I had a big photographer hit me up on Facebook and invite me to his house. We lived in the same town. He lived on a street with a bunch of HUGE houses...mini mansions. I went because I wanted a mentor at the time. When I got there he showed me a very large media room. He was a wedding photographer, portrait photographer and videographer, so he had a nice set up. After being there about 15 minutes I realized he called me there to crush me. To help you understand....even though he was very successful, to me his style was very old school. The town we lived in loved my work. I was new on the scene and I was doing things they hasn't seen before. I remember him saying..."That stuff you're doing, I been doing that" I realized at that moment, someone can have more than you and still be jealous of you, because the little attention I was getting, he wanted that for himself. I told you bruh, your work is amazing to me. I love your lighting.
Omg, some old skool photographer with rep are like old mechanics. They could have been a master tech with a reputable successful shop. They advance their knowledge for a couple decade but automotive technology changed leaving them behind. For us modern day new photographers who love shooting wide open, HIgh speed sync, Ocf portraits we were frowned upon. I remember a guy telling me about his alien bees and motorcycle battery set up vs my fresh new ad600. After being accepted locally he then climb off the high horse to ask questions about setting. Crazy part is I’m only a hobbyist portrait photographer with a great job as a truck driver.
Your content is "Art"! And as artists we are not paid for our labor/technique but for our vision. I've also had to deal with wierdos like the one you mentioned here. It's just envy. I for one think your work is fantabulous! I just happened to come across your videos when I googled Godox, lol. It confirms what I've always thought about it being about the artist not the equipment.
First time seeing your channel, totally subing :) Must have been a so call "influencer", these people try to convince you their way is better. Us as pros just gotta laugh at them sometimes. I would have told him " Bro! you need to recalibrate your screen, because wtf are you looking at!" lol Ryan your work is great and looks great for the skin tones, keep doing your thing, look forward to catching more of your content!
Bro, if your clients like it, that's all that matter. True we can learn from each other, but at the end of the day, we shoot for clients, not other photographers.
You're a better man than me. Photography is a hobby for me and haven't encountered it much there, but I've been a lab tech for quite a while. Whenever i start hearing ego versus knowledge, i immediately stop listening and speaking.
I'm dying...Photos is an art, either you like it, love it, hate it or indifferent. I personally would have given his number to a ton of people and have them all just prank call him for a week.
Bro, I hear you, this is why I don't make it a thing to comment or reach out to photographers. Because photographers keep telling me I need a full frame to take better photos, when my photos are better than their photos. So i don't question myself anymore i just focus on getting better while staying humble and in my lane.
I went to a photography meet-up for the first time last weekend, and I was a little insecure because I shoot Micro 4/3s and was afraid people would have something to say about my set up. On the contrary, everyone wanted to see my gear.
Photo gear is just tools and unfortunately people use this to measure themselves versus their skill. My main and backup camera are full frame, but if nikon ever makes a good aps-c body- I want it in my tool bag! Keep showing them up!
Yeah...a similar thing happened to me a year or so ago. You handled it very well. I love having convos with photographers, but when it tends to become a "lecture" vs a convo; I usually tend to know what type of time they're on.
He was intimidated by you. Lol. People will try to flex on you out of nowhere and bring you down a notch to make themselves feel better about their own insecurities. And when they see you’re not confrontational and humble they will try to bring you down even more. What a loser.
This person is someone with an evil mind trying to corrupt you and your channel. STAY AWAY FROM HIM MAN. Your pictures are all very good pictures and that's what caught his attention. There are many beginner photographers out there making the kind of mistakes he pointed out at your pictures. If he is all about critiques, let him go critique beginners. You obviously do not need his help nor did you ask for it. Watch out for people like this bro.
Look. I work in the TV industry. Been around anchors, celebs, cameramen, directors all my 35 year professional career. You handled the situation way better then I would have. Being a creative. No way is the wrong way. If you like it, that is all that really matters. In the words of Tyler Perry. (and I am paraphrasing) "I have my following and they love what I do. All the rest, I don't give a #%$! what they think." Keep doing what you're doing my brother. I am very new to this RU-vid thing but not new to photography and the business. I do what I do. Try to get better at what I do everyday. I have peeps who like what I do. And that is really all I can do. Keep shooting!!!!!!
How could you, Angelo Dawkins have your confidence crushed? What I learned is we all have a different vision. I also found that some photographers are intimidated by me. This is though I treat them as equals.
Let me say this whoever that photographer is that he is BAKA. I don't care if he teaches underwater basket weaving at WPPI, that means nothing to me or the real the real world. Your images are excellent. You should look at maybe getting an agent. Let me put this in perspective. This is not a brag but what I have done. I have been shooting since 1986 professionally. I have worked for Scripts League, Lee Enterprise, and Pulitzer INC. I shot photos for Perelli, AP, and I covered the Raiders for 15 years. I have done commercial and editorial work. So when I say your work is good it is good. There is a difference between constructive criticism and destructive. Remember it is always good to be your own toughest critic, but don't let self-doubts drag you down.
15:55 I feel this so much. I mean I guess as we say we're our own biggest critic, because we're always trying to improve, so all it takes is one "your work sucks" for me to start thinking "so I was right, my work does suck and people are just being nice." To be honest I've been struggling a lot since April because someone said right to my face "stop trying to sell your shitty TikTok's to people" and it rubbed me so badly even though I have millions of views across some of the videos. Some people just want to tear you down though, I think some people even want to devalue your work so they can try and get you to work for less money.
You got to start putting shirts on man. haha jk. Never take those people seriously...especially if they are that damn rude and problematic. For sure you deserve better. Your journey is yours and mad props to you. Keep going and keep succeeding! 💯
Right at 12:34, when you say " This is the part that really does it for me, he says -" RU-vid popped up an ad for Lowes and the first picture was a bag of fertilizer. LOL Don't let that phone call bother you. Everyone has their own style and opinion. If your clients are happy with your work, that's all that matters. :-)
You’re obviously a great photographer. But always be humble and allow those with egos to bask in their own sunlight. It’s better to actually know that you are good than to suck and you think you’re good. But most importantly, it’s about your customers who enjoy your style, and expect that from you.
I believe you knew what this guy was about early in this call. This guy is looking for others to feed his ego. To make himself matter. We all deal with matters based on our own comfort level. I guarantee he has done this routine to others.. I am a very honorable person. I would have shut him down and likely blocked his number. There other good photographers who want to help others get better because they care about people and photography. He is not one of them. Keep trucking as you do it. Just my two cents. Thanks for sharing.
I like to out geek the tchno-geeks in a conversation and then tell them that my one solid rule about photography rules is to largely ignore the rules because rules are boring and ment to be ignored most of the time. That leaves them totally confounded and wondering what the heck just happened. What can I say, I'm weird. 😂
Definitely was sweet brother Mosley lol as soon as you said he shoots in his garage 💡dude was a weirdo in my inbox too. Using 5 words when he could've used 2 type guy SMH
Sorry, but that is no way to approach people. We can all give tips to each other but that can be done without pumping yourself up or putting other people down.
You were talking to me when you said: sorry you gotta see my first video in a rant 😂😂😂😂. Anyways. Loved the video. Ima check a few more out. Nice work! Don’t let anyone get to you! 🙌🏼
Mannnnnnn. That’s crazy. I echo everything else other said. Your work speaks for itself hence why you stay busy with paying clients…. Go figure! 🤣😂 Secondly we know photography is art, and art is subjective with many different styles…. F him! 🖕🏾
Bruh that was definitely a weird moment. To call you on FaceTime to say your lighting is trash then hurry up off the phone. I am all for constructive criticism but this definitely wasn’t it.
Here's a story for you. I was shooting an event when i met another photographer who claimed to make $20,000 a month off his photography. He said he could tell me how but not for free. He wanted $2,000 to do "consulting" for me. He gave me a link to his website and critiqued the photos i took at the event. Anyways, i went to his site and saw his photos. I was sooo shocked he claimed to make big money off his photography when a LOT of his pictures were blurry, out of focus and just all around BAD. Needless to say, i KEPT my $2,000. It never stops shocking me just how many photographers act like they're some kind of authority on photography. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
The problem and I'm going to be 100% honest. A lot of people in the arts are on the spectrum and that's why they are like this. I've seen it with video games and comic book communities here on RU-vid.
20 seconds into the story and I knew it was going to be so weird 😂 First red flag was he bragging about his famous client and stuff. After that I'd be like "ok, bye" 😂😂 You do a great job and photography is all about lighting and perspective. The photographer's perspective and the client's perspective. So light how you want and create the art you want how you want. 🥰
This is the first video of yours I've seen. I just went to your IG and looked at your portfolio. Whoever that photographer is can touch grass. Your work is beautiful. Their skin tones are beautiful. Some of the images are warm, but I think they're supposed to be that way and wouldn't change them one bit. But as far as I scrolled, I didn't see "orange." Keep shooting and keep moving forward. : )
Yooo! I didn't see the response vid. Ike's photo was almost completely 255 blown out that was hilarious. I love you guys watched the vid There are times when you want offer critique to someone you think needs it, I used to try to help models in the same way, but you CANNOT critique someone who didn't ask for it. Imagine someone you just met say "Man, we gotta get your haircut right" or "we gonna get you in the gym cuz you are too big!" no one wants to hear that Now i'm all for constructive criticism, im used to it from school, and if there was something useful said by. trusted source, i would consider it. Otherwise I would disregard. I would pay for a portfolio revieww from Lindsay or someone before a random guy
I think you should follow up with the guy. He might be blunt and a bit obnoxious.. but as artist, we never stop learning. This man might be the Pai Mei of photography that pushed you in ways that couldn't occured to you.. who knows, he could be bullshit. Id see it for what it's worth.
I'm friends with a bunch of photographers but I definitely agree that some of them area super weird. Oh and BTW I like your work more than Dino Mosley's work just sayin! 😆
I listened to your whole video man. I don't really know what the point was but I'll tell you this photography is subjective. Nobody can tell you right or wrong about your work. Will people love your work great? If they don't, that's okay too. You're going to always get that and what makes you feel good. If it looks good to you, that's good enough. That's all I have to say
New sub here! From what I have seen, your work is awesome! I like your honesty and you seem like a good guy as well as talented photographer. Some people are jealous and insecure unfortunately. Don't listen and follow your gut!
Dude wanted an ego boost, wanting to be looked up to from someone he deems is “less than him.” He’s not someone to be connected to but rather enjoy his work from afar. Don’t second guess your work, especially in this creative space. There is no right or wrong way to be creative with your photos.
I watched this video and I have nothing but bad things to say about those other photographers. In this game you gotta just let people be weird on their own man because his ego was so far through the roof that God was touching it
Smdh, I've met a few photographers like that. Some of them are weird haters and don't know the difference between constructive criticism and insults. Your work is amazing, by the way.
This was a good story time. All I'm thinking about is who is this idiot. Art is subjective. If he don't like it, then he don't have to book with you. Send me his name so I can go critique his work. Lol 😆
I’m going to put this in a simple way. Ain’t nothing wrong with your lighting and photos. In fact you light up your subjects beautifully. That photographer is just negative energy. Keep doing YOUR thing king!
Bruh I get photographers who would DM me and be all up on me. They’d tell me how great I am, ask for help and pointers and I’d help them the best I could. Then they come back and tell me how I should be doing photography. It’s just people man. Humans are flawed and when ego gets in the way watch the 🤫 out lol. Great channel by the way.
As long as you know the basics for lights/technicalities the rest is just a question of taste, in all types of art there are "some who like this, and some who like that". It has always been like that, and it will always be. Any awkward/negative individuals who have a problem with that have a problem with reality. Keep doing what makes you + your clients happy, what others think about it is irrelevant in the bigger picture.
I'm trying to figure out who this is. I was at WPPI also. Profoto didn't have a booth. They sponsored the Photo Booth wall with all the different sets in back, but that was about it.
Camera settings are only relevant to that specific and/or particular instance, For me, I vary the camera setting and select the photo(s), that I like. Camera settings are very personal, and will change with each person, because each person sees life just a bit different.
He’s not weird, he just has his own philosophy. Some photographers prefer shadow to shape their subject. Others are calculative with ratios. He was reaching out to mentor you. If you are satisfied by your results, then stick to what you know. It’s your style!
Yeah, that’s just an artistic ego. Once someone gets recognition, it could turn into confidence or arrogance. Because Ryan reached out, he assumed he needed mentorship. I think the photographer meant well, but his presentation was presented poorly. At the end of the day, when someone takes time to review your work, that shows you are attracting attention. He just wasn’t a fan of Ryan’s style and tried to alter it. But the legends of photography haven’t become great from being copycats. But yeah, photographers are weird. We’re the only people who will critique a picture for hours versus an average person who may glance at it for a few seconds 🤷♂️
😂😂unbelievable! You make him sweat 😅. He sees that you are gaining on him, so he had to do something to slow you down. And don’t be surprised if later down the road that he tries to take credit for training you. Using his wife as a witness. She only witnessed the end of the conversation. He was just trying to flex in front of her. When you hung up the phone he told his wife “yeah that was Ryan calling me for some help with his lighting”. 😂 stay strong 💪 brother. If the client is happy, you did well.
I just started taking up photography as a hobby just 2 1/2 years ago. One thing I’ve noticed about some photographers is they get jealous/weirdbwhen they notice you either have better equipment a better technique or just a few great photos. It’s like they always threatened by other photographers. That guy need to take a real vacation .
hey man, don't listen to dumb people like that. Im 15 years old thats inspired by people like you. and looking at your photos has motivated me as an video and cinematographer. What person do you know shoot photos, but inspires videographers???? Bro thats amazing, your inspiring videographers by just shooting photos. You are amazing. Don't let people like that get to you. Don't question your talent because of someones else opinion. Remain to stand humble and you will make it bro.
Yeah bro that was kind of weird. But one thing to remember about photography is you're going to always be learning stuff. Not saying that he's right, I'm saying never second guess yourself to the point that it messes with your confidence. There's going to be plenty of things that you don't know. that doesn't mean that you can't get out there and do what you do. So don't let some other dude discourage you. You always got to believe in yourself. Keep doing what you do, and always seek to pick other people's brains to learn more. The minute you stop trying to learn, is the minute it's over.
The majority of professionals question themselves and their capabilities to the point they may feel like a fraud, it's more common than you'd think. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on what another photographer says unless it's coming from one you already have a good relationship with and it's delivered constructively. Photography is a profession where you experience a litany of gatekeepers and insecure souls that don't seem to have much emotional maturity. Sort those types of people in buckets with the understanding that you wont grow from those relationships and depending on your personality, they may be toxic to you so put a lid on it. ✌
this guy is really cool and down to earth because a lot of the creators are not down to earth in my opinion but thanks for being normal lol that’s the only real way to stick out these days is being normal 😅I never thought I would be saying that 2024
Nothing real can be threatened, nothing unreal exists. Herein lies the peace of God. You have talent & skill in any lighting situation. That is REAL and cannot be threatened! Your lighting is something you are indeed proud of and rightfully so. When criticized, knowing that you are happy with what you capture and teach, and it gets you questioning your work, it is an indication that you need to accept that you have worked hard to get where you are and are good at it. That criticism is unwarranted, invalid, UNREAL and therefore does not exist! You questioning yourself over his comments, makes it real, only in your mind! Having said all that, I see photography as doctors in their professions. They are always learning that's why they practice medicine. As photographers, we are always learning and so we continue to practice photography.
Bro... I feel ya! You do you - period. Fk what he says or anyone else. Photography and Photographers are so fk opinionated. I found this out when I started shooting a bit over 3 years ago. They (photogs) all had an opinion on gear, lighting, etc. I know how this can fk with your head. The images you create are a reflection of your work. What "he" sees is so subjective don't let it get to you! Keep doing what you do best!
OMG I'm not from the USA and I don't even know too many other photographers, so luckily for me there is no ego photography thing going on here. But djeez wat an asshole! Your photos are beautiful and you know what you're doing. Also photography and lighting is a personal choice and taste too so what was he talking about haha. And maybe unpopular opinion but Even if he was right: you can edit the orange tones in post right? 😆
Hey, I just came across your channel and liking the content. Checked out your Instagram, loving the photos. Everyone has their own taste/style. None of us are perfect, and we all have room for improvement. Saying your lighting sucks was rude and untrue. I am sure your clients are very happy with your work and that's what matters in the end.
Your story telling is amazing lol I was invested but I failed to hear what was the importance of you being shirtless (watched the video twice lol) but yea in any field you gonna have people like that fellow. just let it be the last time you second guess your work cuz that image that you showed in the video is awesome! I once visited a very very popular photographer as I was piggy backing off of a friend and I was on the roof playing around with a reflector but I mainly did nightlife photography so I wasn’t familiar with studio work and this popular photographer peeped that was I was struggling and instead of being a decent person and helping me out he laughed obnoxiously and I was like ah an asshole, not surprised lol. I let it slide because I wasn’t in any position to do anything but I never forgot. Keep up the good work and let us know what not having a shirt on was important lmao 😅
Definitely weird. Just keep doing you and growing how you have been. That energy is strange and some people don't understand how abrasive they can be. Sounded almost like it was intentional to knock you down a few legs and eventually say they taught you lighting.
yeah part thats crazy is i feel like this was his intentions soon as he sent the dm but to have a 45 minute conversation and end it with that energy was just strange as hell..
Ryan I agree with you, photographers are a weird lot. I live in a town with lots of professional photographers. I have been mentored by some. I have worked for some wedding photographers as a second shooter. I joined a local photography club to learn more about the craft. I have noticed how some of the established local photographers would be concerned about the younger photographers that were doing really good work. Sometimes they would do things to discourage them. Stay strong Ryan you do good work and you are always looking to grow. Your clients are paying you.
Very good video, and it hits on a theme that I have been seeing a lot of myself. My take on it is that every photographer (creative) has some degree of imposter syndrome. You have detailed how somebody was able to activate that inside of you and you reacted the way that I think most would. I think that his point of view was also caused by his response to imposter syndrome, and he felt in some way challenged in his own skills. He saw an opportunity to pull another photographer down in the hopes that they would then look up to him and make him feel better about his own work. It is childish stuff, and sadly most creatives are fragile to some degree, and it is easy to feed on them. Good for you for seeking out support from friends that are also knowledgeable in the craft whom you trust. Followers don't every account for skill, or technical prowess, followers are just a popularity contest and if you base a self-worth on that, you are always on a precarious ledge. As a photographer that I trust once said, "if you like it, then it is right." We should all uplift each other, and you putting it out there that your confidence as a photographer was shaken is a way of uplifting all of us who have felt that way at some point in our journey. Thank you!
lol man I give me ear to so many people with egos. Because I still do learn from other people experiences. But this was the first time a call led to this
Bro, you have great work! Your content definitely has help me get better and build more confidence in my work and become a better photographer. Also, everyone has a different eye, Me being a new photographer I question my work sometimes but like you always say if you love then someone else loves it. But I'm always open to constructive criticism. But sounded like a hater to me.
I'm sorry my G. Shit gets frustrating. Couple of people broke my spirit last week so I know the deal. Definitely one of many ways you'd get a creative block. We just gotta do our best to hang on and not lose the passion for the art of photography itself. It can get very discouraging out here. I'm still trying to figure it out myself.
I don't believe in crapping on another photographer but I do believe in learning the basics then breaking the rules of you want. A lot of RU-vidrs use to say the 50mm and the 85mm look the same. Basically cute girls starting RU-vid channels and learning as they go along and giving miss information. You want to use the 50mm but under stangit might always work because of distortion.
As creators, we truly have a negativity bias. We fixate on one bad comment in a sea of compliments. It's such a blessing to have peers in your corner whose opinion you can trust. Your work is amazing man
Bro! I kid you not. He was probably viewing your IG via his phone on night shift which makes everything on your phone orange. There is NOT a bit of “too much orange” in your work. I’m giving dude the benefit of the doubt but yeah the Ego was strong with that guy.
Bro your work is awesome! Having said that, I’ll say this criticism comes in two forms constructive and destructive. Constructive criticism should be helpful and non harmful. Destructive is just the opposite. Not sure what that photographer saw but it not what we your followers or your clients know and see. Keep up the good work bro! 👍🏾
Bro yo work is all good you and Ike is two people that I really look to follow and pick up advice from watching your videos and I’m not even close to where you guys are at. That was just bad energy.
Its crazy because I really love your work and then and your type of lighting and editing style inspired my technique so this just weird hater shit 🤷🏾♂️💯
There's people like this in every industry, and I can totally relate. Your lighting looks good to me, and it's better than what I can do - so I'll gladly take your advice.
I think the photography community has a lot of "tear down" energy. We don't like complimenting each other, we don't like talking to each other unless the purpose of it is to just tear them down so we can feel better about our own photography. It's not fun, it's honestly just salty childish behavior. That dude was weird.
