I liken going out with the camera to fishing. You go out with expectation of a good catch but if you don't catch, anything, nothing is lost as it's still great to be out in a beautiful environment
I really enjoy the way you discuss photography and don't shy away from admitting that your shots don't always turn out. That said your capture at 7:30 was outstanding, making the most of the light through those clouds shows why you are on top of your game. New to your channel but so far enjoying your videos and relaxed style, and whilst not primarily a landscape shooter I am hoping that I can put some of your tips to good use.
As I’ve gotten older and ( hopefully) wiser, I’ve realised time is the most important thing for photography. If you put the hours in, you’ll get the results. Sure gear helps, but knowledge trumps gear every time.
Ian, I started at 14 mate with a 110 camera, now some 56 years later after teaching photography for a while, I would have to admit that I am still learning and am sure there is still plenty to learn.
im a bit of a poor collector lol ive a nikon 7200 ,canon 7d and olympus em1 mk 1 im on disability benefits and like to try diff cam gear , will never afford a hig grade cam but enjoy shooting with what i have and wgen i can , love yor videos they have an almost calmimg nature to them and easy to understand , loved the seals , the wee whitw one rolling about is how i feel in the mormings lol trying to get up out bed hahah
Gear will not improve your skills but it certainly can enhance the joy of using your camera and it can improve the quality of your images, then again as a hobbyist on budget you may be better off with an allround kit. That is why i don’t change gear. Great video, keep on fighting the performance anxiety to all photographers out there.
I've not had any time to watch your videos lately, but I can always guarantee that you hit the nail on the head with me everytime...making time for this hobby is paramount, I gotta try to do that... Thanks for the kick lol
Couldn’t agree more Ian. I feel my photography has improved a lot in the last 15 years since I did a BA in Photomedia as a mature student. That sparked the interest in Landscape Photography - I still use a Fuji xt2 which I have had for about 7 years, I cannot justify spending thousands of pounds on a new system for little or no improvement. Knowing my camera, improving composition skills and post processing skills are far more important to me. Thanks for another interesting vlog @raysimpsonphoto
I would have to agree with your comments, I shoot a lot of motorsport and went through what I call unlearning what I knew to re-learn, this meant better understanding of the gear I had and saw a imporvement in my images, then when I brought a new to me highly quaility lens I saw a much bigger improvement that I have had just brought a "better" lens. I think we all need to go through this unlearning phase to get better. As always a great thought provoking video
Nice vlog - appreciate your realistic, down-to-earth perspective rather than polished and presenting everything as fantastic. The learning curve is weird. I found it very intense at first, lots of progress made, but then a certain rut/inertia kicks in, almost a laziness and a disinclination to experiment. The idea of focussing on one thing for a month is interesting as many of us tend to be distracted by seasonal offerings.
Excellent video and the points are dead-on. Lately I've been binging a few of Alex Kilbee's YT videos and he's been stressing how "the photographer" comes from within, not from without. Great minds and all that, eh? 🙂
I agree with you, Ian that mine probably was about three or four years ago where my landscape photography became recognised in the place I live in and even statewide where I live, but it just didn't progress from their images didn't sell, even though they were high-quality which I think is another story as I think landscape photography has hit a bit of a plateau and what I do think is, people aren't putting images on the walls as much as I used to and that's okay. I'm cool with that I'm very much in the space of recognising that. But I do agree that it's good to try something different and while I don't change gear very often, I did change from Nikon to Fuji film about a year ago and that certainly has change the look of my work. It just is different with what I'm getting out of the camera and I'm not saying it's a better camera. In fact, you could easily argue to D8 50 is a better camera than the XT5, but for some reason, this helped me go in a different direction. I also bought a drone and that has been fun to use and get a different perspective. I've also been stopping and taking macro shots and just doing other things to improve my Photography even doing some portrait work for friends. You need to push yourself out of your comfort zone to get better. You can find a niche if you like, and this is the comfortable space but it won't make you better because you probably mastered that as far as you can go to. Within reason, you can always get better but yeah it is difficult. My direction is now actually focused on teaching other people Photography I'm going into that at the moment and I'm preaching high schools and youth groups and I'm really enjoying that aspect as well as there is not a lot of money in landscape photography in Australia. So it's always looking for different things in different ways of challenging ourselves. And I wanted to clarify, I didn't change cameras because I felt like I needed an upgrade. I just felt like I needed something different in my hands to take my photography in a different direction, and the Fujifilm is even got me doing Street Photography a little bit of portrait, and some other work that I would've never of take a number for I've even doubled in some videography wo. I just think expanding your skill sets give you more opportunity to become better as an overall package
great tips Ian, no matter how many years ( decades) I end up walking around with a camera of some form in hand, going back to the basics, and re-honing basic skills is still a lot of fun, and huge value, keep making magic happen mate.. thanks for the consistent production of great vlogs.. always enjoy your work and your narrative and journey.. (regards from Dubrovnik while I'm travelling), -Dez ( from Sydney )
Excellent video Ian - you are absolutely right - there is never enough time :) As for gear, the biggest change for me was moving to Fuji APSC. It's lighter and, as a result, I have it with me more often. So more time with the camera. This video made me laugh though - Like your case, I am always surprised when I get to a stunning location and end up not being inspired and coming away with nothing. I hold the view that I must have missed something. I just didn't see it.
Hi, I'm new here. Your channel is excellent. I always associated landscape photography with wide open vistas.. but your crops look fantastic. I'll be binge watching at work tonight , occupying my 12-hour night shift. 😊
Cool video. As I just do candid, pleasant street photos, the main thing that holds me back is just not wanting to be too intrusive. Sometimes I see someone with a special look, but fail to catch them in a photo etc. But it gets better all the time :) I remember reading a book called "How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way" as a kid and a lot of ideas in that translate well to street photos. Such as using creative eye levels, juxtapositions, layers, movement/intention, contrasting light/dark and putting yourself into the action. As a 'sense check' before taking a photo, I try to imagine if it has the nice feel of a simple, clear sketch - like a frame from a movie storyboard or comic.
Totally agree about camera equipment, I've a D750 but am thinking of swapping to a Z50 as I figure a lighter set up will make it easier. Love your Videos Mr W, always thought provoking.
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I liken going out with the camera to fishing. You go out with expectation of a good catch but if you don't catch, anything, nothing is lost as it's still great to be out in a beautiful environment
Right on Steve, 👍
Excellent thoughts! Great images! Thanks for taking me along!
I really appreciate that you still share the photos you weren't happy with
I really enjoy the way you discuss photography and don't shy away from admitting that your shots don't always turn out. That said your capture at 7:30 was outstanding, making the most of the light through those clouds shows why you are on top of your game. New to your channel but so far enjoying your videos and relaxed style, and whilst not primarily a landscape shooter I am hoping that I can put some of your tips to good use.
Agree with all the positive comments but also like to add, such a good guy for _not_ disturbing the wildlife.
Cheers buddy 👍👍
As I’ve gotten older and ( hopefully) wiser, I’ve realised time is the most important thing for photography. If you put the hours in, you’ll get the results. Sure gear helps, but knowledge trumps gear every time.
Very valid points Ian. Thanks for a great video
Ian, I started at 14 mate with a 110 camera, now some 56 years later after teaching photography for a while, I would have to admit that I am still learning and am sure there is still plenty to learn.
Thank you. All great wisdom and common sense, and most of all very helpful.
I agree with you 100% New gear doesn't help until you get know it. Knowing how and when to make that image is key. Thanks again
My pleasure! 👍
im a bit of a poor collector lol ive a nikon 7200 ,canon 7d and olympus em1 mk 1 im on disability benefits and like to try diff cam gear , will never afford a hig grade cam but enjoy shooting with what i have and wgen i can , love yor videos they have an almost calmimg nature to them and easy to understand , loved the seals , the wee whitw one rolling about is how i feel in the mormings lol trying to get up out bed hahah
Gear will not improve your skills but it certainly can enhance the joy of using your camera and it can improve the quality of your images, then again as a hobbyist on budget you may be better off with an allround kit. That is why i don’t change gear. Great video, keep on fighting the performance anxiety to all photographers out there.
I've not had any time to watch your videos lately, but I can always guarantee that you hit the nail on the head with me everytime...making time for this hobby is paramount, I gotta try to do that... Thanks for the kick lol
Thank you for the great tips. This was a really good informative video. I really enjoyed it.
Excellent vlog really enjoyed it thanks
As a Pembrokeshire photographer myself always enjoy your content, thanks for taking the time to upload content
Thanks Justin, always nice to hear from a local photographer 👍👏
Couldn’t agree more Ian. I feel my photography has improved a lot in the last 15 years since I did a BA in Photomedia as a mature student. That sparked the interest in Landscape Photography - I still use a Fuji xt2 which I have had for about 7 years, I cannot justify spending thousands of pounds on a new system for little or no improvement. Knowing my camera, improving composition skills and post processing skills are far more important to me. Thanks for another interesting vlog @raysimpsonphoto
Brillant video, it answers a lot of questions I have been thinking about, thank you.
I would have to agree with your comments, I shoot a lot of motorsport and went through what I call unlearning what I knew to re-learn, this meant better understanding of the gear I had and saw a imporvement in my images, then when I brought a new to me highly quaility lens I saw a much bigger improvement that I have had just brought a "better" lens. I think we all need to go through this unlearning phase to get better. As always a great thought provoking video
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching! 👍👍
Good work!
Nice vlog - appreciate your realistic, down-to-earth perspective rather than polished and presenting everything as fantastic. The learning curve is weird. I found it very intense at first, lots of progress made, but then a certain rut/inertia kicks in, almost a laziness and a disinclination to experiment. The idea of focussing on one thing for a month is interesting as many of us tend to be distracted by seasonal offerings.
Another great video Ian thx again as always you a great help.
Thanks again for watching 😊👍
Excellent video and the points are dead-on. Lately I've been binging a few of Alex Kilbee's YT videos and he's been stressing how "the photographer" comes from within, not from without. Great minds and all that, eh? 🙂
Well said Len 😊👍
Your last composition was good.
Thanks buddy, i just need some mood and drama and i think it will be a re visit for sure 👍👍
Great video and great pieces of advice, Ian! Oh, and great images too! 😀👍
Glad you enjoyed it! 👍😊
I agree with you, Ian that mine probably was about three or four years ago where my landscape photography became recognised in the place I live in and even statewide where I live, but it just didn't progress from their images didn't sell, even though they were high-quality which I think is another story as I think landscape photography has hit a bit of a plateau and what I do think is, people aren't putting images on the walls as much as I used to and that's okay. I'm cool with that I'm very much in the space of recognising that. But I do agree that it's good to try something different and while I don't change gear very often, I did change from Nikon to Fuji film about a year ago and that certainly has change the look of my work. It just is different with what I'm getting out of the camera and I'm not saying it's a better camera. In fact, you could easily argue to D8 50 is a better camera than the XT5, but for some reason, this helped me go in a different direction. I also bought a drone and that has been fun to use and get a different perspective. I've also been stopping and taking macro shots and just doing other things to improve my Photography even doing some portrait work for friends. You need to push yourself out of your comfort zone to get better. You can find a niche if you like, and this is the comfortable space but it won't make you better because you probably mastered that as far as you can go to. Within reason, you can always get better but yeah it is difficult. My direction is now actually focused on teaching other people Photography I'm going into that at the moment and I'm preaching high schools and youth groups and I'm really enjoying that aspect as well as there is not a lot of money in landscape photography in Australia. So it's always looking for different things in different ways of challenging ourselves. And I wanted to clarify, I didn't change cameras because I felt like I needed an upgrade. I just felt like I needed something different in my hands to take my photography in a different direction, and the Fujifilm is even got me doing Street Photography a little bit of portrait, and some other work that I would've never of take a number for I've even doubled in some videography wo. I just think expanding your skill sets give you more opportunity to become better as an overall package
Awesome comment Nev, a great insight into the current situation for landscape photographers 👍👍
great tips Ian, no matter how many years ( decades) I end up walking around with a camera of some form in hand, going back to the basics, and re-honing basic skills is still a lot of fun, and huge value, keep making magic happen mate.. thanks for the consistent production of great vlogs.. always enjoy your work and your narrative and journey.. (regards from Dubrovnik while I'm travelling), -Dez ( from Sydney )
Excellent video Ian - you are absolutely right - there is never enough time :) As for gear, the biggest change for me was moving to Fuji APSC. It's lighter and, as a result, I have it with me more often. So more time with the camera. This video made me laugh though - Like your case, I am always surprised when I get to a stunning location and end up not being inspired and coming away with nothing. I hold the view that I must have missed something. I just didn't see it.
Thanks for watching buddy 👍👍
Hi, I'm new here. Your channel is excellent. I always associated landscape photography with wide open vistas.. but your crops look fantastic. I'll be binge watching at work tonight , occupying my 12-hour night shift. 😊
Thanks buddy, I hope it passes the hours well 😁👍
Cool video. As I just do candid, pleasant street photos, the main thing that holds me back is just not wanting to be too intrusive. Sometimes I see someone with a special look, but fail to catch them in a photo etc. But it gets better all the time :)
I remember reading a book called "How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way" as a kid and a lot of ideas in that translate well to street photos. Such as using creative eye levels, juxtapositions, layers, movement/intention, contrasting light/dark and putting yourself into the action. As a 'sense check' before taking a photo, I try to imagine if it has the nice feel of a simple, clear sketch - like a frame from a movie storyboard or comic.
Awesome Mike, keep up the good work 👍
Totally agree about camera equipment, I've a D750 but am thinking of swapping to a Z50 as I figure a lighter set up will make it easier.
Love your Videos Mr W, always thought provoking.
Thank you 😊👍
I treated myself to a Upgrade, cant wait to get in my hands 100-2 I had the GFX 100 for a long time it seems
I hope you enjoy it buddy 👍👏
can you stay further away from the lens? thanks
For me it's mostly the problem of having money for Diesel for the car, so i can get to locations.
Too much time running around finding B roll is killing most people's work i think
That’s a great point, lots of pressure not just to find the shot, but umpteen different ways of showing how you got it.