I have yet to go to an art gallery and read underneath: "#10 flat brush, broad palette knife, horizontal strokes". The obsession we have with equipment and settings is mind boggling.
Understanding the basics of exposure can be learned from a chapter in a book. Understanding how to take a good image, for most people, takes years of practice. The technical part is secondary.
You’re correct get out and enjoy it if the results are not what you want critique it and learn for future. You can’t alter nature so make the best of what is there.
I am only now realizing that what we see in CZcams and the Internet as a whole, is highly curated and only show the best shots, not the hundreds that were scrapped. Videos like this remind me that it's ok that we all learn things at different rates.
Hi, Norman. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Here's the real truth: the many of the shots I share in most videos would never get an airing if it weren't for the video. I have such a low appreciation for so many of these images that there is no way I would share them if it were not in support of the video content and I am reasonably sure that would be true of many of the people I list in the video too. The fact is that we can't always take a great shot - it's not always there for the taking. And, often when it is, it's there for the muffing up. I think, frankly, the real truth is seen though videos from solo creators/photographers like myself, Henry Turner, Tom Heaton and many others because without the imiages, the videos that we spend days making would have nothing in support. Of course, our "best" work is also subjective and I am using this point a lot here too: there are many shots I see from channels that are vastly larger than mine that I say "WTF?" over. Epic places, fantastic light, average photo considering what the camera is working with. Maybe I am becoming harder to please. Maybe I am expecting too much or maybe I think the image should be better. Probably a combination. What we should never do is allow ourselves to compare our work with that of someone else. Comparison in this instance is a thief of joy. Go out, take the camera and take pictures for the enjoyment of it using all the tips, knowledge, inspiration, hope, skills and so on that you gain from all our CZcams videos, but NEVER try to compare because you may never be satisfied. Do it for yourself and learn how to improve by doing and application of ideas and tips. It will take a lot of time, but the journey is important.
Andrew I have learned late in life it takes practice. During the pandemic I took up sewing to make face masks. It was difficult to learn how to sew, even if I had instructions. The first masks were pretty poor. After 300 face masks they looked pretty good. I evolved into making baby things and hats. The first were pretty poor once again, now after making more hats they are looking better. all these things like photography take practice. And thanks to people like yourself it is helpful to learn why I don't get excited about the photograph, however, if I apply some of you techniques I find I like the picture. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you. Few people are good at anything without practice and practice takes patience and or the enjoyment of the pursuit to overcome the frequent frustrations of failure: that's why my mastering of musical instruments has yet to blossom.
I do like the tree pictures. The explanations you give in your videos is clear and by far the best reason to follow your channel. Keep up the good content and keep well.
Brilliant thank you for sharing Andrew. I seem to be watching through your back catalogue- I am enjoying the content and find it very informative Have a great day kind regards.
While photography definitely has a technical element it is what I call a "feel." You see something from a specific angle or lighting as if it were a photograph and those visions are a difficult item to teach someone to see. Getting out, practicing, taking 100 shots to get "the one" is how I have improved my skills over time. Get out, enjoy the outside, and snap lots of shots!
I agree with everything you wrote EXCEPT the word "snap". Oh how I hate that word (yes, I know I use it). To me, a snap is an inconsequential image taken in the moment with little thought. If I can suggest "..ide, and compose lots of lovely shots!" to end your comment 😅
First, the Classic 'Lumberjack-goes-to town-on-day-off' look kinda suits you, and for the second vid this winter you weren't wearing sandals. Off to a good start then, and the tempo and content didn't disappoint. I found myself wondering (at some random point) whether or not you'd ever read the '70's classic 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'? It's a book i've not specifically thought of for quite a few years but, as i navigate my way back into photography, it's relevance has come bubbling back up - photography, not as a hobby, nor as an income-stream, but as Vocation. (From memory, i doubt there's an instance of photography in the entire book, but as a meditation on 'Quality' in an age of Accelerations and AI, it's as least as relevant now as it was on release). Anyway... my homework for the week is to re-read ZAMM. I look forward to springing your next sartorial surprise. All the best, Andy - from Fast Glass in the Forest. 🤔😆
If the ground wasn't so boggy, flip-flops might still be the preferred footwear.... I don't think I have ever seen the Zen Bike repair book. I did have a Motobecane cycle in my teens - what a brilliant little cycle that was and I did have to strip it once too. Now, as for the lumberjack look, that's check / plaid pattern is on the lining of the coat which, I have to say, has gotten a bit tight around the middle. :-)
I'm quite used to talking to myself Jon, ex-father of teenagers... Thanks - I think you're being too kind about the images though. You'd have done better for sure. Don't forget, we need to get out together some time.
As always. Very good. Not just you have the talent to see the possibilities of a good picture. You can also describe it in a pleasant way. Take care. Göran in Latvia
Wow, you seem to have a real Banner Binge (tm) going on there! Thank you so much for your support. It puts a smile on my face to realise my work is appreciated.
Indeed, you do. Not that I know how often you get out, but as an idea, I rolled off about 38,000 frames last year and that's not enough for me (OK, probabaly 15k of those were focus stacks and HDR exposure brackets). Practise, practise, practise. And enjoy every minute of it else it's not worth doing.
A great video Andrew . It’s so true about getting out with the camera and practicing. I have lost count of the times I have looked at and photographed something only to find I made a mess of it when back at the computer. It’s these mistakes that help us improve both technically and training our brain to see like a photographer. I know I am far from there on my journey with my camera,however it’s a fun journey. Well sometimes 😊
There are images from this shoot that I though were going to be amazing - none were. I screwed up a good few and the others were just mediocre at best. They only got included as I can't waffle on about all this stuff and then put up a blank frame with a caption - "Another failure". The last two shots could have been amazing. That initial clump of grass in the light that I am walking to was epic and held so much promise, but when I got closer, there was a nasty dark thistle or something in the middle which ruled out shooting it. I then panicked as the light was going fast as snapped off a few of the others in the dying glow and I used a too shallow dof which just ruined most. And, there was a breeze moving them so more panic to get a shutter speed to freeze..... ARHHHHHHHHH. Similarly, with the red and yellow grasses. The shots should have been better. My photography is always better when I am not under the pressure of filming too.
I know exactly what you mean Andrew. The other day when we had some snow up here on the Wirral. The wood in front of our house looked great with the snow sticking to the branches. So I rush out the camera ikon it would not last as it was changing in front of me. In my panic I to so much rubbish befor I calmed down for my tripod and thought about what I was doing. By this time the impact of what had been ther was fading as the sun start to melt the snow. In the end I managed one photograph which I was half happy with. I liked your photographs from the video. I must be so difficult to do both filming and the photograph at the same time. Great content and as always makes me stop and think as your comments and commentary resonate with me.
08:37 the green grass and white tree trunk is my sort of photo 10:10 what I call and seek out "the little picture inside the bigger (boring) big picture" 20:52 I was screaming at you "look at the grass" because so many online photographers walk over such a subjects to a big picture photo ----- yep; I knew you were on to the grass but you beat me with your photo ; another one for the learning box Types this earlier during the first part of the wonderful video "cameras are so good these days there should be no bad photos made today". I said that 30-35 years ago while watching **** photos fall out of a our mini lab . Still seem the same today ; strange that! Again you are so right Andrew. Nothing about "real photography" has changed . Real photography is about recording light and shadows of the subject. Real photography is still about the light , the quality of that light , and the shadows from that light . Until I learnt that enough to understand it my photography improved even though I went back the P+S camera (Canon G11-12 and Panasonic Fz200 and 300) We spend too much time watching CZcams instead of practicing what we have learnt (me too) My thoughts on gear : too much gear = too much confusion = lose of interest (I still practice limiting the gear I carry which is generally one body and one lens + some little stuff) : the best camera combination to learn real photography is any camera with a fixed standard focal length lens . I used to say last century I that I could do 90% of my photography with fully manual Fm2 Nikon and a 50mm lens and that is still close to true imo . We can never get every photo might see no matter how much gear we drag around . After awhile one learns to see in the focal length/s we have on the camera ; less the lengths to more we notice as a photo for the tool carried --- I truly believe that . If you ever want to use anything I say/write Andrew ; you welcome to it without credits . I have learnt , relearnt , and had so many of my thoughts confirmed/justify by watching your channel .
Cameras don't take photos, Ian. People do. That's why there are awful photos today and that's why there were awful photos falling out of the minilab. One of the really annoying things I sometimes hear having shown someone a great photo "Oh, you must have a good camera". Really gets my goat. Nobody looks at beautiful handwriting (like ever anymore, right) and says, "I bet you have an awesome pen". Photography has become progressively more accessible over the last 70 years and never faster than now with everyone having a camera in their pocket. Image quality is s good now too. The tools have peaked. There are now few things that cameras could do (potentially) that they aren't doing that would make most people NEED to upgrade (remembering that WANT is unrelated to NEED). But, more people will invest in gear than themselves. Still. 20:52 yes, I was walking directly at the grasses and you know what? That big bright clump had a dark thistle or something right in the middle (unseen at distance) and the deflation was palpable. I screwed up other attempts and the only passable shot was the one I showed. Thanks for all your support, Ian.
You mentioned other photographers and their CZcams channels. They are fine but boring, Andrew, they have a way of talking down to you without trying. No one enjoys that! I'll stick with you my friend. You have a charming manner and are amusing at your best times. Always informative, sometimes repetitive but hey who cares it's a pleasure. Sad I only realised this today. Keep going! BTW I like that you don't have the flashiest and latest gear as those other geezers do but turn out unique quality work. Humble camera relies on the image taker not the camera!
Gear doesn't make a photographer - I would love, for example, a Hassleblad Xpan, - it's that type of gear that would make me seek out specific images, but realistically I also need to pay the mortgage. But, it's only these specialist or "different" machines that interest me. The difference in quality between say, Tom's Nikon Z7 and my 2016 Olympus Em1 Mk2 is negligible as it will be between any two cameras from the past decade. For the VAST majority of people, there is no need to have the latest kit unless it's for handling, weight or some other purpose as the image quality would never vary enough. Ergo, I don't spend my money on things I don't need. Of course, Tom, Henry and Nigel all have the photographic advantage of living in the North and are regularly out in the hills with some amazing scenes but it's still hard to get amazing comps and we all display this challenge in videos: sometimes we all mention how disappointed we are with shots we thought would be better. I seem to do it more than others so either I am harder to please (likely) and/or just not as good (equally possible) as them. I look forward to keeping it real and unboring in future. Thank you very much for your support.
First time to see one of your vids... Good points, indeed. It's a never-ending learning experience and I never have blindly bought into social media, CZcams, etc., for I remember the days before computers and cell phones filled the lives of those in the world. I was at Devils Tower in Wyoming (a region I love to shoot in even the worst of weather) shooting in the ice fog one March day when I overheard a couple that had just sped into the parking lot, got out and exclaimed how much it sucked they couldn't see the Tower, then drove off a few minutes later. I guess they ticked off the "check" box to mark the Tower off their list but they missed out on some incredible views of Devils Tower peeking in and out of the fog. Such lack of patience is sad these days... Sure, I shoot folders full of rubbish seeking those one or two images that have "wow"-value... I watch videos on here out of curiosity for the perspectives of others and often glean some new ideas. I'm thankful I can get well out of reach of cell phone signal without going through technology withdrawals, for it's similar to when I used to do a lot of fishing eons ago: As long as I'm out shooting, even if it's a day of flat light, it's better than sitting on Facebook hitting silly "like" buttons. You've shared some excellent, no-nonsense advice here, and it's great to hear! :)
Too many of us are slaves to Facebook and Instagram. It's sad that I need them for "promotion", but otherwise, I really try to ignore them (I often fail, but I am getting better). I try to cover topics in a way that is a bit different from the norm in much the same way that I am "a bit different". We're all individuals and treat things in different ways and with different respect but understanding other points of view is an important aspect of life overall (even if you don't agree with them) and photography is no different. I hope you watch some of my other videos and leave some equally engaging comments. Thank you.
@@AndyBanner I agree 100%... Yes, I look forward to seeing some of your other content, as well. It IS sad that "promotion" often necessitates the use of social media, for I'm not fond of FB or Instagram, either. I admired the commentary about each of us seeing images and compositions in different ways, utilizing unique settings within an acceptable range. I've thought about this often when shooting "cliche" sites that have been photographed countless times. If one is near Old Faithful or Mount Rushmore, one generally shoots them "just because" but unique lighting or weather is really the only way one's image is going to be dramatically different than all the others, of course. This is also why I enjoy shooting here in the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming well off the beaten path, preferably shooting subjects that aren't seen by the outside world nearly so often as perhaps Yellowstone or the Tetons. :)
Hello, my friend. The area you are now can be in the Netherlands on the Dutch Hei. Those birches are really very beautiful. Especially the first, buddy. The most difficult thing there is criticism. You usually see in your photos what the purpose of the photo was, but another interpreted this very differently. That is why K stopped posting. There is something to be said for that, you are afraid of criticism, or you cannot tolerate criticism. But for me, it is I like the photo I see what I wanted to see. Another may not do that and then you get the difference of many or not a good photo. A very nice close-up of that tree, I like this kind of work especially in black and white. What you say is entirely true, we have to go out more instead of looking at our laptops and how others make those beautiful pictures. I will definitely have to watch this video a few more times because you have told me a lot. And certainly not nonsense. This year I intended to take the Meet on the road with my Scoot mobile and to make more biot work. I also intended to shoot everything in black and white, the reason for black and white is simple I am at home there, and I see it in black and white better than in color. Thank you for this video, my friend. Be good and Nicky and especially to your health. Greetings from the Netherlands, Antoine.
Antoine, I hope you're feeling better. Artistic interpretation isn't meant to be the same thing to everyone I think. I am OK with that and, as you know, I am my own biggest critic. Jon Gibbs (a master of shots like the grasses) gave me some lovely feedback in a comment here and I find it hard to accept it because I know that Jon would have got infinitely better shots that I did and whilst I fully know that comparison can be the thief of joy, I was down on these shots before I knew Jon had been eyeballing them and the reason I am down on them is I can see where I screwed up, where the faults are and how I wasn't paying enough attention to them at the time. I knew you would like the bark close-up shot. It's rather nice. I will probably work well in mono too, but I haven't tried. I really hope you get out soon, but wrap up warm, it's jolly cold. Andy
Hi Andy I really enjoy your videos and I look at your photos which to me a lovely. But when I take photos they never look as good as the ones you take. Well maybe its when I look at mine I dont see what I want to see out of them but maybe some of them a good I dont really know. It is maybe I just dont feel they a any good its a hard one
I am with you all the way on this, Angela. I suffer the same thoughts, BUT I try not to compare my images with those of others - that way lies disappointment in so many ways. I think we set expectations in our heads of shots and make them stupidly unreachable. I think too that there's a problem made of emotion: if we review our images too closely to the time we shot them, there can be an anticipation that we actually need to allow to dissipate. Often, when I am reviewing images that I have forgotten about, I stumble across one or two that are pretty good that I ignored earlier. It's hard to explain, but maybe our opinion of an image is linked to the memory of it and that can enhance or jade the reality of the shot.
I have yet to go to an art gallery and read underneath: "#10 flat brush, broad palette knife, horizontal strokes". The obsession we have with equipment and settings is mind boggling.
Understanding the basics of exposure can be learned from a chapter in a book. Understanding how to take a good image, for most people, takes years of practice. The technical part is secondary.
Makes perfect sense to me.
You’re correct get out and enjoy it if the results are not what you want critique it and learn for future. You can’t alter nature so make the best of what is there.
indeed. However, learning to critique your own work is also very difficult.
I am only now realizing that what we see in CZcams and the Internet as a whole, is highly curated and only show the best shots, not the hundreds that were scrapped. Videos like this remind me that it's ok that we all learn things at different rates.
Hi, Norman. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.
Here's the real truth: the many of the shots I share in most videos would never get an airing if it weren't for the video. I have such a low appreciation for so many of these images that there is no way I would share them if it were not in support of the video content and I am reasonably sure that would be true of many of the people I list in the video too. The fact is that we can't always take a great shot - it's not always there for the taking. And, often when it is, it's there for the muffing up. I think, frankly, the real truth is seen though videos from solo creators/photographers like myself, Henry Turner, Tom Heaton and many others because without the imiages, the videos that we spend days making would have nothing in support.
Of course, our "best" work is also subjective and I am using this point a lot here too: there are many shots I see from channels that are vastly larger than mine that I say "WTF?" over. Epic places, fantastic light, average photo considering what the camera is working with. Maybe I am becoming harder to please. Maybe I am expecting too much or maybe I think the image should be better. Probably a combination.
What we should never do is allow ourselves to compare our work with that of someone else. Comparison in this instance is a thief of joy. Go out, take the camera and take pictures for the enjoyment of it using all the tips, knowledge, inspiration, hope, skills and so on that you gain from all our CZcams videos, but NEVER try to compare because you may never be satisfied. Do it for yourself and learn how to improve by doing and application of ideas and tips. It will take a lot of time, but the journey is important.
@@AndyBannerWell said, Andrew!
Andrew I have learned late in life it takes practice. During the pandemic I took up sewing to make face masks. It was difficult to learn how to sew, even if I had instructions. The first masks were pretty poor. After 300 face masks they looked pretty good. I evolved into making baby things and hats. The first were pretty poor once again, now after making more hats they are looking better. all these things like photography take practice. And thanks to people like yourself it is helpful to learn why I don't get excited about the photograph, however, if I apply some of you techniques I find I like the picture. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you. Few people are good at anything without practice and practice takes patience and or the enjoyment of the pursuit to overcome the frequent frustrations of failure: that's why my mastering of musical instruments has yet to blossom.
I do like the tree pictures. The explanations you give in your videos is clear and by far the best reason to follow your channel.
Keep up the good content and keep well.
Awesome, thank you!
I so enjoy your channel Andrew. Just good honest stuff. Thanks for that.
I appreciate that! Cheers
Brilliant thank you for sharing Andrew. I seem to be watching through your back catalogue- I am enjoying the content and find it very informative Have a great day kind regards.
Cool, thanks
Great ideas, thanks Andrew!!
Glad you like them! Thanks, Paul.
While photography definitely has a technical element it is what I call a "feel." You see something from a specific angle or lighting as if it were a photograph and those visions are a difficult item to teach someone to see. Getting out, practicing, taking 100 shots to get "the one" is how I have improved my skills over time. Get out, enjoy the outside, and snap lots of shots!
I agree with everything you wrote EXCEPT the word "snap". Oh how I hate that word (yes, I know I use it). To me, a snap is an inconsequential image taken in the moment with little thought. If I can suggest "..ide, and compose lots of lovely shots!" to end your comment 😅
Thank you. I appreciate the explanation of how you see.
You are welcome! Thanks for the comment and watch.
Your inspire Andrew with your thoughtful insights❤ Ian invercargill New Zealand
Thank you, Ian.
First, the Classic 'Lumberjack-goes-to town-on-day-off' look kinda suits you, and for the second vid this winter you weren't wearing sandals. Off to a good start then, and the tempo and content didn't disappoint. I found myself wondering (at some random point) whether or not you'd ever read the '70's classic 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance'? It's a book i've not specifically thought of for quite a few years but, as i navigate my way back into photography, it's relevance has come bubbling back up - photography, not as a hobby, nor as an income-stream, but as Vocation. (From memory, i doubt there's an instance of photography in the entire book, but as a meditation on 'Quality' in an age of Accelerations and AI, it's as least as relevant now as it was on release). Anyway... my homework for the week is to re-read ZAMM. I look forward to springing your next sartorial surprise. All the best, Andy - from Fast Glass in the Forest. 🤔😆
If the ground wasn't so boggy, flip-flops might still be the preferred footwear.... I don't think I have ever seen the Zen Bike repair book. I did have a Motobecane cycle in my teens - what a brilliant little cycle that was and I did have to strip it once too.
Now, as for the lumberjack look, that's check / plaid pattern is on the lining of the coat which, I have to say, has gotten a bit tight around the middle. :-)
Classic book. I may have to read again with photography in mind.
Amazing how fluidly you talk to the camera Andy!! Wish I could do that. Lovely images.
I'm quite used to talking to myself Jon, ex-father of teenagers...
Thanks - I think you're being too kind about the images though. You'd have done better for sure. Don't forget, we need to get out together some time.
As always. Very good. Not just you have the talent to see the possibilities of a good picture. You can also describe it in a pleasant way. Take care. Göran in Latvia
That's very kind of you, Goran. Thank you.
Very enjoyable video. Thank you!
Wow, you seem to have a real Banner Binge (tm) going on there! Thank you so much for your support. It puts a smile on my face to realise my work is appreciated.
@@AndyBanner Sometimes YT recommendation are spot on. 😉
May I say ; you seem far more relaxed than 8-12 months ago ; keep on going mate
Frankly, Ian, I have no reason to be more relaxed - life is certainly no better. Maybe it's just acceptance.
Excellent stuff Andrew, a joy to watch and learn. I need to get out more with the camera.
Indeed, you do. Not that I know how often you get out, but as an idea, I rolled off about 38,000 frames last year and that's not enough for me (OK, probabaly 15k of those were focus stacks and HDR exposure brackets). Practise, practise, practise. And enjoy every minute of it else it's not worth doing.
A great video Andrew . It’s so true about getting out with the camera and practicing. I have lost count of the times I have looked at and photographed something only to find I made a mess of it when back at the computer. It’s these mistakes that help us improve both technically and training our brain to see like a photographer. I know I am far from there on my journey with my camera,however it’s a fun journey. Well sometimes 😊
There are images from this shoot that I though were going to be amazing - none were. I screwed up a good few and the others were just mediocre at best. They only got included as I can't waffle on about all this stuff and then put up a blank frame with a caption - "Another failure".
The last two shots could have been amazing. That initial clump of grass in the light that I am walking to was epic and held so much promise, but when I got closer, there was a nasty dark thistle or something in the middle which ruled out shooting it. I then panicked as the light was going fast as snapped off a few of the others in the dying glow and I used a too shallow dof which just ruined most. And, there was a breeze moving them so more panic to get a shutter speed to freeze..... ARHHHHHHHHH.
Similarly, with the red and yellow grasses. The shots should have been better. My photography is always better when I am not under the pressure of filming too.
I know exactly what you mean Andrew. The other day when we had some snow up here on the Wirral. The wood in front of our house looked great with the snow sticking to the branches. So I rush out the camera ikon it would not last as it was changing in front of me. In my panic I to so much rubbish befor I calmed down for my tripod and thought about what I was doing. By this time the impact of what had been ther was fading as the sun start to melt the snow. In the end I managed one photograph which I was half happy with. I liked your photographs from the video. I must be so difficult to do both filming and the photograph at the same time. Great content and as always makes me stop and think as your comments and commentary resonate with me.
Lovely images Andrew and great advice as usual - very inspirational.
You're too kind David. Between you and me, the photos weren't that great.... :-0
@@AndyBanner as you say it’s subjective Andrew - they looked good to me especially the group of Birch trees and the one still in leaf. 👍
I am my own biggest critic. I hoped that they would have been better - maybe they just are better than I am giving the credit for.
08:37 the green grass and white tree trunk is my sort of photo
10:10 what I call and seek out "the little picture inside the bigger (boring) big picture"
20:52 I was screaming at you "look at the grass" because so many online photographers walk over such a subjects to a big picture photo ----- yep; I knew you were on to the grass but you beat me with your photo ; another one for the learning box
Types this earlier during the first part of the wonderful video
"cameras are so good these days there should be no bad photos made today". I said that 30-35 years ago while watching **** photos fall out of a our mini lab . Still seem the same today ; strange that!
Again you are so right Andrew.
Nothing about "real photography" has changed . Real photography is about recording light and shadows of the subject. Real photography is still about the light , the quality of that light , and the shadows from that light . Until I learnt that enough to understand it my photography improved even though I went back the P+S camera (Canon G11-12 and Panasonic Fz200 and 300)
We spend too much time watching CZcams instead of practicing what we have learnt (me too)
My thoughts on gear : too much gear = too much confusion = lose of interest (I still practice limiting the gear I carry which is generally one body and one lens + some little stuff) : the best camera combination to learn real photography is any camera with a fixed standard focal length lens . I used to say last century I that I could do 90% of my photography with fully manual Fm2 Nikon and a 50mm lens and that is still close to true imo .
We can never get every photo might see no matter how much gear we drag around . After awhile one learns to see in the focal length/s we have on the camera ; less the lengths to more we notice as a photo for the tool carried --- I truly believe that .
If you ever want to use anything I say/write Andrew ; you welcome to it without credits . I have learnt , relearnt , and had so many of my thoughts confirmed/justify by watching your channel .
Cameras don't take photos, Ian. People do. That's why there are awful photos today and that's why there were awful photos falling out of the minilab. One of the really annoying things I sometimes hear having shown someone a great photo "Oh, you must have a good camera". Really gets my goat. Nobody looks at beautiful handwriting (like ever anymore, right) and says, "I bet you have an awesome pen".
Photography has become progressively more accessible over the last 70 years and never faster than now with everyone having a camera in their pocket. Image quality is s good now too. The tools have peaked. There are now few things that cameras could do (potentially) that they aren't doing that would make most people NEED to upgrade (remembering that WANT is unrelated to NEED). But, more people will invest in gear than themselves. Still.
20:52 yes, I was walking directly at the grasses and you know what? That big bright clump had a dark thistle or something right in the middle (unseen at distance) and the deflation was palpable. I screwed up other attempts and the only passable shot was the one I showed.
Thanks for all your support, Ian.
You mentioned other photographers and their CZcams channels. They are fine but boring, Andrew, they have a way of talking down to you without trying. No one enjoys that! I'll stick with you my friend. You have a charming manner and are amusing at your best times. Always informative, sometimes repetitive but hey who cares it's a pleasure. Sad I only realised this today. Keep going! BTW I like that you don't have the flashiest and latest gear as those other geezers do but turn out unique quality work. Humble camera relies on the image taker not the camera!
Gear doesn't make a photographer - I would love, for example, a Hassleblad Xpan, - it's that type of gear that would make me seek out specific images, but realistically I also need to pay the mortgage. But, it's only these specialist or "different" machines that interest me. The difference in quality between say, Tom's Nikon Z7 and my 2016 Olympus Em1 Mk2 is negligible as it will be between any two cameras from the past decade. For the VAST majority of people, there is no need to have the latest kit unless it's for handling, weight or some other purpose as the image quality would never vary enough. Ergo, I don't spend my money on things I don't need.
Of course, Tom, Henry and Nigel all have the photographic advantage of living in the North and are regularly out in the hills with some amazing scenes but it's still hard to get amazing comps and we all display this challenge in videos: sometimes we all mention how disappointed we are with shots we thought would be better. I seem to do it more than others so either I am harder to please (likely) and/or just not as good (equally possible) as them.
I look forward to keeping it real and unboring in future. Thank you very much for your support.
Great video Andrew.
Thank you, Kevin.
First time to see one of your vids... Good points, indeed. It's a never-ending learning experience and I never have blindly bought into social media, CZcams, etc., for I remember the days before computers and cell phones filled the lives of those in the world. I was at Devils Tower in Wyoming (a region I love to shoot in even the worst of weather) shooting in the ice fog one March day when I overheard a couple that had just sped into the parking lot, got out and exclaimed how much it sucked they couldn't see the Tower, then drove off a few minutes later. I guess they ticked off the "check" box to mark the Tower off their list but they missed out on some incredible views of Devils Tower peeking in and out of the fog. Such lack of patience is sad these days... Sure, I shoot folders full of rubbish seeking those one or two images that have "wow"-value... I watch videos on here out of curiosity for the perspectives of others and often glean some new ideas. I'm thankful I can get well out of reach of cell phone signal without going through technology withdrawals, for it's similar to when I used to do a lot of fishing eons ago: As long as I'm out shooting, even if it's a day of flat light, it's better than sitting on Facebook hitting silly "like" buttons. You've shared some excellent, no-nonsense advice here, and it's great to hear! :)
Too many of us are slaves to Facebook and Instagram. It's sad that I need them for "promotion", but otherwise, I really try to ignore them (I often fail, but I am getting better).
I try to cover topics in a way that is a bit different from the norm in much the same way that I am "a bit different". We're all individuals and treat things in different ways and with different respect but understanding other points of view is an important aspect of life overall (even if you don't agree with them) and photography is no different.
I hope you watch some of my other videos and leave some equally engaging comments. Thank you.
@@AndyBanner I agree 100%... Yes, I look forward to seeing some of your other content, as well. It IS sad that "promotion" often necessitates the use of social media, for I'm not fond of FB or Instagram, either.
I admired the commentary about each of us seeing images and compositions in different ways, utilizing unique settings within an acceptable range. I've thought about this often when shooting "cliche" sites that have been photographed countless times. If one is near Old Faithful or Mount Rushmore, one generally shoots them "just because" but unique lighting or weather is really the only way one's image is going to be dramatically different than all the others, of course. This is also why I enjoy shooting here in the Dakotas, Montana and Wyoming well off the beaten path, preferably shooting subjects that aren't seen by the outside world nearly so often as perhaps Yellowstone or the Tetons. :)
Hello, my friend.
The area you are now can be in the Netherlands on the Dutch Hei.
Those birches are really very beautiful.
Especially the first, buddy.
The most difficult thing there is criticism.
You usually see in your photos what the purpose of the photo was, but another interpreted this very differently.
That is why K stopped posting.
There is something to be said for that, you are afraid of criticism, or you cannot tolerate criticism.
But for me, it is I like the photo I see what I wanted to see.
Another may not do that and then you get the difference of many or not a good photo.
A very nice close-up of that tree, I like this kind of work especially in black and white. What you say is entirely true, we have to go out more instead of looking at our laptops and how others make those beautiful pictures. I will definitely have to watch this video a few more times because you have told me a lot. And certainly not nonsense. This year I intended to take the Meet on the road with my Scoot mobile and to make more biot work. I also intended to shoot everything in black and white, the reason for black and white is simple I am at home there, and I see it in black and white better than in color. Thank you for this video, my friend. Be good and Nicky and especially to your health.
Greetings from the Netherlands, Antoine.
Antoine,
I hope you're feeling better. Artistic interpretation isn't meant to be the same thing to everyone I think. I am OK with that and, as you know, I am my own biggest critic. Jon Gibbs (a master of shots like the grasses) gave me some lovely feedback in a comment here and I find it hard to accept it because I know that Jon would have got infinitely better shots that I did and whilst I fully know that comparison can be the thief of joy, I was down on these shots before I knew Jon had been eyeballing them and the reason I am down on them is I can see where I screwed up, where the faults are and how I wasn't paying enough attention to them at the time.
I knew you would like the bark close-up shot. It's rather nice. I will probably work well in mono too, but I haven't tried.
I really hope you get out soon, but wrap up warm, it's jolly cold.
Andy
Hi Andy I really enjoy your videos and I look at your photos which to me a lovely. But when I take photos they never look as good as the ones you take. Well maybe its when I look at mine I dont see what I want to see out of them but maybe some of them a good I dont really know. It is maybe I just dont feel they a any good its a hard one
I am with you all the way on this, Angela. I suffer the same thoughts, BUT I try not to compare my images with those of others - that way lies disappointment in so many ways. I think we set expectations in our heads of shots and make them stupidly unreachable. I think too that there's a problem made of emotion: if we review our images too closely to the time we shot them, there can be an anticipation that we actually need to allow to dissipate. Often, when I am reviewing images that I have forgotten about, I stumble across one or two that are pretty good that I ignored earlier. It's hard to explain, but maybe our opinion of an image is linked to the memory of it and that can enhance or jade the reality of the shot.
Thank you I just need to stop comparing my photos to other peoples photos & try not to be so hard on myself Take Care 😊