The one about the books wasn't all bad, it was just badly stated. What it should have said was " before you invest in ten good lenses, invest in a few good photography books." It's nearly impossible to take a good photo, if you don't know what one looks like. Looking at GOOD photos is how you learn that. (The internet, especially Instagram, is NOT a source for examples of good photos!)
Chasing the light and learning how to shape them is definitely the way you photograph your images. you don't just wait for that specific light. learn every type of light and use it to your advantage to solve your problems. bend it to what you need.
Your comments on film being better to learn with hit home with me. I was a combat photographer in Vietnam and students always ask if I miss the days of film (did they see a nostalgic gleam in my eye?)? My answer is simple... OH, HELL NO! I will take the instant gratification of seeing (and correcting ) shots on site. Give me Lightroom and Photoshop over the hell that was darkrooms and my mole hole existence. Megabits beats chemicals any day. BTW I did study in a symposium under Ansel Adams at the Academy of Arts and can assure you that if he were still alive he would relish digital photography.
it's really a matter of what and where. If you take documentary/news photos, then film sounds like hell - flashing a critical roll will be disaster, developing instead of sleeping to make deadlines isn't fun. A good example would be Robert capas D-day photos - he risked life to capture the battle, and a darkroom tech then screwed the roll, wiping the pictures. All these problems are almost completely a thing of the past, thanks to technological/digital advancements. But still, most of the working photogs I know shoot digital for work and film for leisure. It's good fun to do darkroom work, if time and results arent critical. It's a fun "challenge" taking only 36 shots and eyes for metering on an outing. And if you are a camera geek, then the cheapness of weird and unusual film cameras is amazing - stereocameras, 6x9 folders, TLRs, pinholes, plastic soapboxes, soviet rangefinders and 70yr/old SLRs are all way cool for playing around.
@@mjfan653 How many "working photogs" do you know? The vast majority of the several hundred I know have never looked back when digital replaced film. I know far more "working pros" who enjoy seeing just what they can get out of a phone camera when shooting for themselves than any who miss the putrid smell of a darkroom
I love your videos Kai. It's hard to believe I've been watching your videos since I first got into photography around 2009. I have my ups and downs with photography and everytime I watch your videos they always encourage me to get out there and "try" to make photos even though I fail sometimes.
A great tutorial. Best advice: ‘Learn the rules, then creatively break them.’ My art teacher would say, as I slopped paint on paper in the fond idea that this was ‘modern’, that before you can paint abstract art you have to be technically proficient. Same principles apply to photography. One more thing; photographers are sometimes like hifi enthusiasts in that they are often guilty of listening to the equipment not the music. Do we sometimes look at the camera and the tech settings rather than the picture. Sure, if your intention is to sell pictures then you’ll need great kit, but the best picture I have of my granddaughter was taken on my phone because it caught that unique moment. Thanks again, Kai, even for experienced photographers it’s good to be reminded of some basic principles.
Love you man, not only an entertainer, comedian, and down right decent bloke, you know your stuff, and I just love watching your presentations. Never give up, we'd bloody well miss you too much.
You make the best photography videos on youtubes, hands-down. I think from now on I will only watch your videos and nothing else. You are apparently the only person on youtube who can make a video that isn't a total waste of my time.
Good stuff, Kai! Totally agree zoom with your feet gives the wrong idea. I think the goal of that is to break people out of the habit of standing in place and zooming without a thought given to focal length. I always tell people learn to pick your focal length and then move to frame up your shot.
I bought a Lumix G70 and I just started to photograph with it. I bought a lense, 25mm, F 1.7 and it is really fun to take pictures with it. I now have to find a program to work on the raw pictures. It's fun to run around with your camera, hunting for nice pictures. It is something that I like to do, I live in Vienna and there is not that much, but the thing is, the camera forces me to not only go out more, but it also forces me to get to know my town better.
I'm glad to see you have your own channel. 7 years ago I knew nothing about photography but found your videos on Digital Rev and you really inspired me to get into photography. Your method is really unpretentious and practical and has drawn a lot of people like myself into the wonderful world of photography. So for that I'd like to thank you very much! I have just subscribed to your new channel and I look forward to your videos.
Kai I love your content I was a graphic designer for years and when I got my first camera 2 years ago I watched your stuff to build up my foundations and I now work as a commercial photographer and videographer and I wanted to say thanks for all the help! Keep up the great content
When I went to art college we were taught that the rule or thirds (and all the other rules) was a suggestion or a guide not a rule. The word rule referred to the lines drawn in the composition and not that you had to follow it.
My biggest improvements as a photographer have come from me critically evaluating every shot that I take - what works and what doesn't? What could I have done differently to make it better? I think that sort of self-evaluation, not as a way of being negative toward yourself, but with the desire to learn, is the key to improving at almost anything.
One lesson I learned especially for street photography. It’s not about aesthetics, it’s about representation. Represent the person you shoot whether street or portraiture or even landscapes with respect and represent them the way they deserve
I believe in a dedicated camera over a cellphone. With gloves on I can take a shot in two seconds, if I have to zoom the full range it's three seconds. It's helped me get a bunch of shots of active wildlife, really cute dogs, and drunkards falling over. If the camera suffers an accident, good, it was a used $50 superzoom!
@@kingsamvisuals Found a used Canon SX280HS for that giving the equivalent of 500mm, sensor size is comparable to a cellphone (ick) but the zoom, the bokeh and the size makes up for it. And the speed, definitely appreciated. Surprisingly sharp and clear at the long end but I'd buy a Sony if I had to get a new modern pocketable 500mm.
Kai, you honestly make me laugh so much. The zen moment meditating on two pelican cases was inspired. 10/10 would watch a comedy series written by Kai.
Biggest tip: Learn what equipment actually does. I see so many people buy f2.8 lenses because they are f2.8 completely ignoring the focal length and what the usage cases will be for them. A perfect example is the 70-200mm lenses. Most people don't need the 2.8 and would be much happier (and richer) with the f4 IS or something with more/less reach. I always say, buy the kit that allows you to do something unique that you couldn't do before. The more unique compare to the rest of your kit, the better of an investment it is.
Thank you. I'll keep that in mind. Currently having the 16-50mm f4.6 kit lens for a6000, bought a 50mm f1.8 (was told it is like 75mm APS-C) and maybe looking at macro and tele lenses. Is this what you had in mind?
@@VisaxLPI would kill two birds with one stone and get a longer macro lens. Something in the 100mm range. That way you have a slight telephoto lens and a macro in one. 2X your current max focal length or 1/2 of your minimum focal length is a general rule I use because you need to double or half your focal length to see a significant difference. After the macro the next lens would probably be your 70-200mm f/4
I so love #6! I hate the old advice of only shooting during the golden hours. Thanks for covering this and the better advice of using other hours too. '" Know the different types of light and use it to your advantage". As for the rules - they are more like guidelines than actual rules.
Shooting with film is awesome, a few years ago I've started with a Zenit because I didn't have money to buy a digital one and ended up liking, even doing the revelation process. It's interesting
Exactly. If buying gear helps you get out and shoot and changes the way you shoot it can be a positive thing and could lead to better things. You have to be happy with what you shoot with, while its a tool, it's also an extension of yourself.
The best camera is the one that you rent, because buying it outright will cost more than several years worth of income. The 2nd best camera is the one you're still paying for on the credit card, but in your infinite wisdom, decided that wherever you're going didn't warrant bringing it today The 3rd best camera(and arguably the most useful) is the one you actually have with you.
I got 10.5/hour (illegal ik) and didn't know much about cameras so I asked a local camera shop to hook me up with something that would be better then my then current camera (Nikon d5500) and he suggested a $2000 LUMIX f4700 (I think I'm still getting used to the name) and I went in a few times each time he recommended it and that it would be perfect for the type of photography I do. Welp a year after laybying it I finally got it, had a play around and then did a paid shoot with it... the photos were bad pixel wise. It blurred on the face and didn't have as many pixels or as much sharpness as my Nikon so they were smaller images and just sucked compared to what I was used to. Honestly I think the key is researching and testing out cameras before you buy the most you can. I wanted one that wouldn't be shitty by next year but it seems behind by 5 compared to current tech
Go look for a nice used Lumix G3, or older Olympus models. Besides my A6300 and A5000, I started collecting all kinds of ~2008-2012 lumix and olympus cameras, including Lumix Gf series, G series, and Olympus EPL series and an E510. I got them between 30-80 Eur and mostly use vintage minolta lenses that cost around 20 Eur (many people say dont get a vintage for a digital camera, but I have made pretty good experiences with these plus having to work manually is actually a lot of fun) or I'm using used micro 4/3 autofocus lenses that also go pretty cheap second hand. (around 80 eur). If you are willing to put some effort and learning into Photography, these are a good place to start, and used well, they still create amazing quality pictures, even with "only 10-16MP". Now filming is something else and you often get rather nasty sharpening artifacts on more complex scenes (never trust these test videos where people film flowers with 90% bokeh, pretty much anything looks sharp and clean with that) but if you know how to use it, you can also film good enough quality for nonprofessional use.
@@hatchetairsoft2463 I bought a used Canon G7X Mark II myself. For a camera that fits in the palm of my hand, the versatility and quality (low light included) are pretty phenomenal. With some careful composition, good background blurring is quite feasible as well, though note that it can't be done with the same impunity as can full frame cameras/lenses. The Sony RX100 is also very well regarded, though quite a lot more expensive even used.
@@Lauren_C There's amazing options for cheap out there that you can use to a pretty far level actually, and I found that each camera has a lot of individual aspects that make it a really enjoyable experience to photograph with. I cant explain why but the haptic and overall feel of the E-PL2 still gotta be my favorite camera as far as the experience of Photographing itself goes. Quality wise I got some really great shots out of my G3 although again the olympus still has its own charming look to it, and especially the video - although just being 720p- has a pretty clean retro look to it. Of course none of these are anywhere near in league as my A6300, I still would call it a phenomenal besides some Quirks, but they all have their own charme, an image that is still very usuable and most of all, they are incredibly fun to take on trips, torusim or just have it on you when you dont want to carry your more expensive gear with you. If I come across some good deals, I really wanna try canons next, I never really had the chance to try one, I might have a look into that G7x, although I prefer interchangeable lens Cameras, the, just feel like a higher end piece of gear, even though bridge/compact/digicams really dont have to hide anymore either, I had the chance to try the sony RX1 and that full frame Digicam combo is pretty neat, although the price tag is as high as my car.
Golden hour sux if you have a cozy bed with many pillows, and you hate mornings, hard shadows at midday, that is the way to go; laziness is a under rated skill.
All my favourite rants in one place! Nicely done. After reading and watching posts about what you MUST do and what you must NEVER do, I've decided to skip anything that makes such claims. Glad I didn't skip this one. Thanks.
The latest I made better in my photography is buying a prime. Zoom with your body gives making pictures a new dimension. I have to think now about composition, light, angle, story before taking a picture. making it all more changeling is so much more nicer. Overall don't look and read to much, just go out, learn your gear, and make mistakes that let you get better. Believe in your own style. You can listen to criticism but taking photos is all about taste.
I 100% agree about the equipment being a factor. I had a t3 and loved the photos, "upgraded" to a d3300 and hated the photos I was taking, eventually got a a6300 and loved my photos again. Now I shoot with a a7ii lol.
I completely agree. Especially with the film camera thing... why is that always a suggestion?! Lol I don’t want to shoot film other than times I’m out messing around with some friends. I could just switch to manual if I really want to learn more about settings.
I think it's important to know The Rules(TM) because they do work often enough... but it's equally important to know when to break them as well, especially when that makes a statement or provides a new perspective.
Buying expensive doesn't make you get better, it's about skill and technique. I once was taking pictures at a Butterfly park. And this man came op with a good camera and expensive big lense. Made a nice comment about my shots. After a while you could see him getting frustrated, I offered to help and gave tips but he just got grumpy. So I just finished shooting and walked off. I may just have a bridge camera but development an eye for detail and composition when taking macro. Some still believe that it's the camera that makes better photography.
Regarding tip #3 I always recommend to people considering a rangefinder to get one with a built in light meter if for nothing else to remind you that you forgot to take the lens cap off.
I think that "rule of thirds" thing is just a good way to give beginners an idea of composing. Most beginners (and just random people taking photos) tend to just put their object in the middle of the frame and that's it. Rule of thirds is a good way to break the habit and start experimenting with new ways to compose. After a while you start thinking about composing your photo automatically and without thinking about any rules.
I really enjoy watching your content. Thanks for sharing. SkillShare on the other Hand is complete Bullsh**. I trief ist for several month. The „Classes“ are really bad, boring or just don’t teach anything. I think it’s a waste of money. Anyways. Nice Video!
I am learning about photography and so far I learned you buy a good mirrorless camera then spend the big bucks on a nice piece of glass, aka a good lens
Some tips that look superfluous on the surface are important for beginners. "Remove your lenscap" or "set back your ISO etc. before turning off the cam" can be very important in the beginning. I remember, shortly after I bought my first camera, I was back in the store because "all the pictuers look very white". Well, I had been shooting indoors before and forgotten to set back the ISO when going outside. Dito lenscap - you have your camera ready, see an interesting scene, press the shutter button, the scene is over and the photo dark... Small children actually need potty training, some photography beginners might need to be reminded of fairly obvious "rules" before they become natural...
Really great topic. All the advice was great, especially the takeaway of learning the rules then forget them; although I prefer to think, "keep them in the back of your mind, as you bend them." I agree with your assessment of the golden hour and I came to the same conclusion about B/W film and street photography being better in hi-contrast lighting or great just after a rain at dusk or night. Great video.
Super agree on the film. Film is expensive and slow, and it makes it difficult to quickly learn from your mistakes (especially if you aren't recording the metadata for your shots). That said, I'm enjoying the process of learning photography on film rather than digital for now. Something about it just seems to get me to go out more. :)
Thanks for this video. I personally was getting overwhelmed with all of the differences and sulbtlties that goes into developing ones style. And your right about one thing for sure! Learn the rules and then break them. 😅
I took up photography while I was studying graphics design, so I was taught about "the golden mean" before "the rule of thirds". The latter is just a simplification of the the golden mean/the golden rule which doesn't take all that long to study up on now that we have RUclips with TL;DR's for everything. Anyone who's a fan of the rule of thirds I'd suggest look into the golden mean. Once you see it it'll be everywhere in nature, in good design, in photography, craftsmanship, and art overall. I prefer to call it a tool rather than a rule though. There are no RULES, but there sure is a lot of good advice to take advantage of.
Personally I find that I sometimes will shoot MORE with a film camera than I will with my digital. If I'm out on a photo-walk with a digital camera I find that I sometimes study a scene, take the shot I'm aiming for, confirm it is in line with my goal with the preview screen, and move on. But with film I'm sometimes more likely to take duplicates with different settings just to ensure I haven't clipped a highlight or shadow.
I'm starting to think this channel is a form of performance art. it doesn't matter what you learn or do not learn. it doesn't matter if the content is on point. it's purely photographer photographing photographs.
My best tip. don't invest in a mega expensive lens. When you need one for a job, holiday, photoshoot buy it on Ebay used, keep it for however long needed and resell it, sometimes at a profit or slight loss it doesn't matter. Great experience and you have your £1000+ back in the bank. Cheaper than hiring and no regrets about trying.
Gear doesn’t matter? Gear makes fun and makes me wanting to shoot! I bought myself a 5D IV when others told me it’s too early. I agree. It was too early at the time but it made me shoot and now I’ve learned to make full use of it! Btw. haven’t bought a lens for 6/7 months now! :D 24-70 2.8 II L and Sigma Art lenses for the win!
Agreed. One should always start with the best (if they can afford it). Starting at the bottom with poo and then selling the poo, then buying slightly better poo, has never made sense. Lol
10 Popular Photography Tips - which one should we keep, change or kill?
There's something for all I guess...I'll keep the first ten.
Change the color orange, keep the fruit orange, kill the donald orange
The one about the books wasn't all bad, it was just badly stated. What it should have said was " before you invest in ten good lenses, invest in a few good photography books." It's nearly impossible to take a good photo, if you don't know what one looks like. Looking at GOOD photos is how you learn that. (The internet, especially Instagram, is NOT a source for examples of good photos!)
Rule of Turds. It's all about technique, followed by proper hygiene.
@@alectrem+FBI please investigate this as a threat to +POTUS
"Zoom with your feet." Yeah, that's great advice when you're photographing tigers.
Lol dont know why but I actually laughed out loud at this.
Or cougars
Yep.
I had a few cougars when I was younger. They are fun.
It's good advise to give someone else - especially an annoying blow-hard.
@@scrolex ha!
There was 1 tip that I was given years ago and it changed my view of photography. "Learn the light."
Explain?
Chasing the light and learning how to shape them is definitely the way you photograph your images. you don't just wait for that specific light. learn every type of light and use it to your advantage to solve your problems. bend it to what you need.
Agree
I totally agree
Same tip was given to me and I'm always looking at light and how it affects everything and makes shapes and now learning portraiture. Should be fun.
Your comments on film being better to learn with hit home with me. I was a combat photographer in Vietnam and students always ask if I miss the days of film (did they see a nostalgic gleam in my eye?)? My answer is simple... OH, HELL NO! I will take the instant gratification of seeing (and correcting ) shots on site. Give me Lightroom and Photoshop over the hell that was darkrooms and my mole hole existence. Megabits beats chemicals any day. BTW I did study in a symposium under Ansel Adams at the Academy of Arts and can assure you that if he were still alive he would relish digital photography.
it's really a matter of what and where. If you take documentary/news photos, then film sounds like hell - flashing a critical roll will be disaster, developing instead of sleeping to make deadlines isn't fun. A good example would be Robert capas D-day photos - he risked life to capture the battle, and a darkroom tech then screwed the roll, wiping the pictures. All these problems are almost completely a thing of the past, thanks to technological/digital advancements.
But still, most of the working photogs I know shoot digital for work and film for leisure. It's good fun to do darkroom work, if time and results arent critical. It's a fun "challenge" taking only 36 shots and eyes for metering on an outing. And if you are a camera geek, then the cheapness of weird and unusual film cameras is amazing - stereocameras, 6x9 folders, TLRs, pinholes, plastic soapboxes, soviet rangefinders and 70yr/old SLRs are all way cool for playing around.
@@mjfan653 I'm surprised he didn't lose it and murder the guy.
@@mjfan653 How many "working photogs" do you know? The vast majority of the several hundred I know have never looked back when digital replaced film. I know far more "working pros" who enjoy seeing just what they can get out of a phone camera when shooting for themselves than any who miss the putrid smell of a darkroom
@@ared18t They were on opposite sides of the English Channel.
No wonder he's so happy...12 inches..lol..great video!
Ansel "12 inches" adamns it is from now on
The real question is ... How happy was his wife? :^)
Def kai is jealous of that, he's Asian
“Overheating? Sony!” ZING!
Kai-01 Sony-00
Got em
Spot on!🤣
oh,that stupid ass myth again???hehehehehe
I love your videos Kai. It's hard to believe I've been watching your videos since I first got into photography around 2009. I have my ups and downs with photography and everytime I watch your videos they always encourage me to get out there and "try" to make photos even though I fail sometimes.
i think the first rule is "do what you want". the second is "learn to work with light".
A great tutorial. Best advice: ‘Learn the rules, then creatively break them.’ My art teacher would say, as I slopped paint on paper in the fond idea that this was ‘modern’, that before you can paint abstract art you have to be technically proficient. Same principles apply to photography. One more thing; photographers are sometimes like hifi enthusiasts in that they are often guilty of listening to the equipment not the music. Do we sometimes look at the camera and the tech settings rather than the picture. Sure, if your intention is to sell pictures then you’ll need great kit, but the best picture I have of my granddaughter was taken on my phone because it caught that unique moment.
Thanks again, Kai, even for experienced photographers it’s good to be reminded of some basic principles.
This video reminds me of your good ol' digital rev days . well done
People love absolutes. All these clichés should be taken as food for thought, but nothing too prescriptive.
I call it "the suggestion of thirds"
Agreed. I often sometimes put my subjects dead center. I don't care, that's how I like it sometimes and sometimes it don't work.
Love you man, not only an entertainer, comedian, and down right decent bloke, you know your stuff, and I just love watching your presentations. Never give up, we'd bloody well miss you too much.
sycophant much ?
I started photography just after watching your videos ! cheers !
Me same
I had to check if my speed was x2 for the first 10 seconds
Daren Tan same :o
lol. This guy is awesome ! Love this video !
Kai is definitely enthusiastic
“Ugh, over heating..... psh... Sony.” Oh my god! I died when he said that!
The hero we all needed, but the hero we don't deserve... 🙌 Hahaha
Thank you Kai! 🙏
OH THANK YOU SO MUCH !!! Finally someone (professional like you, Kai) explains, that "rule of thirds" shouldn´t be taken too serious.
You make the best photography videos on youtubes, hands-down. I think from now on I will only watch your videos and nothing else. You are apparently the only person on youtube who can make a video that isn't a total waste of my time.
Good stuff, Kai! Totally agree zoom with your feet gives the wrong idea. I think the goal of that is to break people out of the habit of standing in place and zooming without a thought given to focal length. I always tell people learn to pick your focal length and then move to frame up your shot.
Best advise ever: Remove your pants before taking a crap. I laughed till I cried.
Oh don’t mind me! I’m just dying! Definitely don’t come to my funeral while I die of laughter!
I bought a Lumix G70 and I just started to photograph with it. I bought a lense, 25mm, F 1.7 and it is really fun to take pictures with it. I now have to find a program to work on the raw pictures. It's fun to run around with your camera, hunting for nice pictures. It is something that I like to do, I live in Vienna and there is not that much, but the thing is, the camera forces me to not only go out more, but it also forces me to get to know my town better.
When setting out to capture the sunrise on a mountain check that you've brought a memory card.
I'm glad to see you have your own channel. 7 years ago I knew nothing about photography but found your videos on Digital Rev and you really inspired me to get into photography. Your method is really unpretentious and practical and has drawn a lot of people like myself into the wonderful world of photography. So for that I'd like to thank you very much! I have just subscribed to your new channel and I look forward to your videos.
Aww man, I shot through a whole memory card before I realized that my lens cap was still on! --no one
Kai I love your content I was a graphic designer for years and when I got my first camera 2 years ago I watched your stuff to build up my foundations and I now work as a commercial photographer and videographer and I wanted to say thanks for all the help! Keep up the great content
When I went to art college we were taught that the rule or thirds (and all the other rules) was a suggestion or a guide not a rule. The word rule referred to the lines drawn in the composition and not that you had to follow it.
My biggest improvements as a photographer have come from me critically evaluating every shot that I take - what works and what doesn't? What could I have done differently to make it better? I think that sort of self-evaluation, not as a way of being negative toward yourself, but with the desire to learn, is the key to improving at almost anything.
One lesson I learned especially for street photography. It’s not about aesthetics, it’s about representation. Represent the person you shoot whether street or portraiture or even landscapes with respect and represent them the way they deserve
HAHAHAAAHA I am in love with this! So many silly quirks in the photography community. Way to put them all on blast Kai!
When it is bright, look for shadows when it's dark to look for light😊
I believe in a dedicated camera over a cellphone. With gloves on I can take a shot in two seconds, if I have to zoom the full range it's three seconds. It's helped me get a bunch of shots of active wildlife, really cute dogs, and drunkards falling over. If the camera suffers an accident, good, it was a used $50 superzoom!
Mamiya645 $50 superzoom 😳
@@kingsamvisuals Found a used Canon SX280HS for that giving the equivalent of 500mm, sensor size is comparable to a cellphone (ick) but the zoom, the bokeh and the size makes up for it. And the speed, definitely appreciated. Surprisingly sharp and clear at the long end but I'd buy a Sony if I had to get a new modern pocketable 500mm.
It’s always fun and educational to watch your videos. THANKS!
Kai, you honestly make me laugh so much. The zen moment meditating on two pelican cases was inspired. 10/10 would watch a comedy series written by Kai.
Thanks Kai! After learning to remove my lens cap my photos are less terrible now.
Biggest tip: Learn what equipment actually does. I see so many people buy f2.8 lenses because they are f2.8 completely ignoring the focal length and what the usage cases will be for them. A perfect example is the 70-200mm lenses. Most people don't need the 2.8 and would be much happier (and richer) with the f4 IS or something with more/less reach. I always say, buy the kit that allows you to do something unique that you couldn't do before. The more unique compare to the rest of your kit, the better of an investment it is.
Thank you. I'll keep that in mind.
Currently having the 16-50mm f4.6 kit lens for a6000, bought a 50mm f1.8 (was told it is like 75mm APS-C) and maybe looking at macro and tele lenses. Is this what you had in mind?
@@VisaxLPI would kill two birds with one stone and get a longer macro lens. Something in the 100mm range. That way you have a slight telephoto lens and a macro in one. 2X your current max focal length or 1/2 of your minimum focal length is a general rule I use because you need to double or half your focal length to see a significant difference. After the macro the next lens would probably be your 70-200mm f/4
I so love #6! I hate the old advice of only shooting during the golden hours. Thanks for covering this and the better advice of using other hours too. '" Know the different types of light and use it to your advantage". As for the rules - they are more like guidelines than actual rules.
Kai, my man, good to see you again. Keep these CONTENT coming up, cheers
by far my favorite youtube photographer. always making me laugh, Kai! Thank you!
Shooting with film is awesome, a few years ago I've started with a Zenit because I didn't have money to buy a digital one and ended up liking, even doing the revelation process. It's interesting
The only channel I don't have to watch in 1,5 speed - a true pro!
I’m glad I watched. Very good points, especially about composition. If it works, it works, it doesn’t need to follow a rule to get the job done.
Finally, someone speaks the truth not that bull**** about not buying too much gear or gear doesn't matter crap!
Exactly. If buying gear helps you get out and shoot and changes the way you shoot it can be a positive thing and could lead to better things. You have to be happy with what you shoot with, while its a tool, it's also an extension of yourself.
The best camera is the one that you rent, because buying it outright will cost more than several years worth of income.
The 2nd best camera is the one you're still paying for on the credit card, but in your infinite wisdom, decided that wherever you're going didn't warrant bringing it today
The 3rd best camera(and arguably the most useful) is the one you actually have with you.
Depends on your income
I got 10.5/hour (illegal ik) and didn't know much about cameras so I asked a local camera shop to hook me up with something that would be better then my then current camera (Nikon d5500) and he suggested a $2000 LUMIX f4700 (I think I'm still getting used to the name) and I went in a few times each time he recommended it and that it would be perfect for the type of photography I do. Welp a year after laybying it I finally got it, had a play around and then did a paid shoot with it... the photos were bad pixel wise. It blurred on the face and didn't have as many pixels or as much sharpness as my Nikon so they were smaller images and just sucked compared to what I was used to. Honestly I think the key is researching and testing out cameras before you buy the most you can. I wanted one that wouldn't be shitty by next year but it seems behind by 5 compared to current tech
Go look for a nice used Lumix G3, or older Olympus models. Besides my A6300 and A5000, I started collecting all kinds of ~2008-2012 lumix and olympus cameras, including Lumix Gf series, G series, and Olympus EPL series and an E510. I got them between 30-80 Eur and mostly use vintage minolta lenses that cost around 20 Eur (many people say dont get a vintage for a digital camera, but I have made pretty good experiences with these plus having to work manually is actually a lot of fun) or I'm using used micro 4/3 autofocus lenses that also go pretty cheap second hand. (around 80 eur). If you are willing to put some effort and learning into Photography, these are a good place to start, and used well, they still create amazing quality pictures, even with "only 10-16MP".
Now filming is something else and you often get rather nasty sharpening artifacts on more complex scenes (never trust these test videos where people film flowers with 90% bokeh, pretty much anything looks sharp and clean with that) but if you know how to use it, you can also film good enough quality for nonprofessional use.
@@hatchetairsoft2463
I bought a used Canon G7X Mark II myself. For a camera that fits in the palm of my hand, the versatility and quality (low light included) are pretty phenomenal. With some careful composition, good background blurring is quite feasible as well, though note that it can't be done with the same impunity as can full frame cameras/lenses.
The Sony RX100 is also very well regarded, though quite a lot more expensive even used.
@@Lauren_C There's amazing options for cheap out there that you can use to a pretty far level actually, and I found that each camera has a lot of individual aspects that make it a really enjoyable experience to photograph with. I cant explain why but the haptic and overall feel of the E-PL2 still gotta be my favorite camera as far as the experience of Photographing itself goes. Quality wise I got some really great shots out of my G3 although again the olympus still has its own charming look to it, and especially the video - although just being 720p- has a pretty clean retro look to it. Of course none of these are anywhere near in league as my A6300, I still would call it a phenomenal besides some Quirks, but they all have their own charme, an image that is still very usuable and most of all, they are incredibly fun to take on trips, torusim or just have it on you when you dont want to carry your more expensive gear with you.
If I come across some good deals, I really wanna try canons next, I never really had the chance to try one, I might have a look into that G7x, although I prefer interchangeable lens Cameras, the, just feel like a higher end piece of gear, even though bridge/compact/digicams really dont have to hide anymore either, I had the chance to try the sony RX1 and that full frame Digicam combo is pretty neat, although the price tag is as high as my car.
Golden hour sux if you have a cozy bed with many pillows, and you hate mornings, hard shadows at midday, that is the way to go; laziness is a under rated skill.
Evening golden hour.
All my favourite rants in one place! Nicely done.
After reading and watching posts about what you MUST do and what you must NEVER do, I've decided to skip anything that makes such claims. Glad I didn't skip this one. Thanks.
Love your video style!!! Keep it up! Keep it original! Cheers!
The latest I made better in my photography is buying a prime. Zoom with your body gives making pictures a new dimension. I have to think now about composition, light, angle, story before taking a picture. making it all more changeling is so much more nicer. Overall don't look and read to much, just go out, learn your gear, and make mistakes that let you get better. Believe in your own style. You can listen to criticism but taking photos is all about taste.
The best video on photography I have seen so far in my life xD
Love your videos, Kai. You’re the best.
Remembering to take your trousers off before taking a dump aka the rule of turds
Pete Loughlin now that’s funny
I love your sense of humor. And I'd have to agree with you on all points!
I 100% agree about the equipment being a factor. I had a t3 and loved the photos, "upgraded" to a d3300 and hated the photos I was taking, eventually got a a6300 and loved my photos again. Now I shoot with a a7ii lol.
I completely agree. Especially with the film camera thing... why is that always a suggestion?! Lol I don’t want to shoot film other than times I’m out messing around with some friends. I could just switch to manual if I really want to learn more about settings.
I can’t tell you how much I’ve learned from your videos.....and how much I’ve laughed! You’re a hoot! Keep up the good work and thanks.
I was just happy to see someone from London (I think) visiting the Peak District Edges.
Great job Kai, I glad to see a tip video again. Please do these more often!
I think the best tip you ever gave is to learn ones camera. Second was work with the light and not miss out just because. Keep it up
I think it's important to know The Rules(TM) because they do work often enough... but it's equally important to know when to break them as well, especially when that makes a statement or provides a new perspective.
#3 almost made me spit my coffee up. Good job sir.
"12 inches behind the camera", I come for the knowledge and stay for the cheeky jokes. You are by far my favorite youtuber for photography.
You held the 1D with huge lens by 1 hand?!?! 💪🏻
Buying expensive doesn't make you get better, it's about skill and technique. I once was taking pictures at a Butterfly park. And this man came op with a good camera and expensive big lense. Made a nice comment about my shots. After a while you could see him getting frustrated, I offered to help and gave tips but he just got grumpy. So I just finished shooting and walked off. I may just have a bridge camera but development an eye for detail and composition when taking macro. Some still believe that it's the camera that makes better photography.
Regarding tip #3 I always recommend to people considering a rangefinder to get one with a built in light meter if for nothing else to remind you that you forgot to take the lens cap off.
"Learn the rules to break em" alright man
I think that "rule of thirds" thing is just a good way to give beginners an idea of composing. Most beginners (and just random people taking photos) tend to just put their object in the middle of the frame and that's it. Rule of thirds is a good way to break the habit and start experimenting with new ways to compose. After a while you start thinking about composing your photo automatically and without thinking about any rules.
I really enjoy watching your content. Thanks for sharing.
SkillShare on the other Hand is complete Bullsh**. I trief ist for several month. The „Classes“ are really bad, boring or just don’t teach anything. I think it’s a waste of money.
Anyways. Nice Video!
this is the kind of video i miss from Kai. Love it man. Hilarious.
Kai W is sunburned from listening to the tip that told him to get closer. Poor Kai learned the hard Way.
RIP his skin.
I am learning about photography and so far I learned you buy a good mirrorless camera then spend the big bucks on a nice piece of glass, aka a good lens
Always like what you do . Makes me laugh every time cheers Kai 👍👍👍
Chase’s “Best Camera” app was awesome! I used it back in 2009 (with my iPhone 3g!), it was a lot of fun!
Some tips that look superfluous on the surface are important for beginners. "Remove your lenscap" or "set back your ISO etc. before turning off the cam" can be very important in the beginning. I remember, shortly after I bought my first camera, I was back in the store because "all the pictuers look very white". Well, I had been shooting indoors before and forgotten to set back the ISO when going outside. Dito lenscap - you have your camera ready, see an interesting scene, press the shutter button, the scene is over and the photo dark...
Small children actually need potty training, some photography beginners might need to be reminded of fairly obvious "rules" before they become natural...
Awesome vid very down to earth great job cut and dry and straight to the point as usual...
Really great topic. All the advice was great, especially the takeaway of learning the rules then forget them; although I prefer to think, "keep them in the back of your mind, as you bend them." I agree with your assessment of the golden hour and I came to the same conclusion about B/W film and street photography being better in hi-contrast lighting or great just after a rain at dusk or night. Great video.
Shooting a manual film camera is good advice for a beginner, if that person is interested in learning about photography and not just taking pictures.
Your videos are so incredibly entertaining to watch!!!
3:21 Oh don’t mind me! I’m just dying! Definitely don’t come to my funeral while I die of laughter!
Super agree on the film. Film is expensive and slow, and it makes it difficult to quickly learn from your mistakes (especially if you aren't recording the metadata for your shots).
That said, I'm enjoying the process of learning photography on film rather than digital for now. Something about it just seems to get me to go out more. :)
Does Kai have some old skool dance roots? Those outfits were super b-boy fresh! Get it in, Kai Money$
My god! your skitches are awesome.
Thank you for the vids Kai. I really love the content you make.
Thanks for this video. I personally was getting overwhelmed with all of the differences and sulbtlties that goes into developing ones style. And your right about one thing for sure! Learn the rules and then break them. 😅
The only 2 main rules I ever think about is don’t blow the highlights and keep your hand held speed at least 3 times your focal length.
Am I watching Digital Rev?
Thanks kai you always have the best advice and I love how you always just do you, your an inspiration!
Hahaha the conclusion of the video kinda sounds like my least favorite cliche tip "just make what looks good to YOU"
I took up photography while I was studying graphics design, so I was taught about "the golden mean" before "the rule of thirds". The latter is just a simplification of the the golden mean/the golden rule which doesn't take all that long to study up on now that we have RUclips with TL;DR's for everything. Anyone who's a fan of the rule of thirds I'd suggest look into the golden mean. Once you see it it'll be everywhere in nature, in good design, in photography, craftsmanship, and art overall.
I prefer to call it a tool rather than a rule though. There are no RULES, but there sure is a lot of good advice to take advantage of.
Kai never let's me down. These videos are brilliant! 😜👍
Haha....very good!I just talk my point is:If a person draws well, he will capture the art more quickly when taking photos.
MOVE YOUR PANTS BEFORE YOU TAKE A CRAP KAI !!
#11 backup your photos. What’s the point.
wikichris Incase you lose them idk??
Uh, backing up photos is important for anyone that cares
Seems not so much point in taking photos if there’s no interest to look at or appreciate them again.
Personally I find that I sometimes will shoot MORE with a film camera than I will with my digital.
If I'm out on a photo-walk with a digital camera I find that I sometimes study a scene, take the shot I'm aiming for, confirm it is in line with my goal with the preview screen, and move on. But with film I'm sometimes more likely to take duplicates with different settings just to ensure I haven't clipped a highlight or shadow.
I'm starting to think this channel is a form of performance art. it doesn't matter what you learn or do not learn. it doesn't matter if the content is on point. it's purely photographer photographing photographs.
And videos are a bunch of photographs
Have I ever said that I watched your videos for practice my listening skill ?
My best tip. don't invest in a mega expensive lens. When you need one for a job, holiday, photoshoot buy it on Ebay used, keep it for however long needed and resell it, sometimes at a profit or slight loss it doesn't matter. Great experience and you have your £1000+ back in the bank. Cheaper than hiring and no regrets about trying.
Joy : depleted.
Gear doesn’t matter? Gear makes fun and makes me wanting to shoot!
I bought myself a 5D IV when others told me it’s too early. I agree. It was too early at the time but it made me shoot and now I’ve learned to make full use of it!
Btw. haven’t bought a lens for 6/7 months now! :D
24-70 2.8 II L and Sigma Art lenses for the win!
Agreed. One should always start with the best (if they can afford it). Starting at the bottom with poo and then selling the poo, then buying slightly better poo, has never made sense. Lol
Too good, nice one Kai!! :)
Kai you need to hit 1M now. It's taking bit longer..
put a blurry smallHD in the foreground to add a little interest to the picture :)