Finally a video that's resonated with me. I have stopped shooting because it's as you say a lonely endeavor. Also being alone in public with a camera might rub some people the wrong way. For these reasons I have three mirrorless cameras sitting in my drawer collecting dust and don't get me started on the amount of lenses... The bodies are practically brand new and have now depreciated in value. I could sell them and maybe I should sell them but for some reason I can't bring myself to do that. Whenever I hold them in my hands I get so excited for a brief moment. Sorry for the long post but I also needed this just as much as you do!
Jack your content is amazing. Better than 99% of RUclips and you really hit home with your deep philosophical insights and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. ❤
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Photography has never meant less to the broader public, but it’s more important now to be a photographer than ever before. Hope you are out there shooting and creating!
I went to a therapist some years ago, and she knew that instead of socializing on the weekends, I walked around the streets of Manhattan shooting images with my camera. She realized that my camera was a layer of protection for me: "My camera! My shield!" she'd say. I think she was right. I felt connected to my surroundings, but I wasn't breaching the divide. Instead, I was alone, at a comfortable distance, in a bubble, of sorts.. The camera, unfortunately, isn't an adequate substitute for genuine human interaction.
The camera is just the start of the conversation, and most street photographers I know like to shoot alone. Online communities can fill this void, hence the reason for this channel. Thanks so much for engaging, means a lot to me.
Jack I write this when you have 841 subscribers... I am the 1 of those 841 people and want to tell you.... Your videos are fantastic... so informative... I hear you and get you about the peace you get from taking shots... the chase the catch and the final finished piece of work ... that in reality only has to please you... but sharing is caring... and its plain to me that you enjoy sharing... where are you going with this channel... ???? Prediction for you... and remember who told you this eh.... You my friend are the next big thing to hit the RUclips algorithm ..You will succeed .. that I am sure of... but only if you carry on in the same frame as your first 4/5 videos... as you are so raw... and everyone loves raw... Keep up the excellent work... but be prepared for busy times ahead... as I am sure your stars have aligned.... Kind regards... Yoki... from the UK...
Yoki thank you for your thoughtful and reflective comment. I am figuring this channel out in real time, really glad to hear you’re resonating with the content! Like all creative pursuits I am just trying to make content I would be happy watching. More to come!
Wow, you’ve hit me so hard with that video. I’m so glad I entered this video, for so long I’ve been lonely with my photography. Taking photos and letting them dry out on my hard drive just as you, my girlfriend is so worried about me not sharing them. She didn’t understand why I’m not posting on IG, and neither did I. For some reason when I was posting on IG I felt like I was talking to myself. I felt so lonely, none got to see my work and enjoy it because of the algorithm. I always thought it was just me, you’re video brought me to tears. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I heard you say it, I hope we can find a way to recreate this feeling. Thank you, really.
Thank you so much for sharing. Photographers have been left behind by most of the online platforms so we need to find new connections. Do you print your photos? More content to come!
@@BokehTherapy I actually don’t print but found your channel while flirting with the idea, I felt as though before printing I should get a feedback and missed a platform where I can get it.
Love the content Jack. Big thumbs up for you. I like the way you can talk a little on gear but still touch on serious social issues - its a rare skill. Keep yourself motivated and keep motivating others. I got into street photography while ago- I own 85 mm sony lens and I adore it... recently I bought - 135 mm 1.8 ... give it a go ... you'll be amazed with images that you can get with it,plus bonus: relaxing distance from your subject. Cheers Jack. Love your channel !
Everyone keeps telling me to try the 135mm GM! It sounds like an amazing lens, will try to add that to the (growing) shopping list. Your feedback means a lot, RUclips is a hard game to play so every bit helps for new channels.
Thank you - still a very new channel so every sub and comment matters so much! My photos are a work in progress but most importantly they can help me tell the stories I want on the channel.
Love your videos, keep posting. You really inspire me, thank you for that. Because I own my company (e-commerce), I like to keep my own photos with my friends or myself because otherwise it kind of would feel like work where I try to please someone else and not myself. Greetings from Germany.
@@BokehTherapy In my free time, I mostly travel with friends, where we try to take some unique photos, but recently I've developed a love for lost places and drone photography. On the work side, I do product photography in my studio or with models.
Your storytelling, the music, the visuals. Your videos are so interesting and relaxing it feels like time doesn't exist while watching. Very glad to have stumbled upon your channel! Also feel the struggle of feeling alone with my photography. I should really reach out to other local photographers here.
Very kind of you to say, thank you for watching. Where are you based? Lots of photographers all over the world have reached out since starting RUclips, it has been a surreal experience. More content to come!
Great Video Jack! As someone who has (and still is) struggling with anxiety, lack self-worth and (episodically quite severe) depression for the past 10 years shooting 85mm has been both a revelation and a blessing. I'd been shooting wide (~20-50mm) for about 4 years and was at a point where I felt like my photos had lost their creative touch. What started off as a creative endeavour had eventually become this tedious task of (almost pointless) documentation. With the intention of at least trying something new I came across the Yongnuo 85mm f 1.8 which I paired with my A7CR. The 85mm focal length has been (and still is!) quite the challenge for me. But instead of getting frustrated by missing a lot of shots I've come to experience something beautiful: this focal length that makes especially street photography a lot more challenging has made me a lot more forgiving with myself when missing shots. But most importantly it's made every shot that turns out as sharp, as in focus and composed as I intended into a personal achievement. That regained excitement about what I create finally made me share my photos with friends and family again. It's also made me rediscover my "boring" little hometown. I know I'll eventually get used to the focal length - but it will take me quire a while till i get bored with it though. And once it does I can rediscover wide angle again. I guess my main takeaway from this lesson is that switching up focal lengths fairly drastically periodically is what keeps photography interesting and challenging for me. Sorry for the long comment, but maybe someone needs to hear this right now 😅 Anyways: Thanks again for your great Videos Jack! Keep it up and most importantly: keep shooting!
I really appreciate your time and the detailed comment. Photography is a wonderful way to spend our time, but it can be quite frustrating as well! I love 85mm, but worry about it being a one-trick pony, then fall back in love with it all over again. I'm shooting more than I ever have since starting this channel, which also lets me connect with photographers such as yourself! Enjoy your A7CR, I still really like the Sony ecosystem even though I'm playing around with Nikon at the moment. Happy shooting!
Just stumbled across your channel. You touch on loneliness and anxiety which I can relate to. I don't know what I'd do without photography. Great content! You gained a new subscriber.
This hit close to home for me. The loneliness of not being able to share all the work you have made. I always remind myself that the photos I know shoot are in someway photos for future self. I will look back at them in 5-10 years and that will give me nice memories to look back to.
It’s frustrating to not be able to showcase your best work. I thought my photos were getting better but none of the “metrics” showed any growth. Stopped caring about it and made it about family, and now other photographers through this channel. Thank you for watching and engaging, means a lot to me that this is resonating.
I mostly try to come home with just 1 good photo, takes the pressure off and that way I can enjoy being in the present moment more. Question: I am wanting to upgrade my camera coming from a DLSR. Hesitating between the A7C or A7CII, any thoughts?
If you have the budget the A7CII is a worthy upgrade I think. Brighter more responsive viewfinder and ergonomics are better. The IBIS actually works well (easily 1/10 second hand held?) unlike the older Sony bodies
The 40mm f2.5 is an amazing lens, very sharp. I do too much shooting at night to justify it in the collection for the moment, but it might be all you need.
Same here! For a while I thought I can train myself to the “correct” focal lengths (i.e. 35mm or 50mm), but I’m starting to accept that this is just how I see the world.
Brilliant! I have the 85 on the shelf…think I will take it with me to Paris and see what I can capture. And I love the Wotancraft bags too! The 7L is my travel go to and you are right…these bags encourage economy in the “which lens should I take” war! ! I have been a photographer since 1970 and finally found a bag I like!
Hi Jack. Algo brought me to visit, but I'm staying for more. Just a handful of videos you have for now, but thoroughly excited to see how you might continue to expose my vulnerabilities in your future works:)
@@BokehTherapy not even sure myself. just starting out and falling in love with 40mm, while also trying to figure how to find more time for photo therapy
Amazing to hear that you are getting into shooting, street is a quick way to get reps in and find your style. 40mm is my second favourite (after 50mm) - will cover this in next week’s video.
A longterm relationship ended and I found myself walking a lot on my own. I felt that I stood out in a sea of families and couples. I started carrying a camera and suddenly I was a guy with a purpose. I was taking photos. There was a purpose to my walks. The camera saved me feeling so alone. Good video.
I'm thankful that RUclips recommended this superb video. Loved the images and the focal length. I always thought street meant 28/35 or 50mm but your images are so good. Thanks. Subscribed.
Thank you Lee - half the comments are telling me to shoot 135mm and the other half 28mm! No rules in street, just shooting for fun anyway. More content to come.
Loved this. Beautiful images. I’m currently one of the last people at the Instagram party but I love the idea of connecting with others. Keep up the good work
As someone who has previously studied in one of your courses, I stumbled upon this by recommendation of the youtube algorithm alone! Glad your videos are getting attention they deserve, your production value is impressively high and scripting alone must take quite a while to do justice to your style of filmmaking. Would love to do some Brisvegas street photography together sometime!
This really hit close to home, miss having community in photography. Great video, I'm on the fence about getting an 85mm for travel. Peace from Los Angeles
Thanks Taylor! 85mm is quite hard to use if you’re travelling with friends and family, but great for solo shooting. Hope you find the right kit for your next trip!
I love 75/85mm for street photography, very intimate as you mentioned. Your photography is superb and very inspirational. My best wishes to your channel, I subscribed and looking forward to what else you will share.
@@BokehTherapy French living in the US… been doing photography as my mental health pressure valve for 38 years, mostly wildlife photography but getting more and more into street photography.
Finally.......a photographer and someone on RUclips not spitting BS, or hiding behind Agendas or Sponsors, or trying to project a certain "image" in order to attract sponsors or more clicks. I don't see a whole lotta "Photography CENTRIC related content on RUclips......it all just seems like more of them same. My work I do is for the LOVE of photography and not for anything else.
Great video. I will have to look into the 85 again. Pat Kay inspired me to start using the 85mm, but I suck at it horribly. 😂 I'm usually a 28 guy. All my photos with the 85 look like I'm hunting Jason Bourne, or am a paparazzi pervert. There's definitely a skill to training the eye for distance and tight compositions. I especially love the long crowded road shots I see, or taking minimalist portraits of what would be landscape shots traditionally. ✌️
I never got along with the 28, but will need to give it another try. Thanks for watching, always interesting to hear other people’s shooting experiences
@@BokehTherapy It took me a while to get back into it. What finally clicked for me was visiting a small town that was super dirty with lots of litter, and flytipping. I wanted to capture the sheer scale of the carnage, but I was always ending up with a portrait of a lone trash bag on a hill, and missing the rest of the clutter. The penny kind of dropped there: clutter could be context. I usually recommend starting out the journey into wide angle by sticking some gaffer tape on the LCD to get a 2:1 crop and pretend you're shooting an X-pan. It gives you more width to work with, but saves you from the additional floor and sky, until you're ready to think about layering again. ✌
The A7Cii and A7CR can display the 2:1 aspect ratio in the viewfinder - I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the tips, now to find a good 28mm for Sony E mount lol
Great video Jack. I am US based and headed to London in a couple of days. I was going to take only my phone and some Insta360 cameras. Your video made me decide to take my A6700 and an 85mm.
Great video - pictures and thoughts. I have the Sony 85mm 1.8 which I really like but for travel I got the Samyang 75mm 1.8. It’s 230g (vs 370g) and shorter than the Sony. Packs great with the a7cII, and no purple fringing!
Great tip - I haven’t tried the Samyang! A little trickier to go third party for hybrid shooters due to Sony’s spotty focus breathing compensation support, but worth a look for sure. Thanks for watching!
Loving your videos, really well produced and undercut by an incredibly strong message! I was in Japan about 12 months ago and I really loved shooting my 70-200, but it was incredibly bulky.. did you find with the 85 you were ever missing some extra reach in your shots? I’m considering leaving the 70-200 and taking an 85mm instead when I go to Korea next month.
Thanks for watching! I didn’t feel like I was missing the extra reach, but everyone tells me I should try the 135mm GM. Depends on where you shoot the most? For street and urban I think 85 is plenty, but if you do landscapes then the 70-200 is more versatile. The 85mm f1.8 isn’t too expensive so you can experiment with it to see how you like the results
I took a decades long journey for me to realise I loved the 85 but it started with accidentally buying a 50mm full frame f1.4 lens for my APS-c canon camera because everyone said you should start with a 50…but I didn’t understand crop factor at the time.
I still have a soft spot for M43. Loved my Olympus and Panasonic setups back in the day, it’s how I learnt photography. Thanks for watching, happy shooting!
Yes me too - I wasn’t going to get the 85mm f1.8 but needed a longer prime for travel. It surprised me how much I liked it! Let’s see how light Sony can make their new 85
I’ve been shooting all my life on prime 35 and 50mm. (Nikon, LTM, x100T) I also have a 105 ais I solely take out for portraits , but I find it too narrow as a walking around lens. I just got the Nikon ZF and I’m debating if I should get the 24-120 4 zoom, or the 85 1.8. I’ve never used zooms before, but everyone and their mother keeps telling me to get the zoom as it’s super versatile.
I am a very biased primes only shooter, and 85mm is not that tight. My money went towards the 85mm f1.8 S. Many contenders have come and gone but it is still my 85mm of choice. Let me know what you go with!
I love the 85mm focal length, btw. The conventional (read as: RUclips photog) wisdom is that want a wide angle for travel photography because it captures the environment. I don't have a dedicated "travel" lens. Even though the Siggy 24-70 (I'm not paying 2400 USD for the GM) is better optically and you get those extra 4mm at the wide, I'm thinking of a getting the Tammy 28-75 because I don't want to carry more than one lens with me when I'm "relaxing"
@@BokehTherapy I don't have a ton of experience with zooms, but that 24-70 range is super useful. 2.8 gives you enough light for most situations and at the more tele end gives you decent bokeh. I'd just treat it like 3 primes in one. I know that Steve McCurry used the 24-70 a lot (I think I even saw a documentary in which he was carry a 24-105, which surprised me). There's the temptation to just stand there and zoom in and out, but I think I can safely avoid that as a crutch. Part of the reason, I'd want a zoom for travel is because I'm a bit OCD about getting dust or dirt on my sensor. Especially, now with the sensors having IBIS, you have to be very careful not to damage the mechanism when cleaning the sensor. I used to use something call a Sensor Gel stick, which did a really good job cleaning the sensor (the few times that I did), but I'd never use that on a moving sensor like the one of most mirrorless cameras.
Thanks for watching! The camera bag I use is the Wotancraft Pilot in 7L but they come in different sizes: www.wotancraft.tw/en/creations/camera-bags?rfsn=7872078.ab04e93
The 85 GM is really due for a mk2 version and the Sigma 1.4 is a better lens while being $700-600 cheaper, it also happens to be smaller and lighter which you can't generally say for Sigma.
@@Roct3874 Yeah, the Sigma is superior but it's a heavier lens. Though, at the same time, it's only 110g heavier than the 50mm gm f/1.4, which Jack uses, too,
@@BokehTherapy Professors must make a lot of dough in Australia! Congrats! So far, I only have the 50mm GM F/1.4. I bought it with my a7IV when I traded in my DSLR gear. I love the 85mm focal length, but, for me it's a bit limiting as an everyday street lens. The 50mm is that goldilocks focal length for street. 85mm is my favorite lens for portraits, which I don't get enough opportunities to shoot as I'd like. Even if the new GM comes out within the next year, I'll still probably get the Sigma. I don't consider the 85mm to be an action lens, so I don't mind the slightly less reliable autofocus compared to the native lenses. A lense that I wish would get made is a 28mm G or GM lense at f/1.8. 28mm is a great focal length for indoors stuff and tight spaces. 24mm is just too wide, for my taste, and 35mm is too close to the 50mm.
I buy and sell most of my gear constantly to keep the merry go round of funds going. Professors do OK in Australia, but not enough to fund this expensive hobby!
I started on Flickr in 2006 and it was alive and amazing but they chose to make changes. I left for awhile. Now I am back. Now with the new owners they are trying to bring it back but I think it will never be back.
Flickr (and now IG) are really not fit for purpose anymore when it comes to photographers. I think we just need to build our own websites to showcase portfolios but hard for most hobbyists to take that step. Thanks for watching!
I love it too - it may be the best Sigma lens ever made! I think this is why the 85mm GMii from Sony is so slow to come out, they have their work cut out for them to beat the Sigma
I prefer 85mm I think - easier to make a striking image than 35. Really have to work for the pictures with a 35 or 50, but often the end result is better
Yeaa.. I have owned 20mm for a while because I shoot astrophotography most of the time, but I cant get any pictures lately due to the bad weather. I'm thinking of getting 85mm also. Thanks.
85mm f1.8 shares the same 67mm filter size as the 20mm f1.8 in Sony - good choice! Not too expensive either. I hear lots of good things about Astrophotography in Indonesia!
@@BokehTherapy yea, there are a lot of places you can shoot astro. Popular places like Mt. Bromo (I wanna go here someday). In my town, Bintan Island, we have sand dunes and a blue lake a hidden gem for photographing. Tbh, shooting astro is difficult. I need to learn a lot of techniques and need some extra tools.
Maybe at a push? One body two lenses for sure. Third lens will depend on size, I don’t have the 135mm GM. Will do a few gear loadouts in the review video
@@BokehTherapy have you compared its capacity with peak design 6L, ona bowery or billingham hadley small? I have them and Im looking for camera bag that slightly bigger in term of capacity from those
not photography feedback, but maybe videography - the interlude from "nobody wants to be the last schmuck" to comp of your 85 before finally returning to where to post was a bit odd. Connection between loneliness in societies (japan an uk) and loneliness of photographers was already tenuous as presented, so those segments probably needed to be juxtaposed directly whereas the the pros/cons/comp of lens belonged together. Perhaps some b-roll of the type of engagement you are/were getting on ig vs type received on yt could have helped bolster the argument? Ganbatte!
“Tenuous Connections” should be the alternate title for this channel haha. Thanks for your feedback, still trying to work out the best format going forward. Editing is a real slog!
You will end up shooting wider - it is only a matter of time. All street shooters start with 50/35 and then go short tele and then think they are making progress with a 28 - but the best shots are with 24/21 - and start thinking about B&W - colour is mostly an annoyance - especially at night. If you are thinking all your shots are looking the same- they are. Once you start thinking about the bigger/wider picture and people only as objects rather than 'targets' in the story - that is when any imposter syndrome will have solid grounding to move on from. Cheers Pete
Thanks for your input - I think everyone shoots differently and there’s not actually a designated “finish line” for creativity. That’s what’s fun about it! Great to hear about your shooting experience, I have just as many people telling me to shoot 135 as I do 28!
@@BokehTherapy I hope I haven't come across as prescriptive - everyone's journey is their own - I was just laying down what is a pretty common road traveled by street shooters - some of us doing it - before the term/meme was even invented. Note I haven't referenced or commented on the 'therapeutic' aspects of some of your commentary - a diversion where one can focus on something different and pleasurable is indeed a welcome and healthy intervention. Everyone ends up being a documentary shooter - by definition because time takes care of that.
Not at all - I love hearing about people’s experiences. In some ways I wish it was a little more prescriptive, more rules to follow that will get a pleasing image (for days when the inspiration isn’t quite there). I will take your advice and spend sometime tracking down a good 28mm lens. Keep shooting Pete, thanks for watching!
Thanks Jack. I guess the algorithm worked in my favor this time putting your post in my thread. (Don’t know how all that works and doesn’t matter). How fun that you are sort of melding human “issues” with photographic content. Good for you! @kai_zen_doc As I get older photography is a fun way to connect with myself.🤙
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
Finally a video that's resonated with me. I have stopped shooting because it's as you say a lonely endeavor. Also being alone in public with a camera might rub some people the wrong way. For these reasons I have three mirrorless cameras sitting in my drawer collecting dust and don't get me started on the amount of lenses... The bodies are practically brand new and have now depreciated in value. I could sell them and maybe I should sell them but for some reason I can't bring myself to do that. Whenever I hold them in my hands I get so excited for a brief moment. Sorry for the long post but I also needed this just as much as you do!
You should go out and shoot again! Which bodies do you have? Thanks for watching, more content to come
Jack your content is amazing. Better than 99% of RUclips and you really hit home with your deep philosophical insights and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. ❤
Thank you so much for watching and commenting. Photography has never meant less to the broader public, but it’s more important now to be a photographer than ever before. Hope you are out there shooting and creating!
I went to a therapist some years ago, and she knew that instead of socializing on the weekends, I walked around the streets of Manhattan shooting images with my camera. She realized that my camera was a layer of protection for me: "My camera! My shield!" she'd say. I think she was right. I felt connected to my surroundings, but I wasn't breaching the divide. Instead, I was alone, at a comfortable distance, in a bubble, of sorts.. The camera, unfortunately, isn't an adequate substitute for genuine human interaction.
The camera is just the start of the conversation, and most street photographers I know like to shoot alone. Online communities can fill this void, hence the reason for this channel. Thanks so much for engaging, means a lot to me.
Jack I write this when you have 841 subscribers... I am the 1 of those 841 people and want to tell you.... Your videos are fantastic... so informative... I hear you and get you about the peace you get from taking shots... the chase the catch and the final finished piece of work ... that in reality only has to please you... but sharing is caring... and its plain to me that you enjoy sharing... where are you going with this channel... ???? Prediction for you... and remember who told you this eh.... You my friend are the next big thing to hit the RUclips algorithm ..You will succeed .. that I am sure of... but only if you carry on in the same frame as your first 4/5 videos... as you are so raw... and everyone loves raw... Keep up the excellent work... but be prepared for busy times ahead... as I am sure your stars have aligned.... Kind regards... Yoki... from the UK...
Yoki thank you for your thoughtful and reflective comment. I am figuring this channel out in real time, really glad to hear you’re resonating with the content! Like all creative pursuits I am just trying to make content I would be happy watching. More to come!
I love your videos Jack. You’re such a natural at making the audience relaxed. Dont stop.
Ps stunning images too.
Great to hear from you as always! It is cathartic for me to make these videos so glad they are finding an audience.
Wow, you’ve hit me so hard with that video. I’m so glad I entered this video, for so long I’ve been lonely with my photography. Taking photos and letting them dry out on my hard drive just as you, my girlfriend is so worried about me not sharing them. She didn’t understand why I’m not posting on IG, and neither did I. For some reason when I was posting on IG I felt like I was talking to myself. I felt so lonely, none got to see my work and enjoy it because of the algorithm. I always thought it was just me, you’re video brought me to tears. I didn’t realize how much I needed this until I heard you say it, I hope we can find a way to recreate this feeling.
Thank you, really.
Thank you so much for sharing. Photographers have been left behind by most of the online platforms so we need to find new connections. Do you print your photos? More content to come!
@@BokehTherapy I actually don’t print but found your channel while flirting with the idea, I felt as though before printing I should get a feedback and missed a platform where I can get it.
I think the first form of feedback could be from yourself, seeing how the photo looks and feels in print? Keep shooting!
Love the content Jack. Big thumbs up for you. I like the way you can talk a little on gear but still touch on serious social issues - its a rare skill. Keep yourself motivated and keep motivating others.
I got into street photography while ago- I own 85 mm sony lens and I adore it... recently I bought - 135 mm 1.8 ... give it a go ... you'll be amazed with images that you can get with it,plus bonus: relaxing distance from your subject.
Cheers Jack.
Love your channel !
Everyone keeps telling me to try the 135mm GM! It sounds like an amazing lens, will try to add that to the (growing) shopping list. Your feedback means a lot, RUclips is a hard game to play so every bit helps for new channels.
I didn’t even notice you were a small or new channel until now, your content is such amazing quality and your photography is so different as well
Thank you - still a very new channel so every sub and comment matters so much! My photos are a work in progress but most importantly they can help me tell the stories I want on the channel.
Love your videos, keep posting. You really inspire me, thank you for that. Because I own my company (e-commerce), I like to keep my own photos with my friends or myself because otherwise it kind of would feel like work where I try to please someone else and not myself. Greetings from Germany.
Great to connect with German photographers! What do you normally shoot on?
@@BokehTherapy In my free time, I mostly travel with friends, where we try to take some unique photos, but recently I've developed a love for lost places and drone photography. On the work side, I do product photography in my studio or with models.
Drone photography sounds amazing. Still don’t own one, will need to add it to the list. Thanks for watching!
Your storytelling, the music, the visuals. Your videos are so interesting and relaxing it feels like time doesn't exist while watching. Very glad to have stumbled upon your channel! Also feel the struggle of feeling alone with my photography. I should really reach out to other local photographers here.
Very kind of you to say, thank you for watching. Where are you based? Lots of photographers all over the world have reached out since starting RUclips, it has been a surreal experience. More content to come!
Love this video. Especially when you said photography is your tool of choice for mental wellbeing.
I’m now a subscriber ❤
Thank you so much - lots of this space is filled with pros, but we the enthusiasts are keeping the whole industry afloat! More content to come
Great Video Jack!
As someone who has (and still is) struggling with anxiety, lack self-worth and (episodically quite severe) depression for the past 10 years shooting 85mm has been both a revelation and a blessing. I'd been shooting wide (~20-50mm) for about 4 years and was at a point where I felt like my photos had lost their creative touch. What started off as a creative endeavour had eventually become this tedious task of (almost pointless) documentation. With the intention of at least trying something new I came across the Yongnuo 85mm f 1.8 which I paired with my A7CR.
The 85mm focal length has been (and still is!) quite the challenge for me. But instead of getting frustrated by missing a lot of shots I've come to experience something beautiful: this focal length that makes especially street photography a lot more challenging has made me a lot more forgiving with myself when missing shots. But most importantly it's made every shot that turns out as sharp, as in focus and composed as I intended into a personal achievement. That regained excitement about what I create finally made me share my photos with friends and family again. It's also made me rediscover my "boring" little hometown. I know I'll eventually get used to the focal length - but it will take me quire a while till i get bored with it though. And once it does I can rediscover wide angle again. I guess my main takeaway from this lesson is that switching up focal lengths fairly drastically periodically is what keeps photography interesting and challenging for me. Sorry for the long comment, but maybe someone needs to hear this right now 😅 Anyways: Thanks again for your great Videos Jack! Keep it up and most importantly: keep shooting!
I really appreciate your time and the detailed comment. Photography is a wonderful way to spend our time, but it can be quite frustrating as well! I love 85mm, but worry about it being a one-trick pony, then fall back in love with it all over again. I'm shooting more than I ever have since starting this channel, which also lets me connect with photographers such as yourself! Enjoy your A7CR, I still really like the Sony ecosystem even though I'm playing around with Nikon at the moment. Happy shooting!
Wow! Thanks for this video. You're not alone!
Thanks Vladimir! A great community of photographers is all over RUclips!
I really love the vibe of this. Nailed the feeling I have.
Thanks so much for watching and commenting - photography doesn’t have to be lonely. Happy shooting!
Great video! Very well written too! You kept me focused all the way to the end!
Thank you so much Daniel - RUclips is not an easy medium to cut through the noise, glad you found the channel
Just stumbled across your channel. You touch on loneliness and anxiety which I can relate to. I don't know what I'd do without photography. Great content! You gained a new subscriber.
Thank you so much! Channel is just getting started more to come
What a wonderfully edited and engaging video, inspiring 👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks so much for watching!
I'm hooked on your channel and am loving the photos and your overall perspective on photography, great stuff.
Thanks so much Phong! Hard to start a small channel and keep it going these days, great to hear it’s resonating. Working on this week’s video now
This hit close to home for me. The loneliness of not being able to share all the work you have made. I always remind myself that the photos I know shoot are in someway photos for future self. I will look back at them in 5-10 years and that will give me nice memories to look back to.
It’s frustrating to not be able to showcase your best work. I thought my photos were getting better but none of the “metrics” showed any growth. Stopped caring about it and made it about family, and now other photographers through this channel. Thank you for watching and engaging, means a lot to me that this is resonating.
I mostly try to come home with just 1 good photo, takes the pressure off and that way I can enjoy being in the present moment more. Question: I am wanting to upgrade my camera coming from a DLSR. Hesitating between the A7C or A7CII, any thoughts?
If you have the budget the A7CII is a worthy upgrade I think. Brighter more responsive viewfinder and ergonomics are better. The IBIS actually works well (easily 1/10 second hand held?) unlike the older Sony bodies
@@BokehTherapy got budget for 1 prime in that case, the 40mm f2.5 or so. Will be sufficient for a while. Thanks for your input!
The 40mm f2.5 is an amazing lens, very sharp. I do too much shooting at night to justify it in the collection for the moment, but it might be all you need.
This was a wonderful channel to discover. Thank you!
Thanks so much Bjorn - wonderful to connect here on RUclips. Happy shooting!
So glad the algorithm served this up. This is great! Subscribed
Welcome! The algorithm remains a complete mystery to me, glad you found the channel
Just purchased this lens today ahead of a trip, excited to get it out. Thanks for sharing!
Great to hear, happy shooting!
I love your channel and your content. Very inspiring. Beautiful images! Thank you for sharing!
Great to connect and thank you for taking the time to comment. More content coming this week from Japan
I feel like my eyes and mind “think in 85mm”. Pictures are exactly how I remember my experiences
It changes over time for me - think 50mm is still my default “memory FOV”. 85mm is not a bad way to see the world though, everything looks beautiful
Same here! For a while I thought I can train myself to the “correct” focal lengths (i.e. 35mm or 50mm), but I’m starting to accept that this is just how I see the world.
So happy I stumbled on this hidden gem of a channel. I love the 85mm! Great psychological takes here.
Thanks so much! Great to meet so many photographers via RUclips, an unexpected surprise for me to start the new year
Just like all your other videos. Great stuff. Keep them coming. I predict in no time you will reach 10k subs.
Thanks so much - working on this week’s video now!
Brilliant! I have the 85 on the shelf…think I will take it with me to Paris and see what I can capture. And I love the Wotancraft bags too! The 7L is my travel go to and you are right…these bags encourage economy in the “which lens should I take” war! ! I have been a photographer since 1970 and finally found a bag I like!
There’s something about that 7L size - just does everything I need it to. Even all the snacks my 5 year old daughter wants!
Hi Jack. Algo brought me to visit, but I'm staying for more. Just a handful of videos you have for now, but thoroughly excited to see how you might continue to expose my vulnerabilities in your future works:)
The algo is working in my favour for once! Great to have you visit the channel, more content to come. What kind of photography do you mainly shoot?
@@BokehTherapy not even sure myself. just starting out and falling in love with 40mm, while also trying to figure how to find more time for photo therapy
Amazing to hear that you are getting into shooting, street is a quick way to get reps in and find your style. 40mm is my second favourite (after 50mm) - will cover this in next week’s video.
That's great! No pressure on getting videos out, but for sure I will be looking forward when it releases:)
Definately relate to the mental health piece. Find it really relaxing editing footie.
Glad to hear I am not the only one. Keep shooting!
Jack, this is an excellent video. Just got this lens for a A7CR, coming from a Q2/28mm, this lens is a joy to use.
I never got along with 28mm, and sold my Q2 because of it. I’m hoping to get better at composing wide - thanks for watching!
A longterm relationship ended and I found myself walking a lot on my own. I felt that I stood out in a sea of families and couples. I started carrying a camera and suddenly I was a guy with a purpose. I was taking photos. There was a purpose to my walks. The camera saved me feeling so alone. Good video.
Thank you for sharing - cameras are amazing tools not just for commercial reasons, but personal ones too. More content to come
The quality of your videos is top notch.
Thanks so much! Hope you got something out of it, more to come.
Beautiful video! Very engaging and feels unique with the blend of narrative and the lens together
Thank you so much. More to come!
I'm thankful that RUclips recommended this superb video. Loved the images and the focal length. I always thought street meant 28/35 or 50mm but your images are so good. Thanks. Subscribed.
Thank you Lee - half the comments are telling me to shoot 135mm and the other half 28mm! No rules in street, just shooting for fun anyway. More content to come.
Loved this. Beautiful images. I’m currently one of the last people at the Instagram party but I love the idea of connecting with others. Keep up the good work
Thank you - I am still on instagram too, just not sure what to do with it! Glad you found the content, more to come
Really love your channel!
Thank you for taking the time to comment! More to come
As someone who has previously studied in one of your courses, I stumbled upon this by recommendation of the youtube algorithm alone! Glad your videos are getting attention they deserve, your production value is impressively high and scripting alone must take quite a while to do justice to your style of filmmaking. Would love to do some Brisvegas street photography together sometime!
A former student! Amazing to hear from you. Street photography in Brisbane sounds great
This really hit close to home, miss having community in photography. Great video, I'm on the fence about getting an 85mm for travel. Peace from Los Angeles
Thanks Taylor! 85mm is quite hard to use if you’re travelling with friends and family, but great for solo shooting. Hope you find the right kit for your next trip!
Totally love your videos. Wow! Thank you.
Thank you - means a lot that you took the time to comment
This resonated with me on many levels, great video and amazing images
Thank you Gareth - trying to say the quiet part out loud for photographers on this channel. A small niche that hopefully resonates with more people
I love 75/85mm for street photography, very intimate as you mentioned. Your photography is superb and very inspirational. My best wishes to your channel, I subscribed and looking forward to what else you will share.
Thank you so much - it is great to connect with other photographers, street shooting can get lonely! Which country are you based in?
@@BokehTherapy French living in the US… been doing photography as my mental health pressure valve for 38 years, mostly wildlife photography but getting more and more into street photography.
Wildlife photography is amazing! Hard to do everyday though? Street is doable everyday and keeps the process going
Jack, I enjoyed the ending. You are a nice fellow!
Thank you!
Thanks for this video.
Thanks for watching!
Finally.......a photographer and someone on RUclips not spitting BS, or hiding behind Agendas or Sponsors, or trying to project a certain "image" in order to attract sponsors or more clicks. I don't see a whole lotta "Photography CENTRIC related content on RUclips......it all just seems like more of them same. My work I do is for the LOVE of photography and not for anything else.
Hey thank you so much! Will do my best to consistently put out good useful content.
This video is an absolute masterpiece!
Wow thank you so much! Very new channel, so any comment + feedback helps more than you know. More to come!
Good stuff man. 85mm is my favorite and will even use it for landscape work at times.
Also, great message throughout the video!
85mm looks amazing for landscape work - thanks for watching!
This is a beautiful channel. Photography and feelings, well that really what it's all about 👍
Thanks for watching - photography is a beautiful medium!
Great video. I will have to look into the 85 again. Pat Kay inspired me to start using the 85mm, but I suck at it horribly. 😂
I'm usually a 28 guy. All my photos with the 85 look like I'm hunting Jason Bourne, or am a paparazzi pervert. There's definitely a skill to training the eye for distance and tight compositions. I especially love the long crowded road shots I see, or taking minimalist portraits of what would be landscape shots traditionally.
✌️
I never got along with the 28, but will need to give it another try. Thanks for watching, always interesting to hear other people’s shooting experiences
@@BokehTherapy It took me a while to get back into it. What finally clicked for me was visiting a small town that was super dirty with lots of litter, and flytipping. I wanted to capture the sheer scale of the carnage, but I was always ending up with a portrait of a lone trash bag on a hill, and missing the rest of the clutter. The penny kind of dropped there: clutter could be context.
I usually recommend starting out the journey into wide angle by sticking some gaffer tape on the LCD to get a 2:1 crop and pretend you're shooting an X-pan. It gives you more width to work with, but saves you from the additional floor and sky, until you're ready to think about layering again.
✌
The A7Cii and A7CR can display the 2:1 aspect ratio in the viewfinder - I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks for the tips, now to find a good 28mm for Sony E mount lol
Thank you. A kindered spirit. Maybe YT is the thing for 2024. Stills first, but nowadays a hybrid shooter.
We’ve all had to adapt to become hybrid right? Looking forward to seeing your work!
wow glad i found your channel, your content is amazing!
Thank you so much - still a very new channel so glad it’s finding an audience
Great video Jack. I am US based and headed to London in a couple of days. I was going to take only my phone and some Insta360 cameras. Your video made me decide to take my A6700 and an 85mm.
Yes! That’ll be closer to a 135mm FOV on the A6700 right? Even more dramatic compositions. Have a great trip, look forward to seeing your photos.
@@BokehTherapy Actually, I'll take my Sigma 56mm that gets me close to your 85mm. I do have the same 85mm you have too. Hmmm
The Sigma 56mm! Great lens, amazing how long sigma has been making sharp optics for.
Great video - pictures and thoughts. I have the Sony 85mm 1.8 which I really like but for travel I got the Samyang 75mm 1.8. It’s 230g (vs 370g) and shorter than the Sony. Packs great with the a7cII, and no purple fringing!
Great tip - I haven’t tried the Samyang! A little trickier to go third party for hybrid shooters due to Sony’s spotty focus breathing compensation support, but worth a look for sure. Thanks for watching!
Loving your videos, really well produced and undercut by an incredibly strong message!
I was in Japan about 12 months ago and I really loved shooting my 70-200, but it was incredibly bulky.. did you find with the 85 you were ever missing some extra reach in your shots? I’m considering leaving the 70-200 and taking an 85mm instead when I go to Korea next month.
Thanks for watching! I didn’t feel like I was missing the extra reach, but everyone tells me I should try the 135mm GM. Depends on where you shoot the most? For street and urban I think 85 is plenty, but if you do landscapes then the 70-200 is more versatile. The 85mm f1.8 isn’t too expensive so you can experiment with it to see how you like the results
I took a decades long journey for me to realise I loved the 85 but it started with accidentally buying a 50mm full frame f1.4 lens for my APS-c canon camera because everyone said you should start with a 50…but I didn’t understand crop factor at the time.
Yes I started on APS-C as well - really fond of the smaller weight and size. Thanks for watching - more content to come.
Thats why one must go with M43. Put a small looking 45mm and get the 90mm output from across the street.
I still have a soft spot for M43. Loved my Olympus and Panasonic setups back in the day, it’s how I learnt photography. Thanks for watching, happy shooting!
The sigma 56mm 1.4 (85mm equivalent) is an amazing lens for Sony APS-C cameras.
Yes lightweight too. Thanks for watching!
I going to wait for the new Sony 85mm to be released.
Yes me too - I wasn’t going to get the 85mm f1.8 but needed a longer prime for travel. It surprised me how much I liked it! Let’s see how light Sony can make their new 85
I’ve been shooting all my life on prime 35 and 50mm. (Nikon, LTM, x100T)
I also have a 105 ais I solely take out for portraits , but I find it too narrow as a walking around lens.
I just got the Nikon ZF and I’m debating if I should get the 24-120 4 zoom, or the 85 1.8. I’ve never used zooms before, but everyone and their mother keeps telling me to get the zoom as it’s super versatile.
I am a very biased primes only shooter, and 85mm is not that tight. My money went towards the 85mm f1.8 S. Many contenders have come and gone but it is still my 85mm of choice. Let me know what you go with!
I love the 85mm focal length, btw. The conventional (read as: RUclips photog) wisdom is that want a wide angle for travel photography because it captures the environment. I don't have a dedicated "travel" lens. Even though the Siggy 24-70 (I'm not paying 2400 USD for the GM) is better optically and you get those extra 4mm at the wide, I'm thinking of a getting the Tammy 28-75 because I don't want to carry more than one lens with me when I'm "relaxing"
I wish I liked using zooms more - tried the 24-70 GMii but just couldn’t get along with it. Unfortunately I just need to lug around 2-3 primes
@@BokehTherapy I don't have a ton of experience with zooms, but that 24-70 range is super useful. 2.8 gives you enough light for most situations and at the more tele end gives you decent bokeh. I'd just treat it like 3 primes in one. I know that Steve McCurry used the 24-70 a lot (I think I even saw a documentary in which he was carry a 24-105, which surprised me). There's the temptation to just stand there and zoom in and out, but I think I can safely avoid that as a crutch. Part of the reason, I'd want a zoom for travel is because I'm a bit OCD about getting dust or dirt on my sensor. Especially, now with the sensors having IBIS, you have to be very careful not to damage the mechanism when cleaning the sensor. I used to use something call a Sensor Gel stick, which did a really good job cleaning the sensor (the few times that I did), but I'd never use that on a moving sensor like the one of most mirrorless cameras.
Zooms make so much more sense. I do need to try one again. The tamron 20-40 is a great lens, worth considering too
Hi. I like your videos. Btw what is that camera pack?
Thanks for watching! The camera bag I use is the Wotancraft Pilot in 7L but they come in different sizes: www.wotancraft.tw/en/creations/camera-bags?rfsn=7872078.ab04e93
Thanks. Its nice pack.
Is there a 95mm lens? I am 95s and it will be cool to have a lens same as my born year!
I think a 105mm is most common after 85? Thanks for watching!
Not using the 85mm GM? For a gent that has both 50mm GMs, I'm surprised! 😜
The 85 GM is really due for a mk2 version and the Sigma 1.4 is a better lens while being $700-600 cheaper, it also happens to be smaller and lighter which you can't generally say for Sigma.
@@Roct3874 Yeah, the Sigma is superior but it's a heavier lens. Though, at the same time, it's only 110g heavier than the 50mm gm f/1.4, which Jack uses, too,
Yup I am waiting for the 85GM mark ii! Sony are taking their sweet time. Hope it is smaller and lighter than the Sigma
@@BokehTherapy Professors must make a lot of dough in Australia! Congrats! So far, I only have the 50mm GM F/1.4. I bought it with my a7IV when I traded in my DSLR gear. I love the 85mm focal length, but, for me it's a bit limiting as an everyday street lens. The 50mm is that goldilocks focal length for street. 85mm is my favorite lens for portraits, which I don't get enough opportunities to shoot as I'd like. Even if the new GM comes out within the next year, I'll still probably get the Sigma. I don't consider the 85mm to be an action lens, so I don't mind the slightly less reliable autofocus compared to the native lenses. A lense that I wish would get made is a 28mm G or GM lense at f/1.8. 28mm is a great focal length for indoors stuff and tight spaces. 24mm is just too wide, for my taste, and 35mm is too close to the 50mm.
I buy and sell most of my gear constantly to keep the merry go round of funds going. Professors do OK in Australia, but not enough to fund this expensive hobby!
I started on Flickr in 2006 and it was alive and amazing but they chose to make changes. I left for awhile. Now I am back. Now with the new owners they are trying to bring it back but I think it will never be back.
Flickr (and now IG) are really not fit for purpose anymore when it comes to photographers. I think we just need to build our own websites to showcase portfolios but hard for most hobbyists to take that step. Thanks for watching!
I love my Sigma 85 1.4 SG DN
I love it too - it may be the best Sigma lens ever made! I think this is why the 85mm GMii from Sony is so slow to come out, they have their work cut out for them to beat the Sigma
@@BokehTherapyI was just thinking that the Sigma 65 might be cool option too
I had it for a while, loved it too! Super sharp
Short question, if you have to choose one lens.. 35 mm or 85 mm?
I prefer 85mm I think - easier to make a striking image than 35. Really have to work for the pictures with a 35 or 50, but often the end result is better
Yeaa.. I have owned 20mm for a while because I shoot astrophotography most of the time, but I cant get any pictures lately due to the bad weather. I'm thinking of getting 85mm also. Thanks.
Also greetings from Indonesia.
85mm f1.8 shares the same 67mm filter size as the 20mm f1.8 in Sony - good choice! Not too expensive either. I hear lots of good things about Astrophotography in Indonesia!
@@BokehTherapy yea, there are a lot of places you can shoot astro. Popular places like Mt. Bromo (I wanna go here someday). In my town, Bintan Island, we have sand dunes and a blue lake a hidden gem for photographing. Tbh, shooting astro is difficult. I need to learn a lot of techniques and need some extra tools.
is it peak design pilot 7L ?
It is the Wotancraft Pilot 7L, although I have all 3 sizes. Review video coming up
@@BokehTherapy could it fit a7c with 50mm f1.4 gm, 24mm gm and 135mm gm? my local store said it could but i doubt it. 10L is too big for me
Maybe at a push? One body two lenses for sure. Third lens will depend on size, I don’t have the 135mm GM. Will do a few gear loadouts in the review video
@@BokehTherapy have you compared its capacity with peak design 6L, ona bowery or billingham hadley small? I have them and Im looking for camera bag that slightly bigger in term of capacity from those
More space than Hadley small, probably on par with peak design 6L. Avoid the Ona as leather weighs it down and eats into the inner capacity
not photography feedback, but maybe videography - the interlude from "nobody wants to be the last schmuck" to comp of your 85 before finally returning to where to post was a bit odd. Connection between loneliness in societies (japan an uk) and loneliness of photographers was already tenuous as presented, so those segments probably needed to be juxtaposed directly whereas the the pros/cons/comp of lens belonged together. Perhaps some b-roll of the type of engagement you are/were getting on ig vs type received on yt could have helped bolster the argument? Ganbatte!
“Tenuous Connections” should be the alternate title for this channel haha. Thanks for your feedback, still trying to work out the best format going forward. Editing is a real slog!
T O N E H
All I want is the perfect camera 🎶
You will end up shooting wider - it is only a matter of time. All street shooters start with 50/35 and then go short tele and then think they are making progress with a 28 - but the best shots are with 24/21 - and start thinking about B&W - colour is mostly an annoyance - especially at night. If you are thinking all your shots are looking the same- they are. Once you start thinking about the bigger/wider picture and people only as objects rather than 'targets' in the story - that is when any imposter syndrome will have solid grounding to move on from. Cheers Pete
Thanks for your input - I think everyone shoots differently and there’s not actually a designated “finish line” for creativity. That’s what’s fun about it! Great to hear about your shooting experience, I have just as many people telling me to shoot 135 as I do 28!
@@BokehTherapy I hope I haven't come across as prescriptive - everyone's journey is their own - I was just laying down what is a pretty common road traveled by street shooters - some of us doing it - before the term/meme was even invented.
Note I haven't referenced or commented on the 'therapeutic' aspects of some of your commentary - a diversion where one can focus on something different and pleasurable is indeed a welcome and healthy intervention.
Everyone ends up being a documentary shooter - by definition because time takes care of that.
Not at all - I love hearing about people’s experiences. In some ways I wish it was a little more prescriptive, more rules to follow that will get a pleasing image (for days when the inspiration isn’t quite there). I will take your advice and spend sometime tracking down a good 28mm lens. Keep shooting Pete, thanks for watching!
Thanks Jack. I guess the algorithm worked in my favor this time putting your post in my thread. (Don’t know how all that works and doesn’t matter). How fun that you are sort of melding human “issues” with photographic content. Good for you!
@kai_zen_doc
As I get older photography is a fun way to connect with myself.🤙
The algorithm is working for a change on my end! Photography is only getting more interesting, thanks for watching. More content to come