What nobody ever says about 'Good' Photos...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ค. 2022
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This week I'm in Scotland for a landscape photography road trip and a bit of van life, and I talk about my favourite photo of the year, and how it's actually no good...
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Every time I think James has covered everything there is about taking photos, out comes another video talking about a point I 100% agree with and have never thought of before haha!
Same here
haha
100% James. "You do you". There will be likes, there will be criticism, there will be indifference. But if you are happy with your work happy to put your name to it, that's all that really matters.
Beautiful voice, beautiful accent as well as pronunciation & thoroughly enjoyable and lovely, interesting training.
Actually I really do love the wrap-up part in your home studio, where you talk about why it didn't work out the way you wanted it to, because I believe most of us can relate to that feeling 😀
I think the manmade element really helps with scale and perspective. A rock is just a rock untill you see the tiny tiny shed on top of it an suddenly the rock is MASSIVE.
Really enjoyed this James, took a while to see there was a hut, I kept thinking that hut is a house…….. must pay attention. :)
As always - good point, well made. Photography is my hobby - I do it for my enjoyment. If others like what I do, great; if not, no biggie!
Thanks again, James.
I do it to get away from the noise that people insist on constantly making at all times; I miss the old days when people were willing able and excited to simply enjoy the outdoors in silence.
I agree with the human element aspect. I especially like ingress/egress as I call it. Streets, paths, railroads, sidewalks, canals, ect. Something that allows you to imagine yourself in the image. Your insights to photography are very helpful.
6.42 nice bit of air time for Popsys favourite photography accessory ...........The tripod 🤣🤣
Your right I spent the first 2 years of my photography trying to please everyone else and never liking my own photos now I take photos I like and I'm much happier.
So true. I think anything creative is so subjective you have to serve yourself first of all. Otherwise it’s all a bit soulless. Loved your images in this one! (And I’ve always loved the hut one too for the record haha)
It’s also much more conducive to enjoy the pursuit of creativity when you’re not around the perpetual noise making millennials and GenZers.
Gol darn I hear your voice so clear in my head when I read this 😆
I've had this on the other end too. I've taken photos that, after I got home and edited, I didn't think they were anything special but friends actually said "wow" to. Which made me rethink which photos to keep and which to get rid of, which promptly filled a lot of my memory...
Love that you’ve had to finish some videos off at home because something didn’t go as hoped. Big part of life really.
James I just wanted to say that watching your videos gave me the push to finally get into photography! Personally I fell in love with your style and it inspired me to also find ways of capturing photos that make me happy as well. Got my first camera around a month ago and have been loving learning through personal experience, friends, and all your helpful videos! Your videos focusing on the topic that this video goes over really helped me realize that we all view things differently and even if a friend or family member isn't as into a photo that I like doesn't mean that it diminishes my own opinion of it. Just wanted to say thank you for all the help learning about photography and that I love your content!
As you were talking about wanting some rougher water, a wave crashed nicely up the rocks behind you. Bugger.
For me having the contrast between nature and manmade just gives that image that extra thought point. The comparison between natural beauty and manmade beauty.
I totally agree that man made things help in a photo. For the same reason, the presence of a human being in a landscape photo helps too, for establishing scale and context among other things.
“Take images you like” has been my philosophy from day one, if others like them it’s a bonus. I don’t mind having a human element in landscapes at all but I also try to capture wildlife, even if it is only a solitary bird. I think it adds interest and scale 🤔
I love that hut photo because it draws you in and tells a story very well 👍🏻😎
It's nice your happy with your photos.
The main benefit of man made objects, is that it provides a sense of scale! This is super important, because it’s an underlying issue when viewing an image without a sense of scale.. it won’t make or break the photo, to have or lack scale respectively, but having it makes the image so much more appreciable
Well done James, as always great video! 🍻
Agreed, man’s involvement adds a timeline, purpose.
Never a truer word said. Personally, in the main, I don't like sunset and sunrise photos: it is beyond me why people are obsessed with them.
Thanks for the upload l. I always like to have a single character in my shots. Either a person, building, animal, etc. I always feel its empty without ✌️
Well James, I'd say you got some amazingly 'Good' shots in Scotland this time. And yes, I really like your Antarctica shot too.
You always seem to the nail the colors in your photos. Well done
Hi James and cheers from 🇨🇦! Just found your channel and just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying the photography info but also your great SHTICK!! Really appreciate that type of humour!😂
All the best!
Thanks
Rob
We need a discord or something for James Popsys inspired people because there are so many folks on here getting into photography through your videos, myself included!
I've noticed that very point on the social media places that I post some of my photos. I take after photographers like you, Nigel Danson, Adam Gibbs and others who take these beautiful landscape photos that look realistic. However, on the pages I post on it seems that the majority of photos who get the most likes are the ones that are so processed that they look like illustrations out of some fantasy world art book. They don't look real at all. They are pretty though. Or, they're so unprocessed that they look straight out of an iphone. I really don't get it. Maybe I suck at processing but looking at other photos I don't think I'm that bad. Recently, I tried the fantasy world look with my photos and in the end I'd look at them with disappointment. So, even though my photos get way fewer likes than most others, apparently due to my like for realism, in the end my photos are for me and if people don't like them then too bad for them.
The first 90 seconds of your video is SPOT ON!!!!!!! Some photographers don't understand that. That is probably the biggest hurdle many new photographers will have and once they are over it, they become much happier with their work. I love this channel! Very down to earth!
I felt this. I got two shots during my trip in Romania that are in my opinion among the best I've ever done and they went pretty much undetected when I shared them. On the other hand some other photos that I don't believe to be nearly as good got way more attention.
Wonderful video, James! You have some excellent work in your portfolio, by the way. Have a great day!
I can really understand your preference of including man-made things in landscape photography. I do that a lot as well, because it gives the viewer a very good scale of the landscape and helps with perspektive a lot. Especially when you take pictures of large valleys, mountains or rocks.
I had the same thoughts. The human-made element gives scale to the picture.
In some images it also is testament to the tenacity of humans to make a living even in the most forbidding circumstances, like in the Antarctica picture.
Yeah, I think "story" is the reason why you like 'em so much. And it sounds like a great reason to me.
Spot on re making things you like. It goes not just for photography but anything creative. Trying to make things you think others will like will only leave you dissatisfied. Best tip for creatives - Make things you like & then find others who like it or similar too.
I agree completely. Well said.
This is outstanding video and great points! I like that red hut pic early on in video even though others may not. The red just pops. thanks James for your work and this video.
A really helpful video. I like your distinctive style in your photography and the way you present your videos. Good advice to take photos that please yourself.
Interesting point of this video. To me it describes the difference between a snap and an actual photo. Great job on the video and love your videos!
I like the way your edit your videos. And being out by the shore, your didn’t cut yourself after every sentence, but “kept the film rolling”. I think it’s exhausting to watch TH-cam videos with so much cuts and no natural pauses between the words/sentences.
And I enjoy watching and learning from you, and of course looking at you images. You’re very talented, because I know it’s not easy. I’ve tried, and I’m not quite there yet
So right on !
If you want to put that to the test, join a camera club and enter some competitions. I've had photo's slagged off to death that have previously won competitions and been published in various mediums.
I agree that there is no point in taking photographs to please other people because we don’t know what will please other people. But I need to keep hearing that message and be confident in the photos that I like.
I love the images in this video. Your photography really appeals to me, as well as your very natural banter with your viewers. Keep doing what you’re doing. Thanks James
The pictures are gorgeous
such high quality content, i love it. off to a road trip around the UK next week, can't wait to go and enjoy photography again.
wow dude is awesome and entertaining. not sure why it's takin so long to find this guy. very talented. subscribed.
I’ve just returned home having taken similar photos from the same spot, I had almost identical conditions, I was as pleased as I could be with my photos as a complete beginner, this video has actually given me a lot of encouragement as I often feel that I miss what others would accomplish but seeing your photos has shown me that I’m on the right track, practice will hopefully give me that few missing % points. I really enjoy your content, your honesty in what you do makes it really accessible for us beginners looking for relatable content.
Went to Achmelvich Beach the other day! Really struggled to find composition to be fair! It was so nice though! Went two times, once to get the sunset and the other day was to go kayaking, but got photos both times! :)
Couldn't agree more about taking photos to please yourself. I felt a feeling of liberation when I started to follow that philosophy recently. Keep up the great work James, I love the down to earth honesty of your videos.
hey just wanted to say i love your videos keep on going you inspire me and i'm sure you inspire other people
4:00 That is definitely a stunning image.
A good photo captures and maintains your attention for all the right reasons -
Another great vlog. Love the snappy format without the long drawn out explainations of what you are photographing and why it's so appealing like a lot of vloggers seem to do. As for the human elements - nothing wrong in including them, they give a sense of scale to the human eye which is probably why you use them.. Mother nature can be deceiving when it come down to scale 🙂 You are one of the few I watch when you are at your home office so feel free to continue 🙂
I love watching your videos, and Nigel’s, and Mads’. I learn so much! I’ve especially learned that I am a much better floral photographer than landscape. But I won’t give up on getting better! Thanks for the continued inspiration! (And yes to taking photos that please you!)
Thank you very much for the video. I'm fairly new to your channel but I am liking your videos very much.
Very interesting and useful. Thank you.
Love when your videos come up!
Me to
First time viewing... hand held, very encouriging. Cheers from down under
YES!!!! I recently created a photo which I felt was THE BEST I've ever taken. I actually felt something.....powerful?, when I went to edit my images, later that day.
Yet, I have received very , meah(sp?) reception towards it.
How could they be so blind???
😂😂
I do get what you're saying and I thank you for reminding me of this fact, in this video.
Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦!
K
He's right. There's nothing like a good photo. It's a thing in art. What you think looks good will not look good to someone else. We should find our own style and make it look in our eyes.
Thank you!
I love your work, but in this Vlog I absolutely love the structures at timemarks 8:57, 9:04, 9:06.
Spot on, James. I accidentally developed a light/weather game to challenge myself. Repeatedly return to the exact same spot at different times of day, weather, season. Made me quite happy. Some thought I was obsessively weird. 👊😎
Don't forget that you were there to take your favorite 2022 photo, your friend didn't! It makes all the difference!
I love to photograph one old rusty bolt not the whole old boat or building, or a Cat's whisker (still on the cat) photographs of one part showing age and old skilled worker's work x.
I loved this . I like the way you tell us your thoughts as you set up. I would like to see a video of you just talking about the photos you showed towards the end. I also like the human element people or man made structures in landscapes. Thanks.
I've just found your channel thanks to the Q&A with Nigel and Mads. I've always felt like a minority with my almost total disregard for tripods. I mostly just can't be bothered. It's just more efficient. Thanks for the channel. I'll be back for more.
Some great images right up my alley. The one with the boat and the bridge is fabulous.
Making a video and trying to take great images is not easy, especially if the video is supposed to be entertaining and I struggle with that.
Nice images James. I think the human element often helps lend some context and scale to the landscape which may be beautifully sublime but which qualities may not otherwise come across in the photo👍
Love all your photos and vids! And that human element - gives great perspective of scale, and as you mention adds to the story. Would be interesting to hear why the 35mm 1.4 is better than the other lenses you ended up returning. Was eyeing the 50mm 1.2 as the next lens, but need to sell off some other gear to make that happen. Cheers! Keep up the fantastic work and travels!
A bit late to the game on this video but thoroughly enjoyed it! I think it is natural that the human element is important to photography. If you believe in a Creator, as I do, then you probably also see humanity as the high point in creation. We thus can’t really separate the human element from nature (though nature is beautiful unto itself). I thoroughly love the inclusion of the human element in your work.
I'm with you on man made objects in landscapes. They generate interest for me.
Humans and Human elements provide a 'sense of scale' to the image, sometimes it can make the image easier to understand and relate to.
It shows scale and contrasts the nature.
@05:37 Bet you were glad the cameras were still there when you got back!
Another classic film. Thanks. Makes you feel like yer mate is sharing his thoughts on a passion you share. Wasn't the problem with teh photo (alongside teh lack of drama with the sea) that the sky was in 100% boring mode. Alternatively, I spose we could be pleased that the sky is so flat that it wont distract.
Love that photo you showed at the beginning. Who cares if it is obvious? Should we just pass it by then? I think not! I hope to get this same photo next time I’m traveling through Antarctica.
this is very correct
By hut, I hope you don't mean the very decent three bedroomed house up the hill! But this is a great video!
I also favour a touch of the human in a landscape photo. Here's my take: landscapes emphasize how small most human endeavours are. Also, they are usually good for a pop of unexpected colour, like your red shed in Antarctica. Whatever your personal reasons, those photos you showed of Scotland were right up my alley.
I don't really see a problem with including manmade features, especially when taking pictures in Scotland, where blues (sometimes) and greens predominate. A shed with a rusty currugated roof provides a nice splash of complimantary colour. Unless, of course, there is a much more picturesque ginger muckle coo nearby.
I agree with the manmade object theory, it makes the photo more interesting imo
You are my mentor
You are quite right, James, to suggest that images should be to your liking. One large exception. My dad was a public relations photographer and he had to please his clients first and foremost. After all he had bills to pay and family to feed. However, his standards were usually greater than those of his clients, so he was able to accomplish both the needs of the clients and his taste/standards. For serious amateurs like me, I don't need to satisfy the taste of others. Yet, I do take into account the critiques made by others to see if there is something I can learn to improve my photography.
Awesome upload, it's enjoyable seeing a scene through someone else's eyes for sure.
On a side note, I've managed to show the missus enough of your videos to peak an interest for her.. but she also has a question, "Do you reckon he has a wife and kids with that demeanor?"
😂👊🏼
Feels like I’m falling off the edge
I really like to have the contrast of nature against manmade things when I'm going on a photo walk. I really like the one with the person walking on the beach.
Second guessing popular taste is a mug's game. Like offering steak to people raised on burgers.
I find that my personal favorite photos are of course going to be the ones that I have a personal attachment to, whether it's because of the level of investment I had in taking it or anything else. This is true for many people too. Even other photographers are less "objective" than they probably think they are. I 100% agree that "trying" to appeal to the taste of others is meaningless. Especially in the internet age, where most of people's approval comes in the form of little hearts and numbers on a screen, and detached from any meaningful reflective criticism. Even then, take it with a grain of salt.
Agree about pleasing others. Not just in photography either 😂
Well look at you sporting a tripod! 😁
Great video! Great location too. Which brings me to ask: Have you ever considered having a geologist join you in making a video (this one would be a good candidate) to discuss the geomorphology of your landscape locations? I find myself asking ... "how did the rocks come to be in that exact orientation & shape?"
Just a thought. Enjoy your channel immensely. Thanks!
Most people like to see, read, hear things they can relate to. I think including a man-made element is brilliant. Landscapes with solely natural elements make me think 'Ah wow, untouched land. I will probably never make it there.' Yet in a way, seeing a landscape touched by man helps me think 'Wow, this is a stunning place. I would really like to go there, and look! It's possible.'
I've stopped guessing which of my photos will be my friends' favorites, I'm usually wrong. -Elaine
Man made things in a landscape give scale.
100% agree. I admire how you can make really nice pictures with awful skies 👌🏻
I always shoot for me. So that’s 40 years I’ve been winning. 😉
It was 100% Nigel 😅
The point that you're making isn't just regarding photography... you can never describe something as "good" or "bad" when it comes to any creative art from whatsoever... anything. All art is subjective... the more rules you apply the more that creativity is stifled and completely contradicts creativity all together... and my theory as to why you love man made objects in your photos really is the story telling idea, I think you're right ...the objects were made by humans... and without humans there are no stories to communicate to another 😊 love the videos... I'm so glad you finally raised this point! 👌 👌 👍 👍
Love the photos at the end. Would’ve been nice to have them transition more slowly. Sometimes that doesn’t work out though. Great vid