For me, my two biggest flaws is being lazy and not going out in bad weather. I see pictures in bad weather and always say that would be nice to capture, but when the weather turns bad, I don’t want to go out anymore. Thanks for another great video!
Great video, with a valuable message. “The harder I work, the luckier I get”. We all want great photos but we are not all willing to put in the effort. Thanks
Very good advice and very good pictures. Norwegian plane 😊 Bad news: Researchers have now found out that monkeys cannot write Shakespeare by luck within the time before the universe's heat death. For me I do photography for myself and when I get out of the sofa, I'm always happy during the photography, and if I get one good picture it also brings joy. What I need is focus on only one or two places and take photos from different angles to train my "seeing" sense.
Love that image that popped up at around 5 minutes. The boat on the lake is gorgeous, hard work paid off and a well deserved recognition. You've mastered the pinhole in my opinion.
I have been telling those whom I know to do this for a long time. No takers as yet. Fear of the unknown, insecurity of realising that they don't really understand much about the basics of the science of photography, not willing to take a risk, laziness and expense are just a few reasons. One You Tuber in the UK, once declared in one his vloggs that he was going to start ' pre-visualising his photographs. In the same episode after each shot he kept looking at the LCD on his camera and showed us the viewers, the result of his endeavours. When I told him this was not pre-visualisation and he should turn that LCD off or not display the photo, he got upset. I also told him that he should only shoot in jpeg, so that he could gradually learn not to rely on massive post treatment of his RAW files, he told me that he knew what he was doing. The usual army of his supporters came to his rescue. I have since stopped following his channel.
Some of my best photos are with crappy gear.To me it's sometimes about the journey, just went out to take photos. Had an hour long walk with 10 photos and I expect about 2 average. But I wanted to test new film so it is a success. I have some shots that I've really thought about or even knew were to be at what time and what kind of photo I want. I think I've learned most from the photos I chose not to take. Knowing what is not good is so helpful with current film prices especially with large format. Looking critically at my photos is a critical learning moment to me. Printing them helps a lot. The photos I like after having a year on the wall (or discarding after a month) have both a lot to learn about what I like.
"The photos I like after having a year on the wall (or discarding after a month) have both a lot to learn about what I like." --- that is so well said!!!!
That surfer photo at the end of this video is STRONG. Great video once again. If you'd like a game to play try writing down a concept or two, maybe a thing or two that bothers you, and then go out and try your best to explain those concepts with your camera. Enlightening on a couple of levels. Hope to see you next week!
As I have said for years... You have to work for it. Luck..Sure. You can get lucky. But if you work for it, the luckier you will get. Great, even important post..... 👍👍
Hey thanks for creating this video, you make the difference. The thought process behind your pictures and stories that they tell are on the spot. My jaw was left hanging. I've still much to learn but thanks to you it's getting easier.
Great video. I agree it's not the gear that gets a photograph, it's not luck, or being at the right place at the right time. It is learning to 'see'. I find that people that struggle to get Great photos are caught up in the details of getting the best photo . They meter the heck out of a scene , spend what seems like hours composing. Then are disappointed with the result, a decent photo. Not the award winner they planned on. I've noticed that you walk or boat to the same location and can usually make very good photos and many times great photos and sometimes an amazing photo. All because you have learned to see, even though it's a route that you've taken many times before. You've proved it's.not using expensive gear , because of the photos you have made with your Holga and your pinhole camera. If you want to be a better photographer , stop 'looking' and start 'seeing '
Very well said. You first need to see -- and only then you can photograph it. The same goes with music -- you first need to hear it and listen -- only then can you play!
The monkey at the typewriter describes the digital workflow I devolved into - to a tea. Which is why I believe I found it such a slippery slope into dissatisfaction and completely hung up the craft for several years. (I ultimately sold off the digital gear and dusted off my film stuff) I see a lot of digital photographers who exploit the same approach - - shoot-shoot-shoot-shoot-shoot-shoot . . . . look at what you got - throw away all but the lucky one. Given the zero incremental cost of each ensuing frame - it makes cents. I've often thought that the analog equivalent to this workflow would be to take a 35mm movie camera out . . . . and shoot a few feet every time there was a possible shot and then pick out the one single frame from each sequence which was the best. Not sure who it was I asked but there was a discussion about whether or not photography was "art". Consensus out of that discussion was - it all depended on the photographers intent. Film is (for me) far more intentional. My iPhone will suffice the rest of the time.
Laziness, but the nuance is when feeling overwhelmed disguises itself as laziness. The trick is somehow keeping photography (or whatever your own personal pursuits are) closer to the top of our priorities, just like exercise and a healthy diet. Have you shown that pinhole shot at 9:25 before? That's a great photo.
Thanks thanks. About 9:25 -- i may have. I'm not sure. But on Instagram, yes. Maybe some of my pinhole videos?? Prioritization is such an important skill in life. Whatever you do and want to do, it is the key to almost anything.
Another great video and makes me think of where I started, how I got here, and where I want to go. I started film photography in the early 90's, quickly placed in my uni photo contest, and then petered out by the mid-90's as life got more complicated. 5 years ago I bought a cheap digital and was unhappy with the process - I missed film. Very quickly bought/sold film cameras as I used them and got my sea legs back. Instead of entering any contests, though, I knew I was 'back' when I took what I was my first 'winning' film photograph and I haven't stopped since - I'm in 3 formats and just picked up a Vermeer 4x5 pinhole thanks to your inspiration!
Sounds truly awesome. And btw, the most valuable contest is the one we participate in in our own minds in the pursuit of enjoyment and pictures we like.
Thanks Ari for another thought-provoking video. I enjoy how you aren’t lazy or lucky about your videos 😂. That same kind of planning and work in your photos is evident in the video. I would add one more point to the two you raised and it comes from some of your other videos, that good pictures also come from really getting to know your subjects. It comes out of the planning for sure, but there is also connection - like between you and your boat and the waters you know so well.
That is a good point. At least to me -- I find it very difficult to photograph anything new and foreign to me. But I'm not sure if everybody is like that. Maybe some people are just lucky :-)
I do believe in lucky cameras. Like an OM1 back in the 1970s that was responsible for a disproportionate number of my favourite shots. Or a cheap Olympus point and shoot with fixed focus, shutter speed and aperture, also excellent. Other cameras always seem to fight me, or I look back on their output and there's nothing much to see.
Thanks Ari for your inspiration .. Time waits for no one .. Trial Error and Process with mindfulness is how we develop understanding in most things . Fear of failure is the main obstacle in most new endeavours .
To me, being able to visualize what you want to achieve in a photo, to be able to see in your minds eye the different colors that will be recorded on the different films(black and white and color) and then trying to achieve that in camera with minimal post processing, is the goal for the perfect photo. A good negative is a good photo if the subject is also interesting. Great thoughtful video.
Great video. Interesting and valuable perspective. I think you are down playing the skill aspect. Especially in film photography there are many skills which take time to learn.
Thanks. Yeah, I thought about the same thing. There are an infinite set of skills that one can learn and thus improve. However, I claim -- and it certainly is true to me -- that for most of people, skill is not the limiting factor in their growth. It is laziness and randomness.
I have found something that works well for me to improve is to find photographers who are better than I am and listen carefully to what they have to say. In my case, I have only been serious about it for a few years, so finding people who are better than me is the easy part. I know by their work that they have things to teach me. The laziness aspect is something that I need to think about. I have a tendency to photograph things that are naturally beautiful. Squirrels in my walnut tree eating walnuts, a herd of bison, a waterfall, some beautiful mountains. When taking such pictures it's hard to come up with anything other than a nice image. On the other hand, when I do think and plan a shoot carefully and come up with original ideas, it does come out better. I have been working on a set of ideas that I need to get off of my behind and implement. I guess your own arrangement of that tune should be Finland dreaming. I always enjoy your videos and I always learn something.
Yes. That is how gear can be essential. But if you suck now (if you think you suck) and then you buy another camera to fix that it ain't work. Gear makes a difference ONLY if you are not lazy and you are intentional!
So I’m right where you were, with my first Rolleicord (Va) and my first roll of film in 25 years. I shoot a lot of digital photos with manual focus vintage lenses. I work hard at mostly nature photography by ‘working a scene’. I take my time to compose and shoot and then try many angles and concepts for a single composition. It works very well for me but it’s a digital camera crutch. So what’s your advice for someone jumping to film? Do I ignore the cost of film and shoot the same way? Do I just shoot blindly (literally when using a Holga) because there’s no 4.4MP viewfinder guiding my way. I have time, dedication and intention but I’d love some ‘back to film’ tips. Maybe a topic for another video? Thanks for kicking my butt today. Time to dive right in I guess.
Awesome. It is a perfect camera to start with and you are asking the right questions. I think you need to learn to live with film prices. There is a cost and if you constantly think about it, it will hinder your work. But then, my best advice is that more than with digital (which will not limit the number of pictures taken price-wise) plan your results before you take the picture. Imagine the outcome that you want. Choose the tool (camera, film developer, and even postprocessing) in advance. Then set yourself goals -- like "I want my picture to feel the movement", or like "I want to see the plane underneath the birds" or something. At least to me, setting the goal for a picture in advance limits my use of film and helps me to be intentional. But it sounds like you may already be doing this?
Hi Ari, Your thoughts on development as a photographer made me think of my most illuminating experiences. Like you pinholeing was an instructive process, learning such things as a foreground with texture or linear elements and stong relatively uncomplicated composition was often where these images worked and lalso learning to subdue impatience,. First, some of the way with a view camera and reinforced by going to dry plates with their very slow speed. I agree with your idea of try pinhole and play around thoughtfully. This might contribute to a better understanding of important photographic elements than going through all the gear, formats and processes etc. I believe you are pricipally a hand held man, but would be interested to hear how you would respond after a photo trip with just a view camera, tripod, dry plates and only two exposures. Quite limiting by some peoples standards, but from another an opportunity to put a lot of consideration/contemplation into a concise/concentated output. Regards, Paul Gough.
I've been contemplating this very idea for myself, too. Just 2 exposures for the trip. Now, I fear I'd come back with two unexposed sheets/plates. :-) But then again, nothing wrong with that!
Two unexposed sheets? Does that mean you might not find something worth photographing or that you will forget to take the dark slide out???@@ShootOnFilm
Both have a very low film cost, not finding a suitable subject shows discernment, forgetting the darkslide means you were only out practising. @@ShootOnFilm
I'm interested in why you entered those competitions. Aren't they an on off, win lose thing? What I mean is they don't really tell you what's great or bad about your entry. If it's to stop being lazy, wouldn't photo projects archive the same?
Yes, competitions are mostly a money pit. And the outcome is mostly random. Especially the ones that are decided with the popular vote. Those are toxic! But here's my current thought. I send my pictures to competitions a few time / year. To the ones that seem to produce interesting winning pictures. And so far my experience is, that when I don't win or maybe get an honorary mention, the winning pictures are always much better, more interesting, and more impactful than the ones I sent there. And in 99.9% cases that is very clear to me when I look at the winning pictures. So, studying the winning pictures is a learning opportunity and often clearly tells me where I could improve! There are other means, too. Projects, yes, but going to exhibitions and studying photo books maybe even better. To take pictures you must first see -- as somebody here already said. And to see, that means both the subject/landscape you are photographing but also the work of others. And competitions put your picture in the mix of the work of others -- and that is beneficial!
If you are depending on luck, you have to take note of what Jimmy Dean said: "You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it." I bought myself a Nikon D40 in 2007 and went everywhere with it. If you are not naturally talented, like I am not, you just have to work the camera and put in the hours. Look at your pictures and be your own worst critic. What makes the pictures you like good, and what makes the rest of them bad. How could they have been better? And try to do that next time. Before cell phone cameras became too good, I took about 30 thousand pictures with the D40, and I think that is the reason why I am safely mediocre as a photographer nowadays instead of plain bad. Still doesn't beat being naturally talented, but for most of us this is the way. Photography has never been as accessible in history as it is now, so please take advantage of it.
And some of us a naturally lucky, I guess :-) Btw -- I just do not believe in talent at all. It's 99% about hard work and dedication. In everything ...
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For me, my two biggest flaws is being lazy and not going out in bad weather. I see pictures in bad weather and always say that would be nice to capture, but when the weather turns bad, I don’t want to go out anymore. Thanks for another great video!
Thanks for watching!!!
Great video, with a valuable message. “The harder I work, the luckier I get”. We all want great photos but we are not all willing to put in the effort. Thanks
I so much agree with you. Luck is the icing on the cake of hard work!
Your comments are refreshing and encouraging. Plan the work and work the plan!
Exactly! Thanks for watching!
Very good advice and very good pictures. Norwegian plane 😊 Bad news: Researchers have now found out that monkeys cannot write Shakespeare by luck within the time before the universe's heat death. For me I do photography for myself and when I get out of the sofa, I'm always happy during the photography, and if I get one good picture it also brings joy. What I need is focus on only one or two places and take photos from different angles to train my "seeing" sense.
An unspoken lesson from this video might be, "get a boat." 😊 Thanks for another great video!
Ha haa!!! That's always a good idea!
Love that image that popped up at around 5 minutes. The boat on the lake is gorgeous, hard work paid off and a well deserved recognition. You've mastered the pinhole in my opinion.
Thanks, thanks. I sure like pinhole photography.
I fully agree with your points. Maybe a pinhole camara experience on my own boat would be interesting to test out
Excellent! Go for it!
I have been telling those whom I know to do this for a long time. No takers as yet. Fear of the unknown, insecurity of realising that they don't really understand much about the basics of the science of photography, not willing to take a risk, laziness and expense are just a few reasons. One You Tuber in the UK, once declared in one his vloggs that he was going to start ' pre-visualising his photographs. In the same episode after each shot he kept looking at the LCD on his camera and showed us the viewers, the result of his endeavours. When I told him this was not pre-visualisation and he should turn that LCD off or not display the photo, he got upset. I also told him that he should only shoot in jpeg, so that he could gradually learn not to rely on massive post treatment of his RAW files, he told me that he knew what he was doing. The usual army of his supporters came to his rescue. I have since stopped following his channel.
Ha haa!! People are so so sensitive to the word of reason!!
Some of my best photos are with crappy gear.To me it's sometimes about the journey, just went out to take photos. Had an hour long walk with 10 photos and I expect about 2 average. But I wanted to test new film so it is a success. I have some shots that I've really thought about or even knew were to be at what time and what kind of photo I want.
I think I've learned most from the photos I chose not to take. Knowing what is not good is so helpful with current film prices especially with large format. Looking critically at my photos is a critical learning moment to me. Printing them helps a lot. The photos I like after having a year on the wall (or discarding after a month) have both a lot to learn about what I like.
"The photos I like after having a year on the wall (or discarding after a month) have both a lot to learn about what I like." --- that is so well said!!!!
Absolutely EXCELLENT! Thank you kindly for this video. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks. Appreciated! And thanks for watching!
That surfer photo at the end of this video is STRONG. Great video once again. If you'd like a game to play try writing down a concept or two, maybe a thing or two that bothers you, and then go out and try your best to explain those concepts with your camera. Enlightening on a couple of levels.
Hope to see you next week!
Thanks thanks. Hey, that's an awesome suggestion. Makes what i called "intentional" much more concrete!
This sounds like a blue print for a successful life too! Great video & photographs.
There is only a marginal difference between life and photography. :-)
Thanks for sharing your MO and insight. Intriguing channel.
Thanks for watching!! Appreciated.
Fantastic video, thought provoking and has given me a "kick up the arse" ! Thank You Sir !
Thanks for watching! Glad if it helped. :-)
As I have said for years... You have to work for it. Luck..Sure. You can get lucky. But if you work for it, the luckier you will get.
Great, even important post..... 👍👍
Thanks!!!
I agree whole-heartedly, laziness is key to getting nothing done. And wow! Your picture from the stern of the boat is a good one!
Thanks thanks. Yeah, I needed to do this to remind myself :-)
Thanks, Ari. Even as a retired professional photograher, it is very entertaining to watch this video 🙂
Thanks thanks :-)
Hey thanks for creating this video, you make the difference. The thought process behind your pictures and stories that they tell are on the spot. My jaw was left hanging. I've still much to learn but thanks to you it's getting easier.
I appreciate that!
Agreed. The surfer portrait with the sunrays is superb 👌 👏 👍
Thanks thanks!
Hei Ari! Always love to hear essential things about photography and still so thankful for your great boat print hanging in my little creative room!
Hey cool cool! I just thought about you yesterday when I was shooting with my Kev 60 and it's marvelous lenses!! I hope you are doing fine!
Great video. I agree it's not the gear that gets a photograph, it's not luck, or being at the right place at the right time. It is learning to 'see'. I find that people that struggle to get Great photos are caught up in the details of getting the best photo . They meter the heck out of a scene , spend what seems like hours composing. Then are disappointed with the result, a decent photo. Not the award winner they planned on. I've noticed that you walk or boat to the same location and can usually make very good photos and many times great photos and sometimes an amazing photo. All because you have learned to see, even though it's a route that you've taken many times before. You've proved it's.not using expensive gear , because of the photos you have made with your Holga and your pinhole camera. If you want to be a better photographer , stop 'looking' and start 'seeing '
Very well said. You first need to see -- and only then you can photograph it. The same goes with music -- you first need to hear it and listen -- only then can you play!
One of your best. This is very helpful. And that hand on the wheel absolutely captures the feeling.
Thanks, Chris!
Yeah another great video, Ari. You have good teaching skills. No shit. I think your Holga photos are the best I’ve seen from that camera. Go boy, go😎👍
Thanks thanks. Maybe I should have chosen a teaching career then :-)
I thought you did teach a little?
@@paullacotta5645 I do. But only a bit and that's something I've been doing only now. Really not a career :-)
The monkey at the typewriter describes the digital workflow I devolved into - to a tea. Which is why I believe I found it such a slippery slope into dissatisfaction and completely hung up the craft for several years. (I ultimately sold off the digital gear and dusted off my film stuff) I see a lot of digital photographers who exploit the same approach - - shoot-shoot-shoot-shoot-shoot-shoot . . . . look at what you got - throw away all but the lucky one. Given the zero incremental cost of each ensuing frame - it makes cents. I've often thought that the analog equivalent to this workflow would be to take a 35mm movie camera out . . . . and shoot a few feet every time there was a possible shot and then pick out the one single frame from each sequence which was the best. Not sure who it was I asked but there was a discussion about whether or not photography was "art". Consensus out of that discussion was - it all depended on the photographers intent. Film is (for me) far more intentional. My iPhone will suffice the rest of the time.
I'm there with you. It's film or my iPhone.
I prefer the term making pictures to taking pictures. I think it starts there. Know you are in the process of making things.
Totally agree!!
Your videos are always great! ☺️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Oh, thanks, thanks. Appreciated!
Laziness, but the nuance is when feeling overwhelmed disguises itself as laziness. The trick is somehow keeping photography (or whatever your own personal pursuits are) closer to the top of our priorities, just like exercise and a healthy diet. Have you shown that pinhole shot at 9:25 before? That's a great photo.
Thanks thanks. About 9:25 -- i may have. I'm not sure. But on Instagram, yes. Maybe some of my pinhole videos??
Prioritization is such an important skill in life. Whatever you do and want to do, it is the key to almost anything.
Those are some gorgeous photos. Thanks for the inspiration, I definitely enjoy your conversational style.
Thanks :-)
Another great video and makes me think of where I started, how I got here, and where I want to go. I started film photography in the early 90's, quickly placed in my uni photo contest, and then petered out by the mid-90's as life got more complicated. 5 years ago I bought a cheap digital and was unhappy with the process - I missed film. Very quickly bought/sold film cameras as I used them and got my sea legs back. Instead of entering any contests, though, I knew I was 'back' when I took what I was my first 'winning' film photograph and I haven't stopped since - I'm in 3 formats and just picked up a Vermeer 4x5 pinhole thanks to your inspiration!
Sounds truly awesome. And btw, the most valuable contest is the one we participate in in our own minds in the pursuit of enjoyment and pictures we like.
Thanks Ari for another thought-provoking video. I enjoy how you aren’t lazy or lucky about your videos 😂. That same kind of planning and work in your photos is evident in the video. I would add one more point to the two you raised and it comes from some of your other videos, that good pictures also come from really getting to know your subjects. It comes out of the planning for sure, but there is also connection - like between you and your boat and the waters you know so well.
That is a good point. At least to me -- I find it very difficult to photograph anything new and foreign to me. But I'm not sure if everybody is like that. Maybe some people are just lucky :-)
I do believe in lucky cameras. Like an OM1 back in the 1970s that was responsible for a disproportionate number of my favourite shots. Or a cheap Olympus point and shoot with fixed focus, shutter speed and aperture, also excellent. Other cameras always seem to fight me, or I look back on their output and there's nothing much to see.
I feel Holga is my lucky camera. But then it may be that I don't expect much of it so I'm often surprised....
Great talk, I enjoyed it.
Cool!! Thanks for wacthing!
Thanks Ari for your inspiration .. Time waits for no one .. Trial Error and Process with mindfulness is how we develop understanding in most things . Fear of failure is the main obstacle in most new endeavours .
That fear of failure -- indeed -- for may a huge obstacle.
To me, being able to visualize what you want to achieve in a photo, to be able to see in your minds eye the different colors that will be recorded on the different films(black and white and color) and then trying to achieve that in camera with minimal post processing, is the goal for the perfect photo. A good negative is a good photo if the subject is also interesting. Great thoughtful video.
I believe this visualization is extremely important. Without it photography is like shooting a gun without aiming: a lot of noise, no hits!
Great video. Interesting and valuable perspective. I think you are down playing the skill aspect. Especially in film photography there are many skills which take time to learn.
Thanks. Yeah, I thought about the same thing. There are an infinite set of skills that one can learn and thus improve. However, I claim -- and it certainly is true to me -- that for most of people, skill is not the limiting factor in their growth. It is laziness and randomness.
I have found something that works well for me to improve is to find photographers who are better than I am and listen carefully to what they have to say. In my case, I have only been serious about it for a few years, so finding people who are better than me is the easy part. I know by their work that they have things to teach me. The laziness aspect is something that I need to think about. I have a tendency to photograph things that are naturally beautiful. Squirrels in my walnut tree eating walnuts, a herd of bison, a waterfall, some beautiful mountains. When taking such pictures it's hard to come up with anything other than a nice image. On the other hand, when I do think and plan a shoot carefully and come up with original ideas, it does come out better. I have been working on a set of ideas that I need to get off of my behind and implement. I guess your own arrangement of that tune should be Finland dreaming. I always enjoy your videos and I always learn something.
Excellent. A very good comment: learn from others!!! I agree with you!
Some people are gearheads. Gear can make a difference. If you have fun with your gear you are more likely to take photos and over time improve.
Yes. That is how gear can be essential. But if you suck now (if you think you suck) and then you buy another camera to fix that it ain't work. Gear makes a difference ONLY if you are not lazy and you are intentional!
I’d love to see you take the Holga Pan out on your boat.
Just did it yesterday :-). instagram.com/p/C8W_Zj5g0nB/?img_index=1
@@ShootOnFilm excellent!
So I’m right where you were, with my first Rolleicord (Va) and my first roll of film in 25 years. I shoot a lot of digital photos with manual focus vintage lenses. I work hard at mostly nature photography by ‘working a scene’. I take my time to compose and shoot and then try many angles and concepts for a single composition. It works very well for me but it’s a digital camera crutch. So what’s your advice for someone jumping to film? Do I ignore the cost of film and shoot the same way? Do I just shoot blindly (literally when using a Holga) because there’s no 4.4MP viewfinder guiding my way. I have time, dedication and intention but I’d love some ‘back to film’ tips. Maybe a topic for another video? Thanks for kicking my butt today. Time to dive right in I guess.
Awesome. It is a perfect camera to start with and you are asking the right questions. I think you need to learn to live with film prices. There is a cost and if you constantly think about it, it will hinder your work. But then, my best advice is that more than with digital (which will not limit the number of pictures taken price-wise) plan your results before you take the picture. Imagine the outcome that you want. Choose the tool (camera, film developer, and even postprocessing) in advance. Then set yourself goals -- like "I want my picture to feel the movement", or like "I want to see the plane underneath the birds" or something. At least to me, setting the goal for a picture in advance limits my use of film and helps me to be intentional. But it sounds like you may already be doing this?
Excellent
Great photos
Many thanks
Good words: we have time for anything we want, but not everything.
Thank you for your good words.
Thanks for watching!!!
Hi Ari, Your thoughts on development as a photographer made me think of my most illuminating experiences. Like you pinholeing was an instructive process, learning such things as a foreground with texture or linear elements and stong relatively uncomplicated composition was often where these images worked and lalso learning to subdue impatience,. First, some of the way with a view camera and reinforced by going to dry plates with their very slow speed.
I agree with your idea of try pinhole and play around thoughtfully. This might contribute to a better understanding of important photographic elements than going through all the gear, formats and processes etc. I believe you are pricipally a hand held man, but would be interested to hear how you would respond after a photo trip with just a view camera, tripod, dry plates and only two exposures. Quite limiting by some peoples standards, but from another an opportunity to put a lot of consideration/contemplation into a concise/concentated output. Regards, Paul Gough.
I've been contemplating this very idea for myself, too. Just 2 exposures for the trip. Now, I fear I'd come back with two unexposed sheets/plates. :-) But then again, nothing wrong with that!
Two unexposed sheets? Does that mean you might not find something worth photographing or that you will forget to take the dark slide out???@@ShootOnFilm
@@paulgough4302 Both? ;-)
Both have a very low film cost, not finding a suitable subject shows discernment, forgetting the darkslide means you were only out practising. @@ShootOnFilm
I'm interested in why you entered those competitions. Aren't they an on off, win lose thing? What I mean is they don't really tell you what's great or bad about your entry.
If it's to stop being lazy, wouldn't photo projects archive the same?
Yes, competitions are mostly a money pit. And the outcome is mostly random. Especially the ones that are decided with the popular vote. Those are toxic!
But here's my current thought. I send my pictures to competitions a few time / year. To the ones that seem to produce interesting winning pictures. And so far my experience is, that when I don't win or maybe get an honorary mention, the winning pictures are always much better, more interesting, and more impactful than the ones I sent there. And in 99.9% cases that is very clear to me when I look at the winning pictures. So, studying the winning pictures is a learning opportunity and often clearly tells me where I could improve!
There are other means, too. Projects, yes, but going to exhibitions and studying photo books maybe even better. To take pictures you must first see -- as somebody here already said. And to see, that means both the subject/landscape you are photographing but also the work of others. And competitions put your picture in the mix of the work of others -- and that is beneficial!
nice, thanks
Thank you too!
All good points ... 😅
Thanks -- and thanks for watching!
External factors are always lucky?
Nothing comes by luck, just by work, test, re-test, another roll etc..
I forgot to say , it's a good video like usual 😊
@@stephanelafitte7006 :-) Thanks!! And your first comment is spot on!!!
Neil Gaiman advises aspiring authors to finish things. I suppose that applies to photographers, too.
That is a good advise!
I belive those who work hard and practise also have more luck. BTW - the picture of the airplane over LA is a Norwegian plane…! Just saying. 😉🇳🇴
:-) True. And yes, it IS a Norwegian!
If you are depending on luck, you have to take note of what Jimmy Dean said: "You gotta try your luck at least once a day, because you could be going around lucky all day and not even know it."
I bought myself a Nikon D40 in 2007 and went everywhere with it. If you are not naturally talented, like I am not, you just have to work the camera and put in the hours. Look at your pictures and be your own worst critic. What makes the pictures you like good, and what makes the rest of them bad. How could they have been better? And try to do that next time. Before cell phone cameras became too good, I took about 30 thousand pictures with the D40, and I think that is the reason why I am safely mediocre as a photographer nowadays instead of plain bad. Still doesn't beat being naturally talented, but for most of us this is the way. Photography has never been as accessible in history as it is now, so please take advantage of it.
And some of us a naturally lucky, I guess :-) Btw -- I just do not believe in talent at all. It's 99% about hard work and dedication. In everything ...
10/10
Bad friend the luck.
It is