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Andrew i totally agree with your comments , where were all of these so called pros , before utube

New Sub here. I'm slowly working my way through the backlog of videos and find myself nodding in agreement in respect to a lot of things you say including: - look local for inspiration and locations to shoot - always look for a new way of shooting an image. Dont be afraid to experiment - its not about having the latest gear On top of all that there is a bonus mark for walking around and shooting at your local Industrial Estate. I thought it was just me who found those environments inspiring. Keep well and keep the videos coming. They are a breath of fresh air

Ya know, Tarantino did cross my mind once or twice when I first started watching you [about a month ago]. Maybe it's because you two are both brilliant at your craft, and neither one of you fit into a typical mold. Trust me, I do believe he meant it as a compliment.

You have the greatest sense of humor. your work is brilliant. I'm so glad you did this video: it opened my eyes to some things. THANKS.

Well said, Andy. All valid comments, and no bs. Lets hope some new photogs see this and take note.

Pretty much ignore what I'm suppose to do and just do what works for me. Matter of fact, I'm still using a hacked version (4k capable) of windows movie maker because it just simply does the job.

I appreciate the nuanced approach that acknowledges how gear can streamline workflow and enhance technical quality. Looking forward to more insightful content like this!

Thanks mate I've a lot without knowing what camera you use And I'm interested what you are using to record yourself

The phrase "Gear doesn't matter" originated in my opinion by two distinctive examples: 1st) By amateurs watching Pro photographers producing stunning work with anything they may have in their disposal and... 2nd) by amateurs again that even when they bought every lens and high end cameras they could afford still couldn't make a usable image. In both those cases "Gear doesn't matter" As long as someone already owns a lens for every composition imaginable then yes after that you don't need any new lenses and if your camera body is a mirrorless from 2018 and onwards then you don't need a camera as well. But if you're in a system owning just a 24-200 lens for example then yes by then buying a 200-600 for wildlife or a 16-35 for UWA shots and an 85mm f1.4 or a 135mm f1.8 for portraits then the acquiring of that gear will probably make you a better photographer on different genres of photography. I mean if you buy a 100mm f2.8 macro lens then it's safe to say that you will also add macro shots to your body of work that previously weren't there so you've already taken steps in becoming a better macro photographer thus a better photographer overall. The only exception to this is that you still need to get good at shooting those new compositions the new lenses will provide to you. If you don't get better at it then yeah, all the new gear won't matter either way.

I strongly believe gear DOES matter. My angle on this is as follows. For many years I have been using Canon and Sony gear for my commercial photography work. Several years of use, the cameras and lens just become tools of the trade. My family and I would go on holidays and I would never take the cameras with us, I would just go without and use my phone or no photos at all. The gear were work tools, they only really gave me benefit when a client called and they become as mundane as a screwdriver and spanner, sitting in their tool boxes until called for. 2023, I decided to purchase a new camera, a Leica camera. Now the brand has nothing to do with this, but the decision to only use the new camera as my personal, life camera, my edc camera has changed my love, inspiration and creativity for photography. I recently travelled to South Korea and the new camera was the only camera I used. I travel with it, it is with me everyday ( within reason ) and is the first camera I grab for family events, random impromptu snaps on a lazy weekend or walk around the neighbourhood. The new camera has rekindled my love for photography and allowed me to enjoy it again like I did when I first started photography before turning it into a career. So, in my opinion, a new piece of gear does make you better from a creativity and inspirational standpoint. A new camera won't make your photos look better than before though. Not that I support the idea but its like getting a new lover. The excitement, suspense, and love burns strong once again. Cheers.

Half of my gear is used. Now that I have a source I trust, I try to buy used. However, I do have more gear than I need and am holding off on further purchases for awhile. GAS is a definite disease. Even if you buy used, you have to pay attention. Sometimes used is more expensive than new on sale - especially for newer gear.

Had you ever gotten so immersed in the photography that you have gotten lost in the woods?

So nice to hear some Honesty

Thank you Andrew ! 👍🏼

I agree- but am interested as to why you don’t think iso is not part of the exposure triangle…

I only buy a piece of kit when it will solve a very specific problem. And I have a lot of problems…

Yeah that first picture is rough. It's a shame that the top of the log is barely visible, thus it lacks some 3d in the composition. But it's good to show this too, sometimes you think you have a great picture opportunity, but when you take the pictures you find that it's very difficult to get it right. As an amateur, I would've made a worse picture! 😄

Haha, you have more patience than me on the messy stuff and persisted to PP. Cropping in can help, but not always.

Kind of, I used to be a camera dealer so I have a collection of lenses and shoot Nikon, Sony and M4/3. That's because the second hand value of lenses fluctuates so much it's often cheaper to buy the lens you want and a body several generations old with 4000 shutter actuations to put on it. The thing is, that camera is still just as good as it was when it was getting gold awards and 10/10, a new version does not suddenly negate that. My other huge gripe is that so many people are just going to process the ever living love out of everything they shoot anyway, so the reality is you just need to bare minimum that will allow you to use lightroom to it's fullest which in my experience is a 2012 camera. Saying that the only camera that can take pictures in my sewing room with it's 2700k bulbs without all the colours going funky (even with a grey card) is the 2007 Nikon D300 which does raise many questions.

I love how you find interesting subjects in your vicinity, that is inspiring. You are mentioning Simon d'Entremont. What is funny, essentially he says similar things about general photography, like he presents what he is doing, but never tries to sell it as absolute truth, as far as its the artistic side of photography, neither does he suggest extremely expensive gear to start wildlife. Yeah, you don't start wildlife with a 24mm,... I don't want to waste my time on videos that suggest the choices of the maker as absolute truth, "the pro way"..., but on videos that provide inspiration and help me find and develop my own style. I'm not a "pro", its just a hobby.

The best thing about m43 is that both cameras and lenses are cheaper than other sensor formats so the GAS acount doesn't get that big as if you shoot whith APS-c, fullframe or even bigger. If you then buy your gear second hand if possible you save some money that way and don't loose as much if you don't like it and sell it to another photoghrapher.

Yes! Shame on him or her! But you know, karma will hit back hard... 😉🪷

Getting new gear won’t make you a better photographer. But it might well make your photos better, which isn’t necessarily the same thing. Whether gear acquisition is worth it or not therefore depends to some extent on how proportional your enjoyment (or profit) is to the quality of your photos (or the increase in quality that can be achieved with a certain piece of gear). Example: I have a digital camera and a couple of film cameras. The film cameras offer a much more enjoyable shooting experience, when actually out there shooting, but the digital produces better photos in most situations. Therefore when you factor in the enjoyment of viewing the photos as part of the overall photography process, the digital gives a more enjoyable overall experience because the enjoyment gained by the better quality photos outweighs the enjoyment of the film shooting experience.

Great video, thanks for your enthusiasm

I'm new to photography and have watched and read a limited amount of material. What I've learned tho is that megapixels are only good, or I guess a priority, if you're gonna crop heavily, like in sports, wildlife or landscape, or if you're doing some niche thing like food photography, or for large prints. Otherwise even 8mp from an old 1d mk2 are good enough cause in the end you're getting a picture that's slightly above 4k in resolution.

People always assume everyone’s goal is to become a better photographer. What if we just want to enjoy photography with gear we enjoy using and don’t care about subjective interpretations of the meaning of the word “better”?

Great video, as so many of your videos are. I do beg to differ a bit about the zooming with feet argument. To be exact only changing your distance to the subject changes your perspective, and with that the ratio and angles between foreground and background. Zooming with the lens is just cropping with a change of depth of field, not perspective. Obviously both can fit different circumstances.

tripod bags? a story. many years ago, when I was fit and able, I'd been photographing a waterfall in the Brecon Beacons and was resting and having a cuppa while on my way back to the car. I was at the top of a long, steep hill before descending back down when a chap bounds over to me and exclaims he's off to photograph the same fall. I was intrigued as he had no camera on him and figured he must just be using his phone, when along comes his (clearly long-suffering) partner laden with a massive camera bag and carrying a tripod in a tripod bag. Poor woman looked absolutely exhausted and as soon as she got to us and stopped, off goes the chap calling "come on then" to his partner. The look and gesture she gave me was priceless. I still wonder if he did get out of there with both test!cles?

Hi Andrew. I watch all your videos with great pleasure. Sometimes you are philosophical and other times technical. A nice mix, served in a very natural and honest way. For me, whose main language is not English, you are a pleasure to listen to. Clear and distinct speech, without too much slang. Thanks again for your motivating videos. Best regards, Jørgen Witved, Denmark. (Google translate)

I always equate photography to cookery: you don’t go to a restaurant, have a great meal and then ask the chef what kind of oven they used, or what saucepans and knives they own, so why get caught up with what gear was used to make an image? If you enjoy cooking though, owning decent knives and saucepans will make the job easier and more enjoyable. Photography is the same in that the right gear of good quality will make it more enjoyable and therefore you will do more of it and doing more of it will make you a better photographer. BTW, I am debating the purchase of a Pocket 3 and lots of reviews say it overexposes a little and this video does look a bit bright. Perhaps try -0.3EV?

Nice tripod. Better than mine. If anybody says "Don't pull out the center column!" they might as well say "Don't pull out the legs!" Too. 😊 "Visual blinkers." These I use quite often.

I would say 85% of my gear is second hand, I only buy gear if I really need it.

GAS is a marketing strategy created by camera manufacturers to keep you buying and buying and buying. One only has to remember that the manufacturer tries to get you to buy that 'state of the art' piece of equipment by telling whatever you have now (and which they told you was state of the art last year) is now obsolete.

Hi, mate. The image is indeed a lot better. How you determine your subject, I can't do that. I use my phone or I look through the viewfinder. Still, I'm going to try working with the screen again. And put the adjustable head on this tripod, because that's really convenient. I have a Vanguard tripod, and I can adjust the center column in degrees. It really doesn't blow over in wind force 8, but it also weighs almost a ton, I think. I use this for flat-lay work and macro work. As for your photos, I like the mushroom. But the rest hmmmmmmmmm. Until the next video, mate.

After years of faithful service and still operational I decided updrade my DJI action to the latest model DJI action 5 pro what a huge mistake and wish I had bought a new pocket 3 instead but my original pocket still works well I try to limit my camera gear and recently just gone using my old iphone 11 for content. Cannot wait to loose the action 5 pro on my travels

Not just me, the video image is better with the new rig!😀

Tell me about your holiday cottages, cost etc. I am interested

I've discovered your channel and enjoying your relaxed almost irreverent style. Thanks

I have recently purchased a Sony A7R4A with 61MP and it's the best camera I had, cropping is one thing but the detail on the shots is amazing. One negative I seem to have is more noise to battle against

Good advice, thanks Andrew!

I like your new video camera. It creates much better video than your smartphone. In fact, I'm so impressed by the imagery captured by your Pocket 3, I might buy one myself.

Luckily I copied what I'd written and my apologies for it's long windedness, but when my laptop shut down as I was posting I think I lost my comment so here it is in all it's long winded glory, and possibly for the second time. Commenting on someone mentioning how a common refrain today is: "The tripod is just such a burden to carry around." or words to that affect. Indeed, the tripod is/is not essential gear, depends entirely on what you're seeking to achieve. Now, 50 years ago, expressing a desire to be a photographer like my father, I said one day when he came into the house from the darkroom, "I've been looking through Uncle Edward's 'Day Books" and his two sons, Cole and Brett are photographers, and I'm your son so I'm going to be a photographer." My father said, "Well ok then." Not long after that presumptuous statement, my father gave me one of his 3-1/4 x 4-1/4 Graflexes and mounted it on one of his large wood/brass/cast metal tripods he used with his larger view cameras with the instruction being that I was restricted to using the tripod for at least 50 exposures. He'd give me the first 10 sheets of film and then I'd have to buy the remaining 40 from him at cost. I wanted to use his fairly new 'seeing eye dog' Nikon F and he knew it. He taught me the fundamentals of using his back up Weston (not Edward) II light meter with the Edward Weston add on Zone System ring, which at the time was like some mysterious alchemical concoction steeped in lore, but later fully understood by me. I went out and crafted mostly banal images, but my father had told me that would be the case and the point of the exercise was to teach me to see, to instruct me in composition, (he didn't want to see images cluttered with unnecessary things within the frame, such as bottle caps, garden hoses, trash or other things unless they supported the composition) and he said, "I'll know whether you took the time to compose or not and that's why I am not letting you use my Nikon, so you don't just go out there pointing and shooting in youthful exuberance." All that came with many lessons in how a lens works, what focal length means, how shutter speed and aperture affect exposure, the difference in slow film versus faster films (low ASA/ISO and high ASA/ISO) and this instruction continued over years, including grain size, edge acutance, darkroom science film and paper developer recipes and the mystery of all those brown jars of chemicals became working knowledge in my young brain. Now to the question of zooming with your feet/legs! True enough today because of "Zoom" lenses, but those didn't really exist back then. On a camera with a prime lens, the only way, IS to "zoom with one's feet" or to attach a longer lens and still have to reposition yourself. Furthermore, the fixed focal length coupled with a tripod teaches one patience in crafting images, teaches seeing & composition because it requires you to deliberately maneuver, sometimes incrementally adjusting the position/height/tilt among other things until you achieve the composition that you find works and is pleasing. Once composed on a tripod it's FIXED without any fear of slight movement affecting the shot. I'm always amused when I hear that the tripod is such a burden to carry around. My GOD, what delicate flowers photographers have become, (I jest, this is me being funny) when a matter of grams and millimeters of size is so inconveniently encumbering the agility of modern image makers! Today's photographers operate in an era of unprecedented LUXURY myself included, and I'm glad for it! My first tripod with that Graflex was over 3' feet long with the legs retracted, weighed about 15 pounds, had large bronze collars and wingnuts to make leg adjustments, the legs would bind making adjustments an effort at times, and it was "head" heavy so carrying it and balancing it along with my gear bag holding 5 or six film sleeves and a changing bag to load and unload the sleeves, was problematic at best. I really don't have much sympathy for people that complain about an eighth of a kilo in tripod weight today. I love today's lightweight gear and cameras as much as the next person, but I wouldn't change a jot of how I came up in the craft. I happily trek about with tripod and gear, hour after hour to this day. Tripod or hand-held each have their place, and neither is intrinsically better than the other except as I've mentioned in learning the craft and instilling patience. Large format sheet film, View/Field cameras require a tripod, and we ALWAYS composed to ALL frame edges and any cropping was merely an incremental thing of millimeters most times.

I could tell immediately you changed your rig, the image is much cleaner. Most cell phones do okay but only under very controlled circumstances. I am interested to see how you use it. As for inverting and different planar compositions, I use an arc plate on the bottom of a short extender attached to the inverted center column and ball head, it does the exact same thing for a fraction of the cost of another head.

I approach photography differently then most since I use a 4x5 Field Camera. There is no reason to keep buying more gear or gadgets. All I need is an outing with my camera which I will have next week and am heading into Northern Calif to visit and photograph some Calif Missions and Lighthouses. Also going to visit Point Reyes and Bodega Bay and take some photos.

I have GAS, but only to the extent that I know my goals and my limitations. I don't acquire gear to be better; I acquire it to have more options and thus more fun. Almost every piece of camera gear I've bought since returning to the hobby has been used or refurbished.