Shifter: Q&A 003
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- čas přidán 22. 07. 2024
- Finally, back with another round of questions and answers. Thank you to those of you who took the time to send in your questions. And for those of you who did not get a chance, well, send them now and I'll get to them in the next round.
Also, keep in mind I am just ONE person with ONE opinion based on a variety of factors and beliefs that may or may not overlap with your history or experience. My feelings about photography, social media, and publishing often fall outside the bounds of the mainstream, so keep this in mind.
I'm only 35 seconds into this latest Shifter film and it's pure gold....
I peak somewhere around 45 seconds.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Lol. The whole thing was gold. Thank you for taking so much of your time to put these out. Always appreciate your perspective and wisdom in all matters photographic and otherwise.
Good to know more videos are cumming. I love them.
Hi Daniel. Thanks for your inspiring video.
The truth is that I have no special pleasure to watch you and listen to you 😉.
No, my pleasure comes after: you say goodbye, I turn off my tablet and I start to think about what you've said, about my work, about my creative process, about the words you use to express what I feel, about the path I am going to take to bring me further with the maximum of self-honesty.
That s why your videos are precious for me!
Artistic cheers from France, Jean
Jean, nice to meet you. Love France. The people, the land, the history, the attitude. I think I've been to France, for Blurb alone, nine times. Never gets old. If I can make you think, ponder, consider, I'm doing something right.
Over the past few years, I've watched countless photography-related CZcams videos and read as many articles from a wide range of content creators. In this period of learning, I've narrowed it down to exactly 2 people that are saying things about this art form (albeit differently) that really matter to me; you are one of those. There's a truth in what you're saying that is simultaneously freeing and focusing. While I'm certain these videos aren't making you rich, they're certainly enriching and are worth every second spent watching. Thank you for the thought and hard work that goes into producing these.
I'm supposed to be making money from this? I never got the memo. So far zero. But that's now why I'm doing this. I had to pay for photography school, something that isn't possible for a lot of folks, so why not share what I learned along the way. Glad you are finding relevance here.
Thank you so much, Daniel. I love how your channel emphasizes making photographs without all the fluff of gear.
Hey Carrie, ya the gear talk for me is mindnumbing but I get why people do it.
I love how you bash myths of modern culture!
Thank you for answering my question, I do agree with you about postproduction and ist disastrous effect.
"Gee....he should have used a smaller brush". Perfect. Also loved the "quiet vignette" comments about the Japan project. Excellent as always. Thanks for tuning us in.
I dig me some quiet vignette...
Thank you, I found your responses to be insightful.
Good to hear your voice again Dan, always inspiring. You will ride eternal, shiny and chrome.
Who doesn't love chrome?
Injured my back a year ago. Good days and bad days. Your Q&A and project vids are no BS and helpful. Years ago shot for a weekly on weekends and miss the free reign they gave me. Going forward got a few project ideas I can still manage. Thanks again. Oh for a future Q&A what are your thoughts on Michael Kenna? How many rolls do you think he goes thru of medium format on a trip to Japan?
No real idea. He's a very nice guy. Met him once and had a nice, long talk. But we never spoke about technique.
Would love to know more about your black and white tones! I have fallen in love with black and white editing and love your tones a lot! By the way, I am slowly learning so much from you! Thank you for your time!
I always got in trouble in school for printing dark, contrasty images. I was never a shadow detail guy, but my prints didn't reach the tonal range the school was teaching. Glad you are finding something of value.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 apparently school was wrong about you :)
Hi Daniel, thanks very much for your inputs and for being so generous with your hard won tips and experience. I am 60 something, have been shooting since I was 10, right through the film era and back again! I am living and working in Laos as a protected areas management advisor, 10 years already, and boy, are there stories to tell. I film every day, but have never had the confidence to smack myself upside the head, break away from my daily dose of "7 - 11" likes on instagram (bless them all) and do something worthwhile with the opportunities I have, which are both in time and access. Now I have done it, disappointed the 7-11 loyalists, (there same 7-11 who followed my on Facebook), deleted face book, instagram and just for the hell of it, Strava! cause, hey wait a minute! I never cycled for any people likes before! So now, since you started this, please could you help me out here with this question...
I fully understand and appreciate your view about too many formats, it's actually very liberating for me, and simplifies the process. In this long term project I now believe I am capable of not completely screwing up, I still feel there is a home for 2 formats, and I am just wondering if you have any advice on this for me. Exclusively 50mm field of view digital format, but including a set of MF color film images to capture one particular, easily defined aspect of the project (Buddhist temples located in the landscape of the project)) as this format, in my inexperienced opinion, tells a better story. Thats it though, no cell phone, pinhole, drone, go pro, happy kitty, ultra wide, ! The MF film camera is a 6X9 Fuji monster of a thing which laughs at me most of the time and then just when I want to smash it against a temple wall, spits out, in my face, in spite of me, a stunning image that has me buying it flowers and booking dinner reservations at that stupidly expensive roof top restaurant in town. What do you think? No, not about the restaurant! .....the 2 formats! Thanks very much! keep safe.
Wow, what an incredible job. I was once in Cambodia on an old Russian airliner headed for Laos when the plane filled with smoke and the pilot came on and said "One of the remote temples has just opened up." The guy I was with stood up and said "I have to get off this plane." So we did. Never made it to Laos. As for your project. YES. That is the intelligent way of utilizing two formats. Themes. Temples, 6x9 then put it away. Shoot the rest with 50mm. I work this way, or used to, all the time. Keep to those themes and I think you will be solid.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thanks! Sorry you didn't make it to Lao, but understand about Russian aviation. In Cape Town, South Africa where I lived and worked before Lao, also in conservation, we used a fire fighting contractor who had a BIG (think it was a Mi-8AMT) Russia helicopter, and on more than one occasion we had flashing lights and worried expressions all round, while the pilots, a Russian and an American, both in shorts and tee shirts, spiraled down to emergency landings. We loved flying with them though, so exciting, safety second. Thanks very much for your advise on the formats, I was definitely heading for a variety of formats till I saw your video, and what you say makes so much sense. If you do get an opportunity to come to Lao, you should do so soon. Things change quickly, and for now, Lao is still real and authentic, the people are so gracious and honest, its just so refreshing. Not nearly as rushed as Vietnam, or as aggressive as Cambodia, as commercial as Thailand or as complex as Mynmar, or as organized (controlled) as China. You should come, and if you do, look us up and I can take you to my main protected area Nam Et - Phou Louey, the first protected Area in Lao to receive National Park Status, not 10 years ago, but 2019! In 2010, an antelope walked into a village in Lao and was described for the first time as a NEW documented species, huh? not a mole, or gecko, but an antelope the size of a Red Hartebest! I worked in that area for 6 years following the village stories, but we never saw another. I wish I had thought long term project before now, I have wasted so many opportunities. Sure, I have 1,000 of images, and done a few photo yearbooks, but they don't tell ANY story at all, just a collection of images. So thanks again, and come to Lao, quickly.
Yay! I love the email newsletter!
Just getting caught up on the QA sessions. Fantastic insight...really love the words about sharpness and the breakdown of a project.
Refreshing take on the subjects raised.
Everytime I watch these kind of videos from you, I always reach the same conclusion: "Daniel just said it all about what matters in photography. Again."
Ha, just my random and muddied thoughts.
Thank you for another great video! I've been stuck in Saudi Arabia since December. Have been going around and around on book projects. You've reminded me that the story is right in front of me, keep it simple, have fun, and relax. I never thought I'd binge-watch a CZcams channel! Thanks again!
Spot on. Relax, have fun and remember...it's photography. It's not a cure for Ebola. It's not an end to corruption. Perspective. Work hard and make the best work you can but know when to say when.
Daniel Milnor Im a past darkroom user as well. I’m blown away by your film images. I’m curious if those are straight out of camera or is there some slight editing. I know you’re not much into post-processing, but when it comes to film...?
Someone forgot to lock off that focus. :-) I'm not being a jerk or know-it-all, just picking on my nerdy self actually that my eye "has" to see it haha. X-T2? Mine, which is much beloved, would surely do it too. You're great and I watch, listen and learn from each video you produce...as well as any other source you're a guest or host on. Peace.
Sometimes it searches and other times it does not. I can't figure it out. But, no big deal on my end. My next film seems spot on .
I get the “bell” on my phone and immediately reach for my iPad or iMac to listen to you. Thank you
I like that. A bell, very Buddha.
Another good youtube post Dan. Two life questions: How high is Up? What is an Occasional Table the rest of the time? And Carradine is Kane no matter the fashion choice.
Mark, of you've put me in a spot now. Up is pretty high, depending on at least thirty six factors. As for occasional table. No idea. Give me three choices!
Daniel Milnor ok, here are your choices; 1: Two lovers on a beach. 2: something of photographic history(See choice one). 3: The question that led me to my wife 30 years later.
I'm of two minds (which might mean: no mind at all) about post-processing. I used to spend a ton of time in the darkroom working on an individual print, and it paid off in my satisfaction with both the image and the print. In any case I'm with you about over-processing resulting in images that don't match what light actually does. I can hardly stand to look at photographs in which the saturation makes the things look like inspirational posters produced by a company that makes happy pills. But "digital" is often like Kodachrome 25 on a bad-hair day and can get very unruly unless you push it around yourself, some.
Mike, yep. Know when to say when...or, friends don't let friends use the saturation slider!
About Capa's D-Day photos.. AD Coleman has had a few things to say there in the last year or two ;)
Great video, thanks!
Andrew Molitor MOLITOR! AD is awesome. I remember in college putting my film in the drying closet, or the hair dryer style, and having it come out too hot to touch. Why process when I can just cook it?
Thanks for the great videos. Also the B&W look on you're vlogs is really nice. Is is a preset on the Fuji cameras?
Nope, it's done in Premiere, and I have almost no idea what I'm doing.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Well shit. I guess a good experienced eye for contrast transfers to all tools.
So about the newsletter. I have always wanted to have one but I am in conflict - should I do it in my native language, because I also want to tell the story of my country to it's people, to show them what it is like out there. Or it is better to make it in english? I am from Russia and we have small almost to nothing interest in documentary photography, so I am afraid that people won't buy the book or zine I am planning to make in the future. And a letter in english opens so much more opportunities. Would love to hear thoughts on that.
Thank you for an awesome channel.
question for the next round: can you do a class on your editing and sequencing process?
thanks for everything you do, daniel. just made my first book with blurb, and love your contrarian philosophy!
I’ll try....that’s a complicated film but I’ll share what I know.
That's one I'd be very interested in, too!
Greetings from France. I appreciate your videos and how you share you experience. Thanks. I find strange to say that street photography is exhausted because all has been already done by masters before. This same sentence could be applied to other photography genres, such as landscape, portrait, sport... also to music if we extend the scope. Musicians are playing with same 12 notes since ages. If you have time, can you tell what sets appart street photography from others, from your point of view.
Street is just popular now because it fits a cultural style that works for the online photography community. But, street isn't really done. Someone will come along to add something incredible to the equation. I don't see anyone yet but someone will come. Most of what I see regarding "street" today is untrained photographers repeating what they have already seen in an attempt to sell equipment.
Street photography has nothing to offer, not even a deadend.
Hey Dan. I’m totally on board with the idea that attached projects are more interesting than unattached ones. But... this pandemic looks like being a pretty big barrier. Access and permission will likely be more difficult to get - as people become more wary of strangers. You got any thoughts on how we might overcome this and operate in the “new world”?
Yes, think conceptual. I made the mistake of somewhat discrediting conceptual photography because I studied photojournalism and was a bit of a snob. But, conceptual work can tell a story without having to show the actual subject, if you will. Also, combine mediums. Write, shoot, record sound or correspond by mail with the people you are attempting to work with. Why not have them send THEIR images to you and then you edit and sequence into a larger project. Or, put your work in print, create a book with lined pages and send that back out to have the subjects fill in their thoughts. I guess my main point is we have to temporarily rethink the structure of a what a project is supposed to look like.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thanks Dan. That makes a lot of sense. I like the idea of taking things in a conceptual direction. My work sometimes gets criticised for being too literal. So taking a conceptual or metaphorical view is something I’ve been wanting to learn. Great points on restructuring projects by focusing on what we can control. As the stoics say, “the obstacle is the way”.
Hey Dan,
Is there anything specific that makes you want to shoot in B&W as opposed to color? Thanks love your videos.
I shot color commercially, for years, but love the way black and white makes me think. Nothing wrong with color just prefer the monotone.
Daniel Milnor Thanks Dan. I shoot Fuji as well. Do you shoot your B&W in Jpeg or Raw? Just asking because you said you’re editing is very minimal. Thanks again.
Q: I started a traveling camera project. The project consist of female artist documenting their own lives with this traveling camera. My intent is to do an exhibition of these camel artists. There will be approximately 10 who will use the camera. They are not photographers at all and the camera is a film point and shoot (Ricoh GR1S) with TRI-X400 pushed to 1600 inside. How do I go about promoting this project? These people are some of the most talented women I know.... I can't wait to see the first roll when it comes back...
Build a site. Tell the story, slowly and as uniquely as you can. Email newsletters are wonderful but take time. Put it in print as well, slowly.
Been watching a lot of your videos and truly appreciate them. I have a question: What is the ratio between your published (in one way or another) shots and the shots you have taken? In other words: Out of 100 shots fired, how many do you end up using for something? Thanks in advance from a newbie photographer.
Stefan, I have no idea but it is very, very low. I would guess maybe 5% of my images would make a final cut. Even less would get published or printed.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thanks Daniel. I just got into photography and out of 2,000+ photos taken this week, I am somewhat happy with less than 1 % of them. The day I am able to have 5 % of my photos be of any merit I will be thrilled. :) I am looking forward to more content from you. Your take on things is inspirational.
With the recent increase in global cases of civil disobedience (HK, Minneapolis, etc.) there has been quite a lot of anger directed at photographers who document the things happening, as people are afraid that the photos will be used to prosecute or even endanger protesters in the future. What is your opinion on this? How do photographers document historical events nowadays if our pictures can be used as tools against fellow citizens?
This is spurred by post-truth society born from the Internet, ignorance and here in America, our idiotic administration bent on creating civil unrest so they can claim the upcoming election is fraudulent. Attacks on the press began increasing years ago. Somalia was a bad one, the Balkans. After that, it was all bets off. Now it's just copy cat social media idiots who have seen someone else do it so they choose to do it as well. We are the most poorly educated population on Earth and prove it every single day.
Answer to #1... because he’s David Carradine.
Such a good point. Kane can do anything.
Daniel Milnor I’ve got a great second hand story about Carradine, meditation, my father in law and peyote... yes, I do.
Lucas Lammott you can’t just leave that hanging!
Hi Dan! Perhaps this is a too large of a topic and would better serve as a video in and of itself.. I would love to know more about interviewing people for the purpose of long form storytelling in photography. How would you begin as someone looking to integrate this into your photography practice, ethical considerations, how to record information, etc. Thank you!
Hey Paige, you mean how I physically conduct interviews in the field?
Some really good points here. To the fella that is in Japan, I’d say it’s always good to take one of two approaches (based upon your sensibilities). Approach one is the “aim small, miss small.” Be very specific and focused on one person, community, family, restaurant, etc. The smaller world does much more to inform us about the broader realities than trying to illustrate broader realities. Photographs are weakest when merely illustrative. The second approach is to make a ton of photos over a period of time, saying yes to anything your subconscious/gut/intuition draws your eye to. Don’t think about it. Just make the picture. Then after several weeks or months, take a step back and see what the photos are telling you. Don’t force your presumptions or narratives on them. Let the photos tell you where they need to go. But you first have to viciously edit down your photos, cutting all the mediocre work. What happens in the second process is that you give your intuition/subconscious time to feed and grow. And your intuition is always going to make much more compelling work than you conscious mind. In the end, you are developing your own voice, not as a robotic documentarian, but as a human with your own unique backstory, living in a foreign land. Okay, sorry Dan for the over-posting 😂. Always good to see you brother.
Aaron, good to see you here. You have a lot to offer, so post away. I think what you are speaking to, at least with the second part, is the idea that photographers assume there is someone waiting for their work. An audience, if you will. But most of the time there isn't. Just shoot. There doesn't need to be meaning, or praise, or feedback, or following associated with everything we do. Shoot, print, let it rest, and then return. I think one of the most overlooked aspects of modern photography is time. It takes time. And when you cheat the timeline you cheat the work. Sure, you can con the uneducated online masses but ultimately you aren't left with anything of value, at least in terms of the actual work.
I'm curious to know why you always wear a coat and hat inside like you're always cold :-)
Ya, it was 44 and raining here in Santa Fe when I made this and this skinny boy is cold all the time.
Street photographers don’t really care for Bruce Gildons style. Street is a necessary medium and can be beautiful. Having said that, there are a lot of hacks and those that need to find their own voice in the genre instead of yet another lonely street with someone carrying an umbrella.
I ignore most of it because it's just not good. And most people would get the living S^%^kicked out of them if they tried what Gilden does. Street is popular with the online crowd because for the most part it is detached photography. No talk, no access, no permission, etc. Just bang something out then get it online as fast as possible.
Kind of a twin for Brad Pitt, hummmm.
I'll take his bank account...
I love the message about avoiding geekiness when we most need artistic expression. But I still suggest doing something about the focus problems. Manual, zone focus? BTW, I like the good questions followed up wth your insightful answers.
Ted, it's all over the place. The camera, with the same settings, behaves differently. My next film is spot on. No searching and no explanation why.