If you've not seen, last week unfortunately saw the deliberate felling of the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap in the North East of England. This tree is in a place I always wanted to photograph, but never got round to doing so. I always thought I'd have time in the future to shoot it. A timely reminder to capture and document what we can, whilst we can....
This is precisely why I love photography so much! Ever since I started my photography 'journey' (a bit of a cliche I know but very accurate description) about 5 years ago, I've taken my camera out with me almost every single day. The very fact that I could pinpoint exactly where I was and what I was doing, on any given day over the past 5 years is amazing to me! and it's all thanks to photography.
My dad used to record VHS when I was little, and recently I went and converted all those old tapes into digital format. It was such a pleasure to relive all the experiences from 20 years back. I guess this is why I recently fell in love with documenting my life and people around me. Now, would you recommend getting intax camera (the very same in this video 3:57), or buying a photo printer instead? Kind off want to have some photos placed on a wall with core memories and in some other places.
Same, I made a video on doing the same actually a year or so ago (ruclips.net/video/VTK2BufXzL0/видео.htmlsi=kWcAH5LqlOwc3Cto)! If you just want to print some photos, then probably a photo printer. I got the instax for the novelty value and i quite like the little prints it makes. It's good fun for the kids too!
This is such a great reminder Rick! I need to get back to documenting my own life as well. Especially salient message for those of us who get paid professionally to document other people, we need to remember to do the same for ourselves as well 📸🎞️❤️
Thanks Moly!! That’s exactly it, sometimes you just need a break from it but that can come at a cost (as I’ve discovered!!). Always having that camera with me is proving to be a useful prompt, so much more enjoyable than carrying a mirrorless camera and a big lens everywhere 👍🏻
but you are not documenting Your life.. I think you need to really listen, you are documenting others' lives, the people around you, and you are avoiding Your life... trust me.. if you look deep into yourself you will see what I mean..
I have seen this myself as a master student of documentary production and realised I CAN use the camera to avoid living myself while everyone around me goes on... it can be trauma connected to our childhoods that we start to over-observe our own lives and take a step out of it and let everyone else in to fill our camera frames... Just saying, is a common phenomenon I see after having talked with a lot of documentary production master students that we have in common... and is a luring mechanism to avoid leaving ourselves and become the silent eye for everyone else to take more room and space from the lives we otherwise could have had... a very small percentage of documentary filmers have their own families, but their siblings often have many kids and we are often out n' about helping others to film something, for their lives... and feel is the only way we can be part, as an outsider observing life.. is not all good you know... it does have a concrete backside to why people end up over-documenting everything but not living within their own mind frames so to speak...@@RickBebbington I did not bring it up to be rude or anything, just that I saw the juxtaposition of you saying in the title, How to document one's life and why you should, and then saw a whole video about everyone else's life around you... it made me kind of melancholic and sad in a way of recognizing so many documentarians out there living just like this, always one step outside the frame of their own lives and filling in as many Other people's destinies in their own life-space to take their place.
When I did it for a living the only time I had my cameras with me was when I was working, unless on holiday I would take one with me. When I packed it in I stopped using cameras. Eventually I went back to it, but for me and I have loved every minute of it. Though I do use my smartphone at times and to be fair the quality is good but I haven't figured out why it gives me 75mp RAW files! What the hell goes on inside it?
Not on the same level as documenting things to keep/gain creativity but in 2016 I suffered a near-fatal road traffic accident which left me in a coma for 8 days and with two separate spinal fixations. I spent 5 months in hospital learning to walk, dress, bathe etc again and then the subsequent 2 years were still recovery years and even today I am limited in what I can do. I really really wish I'd have taken videos or photos of the whole journey. I have memories of the time of course but I don't really know if they're 100% accurate anymore what with the drugs I was on, especially early days, and I wish I had an accurate memory of that time so I knew exactly what I'd come through. It's also nice to see someone so talented with videography and photography lose interest too as I've created and deleted Instagram accounts to share my photography countless times. This might just be the video I need to spark things up again.
That sounds horrendous, so sorry that you’ve had to go through that. I understand what you mean, but I think unless you are really in the habit of doing so already, documenting something like that is probably the last thing that comes to mind at the time. I think what I’m trying to say is try not to regret the fact that it’s not something you’ve done (granted that’s easy for me to say). Appreciate you commenting anyway, I hope that it helps and you get into it. Good luck on your continuing recovery 🙏🏻
Yeah, I get that. I've hardly shot outside of work for 2 years and also regret it!! I also know why I took 2 years off though, and I've needed that in terms of personal growth and recovery and am now in a much better place for it. Focus on the now and what you can do in terms of photography today and don't worry about the past - it's gone. Good luck!
I'm terrible at documenting my life and always have been. There are whole chunks of it where there isn't even a single photo. It should be much easier these days because our phones are cameras, and yet... I still forget. Most of the time it's photos of the beach and the pup lol I guess that's a start?
Another great video, Rick, and another great reminder. 👏🏻👏🏻 Brings me back to the days or being a kid and being the film camera around and just taking pictures of “anything cool” and now the family loves looking back at those memories. The wife and I welcomed our daughter the world the year and, for me, resparked the want to document moments, and even go back to your B video and make some books for our family to have and cherish. Again great series. Look forward to the next one. P.S. Great to see a “New England” book, if that is from the States. As a New Hampshire resident the family and I would love to have an England/UK photo book on the shelf eventually.
Thanks Andrew - I'm the same, I used to love running round with my camera or my dad's camcorder when I was a kid!! Congrats on your daughter''s arrival, that's awesome! Definitely a reason to keep photographing :) It was indeed, we did New Hampshire as part of our trip (loved it there, stayed in Jackson near to Conway if you know it?). We also did Vermont, Maine, Boston, Cape Cod and NYC - great memories!!
I am boring. I have no family or friends. There is no reason to document my life. There is no legacy for me. My phone takes pictures and video? Who knew? Mask On Nurse Marty(Ret)
Love this video. One of the reason why i chose a point and shoot film camera. Very portable, i can just chuck in my pocket or bag and take it out for quick snaps.
I love photography but i love filming above everything else. Filmed things show it how it really was. it feels less staged than taking a pic of someone .
New subscriber, I completely agree with documenting life, photographer for 30+ years and the story's I have from this hobby turned profession are such great memories. Ive since began to VLOG all of 2024 in my life the way just to look back on past events that occur during the year.
Such a powerful message man !! In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it’s just so easy to miss the memorable !! That rainbow shot has meaning to me :-) :-)
Lovely video and well said. I make a photo book and edit all the clips of the family each year, which is a highlight of our Xmas to all sit down and watch it back together. Definitely going to start taking a decent camera out with me more often now, rather than just my phone, albeit very handy to have on you at all times.
You just pushed me over the edge. Just printed a 30 day calendar for April to check off everyday I film something. Been wanting to get into this habit for ages now and still haven't pushed through to making it a habit. Let's see how it goes
Год назад+1
Taking my camera everywhere is a big criteria of the camera you choses. A good camera is a camera you use, right? I think the main issue is to continue using it when it’s your main job to use it all day long, that creates a need for a break. Thanks for sharing. It’s confirmed: I love this series of videos.
It absolutely is (unless it’s a phone 😂) - you just have to want to use it! That is exactly the main issue, separating the two continues to be a struggle! Thanks for that, means a lot - good to have you here!
Great video @RickBebbington. I've shared this on my blog on therapeutic photography as it is something we cover when looking at understanding the self through our images. It really resonated. Thanks!
Love your videos Rick. They always seem to strike a chord with me and this one doesn't disappoint. I think this series of twenty six is perfect for you and so thought provoking for me. Off to WH Smith now to buy a notebook.
One photographer said "documenting the lives of our loved ones is our most important task." I also take photos and try to write a diary. My wife and I develop several dozen photos every year so that we can return to these moments in the future and so that our children and their children can remember us.
I saw that that tree had been cut down. Whomever I was watching said that a 16 year old boy allegedly did the cutting. What is up with that? Did a reason surface? Seems just crazy nuts to me. Thanks for the video. I have too many comments and questions to post them here and bore people, but it is a topic which has interested me now for quite some time and I discuss it with people when I get a chance.
They’ve also arrested a 69 year old lumberjack who I believe was in some sort of land/property dispute in the area 🤔🤔 plenty to get to the bottom of yet it seems…. Post away - I wouldn’t be worried about turning this into more of a discussion 👍🏻
@@RickBebbington Thank you for responding. I would like to know how the tree issue plays out. The topic of saving memories has come up here with us over the years. We are currently going through our parents belongings including photos and videos (super 8 movies). Old stuff.
Fantastic and very thoughtful. Life so busy sometimes forget the basics, this year I have printed more and more including books and it is such a good reminder of the past, well worth doing.
This is absolutely true. As a photographer and videographer I tend to capture everything around me, but not myself. I don't want to be on the other side of the camera I guess. But now I feel I should be more like the main character. I prefer to shoot with my phone in public, it's more practical for me as I take both pictures and videos which later on I make a reel out of them. Thanks for sharing this video, I will take your advice and start documenting 📸😄
Agree wholeheartedly with this, particularly about photographing memories. Sadly though, I’ve only started to do it since I learned how to use a proper camera. I even bought a compact camera so I’ve got no excuse not to have it with me all of the time. I’ve never been able to muster any enthusiasm to take photos on my phone for anything other than geotagging locations. Strange really when it’s the most accessible camera we have. It’s just not as enjoyable a process as a proper camera
Another thought provoking video in this series. I’m definitely guilty of the not printing or doing much with my photos, that’s my goal I’m working on. Look forward to the next video!
If you've not seen, last week unfortunately saw the deliberate felling of the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap in the North East of England. This tree is in a place I always wanted to photograph, but never got round to doing so. I always thought I'd have time in the future to shoot it. A timely reminder to capture and document what we can, whilst we can....
This is precisely why I love photography so much! Ever since I started my photography 'journey' (a bit of a cliche I know but very accurate description) about 5 years ago, I've taken my camera out with me almost every single day. The very fact that I could pinpoint exactly where I was and what I was doing, on any given day over the past 5 years is amazing to me! and it's all thanks to photography.
My dad used to record VHS when I was little, and recently I went and converted all those old tapes into digital format. It was such a pleasure to relive all the experiences from 20 years back. I guess this is why I recently fell in love with documenting my life and people around me. Now, would you recommend getting intax camera (the very same in this video 3:57), or buying a photo printer instead? Kind off want to have some photos placed on a wall with core memories and in some other places.
Same, I made a video on doing the same actually a year or so ago (ruclips.net/video/VTK2BufXzL0/видео.htmlsi=kWcAH5LqlOwc3Cto)! If you just want to print some photos, then probably a photo printer. I got the instax for the novelty value and i quite like the little prints it makes. It's good fun for the kids too!
This is such a great reminder Rick! I need to get back to documenting my own life as well. Especially salient message for those of us who get paid professionally to document other people, we need to remember to do the same for ourselves as well 📸🎞️❤️
Thanks Moly!! That’s exactly it, sometimes you just need a break from it but that can come at a cost (as I’ve discovered!!). Always having that camera with me is proving to be a useful prompt, so much more enjoyable than carrying a mirrorless camera and a big lens everywhere 👍🏻
but you are not documenting Your life.. I think you need to really listen, you are documenting others' lives, the people around you, and you are avoiding Your life... trust me.. if you look deep into yourself you will see what I mean..
I do see what you mean. I think my next video (next week) hopefully touches on this. Thanks.
I have seen this myself as a master student of documentary production and realised I CAN use the camera to avoid living myself while everyone around me goes on...
it can be trauma connected to our childhoods that we start to over-observe our own lives and take a step out of it and let everyone else in to fill our camera frames...
Just saying, is a common phenomenon I see after having talked with a lot of documentary production master students that we have in common...
and is a luring mechanism to avoid leaving ourselves and become the silent eye for everyone else to take more room and space from the lives we otherwise could have had...
a very small percentage of documentary filmers have their own families, but their siblings often have many kids and we are often out n' about helping others to film something, for their lives...
and feel is the only way we can be part, as an outsider observing life.. is not all good you know...
it does have a concrete backside to why people end up over-documenting everything but not living within their own mind frames so to speak...@@RickBebbington I did not bring it up to be rude or anything, just that I saw the juxtaposition of you saying in the title, How to document one's life and why you should, and then saw a whole video about everyone else's life around you...
it made me kind of melancholic and sad in a way of recognizing so many documentarians out there living just like this,
always one step outside the frame of their own lives and filling in as many Other people's destinies in their own life-space to take their place.
When I did it for a living the only time I had my cameras with me was when I was working, unless on holiday I would take one with me. When I packed it in I stopped using cameras. Eventually I went back to it, but for me and I have loved every minute of it. Though I do use my smartphone at times and to be fair the quality is good but I haven't figured out why it gives me 75mp RAW files! What the hell goes on inside it?
Not on the same level as documenting things to keep/gain creativity but in 2016 I suffered a near-fatal road traffic accident which left me in a coma for 8 days and with two separate spinal fixations. I spent 5 months in hospital learning to walk, dress, bathe etc again and then the subsequent 2 years were still recovery years and even today I am limited in what I can do. I really really wish I'd have taken videos or photos of the whole journey. I have memories of the time of course but I don't really know if they're 100% accurate anymore what with the drugs I was on, especially early days, and I wish I had an accurate memory of that time so I knew exactly what I'd come through.
It's also nice to see someone so talented with videography and photography lose interest too as I've created and deleted Instagram accounts to share my photography countless times.
This might just be the video I need to spark things up again.
That sounds horrendous, so sorry that you’ve had to go through that. I understand what you mean, but I think unless you are really in the habit of doing so already, documenting something like that is probably the last thing that comes to mind at the time. I think what I’m trying to say is try not to regret the fact that it’s not something you’ve done (granted that’s easy for me to say). Appreciate you commenting anyway, I hope that it helps and you get into it. Good luck on your continuing recovery 🙏🏻
Took two years off from photography and regret it. But it’s never too late to start again!
Yeah, I get that. I've hardly shot outside of work for 2 years and also regret it!! I also know why I took 2 years off though, and I've needed that in terms of personal growth and recovery and am now in a much better place for it. Focus on the now and what you can do in terms of photography today and don't worry about the past - it's gone. Good luck!
This video was soooo good!!! Subbed. (Note: Omar was here when Rick had 2.2K subs)
Thanks Omar, appreciate it! Love the optimism 😃
I'm terrible at documenting my life and always have been. There are whole chunks of it where there isn't even a single photo. It should be much easier these days because our phones are cameras, and yet... I still forget. Most of the time it's photos of the beach and the pup lol I guess that's a start?
I'm the same, so many things I should have photos of but don't... Kind of embarrassing for a photographer!! It is a start, keep going ☺️
Great video, I'm feeling very inspired. Thank you!
So glad to hear, thank you!!
This is really inspiring. So many moments in a life to document, so many moments forgotten when they’re not! ✌🏼
Thanks, appreciate it 👍🏻
You don't need pictures of the most important moments of your life. Anything worth remembering will be embedded in your memory! 😮💯
@@rooroo5363 you don’t need a lot of things. The idea of photographing some of them is kinda nice though 🤔
Another great video, Rick, and another great reminder. 👏🏻👏🏻 Brings me back to the days or being a kid and being the film camera around and just taking pictures of “anything cool” and now the family loves looking back at those memories. The wife and I welcomed our daughter the world the year and, for me, resparked the want to document moments, and even go back to your B video and make some books for our family to have and cherish. Again great series. Look forward to the next one.
P.S. Great to see a “New England” book, if that is from the States. As a New Hampshire resident the family and I would love to have an England/UK photo book on the shelf eventually.
Thanks Andrew - I'm the same, I used to love running round with my camera or my dad's camcorder when I was a kid!! Congrats on your daughter''s arrival, that's awesome! Definitely a reason to keep photographing :)
It was indeed, we did New Hampshire as part of our trip (loved it there, stayed in Jackson near to Conway if you know it?). We also did Vermont, Maine, Boston, Cape Cod and NYC - great memories!!
Officially my favorite video on documenting life!
Thank you so much!!
That was a great video indeed! Loved it, very motivating!
Thanks Julien, really pleased you liked it
I am boring. I have no family or friends. There is no reason to document my life. There is no legacy for me.
My phone takes pictures and video? Who knew?
Mask On Nurse Marty(Ret)
I don't know how I found your video, but thank you for reminding me exactly what I need to do.
Thanks, I appreciate it
Great video mate and wise wise words
Thank you kindly :) I am quite wise!!
Love this video. One of the reason why i chose a point and shoot film camera. Very portable, i can just chuck in my pocket or bag and take it out for quick snaps.
Great video! great thougts! great series! keep going!
Thanks Mariusz, I will!
What service did you use to create the photo books?
I used Photobox for the ones I've shown, but I wouldn't recommend them!! Testing a few others out at the moment, Saal Digital seem pretty good.
I love photography but i love filming above everything else. Filmed things show it how it really was. it feels less staged than taking a pic of someone .
New subscriber, I completely agree with documenting life, photographer for 30+ years and the story's I have from this hobby turned profession are such great memories. Ive since began to VLOG all of 2024 in my life the way just to look back on past events that occur during the year.
Thanks for being here, glad you're down with the practice!
Any app to document
‘Day one’ is good 👍🏻
Such a powerful message man !! In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it’s just so easy to miss the memorable !! That rainbow shot has meaning to me :-) :-)
That’s because you shot it with a proper camera 😂 thanks Darren, appreciate it
@@RickBebbington Alas, I did shoot it at all 🤮🤮
Very good video. Just out of interest where do you make your photo books ?
This is the reason I bought a camera! Cheers to documenting your life! Thanks for the reminder
This guy's messages are so good! All the videos are so positive 😊
Lovely ❤ informative sir
Lovely video and well said. I make a photo book and edit all the clips of the family each year, which is a highlight of our Xmas to all sit down and watch it back together. Definitely going to start taking a decent camera out with me more often now, rather than just my phone, albeit very handy to have on you at all times.
You just pushed me over the edge. Just printed a 30 day calendar for April to check off everyday I film something. Been wanting to get into this habit for ages now and still haven't pushed through to making it a habit. Let's see how it goes
Taking my camera everywhere is a big criteria of the camera you choses. A good camera is a camera you use, right?
I think the main issue is to continue using it when it’s your main job to use it all day long, that creates a need for a break.
Thanks for sharing. It’s confirmed: I love this series of videos.
It absolutely is (unless it’s a phone 😂) - you just have to want to use it! That is exactly the main issue, separating the two continues to be a struggle! Thanks for that, means a lot - good to have you here!
I love utilizing Day One for my journaling needs and wants, and have used it for years.
Yep, I've not found anything better in terms of apps!
Great video @RickBebbington. I've shared this on my blog on therapeutic photography as it is something we cover when looking at understanding the self through our images. It really resonated. Thanks!
Love your videos Rick. They always seem to strike a chord with me and this one doesn't disappoint. I think this series of twenty six is perfect for you and so thought provoking for me. Off to WH Smith now to buy a notebook.
Thanks Alan, appreciate it!
One photographer said "documenting the lives of our loved ones is our most important task." I also take photos and try to write a diary. My wife and I develop several dozen photos every year so that we can return to these moments in the future and so that our children and their children can remember us.
Great quote, and great work 👏🏻
Your videography is kind of bad. Watch life of Riza and take inspiration from her documentary shots
Google ‘the man in the arena’ and read it.
@@RickBebbingtonexcellent response.
Excellent video, thanks for sharing!
Thanks man, glad you liked it.
I saw that that tree had been cut down. Whomever I was watching said that a 16 year old boy allegedly did the cutting. What is up with that? Did a reason surface? Seems just crazy nuts to me. Thanks for the video. I have too many comments and questions to post them here and bore people, but it is a topic which has interested me now for quite some time and I discuss it with people when I get a chance.
They’ve also arrested a 69 year old lumberjack who I believe was in some sort of land/property dispute in the area 🤔🤔 plenty to get to the bottom of yet it seems…. Post away - I wouldn’t be worried about turning this into more of a discussion 👍🏻
@@RickBebbington Thank you for responding. I would like to know how the tree issue plays out. The topic of saving memories has come up here with us over the years. We are currently going through our parents belongings including photos and videos (super 8 movies). Old stuff.
Love watching your videos, thank you. ❤❤
Thanks Chris, you’re welcome 😊
glad someone made a video on this topical and u did it well. sometimes people need reminders and u did just that.
Thanks, I really appreciate that
Such a timely reminder, thank you 🙌🏽
Fantastic and very thoughtful. Life so busy sometimes forget the basics, this year I have printed more and more including books and it is such a good reminder of the past, well worth doing.
It’s weird that it’s always the basics that suffer when stuff gets busy! Sounds like you are doing well with getting things printed 👍🏻
@RickBebbington I spent ages researching and thinking of the cost but jumped for a Canon Pro 1000 in the end and best decision I made.
Love you Brother.....
🙏🏻🙏🏻
Great video.
I’m going outside today… I love this video thank you
This is absolutely true. As a photographer and videographer I tend to capture everything around me, but not myself. I don't want to be on the other side of the camera I guess. But now I feel I should be more like the main character. I prefer to shoot with my phone in public, it's more practical for me as I take both pictures and videos which later on I make a reel out of them. Thanks for sharing this video, I will take your advice and start documenting 📸😄
That's just it, you're the main character of your life (and probably a major character in a lot of other people's too!). I hope it goes well for you
Agree wholeheartedly with this, particularly about photographing memories. Sadly though, I’ve only started to do it since I learned how to use a proper camera. I even bought a compact camera so I’ve got no excuse not to have it with me all of the time. I’ve never been able to muster any enthusiasm to take photos on my phone for anything other than geotagging locations. Strange really when it’s the most accessible camera we have. It’s just not as enjoyable a process as a proper camera
Better to start now than not at all 👍🏻 glad it’s not just me with the phone!! You nail it though, it’s just not enjoyable!
Another great reminder...to all of us out there.
Another thought provoking video in this series. I’m definitely guilty of the not printing or doing much with my photos, that’s my goal I’m working on.
Look forward to the next video!
I'd be lying if I said I don't have a backlog of books to be made 😬 as with every video, it's a message to myself as much as to others!! Thanks :)
That was incredible
Great stuff.
Thanks 👍🏻
thank you for the video, its inspire me to document more with my phone camera since i dont have a proper camera :(