I Stopped Shooting Like This 

Hi, I'm an old photographer, I mean not only I'm 71, but also I've been photographing for about 50 years. As you can imagine an already long journey of analog photography, then digital, in pretty much all possible formats (24x36, medium, large). All the questions you asked yourself, all the things you thought you had to do before you realised you only have to do them if required by your current project/picture/inspiration, I've done all of them ! And I'm glad to see I came to pretty much the same conclusions than you! So, I'm very happy to understand that old and young photographers can be on the same page in 2024! And that's great. Thanks Roman.

13:20 I would like to add to that. If you're just an amateur don't look too much at others work. I find that the more I do, the more I get the impression that everything was pictured in every possible way and there is no point in taking photos anymore (as you most probably making a duplicate). That takes away the desire to go out and shoot.

I like the fact that Roman fox talk more about photography rather than cameras and gear (which he does talk about sometimes). I don't even use the same brand but sill one of my favorite channels

Hey Roman, just wanted to compliment you on remaining authentic, it's a pleasure to watch your videos, still very informative and educational, keep it up and don't end up in bull shit like most photo channels

One other thing is GAS. Not only it will break your bank account but will never make you a better photographer. After going from Fuji to Sony to Leica with countless lenses bought and sold, mostly loosing money at the end, I am back to Fuji with the xpro2 and just a manual Mitakon 35mm lens.

This is really good stuff for saving me time and aggravation I have a friend who went to photography school and she's really stuck on manual focusing because there's a culture there of not letting the camera do anything automatically. She's frequently frustrated by out of focus shots. I'm glad I didn't pay money to take worse pictures

This really resonated with me because I personally find it difficult to understand and fall into the trends on IG and TikTok, but I’m also in my 30’s and maybe that makes a difference. You see some people get extremely popular, but I don’t recognize them for anything more than just doing what is popular in the moment. It’s like, they aren’t really a photographer, but instead are just a “pop culture icon” and only for the time being. Maybe they can continue to develop their professional image, but the real creators and photographers stand out. National Geographic and other big publications aren’t doing articles and TV shows on these people. And the people that are featured in stuff like that are professionals that you have never heard of before because they don’t care about internet fame and clout. But every single time I still find myself saying “how have I not seen this person’s work before?!”

The bit about carrying a heavy bag brings very bad and painful memories. I know, am kicking 80 and still feel the aches and pains. Nice video,, thanks for sharing.

Nice video once again Roman. You point out a lot of things I've learned in the past 40 years of my own photography journey. The one about taking a huge amount of equipment along and then when it's all finished realizing you didn't use 1/2 the crap you brought along. Anymore when I travel it's a XT20, an 18-55 and concentrate on composition and light. The resulting images are much better than when I was trying to cover every situation.

Thanks for sharing your perspective and giving us another tour of the Japanese neighborhoods. Lots of activity and color!

Roman so much sense it was almost painful listening to you. Your insights are solid and your last comment about measuring your own work over time is extremely powerful. Your video format is so refreshing too. I wish you every success in your journey.

Wonderful video, Roman. I enjoy your style & honest approach to photography. You are straight forward & to the point, with no messing about. Exceptional & experienced photographers can make beautiful images without necessarily having the latest & greatest gear. Practice, repetition & being throughly knowing your camera & lenses are prerequisites for honing your craft. Best wishes & safe travels.😊

absolutely agree on the no comparing point. You will constantly think you're no good enough. As you said, best to compare current work with 6 months ago, a year, two years, and just aim to continually improve from where you are now. I would also add to experiment with things you have not tried before.

Thank you for this pep talk, Roman!

Great video, Roman. By the same token I see a lot of newbies relying entirely on the camera to do all the thinking for them but then being frustrated when the image didn't come out to their liking. When I was shooting film, this was a costly endeavor. Because I'm coming to a modern digital camera with so much history, I see these tools as so insanely advanced that the plethora of options can lose people. I shoot manual pretty much exclusively but that doesn't mean that aperture priority or full auto is a bad thing. Your analogy about driving makes a ton of sense. At the end of the day, it's a box with a lens to let in light and make an image. If we can just remember that and not get hung up on so much technical, we free our inner artist to create what we want. Whatever mode allows for that freedom is the one you should choose. Thank you again!

What a painting at 7:35 Roman! Love it!

Roman I really love your videos and your way creating content for us. But this video was one of the best you ever made. Truth well told. Thanks for every thought or advice in this vIdeo.

Most relatable video I’ve seen in some time. Haven’t come nearly as far as you in terms of success with my photography (or quality, I’ll admit), but pretty much everything in here has been applicable to my own journey thus far. Been in a bit of a rut with it lately, but it’s good to know I’m in solid company and get some reassurance that I’m (mostly) moving in the right direction. Keep up the good work sir ✌🏼

Thank you so much Roman. That video is what I needed to spark my creativity again. I've been struggling recently with anything I make and this video inspired me. Keep going🧡🤘🏾

Your understanding is well beyond your years. Really good advice.

Again a so nice video! Thank you for all your sharing and the work you put into this. You summed up so many insights in this video that only one can share who has much experience in Photography. And you do it in a wonderful way! Thank You 🎉❤

Thanks roman for all the information

Cheers for a great video from Tokyo, always look forward to seeing your photos.

I really appreciate your advise. Thank you!

Sound advise on many levels. I take photos for me and if someone else likes it it’s a bonus. Appreciate this video very much thanks

Really good video and message with enjoyable photos. I have watched it several times. Speaking about growth, I can see how much you have grown as a photographer from your earliest videos. Good for you!

Great video and very relatable to a lot of people I imagine. I (as a keen amateur) shoot what I want to shoot, when and how I want to shoot it. The results are for me, but if other people like them, great (I appreciate this is entirely different if you’re being paid to shoot by a client). I’ve done the 1.8 thing, and eight years ago I carted a DSLR/lenses/flash round the US for three weeks, only to discover 90% of my shots were taken with my RX100M3 because it was in my pocket. Go out and get the shot!

A lot of tremendous advice! Thanks

Great vid Roman thank you, very insightful and reassuring to hear for all of us on our photographic journey 🙂

My biggest change was shooting only on primes, really concentrates the mind on composition, I’m on a one year project of only using my 85mm f1.8 and I really get what you say about only shooting f1.8 to start but it’s all part of the learning process, great video and£ so pleased I found you ❤

As others have said, it's fun to see that we are all iterating toward some fairly similar fundamental understandings of how to use the tech and navigate the environment. Also, I think it's the hallmark of a good photographer (and one who simply enjoys the craft) that we are taken with what you rightly described as a "fairly basic scene" (with the scooter) and feel inspired to capture it in our own fashion (cropping, shadows, etc.), also expertly displayed with the beverage crates shot. One thing this video (and your other work, especially the walk-and-talk interview stuff) accomplishes is to demystify the art and science of modern photography, empowering up-and-comers to acquire the skill set and go grab their own little masterpieces. Excellent work.

thanks for the sharing your thoughts

Thanks again Roman for this inspiring and very interesting video. It absolutely resonates with me and I have run through some of the conclusions you made. I could literally feel the pain again you wnt through with underexposed shots and being frustrated in post because of the dull images 😀 Thanks a lot and have a good time in Japan!!

Great vid Roman. Don’t get caught in trends! Great advice! Cheers for sharing your thoughts!

Great points Roman! Always pleasure to watch your vids. 🙏

Absolutely brilliant vlog Roman

Very useful. Thank you for sharing. Great pictures.

Great honest video. I've gone through pretty much everything you discussed as well. Even up until a few months, I started using my camera in Hyper-Program. I let it decide for the best IQ, and when a situation arises to either set Shutter or Aperture, I simply shift with one of the knobs. This, and carrying 1 or 2 primes max, has made my photography way more enjoyable! Happy photography!

Another great video with a lot of great suggestions.

Excellent advice, thank you

Thanks Roman, helpful for my trip to London this week 👍

Great advice and top video. I like how you keep it real.

I recently move to Tokyo, to refresh the mind and develop new photographic skills. Last year I spend a couple months living in Lisbon. Your videos were great inspirations where to shot and what. So thanks for another episode. Hope to see you Roman somewhere on the streets! 😁

Love your video. As I begginer you help me to think. Thank you so much

Great set of shots Roman 🙌.

These thoughts are so precious. And I had the same on my journey over the past 12 years. But those lessons sound so easy in the review but they are hard.

Great video once again Roman 👍👊

Another fantastic video. I think you talk so much sense compared to a lot of other photographers on RU-vid.

Many Thanks

Great points. You helped me feel that I am not doing everything wrong after all!

Great video, thanks Roman! I have been shooting for over 50 years, with plenty of long breaks during that time. I take advantage of what the camera has to offer, within limits (lots of stuff I don't use, maybe never will, maybe will). And I take photos for my own pleasure first. If people like them, great, but I'm customer number one. Cheers.

The great thing about trends are that it gives a great excuse to experiment a bit and learn new things about what you like or dislike, as well as the opportunity to learning more techniques and skills. 👍

You have a great eye for pleasing combinations of light and shape, roman !

Thank You

Great advice Roman, if there's one thing that's a drag about going out for a day's shooting it's the prospect of lugging a bag of kit and the stop/start of switching lens every 10 minutes. The greatest pleasure (at least for me) is in finding the composition you like and taking shots. Less physically draining as well'

5:40 I had to turn off the highlight warning blinkers on my camera because I noticed that it makes me focus on protecting those highlights way more than i should and distracts me from the bigger experience of making a photo. Glad to hear some affirmation that it’s actually ok not to prioritize that haha

Great content and all recorded in the go, nice work

great video, great content

Great to see Tokyo again, through your eyes this time. I was there last year during Sakura time. Great place. I loved the whole country. Planning on returning at some point. I just had one camera and one lens for the whole trip. An OM-5 and 12-45mm lens. It was liberating not having to carry so much camera gear. Hope you enjoy your time in Japan. When we were there, for three days in Tokyo is rained heavily. But when we returned at the end of the trip it was glorious sunshine. It was probably one of, if not the best holiday I've had. I do enjoy your videos. Now, back to rainy London... [sigh]

Thank you for sharing your experience, dully noted !! Very nice video from Tokio

I used to do a lot of chimping - checking the photos on the back of the camera as soon as I take them. I stopped that over a decade ago once I realized that it was preventing me from getting in the flow.

Nice vid thanks!

luv this video

great talking points. I used to be so passionate with photography that I bought my first camera (XT20, and a couple of lenses), and tried to mimic some other photographers, until to the point I got bored/lost/frustrated, so, sold my camera, and stopped. Recently, I'm finding my way back to photography and plan to buy the XT5 this week. You were right about shooting manual (I did before) only, so concerned about sharpness etc. Photography is about fun, and finding your style. Thanks for the vid. I totally relate a lot. But Im still an amateur hobbyist don't get me wrong. :) But I will have fun!

Awesome video great tips. I found myself stuck recently and stopped shooting. I don't know how it happened but I started to compare mine to others, especially with photos and gear. The problem I have is having two camera when I first got my Canon R7 I loved it, then I decided to pick up an G7X Mark III just because I wanted something more portability and less of hassle but I find myself going back to just using my iPhone paired with Camera+ photo app.

Great advice; thanks. I try to keep my kit small when I go out, and because of that, I fall to the temptation of using my Fuji 18-55 zoom, so I have flexibility. I shot for a number of years almost entirely with an X100T and its fixed focal length. I love primes, like my 35mm f2.0, but don't like changing lens. I'd rather eliminate the "what lens should I put on" dilemma. It's kind of like your comparison of shooting manual vs. semi-automatic. If I really want to carry two lenses, I'll put my 50-230mm in the bag.

Hi Roman - agree with all your points, but particularly the matter of manual mode. Yes I will, when the situation allows use manual mode. Shooting analog & black and white I set my exposure and only change it if the light changed drastically. The latitude of the film and two bath Development and nifty dodging and burning in took care of the rest. With digital and live view I found I was not living in moment as you described. Missing shots and poor composition soon followed. I now happily use whatever automode is appropriate for the situation and focus purely on the image. Same goes for loads of prime lenses. Depending on my mood I carry either a 28 mm or 50 mm lens. Having a 60 mega pixel sensor seems to assure that I could crop if needed…..but I rarely do !

Nice walk!

Nice video mate … I always shot in manual and am now venturing into AP and SSP … I’m glad I went the manual route, as I learnt so much about ‘the mechanics’ of photography, I’m very comfortable around handling. I also did the under exposure thing … what was all that about? 😂 - Some real sound advice. Cheers 😊 📷

I haven't been doing this seriously enough yet to have a roster of things I don't do anymore! But I'm on board with not comparing myself with other photographers...except that I note that a whole bunch of the photographers I follow all seem to be in Tokyo, while I myself am NOT in Tokyo. Now I really want to go to Tokyo!

hey this is great!

I’ve been laughing because I’m a new photographer and I am making a lot of those newbie mistakes with the exception of I’m trying, desperately not to follow trends. For some reason, I am shooting completely in full manual that includes iso … everything. I don’t know why I just for some reason seem to find it easier because I get frustrated with any auto settings perhaps I should practice❤

Hi Roman. Thanks for the recommendations. If you’re looking for your 12 kg backpack with a few lenses, iPad and tripod… it’s with me! 😜

"This place is hell on earth" 😂😂

When I look back at where I was in 2017, when this phase of my photographic journey started, I realize how bad I was. Abysmal compared to where I am in 2024. Great perspective.

I believe we're exactly the same. A few years ago, I switched from the original purchase and thought it would be good to buy multiple prime lenses and take them each day. While it was great for a while, taking the bag each day was too much for only a few shots that I'd often miss. Now, I'll usually take a 2.8 28-70 or a 70-200, depending on the focus point. It makes it so much easier to carry simply one. That is a great last point in terms of comparing yourself to others. The likes of Instagram hide our day-to-day photography/videography and what we all do in one snap.

Lots of excellent advice there Roman. I remember when I used to only shoot in manual. I also remember the way I used to talk about only shooting in manual, what a wanker I must have sounded like!

Related to comparing ourselves to other photographers, can we normalize posting more than just our "bangers"?

Are you walking around with the DJI Osmo in this video? I was on the fence about it. If so, the quality seems great and so lightweight. And I'm not sure what you're doing for audio but it's working great in a very busy location. Thank you for the thoughtful tips and reflections on photography

Roman, just curious, you mentioned in a previous video that you were going to be in Tokyo for 3 months, so how did you go about finding a place to live there for that period of time. Can you explain what your process was in finding a place to live while there? Can you give an idea of the cost, other details of the trip, such as getting a travel visa, cost of food at stores, transportation, etc. I think a lot of your viewers would find all that interesting. Cheers from Lafayette, LA

Hi. Are you miked (miced?) up to that Pocket 3, or is that onboard? Sounds really good.

I remember getting a ricoh GRD 1.8 back in 2009 being wowed at it’s capabilities at wide open. Seems silly now that I always shot with that camera at wide open 😂

Hey Roman, I have been following your photography for a long time now. As a fujifilm street photographer myself, I really resonate with your style and your photos. I want to ask if you have used capture one to edit your photos. I mainly use lightroom as it is very flexible and I can edit my photos both on my iphone and my ipad as well as my PC. But I have seen that there is quite a bit difference in sharpness. The same photo appears soft and noisy in lightroom as compared to capture one. This is more apparent in people’s faces. Would really appreciate your feedback on this. And as always, great video.

For decades I’ve considered myself being a primes guy. But what a relief to use good zooms.

Hi Roman, which camera do you prefer to take on your street photography sessions: the XH2s or the XH2?

I start my Tokio trip on Saturday. It’s a 99,9% once in a lifetime trip. So I will pick up three lenses. Yeah the bag seems to heavy. But I don’t want to miss the shot.

if you know you are going to edit your shot in fuji, do still recommend shooting with a recipe or natural view?

Wide open is not cool anymore. We want to see context, not just the tip of a nose in focus. And smaller apertures mean more compact, lighter and cheaper lenses, so I’m all for it. It also means less chances for a miss focus to be disastrous. At 1.2 you need damn good tracking or a still subject. Wide open and street photography is difficult but that doesn’t mean it’s wrong if somebody can make it work. There are no rules in the end. Shoot street photography on 8x10 if you want.

Flickering is insane 10:14

Being a good photographer(or good anything for that matter) means knowing when or when not to use any or all of the tools at your disposal. If you miss a shot because you're stuck on shooting only in manual it isn't doing you much good, is it? 🙂 As an old retired guy, photography is a hobby that gives me joy and relaxation. I've had requests/offers to do shoots for things like graduation/prom for pay. But, I have found that I don't want to do that. I want photography to be fun. One thing I do that some tell me is bad is shooting just about every genre there is to shoot. This week for example I've done hiking, landscape, aviation and some structures. It's all fun for me and I really don't care if it messes with my IG algorithm. I don't really care.

What prime lens did you have on this shoot?

What do you then do with your street photos?

Disagreed on the under exposed shots. With modern Fuji cameras, unless you under expose by 3-4 stops, you can easily recover details and contrast in post. It's much easier than trying to recover the highlight. Just keep eyes on histogram.

👍 great video I think that my photography was better when I wasn’t on instagram or didn’t spend hours watching RU-vid and then try copying whatever I liked. Anyway, I like your content, especially became you’re staying true to yourself …..

Every week you are in a new country

brush only the teeth you want to keep and protect only the highlights that are important to you! LOL and cheers, G

With age comes wisdom... With wisdom comes peace.

Your photos can be muddy also because you use Lightroom and not Capture One.

Oyeeee... Justin Timberlake!!!!!!!! 😂😂

The P on the PASM dial means professional. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)