Shifter: How to do Long Term Projects, Part Two
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- čas přidán 30. 04. 2020
- Good grief. If you watch this entire thing I'm nominating you for a humanitarian award. Part Two in all its glory. There are more specifics here but there is still a lot to cover in regard to doing long-term work. Each of us navigates photography in our own way but I've learned a thing or two that might be of benefit. Take my opinion for what it is, my opinion nothing more.
The work highlighted here covers a project I worked on for four years. I didn't spend all four years working on this ONE piece, but what you see here is the result of four trips to Sicily. I chose this project simply because it was the first project that popped up when I opened my drive system. I could have chosen a half dozen other projects created during the same time but all the same rules and ideas apply to all. This project IS interesting as it did some a bit of acceptance. This project was published several times, was represented by a Los Angeles gallery, and was also why I was approached by two different publishers who wanted to make this work into a book. I declined both publishing deals as they were, frankly, terrible financial deals. This project is what led me to start self-publishing my work.
Remember, storytelling comes with responsibility. This isn't about YOU it's about THEM. The people you photograph are sacred and should be treated with respect, always, regardless of who they are and what they are doing. If they let you know their lives you have to accept the responsibility that comes with this.
Start small, have fun.
This is seriously one of the best videos I've ever watched. This is invaluable for us who have never ever experienced a conversation/mentoring with legit experienced photographers.
I have my moments. Rare, but they do happen.
One of my most viewed and favourites videos ever. The truth about how photography works is in this video. Yo do not need anything else except watching it.
Ah.....projects. So much fun, so engrossed and so painful at times. But, it's why we keep coming back.
What a breath of fresh air!
Exhale....
Best way to fill a journal entry: watch this film, take notes then reflect. Thanks Daniel and well done.
As a photographer you just flipped my world upside down
I think that's a good thing.
the amount of information you give away for free is amazing
Hey, why not. If it helps someone then it's worth it.
Daniel is the best communicator on the subject on CZcams. He's straight to the point. Doesn't waste time (yours). Self deprecating and funny! I'm not interested in being a photojournalist myself, but still enjoy his videos very much! I think I'll be a Master Fine Arts Photographer instead.
I do, after all, have a degree in .......communication! Just don't ask my wife.
Epic video! Keep up the good work. You have me pumped to start a project
Get out there.
Great stuff. Watched Under Fire and loved Salvador. Your videos are the 'most-est honest' I've seen anywhere. Thank you.
A friend texted me an image from Under Fire yesterday. Russel Price is my spirit animal. Love those films. I hope my films are honest. For me, anything else is a waste of time and probably a quick way to a mental health issue.
Loved "Under Fire" have watched it dozens of times over a number of decades.
I don't take sides, I take pictures. (Goose bumps, HERO)
Top stuff. I have a couple of projects on the go and the two episodes are gold...
Just what I needed while researching how to start a project and validation of my leaving the online photo spaces... Thank you.
Good. The online world can be a great way to waste time, which I do think is good for us to do from time to time, but as a space to learn actual photography....not so much.
This should be a 'How to shoot a long form photo documentary' book.
Yea.....books!
last... we need to capture... hold the moment...... thankyou again
Thank you thank you thank you!
As a linguist, I should say this has been one of the best fieldwork lessons I've ever had. Greetings from Chile, Dan.
Thanks man. Would LOVE to come to Chile. Maybe ride on my bike or moto, fish, shoot, explore, surf. Ahhhhhhh not enough time in the day.
Took me two coffee, a couple of tears, and yes some "i knew it" too. Thanks.
Good evening ... Salvador is an absolute must watch ... Thanks for the video ... Learn something every day ... Done !!!
He was really good. "I know, I know, I'm a total weasel."
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Salgado; I Watched the documentary on his work, read his photography book cover to cover ... And the big plus about CZcams, is that you can find documentaries on about every photographer that ever existed ... The learning curve keeps going up; no flattening the curve here ... 😎👍
Thank you, yesterday i watched this video and take my first notes for starting a project, i am no professional, but i will follow advice, do it slow, do little steps, have FUN.
That's it. Take it easy, make it fun.
I realy loved these 2 videos. Thank you. From Cape Town, South Africa.
Have yet to hit Southern Africa but it's HIGH on my list. Heck, the entire continent is.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 hoping Nigeria is in your radar as well! I'd be so honoured to host you!
Hands down, one of the best non BS videos I’ve seen. Thanks for given your time to pass on your advice and experience.
Thanks Terry. My long-term goal is to take you with me on a long-term project.
Hi Daniel, I know I can't stand and do what you say, I don't think I'm a documentary photographer, just a full and a hobby photographer, but it doesn't change the fact that you give lots of important information and tips.
Thank you for being here.
Whatever you do is perfectly fine. If it makes you happy and productive, go for it.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thank daniel
Knowing these are a huge call on your time, intellect and preparation, thank you.
#11 is worth its weight in gold. I was on the Algerian border in a remote village working on a project retracing my father's travels through Morocco from 60 years before,, and a local woman kept telling my guide in Berber, "No Facebook!" before I could take her photo. I also love going back to North Africa and sharing prints I made of them the year before. It really builds bonds!
Social media has really destroyed so much. IG is the worst in my opinion. I've watched it ruin the industry, ruin the value of photography and ruin a lot of really good photographers. I wish we could go back in time and rid ourselves of this "thing."
Thank you for your generosity, your advice has really got me thinking. Inspired.
I could write 20x agreed but that would be boring, but that would cover it totally.
Yes, Sicily is great , Palermo in particular, great for Photography, cuisine is amazing with all the influences of the countries that have sieged Sicily in the past.
Been there, had planned to go back this year, but it will still be there, it's Italy at its purest ! (best gelato in the world, don't try it, you will not enjoy ice cream at home anymore)
I liked to go in the dark alleys in the evening and shoot people relaxing outside, craftsman renovating old buildings but also little harbors in the south were I was the only foreigner within miles shooting fisherman doing their thing. If you are a wedding photographer, (I am not)in Palermo they have at least 5 weddings a day , and man do they know how to do a proper wedding.
Nick Nolte, Under Fire, man this is memory lane, old enough to have seen it when it came out in the cinema, and watched it a dozen time afterwards on VCR and Digital !
Salvador I can't recall but I am downloading it as I write ;-)
Yes man, less is more, you can do a portrait with a 28mm if you know what to be aware off, but people rather show you all the expensive lenses you can buy with their links attached, cause life will be useless without them.
I love sixties music and there are so many great B/W videos of the Vietnam war on YT, playing CCR or The Doors , but that footage is awesome, those reporters were aces !
Well I am glad I found your channel, thanks for sharing your thoughts, and keep safe !!
Sicilian people are awesome. I remember returning my rental car and I go to the airport and there was no parking lot. I see this airport worker and I ask him. "Just leave it anywhere," he said. "Just leave the keys on the dash."
Brilliant!! Loved it!!! AND Thank you :-)
Thank you!
Thank you, Daniel! For the amazing content.. So helpful and useful for the project I'm starting right now :)
Good!
Thank you for the exceptional advice.
Extremely helpful. Thank you.
Damn straight!
"Don't stand in the north 40 and shoot something in the south 40." 💪
Texas logic.
Thank you, thank you Daniel!!!
Fantastic tips, I wrote them all down. I really need to get creative with my photography before I explode. I have so many ideas. I need to pick one and go for it, take the step and go.
Thanks so much
Start small. Start close.
Daniel, you are the most helpful person in photography subject I've ever watched in CZcams. I really apreciate your honest advises and your time you put into this videos. Your channel really proves, that quality is not related in any sense to the number of viewers or how many subscribtions you have. Best regards from Hungary.
Hey Hungary, thanks for that. I don't think I'm in any danger of having huge numbers.
You remind me a lot of Sean Tucker...not literally but in the type information you give. Its honest and information with substance. Anyway, weirdly enough something I got out of this was to buy the slightly wider prime lens and not the zoom and force myself to get closer to my subject or rather to "move my body". Im a bit of an introvert but I have to lean into my discomfort to become better. Thanks for awesome videos man.
Join the club. I'm a total introvert. I had to fabricate a version of myself to do my Blurb job. Quarantine starts and my wife looks at me and says "You were custom built for this." Yes, primes allow for ONE less item to deal with...zooming. Look for the light, wait for the moment and move your body.
Dan, this is brilliant. You have given me much to think about and much to try to implement. Thank you for this.
👏👏👏Great video
I love the fact that you call them films and not videos. thank you for this valuable information. waiting for the lockdown to be lifted so that i can finally buy your books. take care.
I never thought about this. I guess being a filmmaker sounds better than a video maker.
Thank you Daniel. Clear and concise and jam packed! Really appreciate it.
Having been raised on film & darkrooms, I’m geared towards really looking for those few *really good* shots, instead of just shooting off hundreds of shots and hoping something good is in there.
I struggle with reminding myself that “it’s digital girl! you can take more than a few really good ones now!”
That's the way it should be. In my opinion. Photography shouldn't change with tech. And overshooting doesnt' make you better it actually makes things more difficult.
Thanks for the insights, Daniel. Just finished part one and there you follow up. Stay well
Love both parts of your series! Many thanks.
With all due respect, and this is not derogatory, you have no faith but you are a mystic.
I don't know what I have. Curiosity maybe. Mystic? Me?
@@DANIELMILNOR505 that's it, searching and soaring
You are inspiration! Thank you Dan 🙏🏻
Great stuff - really useful. Thank you.
I was sort of floating along until your smoking analogy, now I understand: everything or not at all.
Thank you for this Dan!
This is awesome Daniel. Thanks for sharing and spend your time in this. Really amazing.
I consider myself lucky to have discovered you. Thank you so much.
Now, I just wanna start this project that I don't know yet...Thank you Dan for these videos, so inspirational!
Dude! You speak my language! Thank you for this CZcams Channel and your eyes, brains and wit.
No worries, glad you are enjoying.
Another straight talk with interesting points. Thanks for doing this. 👌🤘🤙🙏🙏🙏
Thanks and congrats for this videos! Really interesting content, totally clear and well explained! You are a Great teacher
Hi Daniel I did see part one of this Video and it was very good. I agree with most of what you are talking about. I have also been working on my own projects to just do the work. In the past I have been very blessed with most of the things I wanted to photograph were job's and I got paid to do them. I have an idea and then a client would show up and I could use the idea on that job. Thanks for the great information it's gold for a lot of guys.
That's a great scenario. And that allow for the love of photography, or potential love of photography, to continue. A key for longevity in my book.
Pure gold …. A genuine non patronising honest educator, tells it as it is …. How much would that ‘workshop’ have cost? - By far the best on CZcams! Thanks Daniel 😊
My wife is always yelling at me to monetize all this...stuff.
Wow ! Thank you very much for this two videos. This tips are gold ! I'm starting a documentary project and I'm sure that I'll be deeply inspired by this !
... awesome!! Serious and simple.. thanks Daniel for your time and effort.
Thanks again, Daniel. As an amateur 35mm b&w film photographer (self publishing), thanks for inspiring me not to give up.
Thank you Daniel.
Thank you for existing Dan, you are one of the most interesting, cool people I have ever seen!
That's quite a compliment. Thank you.
Thanx for giving me this insightful story on photojournalism 🙏🏼
Thank you for this video, very inspiring.
Help full, for sure. Thanks,.
Best 30 minutes Ive spent on You Tube. Thanks Dan, down loading, digesting and will be implementing on a " target rich environment" soon. Hadnt heard that saying since leaving the forces. :)
Thank you Dan, you’re an inspiration 📷💕. This was the best half hour spent watching videos about photography on CZcams for a long time.
Glad you found it worthwhile.
The hidden gem here is: When your camera drops focus, be a badass and layer your narrative. 5:25
EPIC, love the advice.
Great photos! You love people, you love photography and you have great talent! Here is the result! Great! Good luck !
Very refreshing to hear a photographer talk about doing a great project, taking the time, curating, editing, letting it age properly. This much better than just instant love-me responses from INsta or some garbage. Thanks, man. Much appreciate this vid.
Yes, I think my views on photographer are basically in polar opposition to much of what you see and hear. I can't do IG. I've seen it ruin so many good people. Like chasers now. Skittish. Conformist.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Spot on. I think back to great photographers/writers that influenced my work. There is something to be said for the "fermentation" process. Letting things cook on their own and in your brain. But hey, to each his own. I live and let live. Will steer my own course and end up where it takes me.
Okay, this is the third video of yours that I have watched today and I think you read my journal. My wife has urged me to stop worrying about IG and pick up my photo project back up and it also falls along the line of what your topic is.
All I can say is life after IG is far, far better. At least for me. I know my views on this are atypical but I detoxed for two weeks and then never looked back. When it creeps into your between-task mind, it's not helping.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Amen to that! Take care!
Fantastic 2 part video Dan! Thank you so much for taking the time. Lately I'm very frustrated with my own photography, or better, the total lack of it ... I just can't do it anymore ... Been watching all your videos and also the ones with Marc Silber. Eventhough I'm not a documentary photographer, it definitely helps and stirs something inside. thank you man!
We all ebb and flow. That's normally. Do something else creative. Write, sketch, record, etc.
I am learning SO MUCH from your videos, totally dorking out over here. Thanks for spending all the time making these + sharing all you do! (ps Your Sicily project is truly inspiring work)! (ppss also, i cannot get enough of these BLURB journals etc. I am so excited to create my first one)!
Sicily was a dreamy project, for sure. Innocent in many ways. Pre-texting, pre-social, etc. Great country and people. Friends helping me out and nobody telling me how I had to work. The journals are ENDLESS. Here is another wrinkle for you. Buy an extra and sent it to someone you admire. A little note. "Hey, I find you inspiring." That's all. See what happens.
Your videos made me start 2 different projects. They might never see the light of day, but I am getting closer to the right path. Thank you Daniel.
I like the sound of that.
Some very solid advice here, Dan. I particularly loved the idea of a field book in the form of printed photos and material. Thanks a lot. Will be sure to recommend your channel to others. Keep up the good work sir.
The field guide is so much fun and essential for access, at least at times.
I took your advice some months ago, Dan and get all my ‘keepers’ printed in 7x5 and pin them to boards in my home office/studio. That way, I live with them while I work at my desk and each one tells me a story and reminds me of a specific assignment and experience . I print my best work in A1/2 or 3 and they are framed and cover the walls in my home. I do self-publish my work in hardback book form and am now working on several zines. All that after getting inspired by your intense presentations. Big thanks and keep putting out the inspirational feed.
That is how A LOT of good photographers work I remember watching War Photographer about Jim Nachtwey and he was using the same small print technique. I'm sitting at a desk filled with small print stories going back to the 1990s.
I’ve been trying to piece together the last ideas for a long term project. You sir have helped me make massive progress in the planning process. Thank you !
Glad I could be of service..
Daniel this is so f*cken good, the tough love burns so good for this millenial, I’ve watched these videos about 4 times now, you have given me inspiration to go so much harder with my photography projects. Your to-the-point advice is so refreshing in this online world and it has energised me immensely. Thank you so much.
Sam Tanner Hey Sam, good to know. Always good to grind. Best of luck with your projects.
Excellent,superb video, thanks for your time. Again love your take on Instagram. Excellent pictures they remind me of some I've seen by Gianni Berengo Gardin. Cheers
Thanks Daniel... wow...
Great job on this by man, I listen to it with headphones on doing some bass fishing. The series would make a great audiobook. Respect
Aloy, you're here too?! Agree with you except for the headphones-only! If you don't watch it you miss the amazing (tmax) images and the glasses. Take care!
I just crushed the barbs on my bass poppers. We apparently have some walleye and pike action here in NM but I've yet to find it. Mostly trout for me at this point. Bass when I return to Texas from time to time. Love it all.
@@AvaSilveryahhh good point sis touche. Lol
I'm not always sure if the content is good but I really love listening to Daniel talk.
A bit of confusion is natural with anything I do.
I've been watching a lot of videos of yours and interviews with you and admire your perspective.
After watching all your first video I've started working on my first zine, a very simple one. I got it yesterday and I feel very proud about it. Yes, there are a lot of things to fix but who cares...I'm looking forward to next (more thinking on this and more autocriticism on choosing pics).
Next step: back to film :)
Give yourself a high-five. That's a big move. Most of what I print is terrible, but I learn from each publication. Enjoy it.
Very inspiring!
I swear, if I ever get recognized for what I do, I’ll be crediting it to you and your videos. Content is so good! I wished more photographers would see this instead of contents on latest photo gears! Keep it going!
Alexander, the gear is the easy road. I think what I'm presenting is the opposite. In some ways, it's easier not to know. To play pretend.
Well that’s me closing my Instagram accounts in the morning. I honestly believe I enjoyed photography so much more before the world of social media.
Social sucks.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 I think social media is the reason for GAS in the consumer market, each product release day floods youtube et al with influencer content on why you NEED this [thing you never needed before] Personally I have a love / hate (more hate) relationship with social media, and I think this video has won me over to taking some long term time away from the 'gram. Please keep doing these videos, and in the same format, the conversation is genuine, interesting and so so refreshing to hear.
thanks a lot! i am shooting a long term project about studio of trapeze about year and a half now. in your video i had many good tips for me. about that to do then i am finishing a shooting and starting an editing, making of an actual book. To make a pause of couple of months is amazing tip. thanks!
Yes, making sense of the project on paper, in book or magazine form, is a great game to play. Good luck. It sounds like a good project.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 its getting better every time! i see more stuff, i understand trapeze art deeper, i feel more intense, and a photos getting more interesting. amazing feedback from my subjects as well.
Inspiration!
Love your videos. Im gonna do my first long project. Hope to see a color video from u someday :)
Thank you Dan, greetings from Chile.
I appreciate your time to make these incredible helpful videos. Being able to hear whats really important in photography and the actual reality of developing stories instead of being worried about the gear that we're using makes your content really good and different, Im always recommending you to my fellow photographers.
I asked you a question in one of Marc's (AYP) live videos a while ago about how could we build our reputation as photographers, and share our projects and work with other people without using social media. I'd appreciate if you could talk about this topic, since I find it so hard to get much attention, and reach out to newer people (Potentially somebody to work professionally with) in a society that is deeply immersed in these kinds of platforms. And also what would be your advice and methods of work to totally dump the social media.
Again, thank you so much! I'll always be looking forward to watch, and hear more of your advice on photography.
Que tal amigo? I will add this to a Q&A I'm thinking about doing. Will talk about other means of getting your work out. Great question.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thank you! I appreciate it
Thank you for letting us know about Sara Terry - she's a wonderful photographer!
Ya, Sara is intelligent and good at many things.
Man thank u. Helped a lot! I just started my first project
Good luck!
Hi Daniel, great content here (content in the good sense!). I am from Sicily but never been where you have! I live in London (UK) and thanks to you I will embark in an attempt of a personal long term project (as long as I will be able to make it) on the area I currently live (Battersea), but will say no more than this! :) In August I'll be back in Sicily for the summer break and who knows I will be able to do something there as well!
Lorenzo, it is an incredible place. Very few tourists, at least when I was there. Simple, beautiful and a place I could easily spend the rest of my life.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 thank you, that's very true. Perhaps I'll share the results in the future. Keep up the great work
Thank you.
Awesome content
Focus is for losers - ask Instagram Sam. Another great video - love this series. I'm waiting for my award.
At least MOST was in focus.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 :)
55 working press photographer love my work and kinda proud of what I’ve done but hell I’ve soooo much more to learn. Another epic video mate I’m taking notes as you speak.
Keep on fighting the good fight. News photogs never get their credit. A tough job but rewarding.
Daniel Milnor hands down best job ever mate it just gets in the way of personal work 😆📷
Thanks for this. Good work. What I like about your videos is that you make me think about how your points could apply to other things I do, like writing. Do I get up close enough when I’m writing something? Am I too detached from the characters? Are they in a space I understand? What am I trying to show? Trying to apply good advice for one art to a different art makes me see things differently and just occasionally, I write something a bit better.
Guess that's a good thing. Intention combined with inspection.
Thank you, a great and helpful two part series. Thanks a lot! Perhaps a bit far fetched, but can you recommend a book about photo journalism? Something that provides historic context, shows good (and bad) photo journalism, talks about its place in modern society and how it evolved over the years. A photo journalism 101 if you like.
Oh man, what was that book they made us buy in college......hang on, let me find it. This isn't it but it would be a good start. www.thriftbooks.com/w/photojournalism-sixth-edition-the-professionals-approach_kenneth-kobre/256231/item/6606356/?mkwid=M4TicR8U%7cdc&pcrid=430001108596&product=6606356&plc=&pgrid=99653410533&ptaid=pla-894208912293&M4TicR8U%7cdc%7cpcrid%7c430001108596%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cproduct%7c6606356%7cslid%7c%7cpgrid%7c99653410533%7cptaid%7cpla-894208912293%7c&gclid=Cj0KCQjwka_1BRCPARIsAMlUmEojFMK9KhxGxVh8ZPhMd_E-Xqyam-N7S5hmnbvq2FQuMmiY_YGn90saAodUEALw_wcB#isbn=075068593X&idiq=6606356