Ted, I really don't know what it is because you talk really fast and I know this video is a few years old, but something about the way you speak about photography makes me want to keep listening. And frankly makes me want to grab my camera and keep studying it. Keep doing what you're doing. You are inspiring a generation of photographers.
The most down to earth and supportive professional photographer that I've EVER seen and It's really hard to find one in the photographers' world these days. Ladies and gentlemen, Ted Forbes! gotta send this video to my peers who constantly say to me that I can't earn money or even exposure through fine art and I better change it to weddings or products only.
I heard a graphic design teacher once say that they instinctively knew which of their students would be truly successful in that field. It wasn't anything to do with their skills or volume of output. It was firmly placed in their keenness to constantly seek out criticism of their own work and react proactively to that. I'm not really sure if it's of any benefit to anyone but I was intrigued by it and I've tried to live each day by it ever since. I certainly haven't gone backwards...yet!
I shot professionally in the late '70s and early 80s, but now I consider myself an amateur. I'm not shooting for a living but for myself now and it's actually more difficult than shooting professionally! I've always been my own harshest critic, but I believe that I'm improving daily now and I'm confident in my technical abilities. I'm working on my artist abilities these days which is a challenge for a more technically oriented shooter. Love your videos!
I just want to say that I know this video is from a couple of years ago but this is exactly what I needed to hear today and I just wanted to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing because you're doing an awesome job. I found this Channel and it has been a complete source of good information between the Artistry and performance in this industry. I just want to say thank you for saying that we are all students. and you're right we need to keep pushing each other and not believe that we are never going to get better so thank you again very motivational
1) The technical aspects of of the medium, as you said, aperture, shutter, iso, dev time, etc. 2) The artistic "norms" and "standards" of artistic composition, including the use of line, shape, contrast, color, rule of thirds, etc. 3) The breaking or deviating away from the above artistic standards 4) The focus on the story/narrative behind the photo as the driving force. Social implications, etc.
I think you re the only person, that talks without taking a breath, that I like hearing very much!!!:- ))) I believe you have the right attitude and you are the most helpful guy when it come to photography. Attitude was/is one of my biggest problems and I think with this video you gave the right push for many of us here to continue doing what we like...thank you very much!!!
Indeed. I do really love Ted's reviews about history/photographers... Not only because the content and the way they'are approached but THE attitude. Luckily his cats are always a big part of the shows ... they are indeed mesmerizing :)
Man you have such a good personality for a youtuber,your content looks genuine and you really love what you do, thanks for the tutorials and history lessons! Legend.
5) The point at which the medium is simply a means to an end of expressing vision/story 6) Understanding of who I am, what I have to say, and how I can touch others for the better. The deeper and deeper you go down the rabbit hole the less it seems to be about photography. for me.
Hey Ted Forbes, I've been watching your videos for a few months now and am realatively new to photography. I just want to say thank you! your videos are excellent and helped me branch out from the gear videos, and pushing me to love the art much more than the camera.
Thanks for all the great material, Ted! It is 4 years later but the subject is very relevant, essential as it will always be. I sometimes feel that I am the great defender of wedding photography, but maybe I am one of the few and maybe the field needs one. So here goes a little Attitude...which the video advocates! :) I do think you can be extremely creative and push yourself in this field. One thing you mentioned, and one of the big "Whys" that makes me love weddings is that you really can change the world with your photography. Okay, not THE World, but if you shoot incredibly artistic shots that document decisive moments (remember how much value we give to simple street scenes simply because it is Cartier-Bresson, or Elliot Erwitt?) in such a way that truly effects the families and people involved, then you are changing your small part of the world. It's rare but it exists, and it is the most satisfying thing in the world to know that generations will be looking at these photos. You want drama? Then experience a couple getting emotional looking at incredible portraits taken of their grandfather who has passed away just after the ceremony. The assumption I am making is that the photos always have to be stunning. They don't have to be cliche...they don't have to be posed....and yes, you can create Art in weddings. Also, I would like to say something else. Fine Art photography, as we know it, IS difficult and involves much more than technique to be Artistic...that is what it is by definition! Creating Art is HARD. But again, I would argue that Wedding Photography, IF it is considered on a high level comes in at a importance that most genres can't touch. A great wedding photographer must be great at commercial photography, architectural photography, street photography, "photo-journalism"...he or she must be a wonderful portrait photographer etc etc. All this under the huge pressure of expectations. IF you promise all this and don't deliver, you are screwed. The pressure is incredibly high, but the rewards are knowing that you changed the world within this group of people who will be looking at your photos for generations to come! Thanks for the space to "rant". Love everything you do!
Just ordered the book the art of ..... in 2022. Good to listen to other photographers to see how they work and get on in life. Had the pleasure of meeting David Bailey on Hampstead heath, it was such an uplifting experience, such a legend but down to earth individual. "Thanks mate", will be with me for the rest of my life!
I’m a little late to your channel, but your videos are exactly what I’ve been looking for to progress as a photographer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring me to keep moving forward every day!
I have never got this amateur/pro thing. What is it about the arts and sports that makes the people so unconfident that they need to specify some spurious value judgement about themselves. My day job for 30 years was a surface physicist for the government. When asked what we do we just say we are scientists. If you ask a head of a corporation what he does he will say businessman. I have a camera and i take pictures; I am a photographer ;-)
No it has nothing to do with skill at all, it is about whether you can convince somebody to part with money for what you do, unless of course you work in a chartered profession like a Doctor.
Professional is derived from the word profession, so yeah if it's your living than you're a professional. There are plenty of professionals I know that I would never consider to be skilled photographers but they still know how to make people pay them for whatever they make. Vice versa just as well but then we call them 'artists'.
I've looked at this segment a few times over the years since you made it and find more each time I watch it. Thank you for your work, Ted. It helps me a lot.
I love episodes like this, Mr. Forbes. I think that being confident about what you do is extremely important, it's a fuel necessary to get better, experiment and be creative. There is nothing wrong about aspiring to something. And if you acknowledge your limitations and try to overcome them instead of staying in warm, cosy places, I believe you are not going to become arrogant.
Just watch this video years later and feel it makes so much sense right now, it’s so easy to buy a DSLR and call yourself a photographer!!! But they do it just mechanically!!! Thanks for posting videos about photography and not just photography toys!!!
Good topic! I think it kind of boils down to the idea that it's okay to have enough of an ego to think you can do great work and be one of the best photographer or artist, but without being too egotistical to think that you're already there. There's always room to grow even when you think you've "arrived" already. And that's what makes creativity such an addiction and, sometimes, a misery--depending on those days when it doesn't kick in. As always, I enjoy your videos and look forward to new updates!
This is once more a great video, Ted! IMHO, one thing that is for me a great source of motivation is the fact that photography is an aesthetic pursuit and that means it pretty much has no hard, objective criteria of quality. The grains of sand you speak of. This is extremely liberating when you think about it: there's nothing out there saying that my work is a 4 out of 10 or any of that, and that if I go through these steps I will become a 5 out of 10 etc, so I can just follow my own path.
I come here regularly for my photography education as I delve into film. Thank you so much. I am in a related artistic field for my career, vfx, so a lot of what you are saying resonates with me. I break down art professionalism in a few different categories that can compound on one other, but not necessarily, leading to what I consider being more and more "professional"
Some good points- I think professional is a person how makes a living with there job If you are a dentist full time and make a living with it you are professional dentist regardless of how good photographer you are over the weekend since your main income is from being a dentist I don't think PRO means to make good images or to be good dentist-but to be able to make a living with your proffesion-I other words if I make a living by doing photography Im a PRO photographer
That was really motivating. I also am overly critical about my own pictures. Especially when I made mistakes while taking them. In post I can alway redo it. I just joined the flickr group and I hope to get great feedback. Thanks Ted!
A good golfer is not determined by how good his good shots are, but how good his bad shots are. From time to time I arrive at shots (in photography) that I am really proud of. I can ignore the thousand others.
I think most of the reason people don't succeed is because they let the voice inside dictate the outcome of their lives. I was guilty of it for years I would tell myself all the time "you can't do that" and of course I didn't succeed or often times didn't even try. Example: I rebuilt a classic car from scratch recently. if you asked me 5 years ago if I could work on my own car beyond doing brake pads and oil changes I would have laughed at you. one day I just said yes I can instead of no I can't. I think the same applies for art or really anything you set out to do in life you need to be self motivating and just get out there and try and tell yourself you are worth something and that it's possible. When you stop listening to the negative voice within it's amazing what is possible. That might sound cliche but it's been totally true in my life.
I really needed this vid when finding it today. Thank you for making it since it spoke to me about what I've been doing to my own works for too long and to myself.
Love your video's.Absolutely correct.I also believe that you can never stop learning everyone has a different approach.In the short time watching.Thanks so much for sharing Deb.👍
Really great video. I'd say it's better to err on the side of caution and be confident when you might think you might be seen as cocky than to humble yourself because you think you might come off as cocky. I think we all try to appease the haters and try to fit in too much. It's hard to be proud when people want to pull you down.
O.k.. I understand the RB67 better now and under stand that it can take a digital back as well. I understand that transparency film may give you a little more exposure latitude. Not to drag this out, but my recommendation would be to sell the Gossen and pick up a Sekonic L-358 and a 1` spot finder. This would save you some money over buying an L-758DR or similar meter. Best of luck to you!
this topic reminds of the frank zappa - "shut up and play yer guitar". let your work speak for itself, pro, pro-am, novice, etc are just labels. good topic ted.
Great video, I have always had that moment where I did not believe in my work or my "skill". But I do believe there is a fine line between being critical of your work and not wanting to risk saying what you are doing is good or artistic. Also you bring the very important point of is making money what makes you professional. I myself love photography but I don't want to live off that either, id rather get better for myself and not for a client.
Again, just another great video from Ted. Hard to be haughty with a Holga. It's my camera with training wheels. I enjoying the getting out to see what's outside the house and not being projected at me through the idiot box to see what I can capture on film. I'm trying to get to where when I drive around that a scene jumps out at me that *_THIS_* is needs to be captured on film. The problem that I need to solve is how to keep my camera with me so that it isn't left in the car to be exposed to extreme heat to ruin the film.
Thank you so much. The problem with me when shooting and when in the darkroom is that I have no self confidence whatsoever. I never like what I do and pick at tiny insignificant things. I need to balance confidence with critical just like you say so thank you!
thanks I just checked out your video, I have been shooting 4 years and just a little while ago entered my first juried art show, I wasn't excepted, going to try to get into a contest next week.it was a very inspiroring video as of late my attitude and motivation have been suffering.
As Mr Bresson say everybody has the capacity to be an artist " . "Interviews and Conversations" Aperture editions , beautiful book. Just do your photography for yourself as an learning and enjoying journey!
love the channel, lots of good stuff but I do have to pause every now and again to give my brain time to catch up and process what's being said. So fast! But still very interesting.
I'm an (almost) complete tyro(newbie) at photography... I have taken 35mm for years with a Pentax K-1000, but always casual stuff: commercially developed, etc., nothing special... I actually have, as most, been using the digital camera for most of my stuff the past 10 years. However, I am regaining an interest in film photography, and want to see where it might take me... Back in the late 1940s & 50s, my father had a professional photo business going- he was a "staff photographer" (feeder) on several local papers, magazines, etc, did commercial/industrial photography, etc. etc... From the 60s through the early 80s, he specialized in book photography- covers, advertising media, and so forth. He essentially put his cameras away in the mid 1980s. He passed a few years ago, and I have pretty much inherited all his equipment- no one else in the family was interested, and so I laid claim to it... I am now learning to use a Graflex Pacemaker Speed Graphic 4x5, also a Graflex Graphic View 4x5, and all the associated equipment- including the darkroom stuff- Even an Omega D2 enlarger. I have been going through everything, and am trying to learn what everything does- It is kind of a way to get back to my dad- even though he's gone... The funny part is, there are a good number of loaded film cartridges- all packed sometime in the 80s at the latest! They have been in the dark, in t heir case, packed for years... I think they will be my "practice" films- That way I can get the mechanics down without worrying too much about wasting what may already be "dead" film. And, If I manage a few decent prints at the end, It will make it all that much better! (I even have a full case of Poloroid film for the camera & the back as well- all dated 1974 or so! I doubt, highly, that it will work. But is there a way to conventionally develop Poloroid film? Thanks for the chance to blabber!
Are you using the spot metering function of your meter if it has one? Perhaps an add-on spot metering device can be attached to your Gossen meter. I own a Sekonic L-358 and would say that it is moderately priced and does a great job for me. Spot metering devices can be attached to it that come in various degrees of angle. I hope that this is helpful. Check out light meter manufacturers web sights and you just might find a solution that won't break the bank. Good luck!
Hey Ted,I love your videos, but this certainly stands out as one of your best. I'm working with Photos since 3 years now and i love it for my live. Therefore gained some reputation to be good around cameras. And so sometimes people and friends come up and ask me:How do you make photos! Me:I press the shutter button? And they are always like thanks for nothing. After that i explain ISO,aperture and so on, and tell them to go out and shoot. Going to recommend this vid to them! Thanks a lot.
I have no issue saying that I am terrible at photography. It doesn't actually bother me. I am more afraid of getting to the point where I can't see how bad my work is. If I stop seeing flaws, then I will never improve.
Its good that you articulate that photography is not just photography but that it is holistic and related to design, psychology, art, composition and thought. This is what keeps my attention on this channel. Good honest opinion.
I am an artist cause I create visual artwork. I'm not a professional because I don't brand myself (low self-esteem) and don't push my work out there. But I'm still an artist.
From what little I know of him, Fro Knows seems to me to be more of an internet entrepreneur. A friend of a friend does a very similar thing (sells photography advice online) and he makes good money doing so. This guy's own photos are no great shakes, yet he speaks with a voice of authority to be perceived as such, as a necessity of what he's chosen to do. Posing as a 'professional photographer,' in actual fact he makes almost no money from photography and never has, but makes enough from his website to support himself, and gets a lot of free gear to boot. I've not seen Fro Knows' photos, but imagine that he may have a similar hustle going, but may have overdone the authority / confidence for many people's taste. What these people compromise is the respect of anyone who has much of an understanding of what they're purporting to sell, but get clicks from people who don't. In a crowded marketplace I expect it's liable to be more effective at getting someone to click-through to offer '4 Tips to Becoming A Better Photographer' vs. 'Rhythm in Visual Composition.' Many people are lazy and like things quantified for them. 'Get a flat stomach in 3 easy steps' 'Top 5 award show nip slips' etc. To me the success of these entrepreneurs is in making money SEO, ads, t-shirt sales etc. from those that have it to spare and don't know any better. I guess the only shame is the way CZcams puts previews of this dirge down the side of valuable educational content like this.
Very good! I needed to hear this.... while I may not have the same knowledge level and experience as some photographers, I need to not down talk my work. I just don't feel confident that I know enough...need more input lol... I've always based a "professional" on how good their art is...not that they charge...especially because...the last few weddings, (my daughters included,) we hired a "professional" We got 180 decent edited jpegs and 1000 unedited jpegs of very out of focus...too much flash etc... I was very bummed. Made me wish I would have taken my own daughters wedding photos....oh well...enough of them were good. My point is there are a lot of people out there calling themselves "professional" charging thousands for disappointing work... I've seen photographers yapping at other photographers "don't charge so little, your dragging down the art".... really? With everybody having a digital camera these days... their needs to be some honesty! Charge by how good you are... I'm not great yet so I'm not gonna charge what some higher end wedding photographer does... I'm not really ready for weddings yet but at least this gives the couples who can't afford those prices something good and memories they deserve, the same as someone better off..
I sorta disagree... I don't think your comparison or judgment of whether wedding photography or fine art photography is harder is flawed... because lose a card/images in fine art and not delivering to a gallery, versus lose a card/images in wedding and not delivering to a couple (Bride!).
I checked the Gossen web sight and though the Lunapro is comparable to the Sekonic L-358 there was no spot finder listed in the available accessories for it. At the camera store I deal with they sell the L-358 for USD$309.00. Sekonic offers 1`, 5`, and 10` finders for spot metering that can be attached the the unit. have no pricing information on the spot finders. I'm not familiar with the RB67. Does it have a spot metering mode? The "Zone System" may be worth studying - it works with film/digi.
Here's the thing; Just shut up and do your thing. - People that want to talk about it endlessly won't get far either. - I'm not talking about you/Ted talking about it, by the way. I'm referring to people discussing what to call themselves or worrying about their "status".- I mean, why?... Just stop, or move on, rather, and go do the things you're best at. Be it photography or something else. There's no point in trying to have a certain title or thinking about yourself or someone else in a certain way. Just go do things. And from my perspective, being a very creative type of person, but one who has suffered from depression, I can't stand all the arguing over this stuff anymore. I just want to do the things I like and enjoy it and see where it gets me, and I urge others to do that as well without feeling the need to establish a status or some such thing. Whether that's publicly or putting it onto themselves. - Myself, I'll just try and do the best that I can and see what I produce with that. Maybe other people will like it, maybe not. But at least I've tried to create what I wanted. So, I guess what I'm basically saying is; Care less. Also without being an asshole, of course. But care less about opinions and views or titles, and care more about what you do and also try to be open to other's works or views. That's only more productive.
Ted, I really don't know what it is because you talk really fast and I know this video is a few years old, but something about the way you speak about photography makes me want to keep listening. And frankly makes me want to grab my camera and keep studying it. Keep doing what you're doing. You are inspiring a generation of photographers.
The most down to earth and supportive professional photographer that I've EVER seen and It's really hard to find one in the photographers' world these days. Ladies and gentlemen, Ted Forbes!
gotta send this video to my peers who constantly say to me that I can't earn money or even exposure through fine art and I better change it to weddings or products only.
I heard a graphic design teacher once say that they instinctively knew which of their students would be truly successful in that field. It wasn't anything to do with their skills or volume of output. It was firmly placed in their keenness to constantly seek out criticism of their own work and react proactively to that. I'm not really sure if it's of any benefit to anyone but I was intrigued by it and I've tried to live each day by it ever since. I certainly haven't gone backwards...yet!
I shot professionally in the late '70s and early 80s, but now I consider myself an amateur. I'm not shooting for a living but for myself now and it's actually more difficult than shooting professionally! I've always been my own harshest critic, but I believe that I'm improving daily now and I'm confident in my technical abilities. I'm working on my artist abilities these days which is a challenge for a more technically oriented shooter. Love your videos!
I just want to say that I know this video is from a couple of years ago but this is exactly what I needed to hear today and I just wanted to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing because you're doing an awesome job. I found this Channel and it has been a complete source of good information between the Artistry and performance in this industry. I just want to say thank you for saying that we are all students. and you're right we need to keep pushing each other and not believe that we are never going to get better so thank you again very motivational
1) The technical aspects of of the medium, as you said, aperture, shutter, iso, dev time, etc.
2) The artistic "norms" and "standards" of artistic composition, including the use of line, shape, contrast, color, rule of thirds, etc.
3) The breaking or deviating away from the above artistic standards
4) The focus on the story/narrative behind the photo as the driving force. Social implications, etc.
I don’t know why there are thumbs down for good videos like this. I find it both honest and informative. Thank you Ted.
Great video Ted. I have a quote that says "Professional is a title that others give you in appreciation of your work."
I think you re the only person, that talks without taking a breath, that I like hearing very much!!!:- ))) I believe you have the right attitude and you are the most helpful guy when it come to photography. Attitude was/is one of my biggest problems and I think with this video you gave the right push for many of us here to continue doing what we like...thank you very much!!!
I'm sure you said something fascinating. But I couldn't stop watching for the cat. ;)
Indeed. I do really love Ted's reviews about history/photographers... Not only because the content and the way they'are approached but THE attitude. Luckily his cats are always a big part of the shows ... they are indeed mesmerizing :)
They're really nice kitties, but I kept looking at the guitar this time. I like the sunburst coating.
I love watching the old episodes and seeing the progression of your presentation style, lighting...and glasses! Great stuff!
Man you have such a good personality for a youtuber,your content looks genuine and you really love what you do, thanks for the tutorials and history lessons! Legend.
"We're all students, no matter what level we're on." Excellent!
5) The point at which the medium is simply a means to an end of expressing vision/story
6) Understanding of who I am, what I have to say, and how I can touch others for the better.
The deeper and deeper you go down the rabbit hole the less it seems to be about photography. for me.
Hey Ted Forbes, I've been watching your videos for a few months now and am realatively new to photography. I just want to say thank you! your videos are excellent and helped me branch out from the gear videos, and pushing me to love the art much more than the camera.
Thanks for all the great material, Ted! It is 4 years later but the subject is very relevant, essential as it will always be. I sometimes feel that I am the great defender of wedding photography, but maybe I am one of the few and maybe the field needs one. So here goes a little Attitude...which the video advocates! :) I do think you can be extremely creative and push yourself in this field. One thing you mentioned, and one of the big "Whys" that makes me love weddings is that you really can change the world with your photography. Okay, not THE World, but if you shoot incredibly artistic shots that document decisive moments (remember how much value we give to simple street scenes simply because it is Cartier-Bresson, or Elliot Erwitt?) in such a way that truly effects the families and people involved, then you are changing your small part of the world. It's rare but it exists, and it is the most satisfying thing in the world to know that generations will be looking at these photos. You want drama? Then experience a couple getting emotional looking at incredible portraits taken of their grandfather who has passed away just after the ceremony. The assumption I am making is that the photos always have to be stunning. They don't have to be cliche...they don't have to be posed....and yes, you can create Art in weddings. Also, I would like to say something else. Fine Art photography, as we know it, IS difficult and involves much more than technique to be Artistic...that is what it is by definition! Creating Art is HARD. But again, I would argue that Wedding Photography, IF it is considered on a high level comes in at a importance that most genres can't touch. A great wedding photographer must be great at commercial photography, architectural photography, street photography, "photo-journalism"...he or she must be a wonderful portrait photographer etc etc. All this under the huge pressure of expectations. IF you promise all this and don't deliver, you are screwed. The pressure is incredibly high, but the rewards are knowing that you changed the world within this group of people who will be looking at your photos for generations to come! Thanks for the space to "rant". Love everything you do!
Just ordered the book the art of ..... in 2022. Good to listen to other photographers to see how they work and get on in life. Had the pleasure of meeting David Bailey on Hampstead heath, it was such an uplifting experience, such a legend but down to earth individual. "Thanks mate", will be with me for the rest of my life!
I’m a little late to your channel, but your videos are exactly what I’ve been looking for to progress as a photographer. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and inspiring me to keep moving forward every day!
I have never got this amateur/pro thing. What is it about the arts and sports that makes the people so unconfident that they need to specify some spurious value judgement about themselves. My day job for 30 years was a surface physicist for the government. When asked what we do we just say we are scientists. If you ask a head of a corporation what he does he will say businessman. I have a camera and i take pictures; I am a photographer ;-)
Very great words right there.
No it has nothing to do with skill at all, it is about whether you can convince somebody to part with money for what you do, unless of course you work in a chartered profession like a Doctor.
Professional is derived from the word profession, so yeah if it's your living than you're a professional. There are plenty of professionals I know that I would never consider to be skilled photographers but they still know how to make people pay them for whatever they make. Vice versa just as well but then we call them 'artists'.
It's just a bunch of words, really.
I've looked at this segment a few times over the years since you made it and find more each time I watch it. Thank you for your work, Ted. It helps me a lot.
I love episodes like this, Mr. Forbes. I think that being confident about what you do is extremely important, it's a fuel necessary to get better, experiment and be creative. There is nothing wrong about aspiring to something. And if you acknowledge your limitations and try to overcome them instead of staying in warm, cosy places, I believe you are not going to become arrogant.
Just watch this video years later and feel it makes so much sense right now, it’s so easy to buy a DSLR and call yourself a photographer!!! But they do it just mechanically!!! Thanks for posting videos about photography and not just photography toys!!!
Good topic! I think it kind of boils down to the idea that it's okay to have enough of an ego to think you can do great work and be one of the best photographer or artist, but without being too egotistical to think that you're already there. There's always room to grow even when you think you've "arrived" already. And that's what makes creativity such an addiction and, sometimes, a misery--depending on those days when it doesn't kick in. As always, I enjoy your videos and look forward to new updates!
I know this video is from long ago, but I must thank you. That's exactly what I needed to see.
This is once more a great video, Ted!
IMHO, one thing that is for me a great source of motivation is the fact that photography is an aesthetic pursuit and that means it pretty much has no hard, objective criteria of quality. The grains of sand you speak of.
This is extremely liberating when you think about it: there's nothing out there saying that my work is a 4 out of 10 or any of that, and that if I go through these steps I will become a 5 out of 10 etc, so I can just follow my own path.
I come here regularly for my photography education as I delve into film. Thank you so much. I am in a related artistic field for my career, vfx, so a lot of what you are saying resonates with me.
I break down art professionalism in a few different categories that can compound on one other, but not necessarily, leading to what I consider being more and more "professional"
I use photography as my therapy. If people like it, then that's fine. This video is very positive.
Almost ten years ago you made this video to talk to me directly today. Very cool message.
Some good points-
I think professional is a person how makes a living with there job
If you are a dentist full time and make a living with it you are professional dentist
regardless of how good photographer you are over the weekend
since your main income is from being a dentist
I don't think PRO means to make good images or to be good dentist-but to be able to make a living with your proffesion-I other words if I make a living by doing photography Im a PRO photographer
That was really motivating. I also am overly critical about my own pictures. Especially when I made mistakes while taking them. In post I can alway redo it. I just joined the flickr group and I hope to get great feedback.
Thanks Ted!
What a wonderful episode. Thanks Ted!
Watching this in 2020 don't know how i missed it, Classic Ted 👍
Is that a real fender strat in the bottom left?
A good golfer is not determined by how good his good shots are, but how good his bad shots are. From time to time I arrive at shots (in photography) that I am really proud of. I can ignore the thousand others.
Love this program! Ted makes such meaningful conversation of all aspects of photography. I guess it is to the level of a masters class in photography!
I think most of the reason people don't succeed is because they let the voice inside dictate the outcome of their lives. I was guilty of it for years I would tell myself all the time "you can't do that" and of course I didn't succeed or often times didn't even try. Example: I rebuilt a classic car from scratch recently. if you asked me 5 years ago if I could work on my own car beyond doing brake pads and oil changes I would have laughed at you. one day I just said yes I can instead of no I can't. I think the same applies for art or really anything you set out to do in life you need to be self motivating and just get out there and try and tell yourself you are worth something and that it's possible. When you stop listening to the negative voice within it's amazing what is possible. That might sound cliche but it's been totally true in my life.
Many thanks for all your inspiring videos Ted!!
HI from the future 2013 Ted. 7 years later you're still right.
Ultra love your videos. Thanks for giving us something fresh other than the regular camera review! God bless you!
I really needed this vid when finding it today. Thank you for making it since it spoke to me about what I've been doing to my own works for too long and to myself.
A video made 7 years ago still so relevant to photographers.
Love your video's.Absolutely correct.I also believe that you can never stop learning everyone has a different approach.In the short time watching.Thanks so much for sharing Deb.👍
6 years on, it's still a great video, some things just don't change I guess.
Great video - very inspiration to watch and review again, thanks for creating this timeless inspiration piece Ted.
Really great video. I'd say it's better to err on the side of caution and be confident when you might think you might be seen as cocky than to humble yourself because you think you might come off as cocky. I think we all try to appease the haters and try to fit in too much. It's hard to be proud when people want to pull you down.
Thank you for this. I love all your videos but this one was really reassuring and motivating!
This is 100% true I hope that is my life I have taken many photos . And there will be some that are inspiring to someone who appreciates it as art !!
great words of wisdom !
O.k.. I understand the RB67 better now and under stand that it can take a digital back as well. I understand that transparency film may give you a little more exposure latitude. Not to drag this out, but my recommendation would be to sell the Gossen and pick up a Sekonic L-358 and a 1` spot finder. This would save you some money over buying an L-758DR or similar meter. Best of luck to you!
this topic reminds of the frank zappa - "shut up and play yer guitar". let your work speak for itself, pro, pro-am, novice, etc are just labels. good topic ted.
Great video, I have always had that moment where I did not believe in my work or my "skill". But I do believe there is a fine line between being critical of your work and not wanting to risk saying what you are doing is good or artistic. Also you bring the very important point of is making money what makes you professional. I myself love photography but I don't want to live off that either, id rather get better for myself and not for a client.
Yep, nobody wants to be like Jared Polin. Barf
Too right!
I'm sure he doesn't want to be, but some people just can't help it...
fuck that guy, cant stand him
Great video Ted, most deep thoughts. I have struggled with these thoughts too for a while now. Thanks.
Again, just another great video from Ted.
Hard to be haughty with a Holga. It's my camera with training wheels. I enjoying the getting out to see what's outside the house and not being projected at me through the idiot box to see what I can capture on film. I'm trying to get to where when I drive around that a scene jumps out at me that *_THIS_* is needs to be captured on film. The problem that I need to solve is how to keep my camera with me so that it isn't left in the car to be exposed to extreme heat to ruin the film.
Amazing, youve taken thoughts straight from my mind, infused some new ideas and worded it elegantly, amazing.
Thank you so much. The problem with me when shooting and when in the darkroom is that I have no self confidence whatsoever. I never like what I do and pick at tiny insignificant things. I need to balance confidence with critical just like you say so thank you!
On the money as always Ted. Well said.
thanks I just checked out your video, I have been shooting 4 years and just a little while ago entered my first juried art show, I wasn't excepted, going to try to get into a contest next week.it was a very inspiroring video as of late my attitude and motivation have been suffering.
As Mr Bresson say everybody has the capacity to be an artist " .
"Interviews and Conversations"
Aperture editions , beautiful book.
Just do your photography for yourself as an learning and enjoying journey!
One of your best videos ever!
Hi ted...really enjoying your channel mate..and im gonna check out the flicker group...keep up the good work..you are changing the world :-)
Great true to life, and motivational video.
Good stuff Ted!
love the channel, lots of good stuff but I do have to pause every now and again to give my brain time to catch up and process what's being said. So fast! But still very interesting.
I'm an (almost) complete tyro(newbie) at photography... I have taken 35mm for years with a Pentax K-1000, but always casual stuff: commercially developed, etc., nothing special... I actually have, as most, been using the digital camera for most of my stuff the past 10 years. However, I am regaining an interest in film photography, and want to see where it might take me... Back in the late 1940s & 50s, my father had a professional photo business going- he was a "staff photographer" (feeder) on several local papers, magazines, etc, did commercial/industrial photography, etc. etc... From the 60s through the early 80s, he specialized in book photography- covers, advertising media, and so forth. He essentially put his cameras away in the mid 1980s. He passed a few years ago, and I have pretty much inherited all his equipment- no one else in the family was interested, and so I laid claim to it... I am now learning to use a Graflex Pacemaker Speed Graphic 4x5, also a Graflex Graphic View 4x5, and all the associated equipment- including the darkroom stuff- Even an Omega D2 enlarger. I have been going through everything, and am trying to learn what everything does- It is kind of a way to get back to my dad- even though he's gone... The funny part is, there are a good number of loaded film cartridges- all packed sometime in the 80s at the latest! They have been in the dark, in t heir case, packed for years... I think they will be my "practice" films- That way I can get the mechanics down without worrying too much about wasting what may already be "dead" film. And, If I manage a few decent prints at the end, It will make it all that much better! (I even have a full case of Poloroid film for the camera & the back as well- all dated 1974 or so! I doubt, highly, that it will work. But is there a way to conventionally develop Poloroid film? Thanks for the chance to blabber!
great topic Ted, good show!
much needed discussion, great.
Are you using the spot metering function of your meter if it has one? Perhaps an add-on spot metering device can be attached to your Gossen meter. I own a Sekonic L-358 and would say that it is moderately priced and does a great job for me. Spot metering devices can be attached to it that come in various degrees of angle. I hope that this is helpful. Check out light meter manufacturers web sights and you just might find a solution that won't break the bank. Good luck!
Thank you for such an insightful and motivational video!
Very inspiring video. So glad I found your channel!
How in the hell i didnt saw this channel before. It is really amazing.
Thanks Ted, loving your videos!
Hey Ted,I love your videos, but this certainly stands out as one of your best. I'm working with Photos since 3 years now and i love it for my live. Therefore gained some reputation to be good around cameras. And so sometimes people and friends come up and ask me:How do you make photos! Me:I press the shutter button? And they are always like thanks for nothing. After that i explain ISO,aperture and so on, and tell them to go out and shoot. Going to recommend this vid to them! Thanks a lot.
Thanks Ted. Yes, this does help.
Liked also the cat interaction in the back... ;) keep up the Great Work Ron
I have no issue saying that I am terrible at photography. It doesn't actually bother me. I am more afraid of getting to the point where I can't see how bad my work is. If I stop seeing flaws, then I will never improve.
TED You have DEFINITELY become more handsome over time!
Its good that you articulate that photography is not just photography but that it is holistic and related to design, psychology, art, composition and thought. This is what keeps my attention on this channel. Good honest opinion.
years passing so fast
I am an artist cause I create visual artwork. I'm not a professional because I don't brand myself (low self-esteem) and don't push my work out there. But I'm still an artist.
Great discussion. I am going to check out that book.
Wonderful, I love the ending.
I take pictures. Even if some of them are awful. it's the best hobby on this planet 👍👍👍
Yes i think that people should not mark them-self in that way
thank you for this video,I needed it.
Thank you💛
From what little I know of him, Fro Knows seems to me to be more of an internet entrepreneur. A friend of a friend does a very similar thing (sells photography advice online) and he makes good money doing so. This guy's own photos are no great shakes, yet he speaks with a voice of authority to be perceived as such, as a necessity of what he's chosen to do. Posing as a 'professional photographer,' in actual fact he makes almost no money from photography and never has, but makes enough from his website to support himself, and gets a lot of free gear to boot.
I've not seen Fro Knows' photos, but imagine that he may have a similar hustle going, but may have overdone the authority / confidence for many people's taste.
What these people compromise is the respect of anyone who has much of an understanding of what they're purporting to sell, but get clicks from people who don't.
In a crowded marketplace I expect it's liable to be more effective at getting someone to click-through to offer '4 Tips to Becoming A Better Photographer' vs. 'Rhythm in Visual Composition.' Many people are lazy and like things quantified for them. 'Get a flat stomach in 3 easy steps' 'Top 5 award show nip slips' etc.
To me the success of these entrepreneurs is in making money SEO, ads, t-shirt sales etc. from those that have it to spare and don't know any better.
I guess the only shame is the way CZcams puts previews of this dirge down the side of valuable educational content like this.
Couldn't agree more with Ted!
very insightful rambling, thanks :)
Very good! I needed to hear this.... while I may not have the same knowledge level and experience as some photographers, I need to not down talk my work. I just don't feel confident that I know enough...need more input lol... I've always based a "professional" on how good their art is...not that they charge...especially because...the last few weddings, (my daughters included,) we hired a "professional" We got 180 decent edited jpegs and 1000 unedited jpegs of very out of focus...too much flash etc... I was very bummed. Made me wish I would have taken my own daughters wedding photos....oh well...enough of them were good. My point is there are a lot of people out there calling themselves "professional" charging thousands for disappointing work... I've seen photographers yapping at other photographers "don't charge so little, your dragging down the art".... really? With everybody having a digital camera these days... their needs to be some honesty! Charge by how good you are...
I'm not great yet so I'm not gonna charge what some higher end wedding photographer does... I'm not really ready for weddings yet but at least this gives the couples who can't afford those prices something good and memories they deserve, the same as someone better off..
I sorta disagree... I don't think your comparison or judgment of whether wedding photography or fine art photography is harder is flawed... because lose a card/images in fine art and not delivering to a gallery, versus lose a card/images in wedding and not delivering to a couple (Bride!).
I checked the Gossen web sight and though the Lunapro is comparable to the Sekonic L-358 there was no spot finder listed in the available accessories for it. At the camera store I deal with they sell the L-358 for USD$309.00. Sekonic offers 1`, 5`, and 10` finders for spot metering that can be attached the the unit. have no pricing information on the spot finders. I'm not familiar with the RB67. Does it have a spot metering mode? The "Zone System" may be worth studying - it works with film/digi.
Great stuff thank you really needed to hear this
Loved the video, very encouraging. :)
so right
Freakin love this. Thank you!
There is a quote from Casey Neistat the says roughly "Make money to do what you love, don't make it make money for you."
Thanks again Ted and I don't know How I missed this :-)
Here's the thing; Just shut up and do your thing. - People that want to talk about it endlessly won't get far either. - I'm not talking about you/Ted talking about it, by the way. I'm referring to people discussing what to call themselves or worrying about their "status".- I mean, why?... Just stop, or move on, rather, and go do the things you're best at. Be it photography or something else. There's no point in trying to have a certain title or thinking about yourself or someone else in a certain way. Just go do things.
And from my perspective, being a very creative type of person, but one who has suffered from depression, I can't stand all the arguing over this stuff anymore. I just want to do the things I like and enjoy it and see where it gets me, and I urge others to do that as well without feeling the need to establish a status or some such thing. Whether that's publicly or putting it onto themselves. - Myself, I'll just try and do the best that I can and see what I produce with that. Maybe other people will like it, maybe not. But at least I've tried to create what I wanted.
So, I guess what I'm basically saying is; Care less. Also without being an asshole, of course. But care less about opinions and views or titles, and care more about what you do and also try to be open to other's works or views. That's only more productive.
Wise words Timothy - sorry I didn't know you by your username!
Great video and I love your cats 😊