Why This BAD Photographer Thought He Was Good
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 4. 06. 2024
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The Mind's Eye: Writings on Photography and Photographers: Henri Cartier-Bresson
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Why People Photograph: Robert Adams
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Peter C. Bunnell | Peter C. Bunnell: Aperture Magazine Anthology: The Minor White Years, 1952-1976
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Photographers on Photography: How the Masters See, Think, and Shoot (History of Photography, Pocket Guide, Art History): Henry Carroll
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Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography: Roland Barthes
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On Photography: Susan Sontag
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Letting Go of the Camera: Essays on Photography and the Creative Life: Brooks Jensen
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Approaching Photography: 'A Seminal Work...Revised and Updated': Paul Hill
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John Berger: Understanding a Photograph: John Berger
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Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television Series (Penguin Books for Art): John Berger
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Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite: Paul Arden
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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative: Austin Kleon
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It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be: The world's best selling book: Paul Arden
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Life Library of Photography (Complete 17 Volume Set, Plus Index): Time-Life
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The History of Photography: An Overview: Alma Davenport
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I have been a photographer for the past 47 years. The one thing that keeps me excited about photography is knowing how little I know and how much I have to learn
Respect
Best comment I've read...It's really inspiring...I wish you well.
Always reading these kinds of comments but I can't seem to understand, can you name something you learned in the last year that you didn't know for the other 46 years photographing?
The more you learn, the more you discover that you don't know everything and that's the motivation you need to stay on the learning path, be modest, and try to be the best of yourself till your last breath.
Wow. Well said :)
ZZZZ
â€
I've been trying to answer that question for years. And I have arrived to a conclusion, my own conclusion of course. Only valid for me. What's being a bad or a good photographer?
When I married, the photographer (a friend of mine) took a very interesting picture. I was looking to my wife and she was looking to outside the frame. And the head of my wife was cropped. My mother in law didn't like that picture; she said: "why my head's daughter is cropped?" She thought that the photographer was really bad. But we, my wife and me, think the photographer is really good. Who was right? Both. But my mother in law had some expectations and we had another expectations.
The good photographer is who achieves the wanted goals. For himself, for others, it doesn't mind. Some of my pictures achieve my expectations and I only take pictures for myself; so, perhaps I'm not a bad photographer when that goals are satisfied. And I am a bad photographer when they aren't.
The people that take very weird pictures or none the less the most formal ones are good photographers if they achieve that goals. Who cares? Only the clients, only the followers or only themselves.
Set your aims, your rules and expectations and if you achieve those, you are a good photographer.
Thanks for reading this boring comment.
Great comment. Thanks for writing it
Thank you for this comment đ
Wow, what a comment. Thank you so much for writing. @thephotographiceye should read it as well. Helped me a lot in my actual process!
I'm a Master at writing boring comments - at least they are surely, in my estimation, boring for others. For me, they permit me to think through and express a thought on a 'page' - worthwhile for me and, i expect, nothing more. However, i appreciated your comment, not least because it suggested to me that my reason(s) for writing comments might just be the same as my reasons for taking photos that nobody will likely ever see. Therefore, my woolly conclusion in all of this is that you and i should, boring or not, just carry on scraping out this modicum of satisfaction regardless. All the best from New Zealand.
Not Boring! As a beginning photographer this helps a lot
Dear Alex, having watched hundreds & hundreds of YT videos, I find your own not only enjoyable and constructive, but it feels like sitting down with a good friend who you appreciate deeply and taking his advise and wisdom... well done and thank you!!!
Wow, thank you!
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
They do. Though I doubt this will ever get 2m views ;)
Lol I KNEW I heard that story about the bank robbery somewhere already :-D
Jamie also made a video of this same title.
I was looking for this comment. I love Jamie's video and have watched it probably a dozen times
About 50 years ago, after first year Engineering, I travelled from Toronto to Montreal for a work term. With a half-frame Olympus Pen D camera, I took a lot of photos. When a friend visited, I proudly showed my slides. He kindly introduced me to topics like placement of the horizon, not putting someone exactly in the centre, and leading lines. I was astounded at my ignorance. Itâs been a long journey. Lots of snapshots. Finally, when in my 60âs, I got a work assignment for a year and a half in South Africa, and at least had enough experience and theory to do some justice to that fine country. Still not where I want to be as a photographer, but still moving forward.
I got my first camera 62 years ago. My parents said I was talking pictures of the middle of the street. I was playing with perspective, the converging lines of the road leading to the mountain in the back ground. That said, after 62 years of shooting, I learn something or gain a deeper understanding everyday.
I found that I realised my photos were shit when I painted one, and just hated it. The composition, the colour, just a snapshot of a cool subject. And I honestly had my confidence crushed to a point where I just stopped shooting all together a few weeks later. Then half a year later I started watching videos, getting passionate and then picked up my camera and took what was at the time the best photos I had ever made, they were bad sure, but they were better. And I just kept shooting and improving and a few years later and bam I'm taking photos I like, and can look at without regret.
Your post got me excited to see some of your content. Post a little collage!!
What a wonderful way of gaining perspective! There seems to be a lot of knowledge (and perseverance) through other forms of art that apply universally. An interesting contemplation.
Btw: I love the photo on your pfp. Did you take it? The colors are spectacular. The landscape is so charged with emotion for being as constant as a mountain, land and sky. Youâve done an intuitive exposure. Isnât nature astonishing?
Thereâs an old saying, âHire a teenager while they still know everythingâ. But I feel that the older I get the less I know, until I hear or read these young experts online, then I realise I maybe have learnt a thing or two since I first picked up a camera over 50 years ago. Although I still look at some of my old photos and they look pretty good, and some even better than I what I take now. Maybe it was the innocence of youth, or Iâm now a bit more jaded and aware that itâs all been done before,and usually better (and worse, thankfully).
A variant I have seen attributed to Mark Twain[1] was along the lines of "as I grew from 14 to 21 I was amazed how much my father learnt."
I predate you by around 10-15 years, and still have some of the photos I took in the 1950s with a Box Brownie. Not all the young (or old!) experts know as much as Alex, but I have learnt to listen to what is said and adopt what works for me. After all, if we weren't learning new things, and still making mistakes, where would the fun be?
[1] If you don't know who said something just attribute it to Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, or Winston Churchill.
Your feelings to old photos might be padded up by sentiment and that's natural, I'm not going to restrict myself from being nostalgic, sometimes the value is in memories - even memories of "this is my best photo of 1991".
That's because the late teen brain is the last time, we as humans are at our learning/neurological apex. Brain starts decaying around 23ish according to some research. Go figure. You DO actually know less, you've just forgotten or don't remember or have to look it up again.
I'm not accusing you of senility or anything, just a literal loss of some memories or such yanno?
Then again I never thought I knew everything as a teenager either.
Itâs when you realise that you donât know all things that you are becoming wise
ââ@@nunyabeezwax6758even if your brain starts to decay after 23 it doesn't mean that at 13 years old you know more things about a subject compared to 20 years later passing studying this subject, it only means eventually that the brain of a 13 years old person is more faster in learning new things compared to a brain of a 30 years old person, but it doesn't mean that a the 13 years old know more stuff and have already learned more about a subject compared to the 30 years old one
I think as a photographer one should never feel "done" with learning or experimenting. Each day can be a new perspective, or new technique (if even by chance or accident), which leads to constant new creative evolvement.
Iâve a CZcams subscriptions list of photography channels as long as your arm. But none give me as much inspiration, knowledge, pleasure and perhaps most importantly of all, confidence as yours Alex. Absolutely tremendous work!
I've been watching CZcams photographers almost obsessively for the last 18 months. I've learnt a lot, but realise now I've just scratched the surface. I haven't yet taken even a half decent photo. It's a challenge but I'm enjoying it. What I've learned is that the advice given by most photographers on CZcams will only be based on that photographers bias or in camera gear terms due to their affinity to a particular brand or sponsor. As yet I don't need critiquing, I know my images are rubbish, but might come back to you later. I love your videos, they are always helpful and thought provoking. Thank you.
Alex, I've been a working photographer for 37 years and your comments could not be any more on point. I have been photographing the headwaters of the Mississippi River for 30 years this spring. The challenge is how can I keep making new and exciting images every time? I have tried to address this issue in the following piece I wrote a few years back.
Some years back, I was having lunch with a photographer acquaintance. During the meal, he said: âWe have lived here for many years, and I do not know what to photograph anymore, because I have shot it all.â This statement floored me because, at the time, I had been photographing the Headwaters of the Mississippi River for over twenty years and had grown custom to shooting the same subject over and over and making it seem new and exciting each time.
Any location never stays the same for long. Vegetation grows, landscapes erode and change, parts fade, and man changes things. I believe that a photograph is a representation of how the subject looked at the moment in time that the shutter was released.
So how do you keep making images interesting of the same subject time after time? We tend to get familiar with a location the more we see it. I like to look for changes that time has caused. I also spend time figuring out angles and techniques to use long before arriving on the scene. Different seasons and weather conditions can significantly change the view. And as we grow older and experience more, our visual interest changes how we look at things.
As human beings, our creative juices are like the ocean tides, in that they are in constant ebb and flow. Sometimes the creative juices are high, and other times can be extremely low. When these lows happen, we need to find ways to work through them. One way I do so is to look at a lot of photography and try to figure out how the photographer made them; this quite often will get me recharged.
A great way to break the lack of creativity is through self-assignment, pick a subject, and see how many different angles you can find on it. To do this you do not even have to have your camera in hand, just look at it and walk around, sit down, look down or climb a ladder to explore the subject.
I know this works well for me, and I would think it would for anyone stuck in a rut.
We can and should try to learn something new each and every day. I'm often asked "What is your favorite photograph you have made? My reply is My next image because I am still learning photography."
A woman I knew from the past as one of my high school mathematics teacher for a year said this about the photos I share on my Facebook page;
"I did not catch who said this, but it is said âphotography is what cannot be said in words.â You have captured so much that cannot be said. You have brought me into another place and time!! Thank you!! "
I am not at all a professional photographer and have very limited knowledge about what makes a good photographer but I enjoy taking pictures of interesting images I see on my long walks around Barcelona or wherever I am at.
Thanks Alex .... you have become a welcome visitor - no, part of the family. My wife & I look forward to having you over for a glass of excellent South African wine and a 'chat' in the evenings ...
Great topic - just makes me sad that 20 years ago when I really started into photography I didn't have a true mentor or advisor ;) So basically thank you for being in a some way such a person - even when it's one-way communication only.
I have so called 'box of shame' where I keep printed my so called 'best works'. After I watched your this episode, I reviewed them and destroyed four photographs. Actually that are two awesome feelings when one day you think - this is masterpiece, and on the next day you call it a piece of sh*t because it is pure evidence that you have grown :) Printing your works even on cheap home printer is very beneficial.
And I feel that first part of Dunning-Kruger effect took lot more time than it was really necessary.
This video has put in words what I have been feeling about my own photography. I started photography last year, and after a bit of practice I got to a point where photography seemed easy. While I still like certain photos taken last year. I have unlocked a new sense of difficulty with photography. I see now, that there is a never ending amount to learn and improve upon. Although I am at a difficult stage in my development, Iâm glad that I can see my shortcomings as it allows me to further develop my skills.
Opposite experience for me. No one wants to give me actual constructive feedback and just say âit looks nice.â Iâve asked in different forms and just nothing. Maybe Iâm asking the wrong people.
I have the same experience. I took a course on photography and there is a FB group for people who finished the course. I have asked for feedback and get thumbs. Thumbs arenât helpful, up or down. Maybe they donât have the ability to step outside of like and dislike, or are afraid that the commentary will be misconstrued as personal.
Had that happen as well
I know what you mean. I want critique and I don't often get it. I sometimes love my photos and think "I'm good!" but I'm always open to negative feedback. Sometimes I see other photographers' pictures and think why did they take that? And other times I'm amazed, like how did they see that?
try ARS BETA
another video that Iâll share the link to on my social media. need more of these kind of content rather than âtime killingâ videos. Great insight as usual. Thank you so much for sharing.
Glad I'm not the only one who gets a little tongue tied on words! hahahah. Thanks Alex - I really do enjoy thinking about these underneath things of photography. I know some of your clips have been shared in a facebook group I'm part of with another you tuber and photographer who does workshops and teaching etc. The community of photographers there values the learning journey and seeks to engage helpfully how we might think about our image making and creating with not only technical stuff, but also the content, the emotions, the use of light etc. Many of us have grown because of that openness and learning not only from Mike who set it up, but also each other.
That is so true. The more I learn the more I realize how much I donât know. I have lots of photos I go back to and say, âThatâs so bad.â
Certainty is the enemy of curiosity. Everyone should listen to this.
I really liked that KROONSTAD road sign image.
I went to a talk by a councillor who talked about barriers to communication. He said that by giving advice when it was not wanted was the biggest barrier.He recommended that you ask âcan I suggest something that can help you with that ?In this case photography. Then when the person agrees you offer your advice. I hate being given unsolicited advice myself and apparently the councillor stated that most people did no like it.
I am in favour of finding a person who you value as a photographer and asking them to mentor you with your own photography. Also l am constantly interested in learning about photography and applying it to my own practice in creating photographs.
Thank you so much for making these videos Alex. I have just started photography and these lessons are invaluable. I would happily pay for the privilege of learning from you so thank you for making them for free to us all.
Always enjoy your videos the information and inspiration you provide are priceless , I'm so glad I found your channel and hope you keep making these videos , you have helped me tremendously and I just wanted to say thank you đ
Home from work and a coffee, your the man who explains and breaks down in easy stages, and a way of pulling us in with you Alex, really enjoyed this,
thank you for your time.
when I meet with old friends, we are always getting to a point, when we remember the "good old times". We are looking through old photos and we are listening to old recordings of music we made. The more I am embarrassed to share my old "artistic products" to somebody, the more soothed I feel about my development since then.
But if you are cheering with your friends "oh, look this old photo... my best shot ever...." oh boy, you should sit down after the party and have a well thought about what happened since then....
When the good old times are not good at all, that is what I call progress.
Therefore, I am so happy that I'm just locating myself in the Valley of Despair, since I can become only better from now on đ
I heard this video when it first came out. I remember nodding & saying silent âyesâesâ then. Today, Iâm clocking almost 20 yrs shooting. Your words are even more appropriate to my work than before. Thank you for staying with us; encouraging & pushing us to be better at our craft - continually. Donât stop. We need youâre wisdom (well - at least I do). đđ»
Awesome, thank you
Brilliant video ⊠just what I needed in anticipation of the delivery of my back-ordered Fujifilm X100V. Iâve been taking snaps with film and digital for 50 years and, more recently, video to capture my sailing adventures. Now Iâm so very much looking forward to taking still photos with the X100V. Ta very much for your excellent videos! Really appreciate your thoughtful insights into the world of photography!
Thank you so much for this advice. It's been really discouraging watching other individuals who are just salesmen/saleswomen, label themselves as professional photographers. It is difficult to stand out as an artist around people like that. Especially knowing the quality of my work is so much better.
Alex, you are just like a coach, while we are the players on the field, offering psychological advice in fine-tunning our pre-concepts and most importantly, preserve our positive thinking and passion. Technical aspects of photographical skill are comparatively easy to be applied. Please keep up your constructive work.
Over the years (70 odd) I have taken thousands of photos and in that time I have taken several good ones!
I sometimes think some of the earlier ones are better than the current ones. I wonder where that puts me on the learning curve.
Nice to know I am not the only one!
This was good manâŠ. I was formally trained in photography and in the dark room, 25 years ago. Geez that felt old to say! And I am still open to a good Critique.
I went to through a class recently where the images were torn apart after every assignment! It was good for me.
Weâre always growing. One thing I have learned is that this generation is missing that aspect of the walk.
Some donât even pick up their camera, unless they have a âclientâ. No passion, no inner desire to develop.
Some of us have the opposite problem in that we doubt our skills right from the start. Our greatest challenge is to build enough photographic confidence in our images to adequately assess their quality. I look at images from 40 years ago when I started using a lot of 35mm film on my two kids and those images are actually a lot better than I would have judged them at the time. I was and still am, my own worst critic.
Even today I'm not comfortable with exhibiting my photos and there's always that moment of doubt before I hit 'Publish' on a CZcams video.
I got back into photography (I'm 62) a bit more than 5yrs ago. If I look back at the earlier photos, there are many I still like as much as I did then. It may be that my keep/toss rate is higher now and while I know that I know more than I did, I don't know what I don't know or how much I don't know. While that may speak to some degree of self-awareness, it doesn't help me know where I fall on the graph and whether or not I'm qualified to help that young man new to the photography club so generally, I just don't say anything.
Holy shit, I've been trying to fight this ego. The graph really gave me relief since it is just natural. Thanks a lot.
I am new in photography, and videos like yours are very helpful and mostly so much inspiring!!
Hi Alex, great video again as always. I'm a relatively new subscriber and you are definitely one of my favourite channels now. I see your channel more as the psychology of photography. The technical stuff can be learned from any number of sources but clearly great images are created more by the eyes and hands holding the camera than the gear they are using.
I agree with you on this one.
For me, my first camera was a 35mm Mamiya with a 50 mm lens. I bought it at 17 years old when I first joined the army. The only thing I knew about the camera was set the camera to what the TTL meter said to do. I didnât know reciprocity depth of field, etc. the pictures I got were okay. I wasnât trying to be a pro at it. I got it then to take picture memories and of places I visited. Snap shots. Basically. I lost that camera and finally an Army buddy who was a pro taught me photography. Bought a used Cannon AL1. He really showed me how to use it. I went to the hobby lab on Post and learned how to develop film. I was hooked. Thatâs when I started to care about my photography looking good. I was also an artist. I have been drawing and painting since I could scribble on my momâs walls. My fellow soldiers thought I was crazy for being in the army with my drawing ability. I knew composition. So composing a photo was easy for me. I was good enough to get a position as a photographer for the 3rd Armored Divisionâs Public Affairs Office. I thought I was a good photographer. But I learned quickly I didnât know as much as I needed to know. The majority of what we did was photojournalism. And I also worked the darkroom. This was the real education into photography I received. Not only did I develop and print my own work, but those of everyone elseâs in the office. There were a few other photographers in the office but the rest were journalists who sometimes took their own photos. They were school trained but their pictures were nothing great. They didnât care about photography, they were writers.
I processed thousands of rolls of film in the few years working there. Dozens of film a week. I saw plenty of great pictures from everyone, but the majority were bad. I would circle the ones I thought were good on the contact sheets and send them up to the office. They would circle a few more and I made the prints. As you know half of photography is in the darkroom. I took those pictures chosen and worked them to get the best image out of them with burning and dodging, using friction from my gloved fingers to create heat to bring out the image faster in a spot that needed it while in the developing tray. Every trick I learned there.
I was awarded the Armyâs version of the Pulitzer Prize, The Keith L. Ware award. But in order to get that I took lots of bad pictures along with the good ones. After making thousands of prints you know bad pictures.
Hereâs the kicker. Iâm still learning photography. There is a lot I donât know. Especially with digital. Only because my DSLR is so complicated. I donât opine about digital. I donât know enough of the technical aspects of it.
And I agree thereâs a lot of people doing photography who think they know more than they do. I see on Facebook the bad pictures they post. In a couple of groups who do film most limit themselves to 400 iso film. They use it for everything. Bright sunny days. While 400 is fine for a lot of situations. Itâs limited in bright light. Very little reciprocity. Their pictures are all high depth of field, unless they shoot in low light. Then they push it. Even when they donât need to. When they give advice itâs limited to the little knowledge they do have.they would say use this film or this setting, but not explain why. Itâs just what they like to do. None seem to know much about flash photography. Only a few that I have seen.
I try to explain why to do something or use a specific lens or film, why the picture is exposed wrong, even composition. But only to those that ask for help with their photography.
Probably my favourite photography channel.
I think that I honestly have the opposite issue with my work.
I underestimate myself too much. I use an s21 ultra for photography because I can't afford my dream cam (fuji xt4) yet but I've still managed to become the highest viewed and interacted with photographer on my cities biggest Facebook page with over 30k people following it.
I still don't think I'm great, that's all cool but I look at other photographers work and just get astounded with what they have done.
It keeps me humble if not feeling a bit thrashed which is crap but I don't know how to change feeling like that.
I've had local store owners contact me saying how my work makes them feel so emotional because they see the passion behind it and I still can't bring myself to say I'm as good as any other photographer.
All I know is I always keep my old work and look back at where I was every couple of weeks, I know I'm better now than I ever was in the past but I still don't feel content, I'm just gonna have to keep pushing till I can say I'm on par with the people I look up to
Alex, this is good stuff. It's universal to any skill, trade, craft and life itself. Years ago in corporate work I needed to find away to get my employees to take ownership of their career skills. I found the Japanese word & concept of Kaizen (continual improvement or change for the better) and put them to task with first finding the word, and then defining it in their own words. It was a unique word that became a buzzword in the division, and soon they challenged each other and helped each other improve. I use it to this day. I know I can always improve on something in life.
What you're saying here crosses into any profession or area in life in which one can improve. Kudos sir. Keep 'em coming.
I coped with the valley by simply making photos for myself and for my own enjoyment, and after a few years my friends started to notice an improvement in my work. Though it was nice to hear, the joy of making photos was enough for me đ.
Very thought provoking video Alex.
After 45 years of photography I'm still learning, exploring and enjoying photography, it's a journey that's challenging and fulfilling for me.
Words of gold. Everything you say is right. After your words, I am proud of myself and my cameras. My performance has improved a lot after watching you on your channel.. Really, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.đ
Thatâs awesome, thank you for watching
I started making short films at a late part of life just a couple of years ago, and I don't know if there is a version of this experience for photographers, but I learned so much from watching CZcams videos where folks comment on bad movies - bad as in having lots of problems. These kinds of videos mostly serve entertainment purposes, but some are done by people with film experience. For me it was an efficient way to develop a critical vocabulary and to learn about lights, sound, editing - the works. It helped me to see the multitude of ways my short films can go wrong. I would not have picked a lot of this up if I only watched good movies. I hope it has helped me be philosophical about the problems in my own films.
I did rewatch your original video on Richard Avedon. I found it just as stimulating as when I watched it the first time. An excellent and very interesting summary of his work. Indeed, I found all of those early videos on the lives and work of famous photographers wonderful, so donât sell your past work short. Of course you are in a different presentational space and digging deeper. Thank you.
This is actually true. I look back at some of my âgreatâ photos from years ago and then think âwhat the heck was I thinkingâ and then feel embarrassed.
Talking to someone about your photography is certainly a excellent advice. Maybe because it forces you to make links between what you wanted to express and how you did it ? I still have photographs I'm happy with but I'm incapable to say why. At this time I set them aside until I figure out what it's about. Thanks for this video. You give clues to find out if you're in this situation, which is nothing but obvious...
Great topic! I would love to find someone I could trust and who could critique my photography. Unfortunately I have such low self esteem that I donât know how to handle criticism, or I handle it very badly. But I do try to be self critical when looking at my one photos, asking myself- does this photo work? What doesnât work? etc. And I guess a good thing about having low self esteem is that I realise easily that I do not know a lot about photography. I feel like Iâve just opened the door to a treasure room and Iâm just standing in the doorway looking in at all the photos on the walls. And I follow your tips! The other day I went out and tried to take photos as âhow shouldnât this photo be takenâ, it was so difficult! Came home with a bunch of bad photos but a very educative lesson in my baggage. Listening to this channel is like going to a great photo school! Thank you for giving us this opportunity!
Hanging out with oil painters is educational, humbling and fun
I shoot events & portraits for 18 yrs, and my clients are very happy with my product (at least they tell me). I think Iâm ok at best, but I enjoy doing it part time. I always am reading & studying techniques & craft from the greats. When shooting on my own time for enjoyment, I know that I suck. But I take pleasure in sucking a little bit less (hopefully) over time. Great video!
I've only been shooting for about 4 years doing mostly events and portraits. I've always said that I don't do much. The cameras do a lot of the work. Very few times have I felt that "No this was an amazing shot and I'm good".
As a photographer, I'm always looking for ways to improve.
While I am happy with what I can do in the present, I still wonder/look for ways to grow - and comparing my photos from 2013 to the photos I take nowadays, the difference is really obvious and I love how I've grown.
I think I encountered someone at the peak of Mount stupid the other day, he told me my photos were rubbish, and photography was easy as he taught himself in less than 3 days đ€Ł
Hi Alex: Thanks for creating and sharing this video. I am attracted to your channel as you don't dwell on the technical aspects of camera gear settings and technical issues of creating images but rather the emotional conscious and sub-conscious of this creative endeavour. Before retirement I spent 40-years in Banking and the last 20-years of my careers was on teaching the craft of financial planning and investment advice to new advisors. I will admit that I only began feeling really comfortable in my role after spending 10-years of learning and practice. Keep up the great work that you do for your Community. Cheers, Keith
Thank you.
Thank you (again) for a great video. I took on Photography to have a craft that will always challenge me to continue to create. The joy is in the learning, the crafting so that we create a beautiful image. Another pleasure is to help others nurture the craft in others. Enjoy the journey and stay humble.
Out of the 10's of thousands of photos I've taken, the majority are only 'snaps'. There's only one or two photos that I really like and am proud of....I brag about itđ€Ł
With regards to constructive criticism, the problem is, everybody is a critic, but nobody likes to be criticized.
That Bloemfontein Kroonstad road sign reminded me of the numerous road trips we took from Centurion to East London. We're now living in Sydney, Australia.
Benjamin Von Wong once told me years ago that I needed to master lighting⊠at the time it hurt to hear it but he was right and I appreciate his advice greatly⊠I can clearly see what he was talking about now but most importantly I am never too sure of myself these days because I know that I am never done learning đđ»
Another outstanding video!
I seem to suffer from the opposite problem. I donât like much of anything I take, but others seem to like them. I actually have to have a few drinks before I will share any of my shots online. I have been trying to get out of this cycle, this being â pigeon holedâ into a specific style and/or subject.
I want to change this because I know that I know nothing.
Your talks are helping me take the next step. Thank you!
That's exactly how I feel, it's very frustrating.
My favourite of all your videos so far Alex. Consistently insightful words
This is applicable to so many skills and artsâŠ. Thanks for posting.
This advice can be directly applied to artists. Very insightful!
I honestly think the biggest reason photographers fall victim to this is actually quite another effect (though not being able to know how much you don't know is certainly a close second especially among the over-eager. Dilettantes are another matter). It could be labelled intimacy or the avatar effect, but it has to do with mingling our emotions with our efforts and investment and projecting that visually. The same thing happens with people we love or hate. We actually see them as better or worse looking than they are because we project the time we put into our relationships and the way we feel about that/them onto their visage (being the visual creatures we are).
Often this effect is what keeps people going in the arts or design and development for that matter. It serves an ultimately useful purpose even self-destructive as it may be, because it keeps us interested and passionate.
I always knew I was crap and that was always a hurdle for me (despite receiving a lot of praise) that kept me from taking it beyond a random occasional hobby (that and the cost of fast long lenses). Trust me, seeing things as they are can bring its own set of problems!
Have never considered myself great at photography. To the point I say I do some photography but never refer to myself as a photographer cause I have never felt I was good enough. Plenty of times I have shown my improvements when mentioning about upgrading equipment for various reasons that help align me towards the style I want better, I am always met with problems of being told I need to get better before I should even consider buying a new camera. Just get better with the one I have.
Also comparing myself to others around me in the same space. Always showing my work to people and meet, they usually say it's alright and then I show them them the actual professionals and how my work is terrible. The pros have much sharper images, with better color grading and better composition. But when I show them when I first started lol its usually really funny for me. I have grown a ton but I wanna go way further.
Recently bought a new camer body and I am currently working a but of OT to save up for a lens to match it and my work style.
But the video was helpful to never get complacent and keep pushing to get better. I shall keep trying! Thank you!
Thank you for all these videos you post. Im not a pro and I dont show my images anywhere or to anyone but your advice does help me grow as a photographer. I find that the one thing that motivates me the most is how little I know. It pushes me to keep learning. I suppose in the end it may seem like it doesnt matter if Im doing nothing with my pictures but for me its the journey not the destination that interests me. I have many images Ive take that Im happy with , not because I think they are great or even any good but because I see a step forward in my ability and thats encouraging to me. Again, thank you so much.
All of my previous life involved critiques after every event or group of events. This workstyle lasted for 41 years. Now that I am a nube to this terribly interesting endeavor, self-critique is constant. The realization that I stink constantly keeps me on YT, learning sites, and out there trying everything. So far, my journey along the D-K curve was a minor blip up the y-axis followed by a nearly direct line to the "Plain" (not Valley) of Despair. I think I have begun gradual positive vector. Thank you for all your great ideas on how to reach some level of competence.
Thank you Alex. I have watched again your first video and loved it. Can you do something like that again for us - going through a book of images and discussing them. I preferred your background there too with the bookcase and orange cat.
I think an important part of showing an image when some feedback will be given, is to also provide the audience with some information on your intention with the image. What was you trying to achieve, what look was you going for etc. I see too many times people commenting that the white balance is off and too cool, for then the image owner to hit back saying that's how he wanted it to look that way. So it starts out on the wrong foot from the get go. As you say feedback is about trust, honesty and getting it from the right people. Or we get what I call the Xfactor moment, when a singing contestant is asked if they are any good and they reply that their family and friends thinks so..... then they start to sing... oh dear!
I certainly learned a lot about photography techniques and processing/editing methods and theory from the interweb. What I struggle with is more with the creative side. I find it is easier to get into creative stuff with âeasyâ photography . But I like birds and nature in general -and often it is just an achievement getting any shot at all , never mind getting creative with it! Or at least , that is my excuse and Iâm sticking with it!
A classic example of this is this obsession with âbokehâ. The internet is full of discussions - and flame wars - about it, from the one-eyelash-in-focus photograph (mostly to show odd someoneâs new f/1.2 lens) to the âcreamyâ quality of one versus the ânervousâ quality of another. Itâs somehow become the acme or artistic photography.
I donât care about âbokehâ. I get really annoyed when people talk about it in my photographs. I hate the subculture of bokeh because for me itâs subconscious and I donât really even think about it. But people lecture me about how âBeCaUsE lIkE yOu NeEd BoKeH tO sEpArATe ThE sUbJeCt FrOm ThE bAcKgRoUnD, dUdEâ and then comment on how nice the bokeh is in my picture or how I could have used more of it. They shouldnât be looking at it. They should be looking at the subject! Internet experts are the worst thing that has ever happened to photography. They overestimate their worth.
I have no problem with constructive criticism but I do have a problem with slavish adherence to a style that I donât want and which wasnât a thing on the days of Arnold Newman or Bill Brandt when deep focus ruled. For me itâs either there or it isnât but itâs never there for itâs own sake or because someone else thinks it should be.
The important thing is also to look at the source and see examples of their work. So you can qualify their experience and does that advice educate and enhance the look and style of what you are trying to present? That is why I watch a lot of videos by photographers that I respect and listen to their teachings. Any idiot knows how much they know, but it takes a genius to know how much more they need to learn. Your physical peers are the best source of criticism. And the hardest and most valuable to take. Ansel Adams was asked what his best image was, he said he hadn't taken it yet.
Hi Alex, In my 20âs I was good and then I got worse because I followed the wrong path with photography. This humbled me I think and then I got better then I ever was. But these days I know I will always be striving to be better. I was featured on the cover on black and white photography this month as well as a 9 page article. Something I never would have achieved if I didnât get onto the right path. Iâm 49 now and itâs taken me this long to start to reach a respectable level. Like you say! World of Tanks!! If Iâd know it would have taken this long, would I have carried on?
There is also the opposite problem, many good photographers hold themselves back from fully expressing themselves out of shyness or fears of being good enough.
Am an utter beginner and have no sense of being a âgood photographerâ at all! But I love what youâre saying. I have plans to go on some courses in my city where they take you around the CBD and our main park, showing you how to get what you want out of your camera. Covid is holding that back, but Iâm looking forward to taking lots of crappy photos and learning more :)
Learning is all about playing and playing is all about not taking yourself too seriously. Having a background in video, not all of my idols are photographers. As a creative genius, there is none greater than Jim Henson (in my opinion) and he made sillyness and playing into an art. He is an extreme example, but one common trait with the great ones is that they can laugh at themselves. That attitude helps with critisism.
I am not a photographer but enjoy your videos for the useful compositional advice ( I sketch and paint) and the talks you give on the works of notable photographers. Thank you I very much appreciate the work you do.
Thank you
So interesting to hear those thoughts. Will use some of those thoughts in my photographic life. I am not a photo poster, I just love taking photos for myself and my family :)
Nice video, important subject.
...But are those photos you shared the bad ones you were referring to?? If they are, then I feel really bad about myself. đŹ
Thank you for those important words and the inspiration and motivation that follow them.
I donât usually give any advice solicited online, unless the person is MUCH newer at this than me. Sometimes I think Iâm brilliant, other times I feel like such a novice! đ There is always more to learn.
This might be one of the most important video for any creative on CZcams.
Wow, thank you
Excellent video about the psychology of photohraphy skills.
Thanks so much for this very honest video. Great, useful and mind-teasing as usual :-)
Are you my NEW favorite photographer mentor, or what?
THE VIDEOS ARE SO INSPIRING!
THANKS SO MUCH!
Hi Alex so the question I have is, what does make a good photographer? Knowing how to use oneâs camera is one thing but for me composition is the key to good photography and these days, thats is closely followed by editing skills. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts though.
I was recently reminded of this - I took a picture that I do not like. I find it lacking a subject - some stream, some trees, a path, twigs, spring green. A total mess. I put it as a filler for a small contest at my employer's for a picture for a noise suppression board - a huge piece of canvas, roughly 2m x 1.5m. My picture was one of 3 chosen, and I admit - it looks stunning on the wall.
I still do not understand, why.
Itâs a journey from concentrating on the latest camera and lenses to be interested in art and the history of photography. To cover all aspects of photography and to reduce the equipment to a minimum, specialize in a small part of photography and work to goals as a book or exhibition. A part many forget are the importance to print large. I have at last decider to get a A2 printer and to learn to print.There are some disadvantages when you have been photographing for a long time and that is that you find it difficult to find motivation and to take time to try new things.
Should watch Jamie Windsors video on this, he uses the exact same example of the bank robber too.
I adore this creator... beautiful to listen to him and learn from him. When he mentioned World of tanks in this video, with me spending 10 years on the game myself I was overwhelmed with excitement. Cheers to my fellow photographer and tanker!
My background as a painter and art major is a blessing and a curse when it comes to photography. I know a lot about color, light, perspective, and composition. But, sometimes I see images in my head that I struggle to realize with my camera. Unlike painting or drawing, I can't just cover over or erase a mistake. I can't (or more accurately, won't) manipulate the scene to match what I perceived. The more photos I take, the more the perfectionist in me makes me toss.
I learn as much from critiquing others' photos as I do from being critiqued, because I make mental notes of why an image didn't work for me and apply them to my own photos. And likewise, for images I like. The trick is to put one's own stamp on a concept and not just copy, so you're speaking your own language. That takes reps. Lots of reps.
I was typing something out along similar lines but then found your comment.
I took up painting (a long time ago) because I could never get the image in my mind to be transferred to film. Photography is hard and frustrating, so was learning to paint and draw. It really is painting with light. The more I take photos the subject reduces in importance and the light falling is what I look for. It is a great new journey!
If anybody is interested in learning more about the DK effect, can I suggest that you read the work of Daniel Kahneman- as well as his work with Tversky? It deals with the heuristic thinking that we employ in daily life and how it can lead us astray and is much more accessible the Dunning and Kruger's own work- as well as including a lot more about thinking than just one mental pitfall.
I have read some, fascinating stuff.
Thank you for your company my friend ....âđŒđ€âïž
Teachable spirit. You'll never know everything, and I've learned arrogance doesn't get me anywhere.
Great video Alex.
i usually hate all my work..but I enjoy taking photos, so I keep going.
When i look back at my film photos from the early years i indeed see the lack of skills and kind of a aimless style, on the other hand i miss beeing free and look at photography as a experimental process, i really miss that, nowadays i do wildlife photography and astrophotography, dispite the endless possibilities i feel more then ever boxed in these styles
Try something new. Try street photography or perhaps portraiture of friends and family :)
@@jordanh.5182 thank you for the advice, pursuing nature photophraphy made me kind of a nature bug but i do miss the portraits of city life for example, i did a bit of that in the film days
I've been in a rut for 35years,lol.Great info and channel.Cheers.
The more I do this, the more I realise how little I know. Have shared what I thought were the finest pics in the land, and nobody cared. Have also shared images that were demonstrably incorrectly exposed and not well framed, and they appeared in several papers. Sometimes, though, you get the delicious overlap between what you think is good and others love: nothing better in this world.
I feel your pain regarding World of Tanks (WoT), I also played it for yonks and made it to tier 10, but...oh boy, what a grind! Good advice regarding photography, as an amateur photographer/film maker, I always welcome help and advice.