I've been working on finishing touches for the next course (which will go live October 7th, and is included as part of this year's 5DayDeal fundraising as an exclusive bonus to TPE viewers). This new course won't be publically available until 2024 You can join the waitlist here: www.thephotographiceye.info/5daydeal Visionary Photography: Cultivating Your Unique Creative Eye Course Objective: Unlock your creative vision, bridge the gap between vision and reality, and develop a distinctive photographic style. Module 1: The Art of Seeing Develop keen observational skills and cultivate a visionary mindset. Lesson 1.1: Introduction to Visionary Photography Lesson 1.2: The Power of Observation: Training Your Eye Lesson 1.3: Embracing Curiosity: Finding Beauty in the Mundane Lesson 1.4: The Photographer's Mindset: Beyond the Lens Module 2: Cultivating Creativity Foster creativity, draw inspiration, and establish daily creative habits. Lesson 2.1: Stealing Like An Artist: Embracing Influence Lesson 2.2: Breaking Creative Blocks: Reigniting Passion Lesson 2.3: Daily Habits to Foster Creativity Lesson 2.4: The Role of Experimentation in Photography Module 3: Emotional Connection in Photography Create compelling narratives and infuse emotion into your work. Lesson 3.1: The Vision to Reality Gap: Bridging the Disconnect Lesson 3.2: Telling a Story Through Your Lens Lesson 3.3: Infusing Emotion into Your Work Lesson 3.4: The Power of Intuition in Photography Module 4: Developing Your Distinctive Style Discover, refine, and establish your unique photographic voice. Lesson 4.1: The Journey to Finding Your Voice Lesson 4.2: Elements of a Recognizable Style Lesson 4.3: Consistency vs. Evolution: Balancing Growth and Signature Lesson 4.4: Portfolio Review: Analyzing Your Work for Style Patterns Module 5: The Visionary Photographer's Toolkit Equip yourself with resources, collaboration techniques, and motivation strategies. Lesson 5.1: Inspirational Resources for the Modern Photographer Lesson 5.2: Collaborating with Other Artists: Expanding Your Vision Lesson 5.3: The Role of Feedback in Shaping Your Style Lesson 5.4: Staying Motivated and Committed to Your Craft
Was going to point out that it's not the Golden Gate Bridge... I'm in San Francisco, so I know that one pretty well. Good to know what bridge the photo is.
Wow. Thanks for the introduction to a fabulous photographer I didn’t previously know. Your photo that drew me in reminds me of Goya’s famous print “The Dream of Reason Produces Monsters.”
My most core belief about photography and art in general, is that the piece is good if someone likes it, even if the only one is the artist themselves. As to being able to ID an image as being of a particular photographer, it implies that the person is monolithic in their style. A photographer can change it up every day if they choose to do so. No rules about what’s a good image or who a photographer appears to be. This was a thought provoking video!!
Art is by no means good just because some idiot likes it, liking being one of the most trivial reactions in the human emotional deck. You are describing pop culture not goods art.
@@johnsmith1474Liking isn't trivial, you may be confusing social media with art- understandable given the current. Pop culture is art, whether you like it or not. blowing ochre across your hand in a cave was once pop culture...feast.
Interesting video. Two notes: it's not "Rui Palhas" but "Rui Palha" (you can see it in he's signature in the photos. Also the bridge picture it's not the golden gate bridge but the Ponte 25 de Abril, in Lisbon, Portugal
I’m guilty of making assumptions about many things, photography, TH-cam videos and a range of topics. I also don’t mind confessing my sins. This is a hugely important video. Thanks for making it.
Whatching the images that you have chosen for this video, it makes me wonder about what beauty really means. I felt disturbed mainly because of my own sense of prejudice and discrimination. Thanks for shedding some light into some dark regions of my psyche which are so fleeting to confront.
Hello, not only Rui Palha is a great photographer he is also a fantastic human being, I had the opportunity to take a workshop with him in 2020, by the way, the bridge, is in Lisbon not tge Golden Gate
Regarding Roger Ballen’s photos -the portraits- take a look at Irving Penn’s non-fashion work (ie “Cuzco Children”) if you don’t already know them. And thanks for the tip on Rui Palha! Amazing work.
Thank you so much Alex, for sharing such a brilliant thought of yours. I'm thrilled to discover more awesome photographers to look at. I'll certainly go have a look at their photographs! Hope you have a beautiful day.
The bridge is in Lisbon, Portugal. It is currently called the 25th of April bridge. I know because I'm from Lisbon and I already took a similar photo, without people.
Hi Alex, nice video giving props to the right photographer. Two little tidbits of info, if you don't mind. The silhouettes of people by the "Golden Gate Bridge", is actually the April 25th Bridge spanning the river Tagus in Lisbon. As far as Rui's last name, it is not Pal - Ha. Say it like the Spanish dish - Paella - without the sound for the "e". As far as the video, I don't know what is worse: Being a talented photographer and never being "discovered", or being discovered only to have your photos credited to someone else.
Alex, thanks. Wonderful video ... even with the "lots of questions" at the end. I explored Rui Palha's work at the link you provided. His images in and around Lisbon are wonderful. They make me feel, in a good way, as though I was asleep when I was in Lisbon, as though my photographic eye might have been closed or daydreaming.
Thanks Alex for another enlightening video and introducing me to the amazing work of Rui Palha. I'm no great fan of street photography - too many hipsters out there taking random snaps in B&W and...yeah, whatever! However, Palha's work is on a whole other level: striking compositions and a visual poetry that transcends the genre. Such a distinctive voice and a great inspiration.
I love this episode, especially being introduced to Rui Palhas. I can see why his work can be mistaken for Cartier-Bresson’s. I think they share a similar quality of perception and timing, a fine tuned sensibility for capturing the fleeting moments and elegant, even mysterious compositions. I discovered your channel a few months ago and just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it.
Thank you Alex for your suggestion. I've checked the work of Rui Palhas, what a pleasure! I think that the evolvement and development of creativity is more important than having a distinct style. Staying with a certain style, just because people love it, can lead to stagnation.
Thanks for introducing another very interesting photographer Rui Palhas. He does have some interesting work. The others are different, and I am glad you brought out that how often it can be the wrong photographer.
It's tricky to put into words, but that is precisely the point. My thinking about visual imagery, whether photographs or drawings or paintings, is that the most resonant connects on a level that goes beyond - or around, or beneath - a narrative, and communicates some nascent story, or plot, even if just a subliminal emotional twinge we can't explain. And those who take such photos do so through years of trial and error, but ultimately develop a feel, an instinct, for what feels fresh and genuine and immediate, devoid of every cliched compositional contrivance or "Rules." Of course we never see the ordinary, the failures. But what we do see encompasses a quality that dodges neat, tidy explanations or analysis. The secret lies in the knack for not just seeing and taking the shot, in a certain way no one else sees, but then recognizing which frame holds the greatest magic, and printing it to the best effect. A college friend in the film days snapped so many shots I joked her idea was that through sheer volume, she was bound to capture a few good ones. The problem of course, was without a discriminating eye, she was likely to overlook the best, even when she'd taken one. But if you take a lot of photos, not with any calculation or advance intentions that always reek of artifice, but with a sincere desire to get at something more immediate and raw and visceral, you might produce an image that reminds us of some other's works, not because you set out to copy or mimic a style, but because you were tuning in to some of the same things those others tuned in to, weeks or years before. And that's where no AI is ever going to connect in authentic ways, with people who are sensitive to what for lack of a better word amounts to magic.
I’ve personally never been one for style even though all of my favorite photographers have style. My classmates in school all had a focus on a particular style and stuck to it. I preferred to hop around and having a grasp on different forms. I believe your signature will still show in different types of photography.
Hi Alex, I did get excited with those photos from Rui Palhas. Some great photos from Rui Palhas, i liked the one with the clouds and the sunburst sun and the wide angle shots of the stairs. I think if you want a style of your own it's ok, and if you don't want a style of your own that's ok as well. If i ever get famous or put anything online i will use aura. Thanks for introducing us viewers to this great photographer. 😃
I have always been drawn to the mystery of fog and mist. To me, it draws a person into the fog trying to find the mystery within. I lived in the S.F. Bay Area and I guess it is the old Humphry Bogart movies that sparked my Love of B/W fog and haze. The detail is much more positive and gritty because the if it were color, the event would be confusing. I really like your explanation of what photography is. TY
Fantastic video as always! I will certainly look up more of Rui. Loved the photos you shared. And certainly will double check who the authors are behind the photos. Minor hint in how to pronounce Rui's last name for English phonetic, it's more of "Pah - Lee - Ahhs" the lee+ahs being pronounced very fast almost as a single syllable because of the Portuguese "lha"
I'm surprised to see an S at the end of his last name (and don't believe it is correct). I've followed him for years, and have always seen his name spelled Rui Palha.
Interesting video and thoughts. A little too much overthinking about photography and “style “. Being out there everyday, shooting, is really their passion and style.
@@RuiPalha1 one of the reasons I've been a long-time supporter of Alex's channel is that I learn about incredible photographers I have never heard of before such as yourself.
I think Travel to photograph other places is a lot more costly these days. Sure, one could stay close to home but that often leads to photographic boredom. What I liked about the talk and images today were that they did show a story and they were mostly very sharp images. Thank You Alex.
Good stuff, as always, Alex. The question of style is very interesting. I have many thoughts running through my head about it, but a comment section on TH-cam probably isn't the best place for posting long digressions. I'd say that having a distinct, recognizable style is important, but it's not centrally important. For example, in the realm of acting, there are some actors with extremely colorful, charismatic personalities. They are always convincing, but, to an extent, they take the same character (a version of themselves) and transfer him/her into the circumstances of each new role. Then there are actors without very distinct personalities, but they are like chameleons and are able to convincing take on widely disparate kinds of roles and completely disappear into that character. Which of the two is preferable? That depends on your taste. I think the same can be said for photographers and visual artists.
Interesting video as always. We all make misstakes and quite often our misstakes lead us to something unexpected and interesting. I first learned about Rui Palha when I watched a Leica commercial some years ago. He seemed, not only to be an excellent photographer, but also a very humble and symphatic person with a genuine interest in the people he photographed. I have followed him on instagram since then. I may be wrong but I think that Alan Schaller's photos seem to to be inspired by Rui Palha's in some degree.
Rui Palha (no S). I’ve seen photos taken by his wife Martine Franck labeled as Bresson photos. I think her photos are better than his. Just that she was so under the shadow of her famous husband.
@carlosmcse Indeed Martine Franck was a great photographer and, in my humble opinion, she never needed to live in the shadow of her husband. Anyway the styles are a bit different, in spite of being both great, because HCB always included people in his photographs and Martine doesn't. This doesn't take off the real and great value of Martine as a Photographer, of course.
@@RuiPalha1 HCB has wonderful photos without people. He mostly but not always includes people. Sadly your name is not in the title of this TH-cam video.
To me the matter of “style” is an afterthought. It is something that others try to detect after the fact when the artist have already moved on or left the planet entirely. As an artist I never think in terms of “style” for my own work. Style for me is bordering on the psychology of habit, repetition. That is something I’m actively trying to counteract in my own work. Having said that, I’m sure someone else would still be able to detect a red thread throughout my body of work, but my intention is always to go beyond what I have done before. For me, photography and art in general is an investigation into the world I experience. Not a process of “production” of tangible objects of veneration. They are mere traces of a line of inquiry that my mind was following at the moment. For this reason I do a whole array of different things such as painting, photography, woodblock printing, drawing, graphic design, meditation, forests walks, street walks, laying in the grass, walking the hills, talking to people, avoiding labour, etc. I call this “life” and it includes a potion of creative activity, as it happens. If I were to slap a “style”-sticker on that it would mean that my intentions are to live a life of lies rather than a life of curiosity. The only motto I try to follow is to try to “cut through mental habits and stay curious”. If that produces tangible objects as a consequence for others to see, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that also fine. For me life is a process of learning, not producing.
Confession is good for the soul. I try to remember that hidden in mistakes or disappointments are gifts and opportunity. Your unintended blunder led to a discovery. All is well that ends well.
Interesting topic! You could say the same about Vivian Maier's work. There is something that is like a distinctive style. I cannot find that in my own work. It seems I'm interested in so many things, large, small, fast, slow...no theme or thread. Sometimes I think that's OK, as I enjoy every shot.
I haven't consciously tried to have a consistent style as I find my interests shift with time and as my skills improve I tend to explore areas that are more accessible to me. So if my style right now resembles someone else's is entirely by accident and not design.
Whoa, some of those pictures are so dark and unsettling haha, but I like them for some reason. I kinda feel some despair. Since I'm fairly new to photography, I just walk wherever and whatever catches my interest or my eye, I try to make something cool out of it, it's fun. I just got a 50mm prime and I love it, it feels like me, always on the move. I took a picture of this old fella today in a cemetery cleaning veterans Graves, all by himself. It legit made me sad, so I got at a distance and took his picture because I don't wanna forget that.
The image quality already tells us that this photographer is more recent, using digital cameras such as Leica Q2 Monochrome and a Sony RX1. Leica + TX400 looks different.
I got some nice shots inspired by HCB of pigeons disturbed and flying through a window at me from a dilapidated stone windmill along a river. I don't do those things to copy but rather to learn and better tap in to the flo. Nobody can walk with me, they get frustrated stopping and watching me stare at gum wrappers (as I reflect on the personality that would thoughtlessly discard them and how best to capture the irreverence) or reflecting light or shadows in the ediface of an old building, or worms or... Today I was in Ottawa photographing signage, sounds boring but you never know what you will find, for example: one sign, hand drawn-crudely and in haste, which read "23 minutes in hell, youtube" I have not checked yet but I will (maybe you too), another series I came across advertised Circumcision clinics- for real! Edit: don't watch the video mentioned in signage 1, just don't!
The second photo by Roger Ballen scares me. Not the twins, but the work with the creepy... Face looking... Things?? Are they very flat masks?? on the walls. I say no. No, sir. I can outrun you, Roger Ballen. Leave me alone and let me live!! *grabs set of twins and runs for our lives*
After watching a good video about Henri Cartier-Bresson, the You ube creators, like this one, has completely blown it. They have elevated Henri to a point near godhood. But, in reality, he is a normal photographer with an artistic eye. It's not education, it's not attending every workshop, it's not getting a degree in college, he is one of those humans with a beautifully wired brain for seeing art in the world. Many people do the exact same thing. Is he special? He is good, he worked for the industry that employed his skills. Of course he is good, otherwise he would be working in a store selling cameras. When confronted with this godhood attitude by a person, being the best photographer, etc., he replied, Bullshit. Artists are made at conception. Many people become great at things like electronics based on the DNA at conception. Henri is fortunate to break into the world of photography and express to us his vision of the world. Why? Because he said he said it's easier that drawing. TH-camrs create gods, unfortunately. It's extremely unfair to the artist. They, the artist, cannot live up to the hype heaped upon them. Consider yourself as a photographer. Look at your images, hopefully many are made into prints, and you will see that you are every bit as good as Henri. It may be you are working in a completely different career, but as an 'amateur,' you are his every equal.
Great video again. I notice that you sometimes make an effort to point out that street photography is not your cup of tea, also showing little interest in photographers that are representative of this genre. Thats just fine as it is a matter of personal taste. What intrigues me is that you sometimes discuss work of photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson, which acutally contain a fair amount of candid/street and journalistic photographs, yet you don't seem to care or discuss whether a certain picture is candid or posed. I'm interested in your view on the relevance of candidness in photography. Does it lend a certain qualitiy to a picture that should be acknowledged or does it not matter if it is posed or not, as long as the resulting picture is good? Maybe you can make another video about this ;)
Did you find yourself seeing the photo as more legitimate believing it was by one particular famous photographer? I know this happens in art all the time. I'm an Antiques Roadshow nut and I can't tell you the number of times the monetary value and thus the legitimacy of a thing is drastically increased because of a name. In your case, the moment you found out it wasn't by the artist you believed, you didn't dismiss it out of hand. Instead, you rightfully dove into the experience of exploring yet another great artist who was new to you. I don't imagine that is the case for most people. They might even see the photo as a "knock off" of the more famous artist rather than appreciating it for what it is...a great photo.
3:40 ..UPSSSSSS (You did it again! :) )... you have to be a bit more careful...Golden gate bridge? Really? Please do be carefull because this bridge is one of the National monuments of PORTUGAL, which is nowhere near the US. It was called Salazar Bridge, in the name of the tyrant who ruled Portugal from the 1930's to 1974. Then on 1974 with the revolution it became the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril). It was inaugurated in the 1960's (So again nothing to do with the Golden gate Bridge). This bridge is as turistically important/well known to Portugal as the Eiffel tower is to France. And you dont go around saying that the Eiffel tower is Las Vegas New Mexico, right? (there is a mini-tower there, I assure you) as this might be seen as somewhat offensive...
We really read far too much into photography and photographers , the arrogance and presumption that the subject is worthy of any debate is a lesson of going up our own a******s
It's a small, but annoying, point that I wish to make. Henri is not pronounced as the English Henry. It should sound almost like 'Onree' where the N has only a very small part to play. Photography is very much concerned with attention to detail, so I hope that you don't object to my bringing up this matter.
Hey Alex! Fascinating viewing as usual. But the images? Bear with me. So, I’m working on this “ then and now” project. The then is 1975. The now is now. I’m trying to reproduce a similar shot today as I did in 1975. Okay, I need to get out more, meet new friends, down the pub maybe, but it’s my thing for the time being. So, it’s 1975, there I am doing street stuff with my Leica 111a and summar 5cm lens ( don’t ask)! I go home develop the film and print. I’m looking at those prints now. They are as soft as hell, despite the use of Ilford’s grade 5 paper to boost the contrast. User error maybe, but the stuff I see on TH-cam from the likes of Cartier Bresson looks like it’s had a good going over in lightroom or it’s been taken on the likes of my M11 ( again don’t ask)! Just feels a bit false. Do you know what I mean?
I've been working on finishing touches for the next course (which will go live October 7th, and is included as part of this year's 5DayDeal fundraising as an exclusive bonus to TPE viewers). This new course won't be publically available until 2024
You can join the waitlist here: www.thephotographiceye.info/5daydeal
Visionary Photography: Cultivating Your Unique Creative Eye
Course Objective: Unlock your creative vision, bridge the gap between vision and reality, and develop a distinctive photographic style.
Module 1: The Art of Seeing
Develop keen observational skills and cultivate a visionary mindset.
Lesson 1.1: Introduction to Visionary Photography
Lesson 1.2: The Power of Observation: Training Your Eye
Lesson 1.3: Embracing Curiosity: Finding Beauty in the Mundane
Lesson 1.4: The Photographer's Mindset: Beyond the Lens
Module 2: Cultivating Creativity
Foster creativity, draw inspiration, and establish daily creative habits.
Lesson 2.1: Stealing Like An Artist: Embracing Influence
Lesson 2.2: Breaking Creative Blocks: Reigniting Passion
Lesson 2.3: Daily Habits to Foster Creativity
Lesson 2.4: The Role of Experimentation in Photography
Module 3: Emotional Connection in Photography
Create compelling narratives and infuse emotion into your work.
Lesson 3.1: The Vision to Reality Gap: Bridging the Disconnect
Lesson 3.2: Telling a Story Through Your Lens
Lesson 3.3: Infusing Emotion into Your Work
Lesson 3.4: The Power of Intuition in Photography
Module 4: Developing Your Distinctive Style
Discover, refine, and establish your unique photographic voice.
Lesson 4.1: The Journey to Finding Your Voice
Lesson 4.2: Elements of a Recognizable Style
Lesson 4.3: Consistency vs. Evolution: Balancing Growth and Signature
Lesson 4.4: Portfolio Review: Analyzing Your Work for Style Patterns
Module 5: The Visionary Photographer's Toolkit
Equip yourself with resources, collaboration techniques, and motivation strategies.
Lesson 5.1: Inspirational Resources for the Modern Photographer
Lesson 5.2: Collaborating with Other Artists: Expanding Your Vision
Lesson 5.3: The Role of Feedback in Shaping Your Style
Lesson 5.4: Staying Motivated and Committed to Your Craft
P
Rui is a legend, very underestimated. One of my favourite photographers.
So many people get that photograph wrong... Even big outlets. It's time that Rui get's his flowers. Thanks for making the video and addressing it. :)
Thank you so much Cristian
@@RuiPalha1your art is SO INSPIRING!!! Thank you for all your soul in your work!
Thank you for this video Alex.
My pleasure!
Thank you for your wonderful portrait and for introducing me to this fantastic photographer!!!
Our pleasure!
The tall bridge you mentioned, it's atually here in Lisbon, Portugal. 😊
- Portuguese: Ponte 25 de Abril.
- English: 25th of April Bridge.
Was going to point out that it's not the Golden Gate Bridge... I'm in San Francisco, so I know that one pretty well. Good to know what bridge the photo is.
Wow. Thanks for the introduction to a fabulous photographer I didn’t previously know. Your photo that drew me in reminds me of Goya’s famous print “The Dream of Reason Produces Monsters.”
My most core belief about photography and art in general, is that the piece is good if someone likes it, even if the only one is the artist themselves. As to being able to ID an image as being of a particular photographer, it implies that the person is monolithic in their style. A photographer can change it up every day if they choose to do so. No rules about what’s a good image or who a photographer appears to be. This was a thought provoking video!!
Bang on, personally, once a style becomes too immediately apparent I develop a sensation of arrested development and I quickly lose interest.
Art is by no means good just because some idiot likes it, liking being one of the most trivial reactions in the human emotional deck. You are describing pop culture not goods art.
@@johnsmith1474Liking isn't trivial, you may be confusing social media with art- understandable given the current. Pop culture is art, whether you like it or not. blowing ochre across your hand in a cave was once pop culture...feast.
Mostly the artists don't like their work as they're their biggest critics themselves.
Thanks for watching
Thank you for ‘introducing’ me to Rui Palhas! I like his work very much, and find it reassuring.
Our pleasure!
Thank you for sharing Mr. Palhas’ work. I really enjoyed your content. I learn a bit every time I watch your content.
My pleasure
Thank you for demonstrating your integrity
Thank you
Is a pleasure to share the same country that we call home with Rui Palha, an amazing Portuguese photographer.
Obrigado Marcos
@@RuiPalha1 De nada meu caro.
Interesting video. Two notes: it's not "Rui Palhas" but "Rui Palha" (you can see it in he's signature in the photos. Also the bridge picture it's not the golden gate bridge but the Ponte 25 de Abril, in Lisbon, Portugal
Thank you all for the correction.
Came for Henri, stayed for Rui. 🤞🏾❣️
Very interesting video & the photography of Rui Palhas is mesmerizing. I really enjoed his images. I can't believe I can not trust the internet!
This photo just won Flickr 2023 photo of the year in the Street category
I’m guilty of making assumptions about many things, photography, TH-cam videos and a range of topics. I also don’t mind confessing my sins. This is a hugely important video. Thanks for making it.
Thanks for sharing!
Great video Alex, many thanks for introducing us all to another exciting photographer.
My pleasure!
great video, Rui Palha is my fave photographer since 2005 :)
Obrigado Amigo Rodrigo.
Thank you a lot!
Whatching the images that you have chosen for this video, it makes me wonder about what beauty really means. I felt disturbed mainly because of my own sense of prejudice and discrimination. Thanks for shedding some light into some dark regions of my psyche which are so fleeting to confront.
I’ve the proud of being Rui’s friend. Yes, one of the best!!! And the name is Palha, no ‘s’ at the end! 😅 Great channel.
Obrigado João!!!!!
Thank you
Hello, not only Rui Palha is a great photographer he is also a fantastic human being, I had the opportunity to take a workshop with him in 2020, by the way, the bridge, is in Lisbon not tge Golden Gate
Thank you a lot dear Luis
Regarding Roger Ballen’s photos -the portraits- take a look at Irving Penn’s non-fashion work (ie “Cuzco Children”) if you don’t already know them.
And thanks for the tip on Rui Palha! Amazing work.
Thank you so much Alex, for sharing such a brilliant thought of yours. I'm thrilled to discover more awesome photographers to look at. I'll certainly go have a look at their photographs! Hope you have a beautiful day.
Thank you for introducing me to this fantastic work. 😊
Our pleasure!
The bridge is in Lisbon, Portugal. It is currently called the 25th of April bridge.
I know because I'm from Lisbon and I already took a similar photo, without people.
Thank you
Very good! The credits are right. Congratulations
Thank you once again for introducing new photographers to me, and always love the thoughts and questions you pose
My pleasure!
Thank you for introducing us to this body of work. :-)
Our pleasure!
RUI takes great photos
Hi Alex, nice video giving props to the right photographer. Two little tidbits of info, if you don't mind. The silhouettes of people by the "Golden Gate Bridge", is actually the April 25th Bridge spanning the river Tagus in Lisbon. As far as Rui's last name, it is not Pal - Ha. Say it like the Spanish dish - Paella - without the sound for the "e". As far as the video, I don't know what is worse: Being a talented photographer and never being "discovered", or being discovered only to have your photos credited to someone else.
Thank you
I enjoyed your video & delightful ‘food for thought’ so much, that I’m listening a second time. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
According to IG it’s Rui Palha, not Palhas. Thanks for the channel.
Thank you
Love this story
The artist himself was too polite to say it, but the last name is ‘Palha’
It's true, but no problem at all.... Thank you so much
Alex, thanks. Wonderful video ... even with the "lots of questions" at the end. I explored Rui Palha's work at the link you provided. His images in and around Lisbon are wonderful. They make me feel, in a good way, as though I was asleep when I was in Lisbon, as though my photographic eye might have been closed or daydreaming.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Alex for another enlightening video and introducing me to the amazing work of Rui Palha. I'm no great fan of street photography - too many hipsters out there taking random snaps in B&W and...yeah, whatever! However, Palha's work is on a whole other level: striking compositions and a visual poetry that transcends the genre. Such a distinctive voice and a great inspiration.
My pleasure!
Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎
Thanks, you too!
I’ve found a true master here thank you
Thank you
His work is wonderful. He works the portrait aspect ratio beautifully.
Thank you so much Damian
I believe that's The 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon Portugal...😇
I love this episode, especially being introduced to Rui Palhas. I can see why his work can be mistaken for Cartier-Bresson’s. I think they share a similar quality of perception and timing, a fine tuned sensibility for capturing the fleeting moments and elegant, even mysterious compositions.
I discovered your channel a few months ago and just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate it.
Thank you so much Paul.
(my name is Rui Palha and not "Rui Palhas" 🙂
Deepest apologies for that. Now that I know you can be sure it won't happen again! 🙂@@RuiPalha1
@@PaulCutright No problem Paul. Thank you again
Thank you for watching
Thank you for your passion talking about photography and exploring photographer's work and arts.
I like your questions at the end of this lesson
My pleasure!
Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful photographer. I had not heard of him before. ❤👍
Our pleasure!
The last time I went to this covered market in Porto, there was only one pigeon!
I photographed a kitten there! lol
Thank you Alex for your suggestion. I've checked the work of Rui Palhas, what a pleasure! I think that the evolvement and development of creativity is more important than having a distinct style. Staying with a certain style, just because people love it, can lead to stagnation.
My pleasure!
Thanks for introducing another very interesting photographer Rui Palhas. He does have some interesting work. The others are different, and I am glad you brought out that how often it can be the wrong photographer.
It's tricky to put into words, but that is precisely the point. My thinking about visual imagery, whether photographs or drawings or paintings, is that the most resonant connects on a level that goes beyond - or around, or beneath - a narrative, and communicates some nascent story, or plot, even if just a subliminal emotional twinge we can't explain. And those who take such photos do so through years of trial and error, but ultimately develop a feel, an instinct, for what feels fresh and genuine and immediate, devoid of every cliched compositional contrivance or "Rules." Of course we never see the ordinary, the failures. But what we do see encompasses a quality that dodges neat, tidy explanations or analysis. The secret lies in the knack for not just seeing and taking the shot, in a certain way no one else sees, but then recognizing which frame holds the greatest magic, and printing it to the best effect.
A college friend in the film days snapped so many shots I joked her idea was that through sheer volume, she was bound to capture a few good ones. The problem of course, was without a discriminating eye, she was likely to overlook the best, even when she'd taken one.
But if you take a lot of photos, not with any calculation or advance intentions that always reek of artifice, but with a sincere desire to get at something more immediate and raw and visceral, you might produce an image that reminds us of some other's works, not because you set out to copy or mimic a style, but because you were tuning in to some of the same things those others tuned in to, weeks or years before.
And that's where no AI is ever going to connect in authentic ways, with people who are sensitive to what for lack of a better word amounts to magic.
I’ve personally never been one for style even though all of my favorite photographers have style. My classmates in school all had a focus on a particular style and stuck to it. I preferred to hop around and having a grasp on different forms. I believe your signature will still show in different types of photography.
The Bulhão photo is a Rui Palha's photo!
Yes, he knows and he is correcting an old error.
His name is actually Rui Palha (per his website), rather than Palha(s).
Hi Alex, I did get excited with those photos from Rui Palhas. Some great photos from Rui Palhas, i liked the one with the clouds and the sunburst sun and the wide angle shots of the stairs. I think if you want a style of your own it's ok, and if you don't want a style of your own that's ok as well. If i ever get famous or put anything online i will use aura. Thanks for introducing us viewers to this great photographer. 😃
Cool, thanks
@@ThePhotographicEye No worries, your very welcome Alex 🙂
I have always been drawn to the mystery of fog and mist. To me, it draws a person into the fog trying to find the mystery within. I lived in the S.F. Bay Area and I guess it is the old Humphry Bogart movies that sparked my Love of B/W fog and haze. The detail is much more positive and gritty because the if it were color, the event would be confusing. I really like your explanation of what photography is. TY
Fantastic video as always!
I will certainly look up more of Rui. Loved the photos you shared. And certainly will double check who the authors are behind the photos.
Minor hint in how to pronounce Rui's last name for English phonetic, it's more of "Pah - Lee - Ahhs" the lee+ahs being pronounced very fast almost as a single syllable because of the Portuguese "lha"
Thank you
I'm surprised to see an S at the end of his last name (and don't believe it is correct). I've followed him for years, and have always seen his name spelled Rui Palha.
Interesting video and thoughts. A little too much overthinking about photography and “style “. Being out there everyday, shooting, is really their passion and style.
I enjoyed the food metaphores, leading us through this video.
Thank you
This is a case where an inadvertent misattribution led you down the rabbit hole to reveal a fantastic photographer.
Thank you so much
@@RuiPalha1 one of the reasons I've been a long-time supporter of Alex's channel is that I learn about incredible photographers I have never heard of before such as yourself.
I think Travel to photograph other places is a lot more costly these days. Sure, one could stay close to home but that often leads to photographic boredom. What I liked about the talk and images today were that they did show a story and they were mostly very sharp images. Thank You Alex.
Good stuff, as always, Alex. The question of style is very interesting. I have many thoughts running through my head about it, but a comment section on TH-cam probably isn't the best place for posting long digressions. I'd say that having a distinct, recognizable style is important, but it's not centrally important. For example, in the realm of acting, there are some actors with extremely colorful, charismatic personalities. They are always convincing, but, to an extent, they take the same character (a version of themselves) and transfer him/her into the circumstances of each new role. Then there are actors without very distinct personalities, but they are like chameleons and are able to convincing take on widely disparate kinds of roles and completely disappear into that character. Which of the two is preferable? That depends on your taste. I think the same can be said for photographers and visual artists.
Same experience in diversity of work I had looking at Gabriel Baharla's work.
Interesting video as always. We all make misstakes and quite often our misstakes lead us to something unexpected and interesting. I first learned about Rui Palha when I watched a Leica commercial some years ago. He seemed, not only to be an excellent photographer, but also a very humble and symphatic person with a genuine interest in the people he photographed. I have followed him on instagram since then. I may be wrong but I think that Alan Schaller's photos seem to to be inspired by Rui Palha's in some degree.
Are books available for Rui Palha? I saw his website and googled him but I didn't see any. Another great video video!!!
Unfortunaly my only book is sold out since a few years ago. I keep a very small stock just for collectors @63MacGuy
Sorry
I like your videos, I always discover a new photographer every time I watch one. You should do a photographer review or showcase every week.
Thanks for watching
it is not the golden gate bridge, Alex🤓 Ponte de 25 Abril, Lisbon...
Thank you
Rui Palha (no S).
I’ve seen photos taken by his wife Martine Franck labeled as Bresson photos. I think her photos are better than his. Just that she was so under the shadow of her famous husband.
@carlosmcse Indeed Martine Franck was a great photographer and, in my humble opinion, she never needed to live in the shadow of her husband.
Anyway the styles are a bit different, in spite of being both great, because HCB always included people in his photographs and Martine doesn't.
This doesn't take off the real and great value of Martine as a Photographer, of course.
@@RuiPalha1 HCB has wonderful photos without people. He mostly but not always includes people. Sadly your name is not in the title of this TH-cam video.
Wow, thanks for this, I did not know Palha and I'm ashamed of that, as he is a truly extraordinary photographer.
Thank you so much Sylvain
You're very welcome
That bridge is 25 de Abril in Lisbon. It’s similar to the Golden Gate but the “x’s” on the pillars give it away.
Not the golden Bridge but the 25 de abril Bridge um Lisboa
Thank you
To me the matter of “style” is an afterthought. It is something that others try to detect after the fact when the artist have already moved on or left the planet entirely. As an artist I never think in terms of “style” for my own work. Style for me is bordering on the psychology of habit, repetition. That is something I’m actively trying to counteract in my own work. Having said that, I’m sure someone else would still be able to detect a red thread throughout my body of work, but my intention is always to go beyond what I have done before. For me, photography and art in general is an investigation into the world I experience. Not a process of “production” of tangible objects of veneration. They are mere traces of a line of inquiry that my mind was following at the moment. For this reason I do a whole array of different things such as painting, photography, woodblock printing, drawing, graphic design, meditation, forests walks, street walks, laying in the grass, walking the hills, talking to people, avoiding labour, etc. I call this “life” and it includes a potion of creative activity, as it happens. If I were to slap a “style”-sticker on that it would mean that my intentions are to live a life of lies rather than a life of curiosity. The only motto I try to follow is to try to “cut through mental habits and stay curious”. If that produces tangible objects as a consequence for others to see, that’s fine. If it doesn’t, that also fine. For me life is a process of learning, not producing.
Wunderful🎉
informative video.
Confession is good for the soul. I try to remember that hidden in mistakes or disappointments are gifts and opportunity. Your unintended blunder led to a discovery. All is well that ends well.
He appears to spell his name Palha not Palhas.
Thank you
Little correction: it is not the Golden Gate Bridge, the "Xs" could be the Bay Bridge in SF. But even that should be checked more closely... ;-)
Interesting topic! You could say the same about Vivian Maier's work. There is something that is like a distinctive style. I cannot find that in my own work. It seems I'm interested in so many things, large, small, fast, slow...no theme or thread. Sometimes I think that's OK, as I enjoy every shot.
I haven't consciously tried to have a consistent style as I find my interests shift with time and as my skills improve I tend to explore areas that are more accessible to me. So if my style right now resembles someone else's is entirely by accident and not design.
Hi Alex, love Rui's work, and funny the way you introduced him, but I found the title a little bit missleading. Just my 2 cents.
“The problem with quotes on the internet is that they are often wrong.” - Abraham Lincoln
Whoa, some of those pictures are so dark and unsettling haha, but I like them for some reason. I kinda feel some despair.
Since I'm fairly new to photography, I just walk wherever and whatever catches my interest or my eye, I try to make something cool out of it, it's fun. I just got a 50mm prime and I love it, it feels like me, always on the move. I took a picture of this old fella today in a cemetery cleaning veterans Graves, all by himself. It legit made me sad, so I got at a distance and took his picture because I don't wanna forget that.
That’s awesome
I do love die antwoord music, but the style puts me off. Even then, it is unique and well pulled. I didn't expect to see them here xD
The image quality already tells us that this photographer is more recent, using digital cameras such as Leica Q2 Monochrome and a Sony RX1. Leica + TX400 looks different.
I got some nice shots inspired by HCB of pigeons disturbed and flying through a window at me from a dilapidated stone windmill along a river. I don't do those things to copy but rather to learn and better tap in to the flo. Nobody can walk with me, they get frustrated stopping and watching me stare at gum wrappers (as I reflect on the personality that would thoughtlessly discard them and how best to capture the irreverence) or reflecting light or shadows in the ediface of an old building, or worms or... Today I was in Ottawa photographing signage, sounds boring but you never know what you will find, for example: one sign, hand drawn-crudely and in haste, which read "23 minutes in hell, youtube" I have not checked yet but I will (maybe you too), another series I came across advertised Circumcision clinics- for real! Edit: don't watch the video mentioned in signage 1, just don't!
3:39 That is not the Golden Gate Bridge.
Thank you, yes the bridge is in Lisbon. Thanks to all for this.
Is "everyone has a style, it only needs to be recognized" a bold statement?
Good video
Thanks
The second photo by Roger Ballen scares me. Not the twins, but the work with the creepy... Face looking... Things?? Are they very flat masks?? on the walls. I say no. No, sir. I can outrun you, Roger Ballen. Leave me alone and let me live!! *grabs set of twins and runs for our lives*
After watching a good video about Henri Cartier-Bresson, the You ube creators, like this one, has completely blown it. They have elevated Henri to a point near godhood. But, in reality, he is a normal photographer with an artistic eye. It's not education, it's not attending every workshop, it's not getting a degree in college, he is one of those humans with a beautifully wired brain for seeing art in the world. Many people do the exact same thing. Is he special? He is good, he worked for the industry that employed his skills. Of course he is good, otherwise he would be working in a store selling cameras.
When confronted with this godhood attitude by a person, being the best photographer, etc., he replied, Bullshit.
Artists are made at conception. Many people become great at things like electronics based on the DNA at conception.
Henri is fortunate to break into the world of photography and express to us his vision of the world. Why? Because he said he said it's easier that drawing.
TH-camrs create gods, unfortunately. It's extremely unfair to the artist. They, the artist, cannot live up to the hype heaped upon them.
Consider yourself as a photographer. Look at your images, hopefully many are made into prints, and you will see that you are every bit as good as Henri. It may be you are working in a completely different career, but as an 'amateur,' you are his every equal.
Definitely not the Golden Gate bridge in SF! :)
I believe you are right...I believe that's The 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon Portugal...😳
Great video again. I notice that you sometimes make an effort to point out that street photography is not your cup of tea, also showing little interest in photographers that are representative of this genre. Thats just fine as it is a matter of personal taste. What intrigues me is that you sometimes discuss work of photographers like Henri Cartier Bresson, which acutally contain a fair amount of candid/street and journalistic photographs, yet you don't seem to care or discuss whether a certain picture is candid or posed. I'm interested in your view on the relevance of candidness in photography. Does it lend a certain qualitiy to a picture that should be acknowledged or does it not matter if it is posed or not, as long as the resulting picture is good? Maybe you can make another video about this ;)
Did you find yourself seeing the photo as more legitimate believing it was by one particular famous photographer? I know this happens in art all the time. I'm an Antiques Roadshow nut and I can't tell you the number of times the monetary value and thus the legitimacy of a thing is drastically increased because of a name. In your case, the moment you found out it wasn't by the artist you believed, you didn't dismiss it out of hand. Instead, you rightfully dove into the experience of exploring yet another great artist who was new to you. I don't imagine that is the case for most people. They might even see the photo as a "knock off" of the more famous artist rather than appreciating it for what it is...a great photo.
And we’re at 179K followers!! 🥳
😃
My wife calls you the philosopher of photography. That may give you something to think about. LOL!
Awesome. ☺️
I think this is s bridge in Lisbon
3:40 ..UPSSSSSS (You did it again! :) )... you have to be a bit more careful...Golden gate bridge? Really? Please do be carefull because this bridge is one of the National monuments of PORTUGAL, which is nowhere near the US. It was called Salazar Bridge, in the name of the tyrant who ruled Portugal from the 1930's to 1974. Then on 1974 with the revolution it became the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril). It was inaugurated in the 1960's (So again nothing to do with the Golden gate Bridge). This bridge is as turistically important/well known to Portugal as the Eiffel tower is to France. And you dont go around saying that the Eiffel tower is Las Vegas New Mexico, right? (there is a mini-tower there, I assure you) as this might be seen as somewhat offensive...
What about this man. Richard Drew on photographing the "Falling Man" of 9/11
We really read far too much into photography and photographers , the arrogance and presumption that the subject is worthy of any debate is a lesson of going up our own a******s
It's a small, but annoying, point that I wish to make. Henri is not pronounced as the English Henry. It should sound almost like 'Onree' where the N has only a very small part to play. Photography is very much concerned with attention to detail, so I hope that you don't object to my bringing up this matter.
Thank you
I suspect you’ve never been to Lisbon (Portugal) if you say that’s the “golden gate bridge” - it’s not. DO YOUR RESEARCH 😅
@RuiPalha1 I can't believe you are still sorting this BS!! Its shocking how lazy journalism and research these organisations do. *sigh*
Hey Alex! Fascinating viewing as usual. But the images? Bear with me. So, I’m working on this “ then and now” project. The then is 1975. The now is now. I’m trying to reproduce a similar shot today as I did in 1975. Okay, I need to get out more, meet new friends, down the pub maybe, but it’s my thing for the time being. So, it’s 1975, there I am doing street stuff with my Leica 111a and summar 5cm lens ( don’t ask)! I go home develop the film and print. I’m looking at those prints now. They are as soft as hell, despite the use of Ilford’s grade 5 paper to boost the contrast. User error maybe, but the stuff I see on TH-cam from the likes of Cartier Bresson looks like it’s had a good going over in lightroom or it’s been taken on the likes of my M11 ( again don’t ask)! Just feels a bit false. Do you know what I mean?
to be frank they are generic 2023 street photographs,