The thing is: there's always something to shoot. you just have to be open to new visions and take random photos and then look at them later in post-processing and decide whether to use them or not
To keep the energy and creativity flowing I rely on projects. I find at first you photograph similar subjects and compositions, then you expand to higher levels of creativity and more interesting images. Self publishing them in a book or zine, even if it is only one copy for yourself, is very rewarding and motivation to continue with that project or begin a new one.
That’s an excellent point, Nick. I didn’t go into much detail about it because I haven’t explored it as deeply as I’d like yet. But you’re absolutely right. Working on projects is such a powerful way to channel your energy and grow within a structured framework. It helps you avoid getting overwhelmed by the endless possibilities photography offers. How do you go about self-publishing your zines? That’s something I’m really interested in exploring for my own work moving forward. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!I really appreciate it!
@@AristeidisSfakianos I use the US based Blurb for zines, soft cover and hardcover books for years, I'm pleased with the results. I'm sure there are others of higher quality, but also higher costs. Kali hronia!
I’ve found that bringing just my camera, no other gear or bag, helps me sometimes. This way the camera is always in my hand. I may not even take a shot, and the ones I do take may suck, but the camera is in my hand. And I take a camera EVERYWHERE! Another great video. Thank you!
I think what you just said is key. If you have your camera with you everywhere you will take photos anywhere. The more you shoot the higher your chances are to get that one special photo. Thank you so much for sharing this and for checking out the video!
I've added a camera -- a real one, not my phone -- to the drawer that holds my wallet, car keys, pocket knife, etc. My "everyday carry" (EDC). This has the effect of normalizing the idea that no matter where I am or what I'm doing, images are all around me, waiting to be captured, explored, played with. I dare say that a lot of the greatest photos ever taken were unplanned, spontaneous, almost accidental. I'm hoping to add some to that list, even if nobody thinks they're but me.
No expectations with an empty mind can sometimes yield the best results out of many of life's challenges. It's almost as if we hand the problem over to a higher source which solves it for us. We have all had photography days which have had terrible results and we question why we even bother. But, to persist is to win and to have no expectations is to be free. Very good video and subject Aris.
Sometimes we put to much pressure on ourselves and that becomes limiting. I like how you put it. I would call it, our intuition. We train our skills and our minds to see the beauty and capture it. If we try to focus that we might end up losing that spontaneous ability. Nice one Sat! Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts!
Yep. I find if I just start taking shots basically not long after I begin a photo walk then I just can’t stop. And if I start thinking macro then the walk becomes very short as I keep finding a lot of things to capture. 👍📸
Nice one John! It is often about those first few shots. When you get those out of your system it is all green lights after! Thanks a lot for checking out the video!
this is the one thing that helped me along my photography journey being self-taught isn’t easy so in my experience, shooting everything helped me learn my camera settings and Strength and weaknesses about my camera thanks for sharing
Indeed, shooting everything and anything can reveal what your camera and lens can and can't do. It can also reveal the limits of your skill. When you start pre-visualizing your images you can identify what is that you need to know to be able to create what you need to learn. Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Only when you think there is nothing are you truly on your way. I have been doing this now for ten years. Some very different photos 👍. I went out the other day and it was boring and grey, but boy was I surprised with what I took.
That is an interesting approach. Often people feel discouraged when they see nothing and they give up. But, indeed, if you see it as an opportunity then there is nothing to stop you really. Thanks a lot for sharing your ideas!
I’m working on a project I call “Night and Day”. I take a photo of a well lit building at night and then return to shoot it during the day. What a contrast! Put the two together in a binder and soon you have a unique collection.
Much to review and adapt in this vid, Aris. There are good photos to be taken all around. However, there are bad photos all around, too. Takes a trained photographic eye to sort them out. Seeing effects and quality of light can be especially challenging, IMO. Students of zone system might have it easier re light. Reflection with old guy and lady a fav. Cheers!
Thank you so much for your input, Paul! The goal of this video was to embrace the idea of taking photos without judgment. In fact, taking "bad" photos was the point. I didn’t want to present a polished version of reality; instead, I wanted to show the real process-flaws and all. To me, those imperfect shots are just as important, if not more so, than the good ones. They often hold more valuable lessons and insights than a perfectly composed photo ever could. I hope this makes sense. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback! it means a lot to me!
An instant method to capture some interesting and often fascinating images is to lay on the ground on your stomach and take some shots from this perspective and then roll over on your back and repeat. BAM! You'll be surprised at the results. Try it and have FUN! Love this channel!
Ha!That is a good one! I'll be using it! But yes, I agree. l. There is always something to photograph. This something won't always be the best, but it doesn't have to be. Thanks a lot for checking out the video Gary!
I think these creative blocks are a little bit like breathing spaces, they are necessary for us to move from one level to the next. A bit like chapters. Everything is part of the development of our process, or the story. And it never stops; I know, I've been a working photographer for forty years, I am now virtually retired, and I feel like I am still on the same learning curve. So when the plateaus arrive I know to rest, breathe and wait for them to pass and the enthusiasm to come back. Lovely work!
This is so thought provoking. I didn't think of it like this before. I like the positivity behind of it and that this way you can turn something that is uncomfortable to something productive. Thank you so much for sharing your experience John!
I'm finally beginning to realize that photography has two basic arms: craft and art. Craft is about capturing images in a way that accurately documents the fact of their existence. It has a place. Art is about how images make us consider possibilities -- not what IS, but what it might mean. As a writer, I enjoy the freedom of creating fiction, telling a story that doesn't really exist but _could_ exist. Artful photography is a lot like that.
That is very beautifully put. Indeed, photography includes these two forms. The photography I choose to do is more artul and explores the possibilities of playing with imagination. Either way, what is important is to enjoy what you do and allow yourself to experiment and grow through mistakes. Thank you very much fro sharing your thoughts!🙏
I carry my camera ten days for every time I actually take make a photograph. Even then... maybe one or three photos. I always filter my vision with the question..."do I really need to add one more print to the shelf?". Well, not really, so I walk on. Oh well.
That is a different approach. I think it depends a lot on your personality, style of shooting, and photographic goals. If that works for you, then that is what you need to do. It sounds like you are shooting film. Am I right? This approach is, as you describe it, very important for film photography, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your experience!🙏
Someone living in London would say there is nothing to photograph and yet someone living in Sydney could say London has heaps to photograph but Sydney for them has nothing to photograph. This is completely normal and can make a photographer feel worse the more they consume content from other photographers. If you grew up in a small community, oblivious to the outside world and what it had to offer, you would be content with your position in society and where you live because you dont have any comparisons. Yes, you may live in a boring pokey town but to another photographer its a goldmine of photography subject material. So when you are feeling a block, stop watching other peoples content and go out and open your eyes more and look through the mundane and common for something different. Pretend you are somewhere else.................or just book a flight and go overseas. ;)
Thank you for sharing such an interesting perspective! The comparison trap is a big one. We are all influenced by others on social media. It’s true that familiarity can sometimes blind us to the photographic potential of our surroundings. I felt it shooting in my small town quite a lot. But I always try to find creative ways to shoot it. I agree with you advice about stepping away from consuming too much content and instead focusing on seeing your environment with fresh eyes. Sometimes all it takes is shifting our mindset to “pretend we’re somewhere else” to uncover hidden gems. And yes, travelling is one of the biggest sources of inspiration a photographer can have! 😉 Thank you for the thoughtful comment!
Starting a project is a very good way to help one focus and grow within a framework. However, in my opinion, when one has a creative block, having to think of a project might be even harder, adding extra stress, providing another reason not to grab your camera, and go out. In this video, I tried to communicate a simple way that would take away the stress and make photography a fun and fulfilling activity again. Starting a project is definitely an important part of photography, and I will be talking about it in a dedicated video. Thank you very much for checking out the video and sharing your thoughts!
@@AristeidisSfakianos I know what you mean. But starting a project when you have already a creative block is too late. Photography is visual communication. The real problem is, that most of the people have noting to say. In photography I can fool myself by buying more gear or recreate images of some current photo hypes (HDR, light painting, streetphotography with hard contrasts and shadows, ...) but at some point this will get boring. I know many people that started like this (many and expensive gear, courses, ...), but most of them gave up. It's like writing a book. You can have the best pen or typewriter in the world, take expensive writing lessons, but when you have noting to say, where will be no good book. And the project(s) should have a meaning for the photographer, otherwise it's hard to do it for a longer time.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
This is so Zen like I love it
I am very glad! :)
Thank you for your videos
It is my pleasure! Thanks for checking them out!
The shot of the "man transforming into a bird" and the reflection of the old man/young woman are absolutely fantastic !!! 👏
I am so glad you liked them! I am very happy to have taken those to be honest.
The thing is: there's always something to shoot. you just have to be open to new visions and take random photos and then look at them later in post-processing and decide whether to use them or not
Being open to new opportunities is often all you need to overcome any creative block! Nicely put!
To keep the energy and creativity flowing I rely on projects. I find at first you photograph similar subjects and compositions, then you expand to higher levels of creativity and more interesting images. Self publishing them in a book or zine, even if it is only one copy for yourself, is very rewarding and motivation to continue with that project or begin a new one.
That’s an excellent point, Nick. I didn’t go into much detail about it because I haven’t explored it as deeply as I’d like yet. But you’re absolutely right. Working on projects is such a powerful way to channel your energy and grow within a structured framework. It helps you avoid getting overwhelmed by the endless possibilities photography offers.
How do you go about self-publishing your zines? That’s something I’m really interested in exploring for my own work moving forward. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!I really appreciate it!
@@AristeidisSfakianos I use the US based Blurb for zines, soft cover and hardcover books for years, I'm pleased with the results. I'm sure there are others of higher quality, but also higher costs. Kali hronia!
Thank you so much Nick! Have a great new year too!!
Very nice photos
Thank you!🙏
Excellent☺️
Thank you so much!! :)
I’ve found that bringing just my camera, no other gear or bag, helps me sometimes. This way the camera is always in my hand. I may not even take a shot, and the ones I do take may suck, but the camera is in my hand. And I take a camera EVERYWHERE! Another great video. Thank you!
I think what you just said is key. If you have your camera with you everywhere you will take photos anywhere. The more you shoot the higher your chances are to get that one special photo. Thank you so much for sharing this and for checking out the video!
I've added a camera -- a real one, not my phone -- to the drawer that holds my wallet, car keys, pocket knife, etc. My "everyday carry" (EDC). This has the effect of normalizing the idea that no matter where I am or what I'm doing, images are all around me, waiting to be captured, explored, played with. I dare say that a lot of the greatest photos ever taken were unplanned, spontaneous, almost accidental. I'm hoping to add some to that list, even if nobody thinks they're but me.
No expectations with an empty mind can sometimes yield the best results out of many of life's challenges. It's almost as if we hand the problem over to a higher source which solves it for us. We have all had photography days which have had terrible results and we question why we even bother. But, to persist is to win and to have no expectations is to be free. Very good video and subject Aris.
Sometimes we put to much pressure on ourselves and that becomes limiting. I like how you put it. I would call it, our intuition. We train our skills and our minds to see the beauty and capture it. If we try to focus that we might end up losing that spontaneous ability. Nice one Sat! Thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts!
Yep. I find if I just start taking shots basically not long after I begin a photo walk then I just can’t stop. And if I start thinking macro then the walk becomes very short as I keep finding a lot of things to capture. 👍📸
Nice one John! It is often about those first few shots. When you get those out of your system it is all green lights after! Thanks a lot for checking out the video!
Another great video full of wonderful images and advice
Thank you so much for all the support Steve!
Very usefull video... I'm glad I found it just right after I got myself a camera. Thx!
Nice one! Enjoy taking photos and take as many as you can! Everything else will come! Thanks a lot for checking out the video!
this is the one thing that helped me along my photography journey being self-taught isn’t easy so in my experience, shooting everything helped me learn my camera settings and Strength and weaknesses about my camera thanks for sharing
Indeed, shooting everything and anything can reveal what your camera and lens can and can't do. It can also reveal the limits of your skill. When you start pre-visualizing your images you can identify what is that you need to know to be able to create what you need to learn. Thank you so much for watching and sharing your thoughts!
Love your pics. Kali hronia!
Thank you so much! 🙂 Have a great new year!🥳🙏
Only when you think there is nothing are you truly on your way. I have been doing this now for ten years. Some very different photos 👍. I went out the other day and it was boring and grey, but boy was I surprised with what I took.
That is an interesting approach. Often people feel discouraged when they see nothing and they give up. But, indeed, if you see it as an opportunity then there is nothing to stop you really. Thanks a lot for sharing your ideas!
I’m working on a project I call “Night and Day”. I take a photo of a well lit building at night and then return to shoot it during the day. What a contrast! Put the two together in a binder and soon you have a unique collection.
Nice one Jack! Sounds like a really interesting idea. I will be discussing about projects in a future video
Much to review and adapt in this vid, Aris. There are good photos to be taken all around. However, there are bad photos all around, too. Takes a trained photographic eye to sort them out. Seeing effects and quality of light can be especially challenging, IMO. Students of zone system might have it easier re light. Reflection with old guy and lady a fav. Cheers!
Thank you so much for your input, Paul! The goal of this video was to embrace the idea of taking photos without judgment. In fact, taking "bad" photos was the point. I didn’t want to present a polished version of reality; instead, I wanted to show the real process-flaws and all. To me, those imperfect shots are just as important, if not more so, than the good ones. They often hold more valuable lessons and insights than a perfectly composed photo ever could. I hope this makes sense. I truly appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and feedback! it means a lot to me!
An instant method to capture some interesting and often fascinating images is to lay on the ground on your stomach and take some shots from this perspective and then roll over on your back and repeat. BAM! You'll be surprised at the results. Try it and have FUN! Love this channel!
This is very true! I love a low angle like that! Thank you so much for the nice words!!
Thank for you sharing your wonderful photographs and well articulated too
I am very glad you liked the video Paul!Thank you so much for the kind words!
You made my day.... 🥰🥰🥰
@@matshagonius6022 I am very glad!☺️🙏
There is ALWAYS something to photograph. As my father would say "No son, you're not bored, you're boring".
Ha!That is a good one! I'll be using it! But yes, I agree. l. There is always something to photograph. This something won't always be the best, but it doesn't have to be. Thanks a lot for checking out the video Gary!
Another great video and happy new year to you too ❤❤
Thank you so much for checking the video!! All the best for 2025!
Great video. I am considering for my upcoming trip; to just take take two primes with my X-T5, 27mm f2.8 and 23mm f1.4 and leave my 18-55mm behind.
Nice one. If these are the lenses you enjoy the most go for it and happy shooting!
Ciao Aristide. Happy New Year. ❤📷
Happy New Year, Flavio!All the best for 2025!
Excellent work; excellent video.
I am so glad you enjoyed it!Thank you so much!
Thank you for a very good presentation. Your talk really reveals the mind of a photographer.
I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much for the kind words!
This video is very inspiring, thank you
I am very glad you liked it Vero! Thank you so much for watching!
I think these creative blocks are a little bit like breathing spaces, they are necessary for us to move from one level to the next. A bit like chapters. Everything is part of the development of our process, or the story. And it never stops; I know, I've been a working photographer for forty years, I am now virtually retired, and I feel like I am still on the same learning curve. So when the plateaus arrive I know to rest, breathe and wait for them to pass and the enthusiasm to come back. Lovely work!
This is so thought provoking. I didn't think of it like this before. I like the positivity behind of it and that this way you can turn something that is uncomfortable to something productive. Thank you so much for sharing your experience John!
Thanks for Share and Inspiration! Man
It's my pleasure!Thanks a lot for watching!
Thank you🙏
Thank you for wacthing!
I'm finally beginning to realize that photography has two basic arms: craft and art. Craft is about capturing images in a way that accurately documents the fact of their existence. It has a place. Art is about how images make us consider possibilities -- not what IS, but what it might mean. As a writer, I enjoy the freedom of creating fiction, telling a story that doesn't really exist but _could_ exist. Artful photography is a lot like that.
That is very beautifully put. Indeed, photography includes these two forms. The photography I choose to do is more artul and explores the possibilities of playing with imagination. Either way, what is important is to enjoy what you do and allow yourself to experiment and grow through mistakes. Thank you very much fro sharing your thoughts!🙏
👏👏
Thank you!
I carry my camera ten days for every time I actually take make a photograph. Even then... maybe one or three photos. I always filter my vision with the question..."do I really need to add one more print to the shelf?". Well, not really, so I walk on. Oh well.
That is a different approach. I think it depends a lot on your personality, style of shooting, and photographic goals. If that works for you, then that is what you need to do. It sounds like you are shooting film. Am I right? This approach is, as you describe it, very important for film photography, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing your experience!🙏
When there is nothing to photograph there is always opportunity to practice...
Very nicely said!
Someone living in London would say there is nothing to photograph and yet someone living in Sydney could say London has heaps to photograph but Sydney for them has nothing to photograph. This is completely normal and can make a photographer feel worse the more they consume content from other photographers. If you grew up in a small community, oblivious to the outside world and what it had to offer, you would be content with your position in society and where you live because you dont have any comparisons. Yes, you may live in a boring pokey town but to another photographer its a goldmine of photography subject material. So when you are feeling a block, stop watching other peoples content and go out and open your eyes more and look through the mundane and common for something different. Pretend you are somewhere else.................or just book a flight and go overseas. ;)
Thank you for sharing such an interesting perspective! The comparison trap is a big one. We are all influenced by others on social media. It’s true that familiarity can sometimes blind us to the photographic potential of our surroundings. I felt it shooting in my small town quite a lot. But I always try to find creative ways to shoot it. I agree with you advice about stepping away from consuming too much content and instead focusing on seeing your environment with fresh eyes. Sometimes all it takes is shifting our mindset to “pretend we’re somewhere else” to uncover hidden gems. And yes, travelling is one of the biggest sources of inspiration a photographer can have! 😉 Thank you for the thoughtful comment!
If your biggest thoughts are about composition, your images will be meaningless. Start a project on a topic that is important to you.
Starting a project is a very good way to help one focus and grow within a framework. However, in my opinion, when one has a creative block, having to think of a project might be even harder, adding extra stress, providing another reason not to grab your camera, and go out. In this video, I tried to communicate a simple way that would take away the stress and make photography a fun and fulfilling activity again. Starting a project is definitely an important part of photography, and I will be talking about it in a dedicated video. Thank you very much for checking out the video and sharing your thoughts!
@@AristeidisSfakianos I know what you mean. But starting a project when you have already a creative block is too late. Photography is visual communication. The real problem is, that most of the people have noting to say. In photography I can fool myself by buying more gear or recreate images of some current photo hypes (HDR, light painting, streetphotography with hard contrasts and shadows, ...) but at some point this will get boring. I know many people that started like this (many and expensive gear, courses, ...), but most of them gave up. It's like writing a book. You can have the best pen or typewriter in the world, take expensive writing lessons, but when you have noting to say, where will be no good book. And the project(s) should have a meaning for the photographer, otherwise it's hard to do it for a longer time.