1: 1:26 Observation, 2: 11:15 understanding light, 3: 16:50 Editing. Thanks for the video. Always great to revisit what might seem obvious but which is often forgotten - in my case form sure!
@@NikhilMace Be grateful that Nigel has taken the time to share his experience with you. Go find a shorter video if you have the attention span of a golden retreiver.
My wife is always asking “why aren’t you taking a photo” and I have to repeat your words, it looks great to our eyes but as a photo it just won’t work.
You might lose some shots though if you don´t try. Better to delete a hundred photos and maybe get that one keeper (if you ar not shooting film that is) 😊
@@MortAllachie True up to a point, and I sometimes take a photograph thinking it will work, only to find when I process it that it doesn't - and no amount of editing will make it work. However the point is to train your eye to recognize when an image will work and when it won't. When I used film, with only 36 frames available, I got used to making every frame count. It's a good discipline and one I try to continue since I changed to digital.
@@jimt249 I do the same but I often need to remind myself that I´m not restricted to 24 or 36 frames. But I´m no expert in any way, so for me it´s better to delete a few shots when it doesn´t work out. 😊
Maybe it's a little away from the topic, but as a non-native speaker of English, I really like your accent and how you pronounce. It's clear and in an appropriate speed, which makes it really easy to understand the contents. Thank you for your amazing videos!
I am new to serious photography. Seems like there is quite a spread of things you can do with digital photography, and it is all up to you. On the left, use the camera as a substitute for painting, gather and haul images into an image editor, then change and create whatever you like. On the right, become obsessed with image clarity and faithful reproduction. Keep taking pictures until you get one that works, tweak a little but reject the rest! And then everything inbetween :) Lots to think about, thank you for posting.
Do what makes you the happiest. You can dive into the technicalities and science if you want to but, as a novice, just go out and make pictures that give you joy. There are quite a few "rules" in photography which are worth knowing. You need to know what they are, so that you can judge for yourself which ones to bend or ignore and when.
I’ve heard your “detail” point also referred to as “micro-compositions” within a shot. Interesting way of thinking about it, for there is the main composition (the image itself), then small adjustments and placements within to nest elements, fix overlapping lines, etc.
6:25 Absolutely love that ferns shot! Couldn't agree more on the importance of light as well - I've spent hours camping out at a few popular spots just to wait for that perfect window where everything, shadows, highlights, temperature falls into place to get a great shot.
Magnificent presentation Nigel! You practice what you preach. During your videos, you don't give us just "how to" snapshots. You create paths to guide thinking and considering, encouraging creation. Tx so very much . Y
Nigel you are so right on the mark. Taking photographs is so much more than knowing how to use your camera. I find it quite interesting to hear other photographers talk about their approach to observing a particular scene; to find that view that sings to perhaps just you. Photography is a creative endeavor and so much more than just knowing how to use your gear. Thank you for sharing.
Great topic Nigel! This is the real essence of photography as an art. One tip a photography friend gave me I still use today is when you are looking at a stunning landscape you are going to take a picture of, turn around 180 degrees and see what you may be missing there as well.... I have done this multiple times and it is amazing what else may be there..... To your point about light, it is amazing how it changes just by turning around...
Observation sub-tips, make preparations to be as comfortable as possible, and prepare your equipment. For me, if I’m not dressed for the environment (my jacket is warm enough, but my hands are cold or feet are wet), and/or I have tasks to do (how does this new tripod lock, etc), it’s almost impossible to spend time observing uninterrupted.
Pebbles is constantly looking for the oerson you are talking to. Just starting to juggle. Going well so far, have only dropped my prime lens 47 times so far
Really appreciated the insight of this video. I've got to say... you go to places that SCREAM "Take a picture of ME". Places I'll never get close to. Half of the time I feel like Chevy Chase in "Vacation"... where he walks up , snaps a picture, then says "OK, 'gotta go". But, that is why I love your videos. I get to see great places that make me want to keep taking pictures.
Now addicted to these videos Nigel. Main takeaway - slow down! Difficult when fitting a hobby around family responsibilities, but ultimately it will bring more reward. Thanks for sharing - relaxing and inspiring (and Pebbles to boot!).
It's just what i need. I have some language barriers, do sometimes i feel not much information and in need of some practical shots that will show differences. In the beginning i fill, that i need some shots, and u show them, greate choice! Sometimes i bored with shootig on kit lens, and my only one long range lens. I feel like i need new lenses, and then realise that with my economic situation and my skill it's unnessesary. Thank you! I wish everyone got from this video as much as i.
Glad to see you enjoying the forest - it has been one of my go-to places during the restrictions in all weather conditions, it keeps on giving images. Another great video Nigel with many learning points for us all. The magic of light and how it paints the scenes for me is the core of my photography.
I love how your images have an overall "movement" given in the shapes. For instance, the mountain scene at 16:15 has the hills, mountains, and clouds all slanting up to the right. Beautiful!
I think the best way to do this is to find locations close to your home that are interesting to photograph and spend time studying the photos when you get home. Then go back and retake them. Keep doing this and you'll learn a lot.
Hands on the best tips that I've heard about photography skills. I realized I've actually been practising these skills unknowingly for years! I look at everything, even when I don't have a camera I think about composition, light and different perspectives of things around me. I struggle with editing the most to be honest.
As always it's a pleasure to watch your videos. There is so much wisdom without any unnecessary showing off, or beginning for likes or subscription. You are the best!
Thank you. Wonderful advice. I have watched many of your videos and I am always impressed by your photos, your way of interacting with viewers, and your advice.
these are truly wise words, I have noticed how my skill has improved over time just observing light and spending tons of time learning post-processing. Yet there is so much to learn. Thank you Nigel for reminding me of these skills again.
I'm always interested in deconstructing what makes a good photo good. The photos showcased around the 16:20 mark grab my attention and sustain my interest as the result of the incorporation of the following aesthetic elements: - interesting shapes; - the shapes repeating in a pattern of sorts - ambient/soulful colours; - the gritty textures
Nigel, this one of the most important videos to date: look, Slow down, observe, compose and edit the final result. Skills I will take with me going forward. I do not have a square space yet, but it will be forthcoming after following you for the last two years. Many thanks, Richard
About the observation topic... i'm pretty much amateur photographer - just a simple hobby, not as professional as some people. And the thing I learned is .. don't be scared to try something different. I mean don't just "copy/paste" others or what u've seen on the internet - try something else, something different. For example I'm walking somewhere in the mountains, I see a spot where a lot of people are taking pictures - instead of get next to them & start doing the same thing, try different angle, spot. I mean.. i've seen a lot of photos of some places that are pretty much same .. 1:1. Just experiment, try something else from time to time.
Your fine videos have turn my attention to cinematography to discover and create more meaningful landscapes. I thank you so much for your directional tips each week to discover more. I'm always discovering "the rest of the story" with cinema that got its beginnings as a still life landscape. Thanks Nigel - love the light.
I thought I would re-watch this video. Last year I went down to the shop and bought some apples ( Thanks Nigel ) and continued on my way to my location. Great advice.
I love this video!! It covers more principles as opposed to gear/settings etc, and I've been looking for more of this on TH-cam. Keep up the amazing work!
After having watched so many videos on technique, camera settings and all other important things, which are need to make a technically good image, it's great to see videos about the less technical skills. I think one doesn't go without the other, but not enough videos teach about the skills you are talking about in this video. Thanks!
A good video, Nigel. That's the main reason I enjoy photographing landscapes with a tripod - it let's me slow down, check all the details. And I use a 3-way head on the tripod, leaving my ball head for wildlife shots. I can pan through each axis, checking for the best composition.
I enjoyed your work and particularly in light and getting the best shot possible before editing. I believe that doing most of your work in the field; taking time to observe the surroundings to take time with your photos. I'm impressed with your work. Thank you and keep inspiring us!
Excellent video. You make the invisible, visible. Really liked your video walk through of the scene to show the different qualities of the light and its impact. A few more of these videos would be very helpful. For some reason It is easier to observe the difference in the walk through than just looking at a photograph and talking about the light. Thank you.
Life experience also gives you intuition that can give insights into composition. I find that emotionally aware persons tend to find more emotion, just as mechanical persons find more mechanical vision. Learn the rules and understand them... Then throw them out when your vision sees a different story.
I've missed being at one of my favorite playgrounds here on the channel. I don't think I've been around this side of the tube in many many months. So I was subtle reminded yet again I need to drop by Nigel and see what's up via Notification. Wave's at Nigel. I'm sorry I haven't visited in a long while! For me, the most important Photography skill of all times and in the last yet is simply to take my camera and use it. Nothing else matters if you don't use it!
What you are talking about is simply “visual learning” and training of perceptual skills. It’s at the base of many profession but visual arts have the purest form.
thanks for the video. I like how you show you first shot then talk thru subsequent shots. Also like how you analyzed the different lighting at the stream. Nice dog.
How you get a thumb down is beyond me. You hit the nail on the head with the 3. I was a painter and now a enthusiast photographer. Cezanne was a master of light if you can get around the style.
Again your timing is impeccable. I needed to hear the tip about observation (as well as the other ones). Thank you. Also great to see Pebbles enjoying the mud.
Excellent video, ND. I have to note that HALF of the video is about observation, and I have to say I agree with the emphasis. (Not that I'm ignoring your point about editing being half the process.) Observation has always been the hardest thing for me, and it's always been the thing I work on the most. "Be purposeful" is great advice! And not just for photography. Thank you.
I don't think that we develop a style but the style we choose is an extension of our personality, or place we are in our life. If you are level, middle of the road kind of person that thinks the glass is half full you will try to portray the world in a kinder, loving way. I see this evidenced in your final edit. Bright, inviting, open kind of edit, the way you want the world to be. But if you had just been through a loss you may have gone darker, a more moody kind of edit. I feel art is one of those places where we do our best if we press our emotions into our art. Infuse your being into the image sort of speak. That way you get a truer, fuller, outcome.
I’m a little envious of the amount of time you allot for observation, framing your shot, and waiting for the light. I’d like to do the same thing, but I’m often hiking or traveling with other people and am not sure how I could do that. Maybe I can schedule some half day outings by myself, but dang! That’s just not in line with my lifestyle. Do you ever have to navigate photography and a faster pace with others?
Very insightful video. When I first became serious about my photography, I began seeing light and form everywhere. It was like jazz playing in my head. Getting better at editing is a real challenge now so thanks for the recommendations.
Train the brain to learn to see, yes. And yes, post processing in digital is even more important than in the days of Ansel Adams. About the images, Nigel, as you have your remarks about them, here are mine. 15:18 - the rock in the foreground dominates the scene too much and takes away from the drama of the landscape. 15:40 - that would be the obvious shot in my thinking. I like it and might have, when there, tried a step higher to get a tad more distance between the top of the tree in the foreground and the forest reflection in the water. 16:01 - I feel the foreground dominates the shot and it looks better when you crop it to exactly square. 16:15 - poetic beauty. Wow. The most painterly of the four.
This video matched the moment perfectly. Early Sunday, a calm morning. It was very pleasant to take Pebbles for a walk. I could even smell the place. Thank you Nigel, have a great week.
fully agree: the first few times I leave the camera at home. Ansel Adams did that a century ago. But I am a lucky bastard :) I learned photography with a 4*5 inch field camera and all the patience necessary: a typical trip resulted in t few photos, maybe one or two only. The opposite of spray and prey with 30 photos per second.
Nigel - Fantastic video - You were able to take complex issues and boil then down to simple instruction. What i believe people will discover is that following these simple categories out will lead to compelling images that have a measure of complexity.
Excellent video. I agree with your points. To train observation one do not need to start with a vista when one are not an experienced photographer. Just go to a seemingly boring place in the woods, by the sea/a lake or in a city and force yourself to stay there and observe and play with how you can create interesting images from this boring place. I still do this as it can also be a zen moment. There is however one thing that I think is important and that is to review your own work. Why do I like this photo? How could it be even better? Why is this does not feeling right? Redo the photo and try to learn from that. Learn about lines/shapes/balance and negative space. Always try to break the rules to see why they are "rules". As to editing, that is a double edged sword. I see so many over-edited photos, that are just off-putting. So, yes you should edit, but don't put everything at 11. Interestingly after doing film grading I notice that I got a new aspect on contrast and saturation. So as you said try to only enhance the photo, not fix it with the edit.
Thanks for the episode Nigel. Editing being 50% of the creative process is so true. My photos and editing have been slowly improving over time. Your channel is a great source of information and inspiration.
The stuff about Observation is just spot on. I am a beginner (about two years since I first picked up a camera) and think landscape photography is among the most difficult areas in photography. I really have zero skill with observation and everything I attempt just look like boring snapshots. I am too impatient and want immediate results. So for now I am going with macro, and trying to master the skill of catching bugs before they run away. At least I won't have to stand still and ponder a single photography for half an hour... But I will practice observation and who knows, one day I might figure out how to 'see' an image in an otherwise uninteresting landscape. (also... who ended up having to wash the dog when you got home? ^_^' )
Excellent video and presentation of core skills in photography, that even as an experienced photographers, need to be part of our conscious thought processes and guard against them subconscious to prevent complacency. I really enjoyed it. I imagine a lot of work went into the planning, shooting and editing of the video, thanks for doing it.
These are three great tips which you do not really appreciate them until some like you highlights them. They are something I will practice and develop during my next outing. Thanks for the video Nigel and clear explanation of the three skills.
Yes I do like your editing style. You pictures are enhanced but without looking artificial. So many landscape photographers go too far. Great pictures. Thank you for your videos. You are a smart guy.
Extremely helpful video. At is core, photography is more about the power of observation than the application of technology. I really appreciate you going in to a scene and pointing out the various areas of contrast and how you might adjust those elements. Thanks!
Thank you! Such simple, but important advice about patience and taking time that I had never thought about before. I am usually impatient, but see now that taking a good photo takes work! I love your photos!
composition and careful attention to what line is most important to be straight helps to have the right lens and be willing to use a tripod if needed. too much post production is to be avoided
All really good advice Nigel. I know I don't 'observe' as much as I should - too impatient. The bit about not trying to copy a style of editing just letting it evolve struck a cord with me. I have tried to edit some shots to match your style as I really like that look but don't often pull it off unfortunately. Still only 2.5years into my serious hobbyist phase so hopefully still time to improve!
The video where you lost the apple was actually the first one which I watched from your channel. And it was exactly the scene when you lost your apple when I though: this guy is probably worth following - and I'm so glad I did. :D
Great tips to think about Nigel. Most importantly, always take extra care when handling your apples on a hilltop. Thanks for sharing again Nigel. Stay safe 😷🇦🇺
1: 1:26 Observation, 2: 11:15 understanding light, 3: 16:50 Editing. Thanks for the video. Always great to revisit what might seem obvious but which is often forgotten - in my case form sure!
Making too long video on topics which can be covered in short videos ... Wastage of time .... Making viewers fool
@@NikhilMace 15 minutes. It took you longer to comment!
@@NikhilMace Be grateful that Nigel has taken the time to share his experience with you. Go find a shorter video if you have the attention span of a golden retreiver.
thx
The hero we need
My wife is always asking “why aren’t you taking a photo” and I have to repeat your words, it looks great to our eyes but as a photo it just won’t work.
Very familiar! :D
You might lose some shots though if you don´t try. Better to delete a hundred photos and maybe get that one keeper (if you ar not shooting film that is) 😊
@@MortAllachie True up to a point, and I sometimes take a photograph thinking it will work, only to find when I process it that it doesn't - and no amount of editing will make it work. However the point is to train your eye to recognize when an image will work and when it won't. When I used film, with only 36 frames available, I got used to making every frame count. It's a good discipline and one I try to continue since I changed to digital.
@@jimt249 I do the same but I often need to remind myself that I´m not restricted to 24 or 36 frames. But I´m no expert in any way, so for me it´s better to delete a few shots when it doesn´t work out. 😊
"That looks really cool...Can't make it look good in a photo though..." is something I say at least 10 times every time I go out... haha
Maybe it's a little away from the topic, but as a non-native speaker of English, I really like your accent and how you pronounce. It's clear and in an appropriate speed, which makes it really easy to understand the contents. Thank you for your amazing videos!
I am new to serious photography. Seems like there is quite a spread of things you can do with digital photography, and it is all up to you. On the left, use the camera as a substitute for painting, gather and haul images into an image editor, then change and create whatever you like. On the right, become obsessed with image clarity and faithful reproduction. Keep taking pictures until you get one that works, tweak a little but reject the rest! And then everything inbetween :) Lots to think about, thank you for posting.
Do what makes you the happiest. You can dive into the technicalities and science if you want to but, as a novice, just go out and make pictures that give you joy. There are quite a few "rules" in photography which are worth knowing. You need to know what they are, so that you can judge for yourself which ones to bend or ignore and when.
An apple rolls down a hill: lose inspiration. An apple lands on your head: gain inspiration 🙂
how high are you?
I liked that one, that made me laugh!
😂😂
if apple lands on my head, I shall just eat it. nothing inspiration about the apple?
@@lawcch It was a reference to Isaac Newton.
I like how in these videos you start off with a white dog that has some brown patches and end up with an almost totally brown dog. Very clever.
I used to have a yellow Labrador that would turn into a chocolate Labrador...
I’ve heard your “detail” point also referred to as “micro-compositions” within a shot. Interesting way of thinking about it, for there is the main composition (the image itself), then small adjustments and placements within to nest elements, fix overlapping lines, etc.
6:25 Absolutely love that ferns shot! Couldn't agree more on the importance of light as well - I've spent hours camping out at a few popular spots just to wait for that perfect window where everything, shadows, highlights, temperature falls into place to get a great shot.
Magnificent presentation Nigel! You practice what you preach. During your videos, you don't give us just "how to" snapshots. You create paths to guide thinking and considering, encouraging creation. Tx so very much .
Y
Nigel you are so right on the mark. Taking photographs is so much more than knowing how to use your camera. I find it quite interesting to hear other photographers talk about their approach to observing a particular scene; to find that view that sings to perhaps just you. Photography is a creative endeavor and so much more than just knowing how to use your gear. Thank you for sharing.
Great topic Nigel! This is the real essence of photography as an art. One tip a photography friend gave me I still use today is when you are looking at a stunning landscape you are going to take a picture of, turn around 180 degrees and see what you may be missing there as well.... I have done this multiple times and it is amazing what else may be there..... To your point about light, it is amazing how it changes just by turning around...
Observation sub-tips, make preparations to be as comfortable as possible, and prepare your equipment. For me, if I’m not dressed for the environment (my jacket is warm enough, but my hands are cold or feet are wet), and/or I have tasks to do (how does this new tripod lock, etc), it’s almost impossible to spend time observing uninterrupted.
Dude. The apple part. Brilliant.
Pebbles is constantly looking for the oerson you are talking to.
Just starting to juggle. Going well so far, have only dropped my prime lens 47 times so far
I really appreciate your passion for images, the realities of creating them, and for teaching others. Humbling.
Really appreciated the insight of this video. I've got to say... you go to places that SCREAM "Take a picture of ME". Places I'll never get close to. Half of the time I feel like Chevy Chase in "Vacation"... where he walks up , snaps a picture, then says "OK, 'gotta go". But, that is why I love your videos. I get to see great places that make me want to keep taking pictures.
Now addicted to these videos Nigel. Main takeaway - slow down! Difficult when fitting a hobby around family responsibilities, but ultimately it will bring more reward. Thanks for sharing - relaxing and inspiring (and Pebbles to boot!).
It's just what i need. I have some language barriers, do sometimes i feel not much information and in need of some practical shots that will show differences. In the beginning i fill, that i need some shots, and u show them, greate choice!
Sometimes i bored with shootig on kit lens, and my only one long range lens. I feel like i need new lenses, and then realise that with my economic situation and my skill it's unnessesary. Thank you! I wish everyone got from this video as much as i.
Nigel, you're such a good teacher. Always a pleasure to watch your relaxing vlogs.
Glad to see you enjoying the forest - it has been one of my go-to places during the restrictions in all weather conditions, it keeps on giving images. Another great video Nigel with many learning points for us all. The magic of light and how it paints the scenes for me is the core of my photography.
I love how your images have an overall "movement" given in the shapes. For instance, the mountain scene at 16:15 has the hills, mountains, and clouds all slanting up to the right. Beautiful!
1:20 Observation
11:07 Understanding light
16:45 Editing
I think the best way to do this is to find locations close to your home that are interesting to photograph and spend time studying the photos when you get home. Then go back and retake them. Keep doing this and you'll learn a lot.
Hands on the best tips that I've heard about photography skills. I realized I've actually been practising these skills unknowingly for years! I look at everything, even when I don't have a camera I think about composition, light and different perspectives of things around me. I struggle with editing the most to be honest.
omg - even the forest setting in your intro looks amazing, as if you are walking through a painting! love learning from you!
As always it's a pleasure to watch your videos. There is so much wisdom without any unnecessary showing off, or beginning for likes or subscription. You are the best!
Great, I suck at these 3 skills. That means I have room to practice and improve!
Thank you. Wonderful advice. I have watched many of your videos and I am always impressed by your photos, your way of interacting with viewers, and your advice.
Observation and good editing skills, the fundamentals of photography, you are so absolutely right Nigel. Thanks for sharing!!
these are truly wise words, I have noticed how my skill has improved over time just observing light and spending tons of time learning post-processing. Yet there is so much to learn. Thank you Nigel for reminding me of these skills again.
Pebbles adds a unique flavour to your videos, Nigel. What I REALLY WATCH are her antics !!
I'm always interested in deconstructing what makes a good photo good. The photos showcased around the 16:20 mark grab my attention and sustain my interest as the result of the incorporation of the following aesthetic elements:
- interesting shapes;
- the shapes repeating in a pattern of sorts
- ambient/soulful colours;
- the gritty textures
Thanks for sharing! Comparison photos help cement the concepts.
Nigel, this one of the most important videos to date: look, Slow down, observe, compose and edit the final result. Skills I will take with me going forward. I do not have a square space yet, but it will be forthcoming after following you for the last two years. Many thanks, Richard
About the observation topic... i'm pretty much amateur photographer - just a simple hobby, not as professional as some people. And the thing I learned is .. don't be scared to try something different. I mean don't just "copy/paste" others or what u've seen on the internet - try something else, something different. For example I'm walking somewhere in the mountains, I see a spot where a lot of people are taking pictures - instead of get next to them & start doing the same thing, try different angle, spot. I mean.. i've seen a lot of photos of some places that are pretty much same .. 1:1. Just experiment, try something else from time to time.
Excellent content Nigel. What a Sunday morning delight watching your videos has become. Thank you.
Classic Danson video tutorial - thoughtful and very useful for photographers of all abilities - many thanks!
Your fine videos have turn my attention to cinematography to discover and create more meaningful landscapes. I thank you so much for your directional tips each week to discover more. I'm always discovering "the rest of the story" with cinema that got its beginnings as a still life landscape. Thanks Nigel - love the light.
Love that you do stuff with your dog as you do stuff benefits of photography freedom to bring your dog to work 🐶😁
I thought I would re-watch this video. Last year I went down to the shop and bought some apples ( Thanks Nigel ) and continued on my way to my location. Great advice.
Simple advice but all so easily forgotten in the field. Practice, practice, practice.... Thank you for an awesome reminder!
I love this video!! It covers more principles as opposed to gear/settings etc, and I've been looking for more of this on TH-cam. Keep up the amazing work!
Textbook example of scene stealing with Pepples at 11:45! Had to rewatch to hear what you were saying!
Thank you! I'm a beginner with an iPhone and you explain things so well. Blessing.
After having watched so many videos on technique, camera settings and all other important things, which are need to make a technically good image, it's great to see videos about the less technical skills. I think one doesn't go without the other, but not enough videos teach about the skills you are talking about in this video. Thanks!
A good video, Nigel.
That's the main reason I enjoy photographing landscapes with a tripod - it let's me slow down, check all the details. And I use a 3-way head on the tripod, leaving my ball head for wildlife shots. I can pan through each axis, checking for the best composition.
I enjoyed your work and particularly in light and getting the best shot possible before editing. I believe that doing most of your work in the field; taking time to observe the surroundings to take time with your photos. I'm impressed with your work. Thank you and keep inspiring us!
Thanks a lot for the shout-out, Nigel! ;)
Love these simple tips videos, which is not just the usual stuff :)
Excellent video. You make the invisible, visible. Really liked your video walk through of the scene to show the different qualities of the light and its impact. A few more of these videos would be very helpful. For some reason It is easier to observe the difference in the walk through than just looking at a photograph and talking about the light. Thank you.
Life experience also gives you intuition that can give insights into composition. I find that emotionally aware persons tend to find more emotion, just as mechanical persons find more mechanical vision. Learn the rules and understand them... Then throw them out when your vision sees a different story.
I've missed being at one of my favorite playgrounds here on the channel. I don't think I've been around this side of the tube in many many months. So I was subtle reminded yet again I need to drop by Nigel and see what's up via Notification. Wave's at Nigel. I'm sorry I haven't visited in a long while! For me, the most important Photography skill of all times and in the last yet is simply to take my camera and use it. Nothing else matters if you don't use it!
What you are talking about is simply “visual learning” and training of perceptual skills. It’s at the base of many profession but visual arts have the purest form.
Thanks!
No problem! thanks to you!!!
Profound and comprehensive teaching for beginner like me with outstanding samples
So ... juggling was just a way to gain confidence is the task of apple management?
Thanks so much for that. I find that I now notice more since I started looking more whilst learning to draw.
Even the sites in the woods you stopped to talk at in the woods were nice compositions. I appreciate your attention to detail.
The first skill you mentioned is something I've wracked my brain over. So glad to see suggestions here!
thanks for the video. I like how you show you first shot then talk thru subsequent shots. Also like how you analyzed the different lighting at the stream. Nice dog.
I absolutely adore your style!! I'm brand new to photography and just bought my first camera. Can't wait to get out there and start shooting!
How you get a thumb down is beyond me. You hit the nail on the head with the 3. I was a painter and now a enthusiast photographer. Cezanne was a master of light if you can get around the style.
Again your timing is impeccable. I needed to hear the tip about observation (as well as the other ones). Thank you. Also great to see Pebbles enjoying the mud.
Thanks - I certainly jump in and start taking photos too soon. Next time I will have a sit and look. Thanks for. the tip
Excellent video, ND. I have to note that HALF of the video is about observation, and I have to say I agree with the emphasis. (Not that I'm ignoring your point about editing being half the process.) Observation has always been the hardest thing for me, and it's always been the thing I work on the most. "Be purposeful" is great advice! And not just for photography. Thank you.
I don't think that we develop a style but the style we choose is an extension of our personality, or place we are in our life. If you are level, middle of the road kind of person that thinks the glass is half full you will try to portray the world in a kinder, loving way. I see this evidenced in your final edit. Bright, inviting, open kind of edit, the way you want the world to be. But if you had just been through a loss you may have gone darker, a more moody kind of edit. I feel art is one of those places where we do our best if we press our emotions into our art. Infuse your being into the image sort of speak. That way you get a truer, fuller, outcome.
I’m a little envious of the amount of time you allot for observation, framing your shot, and waiting for the light. I’d like to do the same thing, but I’m often hiking or traveling with other people and am not sure how I could do that. Maybe I can schedule some half day outings by myself, but dang! That’s just not in line with my lifestyle. Do you ever have to navigate photography and a faster pace with others?
Perfect Sunday morning w/cup of coffee video. Big fan of your videos Nigel. Regards from Croatia
LOVE LOVE your content! So well done and very professional. Thank you and keep bringing us this fantastic content.
Very insightful video. When I first became serious about my photography, I began seeing light and form everywhere. It was like jazz playing in my head. Getting better at editing is a real challenge now so thanks for the recommendations.
Train the brain to learn to see, yes. And yes, post processing in digital is even more important than in the days of Ansel Adams.
About the images, Nigel, as you have your remarks about them, here are mine.
15:18 - the rock in the foreground dominates the scene too much and takes away from the drama of the landscape.
15:40 - that would be the obvious shot in my thinking. I like it and might have, when there, tried a step higher to get a tad more distance between the top of the tree in the foreground and the forest reflection in the water.
16:01 - I feel the foreground dominates the shot and it looks better when you crop it to exactly square.
16:15 - poetic beauty. Wow. The most painterly of the four.
This video matched the moment perfectly. Early Sunday, a calm morning. It was very pleasant to take Pebbles for a walk. I could even smell the place. Thank you Nigel, have a great week.
Great advice and a really well put together presentation Nigel!
I am an amateur photographer from Canada, your advice is great thank you for taking the time making this video.
I really love the photo with all the triangles!
creative mind, framing and use of light.
Brilliant quality reflection on what's important. Thank you Nigel.
fully agree: the first few times I leave the camera at home. Ansel Adams did that a century ago. But I am a lucky bastard :) I learned photography with a 4*5 inch field camera and all the patience necessary: a typical trip resulted in t few photos, maybe one or two only. The opposite of spray and prey with 30 photos per second.
Thanks Nigel for the inspiration. The photography is stunning.
Nigel - Fantastic video - You were able to take complex issues and boil then down to simple instruction. What i believe people will discover is that following these simple categories out will lead to compelling images that have a measure of complexity.
Excellent video. I agree with your points. To train observation one do not need to start with a vista when one are not an experienced photographer. Just go to a seemingly boring place in the woods, by the sea/a lake or in a city and force yourself to stay there and observe and play with how you can create interesting images from this boring place. I still do this as it can also be a zen moment. There is however one thing that I think is important and that is to review your own work. Why do I like this photo? How could it be even better? Why is this does not feeling right? Redo the photo and try to learn from that. Learn about lines/shapes/balance and negative space. Always try to break the rules to see why they are "rules". As to editing, that is a double edged sword. I see so many over-edited photos, that are just off-putting. So, yes you should edit, but don't put everything at 11. Interestingly after doing film grading I notice that I got a new aspect on contrast and saturation. So as you said try to only enhance the photo, not fix it with the edit.
Thanks for the episode Nigel. Editing being 50% of the creative process is so true. My photos and editing have been slowly improving over time. Your channel is a great source of information and inspiration.
Top photographer vlogger on TH-cam, very informative and excellent videographer along with your tuition videos. Thank you!
Thanks Paul
Good work Nigel, Helped me a LOT.
The stuff about Observation is just spot on. I am a beginner (about two years since I first picked up a camera) and think landscape photography is among the most difficult areas in photography. I really have zero skill with observation and everything I attempt just look like boring snapshots. I am too impatient and want immediate results. So for now I am going with macro, and trying to master the skill of catching bugs before they run away. At least I won't have to stand still and ponder a single photography for half an hour... But I will practice observation and who knows, one day I might figure out how to 'see' an image in an otherwise uninteresting landscape. (also... who ended up having to wash the dog when you got home? ^_^' )
Excellent video and presentation of core skills in photography, that even as an experienced photographers, need to be part of our conscious thought processes and guard against them subconscious to prevent complacency. I really enjoyed it. I imagine a lot of work went into the planning, shooting and editing of the video, thanks for doing it.
These are three great tips which you do not really appreciate them until some like you highlights them. They are something I will practice and develop during my next outing. Thanks for the video Nigel and clear explanation of the three skills.
Love that Giants cap!
Yes I do like your editing style. You pictures are enhanced but without looking artificial. So many landscape photographers go too far. Great pictures. Thank you for your videos. You are a smart guy.
Really insightful learning Nigel! I have learned so much from these and your Masters photography course- I am incredibly grateful.
Extremely helpful video. At is core, photography is more about the power of observation than the application of technology. I really appreciate you going in to a scene and pointing out the various areas of contrast and how you might adjust those elements. Thanks!
Thank you for the tips,they are much appreciated Nigel!
Thank you! Such simple, but important advice about patience and taking time that I had never thought about before. I am usually impatient, but see now that taking a good photo takes work! I love your photos!
composition and careful attention to what line is most important to be straight helps to have the right lens and be willing to use a tripod if needed. too much post production is to be avoided
All really good advice Nigel. I know I don't 'observe' as much as I should - too impatient. The bit about not trying to copy a style of editing just letting it evolve struck a cord with me. I have tried to edit some shots to match your style as I really like that look but don't often pull it off unfortunately. Still only 2.5years into my serious hobbyist phase so hopefully still time to improve!
You're my favorite Photographer. Thank god for ur existence xd
What a ''simple'' but really helpful video. Many thanks. Powerful ideas and tools.
Thank you for this WONDERFUL tutorial. I LOVED it! (And I love your dog. 💕)
The video where you lost the apple was actually the first one which I watched from your channel. And it was exactly the scene when you lost your apple when I though: this guy is probably worth following - and I'm so glad I did. :D
5:00 - Just Wow! That is beautiful.
Great tips to think about Nigel.
Most importantly, always take extra care when handling your apples on a hilltop.
Thanks for sharing again Nigel.
Stay safe 😷🇦🇺