The BIGGEST Beginner Photography Mistake 

I hope that sheep doesn’t know where I live...

Excellent advice, James. After 50 years as a photographer, having owned and used Sinar 4x5, Hasselblad 6x6, Nikon F3, Canon 5D’s, in my retirement I am loving using an Olympus MFT and my iPhone. For me it’s all about the adventures and little about the camera. from 2007 to 2010 I rode a motorcycle from Alaska to Argentina, sailed to Antarctica, back to Cape Town and then rode up to Egypt. 3 years on the road, and my camera : a Canon S100. Published two books about the journey, containing 1500 photos, and no one has ever commented negatively on the quality of the photos.

The biggest mistake. ''Don't take your girlfriend with you if she is not interested about photography''.

It's time to pull out the old saying again: The beginner thinks it's all about the camera, The enthusiast thinks it's all about the lens, The photographer *knows* it's all about the light.

The sheer panic on your face when you spotted the sheep killed me! aha... great video

Excellent advice. I remember, when I started learning photography in the prehistoric film camera days, an experienced photographer once told me to forget about zooms at first and to only buy a single 50mm prime lens (35mm on DX). He then told me to learn basic composition skills and to start "seeing the light" using only that lens. I did that for a year and it really helped me in getting a better understanding of what photography is all about ... a trained eye (and brain) is the best equipment you'll ever have. The gear (camera, lenses) is just a tool to accomplish your vision ... you could buy the most expensive hammer ever made but that still wouldn't make you a master carpenter ... same with photography.

Excellent advice James, I get a fair few emails about this myself. I was thinking of doing a video on it but now I’ll just direct them over to your’s. Thanks mate! 👍

The second-hand market is *full* of cameras people thought was all they needed.

Excellent. If you’re not doodling you’re not going to be an artist. If you’re not scribbling you’re not going to be a writer. If you’re not grabbing snaps with your phone or crappy little camera you’re not going to be a photographer.

That's WAY different "Beginner Photography Mistake" Video. Well done and well spoken, Sir Popsys!

And the SECOND beginner "photographer" mistake: Paying too much attention to the hoodie string length uneven-ness... Really people?

If you are a beginner, hobby photographer or a pro it is always and of course a question of money when there is so much temptations, equipment that can be bought, and almost every day something new and better comes around. The RU-vid posters would of course review the equipment and conclude that it is a must have. If you jump on the equipment wagon, you lose focus, remember there is a lot of good sound in an old violin. If it's your first real camera purchase, buy something that will cost you a little extra.

Don’t buy gear, buy plane tickets. -Yvon Chouinard

a simple but necessary thought. thank you for the effort and the sharing. thumbs up.

Yes, all very interesting but you didn't answer my question ..... "Should I get a Canon 1DX or an Ari Alexa 4K as my first camera?"

This is something some of us need to hear, even if it does seem "obvious" as you said. I'm constantly trying to reassure myself that I bought the right camera. The cycle begins again when it comes to looking at lenses... But it seems that nothing beats good old hard work, since there's no way I've reached the full potential of my initial kit. Thanks for the videos keep it up!

Thank you so much for making this video. I loved hearing this and it made me feel a lot better about my search for a nice DSLR for me.

It does seem obvious but people tend to get GAS (gear acquisition syndrome) when shopping around for gear. They think they will need a full frame sensor when they have no idea how heavy and expensive it is. I'm happy with my 350usd APS-C Nikon D3300. I wasn't even into photography. I got it to start a RU-vid channel and ended up loving camera channels when I was researching which camera to buy. Now I'm planning to travel this summer and take some great photos.

This is a really good video trying to answer a question we all have faced. While you hinted at it, I don't think you covered useability. Some cameras are just amazing to use, and they make everything easy. You want to do something and you poke at the button you expect to make the camera do what you want, and it happens, almost like it's reading your mind. Then there are other cameras where you need to study the manual to work out how on earth to get the headline feature that you bought the camera for to actually work. For example, Olympus cameras take better stills generally than Panasonic cameras, but Panasonic camers are generally easier to use. (Though Panasonic seem to be working on that.). Mistakes I've made: I've bought "Nah! You can't do that!" cameras, which don't do something pretty sensible that other cameras manage to do. (Example: Let the photographer set the shutter speed and aperture they want, and the camera sets the sensitivity automatically.) I've bought slow cameras, So whenever I wanted to do something, the camera is never quite ready for it and I miss the shot. Or it's spending an age writing to the memory card and locks the camera from use while it does it. (Two memory card slots, with the option to alternate between cards with every shot so one always useable would be nice.) Or the focus is slow. Or the turn on time is slow. I've bought poor battery life cameras, which are a pain. I've bought heavy cameras, which are literally a pain, and just got left at home. (Ha! So long, my old Nikon gear!) I've bought a precious camera. The camera that cost a fortune and is dust-proof and water-proof and freeze-proof, but can I afford to put it to the test? "OMG what if I get sand all over the camera! What do I do?". So I'm too careful with it. My buying advice is this. 1) Choose your system based on useability. The way the cameras work tends to remain consistent within brands, so find the brand you like. Be a Canon guy, a Nikon guy, a Sony guy, a Fuji guy, a Pentax guy, whoever. (Maybe be cautious with weird formats as they can come and go.) 2) Buy a good 2nd-hand, last-gen (or older) camera body from your chosen brand. 3) Buy an absolute kick-ass fast wide to medium zoom for the camera. It's likely to cost more than the body. Don't panic, buy it 2nd-hand if you need to. Then you're good to go. If you decide to upgrade later , you get to keep your beloved lens (and you WILL love your amazing lens) on a fancy new body that you'll already be pretty familiar with, and you won't have lost too much on the old body because you bought it 2nd hand. Beware of G.A.S. "Gear Acquisition Syndrome". If you're not careful, you'll spend more time shopping for camera gear than taking photographs. Finally, consider this: NOBODY is impressed with your camera equipment, only your photos.

So true. I've heard other photographers say this in a slightly different way too - spend more on learning (photobooks of photographers or even fine artists who inspire you, attend exhibitions, workshops, time off to *actually take* photos, hang out and shoot with other photography enthusiasts).

a long time ago I only had a basic camera , only option was flash on/off . going back to basics and concentration on what I was actually photographing really helped my photography

This makes complete sense. I almost got sucked into finance and cameras but didn't do it in the end and went down the second hand route. Best thing I ever did photography wise!

holy shit man... i haven't finished your video but i just had to pause it to thank you James and the sheep for a good and loud laugh. ok, continuing on...

Glad you're feeling better.

Great video, you have become my favorite YT photography channel!

Great advice, you got this video perfect. I was a pro photographer for years, still have the 8x10, a case of Canon film lenses, and a Leica M3 I picked up used in 1974. But my two favorite cameras are my Olympus XA and my digital camera phone, they are always the cameras in my pocket. Don't need fancy, just need to see.

a week ago I bought Sony a6500, returned 2 lenses bought on Amazon, learning my lessons (A-mount - E-mount)... I found myself enjoying the neverending search for better deals, better ideas, better advice...but also learning to keep my wallet closed until I find something better. Because in the end, everybody wants money! I am thinking of buying "absolutely nothing" from you! Love your refreshing honesty, love your sense of humor and appreciate your advice, subscribed!!!

GREAT advice....I'm getting lots of the same questions daily...It's that the gear is sooo SESSY.

Drink coffee much??? :-))) digging the energy. But most importantly, great advice.

Yeah I snagged a GX85 with 2 lenses for $480 when I decided to take up photography. Wanted something decent to learn on to make sure it was something I really wanted to do. I quickly learned composition, lighting and exposure are the most important parts of photography, and then learning post processing has been a joy too.

Thx for that brief James. It definitely brought me back down to earth.

Very good advice thanks! Subbed! I have always enjoyed photography and looking forward to spending more time with it.

i love that when you aknowledge the sheeps existense it stopped. but i agree with your point. my father gave me his old slr and i was like cant wait to get an expensive camera but then i read about the camera my father gave me and how its perfect for beginners and decided to spend more for budget lenses and other gadgets.

Best tip for beginners is: get a cheap second hand dslr or mirrorless (something like a 40D or Sony nex) with a kit lens. That way if you start enjoying photography you can upgrade later on, and if you think it's rubbish you can resell and only lose 40/50€. It makes no sense to buy a whole kit if you are new to it.

Excellent! Nice to see, Thank! James. 👍🙌

I really appreciate you being so honest. Makes me thing again about what camera to buy. I watched ur video just in time.

I THINK I LITERALLY JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS MAN. EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM.

Good point James, I was about to buy G9 but then I told to myself 'hold on you don't need to spent over 2k EUR for a first camera..' so I come to senses and I bought lumix gx8. Learn the craft first then look on more expensive shiny tools which will get you that extra edge which is important in professional world but not really in amateur context.

Agree 100% with this bro, I was given a camera and used to desire to buy a canon 1D because I could “take the best photos” but then I realised photos aren’t about the best of the best but the creativity and practice

Simple but very good advice, thank you!

I'm going to miss that wonderful hat.

This is my third attempt at replying (first two were crap). I think it doesn’t matter what you have got, just get out there and take photographs. I am more often than not leaving my DSLR at home and using my Panasonic Carry round and a GoPro. Great advice as ever. Just got to say, your best advice given was regarding Lightroom presets! It was how I found your channel.

Just an absolute perfect video to share with my Facebook group!

This was a very welcome reminder. Thanks man.

Flirtatious sheep are becoming a real social issue that needs to be talked about. Spot on advice 👍

Did you take a picture of that sheep? I love Sheeps! I just love them!

Very good sense, James!

Thank you so much fabulous timely advice. Much appreciated. M

My personal opinion of a beginner mistake in terms of gear is buying a "beginner" camera, if you really love photography you will find that you will grow out of the camera very quickly and the features that you will need won't be there. I would get the best sort of enthusiast/pro body you can get, used or second hand if you must because then you have the tools to not miss a shot. if you don't end up liking it you can sell it and get the money back.

Baaaaaaa! Sorry could not resist it lol.

First mistake I made was looking at other photographers work and the amazing stuff they were putting out when I should of just gone out and found my own happy pic place ....took me way to many kicking myself not getting my shots to the level of others to realise I needed to find my own style ......still not cracked it yet but loving the journey and the air 👍👍😊😊

GREAT topic - so many people ask for advice online for "best lens" or "best camera" and get answers which head them towards "pro" kit - and nobody asks budget and planned use.

Thanks for this. Perfect timing. I’m absolutely in love with the G9 but the technical specs of the A7III keeps nagging me. I would be switching from a Nikon D600 and the low light ability and AF of the A7III is very compelling. The problem is the rest of the camera is horrid. Now what I mean by that is the ergonomics, button placement, menu system, functionality and super expensive and heavy lenses. Holding the camera (I based this off of the A7RIII and the A7II.) It feels so uncomfortable in my hands. So long story short, you are so spot on about shooting with something you enjoy because you will get better pictures. It means you will be more willing to take the extra time to shoot that picture, gain motivation to go to that new area to check things out and overall just enjoy photography. Because at the end of the day, we started out with photography for a creative outlet and a means of enjoyment. Buying something purely based on specs and an all rational way of thinking kind of contradicts the whole purpose of a creative outlet. Mistakes are part of the creative process and when you get it right, it makes it all the sweeter. P.S. I really enjoy your channel and photography. You inspire me to start expanding my photography skill set. And I have been doing this since the film days.

If you're willing to spend a lot on a camera from the start, just get a cheaper camera and some better glass. I went for a Nikon D5500 with the kit les 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6, pretty low level in the DLSR world but with the additional money I was going to spend on a camera, I decided to get myself a 35mm f/1.8 and a 16mm f/2. All I need now is something with a bit of a longer range. No regrets after 18 months. The GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) is real though.

Very helpful thanks!

one of the best vids on beginning photography. thanks

Oh gawds, I wish one only needed a good camera to work towards taking good photos... Blowing your budget (or worse, like you said, financing the gear to get even more/bigger gear) is also a really bad habit to get into... I love how you've explained it, because it makes a great deal of sense! A good example of not budgeting enough is with hubby's camera (Olympus EM-5 mk II) we got him what the internet seems to consider a good travel lens, their 14-150mm f4-5.6 II... He wasn't certain he would want to change lenses or not, so we wound up going with that one. And in broad daylight, he absolutely loves the lens. What he doesn't like though, is that once you start losing light (so say, near sunset, or once the sun goes down) it's effectively useless. He didn't quite realize (nor did I, being a novice as well) that he'd want to take more photos in the dark (something about winter and the early parts of spring and it being, well, dark after 5-6pm). So the fun part will be getting him a lens that will work with such. And then there's myself... My Panasonic 25mm f1.7... Absolutely hate it during the day, because it feels like it takes forever to get to taking a shot I want to get, especially when out with him (joys of being able to zoom in!), or worse, like you mention in another video, there's a wall at your back and you can't quite get everything you want in the frame... But once night falls, for some reason I really like it (probably because it's nice to have the camera stay at ISO 3200 :P, but I also suspect it's because it does more of what I want it to do without requiring a tripod). One of the guys at a local camera shop has suggested that since I tend to sit around the 18mm (36 effective) mark with my kit lens, that such might explain some of my frustrations, and to give either the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 II a try, or the Olympus 17mm f1.8. Definitely definitely agree with the "save money for travelling even if you're lucky", because you'll either want to take pictures of something different... (take for example, West Edmonton Mall. I've lived in this city most of my life, it's just another mall to me, one we affectionately refer to as "the tourist trap", but those from out of province (or even just a few hours away) have an appeal and are drawn to it. Better idea: Jasper is only a few hours away, and to those in my city it's a gorgeous getaway. To my uncle that lived there for a decade, it's a pretty, but expensive place to live).... Or maybe what you want to photograph is a few hours away (I'll use the hoodoos in the Badlands/Drumheller area as my example), and you have to rent a car (or refuel your own vehicle at least twice).

For my ten pence worth, and for any other newbies who watch this video. I used to use a point and click film camera, upgraded to a point click Nikon Coolpix - shot some good images with both. Then I tried a small Nikon DSLR and two lenses, added a prime lens, upgraded to a Nikon D300s - loved it, it taught me to shoot manual. Got fed up of carrying all that kit around. So bought a Leica X, fixed prime compact. Have shot thousands of images on it, love it, write articles about it, and would recommend it to any hobbyists. My images seem better for having one lens, one option, and post processing where I need to.

ive got a old 1000d and a second hand sigma 18-50 f2.8 and loving just getting out and takings images, in every past time people get hung up on gear so your right in what you say, great channel by the way 👌

I love the hat!! Your advice is priceless thank you my friend

my suggestion is first asking yourself how serious are you and how quick of a learner are you. if you are sure your enthusiasm for photography is real and will last a long time and you learn stuff relatively quickly, then by all means start with something that you won't out-grow for a long time, such as a high end crop-frame like D7500 or mid end full frame like D750/D810 (yes im a Nikon boy do your worst). if you are not sure how serious you are and might be on and off during the learning process, just buy anything with interchangeable lens.

Beginners: I recommend the Canon EOS Rebel T6. Amazing camera at only $500. And when you move to intermediate it’s still relevant!

Thank you this was VERYY helpful!

All good advice James, which all too many people will chose to ignore. There are countless Forums and RU-vid channels with people arguing over which camera is the best, many of whom don't have a clue what they are talking about...Assuming the you aren't a proper photographer unless you go out and purchase the latest camera.

Please loose the beanie. That sheep saw it and thought he knew who gave up the wool for it. And he ain't happy.

I almost made a comment on your hoodie thingy length! Thanks for adjusting that! Seriously, that was a great video and the truth about beginners and gear. I know because I did it... I hope that sheep doesn't get you in trouble with your lady! That would be baaad!

Very good information - thanks!

Great point

Sensible comments. I am shooting 8 year old camera bodies and have spent many more dollars on travelling to shoot them in that time than I spent buying them. I doubt you'd have a clue how old the bodies were when you look at my work.

Very good advice James. Nice to see the girlfriend in the vlog..... Atb

James Popsys takes all my time for camera and photo research

VERY thorough and convincing recommendation! TY!

That ewe looked at your collar and thought "So that's who nicked my coat last year!"

Guitarists face the same head pickle. You can make just about any guitar sound good once you start doing it. It is exactly the same. This guy is bang on right.

That's a really helpful video James, thank you! :)

Yooo Thankyou for this!!!

Great video =) I think beginners should alsways look at used gear first. I bought all my stuff used and never had even the slightest problems with it. It saves you a lot of money that you can then add to your photography budget. Cheers from Germany =) Sören

I just want to upgrade to a Sony Alpha 7r II or III because I can. I love taking photos and I love taking photos of the best quality possible from myself as a person and from the camera :D I know how to edit, I know how to take good photographs (creative view on things, trying things out etc) and I know what I want and I build up to it since two years now (buying lenses which are full frame, buying new lenses, informing myself about cameras, buying equipment which is almost useable across different brands etc) :D But I have to wait until I really earn money because me as a student is not able to spend a huge amount of money :D ouh yeah and I got to shoot with the a7 and a7r and the a7r II due to friends :D

Great video and I’m so glad you addressed the hoody cord length.

Thanks so much for rectifying the hoodie strings. Oh, and the tips were great too!

Beginner: Spend all their savings and bring a heavy big camera anywhere. After a while: The cellphone will be good enough, a camera will just make me miserable and awkward there.

Everyone should just get the Sony a6000, 500 euros for a really good camera.

great advice! true to the subject!

Outstanding Sir, simply outstanding

there are literally dozens of cars passing by behind you:)

I can see a road in the background... such wilderness... lol

You're friggin funny....and informative. I'll be watching more of you. Thanks!

Thanks for this video. I really needed to hear it.

How bout 'The biggest Mistakes You-Tubers Make' 1. Not bullet pointing 1. Not Bullet pointing 1. Not Bullet pointing

Your early success at capturing sheep out in the field (pardon the pun) was always going to come back to haunt you. It would seem word has got out amongst the sheep fraternity. You’ve only got yourself to blame if you now find them flocking (pardon the pun) towards you 😆

Thanks mate great and very useful video.

Solid advice!

The biggest beginner mistake of vlogging: make the 1st half of your video the intro... Yawn.. Cut to the chase dude!

Dollars? Is that now the official currency of Wales?

Sound advice James! If I could have done it right the first time with a DSLR I would have rented between the 2 or 3 camera systems that peaked my interests. So I'm doing that NOW with my 3rd inter-changable lens system in 13 years. Third time's a charm, right? There's so many choices that I can easily imagine someone completely new to photography being overwhelmed. So the best I can add are these simple questions before starting: 1. What type of photography are you mainly interested in taking? Landscapes / Travel? Your Kid's Sports? Vlogging? 2. What do you plan to do with your photos after you take them? Post them on social media? Print them? Sell as stock?

Damned good advice. I've heard it all before, but your lead-in to the point you are making has helped hammer the nail a bit deeper into my thick skull. I think too much about cameras, and not enough about getting out and using what I've got! Thankyou.

first again

Hey James. Just a quick comment to say that while I watch a lot of togging channels, I find your presentation style particularly entertaining and engaging. You are appreciated so keep doing what you do :D

Good tips man. I definitely get that. I just got a rebel t6 and that was in my budget. Now working on getting different lenses. Photography is definitely not a cheap hobby.

Awesome points!