Careful What You Wish For - Following Creative Passion
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 13. 09. 2022
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IMO one thing that improved your channel was when you started showing some of your own images. For a long time you resisted doing so. But when you show your own photos, even just briefly as an illustration to a point you're making, you become not just a professor but a fellow artist. More relatable. I've enjoyed your content ever since it came up in my suggestions. Your passion for the art of photography shines through every video like a beacon.
Thatâs great feedback, thank you
Well said, John! I can not agree more than with the beacon part. A nice enthusiasm helps a long way.
Greetings from Norway.
I agree with you John
Yes đđŸ
Agreed!
This is high quality content you're providing. I write, edit, voice, & mix high-quality podcasts for a living. I understand what it takes to come up with subjects, to script, to light, to edit, to score. Plus...YOU'RE TALKING DIRECTLY TO ME! Just as in still photography, this is the most important thing: Making a connection with your audience. I LIKE watching/listening to you talk about this stuff and inspire me. Thank you thank you thank you.
Well said, I couldnât agree more.
Great, Great! I am a huge fan of this channel. When I watch, I find myself watching more than one. Yes, I watch videos on lens, however this channel brings something that others do not. I enjoy learning about other artists and photographic styles. Until last month, I never knew of Ernest Haas. I have also learned to photograph for me. I am not a professional, and I do not desire to be. What you offer resonates with my soul.
Don't ever give up! Finding your channel was to find salvation to my photographic hobby. I abandoned photography in 2012 for the lack of validation I thought I needed. I sincerely love my photos, but I abandoned it for 10 years. I bought a camera to have another go only at the beginning of this year. Just to almost abandon it again, for I didn't achieve validation on Instagram. Then.... I found your channel and because of you, I learned to love my photos, to love it for myself... for myself. I learned I don't need anyone's permission to like my own photos or to choose them for me. I don't even share most of my photos anymore, because I don't feel the need to. I love the poetry in your words. Sometimes I play the videos in the background just to to hear encouraging and empowering words, no matter what I am working with. THANK YOU.
Sorry for my bad English. đđ€
This is so relatable. I sold my DSLR 10 years ago as well, because I didnât find the need to walk around with all that gear. A real eye opener was when I shot holiday photos with a P+S and the DSLR never left the car. After that I followed some guy with an iPhone 5 who got over 10k likes on his images. I just bought an iPhone 5S and was impressed by its quality. All these things happening in a couple of months, made me leaving the hobby for only just now to come back.
@@GeertKuster I understand you, specially because iPhones do a jolly good job editing their photos, they look amazing. But the DSLR and soon to be dominating mirrorless cameras have not to fear. The bigger sensor and advanced lenses make them unbeatable. Like any hobby, there is a learning curve, steep as it is, you should keep an open mind and dedicate. Results are guaranteed.
@@renatoalvares1772 Iâm all in again and having a blast. First with film photography but now also with mirrorless gear. Black and white home developing really got me flying into the hobby again. Couldnât be happier. This YT channel is the best motivator (thanks Alex)
@Geert isn't it? Love your channel @thephotographyceye.
Honest. Personal. Epic.
And so widely applicable, relatable.
A telling of the human condition, the good, the bad, the ugly.
Thank you.
The wanting of validation is the guaranteed killer of your joy. Your content is gold.
Alex, I really enjoy your videos as I've not had any formal photography training or any in-depth exposure to many of the artists you discuss. For me, it's like sitting in a university lecture that opens my mind to new artists and artistic concepts/philosophies that will help me on my artistic journey. I/we appreciate what you do. As Sean Tucker says, the meaning is in the making. Do it for you!
Was gonna comment something exactly like that, you beat me to it đ
as you say, totally agree
The fact your channel isnât about a magic lens that will make your photography better or why some camera isnât good enough anymore, is why I really enjoy your channel. Your channel has a sophisticated feel that celebrates the tried and true principles of creativity and photography. You bring a very valuable niche to the photography space on CZcams. Please keep being you.
Totally agree
in the end what comes out is that you probably have never been a photographer in the strictest sense. your life call was being a teacher and what a great teacher you are. I take pictures for hobby and being a technically minded (and trained) individual, i nailed the tech parts of it in a minute. but then i got stuck in the process of converting my technical competence into ...i will not say art, i'll say a meaningful ( for me) vision. You came to the rescue. In a world that constantly insists on "how" and "with what gear", you taught me "why". The how, the gear, will change. The Why will remain. Thank you.
Same hear, taken me years to stop thinking technically and just taking pictures what I like
Alex, your best videos are always soul searching. You're correct that CZcams rewards channels that are gear oriented. Why should you chase that crowd? It's not your strong suit. There are absolutely 100,000+ of us out in CZcams land who began starry eyed, worshipping the Penns and the Avedons. Like you, we've been hit smack in the face with the treadmill of keeping the doors open, feeding the family, making a living, no matter how routine the photography. And THIS is where you inspire. You've been there. You know what it feels like to, for example, go to a party, have people ask what you do for a living, hear them "Oooow" and "Ahhh" when you tell them you're a photographer. But of course deep inside you wonder if that's all there is? Your videos help those of us struggling to get back on track rediscover our early love of photography. The fact that you've walked through that dark valley makes you not an imposter, but rather an eminent authority. A believable, eminent authority.
I am a composer and photography is my serious hobby. I love it and I always love learning more about techniques and everything but when it comes to the philosophy of photography I learned a big deal from you.
I love your content and what you do.
Thank you so much and I am always looking forward to see more.
đđŒđđŒâ„ïžđđŒđđŒ
Iâm an artist whoâs been learning about photography and yours is the only channel where I learn about the artistry of photography and not the technicals. One tip is that (on CZcams especially) people want to feel like theyâre friends with the creator, so even if they donât fuel the algorithm directly, videos like this where you open up will assist in tightening your relationship with your community such that over time the algorithm will respond to the increased engagement. Quality over quantity as it were :)
Yes, the algorithm
I cannot believe you produced this video at the same time as I am having my own existential crisis. I love photography and have my own business with which I struggle. What has finally broken me is the âfailureâ of an image I entered into a recent photographic awards. I felt it had all the elements - good technical qualities, connection with the photographer and told an interesting story. The judging was streamed live so I waited hours , anticipating the judges responses and very hopefully receiving a good score. They virtually ignored it, gave a low score and without any helpful critique, moved on to the next image. At that point I broke. Your video is balm to my shattered soul.
I wish you could see what your videos have done to me and my photography! Iâve learned so much, not only about how to take a nice photo. Iâm at a place in life where I never thought I would be. For my whole life doing creative things has been my life, my dna, I woke up bubbling with creativity. Then I got âburned outâ for the second time. This time itâs much more difficult. Off corse my whole creativity bubble bursted and I think thatâs what hurts most, because I was identified as âthe creativeâ one, and now I was no longer. âFriendsâ started to disappear, I was no longer invited to things. Somehow I found your channel and a little spark lighted. I started to watch and learn, and Iâm continuing to learn. Iâve come to a point where I can take photos because I like them, I donât care if anyone else does or doesnât- thatâs huge for me. I get inspired from the various photographers you show. I get inspired by you, by your passion for photography! It shows through the screen!! So please, next time that ugly friend of yours, mr. Imposter Syndrome, comes to visit tell him to get lost! What you do here is more than introducing new ways of how to take pictures. You are encouraging people to do something they love, is there anything grater?
well said absolutely well said Alex is one of my favorite yt personalities!
For 23 years, 8 months, and 5 days, I ran my own business in the legal profession. I enjoyed it, it was fun, I was very good at it. . . and then it wasn't fun any more and I no longer enjoyed it. That's when I walked away before it ate me alive. A number of years ago I fell into photography totally by accident and fell in love with it. I enjoy the creative side of photography, I enjoy looking at the world in a whole new way. I enjoy the fun that it brings me. I do know exactly how you felt about imposter syndrome and feeling like a phony. So when I feel that way I put the camera down, do something else till it passes. Then I rediscover what I enjoy about photography. In our lives we enjoy many things. When those things are no longer fun then walk away before they eat you. I really enjoy The Photographic Eye. I've even stolen some of your comments and observation when I talk about photography. One thing I did learn in the legal profession and it's something people aren't really taught. I've also learned that it's very true in photography. 80% of what you'll do has nothing to do with what you are. That 80% is running a business with 20% being a whatever. Unless you are very careful that 80% running your business can and will suck the life out of you. So always be prepare to either walk away or find a new way to reinvent what you enjoy. Anyway that's my 2 cents worth. Cheers.
I am 67, & I have learned more about photography in a couple of weeks than the rest of my life. I have taken photographs for 50 years, but never considered myself a photographer. But, your videos, particularly about the pictorialists, have opened up a whole new world to me.
That is awesome!
I appreciate you. You're one of very few photography creators on CZcams whose videos don't revolve around gear, but rather technique and the actual art of making images. Your videos are very refreshing in that sense. While those gear videos may scratch a certain itch for some people, your videos feed the soul and inspire.
You hit the nail on the head, do not need another channel touting equipment. This is the only channel I actually watch every new post. The content is always fresh and open up new perspectives to me.
i run photography studio from 2011 and ended in december 2019, because the fun from being creative, make concept, and learning something new has change into creating something similar over and over again because the deadline, on the weekday taking family portrait, couple, baby, and on the weekend taking prewedding and wedding photography, and also the editing process make it nonstop endless loop.
got exhausted and burn out, now i even stop creating youtube video for my channel for 8 month
This channel is the only reason I have fallen back in love with photography. Thank you, Alex.
I adore this sort of content in which the presenter demonstrates the type of courage that is necessary to discuss doubts, highs and lows etc. Authenticity can be very powerful. I'm grateful for your channel. I'm 60. A hobby photographer from 15 and it died for me at about 55, and reignited with your channel. I'm no geared, I don't buy LUTs, I don't put my photographs 'out there' - even my wife, a talented hobbyist hasn't seen all my pictures. What died for me was in a sense that photography was now all those things - gear, software, buy, show, sell - the historic province of the professional whom I supposed we were now to emulate. Until I happened upon your channel the contemplative space within photography had nowhere to go. I have been on a 'minimalist' mission for the past few months, have found my 'eye' again (I.e. after buying a new Fujifilm XT3 and shooting not one frame in 12 months). I'm 60. I've been at various time a professional fire fighter, combat engineer (EOD), and now a professional coach, and a change manager for a large financial services company. From which I have seen numerous examples of my own fear, imposter syndrome, and occasionally, courage. Thank you for this opportunity to understand our own experiences through yours. Bravo, Sir.
You know what, Alex?
You are an inspiration. Not only to photographers. My photography is mediocre at best. It's one of my too many Hobies. One that I more or less accidentally fell into after buying some gear for my yt channel.
The thing is, I think, that your enthusiasm not only got me interested in the great photographers you speak about. It got me to see my main hobbies with new eyes. Squinting my eyes, i see more of what makes me tick. You and you alone have made me see, well maybe not my life, but my surroundings with new eyes. Thank you for putting it out there. And as for that imposter syndrome. No need to worry. You are one of the most interesting creators on this platform.
Perfectly spoken... "photography broke me". I empathize with you 100% percent. I did the supposed RIGHT thing years ago opening a studio, transitioning through different genre because I just burned out. I was LOOKING for the 'ah I love this' moment that had long disappeared. I sold all my gear, closed up my studio and feel into a deep depression. Fast forward now nearly 8 years. I've got new gear. I'm exploring photography and most days I enjoy it. The change... I'm doing it for me! I don't have clients. I don't make a cent off sales of images -- I grapple with this one. When my mind begins to go down that business sense all the passion leaves. I understand completely what you're struggling with. Today your video was perfect. Speak from the heart. I'm looking forward to more.
Thank you
I usually switch off when CZcamsrs make big long videos about themselves, but this is actually a great case study in how to maintain the creative process while dealing with Imposter Syndrome - my own bĂȘte noir!
I feel you
Iâve unsubscribed from all product based photography channels. Iâm here for education. Thank you.
Your work is amazing. You are one of the main the reasons i came back to photography after 18 years of suspension. For a long time, i've always looked for someone who can fully articulate photography and guide me thru the artists' minds and executions. Thanks to you, now i can appreciate it more when looking at an art pieces. You're very unique!
Wow, thank you!
Fresh out of college with a journalism degree in hand, I got my first full-time photojournalist job at a newspaper. And within a year, I decided to walk away from it before I got too deep (for various reasons, not limited to just photography), and for the 10 years since my love for photography has died, reborn, died again, and reborn again... and watching this video, relating to everything that you said in this video, gives me hope. Thank you for making this video, it's everything I needed to hear.
Keep making the videos, for as long as your heart is in it. I, too, get excited talking about my favorite photographers and lament how few people know about them, and how few photographers ever put serious thought into the philosophical side of photography. I greatly appreciate that this channel exists.
Wow, thatâs awesome. Thank you for watching
After 32 years as a professional photographer, I can relate to every word and feeling he has expressed.
Alex. You have got it spot-on. Your videos are inspiring and uplifting. I trained as an architect and worked for 40 years on a similar treadmill. Someone once wrote: "Living lives of quiet desperation". My first love was photography, which I have rediscovered over the last ten years. 90% of youtube videos are by people chasing that carrot dangling in front of them.... al they're saying is 'look at me!'. What you are saying is 'look at this' or just 'look'. Photography has never been about the gear, but that is what the world has come to believe. Painters are not asked what brushes they use. I watch your videos when my creativity dries up (and I watch them more than once). You have introduced me to some previously unknown work(s). If I could 'subscribe' more than once I would.
Thank you so much for your work! There's a great quote from guitar-genius Guthrie Govan, when an interviewer asked him why he still worked at McDonalds in his 30s while he was already a world-class player...he said: "Music was always like a girlfriend for me...I never wanted to make it my whore". I drew great inspiration for that when I quit being a working musician to become a programmer, which in return, somehow brought me back to photography. You never know what's in store, but there's always gonna be something in store for the inquiring mind!
I watched this earlier this morning here in the US- New York to be exact- I went out in the morning to try and get some images-
I couldnât find anything where I was and have been in a slump- tired of trying to perform on my social media platforms -
I watched your video and it made sense-
Iâm watching again as I type this, I am desperate to find my niche - and Iâve found it- instead of being pushed into photography that most people in my area do-
This video has literally woke me up to realize that I need to focus on what Iâm passionate about instead of competing-
Itâs so hard to be noticed in todayâs saturated online photo sharing world-
Iâm going to stop wasting my time on the other style I was learning and doing, to follow my passion- I too, love photography and for me itâs a personal medicinal outlet-
Thank you for your honesty and sharing your faults and shortcomings- it takes a real professional to admit what you did wrong and that youâve outgrown and wanted to find your true passion!
Again thank you! From The Adirondacks, in New York, USA
In my opinion (commercial photographer of more than 12 years) The key to success is to not become emotionally attached to your commercial work and save that for personal bodies of work. Not having huge overheads and constantly buying gear is also important. Setting up studios on location and and being agile- robust- and resilient is now more important than ever. Lastly choosing a genre that will fuel commercial work is vital. For me it has been workplaces and their people- capabilities and messages. My personal work is mostly on film and project driven and what I want to photograph- for me subjects, people, places and narratives that matter with messages, longevity and history. I also went back to uni and majored in fine art photography. Both feed me in totally different ways and the process and goals are polar opposites. I love it. Congrats on your CZcams channel by the way- it is really great. Good luck with your new direction.
What I also noticed about your channel is that you got such an amazing and real organic grown community, like just scrolling through your comments is already enriching for me đ thank you, greetings from Berlin.
I can't believe how many times I searched internet for "meaning of photography", as nobody ever talks about what it is, what is means, what is the purpose... Just gear, sharpness, bokeh, new new new lenses... I am not a photographer, I used to work in music, but the story is similar - I've lost my passion, I was hurt just from doing it and not enjoying it. And so far - you're the only one I've found who talks about what's beyond being in the business, what's more important than "quality" and gear... I actually shoot film on a simple point ant shoot olympus, and I also use an old canon g15 - I've tried different cameras, but then I always get into "it needs X Y Z to be better", and my photos AND my experience doesn't improve at all, no matter what gear I use. And it's just a hobby for me, but I still fall in this pit.
Youâre on a new treadmill. So many burnout from YT. 2020, many people needed something to watch or something to do like yourself.
Thank you for this. I had spent my entire life preparing to be a lawyer, wanting to be a lawyer. And I was good at it. Something changed about the pandemic and my mind has taken an abrupt shift to photography and the creative life (I've been around photography and photographers for more than 40 years and have only just recently realized how much knowledge they would casually drop and pass on that stuck inside my head). I've started studying formally and would do anything to get out of the courtroom and into the photographic life. Thank you for sharing your journey and your challenges. It helps to know it happens all across the spectrum of careers.
So pleased that you didnât give up, and got back onto the horse.
Enjoying all your content, and learning something with every video. Thank you.
As much as I appreciate videos about gear, and how to use it, your videos make me think about why I take pictures. This is as important as having a camera in your hands and an understanding of how to use it. I love your videos, they fill a void that I didnât even know was there until I started watched them. I really appreciate how you share your passion for, and knowledge of, well known photographers. Ignore the haters, Alex, and please do keep up what you are doing. I loved the photography module I did as part of my art foundation course, and your videos take me right back that time, every time.
Thank you so much, thanks for watching
your videos are part of a small number that actually make me feel excited and energised about getting out there and taking photos, pushing past my comfort zone and furthering myself as an artist. whenever I feel burnt out and demotivated, whenever I feel overwhelmed by the endless deluge of gear focused content in my recommendations, I put on one of your videos, and suddenly I feel like I can do this, that I can keep pushing myself to improve.
so, thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for inspiring me to create. you help me keep the passion alive. it means a lot to me
Do thing for yourself and take your own sense of achievement as the reward. You touched on so many things that affect me in my own career path, but photography is my escape. I fight the need to look for approvals from people I donât know but also realize that it can take a lifetime to become what you see yourself as. Iâm proud to show my work and the progression Iâve made but know itâs a journey for myself. You are my morning coffee conversation and part of my path to making a mark on life. Gratitudes for your contributions
What CZcams wants us to watch and what we want to watch are not the same! It is sad to witness. But I am delightful every time, I see a notification with your video about photography and NOT gear! Thank you for sharing your passion and saving my passion for photography at the same time!
Thank you for watching
You have no idea how I enjoy your videos, mainly because they are real and human, without any phoney stuff to get views. This type of content is quality and it's a shame that we live in an era where the algorithms rule and hide amazing stuff like the one in this channel.
I started my photography path at 40 and boy do I know about impostor syndrome. I am having massive paralysis as I have a real hard time making stuff I dislike in order to make a living. I too, have started hating photography and I feel passionless at the moment. I have even forgotten what type of stuff I truly want to shoot.
Your videos remind me of why I wanted to be a photographer since I was young and I thank you for that.
Thank you for watching
You provide one of the best content about photography on YT Alex. If forces us to think, take our time, see things in a different manner, etc. The impostor syndrome is one of the most unfair traps when you are talented and humble (and a perfectionist...). No imposture on this CZcams channel, only good stuff.
I was a military photographer when young and loved it but knew I didn't want to grind out a living that way. Now it's a creative interest rather than an income stream - it frees me to follow my own adventure. I also came to the conclusion you did. I've got to be interested in the subject matter before I can share with others - if they don't like it that's cool too.
First of all, include me as one of the people who are glad you established this channel, as it focuses on the philosophy of photography rather than gear. I learn much more from reading about and viewing similar content than I do from people essentially trying to show off their gear and skills (which are often more impressive than their artistic vision). I'm glad you found your niche, and as they say, the best way to improve your own knowledge is to share your experience with others. But then there's that "who am I really as an artist?" thing (which we all face that from time to time). This feeling can be amplified when we study work done in the past, as there was so much creative exploration of the then-new medium dating back to the mid-1800s. It's amazing to see how so much relatively recent work (considered innovative by some) is very similar to that from early practitioners of the art (and with much more "primitive" processes, some of which have enjoyed a resurgence). It's daunting to try to be truly "original" when it sometimes seems that it's all been done. We question if there's even a point in trying to create next big thing or should we just settle into our comfort zones? My approach is to simply try to see things differently, attempt to record/edit/print compelling images that reflect how we feel, and see what happens. If other people appreciate your art, so much the better, but stay true to your vision, not to what you think others may like.
I've gained a lot from reading various books on the history and philosophy of photography. I almost didn't read the Ansel Adams Guide Basic Techniques in Photography (vols. 1 and 2) as they were a) basic (actually, beyond that), b) film-oriented (it's been a long time since I've shot film), and c) covered mostly familiar ground. I'm glad I decided to plow through them (although I did skim through much of the technical parts having to do with things like developer dilutions and using a view camera--those are also well-covered in Ansel's The Camera/Negative/Print trilogy), as they helped me to reconsider why and how I make images.
I absolutely loved this video. What drew me to your channel was that you did not take any time talking about f-stops, focal length and all that nonsense. I have always known what the technical choices I wished to make. We share a passion for the work we do, this is what we have in common, but we don't think or see in same way. This is inspiring to know that you are in no way like me. Whenever I feel trapped in my own creative mind, I get to watch one of your videos. Thank you ever so much.
I started my journey in photography less than tow years ago.. I've seen so many videos to learn.. you are with no doubt my number one influencer in photography world.
thank you
You remind me of when I decided to close my studio and leave my wedding photography business because I couldn't stand it anymore. Not only did I say good bye to my studio and business but I also left my house, my partner, the city I was living in... everything. I had lost real contact with photography and I couldn't stand it because photography means a lot to me. That was five years ago. I don't shoot weddings anymore, I haven't opened a new studio in the city where I am living now. But... I have reconected with photography in the sense that now I photograph what I feel, my world, I photograph what it is a part of me and my mind. And yes... I also had the impostor syndrome at that moment. And I'm still have a bit of it yet. But I am doing what excites and makes me happy. I don't know if one day I'll feel better with photography business and return to work. Hope so. Thanks for this video. It has clarified me many questions. I'm still looking for the answers.
As the last published photographer for the LIFE Magazine brand and over 30 years as a pro your photography channel is the best and the one to watch no matter what kind of photography or cinematography one does. Your story, honesty, struggle with yourself is WOW! I felt the same after doing a successful surge of CZcams shorts and thought what BS. I deleted them and turned to đŽ Live on CZcams and my target audience is my daughter and future grandchildren. Keep with your passion in front of and behind the camera.
- Zoran Milich
Wow. Thank you so much
I am a hobbyist photographer and a friend referred me to watch your channel during Covid which has since become part of a daily routine for education and inspiration. I appreciated your being so candid about what this -and the photography studio- was doing to you and it reminded me to do my photography âfor meâ. Thatâs what draws people in, being honest in sharing what is meaningful to your heart, being authentic. Thank you for sharing that lesson.
Thank you for watching.
Well, mate, you take me on a journey back to the 80âs, when we talked about all those great B&W photographers. I still have the books, the Adams trilogy, Arbus, Lange, Turner, Man-ray, Cameron, and when the exhibitions are on I go so an old bloke can be inspired. Keep what you are doing, it feeds my soul.
Awesome. Thanks for watching
That was beautiful! Iâm 53 years old and I think I fell in love with photography when I was about 12. I started making a little money with photography when I was about 24. Although I have always loved photography I have certainly absolutely hated trying to be a professional at times feeling like I had so much potential and then other times feeling like I have nothing to offer. I have done other jobs in the meantime that I dislike more to try to build up motivation. For about the past seven or eight years I have mostly shot real estate and occasionally shoot weddings. I mostly like weddings, but havenât figured out how to keep it moving and profitable and I pretty much despise real estate photography, mostly because I mostly shoot in Port St. Lucie, which is kind of crappy, And Realtorâs a pain in the ass. And real estate photography has become very competitive and not very lucrative. And anybody who tries to argue this - does not know what a good living is. I love architecture and I can enjoy shooting real estate, but on the day to day it absolutely sucks.
But I do find what you put out very inspiring and kind of soothing. itâs so it gives me hope that maybe someday I will get it together.
Your videos, and particular this one, spoke to me. I began my career in photography over 40 years ago and at 70 am now happy to be an amateur. That said, I always had that monkey on my shoulder: the one you refer to, imposter syndrome... I think any creative needs to have affirmation, from others we respect - and that may be easier than to approve of one's own work. In a way it is the other side of the coin that drives us to create: that dissatisfaction with the now and the current state, the restlessness of the mind and spirit that fear the creative process degenerating into a repeated process - an equation... That is when we need to step outside of our comfort zones and take risks to make something new and to find new worlds of creativity and affirmation.
Keep doing that and keep producing videos that speak to the creator as well as the creations.
Thank you for sharing your story. I've been there with my journalism journey. And I can tell that you really have a dignity with your self-wonderings. I'm glad to see you stay true to what values the most to you, with balance. A great story from a wonderful human being.
Alex, please keep doing what you are doing. There are more people you think loving to listen to you. You have been a great inspiration.
Hi Alex: Thanks again for bearing your sole to your audience with respects to your personal journey for photography. I am an avid viewer of YT videos seeking out technical information, gear information and yet I find myself enjoying your videos the most as it helps me understand the personal balance that is required to truly enjoy the entire experience of photography. My 40-year career was in banking so I am late to party when it comes to nurturing and understand my creative dreams. The messages that you convey through your videos are extremely important to me within this journey. Thanks for what you do, and don't underestimate the value of your work. Cheers, Keith
Alex i studied photography 40 years ago then my life changed, i have returned and gone back to university to complete a degree in my first love. You are such an inspiration thank you for your time and energy , currently contextual studies and the greats in history that made the first impressions.
Thank you.
We donât come here to only learn about famous photographers of yesteryearsâŠ
We come to listen to your words and experience. You sir have a legacy of your own.
Alex, I am, we are ALL you, running to stand still and forever doubting that anyone wants to see, watch, hear what really lights us up. So we compromise until it breaks us. And then we realise that itâs actually our uniqueness that we need to hold onto and never let it go. Some will love it, some will not, but itâs who we are and authenticity is the greatest gift to ourselves and also to others. You are the only CZcamsr I watch regularly now and I love your wisdom, your honesty, your intelligent yet very human approach to this infinite journey weâre all on to tell stories with our photography. I am glued to the screen as you speak, directly to me or so it appears, and the feeling of what youâve said stays with me. Iâd like to thank you most sincerely for that, and Iâd like to apologise for not commenting on all the videos I watched and adding my voice to let you know you are so very much on the right path. Keep going, you deserve great things, Alex. Thank you again â€ïž
There was something Herbert Keppler said that stayed with me for years, but I forgot what it was. Alex that catch 22, the constant pressure of being creative, productive, the constant digital evolution of gear and software...... You are filling a huge void your experience, location, education are all things that are enabling you to enable others. You are putting links back in place that disappeared because of nearly everything that has some sort of digital camera in it. VASBYT EN BAIE DANKIE!
The reason I am subscribed to your channel is that your videos make me think, are interesting and are different to the other photography channels. You make me want to visit art galleries, read about the people you present and be more thoughtful in my attempts at creativity.
Thank you so much for making such a deeply personal video. I truly enjoy your videos; not just for the content but for what you bring to it....your personality and passion.
You are in good company as CZcams is littered with ex photographers. These channels are full of people who think they might make it in photography. There are many channels who all but promise they will teach people how to make it in photography.
The truth is they won't. I'm not a pro photographer but make my living taking photographs. I've never had a photographic lesson in my life. In my opinion if people have a passion for photography they will find their way.
Most of the photographic channels I used to follow have just become click bait camera gear reviewing channels now so I no longer watch them,
BUT, we forget the massive elephant in he room, the last two years, which has not been conducive to creativity.
Thank you for this video. I used to love photography. It eventually became my profession. I then got a job as darkroom worker at a local newspaper. Eighteen years later I was still at the newspaper but not doing anything involving photography. I wasn't happy at all. Then I got laid off. The company that owned the newspaper went bankrupt. I got laid off 16 years ago. I've made maybe 100 photos in those 16 years and I don't know if I like any of them. I haven't been motivated in so long. It seems like so many things are keeping me from photographing. I think I'm finally ready to break out and get things going again. Thank you for sharing your struggle. Thank you for persevering.
Good luck, thank you for watching
This is one of the most beautiful narratives Iâve heard in a long time.
Architecture holds the same promise buried as you describe under the trappings of daily commerce.
It takes enormous courage to question that model, to face its suitability for your pursuits.
And you did it. You fricken did it. And in the process have been reminding me of what we are really doing here, what we need more of: caring for each othersâ hearts by caring about our crafts. To find the part in our crafts we can devote ourselves to and let the rest go as best we can.
A deeply moving piece Alex. Thank you.
Thank you for watching
Here's something you should know. One year before the pandemic I purchased my first camera oh I've had point and shoot and throw away cameras but never a camera of this caliber. Somehow I convinced myself that having made this investment that I had to do everything in my power to be like all the proffesionals on you tube. For a fifty year old man with severe dyslexia to learn all the ins and outs of a nikon d850 was brutal. Pile on top of that the idea that I should compete with others. Then came the day your video showed up on my you tube feed and everything changed. Here was a proffesional telling me it was all going to be OK so long as I stayed true and honest and I kept the joy and the love for photography first and foremost. Well you where right. I am the happiest with my camera on a Sunday morning at the lake. When I'm invited to a birthday party by strangers who welcome me into their home because they know I have a good camera and they can't afford a professional photographer and I do it gladly. When my eighty six year old neighbor asked if I would take her picture properly, you see they where dirt poor their entire lives and portraits where not something people they did. I was happy that day. When I sold my first print by accident I was overjoyed. I owe you and your you tube channel so very much. Thank you for refocusing my heart and my mind.
Thank you
Carlos Enriquez
"The terrible photographer"
Iâm blown away, thank you so much for your comments. Enjoy your creativity. âșïž
There's a art school out there that really needs you. In all seriousness. I remember when I was a student, my partner at the time was studying fine art photography at the Glasgow School of Art and so I spent a fair bit of time hanging around that department.
The Head of that department was Thomas Joshua Cooper and in many ways you remind me of him: the passion, knowledge, love of your subject. The ability to turn seemingly abstract concepts into something accessible, and interesting.
You do realise you've become a philosopher? And that's a good thing. You've found you metier. For me, I'm rapt, inspired and whether you realise it or perhaps not, your insights go way beyond photography.
Professor of Photographic Philosophy would be an apt job description. Well done đ
Thanks for this. I like a quote my wife often uses, "what other people think of me, is none of my business" Keep going, and cheers from New Zealand.
Alex, I started following your videos from near the beginning because of your wide and interesting knowledge of other photographers. They broaden my scope. Today those are still my most favorite videos!
Never stop! We love your channel, the content is like no other!
One of the worst things an artist can do is be pressured into doing something he/she thinks the general public wants from them, rather than following his/her own creative muse. As a recovering alcoholic, there is a statement that I need to constantly remind myself: expectations are inversely proportional to my serenity. There is a HUGE hole in the photographic youtube community talking about photography as an art form, which you do, and that is what is so refreshing about your channel. One channel in particular that once was all about the artistic aspects of photography now dabbles in the gear review videos on a fairly regular basis. Why?
Basing your opinion of yourself, your art, or the content you create, based on social media likes and follows - which is largely dependent on algorithmic processing and presentation to potential viewers of your work, is no way to live.
You fill a hole that exists, and you do so quite well. I was an early follower of you and stopped eventually - not because you were producing bad content, but because you were no longer scratching the creative itch I have. To be honest, there aren't many photography youtube videos I watch any more, because no one is scratching that itch for me at the moment. That is not to drag you down by any means, but rather to say that you cannot possibly scratch every itch that every person has! Allowing that fact to affect your own self image is hugely unhealthy. I cannot make an image that will move everyone. There are people out there who can't stand the music of the Beatles. What I can say, is that if only one person is impacted emotionally by one of my images, I have succeeded. You have an impact on people, and every time the self doubt comes out, as it does I believe, for all of us, you need to remind yourself of the MASSIVE impact you've had on so many people - including myself.
And by the way, even though I unsubscribed from your channel, I still see your videos recommended all the time. :) Nonetheless, I've re-subscribed.
I found you through Neale James podcast Photowalk. I subscribed and have hardly missed a video since. Itâs one of the channels I donât want to miss because it makes me think and challenges me creatively. Whatever demons you have confronted I think you can take comfort from the reactions here that we appreciate you enormously. As someone else commented these videos could and should be part of an educational curriculum. Thank you.
Alex, thank you for this (long) video. 24 minutes to listen, and I did listen to every word. I'm no photographer, but like to shot for ages now (thanks to my mother). In November 2020 I started my youtube journey. I decided to document my search of a new way to edit, leaving the Adobe ecosystem for something new. I also took it as a challenge, am I able to produce a video a week, knowing I wouldn't be able to do it in the long run. Almost 2 years have now passed, and I'm still in my challenge. I don't want to have video that are empty, so I do what I like to do best too: lots of research. Researching is the most time consuming, but I like it. And this is where you are involved. Your channel came to my youtube recommendation (at the very beginning of your now youtube career ;) ). And not being the primary target of my searches, you are adding a completely different point of view about photography. I don't always understand everything on the moment, and in a way, you reminds me that photography is not about technicalities, I shouldn't forget other aspects. So thank you very much.
I'm a photographer for quite some years now, i'm a technician, i embrace the technical part of photography, and i'm a gear junky. My wife on another hand, is an emotional photographer, that don't want to edit photos at all. Those days, i'm bored with photography, i mean i make good pictures, they are sharp, well lit, good contrast etc etc.... But they are sterile ... i can't seem to find a way to express myself through photography. So my wife told me to try to study what i was blind to, ART... and there i go on your channel by youtube chance. And the content is great, i learn a lot about great photographer. i can even recognise some names on my wife's books :)
well what i wanted to say is Thank you (but i'm french so i talk too much :D)
Thank you for watching
Alex- I am glad that you created your CZcams channel. I appreciate that your channel focuses on how to be a photographer and not a bunch of gear reviews as are most of the other photo CZcams channels. I have been an amateur photographer for 50 years and I still find great value in your videos. Over my years as an amateur I havenât really spent much time getting acquainted with all of the well-known photographers. Your videos have expose me to the work of people I didnât know existed. Please keep it up.
as an artist i cn tell you you have just inspired me to get out and not to give up my passion! thanks man! and yes ! your videos ur crafts matters! it inspires people like me! dont ever give up,we need you mate!
Thank you for opening up and expressing yourself in this way. I can understand you perfectly since I started photography more than 40 years ago and then I had to leave it because of my family, kids & wife became more important, and I was not well economically. Then after retiring I thought about taking up what I thought was my passion. I really enjoyed the fact of learning more about the new techniques and in the artistic part. Seeing all the beautiful photos published, I felt that it was no longer my thing... But the same time I feel that my passion is rather to talk and teach about photography.. đ
You are a wonderful person. You inspire and motivate me. I had simular feelings of despair in my life and I felt I was going nowhere, that I was worth nothing. Now I have a husband and two wonderful children, I am 47 years old, although I feel much younger, probably because I missed out on so much. But from a deep deep place I rose my head up and registered for photography school in Amsterdam. I am half a year on my journey to becoming a photographer. I feel like I am a photographer eventough I have so much to learn but finally I found some peace in my heart. So I thank you for biting through it all and teaching me photography in my livingroom, in my own pace, where I can feel your passion and honesty and insecurities that not only hinder us at times, but also push us forward. Thank you, thank you, for being you and for being there. And remember, the place where you are most wanted and admired is in your children's eyes and heart. Stay healthy and strong and I love and enjoy your your work!
Thank you so much
Hi Alex. I think I said in a comment at about 10k subscribers to keep doing what you were doing and to just be you. Your success is because the vast majority of your followers see a genuine and candid person who wears his heart and passion on his sleeve. You will always find some naysayers and I for one will not be enthralled with every video you produce. Thatâs life. But I would also be very sorry if you try to be anything other than what Alex Kilby is. Brilliant at what you do. Congratulations mate. You have over 100k because you deserve it.
Found your channel a couple months ago, came for the photography tips, stayed for the education and the great storytelling. I can totally identify with some of the themes you talked about in this. Keep passing on your awesome knowledge! Thank you
Alex' channel was there when I went through doubts. All this internet talk about gear and lenses ... the chase of the next camera feature which would fix my inability to take interesting photos except for some lucky hits. One more lens which finally would solve some issue.
It is about seeing things. Envision things. And even more, doing what I want instead of making someone else happy, that is just a bonus. Photography is not really about the things I show in the photo. It is all about me. How I see things. What I see in persons.
Your videos are a breath of fresh air. The way you analyze and comment about photography is something I take great pleasure in viewing. Iâve been photographing for a long time, but I usually always learn something new about photography or myself. Thanks, and donât stop making videos.
Alex, I know this is an old video but, not only have you been a massive influence of me deciding photography is worth it again, and that my direction should be for me, not other people, but in doing so, you have done something I think I can guarantee is on a whole new level which I cannot write here. Iâd be willing to share my short story with you though if you want to hear it.
Thank you for your honesty. I absolutely love your videos. Embrace your uniqueness. You give one of a kind content. But in order to stay healthy and keep that passionfire burning, you need to take regular breaks. Your audience won't mind, you won't lose us. I had a flowershop for 7 years and due to the pandemic and upcoming roadblocks, I had to give up. I granted myself a sabbatical year and picked up a camera and followed youtube videos. My year is almost over and I hate to go back to the ratrace of society. In fact I'm considering not going back at all. I can live a minimalist life and take pictures for myself. Time will tell. In the meantime I love to study about photography, thanks to you. So whenever you doubt yourself, think about the silent subscribers that adore you and go out in nature before dawn: I highly recommend that. Thx so much for all your hard work !!!
I'm scraching my senses of Art đ
Iâm so glad you didnât stop doing what you do. I can watch and then re watch your videos. Thanks
Thank you
I only recently found you and I was delighted by the content, and still am. I certainly don't need another "gear" channel where that gear is often out of reach and obsolete in less than a year. I'm not inspired by gear, I'm inspired by photographs and the vision/style of photographers.
Thank you so much Alex for your story and vulnerability that you've shared in this video. I'm so glad you are doing what you love in sharing your passion for photography, sharing with us photographers who've contributed to the image landscape and how we think of life etc. I have come to know a little more of some of the photographers who I can learn from and be aware of in that world. To sit with some of the masters. You have shown us that!!!! May you always be encouraged to reach beyond the constraints of "machines" in life. Keep bringing what you want to this space. We'll be connecting to your passion as much as the content - and screw you tube analytics! You've a good core audience of fellow couch sitters learning from and being enriched by what you bring.
So refreshing to listen to such an honest man. Thank you.
My pleasure!
Alex, your openness and honesty in this video is heartening .. I am getting into photography in retirement and joined a photo club .. but it is your channel that is inspiring me to learn more about the history and art of photography, has helped me to see opportunities everywhere I look and inspired me to commit to improve my capabilities .. and above all to enjoy that challenge. Thank you for your enthusiasm and passion .. and for your humanity - I recommend the channel to everyone !
That is awesome! Thank you
Absolutely excellent Content!!!!!!!! And Avedon is one of my favourite photographers of all times! Thank you soooo much. I fully agree with you, being 61, what I discovered is that you have to do whatever you like, there will always be people that will agree with you and even if the media is so hard to be in , to bare with their standards , and exhausting as well , you have to make this only because you love it. If it's only for subs and $$$ you loose your life and pple you love ! Best wishes for you and the family, from Uruguay! Thank you for another jewel of vlog!
Alex, your channel is a gem about photography! I tell anyone I can about your channel.
Yes, there are others but they don't provide the type of content that you have provided. I am a subscriber but really struggle with watching videos so I am backed up with your content; I prefer in person vs video. I tend to listen to podcasts on my drive to and from work and they are similar in content that you provide. There are a few photographers I wish I could learn from and you are on that list. Keep up the great work!!!đ
One last thing, you have been very honest about CZcams being your income stream, Thank you for that honesty!! I wish more more content creators would be as honest, they may be making money via podcasts or videos and use the guise as helping other photographers and then ask to have us "buy a coffee" or be a patron. I do get you need money to live, you are being upfront which is great!
I only started learning 4 yrs ago, i went straight I to M mode and learned it pretty fast, exposure, zone system, dof, lenses, focus planes etc etc. Went to college to learn a degree and then it all went bang. In my face. I found uni un-inspiring and it killed the buzz from learning.
Truth was - yup. âI was a bad photographerâ still am, I fall in and out of love like a merry go round.
Iâm gonna stop worrying and and just let go-
I love your videos, your honesty and monologues. And for now I am back in love again.
Thank you Alex :)
jamie
Thatâs awesome Jamie
@@ThePhotographicEye I put another comment in one of your videos, about pythagorus. Iâll put it here incase itâs lost in the myriad.
I hope you connect to it:
Pythagorus at the time was the guru that all thinkers were all dying to work with. His time was filling up with ppl all falling over themselves to be his next apprentice.
So he set a challenge. To be my apprentice you must be open to my teachings. Go back to your life and I will send you a test. And you must pass this test, and then you will be my next apprentice.
I will send you a message, and you must remeber this message and if you recall it when I ask, you get the role. But⊠I Will not be sending you this message, one of my other apprentices will. And you wonât know who, where or when this message will come to you. So be sharp and aware at all times.
Of course, there was no message to be heard. No apprenticeship on offer.
But what the learner gained was the ability and openness to all. And so EVERYONE was now the wannabes guru. - pretty usefull eh? Anyway Alex essay over. Thanks for commenting back. Iâm watching your video as we speak. :) j
If I could I would hug you! You speak the language of so many creative people whose medium is the camera! Well done Alex
Awesome, thank you
To have someone to connect with in the photography realm alone is priceless, in the way of art and its connection with one another. To mentally go over other photographers work, focusing on the different subjects in my own photography and reflecting on technique and composition is nutrition to me as an artist. Your take, and these different artists and their view of the world is 100% worth my time in front of my computer, or smartphone. 100% is an upgrade to my artistic life. You are bringing these photographers work to me, most of the time, for the first time, never hearing of them before, enriching me. You are tuned in to what a photographer thinks, hitting on relevant issues and subjects each and every time! You also remind me of my middle school art teacher who asked me how I felt about a camera to make art, handed me (and gave me) my first camera. Congratulations on hitting that 100,000 subscribers, you deserve it. Thank you for what you do, I need nutrition for my photographic mind, and you are giving me that in each and every video. Great work, and again, thank you.
You are doing something big now... Thanks to your clever and very passionate words I came back to photography after almost a decade...with fire of my passion again. I am not an easy person who comes around to somebody's views These must always be great arguments.Thank you.You are the best teacher I have ever met...
I'm thankful for your channel. I've been subscribed to channel since the first few months and I find it one of the best photography channels on CZcams right now. I just hope you continue with the content you love without falling into the pit of silly content, gear reviews, or videos just for the sake of sticking to schedule or attracting clicks.
I'd fallen out of love with photography but you got me buying photo books on various photographers, some I had never heard of, and that got me back to thinking that I could do this again. I don't shoot as much or as often as I used to but I am now a lot more discerning about what I do shoot. I have started to take my time, to see things I hadn't noticed before and realise that what I am doing now is just for me and no-one else. Thank you for this and please keep doing what you are doing.
Thanks so much. I have watched all your videos so far, as sorted by age on your channel, and all in the last two weeks. Binge viewing that I can't resist!
You have shown me new ways of seeing that I had not considered, photographers I had not known about, and given my part-time hobby a real boost. I have been out and about lately taking photos for me, not for others, with a sense of adventure I haven't experienced for decades.
I have four months long service leave from music teaching coming soon, during which I will making a mammoth effort to see if there may be a photographer within, something I have been pondering for 60 years since I first held my father's Weston meter, a Diax IIb and a roll of Kodachrome.
Heading back to your main page now. It appears there are MANY more wonderful videos to watch. I hope there are more of your own images to enjoy along the way.
It has taken me so long to realize that I take photos for myself. If someone wants to buy some thatâs great but itâs not whatâs driving me anymore. I found your channel two years ago and enjoyed it. Late last year you changed your style(?) I began to find my inspiration and began to care less about IG and Fakebook! Alex youâve changed my entire paradigm and began to shoot for me. I post on Vero and on Flickr so my mother can see them. Thank you sir for helping me start to find my way.
THIS So much This! Is exactly everything about why your channel helps me more than videos about gear and hidden photoshop stuff or what-have-you
You remind me of the âwhyâ and encourage and can the flames of my passion thatâs always trying to die on me right before I hit a new stride.
all these things you describe about how you feltâŠso relatable.
YOU are the reason I have not given up so many times I was so close.
Honesty. A rare resource n the Internet.