Thanks again James! Fantastic trip to Antarctica yet again. To everyone else, if you're wondering if he's like this is person... he's exactly the same in person.
My wife and I drove to Zion for a little walk around this morning. Yes, we are fortunate to live close enough to do this. While we were wandering around one of the slick rock hills she said, "That James guy was right this morning." Yes, we were fortunate to watch this episode along with morning coffee today. "When you are out taking photos you do notice more things than if you were just walking around," she explained. There you go, proof in the pudding, so to speak.
Great video, only down side is MPB the sponsor. I have used them twice and each time not a very good experience at all. The last occasion I part ex a lens for use one on the mpb web site only to find it had an error code when I tested it. After some reading of reviews I read this was a common issue with mpb not fully testing the gear, if at all, or the description was incorrect from the actual conditions. Also my part ex lens was knocked down on its value once they received claiming it had a scratch on the rear element. When The deal fell through and I asked for my lens back I had to pay FULL retail price for it from mpb, and when I did get it back I could not find any scratch. I used a macro lens and 45mp camera to hunt for said scratch, and strangely enough I did not find any scratch ! ! Problem when a deal with mpb goes south for the consumer it cost the customer in the pocket ! All mpb offered me was a £10 discount voucher off a £100 spend as their idea of compensation ! !
The best advice I took from you as a beginner is to spend your money on travel and not just gear. My best photos so far have been with used gear from MPB and used the rest of my money for fuel to get up into the mountains away from everyone.
Absolutely agree on the first point. I never let anyone I consider to be a more experienced photographer critique my photos. If they give advice I’ll just try to do what they say and then I won’t be doing what I want to do. If someone likes my photos it makes me feel good. If they don’t, it doesn’t matter. As long as I like them.
James... you are the first I've heard say it!! Your comments at 2:30 are spot on!! Hallelujah!! All you budding photographers out there take note... these are the truest words you ever hear. 🙌
Reminder of my first trip ( of 2) to Canadas high Arctic region in my younger days. Couldn't spell photography at the time & bought some kind of Canon film 35 mm pocket sized camera.I look back on those one lens shots occasionally & am quite happy with them since temps varied from 0C to minus 55 C. Camera always buried under my heavy winter gear. The summer trip ( no heat wave either) was better, but now with a single lens Minolta SRT ?? camera, still 35 mm film. Learned a lot of fundamentals by sheer coincidence & worth the trips.
Thank you for your thoughts - I go along entirely. In fact, I'd like to stress one of the points: I'm not making as many photographs as I used to (reasons), but somethings that's still around - as a photographer I learned to "see better". And I do this even when I don't have the camera with me. It's enhancing life so much.
I was going to say, before the second part where you clarified, was that since I've begun photography, I observe my surroundings ten times more then I used to. I would even go so far as it's changed my perspective on my travel 100 percent
James ….fabulous video and photography tips to live by ! Photography is a passion that if harnessed properly can free one up to see the world with a whole new perspective! Spending time with you has given me encouragement to continue to enjoy it without the technical constraints we so often place on ourselves…BRAVO my friend ! Till we meet again ….
For me, there is a reason we do it. It’s about learning and deciding what you like to shoot and how. I don’t mind that I have a bunch of gear. I have worked out which gear I like to use and when… and if I feel a bit uninspired I take out something I use rarely and turn it into a learning experience (and learning/experimenting make me inspired). Embrace the struggle :)
The tyranny of manufacturers who want to sell as much gears as they can, helped by commercials. I highly believe in simplicity and low tech in photography, especially from an environnemental point of view.
Good video as always - I wonder if you can consider some intermediate or advanced topics @james, since much of your content is geared towards beginners.
Love the point at the end about using only a prime to force yourself to really consider some shots. You did a video about this a few years back and I often head out with only my 50mm and it’s dramatically changed some of my photos for the better!
Ever year I sign up for the arctic emails, then every year I see the price and internally combust. Would love to do it at some point, especially because I have a fascination with polar expeditions of the past, but I think I'll just have to live vicariously through these videos instead!
1 - There's no such thing as a great photo 2 - As much as good photos don't exist, perfect photos don't exist either 3 - Books as an educational and inspirational investment 4 - Bag that you will actually use 5 - Take a moment to observe with your eyes, not your viewfinder 6 - Look up and about 7 - Importance of testing assumptions 8 - Art of photography > Science of photography 9 - You notice much more with a camera in your hand than when you don't 10 - Using a prime can be much more fun and engaging
I questioned myself every time I bought a photography book for the coffee table. Looking back I'm glad I did and I love picking them up from time to time, they're definitely a little boost of inspiration!
Loved this video. I was on the 2022 trip to Antarctica w you & Nigel. My husband and I are headed there in less than 2 weeks w Aurora. Weddle Sea & some of the side of Antartica we visited last trip. You have truly opened my eyes to seeing what to photograph in new ways. Thanks for the inspo!
Great advice. You definitely have a bright style and I love it. Come to Florida , though, and try your luck. I'd be interested to see how you react to the walls of green, and only the bright sun in the sky.
I think the most useful camera bag for me so far has been my coat's pocket. Small camera+small lens = easy to carry. Makes me take my camera to more places without it being a backbreaking hassle.
Great video and totally loved Borgen Bay that was great. Good one about the lens very true often I just go out into town with just the camera, one lens and a spare battery and just see what I can grab.
There is a very good definition of a "good photo". A photo is good if it fulfills the purpose for which the photographer intended. Some photos are for money. If they make money, then they are good,. Some photos are meant to garner praise on social media. If you gets tons of likes, then the photo is good.
James, I really liked this video, good thoughts on photography. Thanks so much! I didn't mind all the scenery changes as we get to see parts of the world we may not get a chance to go.
Great video James, Looking forward to seeing more of the trip. I agree about the Bellroy sling, works great for me but that lip just collects little bits of stick, leaves and other junk.
I bought some decent equipment about 6 years ago and I still use it. I have upgraded one lens, a 100-400mm, but still primarily use the same 12-60 kit lens that came with my Lumix G85. I also just happened to have come back from Antarctica and I’ve been going through the 800+ photos that I took. Anyway, I was inspired to take this trip by one of your videos when you talked about hosting a workshop. (My budget restrictions precluded me from joining your excursion.) As always, I thoroughly enjoyed your introspection.
Well said and absolutely correct--art only matters if YOU like it. If others do as well, that's just gravy. I do spend more time than I need in post, fully knowing from painting that the hardest part is knowing when to stop! Yeah--so easy to miss other things when shooting--that's why I quit shooting concerts. That said, I know I see many things otherwise easily overlooked because I'm looking for potential images. I so want to climb in Antarctica and Patagonia. Things look very different from up there (although the weather is extremely capricious and potentially deadly).
"...an amazing backdrop..." (proceeds to apply the patent Popsys exposure formula that removes all the detail from the sky😂). Don't get me wrong, I find you style highly effective and appealing, and red hut, a few black rocks, and white snow blending with white sky is very evocative of Antarctica , but it did make me chuckle.
More seriously, completely agree with point 8 that being a photographer helps you to appreciate what you see better. These days I'm rarely without a camera (even if only the one on my phone) but even if I can't stop to take a photo of, for example, the curtain-like appearance of the lights on the M62 as they snake up Saddleworth Moor at night in drizzling rain, I'm sure I *notice* how good it looks more than if I didn't take photos.
I own one (1) photo book. Yours! I own way too many lenses, but I agree with taking just one (or maybe two for longer outings). The challenge is fantastic and you learn a lot. Looking ofrward to seeing the rest of your trip mate. Great video! Cheers
One of the things that makes Mr. Popsys unique amongst "landscape photographers" is his focus on manmade objects. It is one of the reasons I really like him. The other thing that makes his videos my favorite is his tendency to use self-depreciating humor. I would love to take a photo walk with him sometime.
hello James, very useful and inspiring, this video. Reflecting how you use techniques to produce a style or art of photography. As you state: this insights come now and you wished you had them earlier. That will afterwards allways be so. And you are glad the insights will continue to come and widen your experience. So try not to be too much philosopher, but pay attention to what you feel as exciting to photograph, explore further. I try too, using reflective moments to direct or redirect personal development as a photograhper. Thanks, Bert.
I think the stop constantly changing lenses is the best tip. Like you say, no good photos were formed in a camera bag. My favourite tip is 'the best views are not always in front of you, look behind on occasions'.
Thanks for the tips - It's helpful to hear these kinds of things every once in a while. Meantime, wasn't that the award-winning Belgian ex-pat from Iceland Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove sitting next to Mads?
James your videos are ever inspiring and I’m wondering which camera you use to shoot your speaking to camera which flips front to back with the double click? Thinking of investing in an action cam for street photography and wondered what you use. Thanks so much for the wonderful content.
MY 10 TIPS AND yes a part time working professional 1 print your pics 2 take photos outside your comfort zones 3 buy good lenses 4 buy second hand gear and use saving for trips 5 learn to edit 6 get out 3 times a week even if it's just a local walk 7 learn composition and keep it simple 8 try new things 9 embrace failure 10 learn mindfulness based photography ...learn to observe what's around you
9:00 Exactly. Why take (telephoto) pictures of things that are far away? To look at later when those things are even farther away? A lot is said about capturing a moment when shooting an event, but more should be said about conveying immediacy when shooting a place. Basically, 40mm = this place / this person; 50mm = over there / that person.
I think a little more quality time behind the lens, trying to keep the view in focus. I am ready to get out and find some fun sites here in middle Tennessee. When I look at my stuff I decide if its framed to suit me. Is the right part in focus to suit me.? Is the exposure good? Very few of my photos are seen.... even my sons rarely see my pictures. With that said... I should watch the rest of your video.
I do have photos that I would deem nearly perfect, but not necessarily because I feel that I did everything right, but that I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Hi James! Hope you're well? On the subject of bags, I'm now using one of the best bags for my gear that I've ever used, and d'ya know what? It's not even a camera bag, (well, not specifically anyway.) and the other wonderful thing about this bag, is that it cost a grand total of £4.99! 😁😁 I do love a bargain, me! Off to the Photography Show at the NEC on the 18th! Can't wait! I'm like a big kid. It's all I've talked about for weeks! 😂😂 By the way, you have more Jam than Hartley's! Patagonia is one of the places in the world I've most wanted to visit!
I find when I have a camera I'm paying more attention to what is around me and I see more opportunities. Sometimes it irritates others who are oblivious to what's going on (another rant about that later). Also, I agree with #1, my criteria is did I execute the shot I wanted or not, if I did then it's a good shot otherwise it's a bad shot.
James you seem to have a lot of experience traveling around the globe, could you make a video talking about how you plan or organize these trips ? I would love to visit antartica like you did in this video but finds little informations on how to do it.
For me "only take what you use regularly" just makes sure that I never actually use stuff that I don't use regularly. To curb this I sometimes challenge myself to go out and shoot otherwise routine places, limiting myself to unusual lens choices/focal lengths. Pretty interesting to go around shooting a city with only a long (or only a superwide) lens instead of the regulatory "walkabout" 24-105. The way you view things changes drastically if you limit yourself to one or the other.
I had an English professor that would say, "you aren't really reading unless you have a pen in your hand," and I think the same can be said for cameras. You aren't really seeing unless you're seeing with intention. Cameras push you to wonder, wander, and pay attention in a way that simply walking aimlessly or to a destination have difficulty doing.
It makes me laugh and feel so happy to think of places where penguins hang around like pigeons or seagulls or geese or ducks do around where I live. Just makes me feel happy. Smiling from ear to ear. Hang on. Going back to watch that part of the video again. 6:18
I have a Bellroy 10L picked up at great price and really like it. Like you the front pocket lip is annoying but big issue for me is strap is too short. Am 6'2" and can't get it to sit where i like on my body. Contacted them but they couldn't help.
You and Simon d’Entremont are great teachers of photography. Do you pay or do they sponsor or work Antarctica Tourism Board? I do have a dream to go there as a photographer
I've said many times over the years that Photography is the most subjective art form. A lot of people don't even consider photos to be art at all. That's why it's best to shoot what you like, and not what anyone else might approve of.
Maybe you'll mention that you didn't have to endure the Drake Passage on this trip because you flew direct to the continent, thus avoiding the seasickness you dealt with on the last trip. Tricky. Carry on. 👍🥂
