This will make you a better photographer.
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- čas přidán 14. 02. 2024
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This week I'm showing some more photos from my time in New York, and talking about why I think cities might just be the best places for improving your photography.
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The respect he has for the people he's photographing is absolutely wonderful. Street photography doesn't have to be rude
Whenever I see you've posted a new video, my mood lifts a little bit. Thank you James.
exactly how I feel!
Me too!!!
Same
Agreed.
Definitely. I wait for them.
As a native New Yorker it’s so fun to see the city through your eyes. It’s sort of reinvigorates a place that I’m so used to its almost as if i got a new prescription for my old pair of glasses and I can see everything just that much more clearly now. thank you.
Your pics from NYC are excellent, James! Love the colours and your use of people as more of a background element rather than the main focus. And I appreciate you mentioning the ethical side of street photography as well. I wish more people saw it like that.
Thanks for showing everyone how wondrous NYC can be - I moved here from the UK back in 1981 and I LOVE this city!
UK is far better with accessiblty to Scotland,Ireland,Welsh shores,woods imo.
But USA is more versatile
@@phillipbanes5484 There is some parts of USA looks like the parts of UK i mentioned,but not identical and I can't tell how much I love those places.
Local New Yorker here, I've always found it difficult to find scenes I like in the city given the distractions. I've seen others' works and as an amateur, was difficult to create similar emotions. Being familiar with your style and work, it was very inspirational to see how you take photos here and gets me really motivated to continue searching and growing in my own home city. Cheers
I really enjoy your sense of humour. I also like the fact that your videos feel conversational and relaxed. Great stuff.
I took your advice from an earlier video where you said that it’s better to spend on going somewhere than on a better camera. I spent mine on a trip to NY. Great advice. Then I came home and bought a better camera anyway.
NYC is just the perfect city for street photography
I've been traveling around Asia for the past 2 years, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea, and Japan. In total I spent 9 months in Osaka and I can say with confidence that my photography improved leaps and bounds compared to everywhere else I've been. Having such a variety of things to shoot so easily at hand, just a few minutes away in any direction, the beautiful golden sunlight, the contrast of modern and historical neighborhoods existing together, the neon lights, and etc. made every day I took my camera out a fruitful excursion. I don't know how many pictures I took in total, probably upwards of 30,000 or more, but I produced exactly 8,216 images. Hopefully will be returning in July for another 6 months.
I don't know why, but you James, you soothe me whenever you speak... Specially when you say "purchase".. it's a very cosy feeling I get when I hear your introduction 😌
That's an advertisers dream then. 😄
Some of the photos with the harsh light reminds me of Sean Tucker's work. He mastered those.
There's a cinematic intro then there's James
Thanks for bringing up the 'ethical question'. It is a good reminder, and bears repetition. Unless you are engaged in a project whereby photos of people in need will be used to benefit them, protecting their privacy and dignity in their hour of need is paramount.
Very nice video, BTW. Your creativity shines in the city environment! Cheers!
Mountains, Moles & Marketing Manager would be an awesome book name
The thing about shooting in a big city in crappy weather is, it's easy to go inside and have a cup of coffee. And I agree about photographing the less fortunate. It's not good to punch down with your photography. My only exception was a homeless guy with a really clever sign. But I also gave him a nice tip.
I have almost exclusively lived in cities and this makes sense. Whenever I've heard photographers complain about a type of light being too hard to work with, I've been confused by what they mean, like some kind of smug bastard.
Some big cities I've lived in for years and recommend: Paris, México, Tokyo, Bangkok. ✌️
3:49 when I did my A-level photography course, we had to base a topic around poverty in my local area. I felt awful getting photos of the homeless and people struggling financially..
I'm not sure why I even took that course, because to me (and most others) photography is subjective, whereas here I was told what I should and shouldn't do & that we were not taking good photos.. so glad I've left. Infact I've learnt more about my style and photography interests through James & other videos than taking that course for 2 years 😅
My new favorite channel! Just found you a couple days ago from a recommendation and instantly felt a connection with you and your beautiful photography. Thank you.👊🏻
You REALLY lucked out being here the first time it actually snowed in like two years. And even then it was only a couple of inches. It snowed a bit more yesterday (so the 2nd time, yay!) but it's still nowhere near what we were used to as recently as 3-4 years ago. Perfect timing!
Great lighting and colors in your a-roll in this one!
And now the main reason I say I love hard sunlight is obvious. I live in a big city, and I do street. The combination of the shadows and color pop is what I love most in a photo, and that's really only something you can get with hard light.
And hopefully here in Philly is one of those future big city stops. We're not as densely built, but we still have loads of 18th and 19th century buildings mixed in with the more modern stuff, and plenty of people to make things interesting.
Started some street photography recently (from landscapes) and living in Hong Kong, completely agree! It just helps me understand more the interactions about certain elements.
Some new James Popsys - my favorite videos to watch. Much love dude.
So many epic photos in this video, James. Totally agree too... a city visit is so fruitful whatever you like shooting!
Thank you James for your inspirational photography videos. Like many have already said, it brings me joy every time I watch them. Cheers from Montreal
Literally just got home from NY and my daughter who is learning photography got so amazing shots because of the city. In the snow storm on Tuesday she captured it really well. What she wanted to get was the snow falling but hasn’t learnt that yet.
your fleeting moment pictures are wonderful and so purely yours! great work and nice advice! I will be checking out your blog to go through them again.
Great video James, some great advice and some lovely shots
Absolutely agree that cities are challenging to shoot in and therefore improve your photography, and also offer so much variety! Loved the photos as always :)
I always love it when your videos at the start is really it makes my day
100% agree with your insight on cities. There's just so many opportunities for shooting something new every time, not only due to the sheer size and area to cover, but with the changing conditions you mentioned. Having moved away from a big city, I definitely miss going into the city for a day of photos like I used to. I love me some landscapes, but cityscapes and having ever-changing pockets of light on top of the human element involved with a city makes it really exciting. Regarding the ethics portion with people, it can be tricky and you handled it well; definitely some great advice for people just starting out with photography. Stunning photos as always, James, and I hope you're feeling better soon!
This NYC set has to be some of the coolest photos I’ve seen this year so far, by far.
I personally definitely prefer harsh midday daylight over golden hour or overcast/fog because of the more “true” colors and better defined shapes, especially in urban locations. But man seeing your color grading and edits makes me kinda want to shoot photos on Sony again after switching to Fuji a bit ago
lovely video as always! hyped to go to nyc as well this fall
Thanks for the video! Get well soon!
Thanks for this one James. It's very interesting and helpful!
Top notch video. Fabulous images and advice. Thanks James
Thanks James, I had learnt a lot about scenery photography and light theme photo styles.
Good stuff as usual James.
Great advice , I never really went near cities, but after I tried it , the penny dropped and I realised how they offer so many challenges, in terms of light, composition and subject. You have to see quickly and shoot quickly in a lot of cases and it had improved me no end. It is like a film studio , with constant changes of scenery and actors.
So many cool photos and so many laughs. Love your videos.
Having enjoyed NY myself, I must say you really delivered on your Street photography. Excellent work !
If the weather gets bad, it's time for a pint. Carry on. 👍🥂🍺
Expat from NYC as I am, shots from New York delight me endlessly.
Fantastic video, James! As much as I dislike cities (living and working in London for 35 years) I often think about whether I should look at them with a photographers mindset. You've made me think differently and this year I will give it a go!
The "like" button is not enough to rate this video! It is marvelous! I think you are really on to something with your thesis about how shooting in a big city can improve one's photography, and you certainly provided some great examples of what is possible to accomplish. And to echo the thoughts of others, your videos are such a treat. Thanks so much.
This is some of your best work, man 😊 Good video too!
Really love the analog style in this shots!
James, thank you! I've thought about going into the city closest to me, for months now.
Seeing your images from New York has ignited the spark in me that wants to try street photography.
It's one of the few genres that I have never tried. I'm a die-hard country girl , and the city has been taboo for me forever.
Cheers from across the pond.
Kim R
Ontario, Canada
PhotosByKimR
I think one of the factors standing between me and street / city photography is that I was a graphic designer years ago (in a different universe). My landscape photography is informed by and approached with a similar deliberation / "want for control" (not that I achieve it, but...). I find street too chaotic, too unpredictable and too uncontrollable to make the image look like I want. Yes, I know -- that's probably a very good reason why I should shoot street, alas... Naturally I'm also self-conscious and somewhat personally shy, so that doesn't help. But just the same I have a massive respect for those who can "do" street photography and yours is great.
Wow, what an interesting perspective! I'm a landscape/nightscape/astrophotographer and I often think that my photography skills are plateauing because there are only so many times / conditions I can go out and shoot.
And whenever I'm in an unfamiliar photographic environment (shooting portraits of friends on a hike / climb, shooting wildlife or architecture), my photos always turn out bland.
I'm starting to realize that the best way to improve overall is to practice what you don't usually practice to get a better grasp of photography as a whole
That first photo 🤯 I have to say, the photos so far of New York are some of my favourite you’ve ever taken.
You've got so many cracking images from this trip. The running man in the train station is so good. I'd love to see what you would get with maybe at 85mm or something similar so you're proper dialled into those close up details. I know that isn't your go to mind!
You need to have a show on TV, you are that good.
Those pictures are absolutely insane 😍
Those first 4 shots are 🔥🔥🔥
I think the ‘sun overhead’ point is over-emphasised. It’s true in some places, but that depends on the latitude you’re at. Here in Sheffield, the highest the sun reaches is 60 degrees - and that’s at noon on 21 June. So even at that time on that day there’s still quite a bit of direction. (On 21 December the maximum elevation is 13 degrees.) Most of the time - other day, other times - it’s a lot more directional.
Me, not living in a city: 😭
Great video! I am envious of the variety available in large urban settings. But I shall continue to seek out good opportunities where I am. I also appreciate how respectful you are in your consideration of the people in your photographs. I would also never photograph houseless people or someone in distress, and so I appreciate it when people that are taking street photos also take that into consideration.
Great video again James 👍
great video James, being in a big city is one thing but being in NYC is truly outstanding in terms of opportunity. you captured it so well
Yes, Yes,Yes !!!!
I started watching and thought "right I'll go take some photos this week" and looked at the weather forecast for the week (grey, wet, dull) and thought better of it then you started talking about how even that is fine. Damn you 😅
I know I’ve been watching your content a lot recently when before you had even spoken a word I narrated “a big thank you to square space for sponsoring this weeks video” before you proceeded to say the exact same thing 😂 keep up the great work 👍
Any time you have your camera in hand you are improving. Such great words.
Some of my favourite photos that I've taken were taken in very windy or smoky conditions.
In love with your street photography
I guess I'll have to give city/street photography a shot. I normally try to avoid large cities like the plague but in the pursuit of improving my photography it my be worth a visit or two.
I'm extremely grateful that my job has allowed me to live near Tokyo. There are so many amazing opportunities for photography.
I very much like this group of photos.(in fact I like all your photos,) But these in particular, They are so clear and unadorned, focusing primarily on light and its angles. Tha people don't interact with anyone in the scene or in fact with the viewer. The influence of Edward Hopper is unmistakable, which makes sense since he spent his life in the Village in the city. How did you get the focus so clean and sharp.
Wonderful, stuff and inspiring , Alex
love your vids!
I’ll make an effort to photograph Boston.
I live on the outskirts and generally try to get out of it as often as possible. Maybe I’ll go into it this weekend.
Cheers James!
30 secs kn and already thumbs up. great photos in the intro. best of the last couple of videos. love your style und subject selection
Another New Yorker here, surprised and delighted to see the city through your eyes. Curious about those golden hour snow shots. Did you take those on Tuesday evening?
Cool and empowering de-stressing advices thanks ! The simple fact to think "there is certainly still something decent i can do out of what i have right now' is liberating.
Just one note, for the mid-day harsh zenital ligthing conditons you mentionned as first chapeter, your examples are winter shots where, even at noon, the sun is quite low and so the light isn't that zenital. Real zenital strong light is more challenging than that unfortunately 😅 But still as you said, a big city certainly offers many option for mitigating or even playing with these conditions. thanks again !
Always enjoy your videos but not normally a huge fan of your photographs- these however were to my eye the best images yet.
Great phography video, and your opening comment made me laugh out loud. Thank you. 😂
James can you do a quick video on what white balance you shoot with? I have tried to improve my photos by actively selecting white balance but a lot of people tell me its way easier to leave it in auto and adjust later
😂😂😂 I feel like now I can breathe through my eyes.😂😂😂 … wow, another funny and highly entertaining video to watch. Stunning photos, too. 😮😮😮 … cheers.😊
Hi James !
Thank you for the content :) I was wondering if you already made a video about your camera settings (for photography). Thanks !
You obviously cover the fact that something is always happening, but the other thing that big cites are good for as you are learning is that because there is so much happening, you more quickly have to learn what you often say is the most important thing: how to simplify scenes and isolate subjects
I really like when you do city photowalks.
Hope you are feeling better. Breathing is good. I recommend it to most of my patients.
You are right about the city, especially NYC, for a diverse selection of photographic genres. Of course, there is street. Lots & lots of street above and below ground. PS: the weather turns tits up & you don’t want to freeze or be drenched? There is always the subway or at least a bus. Like animals? It’s all happening at the zoo. Lots of dogs, cats, and pigeons on the street. Landscape? The parks. The reflection from the glass office windows is super.
In between shooting you can always find a place to rest. A place for a coffee. Maybe a beer. Can’t do that in a Forrest unless you bring the beverage with you.
NYC is a great place to hunt subjects. Usually has good light unlike Seattle. We have a light box and solid humidity at least 1/2 the year. No income though.
Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)
Couldn’t agree more, I’ve been out only using an 85mm Prime, trying a bit of street, really improved my photography (I hope) Conwy (although small) works for this
James! You should do a Q&A video (or livestream perhaps?). Would love to ask a few questions... cheers
Great advice on city shooting. I’m working on a city project now and I have found that, as you mentioned, one can shoot all day depending on the subject. Some areas of the city are hit with light at various times of the day. When heading out to a specified area I look at the layout of the area. Will the light hit at sunrise, sunset, or middle of the day. And interesting enough some buildings never see light until summer when the sun is in the northern hemisphere.
Chicago next!
Hey James,
When you mention midday, you describe it as a giant softbox. This description makes sense for shooting at noon on a pretty overcast day. What about shooting at noon with clear blue skies? Wondering if you have any specific tips on that situation. I live in sunny LA and while your examples of midday shots are lovely, they're certainly less totally clear and sunny as the average LA day!
I hope you took time on you NYC trip to visit B&H and Adarama stores. Look forward to seeing a video if you did.
I like the 🧱 shot!
How about a photography editing video in the near future? Your photos seem to be minimally processed and have a subdued color palate. Very natural and "filmic." Love your videos.
"I don't think he was unwell, he just looked like he wanted to sit down".... in the middle of the road 😅 Ethics and street photography is an important discussion. I've lived here for 6 years and still struggle as there's many blurred lines. This one gets a pass as it's not a 'face', but I love the innocence of the thinking.
You seem to always have a cold! Hope you sort yourself out soon. However, breathing through your eyes sounds like a good superpower.
These pics show how good an eye you have. You are worth paying a large sum for a street photography workshop if it could be. Blank skies, harsh miday light, some streets near dark in shadow confound me. I am trying better use of metering modes, contrast control use to do better. . Also, I am not a 'people person'/ 'critical moment' person either and like sreetviews with attention to urbanism. I was stunned to see phoos from near where O wroked, not far from where I llve and familiair parts of Central Park and the Wet Village. Sign me "trapped in New York." Occasioal travel to other large cities.
Im off to London next week to see if I can photograph moles. Thanks for the tip. 😂
😂😂
Great shots. Your next city should be Chicago - you'd love it.
Cheers James, it’s Sean in Atlanta! I was cracking up when you said that you could now breathe through your eyes! I know that shite will open up every pore and orifice in a human body!!! Hahaha! And before I forget, I don’t think there are any ethical considerations in New York at all, whatsoever, about anything… I’m joking of course.
Your series in New York is spectacular and I thank you for it. I think I may take the train up from Atlanta to New York, or Washington DC, and do a little photography myself since you have now inspired me.
Take care and I hope you, the baby and the Mrs are doing well!
Sean
Awesome work. How do you get those borders around your photos ?
I was really hoping when you were talking about the sponsor you'd say it was Vics vapor rub
That dji is working excellent
My reason for doing street photography .. . No one else will ever get that exact same photo !