Dear Mr. Free. I have learned more from your videos in the last few hours than I have learned in the last few years studying online tutorials about everything except what really counts. Thank you for sharing your priceless knowledge of what photography is all about. This is an absolutely amazing message of the power of a single photo. I hope you will continue to produce these inspiring videos.
Of ALL the photographers I have watched on U Tube, John has got to be theee most inspirational of all.. The way he talks, lectures and explains his photography is simply incredible. "Down-to-earth" Gentleman and I hope he never stops doing what he has become so inspirational about - Street Photography.
as a 13 year old boy, you bring so much inspiration to me. you're just absolutely incredible. I look at my work and can't stand it. I want to find this meaning that isn't in these pictures that just the regular person can take. and after finding you I have to say you have helped me find my missing link. thank you so much John. Nick
+NickLintner I am happy we both hooked up. We are all helping each other. Little bit by bit we learn more of what is expected of us in our photography. Check out the best of the best photographers to know what is expected of us. We connect with info that might lead us to a better awareness of the photographic process. Do you make photos for yourself, or are the photos meant to be enjoyed by others? Is there a difference? Keep up your studies Nick, it will lead to personal excellence.
this man is a real genius, a true man with a true understanding of what is real and important in life. John Free thank you for sharing your stories, you give me and many photographers the inspiration to keep going further!
Yes Colyn, I was overcome with pleasure and surprise. I just could not help wondering how this man could have had the photo in his pocket for all that time. The true power of a photograph and what it means to a man who did not have many material things in his life. To me it was proof of the importance of what I try to do with the camera.
Mr. Free. Thank you for sharing this moment. I've been in kind of a bad place in my life, emotionally right now. For some reason this video made me feel a little better about myself and is making me charge my camera batteries and my own mental batteries so I can go out and start taking photos again. Thank you for that.
This man makes me concentrate on my photos rather than cameras. Sold my Leica camera after I started watching his video and got the Nikon fm2n which was the first film camera I owned.
Fantastic story John! It's amazing how important a single photography can be. That photograph certainly was to that gentleman! Thanks for sharing this.
What a beautiful story very inspiring it shows how important photography is your not just pointing a camera your capturing a moment in time that can last forever
Wow love this! Your honest interest and respect for other humans paid off. I think that this mindset became part of your images. And this great man saw it shining thrue his print. Deep respect for you and your work!
That story you told made a deep impact !for sure . i thank you john for telling that story .You do a very good work by telling your tips and tricks to become a better photographer /Andreas from stockholm sweden
What I`ve learned from John Free: to really appreciate photography no matter what camera/device you use, in a digital world where attention is focused almost on gear, lenses and stuff like that.
Such a pleasure listening to you John.. Thanks so much for this touching and inspirational story. You said it, everyone can do it, if they put their mind to it. Loved your smile and laugh when you talked about the price of your Nikon + lens. So much joy brother!!
Hi John. Still dry! Enjoying your my photography, and still looking at your site. Your an inspiration to many not only to myself but,to many people as can clearly be seen. I wish you well!!, please keep up with your wonderful work! All the best. ..Kind Regards Colyn.
Did not know that about Nikon and lens. Will traverse Canada and South American next couple years to shoot real life, precious moments. Thank you John...
I feel that I got something after watching this video, just don't know how to describe in words. Yes, Street photography is not about point and shoot, it's about humanity and the thought process behind. Thank you Mr. Free, you are a wonderful man! I am from Hong Kong.
Yes, the reasons why they are there, not always about drugs, most of the time it’s about a disruption in life, unavoidable and out of their control. Thank you for your words.
Hello ET420 Thank you. My journey with the camera started on Christmas eve 1969 when My wife Wendy and I purchased a "Topcon Uni" with a 53mm lens, in Frankfurt Germany. We were walking and hitch hiking around Europe. Yes, it was the fantastic countryside of Germany which made we wish to record some of what I felt and saw. I have had a wonderful relationship with photography for over fifty years. The camera and what I can produce with it is for me a wonderful tonic or medicine, Always with the camera and an intent to make photographs which might be a tonic for the people who look at and maybe feel something in their soul. The camera gives a chance to feel power in oneself. Good power to climb the tall ladder of skill mixed with love and devotion to a cause to bring all peoples together and show them what I feel will be good for all people to see and maybe cause a brief moment of res pect and admiration for us all. To use the camera to make photographs which might provide a better understanding and love for each other everywhere. Surmounting the spoken language to a much higher place where all people can see and share this wordless communication process. Making photographs from deep inside where I have little control besides the operation of the devise. we all have this power to rise to a happy high place in our lives to produce with love a love song in a photograph. I photograph with you in mind. I ask myself what would others need to see to make themselves feel good. This power of observation,intent and execution of a photograph. Will give all mankind a treasure which is power. A fine power from our very core of our humanity. Rise up to a high level of goodness in your life of dedication to a purpose which will make you shine and all who view your loving photographs. Sleep well and dream of what you can do with a little hand held machine which makes a click and produces greatness.
Amazing story. You really know what matters in photography and in life. Photography could use more heart and simplicity and less concerns about superficial things. Your advice teaches us to really think about what we are doing with photography. You offer exactly what is missing in a lot of photography / photographers these days.
Wonderful video. I can't believe it but I've just got a place on your Paris workshop in September, I'm nearly 50 and I can't remember being so excited about something. I find your philosophy on life inspiring and can't wait to do some street photography with you.
You are correct. My decades of shooting film has greatly influenced my approach when shooting digital. I never spray & pray, I only pull the trigger when all of the elements in the scene align with my vision and heart. And I still, quite often thread a roll of film into one of the F3 bodies, screw on a 35mm prime and hit the streets. It's a liberating experience, a catharsis for my soul. Russ Butner
I would remind myself every morning as I would stroll in to one of 3 hospitals in the Honolulu area, that what I would do at work today was a documentation of the birth of someone. A photo that would hang in homes or get taped into someone's baby book. Perhaps sent out with the Family Christmas Cards. At any rate, it was more then a newborn photograph. There could be a tragic side to this work , as well. Life is fragile. It could happen that what I created for some parents could also wind up to be the only photos available. I had a Mother hug and tell me that my photographs were all she had to remember the physical appearance of a baby. Tragic. So glad I took time and really cared about my photographs for every single family.
Amazing that the supertramp survived and the photo survived after that many years. Wow! Is that area all developed with housing or commercial buildings now?
Got myself a about 30 year old pentax for about 30$, fixed the seals and mirror damper and bought a nice, sharp 50mm lense for about 40$. Totally happy with it and would't miss this old film camera.
Mr. Free, or John if you prefer... after this video I think that Jack Kerouac is sweetly sleeping in your heart... I think so. A photo doesn't change the world or an human life, but surely may suggest the right move toward a best world. Thanks too much. Luca
Thank you Luca. Please call me John. You kind note made me smile today just after breakfast. My day will be much brighter today because of your message. You also can make effective photos. Follow your camera to good places in your heart and life. The photos we make are here for hundreds of thousands of years for all to see.
Hi John. Many Thanks for Your Kind Reply! . John..I have the greatest respect for ..You!..I have been into Photography since I was 19 years young..its part of My Life! Sadly,after the loss of My Dear Father&a few things that life threw at me?. I became an alcoholic ! Almost Died! After a 6 Day Detox in 2004 I have been Dry ever since.Met many people such as you describe.My Passion for Photography keeps Me Living! . Only wish I could meet you! Please keep in touch,if you can? Mr Picture Man!!! Also, please keep posting your Site...Its an ..Inspiration !! .Sincerely & ,respectfully ....Colyn. P.s. Long Live Silver Halide.
hey john how are you i am writing to you because i just love your videos but haven't found anything new uploaded for a long time. hope you are doing fine.hope you will upload new video soon
50mm F-2. My 55mm F-2.8 Micro was broken from me falling. The 55mm is my normal lens. The 55mm shows me almost exactly what my eye shows me. Speed is king. I do not have time to take a step forward when using a wide angle lens, or something that gives me something other than what my eye shows me. Any other lens than the 55mm lies to you about the look you will get with that lens. What I see, is what I want in the negative and the print. I do not want any surprises, caused by a lens that changes what we see with our eyes. Speed is so important to catch life NOW.
John Free wow, what a nice answer! the 55 micro is super sharp. cool to see you use the F3. I just got it to. You must be able to focus quite fast. what kinda of filter do you have on? and why the micro lens? sharpness?
Yes, quite sharp. I use the 55mm because it shows me almost exactly what my eye shows me. No time to get closer or to back up. Speed is king. No extra movements or adjustments. The filter is a medium yellow to boost contrast and to darken blue sky.
curious why you use digital.The F-3 might be the finest camera ever.The viewfinder shows me 100% of what I will get in the negative. The F-3 is a film camera. Digital cameras have too many silly functions and do not have a negative which will last for a long time. No silly delay on the shutter caused by auto focus which does not work anyway. digital is for people who take thousands of shots hoping to get one good one which they will not get because they took thousands of shots guessing and hoping the camera will get something. I do not make many shots. I try to be careful and not guess and hope. Digital is for people who look at the back of the camera after every shot just to see if they got the shot because they were not paying attention when they made the shot. I also like to make conventional, fiber based prints. How much could I sell a digital print for? The people who purchase my prints, expect a fiber based print, made by me in my darkroom, where I work everyday. I like the darkroom process. Why do you look at the back of your camera after every shot to see if you got it? Maybe you might enjoy taking my $100.00 film camera challenge and use one for a month and then see if you like it better than the digital camera. With its auto-focus which does not work anyway. Why would anyone want auto focus, unless they had special eyesight problems? I try to make each shot count and not make many, many shots and guessing, guessing, hoping the camera will get something you could not see. What is you shot ratio? How many shots to get a good one? I pay $200.00 for a used F-3. I hope you will not become angry over what I have written. I take all this time to write my feelings as a very dedicated photographer who wishes to help others with their photography. I hope you will not be angry with me for what I have written. With my F-3, I have a negative and I can have the negative scanned, which will give me both, unlike the digital camera which gives a file which might not last the test of time. I advise people to really know if the shot is good before making it. Then they will not have to look at the back of their camera and look silly, not knowing if they got the shot because their eyes were closed when they made the shot, with the idea they have unlimited shots.
Hi John. I do hope ...My Personnel History ...Ref....My Tough Battle with ...The Booze! Shall be celebrating My 11 TH Year of Sobriety Shortly! !!!! Still going out with My Camera enjoying every day that comes ..My Way. Also, using The Very Same Set Up as You. I wish You Well!!!!! Kind Regards Colyn.
Dear Mr. Free. I have learned more from your videos in the last few hours than I have learned in the last few years studying online tutorials about everything except what really counts. Thank you for sharing your priceless knowledge of what photography is all about. This is an absolutely amazing message of the power of a single photo. I hope you will continue to produce these inspiring videos.
Great video. Stop talking up the F3 - you're making the ebay prices go up!
Of ALL the photographers I have watched on U Tube, John has got to be theee most inspirational of all.. The way he talks, lectures and explains his photography is simply incredible. "Down-to-earth" Gentleman and I hope he never stops doing what he has become so inspirational about - Street Photography.
as a 13 year old boy, you bring so much inspiration to me. you're just absolutely incredible. I look at my work and can't stand it. I want to find this meaning that isn't in these pictures that just the regular person can take. and after finding you I have to say you have helped me find my missing link. thank you so much John. Nick
+NickLintner I am happy we both hooked up. We are all helping each other. Little bit by bit we learn more of what is expected of us in our photography. Check out the best of the best photographers to know what is expected of us. We connect with info that might lead us to a better awareness of the photographic process. Do you make photos for yourself, or are the photos meant to be enjoyed by others? Is there a difference? Keep up your studies Nick, it will lead to personal excellence.
A fraction of a second gave such emotion for 27 years and counting. Excellent!
Thanks Duey101, The camera has taken me to wonderful places in my heart. Thank you, I will continue.
this man is a real genius, a true man with a true understanding of what is real and important in life. John Free thank you for sharing your stories, you give me and many photographers the inspiration to keep going further!
Mr John,
You are like a diamond shining with your honesty and positivty, this is the best video i have ever watched on you-tube.
Thank You Sir...
Yes Colyn, I was overcome with pleasure and surprise. I just could not help wondering how this man could have had the photo in his pocket for all that time. The true power of a photograph and what it means to a man who did not have many material things in his life. To me it was proof of the importance of what I try to do with the camera.
Mr. Free. Thank you for sharing this moment. I've been in kind of a bad place in my life, emotionally right now. For some reason this video made me feel a little better about myself and is making me charge my camera batteries and my own mental batteries so I can go out and start taking photos again. Thank you for that.
This man makes me concentrate on my photos rather than cameras. Sold my Leica camera after I started watching his video and got the Nikon fm2n which was the first film camera I owned.
You're the king John Free, realest man I ever heard speak.
You are the king, because you made me very happy with your remark. Thanks Oscar.
John ..... This must have given you .....So Much Pleasure and , Pride!!!!!!!!!!
Great vid, mr. Free! Thx for share!!!
Thank you for making this video !
Such a sweet human story, wonderful
Love your videos. Learn a lot from them. Keep on doing it and keep on shooting.
What a great, heart warming story John! Thanks for sharing.
You're an inspiration!
Truly inspirational. Stunning!!!
What a gift an a blessing.
Awesome story. Thanks
Wonderful story, thanks for sharing it
Thanks for sharing, Mr. Free. Your videos are always inspiring.
Fantastic story John! It's amazing how important a single photography can be. That photograph certainly was to that gentleman! Thanks for sharing this.
I really appreciate your passion for photography and for life. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thankyou so much John Free
You've been and are a constant inspiration. You have got me street shooting and feeling fine about it. Deepest Joy to you
so poetic!
What a beautiful story very inspiring it shows how important photography is your not just pointing a camera your capturing a moment in time that can last forever
You are truly an Inspiration and a role model!
AMAZING! I really love watching your videos. Very inspiring. Thank you Mr. John Free.
Wow love this! Your honest interest and respect for other humans paid off. I think that this mindset became part of your images. And this great man saw it shining thrue his print. Deep respect for you and your work!
That story you told made a deep impact !for sure .
i thank you john for telling that story .You do a very good work by telling your tips and tricks to become a better photographer /Andreas from stockholm sweden
So awesome story!
Great story!
What I`ve learned from John Free: to really appreciate photography no matter what camera/device you use, in a digital world where attention is focused almost on gear, lenses and stuff like that.
this is a beautiful story. chapeau.
You are a great Guy, love your story.
Hats off to you...
Inspiring! You give love you get love!
Such a pleasure listening to you John.. Thanks so much for this touching and inspirational story. You said it, everyone can do it, if they put their mind to it. Loved your smile and laugh when you talked about the price of your Nikon + lens. So much joy brother!!
thank you so much!
Hi John. Still dry! Enjoying your my photography, and still looking at your site. Your an inspiration to many not only to myself but,to many people as can clearly be seen. I wish you well!!, please keep up with your wonderful work! All the best. ..Kind Regards Colyn.
Did not know that about Nikon and lens.
Will traverse Canada and South American next couple years to shoot real life, precious moments.
Thank you John...
most wonderful story ever , what a joy,
I feel that I got something after watching this video, just don't know how to describe in words. Yes, Street photography is not about point and shoot, it's about humanity and the thought process behind. Thank you Mr. Free, you are a wonderful man! I am from Hong Kong.
I love this! What a warming story, John I would join you on March 1st, but I live on the other side of the planet.
Yes, the reasons why they are there, not always about drugs, most of the time it’s about a disruption in life, unavoidable and out of their control. Thank you for your words.
What a great person you are! Best regards from germany.
Hello ET420 Thank you. My journey with the camera started on Christmas eve 1969 when My wife Wendy and I purchased a "Topcon Uni" with a 53mm lens, in Frankfurt Germany. We were walking and hitch hiking around Europe. Yes, it was the fantastic countryside of Germany which made we wish to record some of what I felt and saw. I have had a wonderful relationship with photography for over fifty years. The camera and what I can produce with it is for me a wonderful tonic or medicine, Always with the camera and an intent to make photographs which might be a tonic for the people who look at and maybe feel something in their soul. The camera gives a chance to feel power in oneself. Good power to climb the tall ladder of skill mixed with love and devotion to a cause to bring all peoples together and show them what I feel will be good for all people to see and maybe cause a brief moment of res
pect and admiration for us all. To use the camera to make photographs which might provide a better understanding and love for each other everywhere. Surmounting the spoken language to a much higher place where all people can see and share this wordless communication process. Making photographs from deep inside where I have little control besides the operation of the devise. we all have this power to rise to a happy high place in our lives to produce with love a love song in a photograph. I photograph with you in mind. I ask myself what would others need to see to make themselves feel good. This power of observation,intent and execution of a photograph. Will give all mankind a treasure which is power. A fine power from our very core of our humanity. Rise up to a high level of goodness in your life of dedication to a purpose which will make you shine and all who view your loving photographs. Sleep well and dream of what you can do with a little hand held machine which makes a click and produces greatness.
I like the 35mm film endorsement at the end. And the remark about faster lenses.
Inspiring, thanks a lot
The photo ception is unmatched to mine, loved the story
Amazing story. You really know what matters in photography and in life. Photography could use more heart and simplicity and less concerns about superficial things. Your advice teaches us to really think about what we are doing with photography. You offer exactly what is missing in a lot of photography / photographers these days.
Wonderful video. I can't believe it but I've just got a place on your Paris workshop in September, I'm nearly 50 and I can't remember being so excited about something. I find your philosophy on life inspiring and can't wait to do some street photography with you.
You are correct. My decades of shooting film has greatly influenced my approach when shooting digital. I never spray & pray, I only pull the trigger when all of the elements in the scene align with my vision and heart. And I still, quite often thread a roll of film into one of the F3 bodies, screw on a 35mm prime and hit the streets. It's a liberating experience, a catharsis for my soul.
Russ Butner
Amazing.
Thank you for staying with film!
John Free, the King of street photography...
amazing
27 years is a lifetime!
great story :)
Such a story.
What a story!
that's beautiful :)
I love my Nikon F3-HP with the 50mm 1.8 lens !
I got a film camera and it has helped me take fewer and better shots.
Wow awesome story!!
I wish i could join you but i live in Germany...
I would remind myself every morning as I would stroll in to one of 3 hospitals in the Honolulu area, that what I would do at work today was a documentation of the birth of someone. A photo that would hang in homes or get taped into someone's baby book. Perhaps sent out with the Family Christmas Cards. At any rate, it was more then a newborn photograph. There could be a tragic side to this work , as well. Life is fragile. It could happen that what I created for some parents could also wind up to be the only photos available. I had a Mother hug and tell me that my photographs were all she had to remember the physical appearance of a baby. Tragic. So glad I took time and really cared about my photographs for every single family.
This is really something.
Love my F3 and have that same lens, but I'm curious? What's the tinted lens filter type?
And does it enhance the contrast, is that why ht have it ?
Amazing that the supertramp survived and the photo survived after that many years. Wow! Is that area all developed with housing or commercial buildings now?
badass
I have an other question. What filter is he using on the lens ?
Thank you for charing your wisdom.
Thiellie.
Got myself a about 30 year old pentax for about 30$, fixed the seals and mirror damper and bought a nice, sharp 50mm lense for about 40$.
Totally happy with it and would't miss this old film camera.
i always love you speech. when i famous i will introduce you to the world.
Any updates John?
Mr. Free, or John if you prefer... after this video I think that Jack Kerouac is sweetly sleeping in your heart... I think so. A photo doesn't change the world or an human life, but surely may suggest the right move toward a best world. Thanks too much. Luca
Thank you Luca. Please call me John. You kind note made me smile today just after breakfast. My day will be much brighter today because of your message. You also can make effective photos. Follow your camera to good places in your heart and life. The photos we make are here for hundreds of thousands of years for all to see.
I guess, we touch lives even when we don’t intend to or know that we do.
are we as photographers secretly emotional ?
Hi John. Many Thanks for Your Kind Reply! . John..I have the greatest respect for ..You!..I have been into Photography since I was 19 years young..its part of My Life! Sadly,after the loss of My Dear Father&a few things that life threw at me?. I became an alcoholic ! Almost Died! After a 6 Day Detox in 2004 I have been Dry ever since.Met many people such as you describe.My Passion for Photography keeps Me Living! . Only wish I could meet you! Please keep in touch,if you can? Mr Picture Man!!! Also, please keep posting your Site...Its an ..Inspiration !! .Sincerely & ,respectfully ....Colyn. P.s. Long Live Silver Halide.
hey john how are you i am writing to you because i just love your videos but haven't found anything new uploaded for a long time. hope you are doing fine.hope you will upload new video soon
He looks so much like Johnny Depp (or the other way around.)
lens? 35/1.4?
50mm F-2. My 55mm F-2.8 Micro was broken from me falling. The 55mm is my normal lens. The 55mm shows me almost exactly what my eye shows me. Speed is king. I do not have time to take a step forward when using a wide angle lens, or something that gives me something other than what my eye shows me. Any other lens than the 55mm lies to you about the look you will get with that lens. What I see, is what I want in the negative and the print. I do not want any surprises, caused by a lens that changes what we see with our eyes. Speed is so important to catch life NOW.
John Free wow, what a nice answer! the 55 micro is super sharp. cool to see you use the F3. I just got it to. You must be able to focus quite fast. what kinda of filter do you have on? and why the micro lens? sharpness?
Yes, quite sharp. I use the 55mm because it shows me almost exactly what my eye shows me. No time to get closer or to back up. Speed is king. No extra movements or adjustments. The filter is a medium yellow to boost contrast and to darken blue sky.
curious why you use an F3?
cant you be quicker with a digital?
curious why you use digital.The F-3 might be the finest camera ever.The viewfinder shows me 100% of what I will get in the negative. The F-3 is a film camera. Digital cameras have too many silly functions and do not have a negative which will last for a long time. No silly delay on the shutter caused by auto focus which does not work anyway. digital is for people who take thousands of shots hoping to get one good one which they will not get because they took thousands of shots guessing and hoping the camera will get something. I do not make many shots. I try to be careful and not guess and hope. Digital is for people who look at the back of the camera after every shot just to see if they got the shot because they were not paying attention when they made the shot. I also like to make conventional, fiber based prints. How much could I sell a digital print for? The people who purchase my prints, expect a fiber based print, made by me in my darkroom, where I work everyday. I like the darkroom process. Why do you look at the back of your camera after every shot to see if you got it? Maybe you might enjoy taking my $100.00 film camera challenge and use one for a month and then see if you like it better than the digital camera. With its auto-focus which does not work anyway. Why would anyone want auto focus, unless they had special eyesight problems? I try to make each shot count and not make many, many shots and guessing, guessing, hoping the camera will get something you could not see. What is you shot ratio? How many shots to get a good one? I pay $200.00 for a used F-3.
I hope you will not become angry over what I have written. I take all this time to write my feelings as a very dedicated photographer who wishes to help others with their photography. I hope you will not be angry with me for what I have written. With my F-3, I have a negative and I can have the negative scanned, which will give me both, unlike the digital camera which gives a file which might not last the test of time. I advise people to really know if the shot is good before making it. Then they will not have to look at the back of their camera and look silly, not knowing if they got the shot because their eyes were closed when they made the shot, with the idea they have unlimited shots.
f3 is not cheap! well not anymore 😁
Hi John. I do hope ...My Personnel History ...Ref....My Tough Battle with ...The Booze! Shall be celebrating My 11 TH Year of Sobriety Shortly! !!!! Still going out with My Camera enjoying every day that comes ..My Way. Also, using The Very Same Set Up as You. I wish You Well!!!!! Kind Regards Colyn.
Хотя ужасно знаю английский, понял что пока живы такие люди как Джон Фри мир еще не потерян!!! Дай бог тебе здоровья и благополучия!!!
Well My 32 year old Canon AE-1 can give your old nikon a run for the money ;) I won't beat you though! haha