When I was shooting glamour and had clients come to the studio, I'd ask them to bring magazine tears that they liked. This would give me a better understanding of what they really wanted to see in the images. It's absolutely true that it's all been done before, we just need to put our little twist on it. Great video as always Daniel! Thank you!
Amir Oloomi here from my Discus Photography: I've been a distant student of yours for about 12 to 20 videos now if I may imply...so as I may understand it Mr. Norton, a technique is never the photographer's style; that style is what drives you forward, maybe the inner workings of why you made the photographs, and the way you did them. Thank you Sir, your videos are so right on if I may dare say.
EXACTLY Daniel! I apply the lessons and techniques I have learned as a jazz musician to my photography. Steal. Assimilate. Make it yer own . ;) Thanks again for being a sane voice in the YT photography world :)
Everything I learned is thanks to people like you who share their techniques. It has accelerated my learning something crazy and I will be forever grateful. It has helped me come out of my shell as an artist. Thank you
Love these front porch chats. I would add to this is that people want to stay local if they can. If only one guy does this thing and he is in California and you are in New York the client will want you to recreate that without having to go to CA. Well said we should always be growing and expanding our technique.
Spot on bro. Technique like kit are just tools to create. The only thing one can do that is truly "yours" is to express your own ideas... with whatever technique and equipment you can use. Keep on keepin' on.
So, I'm guilty of using your lightning techniques (you, Seth, Gavin, all of you) for my pet photography. I liked how I was able to get dramatic lighting and sculpt my dog's head shot with using a soft box for key and a speedlight for a rim light. That was one of your suggestions on the critique session. I haven't tried dragging the shutter or gels yet with pets but I imagine that might be cool. I'm still learning. I feel like a sponge trying to soak it all up, lol. By the way, Gavin's tip for using the clone tool then the spot healing to remove leashes works great. Please say thank you to Gavin for me. You all are awesome! Thank you!!!
Hi Daniel. I will have to admit, when I watch your submissions I do try to copy them to see if I can get your technique down. Mostly this is to understand how it works and how it would work for me. If I find that I understand the concept I would probably make subtle changes adjusting for the gear I have. I'm just happy at times to see that my results are close to what I see you get in the videos you produce. Thanks for everything.
Love these videos. Its really nice to hear an honest, realistic perspective on the photo industry. There is a lot of noise out there from people who don't actually know what it's like to be a working professional, so thank you.
This is a really interesting topic and you have explained it so well! I think people focus on what they call their style or technique on the technology related (lighting, camera, lighting setup, modifier etc.) but a style goes beyond camera gear, Irving Penn, Demarchelier, Helmut Newton, Rolf Winquist, subjects weren't immortalized just by the camera he used or his lighting setup, his twist on how to engage the subject to get the most of them, the way they saw the world and how they conveyed that vision into their photography was what made their photos so awesome!
I have been so fortunate recently to have worked with the best models in the UK, yes I pay to do studio days they have, and they have all helped me learn to use lighting and my camera and hell most of them are way better at photography than i will ever be. I learn more from watching others do stuff, especially in your videos and Seth's, and from the studio owner who puts on the studio days I go to
Well said, and thank you, Daniel. I'm barely starting out, so not too many tricks in my bag. What I will say is I try to learn as best I can from people like you/Seth/others and will even try to apply some of the things myself. But I also try and remember that to replicate settings/techniques is not replicate years of practice, vision, the emotion of a subject, etc.
I'll duplicate the shot until I hit something close then make adjustments according to my own 'eye.' It's all new to me at this point so anything is game. What I like is that as time goes on and I want to light a subject, my inventory of options to do it expands - sometimes it's just lifting something I've seen someone else do here or more often a combination different techniques.
There's some similarities between martial arts and photography. When I was first learning I would try to copy images I saw on Pinterest just to learn how to pose people for portraits. In martial arts you copy what the instructor is doing until you learn the movements. You have to copy in the beginning of learning an art or else how are you going to learn proper technique?
Well yea it has been done at sometime before we do things I have done several little league ball clubs and weddings back in the day of film this new digital stuff is alot different the other day you mentioned dodge and burn lol yes I got it I know you was not talking about frogger lol or trying to miss old pple in a cross walk you have mentioned and shown me many things that have put things in my mind and sometimes that is not good keep up the good work sir
Highlight of my week!! Thanks Daniel. You and seth are my go to 'team' for lighting. I had never been in a studio and had no clue (some may say I still haven't 😏) how to light a subject. I use your videos as reference which has taught me so much and enabled me to create my own studio style (I love low light moody scenes.) I'm a bit worried tho.... I saw no coffee during this video. Are you OK mate? Thank you so much for your content. Tony, UK
Always useful advice... I studied photography in South Korea and we always had to replicate other peoples work... I am still not sure if it was an effective way to learn... but it was always challenging...
Been watching for a month now, enjoying your talks and tutorials. Inspired me (Russ) to jump out and start my business in photography. Thank you and keep up the great content 👍
Techniques are a way to do something. They're good to know. What you can only learn with time is how to think like a master. Experience is the name we give our mistakes. A master has failed more times than a beginner has tried. Techniques are not the prize. Learning to think like a master and being able to draw on a vast catalogue of successes and failures to achieve your vision, that's the prize. Your motivation must be doing it for the art of it. Art is where technique and vision meet. Do because you are compelled to, not for follower counts, subs and likes or outside validation. Learn and use techniques and shortcuts or tricks but always strive to create a vision that is your own.
Hey Daniel, always enjoy your videos and have learned lots. I use what you share to build on techniques to achieve what I have in mind for any given shoot. Thanks for sharing!
for landscape if i see someone else has gone to a place i like ill see what composition they have go do that so you have that shot then recompose walk around and look for diff ways off shooting that landscape dont do it all the time but if someone else has got pics off what you like then why not
Somewhat new here. I think I've commented on one video before. I love helping people learn photography so that's why I started my channel. The production isn't the best but I hope I can at least help a few somehow. Lol. Great channel you have here. - Scott
Love your videos Daniel. I’ve recently stolen a technique that has to do with light painting with plastic tubes and flashlights. And the guy promotes his stuff and sells it. So if he wasn’t encouraging people to give it a try he wouldn’t be doing that. And I’ve had a lot of fun and created some cool images with items I’ve gotten at home depot and hobby lobby. Seeing a new technique really inspires and feeds my own creativity. I see something like that get ideas of my own and run with it. Next thing you know I’m hot gluing Christmas ornaments inside plastic tubes and running around in the dark dressed like a ninja waving waving a home made light saber all over the place.
I couldn't agree more, Daniel, and my belief in what you said is backed up by experiences in several different careers in my life. I was just having a conversation with some drummer friends this morning about copying a certain drummer... but we were talking about the extremes... actually adopting postures, facial expressions, etc., which is obviously bullshit. My current business is 3D modeling, and as part of that, I produce training for other 3D modelers. I never do a paint-by-numbers "copy my project" sort of tutorial. Instead, I show them individual techniques, and urge them to apply these to their own projects. Copying something directly is only good as a technical exercise, and never, as "art". I once read an engineering book called "There Are No Secrets", in which the author stated and illustrated the same ideas. In short, as you said, everyone should strive to create their own thing, using tools and techniques they've studied. Thanks again for sharing your opinions!
If someone wants to know how I shot something I will just tell them, the concept to me is to always pay the know how forward. I learn something new, I use it, and pass it on to others. I taught my wife how to shoot, and while she still won't set-up the lighting she has great style ideas and we push each other to get better shots. Sometimes she gets the better shot even when are working together, people have asked if I am jealous when she does, that would be silly - I taught her - So I am proud of her, and when she just blows it out of the park, I feel proud of her, and myself for giving her what she needed to create the shot! Same goes for other people I Have shown how to do something, or explained concepts to.
Another welcome porch chat, Daniel. but about that watch on your right wrist. It says Profoto on it and has the logo. Is there such a thing as a Profoto watch? Or is that just a sticker you put on an Apple watch?
I recently found your vídeos that I've been devouring since. I have a big passion about night photography and until now i kept away from using flash in my night walks. However, as my desire to dominate more techniques grow, I would love to apply some flash photography skiils to street night photography. Hope that in the future you can address this theme either here or in a Adorama vídeo. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Those of us here to learn have a few of our favorites to follow and see their style. Bruce Lee said it best something like take what you like from one and discard the rest. That's how we develop our own style. I'm influenced by several different photographers. Obviously you're one as here I am. Lol. I see what they are doing and how they are doing it and use that and combine with the image in my head to make my own image.
A couple weeks ago here in Atlanta, a bunch of us photographers gathered to hang out in the studio of one of us. After downing some cold drinks and the chili cheese dip that I made, we all shared several ideas and techniques that we felt the others might gain from. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA
All musicians play other people's music, its part of the learning process, you practice peoples music that you admire. When you start to create, you use familiar lick's, its like following a familiar path through the woods. Finding your own sound or style is the key, artists like Jeff Beck & Miles Davis have a signature sound & style you recognize the moment you hear it. Even Jimi Hendricks played in cover bands, I reckon Ansel Adams admired others work while he crafted his jaw dropping images. Everything you can imagine in the arts has all ready been done, you will never carve the statue of David, but you can use its inspiration.
Great topic. Few years ago when I use to be on Instagram there was a concert photographer, couple states away from my area, that was doing these "innovative" shots that friends told me to check out since I also do some concerts. Seen the technique before & fairly simple with practice - motion blur with slow shutter then pop of flash to freeze subject with either front or rear curtain sync. Noticed many people asking how he was doing this "revolutionary" photos and many were responding with very inaccurate info. And yes the term revolutionary was used by people commenting - if for the first time seeing it then yes but if you look & explore other photographers work over time you'll either see or can figure out how someone did something. I posted how it was done and mentioned a RUclips video on subject. My comment was deleted within an hour. Asked why it was deleted & the guy said basically he didn't want others doing same because he was getting jobs shooting some bands because they wanted photos that had his technique. Told him there are others doing the same shots of other bands/subjects & those people also have explained what they are doing so what's the problem? His response - didn't want competitors in his area to learn it & "steal" his secret & bands who pay him for photos. Couldn't believe his response and never replied back. I've had people ask me while I'm shooting events/sports/concerts what & why I'm doing something and if I have time I'm more than happy to tell them what I'm doing. I do stress to them one very important thing - conditions change & you must know how to change with them to get a good shot & also to experiment so don't try to copy exactly what anyone is doing because it might not work. To hold back info to me is not good overall
100% agree. Skill VS Filter? I pick Skill! Just about every technique has been done by someone else in the past! Old photographers did not like to share any techniques or even teach another photographer because they would become the competition in your area for jobs! Now photography is so easy to get into everybody has a camera of some sorts! That being said, with RUclips and photographers like you who are teaching photography are helping more and more new photographers and old photographers, a new technique or a skill that they didn't know how to do or a different approach that may be easier than the way they were doing it. I have a question. Now it so easy to learn photography Why is there so much bad photo online?
I agree that it's impossible to copy somebody else's style. I'm also a professional violinist, and I remember as a kid listening to discs of these great violinists and trying to emulate their style and their sound. I'd not sit and try and copy it, but I'd listen to the recording a dozen or so times, and then keeping that in mind I'd practise hours every day, trying to create the same effect. The result, time after time, was that after a month or two I'd be sure that now I'm sounding like the recording. I'd record myself as a reference, and then listen again to the original recording, only to find that my result was completely different! Almost nothing of the original recording could be heard in my playing. I think photography is quite similar in that regard, just using visuals instead of audio. There are so many millions of variables, that you can never really copy anybody unless you sit with the photo in hand and tweak your photo until it is identical, and while that may be some kind of exercise to try, it's not practical as a way of working and it'll just slow you down and you probably still won't get the same result!
Truer words have never been spoken before - but it's true though I mean photography art music all is kinda borrowing from someone else even if you don't consciously do it
Hey Daniel, thank you for the video and your time.... Technique is not results! You can know all the techniques you want, but at the end of the day, what are the results? Technique will not ensure a good photo even if it's well lit or lit in a different and creative way. A technique is just a way to get there. It is a technique to drive a car and use a certain number of roads to get to where you want to go and nobody should want to own that. It is the results that count... Take care.
There’s a channel called 'Street Level Photography' who showcases all the best street photography images he’s seen that month. All the images are far beyond anything I can achieve, but you can go through them all and name all the influences. Fan Ho's style and techniques appears heck of a lot with his geometric shapes with the shadows, then Saul Leiter is another biggy with rainy café windows, of course HCB and Gilden are there. However, these photographers are showing their influences rather than direct copy and they are creating their own amazing images. It’s a channel I do recommend just for that one video a month. Rankin did a series of videos where he created direct copies of images by David Bailey, Helmut Newton and a couple of others that was interesting. Bailey was there for the copy of his. My late mother's cousin wrote the dialogue for a film called "Blow Up" where the photographer was styled on Bailey. Another cracking video on a great subject.
Interesting topic. The art painters are often categorized into “schools”, where they would “steal” or build upon each other. We’re doing the same thing: why not?
Wow, I know this is an older video, So I hope you get to see this as I have just subscribed today. This could be on the long side, so sorry if it is. OK, How does one know when they have developed a style, and when a certain technique is used, that really helps in creating a style? Let me clarify who I am and what I'm doing with photography. I'm Leon Kolenda, 75 YO, have been messing around with P&Video for too many years, Lol. My interest is in selling my images on line, and I have started the On-line project this year 2021. Case in Point: I have purchased a Joel Grimes Still-Life Master Class, It's been so good for me, I have never done still-life before, So due to covid, I decided to build a small studio in my garage and added some Strobes and a few other things. I have always been drawn to the 3d look of images, I guess some Might call it HDR, In Joel's SLMC, I learned the One-Light, Cross light technique, I was blown away by how it creates Depth, So, in his class, he also stipulates on how to achieve this look, but says Don't copy him, put your own twist on it to develop your own style. So I have progressed with this cross light technique and developed what I think is my own style of a series of still-life images. However, I still struggle with knowing that if I take away the Cross-light technique, I have no style. That is the confusing part for me to understand. Now I added and changed my backgrounds that I create for many of my still-life images from scratch, in hoping that would be enough of a change or twist in my images that people would like or notice, I know you can never please everyone, but, you do need to get some kind of positive feedback. So in closing you can see some of my work on Joel Grimes Facebook Group. Good video, and even though older it was still pretty relevant for me. Hope you see this. I have subscribed and will be looking forward to seeing more of your videos. A topic that I would like to see covered is about all the different strobe modifiers, big ones, strip boxes, small ones, How they effect a subject, when should you think of using them. Food for thought. Glad your not wherrying a mask in your latest videos, Lol! Thanks.
Curious how people believe you can "steal" techniques or looks from a photographer, even if it's used commercially. I can understand claiming an end-product or using a photograph without compensating the artist, but techniques are meant to be learned and utilized. Like, if I ever properly deconstruct Patrick Hoelck's photograph of Amber Heard, I can only use the methods in the development of my own style, and then I plan to run it into the ground.
I met a really talented young photographer named Dan, who was shooting catalogs in NY, approximately 20 years ago, at the first (or second?) Hit-the-lodge photography workshop. Was that you?
I like to say I draw inspiration from others work. That's how I learn. If I see a good idea I will definitely try to emulate but never steal anything that has monetary value. 👍👍 cheers
love your sense of humor and your willingness to share "Your" technique! I have a couple of instagram accts if you find yourself in a moment of boredom, heh. @ImagenSevilla and @Jose_Sevilla2018 Keep up the great show!
Haha! I can't believe people actually claim these things!!! On a more serious note though, I remember some months back you did an Onset where you were letting the speedlights go more than once in a single exposure and trying to get the person's head in different positions. I had already done that years ago, but did it again that night for fun and posted them on Instagram, tagged you in them and you commented. Had I known you were going to cover this subject back then I would have claimed rights to the technique and insisted you credit me after stealing my ideas!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂 (just in case there are any budding keyboard warriors about to send me to hell, I am only kidding you know! )
The only time you should get upset about your technique being stolen is if the "thief" does it better and even then you should only be upset with yourself.
Hi again Daniel, thanks for another great video. Your explanation is right on the money and reinforces the message from a book I found a few years ago called "Steal like an Artist" by Austin Kleon (ISBN: 9780761169253). Disclaimer - I have no interest in the book but found it to be a wonderful source of ideas and creative methods. In my opinion photography should be all about creativity - something that only happens when you have learned many techniques and can put them together in new ways. The key message here is that you need to learn to be creative, it doesn't happen automatically in my experience. Thanks again for all the hard work and inspiration from your videos mate!
ITS NOT EASY TO BE ORIGINAL : these days everyone can buy a camera and they are PHOTOGRAPHERS , thanks to the low price of kit cameras and cell phones, which is not bad for people to enjoy taking photos in more fun way that point and shoot, but some people get a head of them selfs when they try to compete with professionals cause their lens can zoom in and out. Thats why they go to youtube, to ( steal ) or make their own technique from the video that they just watch and say I can do it, I can be professional photographer and sadly, they dont even know what they get into and thats why its a mess for professionals, cause the way they advertise them selfs saying, I have pro camera, I know how to do it cause I saw this youtube video doing so, and thanks to the filters that I just bought as a pack from the same youtuber who tell them what to do. But these people will slowly fade a way cause they will end up not creating and thinking as us originals, cause they cant keep up with coping all the time.
First. Great video. I follow @jeffcohenphoto on Instagram. I have "learned" from him to get closer and shoot closer and fill the frame with the person.
Since you said it - My photos are at www.blockedshadows.com - still learning and have learned a whole lot from you - making me dare to play with the light and push myself
New to this series but not your adorama vid's. You've taught me a lot about speedlights. Thank you! I'm a newb photographer with aspirations ( to be less newb ). Once upon a time it was the norm to apprentice with someone, learn their techniques and then make them your own. As for filters...I think they're a fun way to turn a picture into a different kind of art (prisma, vinci etc) but it still has to be a good picture to begin with. If anyone is at all interested, the results of my first ever flash shoot, instagram @mr_carl_craig
Been shooting for almost 2 years. Amd alot of you videos have helped alot with my mind set and thoughts on how to run a business. While keeping a positive vibe. My ig it tomt.photos. id love your thoughts and critique so I can grow and learn from your experience.
When I was shooting glamour and had clients come to the studio, I'd ask them to bring magazine tears that they liked. This would give me a better understanding of what they really wanted to see in the images. It's absolutely true that it's all been done before, we just need to put our little twist on it. Great video as always Daniel! Thank you!
Right, make it your own!
Amir Oloomi here from my Discus Photography:
I've been a distant student of yours for about 12 to 20 videos now if I may imply...so as I may understand it Mr. Norton, a technique is never the photographer's style; that style is what drives you forward, maybe the inner workings of why you made the photographs, and the way you did them.
Thank you Sir, your videos are so right on if I may dare say.
Yes!
EXACTLY Daniel! I apply the lessons and techniques I have learned as a jazz musician to my photography. Steal. Assimilate. Make it yer own . ;) Thanks again for being a sane voice in the YT photography world :)
Thank You!
Everything I learned is thanks to people like you who share their techniques. It has accelerated my learning something crazy and I will be forever grateful. It has helped me come out of my shell as an artist. Thank you
Great to hear
Love these front porch chats. I would add to this is that people want to stay local if they can. If only one guy does this thing and he is in California and you are in New York the client will want you to recreate that without having to go to CA. Well said we should always be growing and expanding our technique.
True. They don’t fly us around as much as they used to
Hi Daniel, I miss these porch videos. When the weather improves, please consider doing some more.
Spot on bro. Technique like kit are just tools to create. The only thing one can do that is truly "yours" is to express your own ideas... with whatever technique and equipment you can use.
Keep on keepin' on.
True
So, I'm guilty of using your lightning techniques (you, Seth, Gavin, all of you) for my pet photography. I liked how I was able to get dramatic lighting and sculpt my dog's head shot with using a soft box for key and a speedlight for a rim light. That was one of your suggestions on the critique session. I haven't tried dragging the shutter or gels yet with pets but I imagine that might be cool. I'm still learning. I feel like a sponge trying to soak it all up, lol. By the way, Gavin's tip for using the clone tool then the spot healing to remove leashes works great. Please say thank you to Gavin for me. You all are awesome! Thank you!!!
Awesome! Yes, Gavin is the best!
I need these talks in podcast form. At any rate, thank you Daniel. Inspiring as always.
You could download just the audio maybe?
Hi Daniel. I will have to admit, when I watch your submissions I do try to copy them to see if I can get your technique down. Mostly this is to understand how it works and how it would work for me. If I find that I understand the concept I would probably make subtle changes adjusting for the gear I have. I'm just happy at times to see that my results are close to what I see you get in the videos you produce. Thanks for everything.
Awesome, that’s what I make them for
👍🏻👍🏻
Love these videos. Its really nice to hear an honest, realistic perspective on the photo industry. There is a lot of noise out there from people who don't actually know what it's like to be a working professional, so thank you.
Thanks!
This is a really interesting topic and you have explained it so well! I think people focus on what they call their style or technique on the technology related (lighting, camera, lighting setup, modifier etc.) but a style goes beyond camera gear, Irving Penn, Demarchelier, Helmut Newton, Rolf Winquist, subjects weren't immortalized just by the camera he used or his lighting setup, his twist on how to engage the subject to get the most of them, the way they saw the world and how they conveyed that vision into their photography was what made their photos so awesome!
Yes, exactly
I have been so fortunate recently to have worked with the best models in the UK, yes I pay to do studio days they have, and they have all helped me learn to use lighting and my camera and hell most of them are way better at photography than i will ever be.
I learn more from watching others do stuff, especially in your videos and Seth's, and from the studio owner who puts on the studio days I go to
Awesome
But what about features in radio triggers??? 🤔🤔🤔
That you can own and anyone using it it surely copying
I really enjoy these 'porch talk' sessions. Thank you Daniel.
Thanks
Well said, and thank you, Daniel. I'm barely starting out, so not too many tricks in my bag. What I will say is I try to learn as best I can from people like you/Seth/others and will even try to apply some of the things myself. But I also try and remember that to replicate settings/techniques is not replicate years of practice, vision, the emotion of a subject, etc.
We put it out there for you to learn/grow so I’m glad it’s working
Some awesome points there Daniel.
Thank You!
I’m not new but I like your chilled out approach and your teaching style. Keep it up D man!
Thanks!
New!. Appreciate your perspective on photography.
Thank You!
It is always way good to try something new and using all or part of another shooters technique if inspired by it without over doing it.
For sure
I'll duplicate the shot until I hit something close then make adjustments according to my own 'eye.' It's all new to me at this point so anything is game. What I like is that as time goes on and I want to light a subject, my inventory of options to do it expands - sometimes it's just lifting something I've seen someone else do here or more often a combination different techniques.
I am new here, I am from Adorama I loved the way you were teaching there.
I am a student of photography and film making.
Excellent, welcome!
There's some similarities between martial arts and photography. When I was first learning I would try to copy images I saw on Pinterest just to learn how to pose people for portraits. In martial arts you copy what the instructor is doing until you learn the movements. You have to copy in the beginning of learning an art or else how are you going to learn proper technique?
For sure!
Well yea it has been done at sometime before we do things I have done several little league ball clubs and weddings back in the day of film this new digital stuff is alot different the other day you mentioned dodge and burn lol yes I got it I know you was not talking about frogger lol or trying to miss old pple in a cross walk you have mentioned and shown me many things that have put things in my mind and sometimes that is not good keep up the good work sir
🐸 classic!
Highlight of my week!! Thanks Daniel. You and seth are my go to 'team' for lighting. I had never been in a studio and had no clue (some may say I still haven't 😏) how to light a subject. I use your videos as reference which has taught me so much and enabled me to create my own studio style (I love low light moody scenes.)
I'm a bit worried tho.... I saw no coffee during this video. Are you OK mate?
Thank you so much for your content.
Tony, UK
Oh, it was there
Excellent video, absolutely dead on. Really enjoy your how-to's as well as your philosophy. Well done.
Thanks!
Always useful advice... I studied photography in South Korea and we always had to replicate other peoples work... I am still not sure if it was an effective way to learn... but it was always challenging...
It’s certainly a way to practice
Thank you for the inspiration, Daniel!
Thanks for watching
Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge. Copying is just a starting point. I think style takes years to establish.
For sure
Hi Daniel, you mentioned multi-pop exposures... that technique would make a cool video.
I have done it a few times in my live workshops, but I don’t think I’ve ever actually done a video just on that I’ll have to check
Been watching for a month now, enjoying your talks and tutorials. Inspired me (Russ) to jump out and start my business in photography. Thank you and keep up the great content 👍
Great!
congrats more simple is impossible...cheers from Brazil...
Thank You!
Techniques are a way to do something. They're good to know. What you can only learn with time is how to think like a master. Experience is the name we give our mistakes. A master has failed more times than a beginner has tried. Techniques are not the prize. Learning to think like a master and being able to draw on a vast catalogue of successes and failures to achieve your vision, that's the prize. Your motivation must be doing it for the art of it. Art is where technique and vision meet. Do because you are compelled to, not for follower counts, subs and likes or outside validation. Learn and use techniques and shortcuts or tricks but always strive to create a vision that is your own.
Amen!
Hey Daniel, always enjoy your videos and have learned lots. I use what you share to build on techniques to achieve what I have in mind for any given shoot. Thanks for sharing!
Awesome
Daniel you Rockstar!
🎸
for landscape if i see someone else has gone to a place i like ill see what composition they have go do that so you have that shot then recompose walk around and look for diff ways off shooting that landscape dont do it all the time but if someone else has got pics off what you like then why not
For sure. There are many angles to photograph of every subject
That's how I learned photography (still learning). Nice share.
Cool
Great seeing both you and Seth at Inspire Thursday, excellent points made here as to ownership of techniques😀
Thank You!
Somewhat new here. I think I've commented on one video before. I love helping people learn photography so that's why I started my channel. The production isn't the best but I hope I can at least help a few somehow. Lol. Great channel you have here. - Scott
Awesome!!
Love your videos Daniel. I’ve recently stolen a technique that has to do with light painting with plastic tubes and flashlights. And the guy promotes his stuff and sells it. So if he wasn’t encouraging people to give it a try he wouldn’t be doing that. And I’ve had a lot of fun and created some cool images with items I’ve gotten at home depot and hobby lobby. Seeing a new technique really inspires and feeds my own creativity. I see something like that get ideas of my own and run with it. Next thing you know I’m hot gluing Christmas ornaments inside plastic tubes and running around in the dark dressed like a ninja waving waving a home made light saber all over the place.
Nice! Sounds fun!!
Great talk! The topic has been on my mind lately.
Cool! Thanks!
Great channel, really enjoyed this one and always find encouragement to keep creating new techniques.
Great!!
I couldn't agree more, Daniel, and my belief in what you said is backed up by experiences in several different careers in my life. I was just having a conversation with some drummer friends this morning about copying a certain drummer... but we were talking about the extremes... actually adopting postures, facial expressions, etc., which is obviously bullshit. My current business is 3D modeling, and as part of that, I produce training for other 3D modelers. I never do a paint-by-numbers "copy my project" sort of tutorial. Instead, I show them individual techniques, and urge them to apply these to their own projects. Copying something directly is only good as a technical exercise, and never, as "art". I once read an engineering book called "There Are No Secrets", in which the author stated and illustrated the same ideas. In short, as you said, everyone should strive to create their own thing, using tools and techniques they've studied. Thanks again for sharing your opinions!
Great perspective
Hi Daniel. I always look forward to your next RUclips video. They are aways very informative, relaxed and on occasion funny 😂
Thank You!
If someone wants to know how I shot something I will just tell them, the concept to me is to always pay the know how forward. I learn something new, I use it, and pass it on to others. I taught my wife how to shoot, and while she still won't set-up the lighting she has great style ideas and we push each other to get better shots. Sometimes she gets the better shot even when are working together, people have asked if I am jealous when she does, that would be silly - I taught her - So I am proud of her, and when she just blows it out of the park, I feel proud of her, and myself for giving her what she needed to create the shot! Same goes for other people I Have shown how to do something, or explained concepts to.
Awesome! Great attitude
I'm new to this channel. Thanks Daniel for sharing your experience and knowledge.
Thanks for watching
Another welcome porch chat, Daniel. but about that watch on your right wrist. It says Profoto on it and has the logo. Is there such a thing as a Profoto watch? Or is that just a sticker you put on an Apple watch?
It’s a custom engraved Apple Watch given to me by Profoto during a conference
Thanks for your input and viewpoints, I have been watching for a while now and enjoy your videos. New sub...
Excellent! Thanks for watching
I completely agree. =).... BTW, I was making Brooklyn reflectors in Yonkers way back in the 90s. =D
Those are Yonkflectors
im super new! Just started my business instagram and youtube! appreciate all the insight and teaching Daniel!
Awesome
Great insights!!
Thanks!
Hey Daniel, I'm New here! Thanks again for all the support in NYC, hopefully we can work together in the future. Love you channel.
Daniel, thanks a lot for your video! BTW, now I want to see you do a boxer multi pop! I' sure I'm not the only one!
Ha ha you never know
I recently found your vídeos that I've been devouring since.
I have a big passion about night photography and until now i kept away from using flash in my night walks.
However, as my desire to dominate more techniques grow, I would love to apply some flash photography skiils to street night photography. Hope that in the future you can address this theme either here or in a Adorama vídeo.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Ah! Good topic
New sub. Enjoy your content here and on ad.
Thank You!
I agree with everything you said... I use pictures I've seen as inspiration to create and to develop what I'm imagining into reality
Great!
PREACH Daniel!
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Is there a camera with a focus stacking feature or is that just a technique a photographer can do with any camera?
Some cameras have it built in
Those of us here to learn have a few of our favorites to follow and see their style. Bruce Lee said it best something like take what you like from one and discard the rest. That's how we develop our own style. I'm influenced by several different photographers. Obviously you're one as here I am. Lol. I see what they are doing and how they are doing it and use that and combine with the image in my head to make my own image.
Excellent
A couple weeks ago here in Atlanta, a bunch of us photographers gathered to hang out in the studio of one of us. After downing some cold drinks and the chili cheese dip that I made, we all shared several ideas and techniques that we felt the others might gain from.
Terry Thomas...
the photographer
Atlanta, Georgia USA
Awesome to hear!
All musicians play other people's music, its part of the learning process, you practice peoples music that you admire. When you start to create, you use familiar lick's, its like following a familiar path through the woods. Finding your own sound or style is the key, artists like Jeff Beck & Miles Davis have a signature sound & style you recognize the moment you hear it. Even Jimi Hendricks played in cover bands, I reckon Ansel Adams admired others work while he crafted his jaw dropping images. Everything you can imagine in the arts has all ready been done, you will never carve the statue of David, but you can use its inspiration.
For sure
Your vids have great insight!
Thank you
Great topic. Few years ago when I use to be on Instagram there was a concert photographer, couple states away from my area, that was doing these "innovative" shots that friends told me to check out since I also do some concerts. Seen the technique before & fairly simple with practice - motion blur with slow shutter then pop of flash to freeze subject with either front or rear curtain sync. Noticed many people asking how he was doing this "revolutionary" photos and many were responding with very inaccurate info. And yes the term revolutionary was used by people commenting - if for the first time seeing it then yes but if you look & explore other photographers work over time you'll either see or can figure out how someone did something. I posted how it was done and mentioned a RUclips video on subject. My comment was deleted within an hour. Asked why it was deleted & the guy said basically he didn't want others doing same because he was getting jobs shooting some bands because they wanted photos that had his technique. Told him there are others doing the same shots of other bands/subjects & those people also have explained what they are doing so what's the problem? His response - didn't want competitors in his area to learn it & "steal" his secret & bands who pay him for photos. Couldn't believe his response and never replied back.
I've had people ask me while I'm shooting events/sports/concerts what & why I'm doing something and if I have time I'm more than happy to tell them what I'm doing. I do stress to them one very important thing - conditions change & you must know how to change with them to get a good shot & also to experiment so don't try to copy exactly what anyone is doing because it might not work. To hold back info to me is not good overall
Great story
Enjoy listening to you very enjoyable 🤘 got a paisley reflector it’s the same as a Brooklyn but BIIIGGGEEERRR🤘🤘🤘
Ha ha nice!
100% agree. Skill VS Filter? I pick Skill!
Just about every technique has been done by someone else in the past! Old photographers did not like to share any techniques or even teach another photographer because they would become the competition in your area for jobs!
Now photography is so easy to get into everybody has a camera of some sorts! That being said, with RUclips and photographers like you who are teaching photography are helping more and more new photographers and old photographers, a new technique or a skill that they didn't know how to do or a different approach that may be easier than the way they were doing it.
I have a question. Now it so easy to learn photography Why is there so much bad photo online?
That comes down to taste
I agree that it's impossible to copy somebody else's style. I'm also a professional violinist, and I remember as a kid listening to discs of these great violinists and trying to emulate their style and their sound. I'd not sit and try and copy it, but I'd listen to the recording a dozen or so times, and then keeping that in mind I'd practise hours every day, trying to create the same effect. The result, time after time, was that after a month or two I'd be sure that now I'm sounding like the recording. I'd record myself as a reference, and then listen again to the original recording, only to find that my result was completely different! Almost nothing of the original recording could be heard in my playing. I think photography is quite similar in that regard, just using visuals instead of audio. There are so many millions of variables, that you can never really copy anybody unless you sit with the photo in hand and tweak your photo until it is identical, and while that may be some kind of exercise to try, it's not practical as a way of working and it'll just slow you down and you probably still won't get the same result!
Yes. Your vision will make the work yours
New here glad I stumbled upon your channel.
Welcome! Thanks!!
thank you
🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Totally on point!
Thank You!
Truer words have never been spoken before - but it's true though I mean photography art music all is kinda borrowing from someone else even if you don't consciously do it
Right!
Did amazon not copyright the white background thing a few years ago? I don't know how they could. So in theory they own that technique Bro.
Nah, they don’t.
*I INVENTED FOCUS STACKING* - _Now pay me my royalties... foks_ ....lol
Send me you bank account number
Hey Daniel, thank you for the video and your time.... Technique is not results! You can know all the techniques you want, but at the end of the day, what are the results? Technique will not ensure a good photo even if it's well lit or lit in a different and creative way. A technique is just a way to get there. It is a technique to drive a car and use a certain number of roads to get to where you want to go and nobody should want to own that. It is the results that count... Take care.
For sure
There’s a channel called 'Street Level Photography' who showcases all the best street photography images he’s seen that month. All the images are far beyond anything I can achieve, but you can go through them all and name all the influences. Fan Ho's style and techniques appears heck of a lot with his geometric shapes with the shadows, then Saul Leiter is another biggy with rainy café windows, of course HCB and Gilden are there.
However, these photographers are showing their influences rather than direct copy and they are creating their own amazing images. It’s a channel I do recommend just for that one video a month.
Rankin did a series of videos where he created direct copies of images by David Bailey, Helmut Newton and a couple of others that was interesting. Bailey was there for the copy of his. My late mother's cousin wrote the dialogue for a film called "Blow Up" where the photographer was styled on Bailey.
Another cracking video on a great subject.
Good info
Interesting topic. The art painters are often categorized into “schools”, where they would “steal” or build upon each other. We’re doing the same thing: why not?
Good observation
Some people never amaze me.
And some always do 😊
Very lucid thoughts.
Thanks
Love the shirt
Thanks!
Wow, I know this is an older video, So I hope you get to see this as I have just subscribed today. This could be on the long side, so sorry if it is. OK, How does one know when they have developed a style, and when a certain technique is used, that really helps in creating a style? Let me clarify who I am and what I'm doing with photography. I'm Leon Kolenda, 75 YO, have been messing around with P&Video for too many years, Lol. My interest is in selling my images on line, and I have started the On-line project this year 2021.
Case in Point: I have purchased a Joel Grimes Still-Life Master Class, It's been so good for me, I have never done still-life before, So due to covid, I decided to build a small studio in my garage and added some Strobes and a few other things. I have always been drawn to the 3d look of images, I guess some Might call it HDR, In Joel's SLMC, I learned the One-Light, Cross light technique, I was blown away by how it creates Depth, So, in his class, he also stipulates on how to achieve this look, but says Don't copy him, put your own twist on it to develop your own style. So I have progressed with this cross light technique and developed what I think is my own style of a series of still-life images. However, I still struggle with knowing that if I take away the Cross-light technique, I have no style. That is the confusing part for me to understand. Now I added and changed my backgrounds that I create for many of my still-life images from scratch, in hoping that would be enough of a change or twist in my images that people would like or notice, I know you can never please everyone, but, you do need to get some kind of positive feedback. So in closing you can see some of my work on Joel Grimes Facebook Group. Good video, and even though older it was still pretty relevant for me. Hope you see this. I have subscribed and will be looking forward to seeing more of your videos. A topic that I would like to see covered is about all the different strobe modifiers, big ones, strip boxes, small ones, How they effect a subject, when should you think of using them. Food for thought. Glad your not wherrying a mask in your latest videos, Lol! Thanks.
That is a very nuanced area - sometimes using certain types of lights can be part of a style, but in an of itself is not a style
Good stuff Dan. Cheerio
Thank You!
Curious how people believe you can "steal" techniques or looks from a photographer, even if it's used commercially. I can understand claiming an end-product or using a photograph without compensating the artist, but techniques are meant to be learned and utilized. Like, if I ever properly deconstruct Patrick Hoelck's photograph of Amber Heard, I can only use the methods in the development of my own style, and then I plan to run it into the ground.
Yup!
I met a really talented young photographer named Dan, who was shooting catalogs in NY, approximately 20 years ago, at the first (or second?) Hit-the-lodge photography workshop. Was that you?
I don’t think so, but that’s a long time ago lol
I like to say I draw inspiration from others work. That's how I learn. If I see a good idea I will definitely try to emulate but never steal anything that has monetary value.
👍👍 cheers
Cool!
If i steal anything, it's going to be that t-shirt.
Ha ha
love your sense of humor and your willingness to share "Your" technique! I have a couple of instagram accts if you find yourself in a moment of boredom, heh. @ImagenSevilla and @Jose_Sevilla2018 Keep up the great show!
Cool!
Haha! I can't believe people actually claim these things!!!
On a more serious note though, I remember some months back you did an Onset where you were letting the speedlights go more than once in a single exposure and trying to get the person's head in different positions. I had already done that years ago, but did it again that night for fun and posted them on Instagram, tagged you in them and you commented. Had I known you were going to cover this subject back then I would have claimed rights to the technique and insisted you credit me after stealing my ideas!!!! 😂😂😂😂😂 (just in case there are any budding keyboard warriors about to send me to hell, I am only kidding you know! )
So you are the guy that created that?? Well done 😂
The only time you should get upset about your technique being stolen is if the "thief" does it better and even then you should only be upset with yourself.
Ha ha good point!
Finally someone on RUclips who gets it lol
Thank You!
Hi again Daniel, thanks for another great video. Your explanation is right on the money and reinforces the message from a book I found a few years ago called "Steal like an Artist" by Austin Kleon (ISBN: 9780761169253). Disclaimer - I have no interest in the book but found it to be a wonderful source of ideas and creative methods. In my opinion photography should be all about creativity - something that only happens when you have learned many techniques and can put them together in new ways. The key message here is that you need to learn to be creative, it doesn't happen automatically in my experience. Thanks again for all the hard work and inspiration from your videos mate!
Cool! Thanks!
ITS NOT EASY TO BE ORIGINAL : these days everyone can buy a camera and they are PHOTOGRAPHERS , thanks to the low price of kit cameras and cell phones, which is not bad for people to enjoy taking photos in more fun way that point and shoot, but some people get a head of them selfs when they try to compete with professionals cause their lens can zoom in and out. Thats why they go to youtube, to ( steal ) or make their own technique from the video that they just watch and say I can do it, I can be professional photographer and sadly, they dont even know what they get into and thats why its a mess for professionals, cause the way they advertise them selfs saying, I have pro camera, I know how to do it cause I saw this youtube video doing so, and thanks to the filters that I just bought as a pack from the same youtuber who tell them what to do. But these people will slowly fade a way cause they will end up not creating and thinking as us originals, cause they cant keep up with coping all the time.
Well, I hope people learn to deal with various situations before offering themselves up as professional or they may have some hard times.
hi! I'm new here.
Welcome
So, not only Gavin Hoey can use smoke?!?! :D
He just does it the best
First. Great video. I follow @jeffcohenphoto on Instagram. I have "learned" from him to get closer and shoot closer and fill the frame with the person.
Awesome, thanks!
😀
😊
Since you said it - My photos are at www.blockedshadows.com - still learning and have learned a whole lot from you - making me dare to play with the light and push myself
Cool!
New to this series but not your adorama vid's. You've taught me a lot about speedlights. Thank you! I'm a newb photographer with aspirations ( to be less newb ). Once upon a time it was the norm to apprentice with someone, learn their techniques and then make them your own. As for filters...I think they're a fun way to turn a picture into a different kind of art (prisma, vinci etc) but it still has to be a good picture to begin with. If anyone is at all interested, the results of my first ever flash shoot, instagram @mr_carl_craig
Yes, the content of the image has to shine above and beyond any filter
I own every technique and location and style. Just ask me 😜
🤔😂
Been shooting for almost 2 years. Amd alot of you videos have helped alot with my mind set and thoughts on how to run a business. While keeping a positive vibe. My ig it tomt.photos. id love your thoughts and critique so I can grow and learn from your experience.
Cool!
Imitation is a natural way to learn for intelligent creatures. Now, that we have created A.I. we watch A.I. learning by imitating us humans :)
Indeed
Simpsons did it.
😂 yup