Love this quote. In the digital era I think that should be more like 50000. HCB was talking about film and developing 10000 photos. Digital makes it too easy.
I gotta be better about being aware of my surroundings. Sometimes I've just walked around as in a rush to try and find something, find a photo basically. One time I did this and I didn't have a bad time, but towards the end of it when I was about to go home I stopped at a spot, put my camera down just stood there for like 20 mins observing. I ended up finding a really cool composition (one that like you mentioned led to me asking questions about the subject), which is one of my favorite I've ever taken.
Come back home after a day out with no good shots and still feel good - this happened to me on Sunday. 5 hours of photography, 2 mediocre photos, but I still had a good day.
Gotta practice, practice, practice! Going back to one of your tips, seeing light; this is one thing I can say I learned from your videos. Just seeing your images many times and thinking about what I noticed in them. The light! Thanks for your "stuff'! Have a great day.
Hey man, your channel helped me out a ton. I've had a passing interest in photography, but you've helped me understand how to actually get started. My camera arrived yesterday and I'm stoked.
Hi there and thanks for the video. One thing about the sponsor, though. Prices at MPB have gone crazy lately! I’m all for circular economy and as much as possible I’ll buy second hand gear. But what’s the point of risking having issues with used products if they’re basically sold at 90% of their retail value, or are even more expensive (for example, it costs more at the moment to buy an XT-5 body there (in « as new » condition) than to buy it new on some websites). I bought an XT-4 in January, it was branded as new and it costed me 1250€. If I wanted to buy it now, it would cost me almost 200 more. I just don’t get it.
I’m just wondering - what is a ”Great photo” for you? Is there any criteria, or it is something based purely on feelings? Could be interesting to wach some video about it!
A concise collection of great points, nicely explained -though I ask whether it's advisable to take pictures while wearing sunglasses, as depicted in one scene in the video.
Thank you for that video, I took some real wisdom out of it. The idea of "beeing the observer" has more worth for me than thinking about Canon or Sony...
I concur with Jay Lozier 's comments below. As a senior & a hobby photographer, my goal is to compete against myself to get that "This one's going on the wall" photograph. Sort of like golf, sometimes you get really close to the pin, sometimes it goes in.Still lots of room on my walls.........
Only thing I would disagree on is about the concept of "having good light". The question should be more about "what is the light doing". Light has a dramatic effect on colors, mood, shapes, shadows, reflections etc. and regardless of how harsh the light is, or what direction it is coming from you can put your self in situations to get great shots if you know how to read light and use it to your advantage. Sure you can have preferences, but in most cases it's not going to be doing exactly what you want and you need to work to take advantage of whatever light you have (even if that is to choose a simply to choose a location that might be better in those conditions). You do kind-of make this point... but you make it sound like "good light" is something that "exists" rather than something that the photographer "creates". I honestly think this could be it's own video.... its so subtle... but it's probably the most valuable change of mindset I ever had...
Totally agree. I’m a hobbyist who hates speed lights so available light it is. There is a certain quality to the light sometimes though. It almost takes over he image and becomes the subject when captured correctly. Definitely “good light”.
I wish I would have heard these wise words earlier...7 yrs ago I sold my Canon dslr and 3 lenses to downsize and spare my shoulder. With the money I went to "the Jungle"(!!) in London, bought a used fuji x t1, and started an avalange of lenses and more...I love it❤❤...😂 Thx for all your wonderful videos...
Simplicity is definitely helping me. In this nice hot British weather (at the moment), it's my X-T5 with a 16-55mm on a shoulder strap. I need to lose some weight, so it's part of my mantra of "More Feet, Less Eat" and, if I'm out for four hours but mainly walk and only take a few photos, it's still all good. I'm a hobbyist, so I can use any method I need to keep it fun without any pressure.
Great vid. Keeping it simple is the best advice of all, especially for us beginners. I tend to let myself get all bogged down with all the bells and whistles.
@roman, in one of your videos, you mentioned an app helping you planning your day where you Outline your route by the sunlight. What was the name of the sunlight app?
Great tips, Roman. I find a do some cramming early on trying to swallow the ocean, most often when I realize I need some new gear that I don’t know about yet, but once I’ve got my kit sorted I focus on a small goal like “try back button focus,” “try continuous focus instead of single focus,” “try sport photography with this big zoom,” “figure out flash,” “decide if this focal length works for you,” etc. Also wanted to say I really liked the images you showed when discussing what you consider good light. Great pictures.
It’s easy to keep camera gear simple if you don’t have a lot of money 😁. I started out with a film camera and 50mm lens so am very used to minimal equipment. I now have a mirrorless camera and single manual prime lens. This is a perfect setup for street photography imo. Less gear and less decisions to have to make.
Love your point about not getting the shot but still enjoying every aspect of the process. I’m definitely not there yet, but I will review my process. Great video Roman, as always. 👍
I think "Getting it right in camera" means getting a solid image that's what you want in camera that can be tweaked in editing. It also means did you take enough time to get a composition. To me the most important rule is "Being an observer", look around, let the scene 'talk to you', look for compositions, stop and contemplate the possible image. If the final analysis is the composition does work, haven't lost anything. I would propose a rule 0: have your gear with you. Even if you don't take a photo you could take a photo.
I’ve been taking photographs for a long time and I couldn’t improve my skills. I’m living in the outskirts of London so I could visit London only once a month. So I feel like I couldn’t improve because I’m not going out to shoot very often. Is it right? Any suggestions to overcome?
