I strive to be like him in mentoring photographers who ask for help.
I love feeling pride that I shot a good photo. This almost never happens, but that's ok, because what I love even more is the challenge and experience of making the images. Great tips as always, Tony and Chelsea.
What improved my photography more by accident then design was I got fed up with the offerings from Microsoft for screensavers and thought ok I might not be able to go to as many exotic locations but I'm sure I can create my own screensavers and I went to work hard and creatively and now everything on my computers in the way of screensavers is what I produce myself. So there's a challenge for you that want to improve your photography!
My phone and laptop wallpaper is always something I have taken myself, and I think mostly they are as good as the standard ones available and personal too
On the "You Don't Appreciate The Work of Others" point - for years I spent all my time looking for inspiration in other photographer's work. I'm taking photos, so I should immerse myself in photography, right? But after seeing Adam Marelli speak a few times last year, I came to realise that (for me anyway) it was a closed feedback loop. When I started looking to artists rather than just photographers for inspiration, it opened up my photography tremendously. I draw and paint as well, so it should have been obvious, but I saw them as separate. They aren't.
I certainly agree with you on this, vorple. Photography is a particular medium for graphic arts, painting and drawing. People have been doing this stuff well for millenia. You say that you can’t take good pictures in harsh light, with a camera that has 12 stops of dynamic range? Well, Cezanne made gorgeous images of Provence under the harshest light you could find. The oil paints he used probably have about 6 stops of dynamic range. You say that you can’t master dodging and burning? Check out Aaron Blaise’s channel. That dude does it all by hand in Photoshop, using only simple things like brushes.
My favorite "photographers" are Hockney, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Di Chirico, David, Rouseau, Redon, Guston, Grant Wood, Gauguin, Picasso, Tesla, Da Vinci, Dali ( "Hello Dali!"), Einstein (I consider him a poet as much as a scientist), Eisenstein, Chaplin, Kubrick, Hitchcock, Lynch, Luc Besson, Welles, Griffith, Nolan, Allen, Anderson, Neil Young, Carl Jung (yes he did "outsider art" too), Ron Paul, Ronald Reagan, Paul Simon, Lennon "and that other guy (no not Stalin, not the one with the short mustache either, but also a painter) ;-)" Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Moe, Larry and Curley -- most if not all of them are South of 12 megapixels... But perhaps more inspiring than any of them was a roll of Kodachrome - and the song wasn't too shabby either ;-)
I'm ALWAYS trying to make my work better, up my game and out do myself and take inspiration from others. I am ALWAYS open to critiques & tips. I'm ALWAYS learning especially through videos on TH-cam, including yours.
VERY NICE show guys!!!! This is probably my favorite video!! Both are teachers, Chelsea especially is a great teacher with her words!!! The best photographers do not show their work that isnt good just like i wouldn't show 95% of mine. What is most worrisome to me is showing a great pic (in my mind) and I dont get the reactions I expected. Ive learned to take it as a learning tool and keep going. Thank you guys!!!!!
Great podcast, full of sound advice, thanks, Chelsea & Tony. My photos suck when I get excited by what's in front of me and start shooting without taking the time to stop and think about settings and composition!
I really enjoyed your podcast. I feel that you guys are very honest about your topics and give us all something to strive for daily. Looking forward to sharing better pictures.
My photos suck because Chelsea keeps telling me to handhold 500++mm lenses for everything. People keep telling me that "directing through a walkie talkie isnt ideal" well guess what, CHELSEA TOLD ME TO. Also: my left arm is getting way muscular, it's off putting. Thanks Chels..
Reason 6a - "You don't have an ongoing relationship with art." I became a docent at an art museum 7 years ago, and the constant exposure to new and interesting visual art pieces has been a steady source of inspiration for my photography. I highly recommend buying (and using) a membership to a museum or gallery near you, interacting with creatives on a regular basis, and studying art in every form to keep your creative juices flowing. Thank you Chelsea and Tony for continuing to provide a great ecosystem for learning and sharing.
My reason # 11. Not specializing based on your own deepest interest. You can do wildlife, or sports, or weddings, or portraits, or events, or landscapes, or food, or architecture, or street candids; but I think it hard to get really good at more than more than two of those genres. Mastery takes focused practice, not scattershot effort.
I understand your point, but I just heard Art Wolfe make the exact opposite argument - that excessive specialization could stunt your development as a photographer. I agree with your last sentence, but sometimes focus, oddly, comes from the experience of trying a variety of things along the way.
Adam Scales Thanks for your reply. I agree, excessive specialization is not good. You need a solid understanding of general principles. I'm still developing as an enthusiast, and I'm trying new genres myself. But I also know where my biggest interests are, and what I want to get best at.
2 of my 5 favorite photographers are you both, and I mean it . I am reading sdp and learning every day. My second round of reading, and this time I know tad more that the first time. Which means, it will be a while before i can say I am done reading the book. Thanks, you guys are the best!
Chelsea and Tony, I'm so grateful for folks like you. Last year I got burnt out on my current career and picked up photography in hopes of finding some passion through that. I didn't know the first thing about DSLRs. I bought one and went on youtube to find a tutorial video on how to use it. I came across one of your tutorial videos for the camera I picked up, and have been following your channel ever since. I bough and have read your book as well, and I've learned so much! Just wanted to say thanks and I hope you continue to do what you do. :)
I am new to photography and belong to a club in Virginia. I am learning more from your podcasts and videos because the club members are not as frank as you both are! Yes, there are egos out there and people have equipment envy rather than sharing HOW THEY accomplished a shot or tips and tricks. Not everyone is like that, but you guys are fast tracking me along! Thanks!
Good one, in the same vein as the others. "But my equipment sucks" is a common excuse beginners tell themselves. Reminds me of a story: a famous jazz musician visited a class of students. One student had the cheapest music-store rental trumpet available and was complaining about it. The famous musician picked it up and played a few notes and suddenly it sounded amazing. A high skill level can go a long way with the cheapest equipment.
James Bettany Photography I agree but equipment does make a difference. I've had Nikon D7200 and it was a nightmare. Later bought Sony A7 III and there is day and night difference. It gives me the feeling that I am not good enough for my camera, that it is capable of so much more. And this motivates me a lot.
Roman Fierce Many times people attribute their better results to having a better brand of camera whereas the truth might reflect improved skills, sometimes more modern technology makes a difference.
I agree with that. Of course, every photographer will get to a point where his current gear will limit him eventually, but basic things like aperture, shutter speed and ISO can be practiced even with a basic compact camera, something like composition even with a smartphone - or any phone which has a camera, no matter how crappy it is.
Practicing with purpose is key and learning your camera settings. Between stunning digital photography (only $10 since T&C are bad salesman) and another course I’ve been taking and doing the exercises have really been the best help.
This is a great video! I am just starting to learn photography and I needed this. I have a shy personality, so the things that you mentioned: not collaborating with others, being afraid of failure etc, these are impacting me more. I need to go out there and practice! Thanks for this!
Thank you for encouraging me to find positive feedback and collaborators. I love collaborating in just about any endeavor, so, why not my photography hobby? God bless you two!
My number 11... I'm trying too hard. Second-guessing even the silliest things. Like I'm going to run out of film in my digital world. Sometimes I should just relax and take photos.
Couldn't think of a reason #11, then I read the first comment and hey, it was right there. #11: Your pictures suck because you think it's the camera that matters.
I've recently returned to photography as a hobby after being away since the days of film SLRs. In the last twelve years I've been writing fiction. Every one of your ten points is spot on applicable to my growth as a writer. Great post. Thanks.
I went to the savannah college of art and design for three years in georgia, and my major was illustration. The number one thing about art is tell a story. You have to be able to connect with the viewer and have them suspend their reality in favor of yours. A reality that invokes or inspires an emotion. Be it a good or a bad one. Great tip.
#11 forgot all I learned from school 40 years ago because I did not practiced what I learned. Plus I have not shared my photos in the pass. I have started too and hope to get feedback on them. I also have started reading your book to regain lost knowledge. Thanks Tony & Chelsea for your time to help me with this.
You two nailed this episode!!! I agree, the last three were golden tips and I personally needed to hear them. I have been in a rut lately but I can feel myself becoming inspired to get shooting again, so thanks for being part of that encouragement. Also I don’t think I realized that there is a Facebook group with your book.
My photos suck because I get so freakin' excited that I go through them too quickly and want to post them right away just to have something to show. I need to slow down and think about what story I'm telling with the photos and how is that getting across. When I do that, I get much better results. Love the podcast and love the videos!
James Magicked I agree. I have seen some horrible dodge & burn processing. I can criticize it because I have also done TERRIBLE dodging & burning in my own images. Thankfully I am learning that 99% of the time less is more.
I absolutely agree with you guys on the "There is no story behind". Sometimes they are just a style exercise. I see everywhere stunning photos of sunsets, of places of portraits often associated with sentences, aforisms etc. I want to point out that in this case you are just making a cover of the aforism with your photo. If you need a beautiful sentence or aforism associated with your photo, it means that you are not telling enough with the photo. Keep doing guys!!
11. Laziness and/or procrastination. I have been guilty of this at times myself - too lazy to go out for that random shoot, or too “tired” to hang out in that photography meetup, or “I don’t have time” for this or that, “too busy” to learn that new technique, etc. 12. You don’t know enough editing. From whatever little experience I’ve had over the past 2 years in my photographic journey, I think editing makes a huge difference. But I’ve met so many people (mostly beginners) that are “purists” that want or expect their pictures to come out great straight out of camera. That doesn’t happen most of the times. You need to put in the effort and time to really learn how to edit your pictures.
I gather my inspiration for photography by looking at other peoples’ landscape photography work. It’s something about landscapes and mountains that gets me in the mood to shoot my portrait work. Strange I know, but we all have our unique ways to be inspired. 😁
Not sure I 100% agree with the "Tell a Story" piece. Reason I say that is because depending on the discipline a story may not be possible, abstract, archecture, as you said "It's a sunset, it's a flower", Macro and Landscape don't always tell a story. On the flip side photojournalism almost always tells a story. So I just think that's a little too blanket a statement to make. It can be a motivator. It can be something to consider when eyeing up a composition but again I just don't think it's going to be feesable 100% of the time.
true- but these abstract or macro pics need to have something different and interesting in them tho- in other words there is something you can tell about those pictures because they evoke emotions or opinions - perhaps that is what they meant
I like to take photos of planes at airshows. Not all photos have a story to tell. A sunset is a sunset, a bird is a bird and a plane is a plane. The idea that one of those things drew you to take it's picture. It's up to the viewer to decide the story, the emotion because each person will have a different emotional reaction.
Great video! Love all your videos. At 68, I'm a beginning photographer, but loving the new hobby. Always learning and will never stop. I see number #11 as one always feeling like they are in competition with those photographers in their own inner circle. As a retired hospice chaplain, I've seen the need to inspire people about their own uniqueness. When competition raises its ugly head, that praise of the human spirit and creativity goes out the window. I think it's important to focus on your own progress, but to praise something noteworthy in another's photo. If they ask for suggestions, that's one thing, if not, life is too short, we need to lift each other up and look for something worthy of a good report. Rather than compare our photography skills to those around us, compare our newer work to our previous work and see where we can improve and certainly look to the expertise of those that do this as experienced talented photographers.
Hello, thank you so much for all of your videos. I learn so much from you guys. I am a professional dancer by trade, and recently picked up photography as a means to explore and enjoy another art form. It is amazing how everything you said in this video, translates to every art form in the world!
Excellent discussion - really worthwhile. Thanks. Reason number 11: you gave up too soon - you didn't 'work the scene'. Don't take one ok shot then pack up: move around, recompose, stay with it. Your first shot (s) are often not your best. And what happens may surprise you if you stay with the project of, say, really capturing a landscape image, or getting a great portrait.
Thanks for this great video. I think No. 11 is giving up too easily, especially when trying a new technique and things don’t go to plan. I’ve done it, but have eventually come back and tried again, figured out what I was doing wrong and asked others, if necessary, and kept trying until I eventually get the results I was hoping for. In so many respects, photography is a voyage of discovery.
#11: Yes, part of why Ansel Adam's photos were great was because they told a story, but a more important reason was that he had a PURPOSE in shooting and processing them. When purpose is missing, even a great photo is just a novelty; in time, they disappear. Photos with purpose are timeless.
Thanks for the great video! Reason 11 - You compare your self to everyone. Definitely agree with needing to study and research other photographers for inspiration, but comparing your self to others constantly can also hold you back, I find. This can affect your confidance and keep you thinking that you suck or that you are not needed. Guess this can work one of two ways though... positively or negatively, depending how you react to it...
Haha thanks hope that was what I needed. I purchased two cameras (Nikon D3400 and Canon G7 X Mark II) as well as your books and even took a local photography class (which was lukewarm) and still have not taken the time to take photos with them or finish your books. Hope this is the incentive needed to get me going again. Mahalo!
First one to comment, and I like to see how others see things, and tips to make my photos better! Love your Channel, you got some great content, It has helped me!
#11 You can be far too critical of your own photos to have confidence in them. In other words, your own criticism of your own work is too negative for you to gain in confidence, so you feel you continue to suck. I've had serious issues with this, so much so that in an effort to overcome it I've decided to join a local amateur photography club.
Reason 11: Because you have not developed a real love of seeing and observing. I'm by no means a maestro. I wouldn't say my photos suck either. But I would say that they are not as good as they should be given the length of time I've been doing photography and I have only recently realized that this is for some of the exact reasons given in this very incisive video. However, I have always liked to observe. Whether it be people watching or noticing shapes and patterns in the sky or landscape. I think that it is this love of seeing which drew me to photography and it is this love I've now realized I have to start taking much more seriously. Anyway, I reckon if you don't have that love of seeing and observing you are not going to take good photos.
This video is absolutely fantastic! So much inspiration and insight. I will have to listen to it again a little later. Certainly a great reference video. I am a big fan of you both and appreciate your time and advice.
Great tips Tony & Chelsea! Also my compliments on how you guys handle the advertisement, it's done quite tastefully and it's informative. Tip 11: your photos suck because you're not using the horizon indicator to make sure your photos aren't slanted :D.
This was really helpful thanks. #11: I'm too quick to dismiss photos I don't like and come to find out, incidental things like an edge of a building or a power line or random person or something unintentionally captured actually gives a bit of scale, frames, and reference and I often forget about that. And some of my most popular photos are ones that surprise me.
I’ve been shooting for 50 years and am happy being a, hopefully, slightly above average amateur. Im sure there are 10 year olds who could take my camera and do a better job. I really enjoy your videos.
Great advice! I recently found David Burnett and am amazed by his work and his history. He has so many great photos of events like Apollo XI and Presidents like JFK. It would be cool to see him on the show. Clark Little is another awesome photographer. He’s friends with Jack Johnson the singer songwriter. His work is dangerous with the shore break photography. He had to tell people to stop mimicking his work until they got trained on how to safely pursue it. He dove out in the ocean and had to save one guy on TH-cam. I like to buy other people’s work and hang it up as inspiration everyday. I also print my own. I put your photos up by my front door. They inspire not only creativity but also hard work. They’ll definitely always be nostalgic when I get older of the great community you’ve built and all the learning.
deffo agree with whats said here, i just wanted to expand on what i think helped me the most as a "phtographer". it was my degree in anthropology, i believe it gave me a different way of seeing and understanding, the rest of the skills... yeah what they say.
This is all really good advice. And the thing is, it is completely general: I am not much of a photographer but this stuff applies to anyone who wants to get better in ANY field. I am bookmarking this video to send to people who ask me how to get better at things in the other fields I work in.
Man, did that camera sitting on the edge of the table make anybody else nervous? I kept checking on it the whole damn video. LOL Great advice guys. I have heard many of the things you spoke about from motivational speakers, life coaches, mentors, therapists, etc. My biggest problem, and I totally agree with Chelsea, DON'T BE AFRAID TO FAIL! If I would add a #11 it would be Don't worry yourself about what others think. It is your art. It is your passion. If you're that worried about other people's opinion it is only going to drive your conceptualization process away from what your heart and soul see and feel. Just one man's opimiom.
#11, sometimes I’m a weather wimp and I don’t feel like going out in cold/hot weather to take photos. I will do better this coming winter. Some of the best beach pictures that I ever took were on the coldest windiest day.
My reason #11 would be to experiment with different ideas and ways to take your photos: for example if you usually shoot at eye level then maybe try taking the same photo from a lower angle and compare the two. This will teach you what the best angles are for different situations.
My favorite video on this subject!!! Number 11 could be a limitation by dogmas and myths created around photography...like "if you do post processing, it is a cheating" etc.
Excellent. Love the comment/tip/incite: if you are already technical get with someone who is 🎨 artistic and vice-versa; and maybe your parents were critical so you are too and that addressing deeper issues will help. Bravo. 👏
Agreed with few exceptions. Many great photographers of history did not study others that much, did not care about new trends, theories etc. They were just so obsessed with taking their pictures that they did not have time for any theory, socializing, work of others etc.
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#11 You forget to have fun with your photography. With so many “photographers” today, everyone is going to be a critic; everyone is an expert. Don’t sweat them. Enjoy YOUR photography. And - if it doesn’t tell a story, so what? If you had fun getting that shot, or if it’s meaningful to you (like the one Chelsea shared of the grapefruit), that’s all that matters. You don’t have to be a pro. You don’t have to be competitive. Sure - to get better you have to study, practice, and shoot a lot, but you can have fun at the same time. If you enjoy what you do, you’ll do it better. The minute you start shooting for acceptance, you’re done. At the end of the day, not everyone is going to like your shots (news flash). Accept this, going in - and you’ll be fine.
Agreed. It should be fun and something you look forward to, with maybe a hint of frustration to bring ya back to continue to improve. Think of it like cooking.
In early 2000, I took several photos with my Canon 10D. After working them for hours and hours with entry level photoshop I THOUGHT I had my best work to earn me kudos. Just with my family only.
To top it off, my local camera shop sold me the camera for darn-near $3,000. I studied, I read, I watched how to videos.
Soon as I printed out my custom 8x10 Canon final creation, my $800 photo printer. Showing my product to my wife she immediately blurted out “Oh NO! WAY TOO MUCH GREEN!!!”
I was done... I’m color blind.
I’ve only taken photos with my iphone. I am 64, it seems my life has been filled with many opportunities, but Mastering one or two positives still has not entered my world.
I even failed at, “How to Play Harmonica Like a Pro” I cannot point my tongue.
+Gary Bowen Cool story. I think you won the Woe is Me Contest today
In know such people who don't have any fun with photography. They take it too serious, feel like a pro and are not willing to listen.
jestes7-Someday, you will also experience people phucking you off. Old and grey, lacking so much beauty and physical grace the body once assumed would never begin to die. Well guess what? Its fleeting-all of it.
Woe is me? Woe is too all mankind as nobody gets out alive. Fact.
My reason 11: You forget that other photographers have their bad and unlucky days as well. Usually you see the best of their work, not their "okay" or outright bad pictures, which can be quite discouraging if you're thinking "Man, they've got only those stunning pictures, but I've got only one or two great images". Then it's important to remember that even very skilled and experienced photographers are sometimes just unable to find a good composition, or they had bad luck with the weather or any other reason you'd usually consider as a minor drawback for a experienced photographer.
This is a great one!
My #11 is thinking if I just watch enough tutorials my photo's will get better, even though I don't shoot enough. But also I hide behind the veil of FOF (Fear of Failure) and perfectionism. You gave me a ah ha moment of why I might feel and behave this way due to not putting myself around enough positive people until the last few years.
Appreciate the deep awareness analysis Tony & Chelsea 😀 Now I'm off to be Free to Fail and move Forward!
Be there (Be Present) leave everything else behind. It amazes me to see people wanting to be creative, yet taking negative thoughts with them. Yes, I understand we all have issues in life, and life can be demanding. I like to stop and think about what I want as a result before I pick up my equipment. I am a beginner in photography and I really enjoyed this episode it encouraged me to take more photos and to putting my work online. Thanks, Chelsea & Tony
Doing the same thing over and over for 40 years does not mean you have 40 years' experience. It means you have 1 year's experience, repeated 40 times! This video has so many great points on how to keep on growing in photography.
I know old comment, but Bruce Lee said that: 'you don't improve by practice. you improve by better practice' - experience is worth nothing if you haven't set yourself the goal to actively improve.
@@daveleger2002 one of my favourite sayings, yes! I think it was from Einstein and it goes hand in hand with the quote of Bruce Lee in my last comment. incredible that so many people still fall into that trap so often... e.g. depressed people and their inability to change their life to get out of it.
I'm extremely new to proper cameras. But the best thing I did was on day 2. Turn off automatic settings and just play around with a few different settings. Awful pics? Just delete them. I couldn't believe the quality of the pics even I managed after 2 days.
Obviously they aren't brilliant. They'll never appear in a book/magazine. But compared to what I was used to they where unreal (to me).
I can't believe this has been sitting on the internet for 2 years and I haven't seen it until now!
I use this When I'm learning a new computer program: I remind myself repeatedly that I'm really really unlikely to break anything that can't be fixed.... Same with the camera.... And now, I'm going to go grab that new camera of mine and muck around :)
#10 nailed me to the wall. Fear of failure keeps me from trying to do something that lets me enjoy photography as a vocation, and it's an incredibly difficult hurdle. Thanks for facing it down.
I agree!
What got me into wildlife photography was one shot I took on my, at that time, new Sony a6000 with the 55-210mm lens. I didn't know at that time what AF-C was and I was horrible at tracking my subject with a single AF point, but I got a photo of an eagle dive bombing and scaring the hell out of a crane. The photo wasn't in perfect focus and I had to really REALLY crop it, but that photo change me from a "I'll casually take picture while I'm traveling" to "I'm traveling just to take pictures". I don't think I'll ever call myself a pro, but I know my images are above average and this was all because that one image gave me so much confidence and drive.
Plus, you either get the shot or ya don't. Whereas landscapes have turned into a post production product than anything else. Plus there's just something about a deeper connection capturing life in action
Blame Instagram for your ego too...likes dont mean your images are good.
Dave Flint hey i work hard for those instagram likes
Dave Flint l like likes.
I get it. I hate that my drone photos I casually took get so many more likes than wildlife photos I took that took hours to accomplish and such.
Colette its important to understand the audience as well. Just like Chelsea was saying how her melon pic wasnt liked by her following but on some artsy site it gets positive feedback. Instagram has a specific crowd but an artist should put that to his/her advantage and expand instead of limiting their style. And keep shooting!
And having no likes or little likes doesn't mean your photos are bad either.
Reason 11, not getting a camera because you already feel like a pro just from watching these videos
Will Herondale I use my phone and I really want a camera, but can't afford them yet.
@@factsverse9957 Just get one you can afford.
There's great used ones out there.
Try eBay.com.
11/12: buying camera and you don't know anything about ss/apertutre/iso .. I'm not saying that you must always use manual, but you should know more about it. There's a difference between pro that use auto mode(rarely,) and beginner that think he is a great photographer but doesn't know much. Maybe it's better to have story than knowing technical things but imagine if you have eyes(to see compose , tell a story) and technical knowledge . ...
I love how smooth Tony's plugs are, such as at 3:12. I'm not saying they're subtle, but just so smooooth.
This was really good and incredibly helpful, and #10 was the clincher. Just shoot and shoot and shoot. Enjoy all your goofy mistakes. Delete like a madman. Experiment. Learn to laugh at yourself. I've been doing this professionally for 35 years, and I learn stuff almost every day (thanks, Tony and Chelsea), and just this morning I threw three entire folders away from a shoot I did yesterday (fortunately it wasn't for a client, just some lighting experiments in my backyard). The only thing I might add is to get the very best gear you can afford. Photography is one of those endeavors where investing more money in equipment really will help. Especially lenses. Sure, your kit zoom is OK, but who wants to shoot just OK? Take the money you would have spent on the next 100 Starbucks designer coffees, and get yourself a good prime lens...then go take the same shots you took with your kit lens, and you will smile from ear to ear. Love your stuff, T and C! Keep them coming!
Great video, reason number 11...... procrastination............I know all about procrastination , I,ll tell you about it next week.
😂😆😃
Well it's been a year...🤣🤦🏻♂️
Great lesson(s). Thank you Chelsea and Tony for the ten reasons…. As a newer photographer, who enjoys using my camera, I was able to see where my weakness(es) is, and what I need to do to become a better photographer.
The person who was my mentor in photography (RIP Jim) inspired me by critiquing my photos in a positive way and always encouraged me to keep shooting, refining, improving. I look back on some of those same photos (they are even in frames) and think, that photo sucks so bad, but Jim never said that. Ever. And so I was motivated to keep shooting. Now, I strive to be like him in mentoring photographers who ask for help.
Reason 11: thinking better gear will automatically give you better photos.
I love feeling pride that I shot a good photo. This almost never happens, but that's ok, because what I love even more is the challenge and experience of making the images. Great tips as always, Tony and Chelsea.
What improved my photography more by accident then design was I got fed up with the offerings from Microsoft for screensavers and thought ok I might not be able to go to as many exotic locations but I'm sure I can create my own screensavers and I went to work hard and creatively and now everything on my computers in the way of screensavers is what I produce myself. So there's a challenge for you that want to improve your photography!
My phone and laptop wallpaper is always something I have taken myself, and I think mostly they are as good as the standard ones available and personal too
On the "You Don't Appreciate The Work of Others" point - for years I spent all my time looking for inspiration in other photographer's work. I'm taking photos, so I should immerse myself in photography, right? But after seeing Adam Marelli speak a few times last year, I came to realise that (for me anyway) it was a closed feedback loop. When I started looking to artists rather than just photographers for inspiration, it opened up my photography tremendously. I draw and paint as well, so it should have been obvious, but I saw them as separate. They aren't.
I certainly agree with you on this, vorple. Photography is a particular medium for graphic arts, painting and drawing. People have been doing this stuff well for millenia. You say that you can’t take good pictures in harsh light, with a camera that has 12 stops of dynamic range? Well, Cezanne made gorgeous images of Provence under the harshest light you could find. The oil paints he used probably have about 6 stops of dynamic range. You say that you can’t master dodging and burning? Check out Aaron Blaise’s channel. That dude does it all by hand in Photoshop, using only simple things like brushes.
My favorite "photographers" are Hockney, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Di Chirico, David, Rouseau, Redon, Guston, Grant Wood, Gauguin, Picasso, Tesla, Da Vinci, Dali ( "Hello Dali!"), Einstein (I consider him a poet as much as a scientist), Eisenstein, Chaplin, Kubrick, Hitchcock, Lynch, Luc Besson, Welles, Griffith, Nolan, Allen, Anderson, Neil Young, Carl Jung (yes he did "outsider art" too), Ron Paul, Ronald Reagan, Paul Simon, Lennon "and that other guy (no not Stalin, not the one with the short mustache either, but also a painter) ;-)" Groucho, Chico, Harpo, Moe, Larry and Curley -- most if not all of them are South of 12 megapixels... But perhaps more inspiring than any of them was a roll of Kodachrome - and the song wasn't too shabby either ;-)
I'm ALWAYS trying to make my work better, up my game and out do myself and take inspiration from others. I am ALWAYS open to critiques & tips.
I'm ALWAYS learning especially through videos on TH-cam, including yours.
VERY NICE show guys!!!! This is probably my favorite video!!
Both are teachers, Chelsea especially is a great teacher with her words!!!
The best photographers do not show their work that isnt good just like i wouldn't show 95% of mine.
What is most worrisome to me is showing a great pic (in my mind) and I dont get the reactions I expected. Ive learned to take it as a learning tool and keep going.
Thank you guys!!!!!
This video came right on time, I just brought a Canon T6 yesterday as my first DSLR. I have a lot of work to do.
BlackEntrepreneur24 Have fun! :)
Enjoy!
My first "real camera" was a Canon t6i I really enjoyed it.
Not knowing your camera when that perfect moment is right in front of you
we would like to see chelsea play guitar and/or piano.
just saying.
X 2
I think I'd rather hear her play.
@@stevenvanhulle7242 you didn't think, you wrote.
@@raspas99 "Cogito, ergo scribo". 😊
I think you guys nailed it!. Study, learn, practice and then do it all over again! with different perspective.
"You have fingers..." Lol I don't know why that was so funny to me.
Asking about talent and getting the response of you have fingers made me laugh too and the conotation of where your mind can go makes it priceless.
Chelsea I love your comments Tony this is a wonderful episode thank you all so much for all the great advice y'all give I appreciate you both.
Great podcast, full of sound advice, thanks, Chelsea & Tony. My photos suck when I get excited by what's in front of me and start shooting without taking the time to stop and think about settings and composition!
I really enjoyed your podcast. I feel that you guys are very honest about your topics and give us all something to strive for daily. Looking forward to sharing better pictures.
My photos suck because Chelsea keeps telling me to handhold 500++mm lenses for everything.
People keep telling me that "directing through a walkie talkie isnt ideal" well guess what, CHELSEA TOLD ME TO.
Also: my left arm is getting way muscular, it's off putting. Thanks Chels..
Alex - So you're telling me if Chelsea told you to jump off a bridge you would?
absolutely.
LOL
@@JulioAvalos3000 hell yeah
Reason 6a - "You don't have an ongoing relationship with art." I became a docent at an art museum 7 years ago, and the constant exposure to new and interesting visual art pieces has been a steady source of inspiration for my photography. I highly recommend buying (and using) a membership to a museum or gallery near you, interacting with creatives on a regular basis, and studying art in every form to keep your creative juices flowing.
Thank you Chelsea and Tony for continuing to provide a great ecosystem for learning and sharing.
My reason # 11. Not specializing based on your own deepest interest. You can do wildlife, or sports, or weddings, or portraits, or events, or landscapes, or food, or architecture, or street candids; but I think it hard to get really good at more than more than two of those genres. Mastery takes focused practice, not scattershot effort.
I understand your point, but I just heard Art Wolfe make the exact opposite argument - that excessive specialization could stunt your development as a photographer. I agree with your last sentence, but sometimes focus, oddly, comes from the experience of trying a variety of things along the way.
Adam Scales Thanks for your reply. I agree, excessive specialization is not good. You need a solid understanding of general principles. I'm still developing as an enthusiast, and I'm trying new genres myself. But I also know where my biggest interests are, and what I want to get best at.
2 of my 5 favorite photographers are you both, and I mean it . I am reading sdp and learning every day. My second round of reading, and this time I know tad more that the first time. Which means, it will be a while before i can say I am done reading the book. Thanks, you guys are the best!
Chelsea and Tony, I'm so grateful for folks like you. Last year I got burnt out on my current career and picked up photography in hopes of finding some passion through that. I didn't know the first thing about DSLRs. I bought one and went on youtube to find a tutorial video on how to use it. I came across one of your tutorial videos for the camera I picked up, and have been following your channel ever since. I bough and have read your book as well, and I've learned so much! Just wanted to say thanks and I hope you continue to do what you do. :)
I am new to photography and belong to a club in Virginia. I am learning more from your podcasts and videos because the club members are not as frank as you both are! Yes, there are egos out there and people have equipment envy rather than sharing HOW THEY accomplished a shot or tips and tricks. Not everyone is like that, but you guys are fast tracking me along! Thanks!
The tip of being polarizing is spot on.
11. Fixation on gear and technical specifications.
Good one, in the same vein as the others. "But my equipment sucks" is a common excuse beginners tell themselves. Reminds me of a story: a famous jazz musician visited a class of students. One student had the cheapest music-store rental trumpet available and was complaining about it. The famous musician picked it up and played a few notes and suddenly it sounded amazing.
A high skill level can go a long way with the cheapest equipment.
James Bettany Photography I agree but equipment does make a difference. I've had Nikon D7200 and it was a nightmare. Later bought Sony A7 III and there is day and night difference. It gives me the feeling that I am not good enough for my camera, that it is capable of so much more. And this motivates me a lot.
Roman Fierce Many times people attribute their better results to having a better brand of camera whereas the truth might reflect improved skills, sometimes more modern technology makes a difference.
I agree with that. Of course, every photographer will get to a point where his current gear will limit him eventually, but basic things like aperture, shutter speed and ISO can be practiced even with a basic compact camera, something like composition even with a smartphone - or any phone which has a camera, no matter how crappy it is.
I do underwater photography and I love the challenge and learning process. The beauty of digital photos is there's a very forgiving learning curve:)
I think this was one of your best podcasts so far. I do video work but most of your stuff applies to me. Thanks for what y'all are doing!
As a plein-air painter I have found this video extremely informative!
Practicing with purpose is key and learning your camera settings. Between stunning digital photography (only $10 since T&C are bad salesman) and another course I’ve been taking and doing the exercises have really been the best help.
This is a great video! I am just starting to learn photography and I needed this. I have a shy personality, so the things that you mentioned: not collaborating with others, being afraid of failure etc, these are impacting me more. I need to go out there and practice! Thanks for this!
Thank you for encouraging me to find positive feedback and collaborators. I love collaborating in just about any endeavor, so, why not my photography hobby?
God bless you two!
My number 11... I'm trying too hard. Second-guessing even the silliest things. Like I'm going to run out of film in my digital world. Sometimes I should just relax and take photos.
Couldn't think of a reason #11, then I read the first comment and hey, it was right there.
#11: Your pictures suck because you think it's the camera that matters.
I've recently returned to photography as a hobby after being away since the days of film SLRs. In the last twelve years I've been writing fiction. Every one of your ten points is spot on applicable to my growth as a writer. Great post. Thanks.
I went to the savannah college of art and design for three years in georgia, and my major was illustration.
The number one thing about art is tell a story. You have to be able to connect with the viewer and have them suspend their reality in favor of yours. A reality that invokes or inspires an emotion. Be it a good or a bad one. Great tip.
Great episode! The more I complement other photographers and talk about their work the more complements I seem to get.
#11 forgot all I learned from school 40 years ago because I did not practiced what I learned. Plus I have not shared my photos in the pass. I have started too and hope to get feedback on them. I also have started reading your book to regain lost knowledge. Thanks Tony & Chelsea for your time to help me with this.
You two nailed this episode!!! I agree, the last three were golden tips and I personally needed to hear them. I have been in a rut lately but I can feel myself becoming inspired to get shooting again, so thanks for being part of that encouragement. Also I don’t think I realized that there is a Facebook group with your book.
My photos suck because I get so freakin' excited that I go through them too quickly and want to post them right away just to have something to show. I need to slow down and think about what story I'm telling with the photos and how is that getting across. When I do that, I get much better results. Love the podcast and love the videos!
Even my favorite photography TH-camrs are calling out my sucky photos now. Ouch.
Joseph Thompson it’s ok, we’ll work through this together!
Can we talk about my relationship with my mother....
you forgot the main reason:
Overly processed and photoshopping making the photo look fake
James Magick
Yes, that's a good one.
James Magicked
I agree. I have seen some horrible dodge & burn processing. I can criticize it because I have also done TERRIBLE dodging & burning in my own images. Thankfully I am learning that 99% of the time less is more.
Why does a photograph have to represent reality? Why must my photograph of a snail not have lots of motion blur in the background?
Well that would be a fun one! Fake panning a snail. I have to try it!
Also people not tuning their monitors... they over edit, looks good on their monitor.. but their monitor may be under saturated etc...
#11 chasing the icons photographed 1 billion times rather than finding subjects which are unique and putiing more importance to composition
After you've seen a thousand examples of Zabriskie Point Sunrise, Horseshoe Bend, and the Watchman Bridge shot, ALL such pictures begin to suck!
This. I don't even bother taking the cliche shots. Like, who wants to see the 34546376138754th photo of the exact same thing?
I absolutely agree with you guys on the "There is no story behind". Sometimes they are just a style exercise. I see everywhere stunning photos of sunsets, of places of portraits often associated with sentences, aforisms etc. I want to point out that in this case you are just making a cover of the aforism with your photo. If you need a beautiful sentence or aforism associated with your photo, it means that you are not telling enough with the photo.
Keep doing guys!!
11. Laziness and/or procrastination. I have been guilty of this at times myself - too lazy to go out for that random shoot, or too “tired” to hang out in that photography meetup, or “I don’t have time” for this or that, “too busy” to learn that new technique, etc.
12. You don’t know enough editing. From whatever little experience I’ve had over the past 2 years in my photographic journey, I think editing makes a huge difference. But I’ve met so many people (mostly beginners) that are “purists” that want or expect their pictures to come out great straight out of camera. That doesn’t happen most of the times. You need to put in the effort and time to really learn how to edit your pictures.
I gather my inspiration for photography by looking at other peoples’ landscape photography work. It’s something about landscapes and mountains that gets me in the mood to shoot my portrait work. Strange I know, but we all have our unique ways to be inspired. 😁
lack of confidence and belief in myself that some of my pics are really good
Thank You Toni and Chelsea I have seen a lot of your videos and learnt a lot from them. The videos are quite informative. keep up then good with
Not sure I 100% agree with the "Tell a Story" piece. Reason I say that is because depending on the discipline a story may not be possible, abstract, archecture, as you said "It's a sunset, it's a flower", Macro and Landscape don't always tell a story. On the flip side photojournalism almost always tells a story. So I just think that's a little too blanket a statement to make. It can be a motivator. It can be something to consider when eyeing up a composition but again I just don't think it's going to be feesable 100% of the time.
true- but these abstract or macro pics need to have something different and interesting in them tho- in other words there is something you can tell about those pictures because they evoke emotions or opinions - perhaps that is what they meant
I like to take photos of planes at airshows. Not all photos have a story to tell. A sunset is a sunset, a bird is a bird and a plane is a plane. The idea that one of those things drew you to take it's picture. It's up to the viewer to decide the story, the emotion because each person will have a different emotional reaction.
Maybe "story" isn't the best word. Every photograph needs a subject-a theme.
Great video! Love all your videos. At 68, I'm a beginning photographer, but loving the new hobby. Always learning and will never stop. I see number #11 as one always feeling like they are in competition with those photographers in their own inner circle. As a retired hospice chaplain, I've seen the need to inspire people about their own uniqueness. When competition raises its ugly head, that praise of the human spirit and creativity goes out the window. I think it's important to focus on your own progress, but to praise something noteworthy in another's photo. If they ask for suggestions, that's one thing, if not, life is too short, we need to lift each other up and look for something worthy of a good report. Rather than compare our photography skills to those around us, compare our newer work to our previous work and see where we can improve and certainly look to the expertise of those that do this as experienced talented photographers.
All of these point are spot on; I recognize many of those traits in myself, and it helps to be reminded how to improve. Thanks.
#11 You blame your gear for bad images, and keep upgrading, hoping to get better outcomes
Hello, thank you so much for all of your videos. I learn so much from you guys.
I am a professional dancer by trade, and recently picked up photography as a means to explore and enjoy
another art form.
It is amazing how everything you said in this video, translates to every art form in the world!
Excellent discussion - really worthwhile. Thanks. Reason number 11: you gave up too soon - you didn't 'work the scene'. Don't take one ok shot then pack up: move around, recompose, stay with it. Your first shot (s) are often not your best. And what happens may surprise you if you stay with the project of, say, really capturing a landscape image, or getting a great portrait.
Thanks for this great video. I think No. 11 is giving up too easily, especially when trying a new technique and things don’t go to plan. I’ve done it, but have eventually come back and tried again, figured out what I was doing wrong and asked others, if necessary, and kept trying until I eventually get the results I was hoping for. In so many respects, photography is a voyage of discovery.
#11: Yes, part of why Ansel Adam's photos were great was because they told a story, but a more important reason was that he had a PURPOSE in shooting and processing them. When purpose is missing, even a great photo is just a novelty; in time, they disappear. Photos with purpose are timeless.
Thanks for the great video!
Reason 11 - You compare your self to everyone. Definitely agree with needing to study and research other photographers for inspiration, but comparing your self to others constantly can also hold you back, I find. This can affect your confidance and keep you thinking that you suck or that you are not needed. Guess this can work one of two ways though... positively or negatively, depending how you react to it...
Haha thanks hope that was what I needed. I purchased two cameras (Nikon D3400 and Canon G7 X Mark II) as well as your books and even took a local photography class (which was lukewarm) and still have not taken the time to take photos with them or finish your books. Hope this is the incentive needed to get me going again. Mahalo!
First one to comment, and I like to see how others see things, and tips to make my photos better! Love your Channel, you got some great content, It has helped me!
Elsay Yoder thank you!
#11 You can be far too critical of your own photos to have confidence in them. In other words, your own criticism of your own work is too negative for you to gain in confidence, so you feel you continue to suck. I've had serious issues with this, so much so that in an effort to overcome it I've decided to join a local amateur photography club.
Good episode guys. Inspires me to get out of my rut. How about an episode on Saul Leiter? One of my faves
Reason 11: Because you have not developed a real love of seeing and observing. I'm by no means a maestro. I wouldn't say my photos suck either. But I would say that they are not as good as they should be given the length of time I've been doing photography and I have only recently realized that this is for some of the exact reasons given in this very incisive video. However, I have always liked to observe. Whether it be people watching or noticing shapes and patterns in the sky or landscape. I think that it is this love of seeing which drew me to photography and it is this love I've now realized I have to start taking much more seriously. Anyway, I reckon if you don't have that love of seeing and observing you are not going to take good photos.
Great info!!! "Frequent, PURPOSEFUL practice is my #1 fav from your list!
Putting myself out there was the hardest, scariest thing I did, and it still scares me! But it was so so worth it!
This video is absolutely fantastic! So much inspiration and insight. I will have to listen to it again a little later. Certainly a great reference video. I am a big fan of you both and appreciate your time and advice.
Number 10 is definitely a big factor sometimes. Thank you for opening my eyes to making myself a better photographer.
Great tips Tony & Chelsea! Also my compliments on how you guys handle the advertisement, it's done quite tastefully and it's informative. Tip 11: your photos suck because you're not using the horizon indicator to make sure your photos aren't slanted :D.
I bought your book Tony. I am going to study and practise. Thanks for all the insights 👍
Thanks, Chris!
I agree very much with #6. Inspiration make one want more and to get better.
Regarding shooting with purpose: I've been doing the Dogwood 52 challenge and it has helped me tremendously as an artist, I recommend it!
I love that smooth squarespace plug :). For this topic I loved similar topics art & science video series. Especially the one about Ansel Adams.
This is a great video. Haven’t been doing photography very long but you guys give me great help learning new techniques and ideas. Great job. Thanks
This was really helpful thanks. #11: I'm too quick to dismiss photos I don't like and come to find out, incidental things like an edge of a building or a power line or random person or something unintentionally captured actually gives a bit of scale, frames, and reference and I often forget about that. And some of my most popular photos are ones that surprise me.
I’ve been shooting for 50 years and am happy being a, hopefully, slightly above average amateur. Im sure there are 10 year olds who could take my camera and do a better job. I really enjoy your videos.
Great advice! I recently found David Burnett and am amazed by his work and his history. He has so many great photos of events like Apollo XI and Presidents like JFK. It would be cool to see him on the show. Clark Little is another awesome photographer. He’s friends with Jack Johnson the singer songwriter. His work is dangerous with the shore break photography. He had to tell people to stop mimicking his work until they got trained on how to safely pursue it. He dove out in the ocean and had to save one guy on TH-cam. I like to buy other people’s work and hang it up as inspiration everyday. I also print my own. I put your photos up by my front door. They inspire not only creativity but also hard work. They’ll definitely always be nostalgic when I get older of the great community you’ve built and all the learning.
Thanks. I really enjoyed this, not only for photography
deffo agree with whats said here, i just wanted to expand on what i think helped me the most as a "phtographer". it was my degree in anthropology, i believe it gave me a different way of seeing and understanding, the rest of the skills... yeah what they say.
This is such a great video. You guys are so amazing, and thank you for sharing such informative content to help the community 👍🏼😃
This is all really good advice. And the thing is, it is completely general: I am not much of a photographer but this stuff applies to anyone who wants to get better in ANY field. I am bookmarking this video to send to people who ask me how to get better at things in the other fields I work in.
I gave a group of friends a few simple tips with their iPhone and it transformed their photography and their enjoyment : )
NO 11 ---"you are not close enough."
Man, did that camera sitting on the edge of the table make anybody else nervous? I kept checking on it the whole damn video. LOL Great advice guys. I have heard many of the things you spoke about from motivational speakers, life coaches, mentors, therapists, etc. My biggest problem, and I totally agree with Chelsea, DON'T BE AFRAID TO FAIL! If I would add a #11 it would be Don't worry yourself about what others think. It is your art. It is your passion. If you're that worried about other people's opinion it is only going to drive your conceptualization process away from what your heart and soul see and feel. Just one man's opimiom.
Tony: "Do I not have the talent?"
Chelsea: "No, You have fingers"
#11, sometimes I’m a weather wimp and I don’t feel like going out in cold/hot weather to take photos. I will do better this coming winter. Some of the best beach pictures that I ever took were on the coldest windiest day.
My reason #11 would be to experiment with different ideas and ways to take your photos: for example if you usually shoot at eye level then maybe try taking the same photo from a lower angle and compare the two. This will teach you what the best angles are for different situations.
My favorite video on this subject!!! Number 11 could be a limitation by dogmas and myths created around photography...like "if you do post processing, it is a cheating" etc.
Picture this is the best part of this channel !
really great pod cast guys ,, a lot of great advice and comments /points .. really helpful .... peace and love ....
Excellent. Love the comment/tip/incite: if you are already technical get with someone who is 🎨 artistic and vice-versa; and maybe your parents were critical so you are too and that addressing deeper issues will help.
Bravo. 👏
Agreed with few exceptions. Many great photographers of history did not study others that much, did not care about new trends, theories etc. They were just so obsessed with taking their pictures that they did not have time for any theory, socializing, work of others etc.