THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON IN PHOTOGRAPHY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.พ. 2017
- I got a letter this week from Erin who is 14 and wants to pursue a career in photography and film making. She asked me what is the most important lesson that I have learned as a photographer.
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Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
USA
My name is Ted Forbes and I make videos about photography. I’ve been making photographs most of my life and I have a tremendously deep passion for photography that I want to share with you on TH-cam.
The Art of Photography is my channel and I produce photography videos to provide a 360 degree look into the world of making images. We all want to get better so lets do this together!
I make videos covering famous photographers, photography techniques, composition, the history of photography and much more.
I also have a strong community of photographers who watch the show and we frequently do social media challenges for photographers to submit their own work. I feature the best and most interesting on the show when we do these so come check it out and get involved! - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
this guy deserves such a bigger audience, he is so good at this and his advice actually helps
absolutely agree!
I totally agree!
yup, he's brilliant! I love his topics, his knowledge and the charisma (you can't deny that's also important for presentation). :) One of my favorites, definitely.
I agree Ted is intelligent, passionate natural born teacher. It's shameful the audience isn't larger. The best on TH-cam by far.
I was watching this and half-way through i went all "this gentleman needs a few million subscribers, right NOW". So honest and passionate.
I don't ever comment on videos but I hope you realize how many people you are helping with your advices that are always spot on, thank you for making these videos.
Just found his videos - I totally agree! Making a living in filmmaking is not easy, but it's worth it. Definitely gets you through the tough times!!
You made me cry, sir. I'm on a bottle neck moment now and this really gave me courage to proceed and continue.
I started photography because I believe that life is beautiful and that everyone should see it, that I will capture this beauty and show it to everyone.
My God. This guy is a true blessing to the creative community. Just honest, stripped down, heartfelt advice. it's hard to convey how much this advice really means to me, as I'm sure it does to others. We love ya Ted! Keep doing your thing!
I'm going to write a post-it note on my computer screen saying 'Remember why you started' - loved this video.
you've inspired me to do exactly so.
I just graduated with a fine art photography degree from a major university, and I've honestly learned as much from this channel than 4 years of art school..
That is a really interesting feedback! I'm wondering a lot about those schools recently. Do you have any experience to share about photography school? Than!
The courses are about getting as many Chinese students to pay for expensive accommodation and it gives the tutors an easy life. Well in the UK. The art schools have become finishing schools, in London at least. Still keep doing what you are doing.
Bobby Robertson but remember it’s connections you make with professors when they see your work and exposure. No pun intended
It's no different in the sciences. You'll only ever use 10% of the stuff you learn in class. The problem is everybody will end up using a different 10%, so they still have to teach everything
You won't learn a thing in school about photography in general.
Dear audience and dear 14 year old kid. I had to sacrifice so many different things and work my ass off but I finally made it.
NEVER EVER stop dreaming and NEVER STOP believing in your dream. It took my 21 Years until I finally reached my goal I set myself when I was 14 but I made it!
Erin, one word of advice ‘Know not only the art you seek but learn the business around it’.
If cinematography is your objective, do not overlook all the trades that surrounds that business. Knowing how to manage a budget or a deadline is as important as the art you do. Do not forget that your reputation does not only depend on the quality work you do but also relies on your marketing and managing expertise.
Think of all the great Chefs who open their own restaurant but fail. They do not fail because their cuisine is bad but because they didn’t learn the trades to manage the restaurant. You can say that it’s quite similar in the art world.
Many like to think that an artist is independent but those who do forget all the dependencies you need to succeed.
Best of luck young man!
A very interesting comment about one reason for doing photography, and I will take it on board, I am now 76 and have been doing photography since I was about 18, many lapses and lack of interest over the years, you are a musician so am I, a jazz musician and still enjoying it, my approach to it is often visualization, imagining I'm a young man in New Orleans playing to the ladies in the 1920's, playing in a swing band in the forties, I could go on, perhaps this approach could be used with photography being somebody famous, this has probably used by countless people in the arts for a long time, copy lots of other peoples ideas etc until they blend into something unique that is you.
this morning I came to work in the worst mood ever, all grumpy. I watched this video and got so uplifted and motivated. Ted, we love you man!
Saying hello from Ukraine!
Ted, I hope you're a dad. That was an excellently thought out and delivered message.
Steve Barrett For a moment I thought you said "I hope you're dead"
hahaha
Thank you sir, you reminded me why I was so taken with photography 40 yrs. ago. I've been what I consider a "struggling amatuer" the entire time. Family, career (and efforts to change), other hobbies, always convinced me to set photography aside. Now that I'm retired, and have a new camera(!), I plan to enjoy it more. I'll never be pro, but that doesn't matter to me. Thank you for the inspiration Ted!
WORK THAT MATTERS = The Art of Photography! You're inspiring a lot of folks Ted, young and old alike!
Your commentary and advice is always spot on. Thank you for making these videos.
This guy is all about the what make photography fun. It's not about the camera, lens etc. It's all about freezing the image in your mind to enjoy and share..... Bravo !!!!
What I can't understand is why are there (At this time) over 5,000 views and less then 1,000 ( Thumps up.....or down) Have an opinion guys, whether it's good or bad. You don't pay by the mouse click !
Thank you for your hard work in putting these TH-cam videos together.
One of the best advice I've watched so far. Lots to learn from this but the two main takeaways are: 1) pursue a creative career if that's where your heart is but at the same time don't be afraid to do something more practical like being an accountant or a teacher and 2) go out there and make mistakes and learn from those experiences because that is the time you learn the most. Awesome response! Thanks, Ted.
I love how you're _so real_ but stay positive. Hands down brilliant content!
Above all lessons learned and watched on TH-cam, i think your's is the most important. I remembered that i bought my first DSLR years ago just because i love photography.
Well said, get out there, explore, make mistakes, learn, live, create, the rest will figure its self out.
Spot on.
I began a photography career at 14, in 1958.
That's about the best advice I've ever heard,
with the possible addition of Dan Langton's advice to young poet's,
which was: "If anyone can talk you out of becoming a poet, let them..."
Daniel J. Langton... fine poet & great teacher.
Have watched hundreds and hundreds of Photography videos in the last few months as at last i am able to do what i have always wanted to do, photography for my hobby ( financially now available :) ). And this video has just inspired me even more, and it does not have a scene, landscape or even a camera in it. Thank you so much. Subscribed.
Thanks for such an amazing video!! Above all, do everything with passion!!
"Some people don't want you to succeed." So true. I wish I would have learned this sooner. Don't waste time with the complainers, the whiners, the naysayers. The sooner you take a step towards the "impossible" the sooner you will achieve the extraordinary. Love your show.
What you said is a life advice ‘Why did you start it in the first place’...I am not enjoying my work since last few years and I had almost forgotten why I needed to do what I do. It was personal so nobody could help me...but your 6 mins took me back in time long time ago. Thank you for the video, Ted!
Thank you Ted..love watching you and we learn from you.
Great video, and message. it's like being a musician, you don't work music...you play music.
Love all the fresh content, keep it up...I get all tingly when I'm notified you have a fresh vid up.
Excellent response. I especially liked the part about “people trying to prevent you” from following a dream. Most assume we mean out of malice or envy, but far more often their action are unconscious and out of love. Whether the goal is to be a pro basketball player, singer, or flutist (my step sister way back when), those closest to them discourage pursuit of the dream to protect them from disappointment and hardship. Realistically, very, very few will ever play pro ball, sing, or have a paid chair in a symphony orchestra. Just playing the odds, parents and love ones will redirect one to a more practical and viable career path.
Much to the consternation of my step-mother, I encouraged my step sister to pursue her dream, but in Texas (SMU) instead of New York. Within 3 semesters she switched to architecture. She realized on her own she didn’t have the same drive and intensity - and was not willing to make the sacrifices - to play flute as a career. She still explored her dreams and now has no regrets. She and her husband have their own small architectural firm.
This was a great vid.
I loved this episode. It reminded me why I love photography. Thanks Ted!!
Thanks Ted! I'm at a point where I'm creatively lost and I've been starting to look back on some of my early works to try to regain that passion and hearing you say " Never Forget what Made it Fun in the Beginning" really struck a chord with me. Going through some of my earlier works made me felt really fortunate that I decided to keep them rather than throw them out because they were bad. Having them as a memento really helped me regain my direction and I find myself revisiting them from time to time.
Thank you for your great advice! This is such a beautiful message not only for the photographer/filmmaker but also for all who persue their passion.
This is exactly why I continue to watch your show Ted. I don't think you could have past on a more inspiring and positive message to our young up and coming talent. Thank you for all that you do. And on behalf of the few that gave this video a thumbs down, I'd like to just go ahead and apologize on there behalf.
Ted, this channel is so great. I've learned so much from these videos. Most of TH-cam is drivel and nonsense, but this channel is actually well-produced and educational. High five 🙌🏼
Your a fantastic teacher! Taking the time to really answer Erin's question without rushing through it is wonderful. It's so important with kids in to listen to what they are passionate about and make them feel like they have been heard. :)
great video ted, I always love your content and it's great to hear you talk about your own experiences, throughout the years your videos have just been getting better and better, thank you for putting them out there, you rock!
There are some people out there right now that give such a heartful advice, I'm glad I get to watch and listen to one of them right here. Keep creating mate.
Your channel is inspiring. The technical videos (film processing is now a much closer dream to me because of you), the artistic videos (my first print was a BW using treatment technics learned here).
But I have to say, what really got me in all those videos is the passion you have when you talk about what we do. I resonate with it, it kinda feels like a connection. And in this video I understood why. You really do care about it, and more, you care about us, about what we feel, about how we see what you do, even though it's so amazing and you are so good at it you still do care about us. I don't know how to explain but I think that maybe this is the true reason why we are all here to see what you have to say next. We need more people that is passionate enough to care.
Thank you so much, keep doing what you do and inspiring me and others around the globe in our passion too.
PS: Sorry if I spelled anything wrong, English is not the official language here in Brazil ;)
Difficulty is always knowing what your dream is, that is often not clear. I always assumed I would be a photographer because my father was one and that kind of gave way to wanting to be a painter in my 20s. Anyway doing my degree as I finished my Art Foundation I was as excited as hell and applied for Fine Art and got it. However as the weeks moved on, I changed my mind and focussed on Physics and Earth Science to help in my career which went all the way to a Doctorate and finally a Fellowship. I always wondered what if, I assumed that I did science as it paid the bills and sacrificed my true desires. Well now retired and looking back I see how stupid that idea was, like when did I ever do something I didnt want to do. Clearly I was massively excited by my work in the nuclear industry and I chose what I really wanted to do and my life has been wildly exciting as a result. Now I do photography again and I have that obsession back that drove me through my foundation year. But now I have a different perspective, my life experience makes me focus on a different approach to others. I dont really expect to change the world, I have already done that in my career, now I have to push myself into new areas of discovery; same old same old will not do ;-)
Im not exactly a photographer, but i'm actually found your content helpful in pursuing my passion. Keep up with what you do, love your video!!
Ted, your sage opinion on photography is so applicable to a lot of other aspects of life. Thank you for responding to Erin in the manner you have.
Excellent, Ted! Thank you for making this video, and for your sincere and heartfelt response to Erin.
Hope your realise that your advice is the most valid given on our career/hobby. Always positive with intelligent views. Thank you.
From a fourteen year old going on fifty three .. keep up the great work Ted. You a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
What a wonderful piece of advice, applicable to just about anything, not just photography. This is a video everyone should watch. I've watched many of your other videos and found them highly enjoyable and informative, I can't believe I've only come across this one now. I hope that Erin continued with photography and is still loving it! Thanks for a beautiful video and a timely reminder!
Beautiful. Thank you for this!
Thanks for sharing. It's so refreshing to see a photography vlog that's about more than f stops and speedlights.
Ted thank you so much for this video. Thanks for reminding us to go back to why we started with photography and film. My whole family were (and still are) against me pursuing photography and film. I totally related to this video. Most people think of creatives as crazy and insane people who won't have a steady work-life balance. Thank you again Ted. I have learned so much from you.
It's the first time I watch your channel and I must say, your words resonate a lot with my thinking. I have made the decision to leave a $100k /year job to start from the ground in photography. It has always been my itch and now I'm starting to reap. I'm 33 and I believe as you said that you can be whatever you want to be in this life. Thanks for the inspiration
What wonderful advice! Needed to hear something like this, thank you for making this video :)
i subscribed immediately the moment i watched your video.
Amazing! What a beautiful gift that he wrote you a hand letter and sent you his best photograph.
I think your response was so accurate. After very long learning and making photographs for a living it is a challenge to remember why we started in the first place.
Great to have found you and be subscribe to your wisdom!! Thank you!!
agree - no email? That's refreshing.
Hello! I didn't understand your response. Was it entended for me? :)
Yes, I agree with you and liked that he wrote a hand letter opposed to sending an email with jpeg...that's all
cheesun124 👍🏻😊
Ted, you are awesome. Thank you for everything.
I rarely comment though I watch every single video of yours and eagerly anticipate the next one .... you inspired me to start shooting and developing film at home. Quite a few years ago ! Actually, you TAUGHT me to develop film at home. You ve taught me and educated me about composition, colour etc , about seeing things in photography that didn't know I could see them or never thought they were there ... all I had to do is see. Any shoot. And see even more. And shoot again or not ! In other words , I've been following your "advice" or advice (doesn't really matter how anyone interprets it ) and I believe it has affected me in a very positive way. And although I'm not a professional photographer , I enjoy the fact that I believe I can become better at it. Just because ... I just like it ! And well, your advice and thoughts and the things you share can be inspiring in so many ways, regardless of the context , photography, filmmaking, it's irrelevant.
So yeah, what you ve shared here and the things you said to that kid are spot on. I really do hope she keeps on following her dreams and watching your videos and sharing her work eventually and becoming a better person cause this will make her a one hell of a photographer too ! And my rambling and the way of writing might not be the best, as English is not my native language but I do hope you get my point !
Thanks for what you create and share with usTed, please keep on doing that with all your heart and soul ! And if you ever for any crazy reason , happen to pass by Greece , please let me know. I have an absolutely amazing 22 months old daughter who has already started picking up my cameras to her eyes and sth tells me that she might one day need all the advice she could get, from someone like you !!
God bless you man !
you are such a gifted teacher, Ted!!
Love your advice! One of my favorite videos from you! Beautifully said!
From my heart....thank you for your advice, Ted.
AWESOME ADVICE !!! Best one i have heard in a while and certainly something to remember as often as possible. Thanks
Ted, you nailed it. I had a tumultuous relationship with my music and it was because I went to music school and lost the fun. My teacher in my later years helped set me right and learn to love music again. I'm a new photographer, but the essence of your message resonated with me a lot. Great advice!
Thanks as always for the challenge! Please keep making cool stuff!
thanks Ted and Erin for this!stuning!:)
Thanks for an inspiring riff...really enjoyed it.
Excellent video, Ted. Wise, honest, heartfelt, modest, sensitive, uplifting, and so helpful. I am saying this as a father of a soon-to-be fourteen-year-old, someone who works with young people, and who shares your tangible passion for photography.
Hi Ted, thanks for this video, it touched on a lot of issues for me. I am at the thin end of the hourglass, but I keep myself going by creating when I can, looking after family, the day job etc. I never forget that I am part of a community of people who see the world in a moment, or a flash of light or the click of a shutter. Photography is so important to me that I know that I will always be part of this community and be a much better person for having joined this community of creatives. Thank you all!
as always, great video Ted. Thank you so much.
Hello Ted, I am really grateful you are doing videos like this one because it really helps people.
I was just having a very down moment right now because I made someone feel angry in my last project and that made me feel very bad. I saw your video and I just did what you said : remembering why am I doing filmmaking today and why I love it in the first place. I instantly found back some strength and can happily get back to work and finish that project for tomorrow instead of screwing it up.
SO THANK YOU ! IT REALLY HELPS SOME PEOPLE.
All the best. Cheers. Ron.
Great advice for any photographer at any level.
Well said Ted!! Great way to ground oneself and focus 😊
Thanks Chris!
Hi Ted, it has been a pleasure to me watching this video, it reminded me of myself many years ago, when I started to take photos, all that fun I had, the enthusiasm, the many times of disappointment, how I struggled to exceed all the bad moments, but most of all, the satisfaction I had when things went good. All I want, for people like you, is to keep up the good work and most of all, to encourage young people who want to deal with the wonderful art of Photography. Best regards, Stefanos
i have been shooting for 3 years, and I am now actually experiencing the most fun I've ever had. i really like this video, and i would add that photography/art is something that gets more fun as you grow. There will be many times that you are absolutely blown away by what you're able to create. So if you keep that passion, it can follow you for a while.
Right on Erin....you go out there, and shoot or film something every day.
Best of luck and hope to see your work in theaters soon.
I swear it's magic, Everytime I feel I'm in a creative rut one of your inspirational videos comes out and it motivates me to do so much more! Thanks for existing Mr. Forbes!
Thank you! Great lesson, couldn't agree more and will try to remember it on difficult times.
Videos like this one really cheer me up. It's an excellent reminder why, in recent years, I started falling in love with photography. Keep up the great work Ted. Regards from Costa Rica!
Run into your videos while searching since i am an enthusiast photographer. You are a great guy and you are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.
when I was 14 I joined my schools photography club. I was awe inspired by the magic of taking a picture, developing the film and then printing the picture. Oh the fist time I watched the image appear on the paper while it was in the developer tray! I made that! I was hooked. The trill of taking pictures for the yearbook and school newspaper, The football games, the school dances. All of it. Even today, I first discovered the Art of Photography when Ted talked about monobath developing. I was hooked all over again. To roll up the film and develop it in my bathroom! I little dramatic I know, but I just love the entire process of creating a memory and a story. I have over 25k pictures in my computer, Some are clear, some are blurry but all of them are a memory and have wonderful stories behind them. Good luck to that 14 year old child who is on his first steps into Photography! w00t!!
That’s great advice Ted. Good luck to Erin!
That advice really struck a chord. Thank you Ted.
Hello Ted, I am an excited newbie to your channel and looking forward to more of your videos. I appreciate your positive yet constructive approach that you provide. My learning curve is changing thanks to you!
Great question and photograph Erin. Follow your heart and spirit would be my answer. Great gesture Ted.
What an excellent video, question, and answer. To be 14 again..... I am in my 30's and have done the whole go to college, get the qualifications, get the career thing in the last few years, and the choices I have made have stunted and prevented me from actually following my desire to make a living from photography, to the point that I rarely go out and take photographs anymore. Instead of becoming a little selfish (which I think you need to be to succeed), I travelled a lot, lived the life I wanted with very little commitment, (by doing what you want to do in life, I think, makes this possible, bills etc are always going to be there but doing what you want to do makes it easier to stomach) life sort of took over, got into a relationship, recently became a dad, and a full time stay at home one at that, and although I don't regret what has happened over the last 5-6 years, I do often find myself asking "what if.....". Take control early on and commit to sacrifices. You may miss out on some things but you will be rewarded (or have a very patient, understanding and committed to the cause partner ;-)
I started taking photographs as a result of curiosity and the need to try something new. I have come to love film and how people around me react to my photos, but I feel like my drive for this hobby is purely based on my incentive to please others. I agree with you Ted, that you should be happy, genuinely, and keep pushing.
In some ways, my photos are a means of validation, something I've been struggling with for my whole life.
Great video.
thanks, man I've found the key point for me to keep going "the same passion I need to remember again and again " I've recently made a decision to make living out of photography.I really need some motivation from the people like you .I've found the best in youtube you actually teach the art with values than rest of others I really like your channel -with love a poor kid from India :)
Great advice Ted. Although I've been taking photos for 45 years, I'm new to The Art of Photography so I've been on a three-week crash course of AOP videos. Thanks for expressing so eloquently the concepts that all of us, young and old, have pondered as we share our vision of the world with others.
I love your work my friend. Incredibly useful for an aspiring filmmaker like myself. thanks sincerely!
I love your videos! They give me food for thought, inspiration and yes remind me what I love and enjoy about photography! Thank you!
Really great video! I stumbled upon this channel looking up RX100 reviews, but ended up staying for the (creative) life advice.
Cheers!
Ted is the man, much appreciation for what you bring us. Best! from SATX!!
Ted a former president of Costa Rica said once "para qué tractores sin violines" which roughly translates to why do we need tractors if we don't have violins. We cannot live without the arts, however, the piece of "never forget what made it fun" is crystal clear! I should remember this oftenly! Cheers from Costa Rica!
One of the best videos I have watched from you. 'Never forget why' sums it up beautifully. I believe it can be applied anywhere, not just the arts. If you are not enjoying it as at the beginning - rethink why you are still doing it very seriously. Best.
Ted, the wait for the answer to the question was worth it... just like the journey to the reason why you began it. Keep up the great work and keep inspiring all of us from the old and 14yrs old alike
hey ted! thanks for this videos! Really enjoy your channel!
Always great to see people that love and enjoy what they do...
This is the best Photography Channel that i've ever watched . Thank you!!!
This is what I needed to hear today. Tank you! I like Erin's photo as well - good composition, nice soft light and colours.
Just found this video. What a great response to a young person. Impressive.
Ted, this is the best TH-cam video I've seen this year. Thank you!
Beautiful and insightful answer to her question.
Well said! You are a great teacher. More power to your channel!
Very well put...couldn't have said it any better! Keep it fun...
First time I have watched one of your videos, and how great it was!
What a nice guy you are. Thanks for sharing this!
2 years into a pro-career and feeling like I am at the bottle-neck at the moment. So will be constantly reminding myself why I started this path.
THANKS SO MUCH!
Great great advice! Good luck to you and to Erin too.