I came for the gear reviews, but stayed for the canoe videos. Few years ago, I finally decided to try it at the Humber River and to my luck, I met you rowing along up river. My interest in gear reviews have mostly gone (so has the curiosity to make photos), but I do enjoy these little stories from you. Thank you.
Might just be the best essay from a canoe I’ve ever heard as I share many of your thoughts about photography from both the artistic and technical sides. Ideal timing too as I’m deep in final prep for my departure to Botswana in two days’ time to photograph those animals who will graciously appear in the viewfinders of my seemingly old DSLRs. Enjoy your summer.
Looking back at my old photographs, it really is the story that makes an image stood out and made me relive the moment “oh yeah I took that image when I was at x doing y things with that z guy”. And while gear isn’t as important, it’s hard for me to not feel nostalgic when I see my old Nikon FM2, the camera that I took everywhere capturing countless frames of photographs since the beginning of my analog journey, unfortunately out of commission due to buckled shutter blades just a few months back.
You have a great gift, or maybe learned ability, in script writing and speaking Maarten. Your words are so thoughtful, and also very true. Thank you for taking us for a canoe trip. Also Maarten, I followed your "memory cards full, batteries empty" advice on a trip to Tobermory. Okay, I cheated a bit, I shot on Aperture priority rather than auto. But regardless, I followed your advice as best as I could. Focusing on framing, timing, and composition, letting the camera do the work. I came home with more "keepers" than I ever have. I'm so grateful for your instruction
I wonder what Leonardo da Vinci imagined the viewers would think, looking at the Mona Lisa. I hardly think he would have thought that most viewers would first of all be puzzled by the apparent discrepancy between the fabled price and the modest size of the canvas. (A fact that always makes me giggle). I've watched several TV documentaries in which many arts experts as well as laymen have commented on the picture, but to this day I've yet to hear anybody put their finger on why this really IS a true masterpiece, even though it is glaringly obvious to me. What puzzles me is that nobody else seems to see what I see. But I guess many people MUST have seen it too, or the picture wouldn't be so famous. To see it, you must spend some time looking at it, and perhaps that's the problem: Most people of today have no patience. I don't think I've ever given any thought to what other people would think of my pictures. Of course it's nice with positive feedback, but that was never why I took the picture. Whether we all get the same emotions looking at the same picture, is an interesting question. But I don't think we'll ever know. In some cases we obviously don't, but I'd be surprised if that was always true. Anyway, gear and image sharpness are everything! And if we didn't believe that, the gear manufacturers would soon go bankrupt.
Interesting thoughts - maybe it's not patience, but the ability to concentrate and bring our powers of observation and analysis to bear on a subject (like painting) for which we (as novices) may have few terms of reference. Right. If you take pictures for other people's pleasure (assuming there's no financial arrangement involved) you're on Instagram and likely censoring your creativity to achieve approval. Of course, as an intention, that seems completely valid.
May I ask what the ratio is between those pictures what you save and those what you delete because they are unsuccessful? For instance, if I want to take a good picture I need to take (at least) around 4 to get 1 what I like. Many reason can ruin a picture: not everyone facing and smiling towards the camera or the wind moves the flower and the picture has some blur/ out of focus or etc. I know some people have exceptional talent to take pictures, but when I check my oldest pictures from before my digital cameras I am not able to understand why only 1 or to was useless out of the 32. Maybe the reason I press the button with much less responsibility? Nonetheless😅, I found your channel about 2 years ago when after a holiday I decided to buy a new camera to replace my old sony dslr(it still makes good pictures but the video quality is quite questionable). However, as I watched more and more tests I became more and more idealess about which camera should I choose, Which can make better pictures than my iphone and more importantly has a good zoom.
I did not mean to suggest that you should not exercise your own judgement about which pictures you should retain from the ones you've taken. Thanks for your kind words, always a pleasure to read thoughtful comments from my viewers.
What a superb thought provoking and intelligent video - technology is an enabler - it’s the senses of the human being that trumps all - please keep posting these videos
If this was off the cuff no teleprompter you have my kudos for being a very skilled orator. For that matter, same kudos even with a teleprompter. Because you got one onto a canoe.
Thanks for the chuckle. I did get it into the canoe. And for your very kind words. What you also can't see is Kim directing me left and right to keep the background interesting while not going in a straight line.
From a pinhole camera to the most technologically advanced camera, it is all about content. Something just moves me to take a particular image. I can be using my older camera or a newer one. It doesn't matter. There is a particular inner feeling that motivates me. I don't care whether anyone else likes the image, it was just at that particular moment, I saw something that inspired me to create an image.
While I too love instinctive photography, “here’s something I’d like to save (or share)” I’m starting to try to analyze (thanks to my daughter) the nature of those impulses.
Inspiring and so true. To date, one of my favourite images was taken with a Canon IXUS 40 (a 4MP point-and-shoot camera). The image is far from perfect according to Pro Photographer rules and visually nowhere near to what would have been possible with 2023 gear - but I love the subject, what it represents and how it makes me feel. Thanks Maarten for sharing.
Maarten, I can see myself in the thoughts you shared. It’s always useful to remind myself what is my intention by taking pictures because it is so appealing and interesting to get lost in technics and equipment but for me, it is much more fulfilling to take and share a picture that tells a story (for me at least). Keep sharing your thoughts.
Thanks for the kind words. No borrowed or loaned equipment was used for this video. I used the Sony A7 IV with the 24-70mm GM II lens ruclips.net/video/2ypH8VkSVEY/видео.html. Recording on Sony Tough CF Express A 80 card. I used a 3 stop ND filter, 1/65 shutter, f4, ISO 100. Monitored on Atomos Inferno. Audio recorded on the Zoom F2 BT with the kit mic. Manfrotto tripod (no gimbal, no in camera stabilization). Script on iPhone 8 running Pages in presenter mode mounted on a Manfrotto phone clamp cold shoe adapter. Hope this helps.
@@MaartenHeilbron Great message. Crisp writing, passionate delivery. All that and a continuous shot as well? Takes me back to the days of the Grand Rapids Lip Dub.
Thank you very much. For these kinds of videos, my thought is that it has more impact if it's unedited. Anyway, also fun to do in a single take (admittedly, take two).
Calm water, even, soft light from overcast sky.. what a wonderful setting for this kind of topic. Clear, honest, and inspiring.. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent for sharing.
The industry has changed. LIke movies that pull ideas from books and comics, I think the new images will still pull ideas from photographers and artists.
Words of wisdom, thanks MH! For what ever reason I dont get notification when you post, even though I've clicked the notification bell. It just dawned on me that I hadn't seen a video from you in while, then after checking, noticed that you were posting as usual. In a way it worked out, in that I have something of value to watch in these "hazy crazy days of summer."
I wish I had a solution that the notification issue - but that seems to be part of RUclips’s unpredictability. Always nice to see your avatar and red your kind words, thanks!!
Greetings from a 73yr old novice in Nottingham, England…always find your chats engaging…very appreciative of your past thoughts on all things Fujifilm 👋
Technically very impressive. Your command of RUclips / content creating is on a higher level. Hopefully this was accomplished on your first take. Can I ask if you used a teleprompter? Or was this improvised? Bravo!
So, maybe not so impressive when I tell you I did use a prompter and that this was take two - mostly because the background for take one was boring. Kim directed me left and right to keep the background more interesting in this take. Thank you for taking the time to comment, and for your kind words, always appreciated.
As you know, it was quite a particle dance with all the pixels and electrons on their way to me, but right now on my screen, I still see your light Maarten. I give regular talks at my photo club and will definitely steal the capuccino vs photos concept. Of course, credit will be given... Portez-vous bien mon ami.
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, interesting, we often think that we can emulate our photographic heroes by purchasing the same model of camera - which rarely provides the results we're looking for.
Thank you for sharing always a pleasure I guess I turned my interest into a passionate hobby over many years (60) Almost every day I see something and think that is very interesting I wonder if I could capture that pleasure so I add to My Photography Videography wish list with the date time and location and some times i write it down or just grab my phone and snap a reminder. I am fine with my A600 and A6500 and I was intrigued by the flying cameras so I now have 2 DJI drones. I recently found out I have this none harmful quirk called Mind Blindness when I close my eyes I never see any pictures I wonder if that is one reason why I like looking at my pictures and videos.
I enjoy all your videos keep them coming. I also like this new style vlogging type videos as well showing camera and camera gear being used at real time. That's one of the things I like most about camera videos being used in real time and showing the viewers what to expect. Thanks again 😀👍👌
WOW! What a refreshing video about photography. You made my day. Thank you for reminding me that I am the most important piece in my photography arsenal. It is very easy to forget that when so many youtubers are peddling merchandise disguised as a new must have gizmo that will "improve your photos" or technique. All the best to you!
Understood and thanks. If they have a review model and are williing to lend it to me for a few weeks, I'll do exactly that. However, at the moment, I'm not holding my breath.
Uncle Maarten, Doesn’t matters whether it’s an review of a camera or normal chitchat about photography I thoroughly enjoy your videos. ❤
I appreciate that! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
My goodness, this is a fantastic video. Beautifully executed. One single take of wonderful insights, warm intentions, and calming context.
Wow, thank you! What a pleasure to read your very kind words, appreciated.
I came for the gear reviews, but stayed for the canoe videos. Few years ago, I finally decided to try it at the Humber River and to my luck, I met you rowing along up river. My interest in gear reviews have mostly gone (so has the curiosity to make photos), but I do enjoy these little stories from you. Thank you.
Thanks, always nice to see my friends out on the river. And a pleasure to read your kind words, appreciated!
Might just be the best essay from a canoe I’ve ever heard as I share many of your thoughts about photography from both the artistic and technical sides. Ideal timing too as I’m deep in final prep for my departure to Botswana in two days’ time to photograph those animals who will graciously appear in the viewfinders of my seemingly old DSLRs. Enjoy your summer.
Thanks - sounds like a great trip, enjoy. Drain your batteries, fill your DC cards, backup, backup, backup!
Looking back at my old photographs, it really is the story that makes an image stood out and made me relive the moment “oh yeah I took that image when I was at x doing y things with that z guy”. And while gear isn’t as important, it’s hard for me to not feel nostalgic when I see my old Nikon FM2, the camera that I took everywhere capturing countless frames of photographs since the beginning of my analog journey, unfortunately out of commission due to buckled shutter blades just a few months back.
sorry to hear about your fm2, thanks for sharing your thoughts and memories.
You have a great gift, or maybe learned ability, in script writing and speaking Maarten. Your words are so thoughtful, and also very true. Thank you for taking us for a canoe trip.
Also Maarten, I followed your "memory cards full, batteries empty" advice on a trip to Tobermory. Okay, I cheated a bit, I shot on Aperture priority rather than auto.
But regardless, I followed your advice as best as I could. Focusing on framing, timing, and composition, letting the camera do the work.
I came home with more "keepers" than I ever have. I'm so grateful for your instruction
Thanks for your kind words. In my mind, aperture priority is an auto mode.
I'm so glad to hear that you were happy with the results from this trip.
I wonder what Leonardo da Vinci imagined the viewers would think, looking at the Mona Lisa.
I hardly think he would have thought that most viewers would first of all be puzzled by the apparent discrepancy between the fabled price and the modest size of the canvas. (A fact that always makes me giggle). I've watched several TV documentaries in which many arts experts as well as laymen have commented on the picture, but to this day I've yet to hear anybody put their finger on why this really IS a true masterpiece, even though it is glaringly obvious to me.
What puzzles me is that nobody else seems to see what I see. But I guess many people MUST have seen it too, or the picture wouldn't be so famous.
To see it, you must spend some time looking at it, and perhaps that's the problem: Most people of today have no patience.
I don't think I've ever given any thought to what other people would think of my pictures. Of course it's nice with positive feedback, but that was never why I took the picture.
Whether we all get the same emotions looking at the same picture, is an interesting question. But I don't think we'll ever know. In some cases we obviously don't, but I'd be surprised if that was always true.
Anyway, gear and image sharpness are everything!
And if we didn't believe that, the gear manufacturers would soon go bankrupt.
Interesting thoughts - maybe it's not patience, but the ability to concentrate and bring our powers of observation and analysis to bear on a subject (like painting) for which we (as novices) may have few terms of reference.
Right. If you take pictures for other people's pleasure (assuming there's no financial arrangement involved) you're on Instagram and likely censoring your creativity to achieve approval. Of course, as an intention, that seems completely valid.
May I ask what the ratio is between those pictures what you save and those what you delete because they are unsuccessful? For instance, if I want to take a good picture I need to take (at least) around 4 to get 1 what I like. Many reason can ruin a picture: not everyone facing and smiling towards the camera or the wind moves the flower and the picture has some blur/ out of focus or etc. I know some people have exceptional talent to take pictures, but when I check my oldest pictures from before my digital cameras I am not able to understand why only 1 or to was useless out of the 32. Maybe the reason I press the button with much less responsibility? Nonetheless😅, I found your channel about 2 years ago when after a holiday I decided to buy a new camera to replace my old sony dslr(it still makes good pictures but the video quality is quite questionable). However, as I watched more and more tests I became more and more idealess about which camera should I choose, Which can make better pictures than my iphone and more importantly has a good zoom.
I did not mean to suggest that you should not exercise your own judgement about which pictures you should retain from the ones you've taken.
Thanks for your kind words, always a pleasure to read thoughtful comments from my viewers.
What a superb thought provoking and intelligent video - technology is an enabler - it’s the senses of the human being that trumps all - please keep posting these videos
Great summary of my rambling rant. Thanks for your kind words and encouragement.
Do you always just use the J stroke while canoeing? Thank you for your opinions.
Only when I want to go in a straight line. I don't use it when going in circles.
If this was off the cuff no teleprompter you have my kudos for being a very skilled orator. For that matter, same kudos even with a teleprompter. Because you got one onto a canoe.
Thanks for the chuckle. I did get it into the canoe. And for your very kind words. What you also can't see is Kim directing me left and right to keep the background interesting while not going in a straight line.
From a pinhole camera to the most technologically advanced camera, it is all about content. Something just moves me to take a particular image. I can be using my older camera or a newer one. It doesn't matter. There is a particular inner feeling that motivates me. I don't care whether anyone else likes the image, it was just at that particular moment, I saw something that inspired me to create an image.
While I too love instinctive photography, “here’s something I’d like to save (or share)” I’m starting to try to analyze (thanks to my daughter) the nature of those impulses.
❤✌️🙏✌️❤️Thank you for creating and sharing ✌️
It's always my pleasure. Also my pleasure to read your very kind words.
Your channel is amazing. Thanks a lot !!
Thank you for your kind words, appreciated!
Inspiring, thank you for this video✌️
Glad you enjoyed it! Always nice to read that my viewers are appreciative.
Inspiring and so true. To date, one of my favourite images was taken with a Canon IXUS 40 (a 4MP point-and-shoot camera). The image is far from perfect according to Pro Photographer rules and visually nowhere near to what would have been possible with 2023 gear - but I love the subject, what it represents and how it makes me feel. Thanks Maarten for sharing.
I'm so glad to hear that - we can get hung up on gear and forget that it's the image that matters to us. Thanks for your kind words.
I feel inspired to be more intentional. Thank you.
I'm very happy to hear that, thanks for taking the time to comment.
Maarten, I can see myself in the thoughts you shared. It’s always useful to remind myself what is my intention by taking pictures because it is so appealing and interesting to get lost in technics and equipment but for me, it is much more fulfilling to take and share a picture that tells a story (for me at least). Keep sharing your thoughts.
Thank you, it's always nice to know that viewers appreciate my videos for all kinds of reasons.
what setup (camera, mic, lense) are you using, this video looks soo good!
Thanks for the kind words. No borrowed or loaned equipment was used for this video.
I used the Sony A7 IV with the 24-70mm GM II lens ruclips.net/video/2ypH8VkSVEY/видео.html.
Recording on Sony Tough CF Express A 80 card. I used a 3 stop ND filter, 1/65 shutter, f4, ISO 100. Monitored on Atomos Inferno. Audio recorded on the Zoom F2 BT with the kit mic. Manfrotto tripod (no gimbal, no in camera stabilization). Script on iPhone 8 running Pages in presenter mode mounted on a Manfrotto phone clamp cold shoe adapter.
Hope this helps.
@@MaartenHeilbron Great message. Crisp writing, passionate delivery. All that and a continuous shot as well? Takes me back to the days of the Grand Rapids Lip Dub.
Thank you very much. For these kinds of videos, my thought is that it has more impact if it's unedited. Anyway, also fun to do in a single take (admittedly, take two).
Calm water, even, soft light from overcast sky.. what a wonderful setting for this kind of topic. Clear, honest, and inspiring.. Thank you for sharing your incredible talent for sharing.
A great pleasure to read your kind words, thanks very much.
The industry has changed. LIke movies that pull ideas from books and comics, I think the new images will still pull ideas from photographers and artists.
I certainly hope so, it would be sad to think that there's a limit to human creativity.
Words of wisdom, thanks MH! For what ever reason I dont get notification when you post, even though I've clicked the notification bell. It just dawned on me that I hadn't seen a video from you in while, then after checking, noticed that you were posting as usual. In a way it worked out, in that I have something of value to watch in these "hazy crazy days of summer."
I wish I had a solution that the notification issue - but that seems to be part of RUclips’s unpredictability. Always nice to see your avatar and red your kind words, thanks!!
Greetings from a 73yr old novice in Nottingham, England…always find your chats engaging…very appreciative of your past thoughts on all things Fujifilm 👋
Thank you very much. Always nice to hear from another aging practitioner.
Technically very impressive. Your command of RUclips / content creating is on a higher level. Hopefully this was accomplished on your first take. Can I ask if you used a teleprompter? Or was this improvised? Bravo!
So, maybe not so impressive when I tell you I did use a prompter and that this was take two - mostly because the background for take one was boring. Kim directed me left and right to keep the background more interesting in this take. Thank you for taking the time to comment, and for your kind words, always appreciated.
only one question ...hehehe how u managed that all mosquitoes & black flies disappeared around u..hehehe just saying
As long as there's a breeze and you stay away from marshy areas, not usually an issue once you're out on the water in the middle of the day.
As you know, it was quite a particle dance with all the pixels and electrons on their way to me, but right now on my screen, I still see your light Maarten. I give regular talks at my photo club and will definitely steal the capuccino vs photos concept. Of course, credit will be given... Portez-vous bien mon ami.
Wonderful, thanks!
You’re a thinker! My favorite photographer is Andre Kertesz. One thing clear from his career - he could make great pictures with any camera.
Thanks for your kind words. Yes, interesting, we often think that we can emulate our photographic heroes by purchasing the same model of camera - which rarely provides the results we're looking for.
Thank you for sharing always a pleasure
I guess I turned my interest into a passionate hobby over many years (60)
Almost every day I see something and think that is very interesting I wonder if I could capture that pleasure so I add to My Photography Videography wish list with the date time and location and some times i write it down or just grab my phone and snap a reminder.
I am fine with my A600 and A6500 and I was intrigued by the flying cameras so I now have 2 DJI drones.
I recently found out I have this none harmful quirk called Mind Blindness when I close my eyes I never see any pictures I wonder if that is one reason why I like looking at my pictures and videos.
Interesting thoughts and observations, thanks for sharing. And thanks for your kind words, always appreciated!
Welcome back!
Nice to be out in a canoe again.
If you haven't read it yet I think you would thoroughly enjoy "On Photography" by Susan Sontag.
Yes, interesting. Balancing participation and observation is difficult. As I said "passenger in my own life".
Really, as with most aspects of life, isn't it about having fun and, also, recording many moments for personal posterity.
Yes! Have fun, create images that matter to you.
I enjoy all your videos keep them coming. I also like this new style vlogging type videos as well showing camera and camera gear being used at real time. That's one of the things I like most about camera videos being used in real time and showing the viewers what to expect. Thanks again 😀👍👌
Always nice to hear from viewers who appreciate my work, thanks!!
You are so right ! couldnt agree more and it is so well said. Keep doing the videos YOU like to do Maarten.
Thanks, a pleasure to read your kind words.
Thanks for the motivation, Maarten. Love your backyard.
It's a nice one alright. Always nice to know that I've provided encouragement for my viewers to exercise their own creative impulses.
Thank you for sharing these videos as always!
Always my pleasure - thanks for your kind words.
Beautiful lecture on how we can look at creativity in general and photography more specific. You ask good questions 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to post your kind words.
@@MaartenHeilbron 😀
The writing and presentation is sooo good ;)
Glad you think so! A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks!
From Bangladesh ❤❤❤
Thanks for your kind emojis.
First!!!!!
Congratulations. What did you think about the video?
@@MaartenHeilbron I enjoyed your video - a nice reminder to enjoy photography as well as the cameras and lenses.
Thanks for your kind words.
WOW! What a refreshing video about photography. You made my day.
Thank you for reminding me that I am the most important piece in my photography arsenal. It is very easy to forget that when so many youtubers are peddling merchandise disguised as a new must have gizmo that will "improve your photos" or technique.
All the best to you!
Thanks for your wonderful words - I’m so happy to hear that your were inspired by my thoughts. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I like this video :)
It was a pleasure to read your kind words.
Maarten where have you been? Enjoy your videos!
I've been to Prince Edward Island, Niagara on the Lake, Stratford and Collingwood recently. How about you? Thanks for your kind words.
@@MaartenHeilbron Just enjoying the fall here in Chattanooga TN. Glad to hear you're doing well! Looking forward to your next video!
Truly Inspiring process of photography
Thanks Maarten 🙏💐
My pleasure! Always nice to hear from a viewer who enjoyed a video.
Gracias, me encanta 😅😊
Gracias por tus amables palabras.
Whatever happens, I have really enjoyed your camera reviews. It would be great to see you review the Nikon Zf.
Understood and thanks. If they have a review model and are williing to lend it to me for a few weeks, I'll do exactly that. However, at the moment, I'm not holding my breath.