Why is my Photography Getting Worse!?
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- Do you ever feel like you are getting worse at photography? It’s happening to me at the moment so I head out do do some landscape photography to find a solution to the problem. We also look at how to give good photo critique.
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#landscapephotography #inspiration #spon
"Keep struggling, there are pictures waiting to be captures" almost made me cry since I am for some time now in deep artist block. I bought a new camera recently to get back to photography but am quite afraid my pictures wont be as good as they used to be. Thank you for this video and your motivation!
I really, REALLY appreciate your videos. Not just for your technical skills, but equally importantly your relate-ability. No arrogance or gimmicks. Just straight up content that makes you feel like a friend and mentor. Thanks.
The plant that was identified for you as an Azalea is more properly called a Rhododendron. Specifically, it's Rhododendron ponticum. This gorgeous flowering shrub is native to Spain, Portugal, and the Caucasus region.
Rhododendron were introduced for gardens, but it is now a very invasive species in the UK. Its leaves are so toxic that native animals won't eat it, and it poisons the soil so native plants can't grow near it. Not only that, but bees love its nectar so much that they'll sometimes ignore other flowers in favor of the rhododendron, another strike against native flora.
Your ecological duty as an Englishman, after photographing it, would be to chop it down and uproot it. 😆 But they're so damn beautiful. By now they're too well-established to get rid of anyway.
Hi Adam thanks for sharing your struggle. This feeling that I am going backwards is something I often struggle with. As you suggest I think the only answer is to keep pushing through.
I'm still feeling this way......heading out this evening though.
Whenever I feel unsure of where my hobby is taking me I can find confidence listening to you.
I have for the last few months felt I am loosing my eye, watching this video really helped me.
Thank you so much, and as I have said in the past, your an amazing motivational speaker!
Best wishes,
Steve
Same Steve, and Adams video is well timed with my frustrations in producing new content for my photography channel
I still consider myself a beginner (in my fourth year of taking pictures with my DSLR) and I've come a long way since I started, but I still struggle with thinking my pictures suck. It happens less thankfully, but when it does, I have to talk myself down. I tell myself that I'm still learning and that every picture is practice.
I have this feeling every year as summer approaches - IMHO summer months are the worst for landscape - roll on winter. Unfortunately winter seems to have deserted us recently!
I go through that every few months... It just happened. The best thing for me is to just put the camera down for a week or two. Then, i come back and HIT HARD! Great video, Adam. Summer Rhapsody is gorgeous!
When I look at a complex scene I think about what tools to make pieces of the image ‘visible’. I think of layers in photoshop to start with. Something (the forest and it’s varied plants in it) is then a thing in itself to me. Like a coffee cup on the table suppose you dump the cupboards on the table top and it’s a jumble? In the forest the jumble is a structure to move through at various times of the day. This also has a name - an eclectic assemblage - which is about how we build meaning into a state of being. A cup fits into your hand space in front of you and is a point of flow of meaning. The forest is a community that is self assembled, but agriculture also defines the land space. Back to photo layering that technique offers precise control over parts of an image. That to me is a first line of penetrating a jumble visually.
Thank you for the video. As someone that is a recreational photographer, I feel this way almost all the time. I feel so many time that I'm not progressing and just standing still.
Thank you for sharing your experience ❤️ You’re a great teacher, caring & beautiful photographer 😊
This is why I like your videos. You take a more personal approach to photography, the struggles of finding good composition; the feelings of not having your results being able to measure up to your previous shoots. I’ve been feeling that way myself this year and this video -and many others you’ve done prior makes me feel like I’m being encouraged to not give up. Great video as always!
Adam, what a great video! Thank you so much for sharing your (amazing) knowledge and for being so candid about the struggles and the work that is less good and the constructive way to evaluate it. Felt so inspired, you’re a star. And I did like both photos!
Timely video Adam. I think all creatives have these times where things just don't flow, especially those creatives who rely upon the creativity to put bread on the table. I think this issue of feeling as though one is stagnating or worse still regressing in ability is in fact a by-product of; and further exasperated by the constant worry and threat that we are perceiving in the world at this time. Whether or not you read the news its impossible to get away from the 24/7 bombardment of influence, doom 'n' gloom. and the anxiety this breeds is the killer of creativity for many folks. The solution. in part I think is to look back on your work, understand the stages you as a creative have gone through and the challenges overcome. Each major milestone is and will be noted in your work, sometimes it just takes someone else to show you how far you have come, in order to get you thinking positive again. Turning off the world news helps too! :)
Keep it going Adam the thing is you inspire us that can’t get out
Despite all your own complains about the second image I personally prefer it over the cotton grass. Looks like subtle beautiful bouquet of flowers. Hard vignetting would be loudly criticized by lots of self-made photography instructors, however in this particular case it made this image compelling. Keep going this way, great content as always.
Adam,
Thanks for this. The cotton grass is beautiful. And thank you for the tips on how to critique. Having been at the receiving end of some not very constructive criticism from somebody you know, I really believe that giving someone some hope in a critique is essential. My critic described the first photograph he saw of mine as “a really boring image” in a partly public forum. He did go on to explain what he didn’t like about it. But the damage was done; after that opening line, I nearly gave up photography and felt like deleting my entire library. Thankfully, I did not, but I did go into a fairly major creative black hole for about 10 months, from which I’ve only recently begun to emerge. I was full of self doubt every time I picked up my camera.
Several other people who have seen the “really boring” photograph have actually liked it, and they did not know about the critique it had received. Those who have seen a print of it, especially, like it. But I do feel your ‘shit sandwich’ approach would have left a much more positive impact on me.
The main gripe of my critic was the crop, which I didn’t disagree with, but he thought my foggy landscape in black and white was uninteresting. I’ve been able to move on, and realize there are some things people do or don’t like and it’s subjective.
You are always a positive inspiration, and I have been a great admirer of how you share your highs and lows in your photographic journey. When you go through a funk and come out the other side, it gives me hope and inspiration.
Hi Adam, the rhododendron shot is very interesting. I have a suggestion for this shot : the dead tree has to pop more and the flowers have to pop more too. This will create a dead living tree impression surronded by beautiful living flowers. What do you think ?
Stunning photo! Love cotton grass!
My little girl just said wow to the Rhododendron, job done in our house. Great words again right at the end, it’s got to be hard hasn’t it? We have to work at it, the struggle paid off with the cotton Grass, but I was screaming at you to go with what nature was giving you. Movement, grabbing one fixed fast shutter and one slow movement shot and blend them. Or just all the cotton grass moving, abstract if you like. Having said all that, your edit, composition with the gap in the cloud and the detail in the cotton grass worked so well. Enjoyed the video very much. 👍
I do find I struggle at this time of year too. Early morning sunrise, late sunsets an boring blue skies.
Photography for me is easier out of the summer season, also the skies have more life in them when there’s bad weather 🤣.
Luckily it’s a short summer in the uk 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Adam intresting video, i like many others watch many landscape photographers and the likes of Mr Heaton ,Kim Grant, Nick Carver, Attilio Ruffio, the Pubcast boys to name just a few seem to have a common theme at the moment is that they are struggling to get motivated to take landscape images, Mr Heaton's last vide was him cooking a toasted sandwich and cooking breakfast because as he said he found it difficult to get out there. Do you think that YT and Instagram and such like channels are a wash with people taking and posting images that it's difficult to find a image week after week that is different.
I mentioned it in last weeks video. I think photography is following a similar downturn to the world and economy generally. it’s just generally tough all round. i reckon those who continue to grind it out will ultimately do well on the other side.
Loved the cottongrass image - one of my favourite seasonal subjects. I always think of Curlew calls and wet knees when I see it!
Ha. Definitely left with wet knees.
I actually happen to like both images. I do understand what you’re getting at with the busyness, but the vignetting really helps to isolate the flowers and plants to enhance the contrasting colors and create a nice mood. The other image is also fine, though I’d like it better if the cotton tufts and the clouds didn’t overlap.
As to the artistic anxiety, as a former mentor (in another discipline) once put it, “If this shit was easy, anyone could do it.”
Yes, because of the lack of audience, affection. Seemingly nobody cares for photos anymore these days. I still love photography but we all love some positive feedback from time to time.
Nice shot of the cotton grass! Looks like Rhododendron, invasive species they tend to be on an epic scale! I recognise it from Cragside in Northumberland
The cotton grass image is beautiful Adam and can relate to the main thrust of your discussion today. I still get bouts of imposter syndrome from time to time, so for me one method of dealing with it is to have a switch of genre as a reminder to get out there and just enjoy the moments and don't laden myself with expectations
Well, that's the first time I've seen another photographer at "my" favourite woodland in the 3 years I have been visiting it!! So thank you for not naming it! 👍.
It is a woodland that does not offer any easy compositions, believe me, but I like the frustrating challenge it offers.
Plenty of trails to enjoy and the biggest plus is it is never overrun by people. The local honeypots see to that, thankfully. That woodland for me is my honeypot 🙂
I liked both images, especially the azaeleas "flat" image which is enhanced by the development. Nothing wrong with flat images that offer simple detailed texture and shapes for the eye to feast upon, with the added bonus of the colour mix to attract one in. I find it very pleasing. More so than the cotton grass shot for me.
Totally empathising with the psychological issue, and just as the cure for high prices is high prices, I think the cure for feeling photographically meh, is just to shoot more images and focus on the process not the output per se. The latter will look after itself. All part of the natural way of things. Keep up the good work. 👍
Yeah, I have done a few videos from there now. The fact its quiet is a big part of the appeal.
I personally prefer the Rhododendron image and that mood . Perhaps there would have been a square format with the trunk on the left side !? With regards from the Palatina Woods in Germany.
Absolutely wonderful instruction. Speaking personally, I appreciate your candor and honesty in letting us beginners know that feelings of inadequacy are common even among the most experienced and seasoned professionals like yourself. While I like the "Secret Garden" look of the second photo you shared, I have to admit that while you were filming yourself shooting that "cotton grass", I was so envious; we don't have anything like that here in Texas, and that was incredibly beautiful! Love the finished product you wound up with! Again, thank you for your honesty and transparency. I've always enjoyed your videos and this one was certainly no exception! Thank you for taking time to invest your knowledge and ability into those of us who are eager to learn.
Adam, it's easy, the reason you're struggling with your photography these days is because your battery is going dead. :-)
Ha. I thought that whilst editing the video. didn’t notice at the time though.
Hey Adam, it feels like you are just dealing with summer.... this happens every year and every landscape photographer struggles with it. Summer is always hard for photography because the light is always soo harsh.... and honestly I feel the same at this time every year. My view is that creativity is inspired by the constraints we impose upon ourselves. You can either moan about it, or find a way to make it work (or at least interesting) for you. For me... I will choose a prime, choose a technique (framing, shallow dof, reflections, shadows, or whatever) and challenge myself. What imposing these limitations does is focuses us.... for example.... you went back to a location where you got photos before.... and it turned out that they didnt work because the seasons simplified them.... but if you go out thinking "what locations do I know that would work well isolating subjects with shadows".... well.... you would probably go somewhere entirely different. Not saying I have all the answers here (we all struggle in summer), but I think there is something to be said for thinking differently and at worst.... scouting for other seasons...
That is very possible although I usually really enjoy summer. The late sunsets and early sunrises often means there are less people about. It's been harder getting out this year so far though due to other commitments.
I think your thought process is still intact and when you tell us your thoughts and how you would like the final image to turn out. Well it turned out just as you said for the cotton grass, just perfect that was. As for the Rhodoendrun (or however you spell it haha) well your thought process was right, the colours were a terrific match and the idea was good to have the lovely tree surrounded by the purple of the rhoddies, maybe it didn’t quite work out as expected but that just gives you reason to go back next year and see if there is more purple or less green and try again. All good photographers know that you don’t just give up if you want to be good, you try over and over again and persevere then eventually you get what you worked hard for. Bonus tip: You are a very good educator and people watch YOU for the things you can teach us, and of course for the brilliant images you take that give us the inspiration to keep persevering.with our hobby, I thank you for that 😁👍
Went back to full manual mode, video and photo. Doing more experimenting with the settings. Running out of new places, trying to keep within a 60 radius of basecamp (home). Retired, so I guess this is just a hobby. Mostly I do this to get out of the house and get some exercise, met some new people and have a coffee, always bring along hiking poles and crampons. Summer is here, ticks are a problem, maybe time to get back into shooting those old buildings again. That's easy stuff. 😊
Thank you so much for your advise. The cotton grass picture is beautiful.
The "Creative Artist Block" like a writers block type of situation........ I guess....... IDK.......
Exactly that
Adam,
Here’s a tip I learned for getting those low to the ground images. Lie on your back and hold the camera over your head. Sounds ridiculous, but it works. Just have to get used to viewing your composition upside down.
Roger
Ha I like it. Although it was very boggy.
Your video is inspiring. Thumbs up for being so honest, Adam. From time to time I do struggle with the same issues that you mentioned (don’t we all?), but I guess it’s part of the game. As for your 2 shots, I fullt agree with your own review. Perhaps the mystic garden could have worked better if framing closer and with a larger aperture to bokeh the background, but hey, that’s just me saying while seating on the sofa :-) Keep up Adam!
Thank you for such beauty, it really shines in your pictures!
In the cotton grass, the first thing that occurred to me, was to use the stone path as a leading line. I wonder if you had considered that?
I did. it made a very compelling foreground but the backdrop left me feeling flat, so I didn’t bother.
@@Firstmanphotography Interesting..its easy being an armchair critic when you're not at the place of interest.
Every video is informative, concise an engaging. I enjoy every one.
Thanks!
Fantastic video! And yes, I try to do the shite sandwich whenever I can as well. Never did it for myself so that'll be new. Still, thanks for posting a video that I can 100% relate to! I liked both images but your critique was actually on point with both. Great stuff!!! Again, thank you!
You need new kit.
Can I suggest Medium Format.
It worked for Heaton and Grumpy!
Even Popsys master of M4/3 moved to FF!
lol
Medium format is for amateurs ...
8x10" slide film is the real deal. Around 30€ per shutter click makes you REALLY think....
Which is why I won't use it. I'm overthinking everything with digital photography already.
I would rather see a slightly soft image from low than a sharp one from up high. Wise choice to skip the tripod.
Thanks Brad. Appreciate it
I really related to what you said in this video. I find that sometimes I lose my photo mojo and when I do I take a break and come back a few days or weeks later and pick up again. I am in one if those phases now but video like this inspire me to get out and about again. Thanks for sharing ... 👍
No relation im sure :) - I found undertaking a different genre of photography has helped me get out of ruts in the past. Primarily shooting landscapes and astro landscapes for the past 4 years I found myself photographing my local football team for the last 6 months has helped massively break the monotony and stretch myself photographically.
@@GeoffMoorePhotography ... Thanks mate. I skip between Landscape and Wildlife photography with some Astro when conditions are right. It's just a mojo thing tbh. I have been into photography for nearly 20 years and I always return. 😉👍
@@PaulMoorePhotography Yeah the mojo is an issue, im finding I have more responsibilities at work and this really eats into free time and having the engy to get out with the camera and produce images I want not only for me but also for my small youtube channel - I hope i'm still out with the camera in 20 years! . kudos to you.
If you are making images to sell, the important thing is that it appeals to the people or businesses buying the photograph. If you are taking photographs for your own pleasure, why restrict yourself to popular taste, which is based on things people have seen before?
Looking at these photos through youtube they look good. Im betting a print version would be really good. The purple flowershot cropped in a little bit would be fit for a wall in my place. A shot you do not like, someone else might think cracking shot. Therefore I would say it not a failed attempt.
Thanks Eric, thats a really good point
I've been watching your videos for a while and feeling stupid for just realizing that you've named it First Man photography because your name is Adam.. and my name is also Adam..
Was that Higger tor and Carl Wark I saw in the B roll during the middle?
Anybody else notice the gnarly tree with white bark against a green background at the end of the field of cotton grass at 3:00?
@5:30 well done !! I have my eye on that printer, how do you like it?
Like anything, if you want to be a a pro, just practice, practice, practice, you'll plateau at some point, but then just practice, practice, practice some more and you'll get there eventually! Simples!
If you're not frustrated, then you're not pushing yourself to become the best YOU can become. Simple as that!
Great video at the right time for me.
theyre rhododendrums which dont belong there ,they were bought over for big gardens over 100 years ago but gradually self seeded and escaped
I have always found the best cure for these doldrums is to go out and explore without a camera of any kind. All of a sudden you'll start to see "photographs" again
Exploring is the soul of outdoor photography genres. Even street photos-that’s how Urbex got invented
"Shit sandwich", excellent!
I would have guessed Rhododendrons.
Been there so many times. Photography is a metaphor for life. Viewed that way, it’s much easier to accept the creative dip each time it appears. LOVE that cotton grass image, Adam. So powerful! 👍🦘
Thanks Peter. Your words are always encouraging.
@@Firstmanphotography Likewise.