The Most Important Skill in Photography.
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2024
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In this video I visit one of my favourite places here in Wales, Trearddur Bay, to try and practice what I think is a photographer's most important skill.
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For those asking, I'm using the Ricoh GR IIIx:
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Excuse me, with what camera did you record when you were walking?
Ya know what I appreciate about you James? You never complain about blue skies, harsh light, or summer greens. You find ways to make those things look beautiful and to me, that makes you a great photographer.
good point - this might actually inspire confidence... i just recently realized this flaw about myself and am trying to do better since^^ (specificly harsh light that is)
James you’ve brought me a moment of positivity with this video during a time in my life of struggle. You’ve always done this for me, and of course you shine new light onto my passion for photography. Thank you so much for all that you do.
So nice to hear - I really appreciate you watching ❤️
Back in 1987 I got my camera bag stolen in Glasgow, and it took some time until I could afford to buy another camera. And when I finally had a camera again, I indeed needed to learn to "see" again - or "observe", as you've said. Right after the theft I always was like "look, I would have taken a picture of that!", but that faded away, until I didn't "see" the motives right in front of me.
This makes me feel good, because I'm not a photographer. The moment you gave that example of observing, how someone just stops walking and says "oh wow look at that", I thought that sounded a lot like me. I rarely take pictures, but I've always just liked to stop and stare at beautiful things, sometimes a friend will just look at me like "what?" and I have to explain why it's beautiful enough to make someone stop. I think simply taking life slow and appreciating natural beauty is an important trait not enough people have. Bears would be great photographers.
This is me lmao, sometimes I just imagine me taking pictures of some random things and interactions between strangers I see, and think how it would’ve been a cool picture if I was good at photography or at least had a good camera.
seeing compositions is a skill you can develop technically and through experience that gets fuled by your interest in nature/new things. people say "you have a good eye" (meaning talent) and although its meant to be a compliment it doesnt feel that way because it disregard all that work that went into training the eye to become good. still better then "you must have a good camera".
Hahha the camera line
At first i didnt get why some people dislike when others say someone has talent. Then I went on a google search of the meaning of the word "talent" and realize it's me who didnt really understand the word correctly. And I gotta admit they're right. You might have been born with good eyes for these things but it takes a lot of work to get better than just that "talent".
Really nice story telling plus great images. The “I get a great photo no matter the circumstances” attitude is very refreshing. You and Craig Roberts mastered this 100%.
Cool - but interested in seeing ALL the photos you take on a trip (like scroll over all of them quickly). You've mentioned that you take 100s of photos on a day out, and say that we should too - but we see 10 photos of 10 different shots/scenes in a video, and thats it. Could we see all the attempts of any certain shot, your mistakes or ones that fall short - then how and why you make a select from the dozens (like a screen capture clip from lightroom selection) ?
Thanks - over the weekend I went to San Francisco and did your "shoot in only 35mm / 50mm" on a zoom lens trick and it was great!
One of my favourite quotes on observation and simply seeing was from a recent(ish) interview with Jeff Wall where he encapsulated beautifully just how I feel about photography (or the photography I like to do):
“I think I’m the kind of person who’s happy to participate in things but not unhappy to find a point of view where I can see things happening rather than jumping into the middle of them myself, even though I do that too, sometimes.
I think that one of the main qualities is ‘observance’, and I guess that’s also a photographer’s nature, to be observant. Or any artist who has to deal with the world as it appears, and trying to deal with its appearance (is observant).
And I feel also that picture-making of any kind... expresses something of an acceptance of the way things are. Not for everyone and not (in) the same way, but I’ve a feeling I’m sort of an accepting person in that I’m glad all these things have existed and have allowed me to see them, or (have) shown themselves to me.
So you know, I think there are other elements that come into play, in terms of the activity of making, that also bring out other aspects of a person’s character, but those come behind, in a way, the sense of observing and liking the appearance of things.
I love the appearance of a tree or a face or a sidewalk, I just like the way they look. I get enjoyment just from seeing them and seeing them maybe in this light and then in that light. (So) I think that’s pretty basic for me.”
How do you make it look so easy? I know there's way more thought process that's goes into the shots and the edits. However, watching your videos makes it so seemless. Love it. I move to Germany a few months ago and after re-watching some of your older videos, I've forced myself to get out and travel more with my camera and have gotten some amazing results. Thank you James for your videos and inspiration!
You've "seen" some really nice pics there. When you're in that mode, it actually becomes quite exciting to see what you can find next. You should hang around that area in winter for bigger waves and spectacular sunsets. On one exceptionally clear day in October, I got a great telephoto sunset shot of the sun setting over the Wicklow mountains in Ireland! - from the South Stack car park.
I credit you for most of my nature photography improvements. Thank you James
so what's the benefit of yogurt again?
Something I noticed during this video is the way you hold your camera at an elevated angle in a lot of shots. That is something that often doesn't occur to me. But it does change the scene. I will have to get more creative with the way I shoot. Thank you so much for sharing your content. I find I am learning a lot.
The horse sign on the telegraph pole and the light on the building..You're easily impressed James, you really are!🤣🤣😉😉
What? No pictures of the local Nuclear Power Station?!😉
I literally can’t concentrate on what you are saying you’ve got stunning look jesus
Yes, seeing is a very important part of photography. You may shout at the “shooter” and not even make him/her flinch. The other thing is to know instinctively how to use the tool (camera/lens) to instantly capture that idea that attracted attention in the first place.
haha that's so true, you can never pull my attention away while taking a photograph. but you're so right about knowing your tool, the better you know how to use the camera, the easier it is to make the photo look like how you see the world
I just recently picked up a Sony RX100vii. I never thought I would enjoy shooting with a compact camera, but I have come to love that thing so much. Can't even imagine leaving home without it. I'm glad to see other photographers actually showing their photos with compact cameras. Great video!
Always an enjoyable watch James, very informative & inspirational, you make the craft look so easy
I always get excited when I see a GR in the thumbnail. Idk if it's because I've been shooting Fuji and Canon so long, but I really like the clean and clinical look that the GR delivers. I really looks natural.
My favourite kind of photography - just ambling wandering and wondering as I go. Love seeing what you come up with in what could easily be a meh kind of everyday feeling place. May we all be open to what the world has to give us image wise!
This being the first video of yours I'm watching, I have decided one of your best features is being spontaneous. Those extra steps going back to get another picture of the old man/woman that went by is what makes for a great photograph at sometimes and it's very important for us photographers to not be bored to do so! The decisive moment one might say!
Also I loved the way you kind of take us with you on this nice walk, sharing your thoughts as to why you might change your angle or what you expect from the lightning and how you organize your shots.
"You can observe a lot by just watching." - Yogi Berra, baseball Hall of Famer and master of maloprops
Brilliant video. Love your ability to visualize an interesting composition. Makes me want to go out and “see” what I’ve been missing- and record it with my camera. This was truly an inspiring video. Thanks for posting it.
Love your GX snaps, they're such perfectly-observed spontaneous little vignettes of the world. Also great illustrations of your thesis here. Cool location too.
"crashing waves, lovely cottage, MASSIVE FIELD OF SHEEP..."
8:58 - I don't think their view is "Free" it would at least cost them their woolly coats or even being someone's Sunday lunch.
Oh! Next “Pentax”. Just kidding. I’m looking for a larger format camera. The Ricoh has been widely recommended. Maybe go all the way to Leica? The T2?
I have a funny question, do you have to get permits to take professional photos around town in public areas in the UK? I'm learning that that seems to be the case here in California, one needs permits to take professional pictures, for example on State land. Seems very complicated. If I ever am able to become professional and want to use an older picture I took without a permit, I guess I can't. I don't know.
What is your take on “budget” or “cheap” filters/uv/cpl, do they degrade the image quality? Just about done with the Christmas shopping brokeness and can only afford the filters that are on amazon sub $50, i know there are more expensive filters out there but I currently can’t afford them.
How's the JJC thumb grip on the GR? Wanted to try one but afraid the "stem" might press on the camera body and cause scratches over time.
If ever I see you out and about making a video I’m gonna shout things like “release the birds” when you’re doing talking to camera pieces. It will go one of a few ways, either you’ll quickly lift your camera expecting birds, you’ll get embarrassed that people might think you’ve hired in a bird releasing company (they exist right..?) or your mic won’t pick it up,l and you won’t hear me as I haven’t taken wind direction into consideration, and a group of random walkers behind me will see a mad bloke protesting about birds in captivity in the middle of nowhere. It’s a risk I’m willing to take for the good of social science…
Most important…. Hold your camera properly! Can’t take anyone seriously when they hold their camera out away from themselves and one handed to boot!
some good insight
The "idk why but I like this scene" is what make someone a photographer, I suppose.
Thanks James. Beautiful photos. I noticed that you don't use a gimbal stick at all, is this deliberate?
I thought the caption was "The most important skill in pornography". Mind's wack
Great job done ❤ I really enjoyed watching your video ❤ keep it up my new friend.
Vision. Seeing the beauty of composition, light and the subject most people gloss over or just don’t see. 🎉😊😮
Man I’m jealous. I love Anglesey but it is so far away from me. I would love to be able to just pop over. Still, it makes the times that I have been all the more special. Happy snapping. 👍
Totally spot on, its something I practice if stuck in a car on a long trip. I just look out the window and spot potential images, done it for years, really only to pass the time but it has been a huge help. So I'm glad you did this video. And yes I do the same thing, seeing photo opportunities and blocking out the rest of the world. And yes I get told off.
Thanks for yet another lovely video. The Welsh Tourist Board really should employ you to shoot for their promotional material. It is an excellent idea to post your images from your shoots on your Squarespace site. I'm heading over there right now. Cheers.
Man, that little Ricoh is an awesome little point and shoot.
Love your video style!!...slowly making my way through them.
Not gonna watch the 11 video. The most important skill in anything is to enjoy the process. Have fun.
When i first took up photography around 10 years ago for a long while i was chasing the 'award winning' picture, something worthy of Time or National Geographic or even just 'the best picture of all time ever'. But couldn't achieve it. I have finally found my niche and now photograph every day mundaness. I'm not for a moment suggesting your images are 'mundane but 1:49, 4:45, 5:00, 9:33 are great images, right up my street. Nice work mate. How's your shave!
Hi I love your videos and was wondering if you had an extra camera that I could have. Im currently 15 and have a dream of photography, I have been using my iphone SE to shoot but I want to learn how to use a camera. I dont have money, and a job, my parents dont have money either, so if its possible do you have any camera that I could have?
good idea with the website integration... "this video is brought to you by..." haha j/k
is that small pocket-camera u are using the one linked on your page (Ricoh GR IIIx) or a different one?
Some great images in this one, really liked them. And it‘s such a nice idea to have them on a separate page on your website!
when you have a beautiful country like that everything is a beautiful photo
Hi I’m a new subscriber and you take photos really well it looks amazing.
Not noticing is sometimes hindered by those common ear buds people are wearing. I don’t understand how you can get tuned into your surroundings with ABBA or Adele in your ear! Just give your brain a chance to process what you are looking at.
I think something that really reflects my personality in my photos is the focal lengths that I take photos at. I like taking tight photos. 50mm-200mm is where I thrive but it kinda shows that I'm a little too focused into one spot never seeing the bigger image that could be. So your photography has always been such a mystery to me because you shoot so much wider than I'm used to but at the same time whenever I go out and try to stick to 24mm or 35mm it feels so eye opening. I've been missing a lot but at the same time I don't know how to process and capture the moment.
You inspire me to shoot wider and at the same time be more aware. I need that because being stuck inside my head or being so hyper focused, so punched in can be tiring sometimes
Haha at 1:16 for me it looked like you would film yourself through your legs holding your camera at hip height... reminded my of peeing but with your lens 🤣
A bit off-topic, but it looks like you're in an unloaded part of the map or out of bound where noone's supposed to be XD
I am an amateur photographer, and very much want to improve. I really appreciate this video. Tomorrow I planned to go on a photo walk and I will use this exercise.
Go for it! Try what i done. Just walk your local area, a small area, not to far. Sure, you already know your area very well but look hard and search for images. It's a hard challenge but try to take a few images a day, perhaps the same image at different times and in different conditions. And don't shy away from mundane, mundane is good! Enjoy your challenge.
Great photos! What small camera/lens are you using?
i thought i was alone! when you talked about zoning out and focusing on something, i realized i did that myself haha. the world is so amazing to not look at it and admire, even just the small moments between people, in the way something looks, anything! really helps you appreciate the time and place you're in, it's such a beautiful and happy feeling. thank you for making a video on this, and very well said!
I could do that kind of photos with my awful rog phone 5s camera with some tweaks and Lightroom
The most important skill in photography has very less to do with photography itself by editing a Raw image. lol
2:38 haha sounds familiar; my obsession with observation drives my wife nuts - now I have to quit to take a look at your website!
"Well, these guys have got the same view for free". Until they become mutton of course.
U should try some other compositions also,
just straight lines are kind of boaring
A verry big thank you sir for posting these videos. Am a huge fan of your videos and photography. You have been my inspiration for all time. I learned photography from your videos. Love your work sir
Hi James, what part of Wales do you live thanks?
I love seeing your work progress, especially love seeing you being in elements of human life into your landscapes. Great video and tips!
Artists and Photographers are similar in this sense. Where they would observe and notice beauty in the most mundane things. Observing small movements people do to get a feel of their mood. I remember in animation school, we spent a whole semester just learning how people walks depending on their mood or emotions then we try to translate that on paper. We also had painting class where we would focus on small details and choose which part we want to highlight. How to guide people's eye with composition etc
What's the compac you're using, please?
Sorry for asking but is it the 70-200 lense on the waves photo at 4:36 ?
The most important skill in photography
Be rich enough to go on holiday every 5 minutes to get good photos and have a good camera
Can i know the camera u use for photography in this video? please
Hi James big fan of you have time to respond what template do you use on square space
i like how he talks about how he views it and imagines the scene before capturing it.
I try to be observant, but my photos still come out as if an idiot has taken them. Now I come to think of it, Mmmm
Raymond Depardon vibe in the image with the telegraph pol
Good video James. Which camera are you using?
I like that theres a forground background and you in the focus
Where did bought that camera lamp behind you? so cool
wait my grandparents have that chair. i mean the same model. not that exact chair. its still in their house.
Anyone knows what small camera is he using? Thanks
What’s that little camera you’re using?
James , can you please tell what camera and lens you are using in this video
MR.James Popsys. THANK YOU FOR YOUR VIDEOS, ALWAYS ENJOY YOUR INFO. Q-Namibia Photography Tour @ Oct. 13-25, 2022 I WILL BE IN THAT PHOTOSHOP. i have a Q -DO YOU STAY A LONGER APTER THE END ON OCT 25/22. TO PHOTOGRAPH UNKNOWN PLACES NOT WHAT WE WILL BE VISIT.,
WILL I CAN COME ALONG I PAY % 50 the cost.tank you Amnon,
Hi! I'm relatively new to photography and sharing my work, can you recommend some social spaces to post my content? I would assume Instagram would be a safe bet, but I know there has to be others that're better. Thanks!
I tend to not park in ferns even without government regulations.
I would like to hear you talk about the benefits of yoghurt :)
New lesson. DO NOT touch the Focus screen on your Cheap Canon rebelT100...... OMG :( i cried. Ordered a new one after i searched for days. Then cried some more. Ask my wife for the $13, Cried some more. LOL
The most important skill in photography is you.
If you do this with someone else, you can get a sense of what you didn’t see.
..the sheep photo that I Didn't see was my favorite.
Anglesey is such a scenic place. I absolutely rate it.
Hello! What kind of camera??
"telegraph" poles 😅 The UK is weird ;)
thank you for creating a website where i can get lost in your pics
watched your oh no..ricoh grx video and saw your lovely photos. These photos are also brilliant. Are you willing to share your settings?
you have something for me?
what camera were you using in this episode?
Aero dynamic consequences of piggy backing always has my brain in confusion when I'm out with my thoughts 🙂
Those birds were having an on-line meeting.