Shifter: Dear Photographer 2
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- čas přidán 25. 05. 2021
- Never in my wildest dreams did I think my first installment of "Dear Photographer," would have any impact. But apparently, it did. Happy to hear. Now, before you go hating let me repeat my opener from the first installment. These bits of advice are things I wish I had known back in the day. Not all of them mind you but many. The rest are things I encounter on a regular basis, things that make me ponder my existence, the meaning of life, and the sheer craziness of this thing called photography. Agree, disagree, no matter. Just putting it out there. Now, go shoot something will ya.
1. 6:00, contact information
2. 8:30, build an archive
3. 11:00, Edgy and authentic
4. 12:55, all that hate is gonna burn you up
5. 15:28, original work
6. 17:52, don't worry, quit and be happy
7. 20:30, soul over cinematic
8. 23:00, speak when you have something to say
9. 27:00, doom scrolling and hate reading
10. 29:54, act free
11. 33:00, take workshops, keep learning - Zábava
I am officially the one person now that is asking for a third part of this series
I fear it might happen.
I second that emotion
And I’m the second person to ask for #3. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
It’s not just photographers that need this. Many of these things apply to other creative endeavors.
I hope so. It's odd what one observes if he/she does something long enough
To paraphrase Bukowski, "It's not so much that I hate the internet, as that I feel better when it's not around."
this is just nonsense.
Love his work. A friend spent a lot of time with him and made some wonderful portraits.
I’ve always loved those lines in that movie.
Best photography vlog on CZcams
Ah, thank you.
Great opening story! Brings back a memory when I had to take a photo of Charlie Manson in the Vacaville prison on his way to a parole hearing. The bars were the police tape.
Chuckie Manson! That had to be fun.
I'll say it again. Deleting Facebook was the best thing I've ever done in my life. It's been a year and I don't miss it one bit. You are absolutely correct. If you spend any time on social media you do not have any original thoughts anymore. I am just about detoxed from having been inundated by 2300 people's opinions. I'm even starting to forget their names, thank God. I love my real life with real people. There's no way to even describe it to people who are still on Facebook and Instagram.
I just tell people, "I don't want to know you on social." Because the vast majority of the time it's not actually them. A waste of time for me.
Life is to short for this. Thank you!
I stayed with you through your whole video. And appreciated every bit. Learned a lot, received MUCH food for thought, and chuckled often. Awesome stuff!
Stayed for the whole enchillada. Continue doing this, Dan.
On it.
“You gotta walk the walk kid.” Sums this up. Thanks Dan
Daniel, you could keep talking for ours and we would still be here listening to our guru
Ha, thanks for that.
Wow! That was a good one - and I am not even a pro photographer - or aspiring to be - just a happy snapper.
This was just good advice in so many other aspects. Well spoken, Dan! 👍🏻
thanks Soren!
100%. Thank you.
I'm sure you've heard it before, but your skill, in both photography and even more so verbally, is compelling storytelling. No matter what you are talking about, I want to hear the whole story. One idea to supplement your income: You could hire yourself out to people who need a companion on road trips. I'd pay.
I'm not sure Bradley. You should talk to my wife.....she might provide a different pictures. Moody, intense, fickle.
Be the best person you can, don’t be like Dan! You always put a smile on my face! Thanks for your awesome content.
Yes, don't be me. I'm a mess.
you just kept me company whilst I was punching holes in some leather for a project that's running late. 40 plus years in photography, I wish I had heard you talking back then. I still dabble in photography, digital for the majority, and large format film trying to find my mojo or whatever. Like your videos, always something new, obviously you always recommend printing a book or zines, that's to be expected, and it's also a good idea
Thanks David. I like leather work as well. A friend here in town has a huge leather studio where he makes all kinds of cool stuff. Glad you are enjoying the channel.
It's not that the days of Salgado have gone, it's that the days of a public understanding and appreciating Salgado's work have gone, cheer up !
I can only speak to the public here but we are as undereducated as any country on Earth. This reality is reflected in pretty much every aspect of our culture today. Don't know, don't care. I still run into Americans who don't know New Mexico is part of the US.
Super stuff!!
I’m out of here. This was my internet dosage for today.
Have a nice weekend people, go learn and create and enjoy.
Yes it’s difficult to stay away from internet hate when we are in it. So use sparingly.
Great video once again
Yes, the holiday weekend is upon us. Most sane folks hide at home because the masses are fueled up, boozed up and hunting for trouble. Just the way it should be.
Okay, i must always look for an exit in every room i enter LOL i'm an old dog but learning a lot from your Tubes. Thank you
me too. it pays these days
These videos are essential, and I come back to them regularly. Thank you for putting yourself into them.
holy shit! SCHLITTEBAHN
high-light of my younger summers
That place was the best. A massive sunburn for free.
Your films are spot on every time. No b-roll, no fluff, no bs! The fact that they're black and white makes them feel even more honest, no manipulation through color grading. Just facts and opinions from someone in the business. If I'm going to watch a CZcams film instead of reading a book, I don't feel as guilty when it's one of yours.
That's a wonderful comment. Love that. I'm not good enough to be cinematic and I don't know how to color grade. And I love black and white.
What a great story I am laughing my ass off…
You are a bad ass I can’t wait to meet you…
Great work!
Glad you like.
'content and photography' remark - YES.
I have a lot of 'popular' 'street photographers' on Instagram, and I barely can remember what of their photographs I saw yesterday.
I recently bought "The suffering of light", and after just one browsing I had dozens of images imprinted in my brain.
also that "cinematic" bs - 100% true.
Salgado?
Nobody remembers things from IG. It's impossible to keep up with that flow. I looked a Norman Mauskopf book a few days ago and can't stop thinking about the images.
Buford T Justice, toilet paper hanging off sun glasses, eating a Diablo sandwich, that is cinematic!
There is NO WAY you came from these loins. Gleason was the best.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 I heard Gleason did not have a script for Buford T Justice, all done off the cuff... does get much better than Gleason...
Love your authenticity Dan! I have a good friend who has a popular channel. His advice to me when I mused about creating one was "be authentic, if you're not authentic it'll turn people off right away". BTW I see the work he has to do to maintain his, and it's definitely not for me.
Good advice. But, a lot of sellouts doing really well, which is one of the odd things about YT. I am nowhere near successful but it does take a lot of work.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 I hear ya, thankfully we have the likes of you and Sean Tucker keeping it real 🙏
That cinematic point is so true for the "Army of the Dead", 100%. But it is also true to many other recent productions as well.
I didn't last 2 mins with AoftheD. I need a script, a good story, good acting. Much of what is produced now avoids these things.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Sadly, all that movie has is great camera work and a few decent actors.
I sometimes wonder how long humans can keep up this pace with social media. I honestly think social media has the power to destroy societies. I hope I’m wrong, and we can somehow adapt
I wonder too. I can't believe so many people donate their lives to an algorithm
Appreciate this so much. It's the kick in the ass that we all need. Most of us just don't know it yet! Thank you!
I need a Dear Photographer 3
Working on it.
I love this antivital content. Thank you.
After spending 7hrs at my desk programming this 39 mins made my day. A lot of these truths could apply to a number of careers. Should be called advice for life. Thank you.
Ahhh, you have real skills my friend. If you can code you can explode. Glad I was able to break it up.
Not enough people are seeing/hearing your stuff Dan. Advice for the ages here.
I'm pacing myself......
Not asked for, but very welcome!
I would love to hear a Dear Photographer part III, unleashed hard truth edition please. I loved the two main stories, terrifying indeed, and thank you for sharing Dan.
Working on it....
Brilliant! Thank you.
You sir, whether you realize it or not, are my mentor..
Poor guy. I'll try to help you find someone worthy.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 that'll be difficult. I'm kind of a prickly guy with high standards!
Great starting story!!
Great content. I love your honest advice. Liked and subscribed.
Thanks Gerry, appreciate that.
On fire!
Lots of great points I can take to my heart and/or agree with. You think it is still possible to build a archive today, to live from in 30 years? and what might it look like? cameras are pointed on millions of more places and aspects of life than let alone 10 years ago. maybe social media has a similar effect on photography, as photography had in the 19th century on painting (arts)?
Yes sir, I do. BUT, you have to learn to make unique work. An archive of IG style content won't have much value. Look to the art world to find ideas, not the mainstream photography industry and certainly not social media.
Man, I love these talks about life, experiences, Great! Thanks!
We all have stories worthy of sharing. The funnier the better...
Me, so much 'yes..!' head nodding to any DM video, it's practically an exercise class...
Did I just become the jazzercise of online photo culture?
@@DANIELMILNOR505 maybe? No leotards though...
Much appreciated and a well spent 39 minutes and 6 seconds
I have been known to ramble.
Hi Dan,
One of your best videos yet! Relatable, informative and important. I got a lot out of this video. Thanks from Australia 🇦🇺
Hello Australia. Good to hear.
I’m an old goat so I love it and appreciate everything you have to say, Daniel Another fantastic content!!
Old goats are welcome. They are practical animals. Good for fire control and from time to time maybe some tacos...... You have quite the famous last name.
I dont know if there are any authenticity left.
Its just can you do it in a way its appealing.
It's out there but you have to search for it.
Thanks, Daniel
I was going to 'like' this video Dan but noticed it was on 333 'likes'....I did not want to spoil it ;)
Yes, never mess with math. Smart move!
Refreshing, fab, true. I've had it with high brow photographers droning on about interpretation of their work, it's tiresome. Bring on some more of these fun stories and this motivating energy. Let's all get out there and do stuff, we only need to walk around the block. There's often a story on your doorstep! ✪✪✪✪✪
some people LOVE the art speak. I have friends who are very upfront about it. Me, I just like to make pictures. What happens after is mostly irrelevant.
13:20 Spot on Daniel!
I'm over 65 ,full of life and just started doing weddings, lol because I want to.
I say go for it!
Tough love is healthy, you learn from it ! About the hate everything spot on I used to post online no I am call myself off the grid photo passionate also a reason I shoot films. No I am not a hipster 😂😂😂😂😂😂 If it was for the pandemic I would give folks a hug 🤗 😂😂😂😂
Off grid = good.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Absolutely and when I finally can go to Mexico my girlfriend and I will. Make a dedicated darkroom. people often ask me, where do you post your photos. I say on my walls. It feels very special to have my own photos on the wall.
Nice. Thank you. One of your answers spurred a question. Would love it if you can fit it in somewhere/sometime:
When you talk about creating, curating and preserving an archive of original work that you can license now and whenever and forever, what kind of work are you talking about, (more) specifically?
I have a feeling that, whether we're talking 20 years into the future or half an hour from now, there will be no line of people waiting to ask to license the work I currently do to help clients sell their products on social media or in online stores.
Spill it, Milnor, would you?
P.S. I'm officially asking for a third episode of "Dear photographer...". D.S.
Ha, yep, will add this in. Might end up in a Q&A session. It's a good question.
It was very helpful! Speaking of being well rounded, be sure to take a motorcycle training course to go with your burro! You will pick things up that you've forgotten.
Yep, those are a good idea. And insurance loves them too.
“But that hate keeps me warm” great flick. Instagram is cool to a degree like seeing the photographers i like regular life pics or just the funny memes etc . but there is only so much dark n moody edits i can see.
Ah, but ask yourself what you could be getting done by using that IG time to do something else. Read, write, edit, sequence, design, plan, explore, meditate, volunteer, etc.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 o totally agree , reading is by far better than any social media. My goal is 4 books a month for years now. Also write a few paragraphs review and rate each book. And dude meditation is hard af but i dabble
I’m a little older than you, and totally remember the Izods and parachute pants. I’m convinced that was the fashion equivalent of today’s folks scheming to create the next Tide Pod challenge bullsh*t. We are doomed as a people.
I’ve loved your videos…so while nobody has asked for them, at least one person has found value in them.
But to your point about ‘act free’:
I’m a copywriter by profession, and photography is a hobby. I once turned a hobby into a business, which destroyed my love of the hobby for more than a decade. So, photography was never going to be a business for me, which has/had allowed me to “act free.”
Nevertheless, I pigeonholed myself based on the desires and expectations of others, so much so that I’m currently “on hiatus” (3.5 months now). I miss photography a little, but the longer I go without doing it, the less I seem to miss it.
That tells me something…what, I’m still not sure.
I want to create again, but then remember those things I loathe (editing, mostly), so I don’t even consider it.
But one of your videos about film have got me thinking of taking the rolls I’ve got in my fridge, loading up one or two cameras, and just experimenting.
The challenge is, however, I love (individual) portrait photography, but have no desire to photograph anyone at the moment. I’ve tried other genres (architecture, landscape, pets), but felt no passion or desire doing them.
In the meantime, I’ll enjoy your videos, read, and pet the dog. Perhaps even in that order. Thanks for ‘listening.’
Try this. One camera, one lens, one roll, one portrait. Then build a publication, small, inexpensive around that ONE portrait. Then start building on TOP of that portrait. Mixed media. Now photography takes a backseat to creativity and story.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Just saw your video on field guides. That certainly adds an interesting element to this.
Thank you for your help and suggestions.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 I just ran across your post on Twitter about "Thoughts of Strangers." I understand what you're getting at now. (I'm not on Twitter so happened across it while reading about trade books...)
I can't understand to this day, specially these days... why photographers (and creatives) still accept to be paid ... after the job is done and photos delivered to the client. I ask for 100% payment upfront, before even making one photo. I have been doing that for a while now. I spend 100% of my energy on creativity and 0% of my time chasing my money.
It all depends on the job. With civilian work it was always up front. With editorial it varied, with commercial it varied.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Correct, for editorial work (travel magazine) I don't have a choice, it is all paid after.
I only worked with established organisations and editors I know will pay. These jobs are few and far between. I have the luxury to only accept these assignments when I absolutely love the project (article the photos are for).
For what I mostly do, hope you are sitting on your chair... social media marketing, I only work on projects and clients once they pay 100% in advance.
When people want what you offer, they will accept your payment conditions.
Those who do not - I just don't do it.
In France, in this business people pay 30 to 60 days after the work is done. Which often turned into 90 to 120 days.
I was told I wouldn't get clients - friends, family and people in the business were wrong, so far I haven't had to market and sell my services, I am lucky in a way.
All of this to say, for editorial, newsprint and magazine (who also share online) they all pay after, that is only a fraction my income and haven't done one of these projects in two or three years.
On the bright side, I turned a photographer to Blurb Books and he is now selling print magazines as portfolios, an added value photography service.
I discovered Blurb through you.
I'm a lover, not a hater. My greatest day of liberation was November 7th, 2016 when I quit social media (facebook and twitter). My instagram is a journal, and little else. I leave the misanthropy for when I'm driving. Entering year 27 of the full time photo "career"!
You are a lifer. Stuck with it, and it with you. Yes, cutting ties to the social stuff can be life-changing. #trending
Milnor; I know you're in a "van." but I don't know, if you're "in a van, down by the river."
I have a new series idea for you called..."Tough Love, People!" Think about it. Always
great content (having knowledge of the "Flux-Capacitor" probably doesn't hurt either).
I miss Farley. Fat guy in a little suit........Tough love is a hard sell now. People are fairly fragile. I'm used to it. We called it "life."
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Agreed, in my mind, he was a young "Del Griffith" shower-curtain-ring salesman. You are wise beyond your years my brother!
Very good episode. I was interested in how you would arrive and license your images?
Love your channel.
I've got a question about this from someone else. Will add to the list.
Ah, the trials and tribulations of newspaper photo interns. At my last paper our intern at the time set up a camera with a Nikkor 8mm behind a hockey net. During practice it served as a nice target. The front element ended up as ground glass, but Nikon was able to fix it.
About being mistaken for violating the law as a photographer, I was once "accused" by a police dog at my first newspaper job. Scared the crap out of me but ultimately no harm to myself _or_ the dog.
As for geezers in photojournalism, I'm a month away from 61 and I have no plans to stop; in fact I hope to accelerate. Prop open the lid to my pine box with a monopod.
Just get on the potent drugs and you will be fine. Use that pine box for kindling. I once got thrown to the ground be secret service. In front of a huge crowd. Another fine photo moment.
That opening story was awesome, Daniel. I'm going to make my wife watch it when she gets home. I think you're right on target with your comments about doom scrolling, hate reading, and a general hate towards everything. Did I understand you to say that you a fellow UT Austin alum?
Yes. I managed to survive three years in Austin. Back when it felt like a town and not a city. Haters have become part and parcel of everything. It's natural because it's part of human nature but hearing it and watching it in photography is just lame.
Maybe next Dear Photographer you can discuss "Top 5 Tips" or "Best Lens Ever" or "Do not use the camera" videos of CZcams and the insanity in the masses that watch them all from the comfort of your van in the driveway
I think I'm going to do a special on CZcamsrs who fake being robbed to get subs seemingly unaware of how awful it looks to the people of the country they accused of robbing them. S. Pacific islands, Mexico, Carib....all fodder for sub-hunting YT folks who have no sense of shame.
🙏
Twenty seconds into this video and I've realized it is impossible for me to hear the word "hostages" and not think of Chuck Norris in Lone Wolf McQuade.
JJ McQuade. And I hear the blower on the Ramcharger.
awsome stuff man!!! whached all the way throught :) btw, do you stll shoot fuji cameras? im thinking of picking up an XS10, good idea? cheers!
yep. Still use Fuji. And Sony and Leica and Hasselblad. I don't know that Fuji but I'm sure it's solid.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 thanks man!
Hi Daniel. How important do you think digital post processing is to a final image? If a cinematic look can't save a bad video, how much time do you think a photographer should be investing in processing their photos? For black and white photos is it worth using a dedicated application like Silver Efex? Thanks Michelle
Hey Michelle, as little time as possible. I think the key to software is efficiency. At least when it comes to the basics of turning a job. For me personally, I do very little manipulation. One, I have no love for it. Two, I don't like images that look manipulated. Silver is supposed to be very good and if that helps you maintain a good, tight timelime with processing then it should be good.
Hi Dan, I have a question regarding printing a photography book/magazine with bilingual paragraphs. Here is my situation: the book/magazine is personal. Only my family members will see it when they visit my house. Most likely everyone in my family would understand if printed only in English. However I want the magazine to have the bilingual paragraphs since the magazine is about a trip to a Latin American country and I want to leave a trace of my Latin culture for my kids to read in the future when they read the magazine. The problem I am encountering is that a bilingual magazine/book limits me to write shorter paragraphs or extend the amount of pages the magazine will have (I am at 50 pages already). What would you recommend to make the magazine work? Or can you recommend examples to look at of bilingual printed photography books/magazines? ... Writing paragraphs over photographs could be an option or Splitting the magazine in volumes and keep each volume at 20 pages each (I would prefer writing over photographs, but this is the alternative if I can’t find good examples). Creating an English and Spanish version is not an option since no one would read the Spanish version at home other than me. Thanks, Carlos
Great question. Will add this to my list and give it some thought.
Are you a baseball fan? Noticed a more than passing knowledge of the game. Favorite team?
Mariner.......believe it or not. I love Ichiro.
Facebook is the gutter world of the soul
It's pretty bad. And destructive. Just as they planned.
And don't call me an artist, I'm a photographer.
Okay. I'm nothing and I like it.
Good god. Just an Instagram handle on their contact page!
Yep. Happens all the time. You know when a client is asking a third party if a photographer is "for real" with only an IG handle and that third party has to tell the client "Ah, no," that photog just doesn't get it or only wants to work with one aspect of the business.
Milnor, people like you are unlikely to go viral(I give a damn, and I know you give a damn), because you saying things few want to hear. You remind me of my father(oh no, you are not that old) every time he said "Roham, do you have 2 minutes". The best 2 minutes I understand now, hated it then.
Yes, I don't think I'm in danger of amassing a large crowd. But I'm not that social so it works out. I feel best alone in the van.
Thanks. The same is true in Europe (and in Latin America where I reside). The level of teaching and education has drastically fallen, schools and colleges are only there to produce malleable morons. I have to teach my daughter myself with books 70 years old.
Nothing better than a 70-year-old book. I can smell it from here.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Yep, competes with cheese. Unfortunately some of them are online.
I believe you have to create uniqueness or soon AI will eat you.
Great stuff, btw.
Yes, before long AI will just put my thoughts in your head. And yours in mine.
The French ARE the best photographers ...and i am British
They know their stuff.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 They always seem to a left field view on things and belief that photography is a valid art form, especially where photo journalism is concerned. Vive la France.