I Regret I Didn't Learn These Photography Tips Sooner
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
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Can't really take her work seriously when all the technical work for her most famous images was done by a staff of experts. Not to mention how much of her photography is lauded simply because of her access to world famous artists. I agree that it takes a special talent to get people to show emotion in portraits that portrays who they are, this isn't it since she's capturing people who literally emote for a living at the highest level achievable. Great advice on portraits, even if the example to use Annie Leibovitz as an expert I don't really agree with, your advice on portraiture however is spot on!
exactly!! she even admits she isn't really that good at operating lights. And yes, would her work really be that admired without famous people. I think a quite a bit over-obsessed. Her skill is convincing editors of magazines she's the one to shoot the cover... thats a special skill only a few have.
Is it ridiculous for a movie director or cinematographer to have a staff of experts? How should this kind of photography be accomplished?
totally true, bro, her camera cost $48,000 and she has SEVEN assistants, she's full of shit. and her work totally sucks.
All of it looks terribly artificial. And vain.
I go for more „realistic“ photography…..show real people in real life. But I‘m a dumb.
@@chriseganiii No it isn't actually because we know the work it takes to deliver a movie requires an entire crew. Portrait photography however, especially on location portrait which is what put her on the map shouldn't. I credit the quality of the work to the hardworking crew which doesn't get the recognition that she receives for the work they do before and after she fires the shutter.
For years I worked in NYC publishing as a photo editor and director of photography. (I joined Rolling Stone just when Leibovitz left to work with Vanity Fair). Besides being technically astute and good with composition, I personally think Leibovitz' main skill that made her stand out amongst her peers is her personality and her pushy and demanding attitude. Somehow, for me, her pictures are really a very seductive and alluring veneer but with little soul. Of course how we react to art and photography is personal, but I think there are other successful photographers who capture a bit more than a surface sheen.
Yes
If her behaviour was as described I would think her photos would have no soul
Only after a few years i found out that if you only have 30 min. to take photos, you get a beter photo if you talk with the person for 25 min. and take 2 or 3 photos in the last min. than using the 30 min. to take (50) photos.
Thanks as always for watching - What do you think of the slideshow inserts in the content? Want to see more of them in future?
I have a question when it does come to a shoot. Usually in a shoot, I do have 1 or two beautiful shots that im proud of but then become disappointed that the other 100 or so aren't good. Am I hurting myself by not focusing on the one for two beautiful shots? When it comes to someone like Annie, I notice that most of the time she only has maybe 3 images per subject. Am I just putting way too much pressure on myself? is it ok to be satisfied with those two or there perfect shots?
Yes, I love the slideshow inserts. This video well illustrated the connections that Annie Leibowitz builds with her subjects. They all look so comfortable, even in the most contrived settings.
@@TheOlympia75 that is normal
Slideshow inserts 👍
It added to and helped understand the concepts. Thank you! I would like to see more of them 🙂
One of your best videos, for sure. The voice over was great. It allowed full screen viewing of your example photos, which were well chosen. Many were familiar but hey, another viewing was a fine gift. Some showed lighting equipment and helped understand how the shots were made. Outstanding work.
Thanks Edward! Glad you enjoyed it - please feel free to share it with your friends
A point that needs to be made is that notoriety (or fame) is like money - it makes more of itself when there's enough of it. So, Annie gets to partake of all these fabulous portraiture opportunities of which she takes full advantage by continuing her trajectory of producing fabulous portraits.
I've admired her work for a long time and been inspired by it to produce images that resonate as do hers. The speaker (I forgot his name and it's mentioned nowhere) has correctly understood that such photographs are the result of the relationship between the photographer and the subject. The skilled photographer is thus required to create that relationship if it doesn't pre-exist. No small feat if you've never done such a thing; much harder if you don't have the skill and personality to do so deliberately in the short time you have with your subjects.
One of my all time favourites is a picture that Annie did for Vanity Fair of Nicole Kidman lying on a couch by some french windows , very directional natural lighting gives this a renaissance painting feel and this makes sense after watching your video and your comments about how Annie loved the Old Masters..... great video Alex as usual
Great point you brought up of being a Portrait Photographer and having trouble talking to the subject! Although I have observed that sometimes as you interact with a subject the Photographer may see a way to capture the subject as the Photographer sees him or her but at the same time the subject may want to show an opposite version of themselves. In any case a conversation must be had. Thanks for all the great content yo make in your great channel Mr. Alex Kilbee!
Hi Alex, I love your approach to the world of photography. Less gear is one of the best pieces of advice I have heard for ages and would advocate greatly. I recently took one camera and an 85mm lens to a wedding and I really had to think about my composition. On reflection I would love to have taken a manual lens, set up zone focus and just taken it from there and concentrated on what I was seeing rather than still concentrating on what settings I was using... Though, I still got what I consider to be some of my best portrait photos and my genre is normally landscape!
Only one small niggle for me regarding this video and some others... I find sometimes your voiceover really had to compete with the music. Alex, what you have to say is far more interesting and far outweighs the need for background music... it felt a little like unnecessary "fill flash"
All of those photos are NOT photos of the person, they are photos of the personality. What a gift.
I can't thank you enough for the many things that I've learnt from your videos! The subjects you choose, the way you talk to your viewers and breakdown the matters! Awesome!!! God bless you and good luck with whatever you do in your life!
Wow, thank you for watching
Breathtaking !! Quite contrary to others who commented on this down below, I even couldn't be distracted by the music. Thank you so much!
Annie began her career as a photo journalist. She followed the school of the decisive moment and this is reflected in his portraits.
The light technique is amazing, the material and staff are top, but there is always something else in the photos that leaves the technique for second place.
In the time of analog, Leibovitz created a particular style of light, by working with slide film and printing on paper of inferior qualidae (magazine).
With digital changed the light to a more natural effect and always with good contrast.
Later, she customized (again) her work with a unique color palette, which brings her photos closer to the painting.
Thank you for this. It answered a question I've been considering for a while. There is, or was, a photographic channel on RUclips that featured photographs of a small stable of young women. The photos were quite good-but somehow empty. The women played with their hair, fiddled with hand position, exposed thigh, wore thin shifts, and so forth. Usually, there was a short intro and a short conclusion with the model and often comments from the photographer. So how was it that the photos were appealing but not fulfilling? I think your commentary on Annie Leibovitz explains it. Her photographs offer insight into who the subject of the photograph is. Something about who they are, who they might become whereas the subjects of the site I'm talking about are photographed as decorative objects. Things on a shelf but not more.
Annie is a master at delegating to her team.
Thank you, thank you THANK YOU for talking about photography and not gear!! Finally!! someone who gets it!
Speaking of natural/existing light portraits, are you aware of or done a feature on British photographer Jane Bown? Fantastic celebrity portraits in black and white all done by existing light. There’s a great documentary about her on Amazon Prime.
Thanks for the suggestion, I'd not heard of her
Viewing these photos and listening to your comments certainly were educational and very helpful Thank you
need to love what your photographing was also something the great David Bailey said and the communication between photographer and subject, the chemistry and rapport is paramount and you either have that or you don't.. you can't teach charisma and personality nor can you fake it or copy it.
Very interesting article but Annie is shooting people that are mostly very used to be photographed. She's certainly done well over the years. Most of us shoot people that don't even want to be in front of a camera. Am I envious of how well she's done, yes. Who wouldn't be!
It's so good to see that an amazing photographer is from where I'm from - Waterbury, CT! She's amazing!!!!!
Wisdom of the heart always better than knowledge of experience. It can’t go wrong if you love, I found it really useful for my own commitment To be exceptional for everyone in every single moment
It’s true about falling in love with your subject. A former photographer told me you must develop a connection to your subject to get a good shot
Thanks Alex.
This site is the best, always interesting and engaging and the slideshow is a great addition. Thanks Alex keep it up
My pleasure! Great to have you here
Annie is amazing but I wonder how much is done in post? Everything is so perfect it must be very photoshopped !
That doesn't matter at all.
It's in love that we find beauty, that's how much she loves her craft, how she masters it...
I wish to build this connection with each photo I take, thank you for this amazing video as always !
Wonderful
Thank you, Alex. Your videos are so amazing. Even after 5 decades of photography, I always get so much of your vids. Cheers!
Really meaningful progression on the channel towards THE WORK which for so many of us want to elevate both for ourselves and in the eyes of clients- and for the long term survival of the craft.
I love the feeling when I order the last G Master!!!! No matter if I am going to take only ONE good photograph with it….or no one.
Great discussion and presentation. RS.
Glad you liked it!
When I studied photography, ehite recently, I started hearing the nqmes of famous photographers.
Annie Leibovitz was one of them.
She was always lauded as the photogrqpher of celebrities, and a cornerstone in portrait.
Then I saw her portrait of Baiden's vicepresident.
I was apalled at her work.
I disagreed with everything, from lens choice to composition to color temperature.
But no. She is the pro. How could I, a mere amateur who rejects the rule of thirds and corrects for color temperature on post dare not bow down to the queen?
Sadly, the intro pictures of this video, alog with some comments, have given me that answer.
You see, the portraiture I enjoy the most is the fancy but subdued one you use for cosplay and adverts.
The one that takes the subject and polishes it to a sheen, just before the edge where it becomes unrealistic.
I love how it makes pictures look dreamy. Magical.
The other portraiture that I love is this triking work where the subject is presented raw. Be it powerful or broken down. But you can get a glimpse at that inner self that is usually obscured by the mask the wear while others are present.
Annie does neither.
She leaves her pictures right smack in the middle, where the subject's mask is firmly set, yet it looks plain and unremarkable.
Is it ironic that the picture I enjoyed the most in this vid was the milk tub one?
Maybe that picture is strikingly different to the rest.
Ah, yes. The Harrison Ford picture was also a good one.
Going with the flow.
If that is a pillar of Annie's work, why do I find so many "peaople standing up, looking at the camera"?
Itonically, those Muse Photography were some of the pictures I found more interesting and attractive of this whole vodeo.
I can not stress enough how much i appreciate your content. I like your calm and deep focussing to one subject or aspect of photography. Thank you very much for all the lessons i've learned from you, for all the inspiration and motivation. Thank you for beeing here when i'm depressed about my own work.
Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎
Thanks, you too!
I am a puppeteer, many years ago I booked to have some publicity shots done with a puppet that I had a fair amount of success with. I was told the photographer was the official photographer for the Pope when he visited. I tried to briefly to tell him what the show was about which I thought was important, and he said, "I'm not interested". The shots that came out showed that feeling exactly. I had some more shots done by someone else who was interested and who brilliantly captured the feeling.
I do remember her in the beginning of 90$ most of her work have photoshop and the best retouching teams, she did have the best labs in New York even before it was to the public, and all the people you know is who you shoot, is my perspective .
This is personal, subjective opinion, but I prefer her early work. It seemed more genuine, with a more deeper connection to the subjects of the photos. [Stylistically, there is a bit more variety too it seems, nothing wrong with developing a single style btw].
Examples are the Lennon and Yoko shoots.
The newer stuff (shoots for Vanity Fair etc, for big film releases, the Oscars etc), whilst being technically well executed, seem somewhat cold (and I'm not just talking the colour grading here). There is a lack of connection, I feel.
When I see BTS footage of these shoots, she's taking the photos, but all the post-processing is delegated to her staff. And I can't help getting the feeling that she's not really putting her stamp on how those edits actually come out. She vaguely points them in a direction and they get on with it.
But that's the thing. Those VF, Vogue etc shoots are commissioned shoots. Day to day work for her. So perhaps she's lost her connection with them.
Which makes me think, does she go off and do her own personal portrait projects anymore? Ones without her big team, just back to the simple shoots.
All in my opinion of course.
And, for what it's worth, I think I'd like to go and buy a book of her work. Both the new and old stuff. Fascinating to look at. The newer, complex set pieces are fun to look at, as they tend to make me think about how I could recreate something similar, but with a simpler setup.
I agree about the earlier work, though I do like the set-up and especially the lighting of her latter images
A lot of people over emphasize things about Photography!.. Just to say, Ann just knows how to squeeze the Shutter Button better than others... Once she broke the barrier working for a Magazine, and became Known, the road to Fame becomes a lot easier!!
I recall seeing an exhibition of her work, predominantly work for Vanity Fair, at the National Portrait Gallery in London in the early 1990s. Looking back, I think work form that exhibition has had, and continues to have, an influence over my work to this day.
Just wanted to thank you for the video. Really enjoyable and thought provoking as always.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Speaking of the lovely portrait of Susan Sarandon...what really went ping in my head... Is that I have a female friend.....who looks a close double....the likeness is quite stunning...... Anyhow Alex thanks for that.....
Thanks for watching
Great video
That, was one of the best videos I have seen in a while. Thank you.
Wow, thank you! Great to hear that Tom!
Superb, thank you!
Thank you too for watching
I love the slideshow inserts. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I remember well studying Annie when in photography school. Skilled photographer, and all you've pointed out is true, but yet the one key word we associated with Annie was "Photoshop." Annie's photos would not be Annie's without heavy post-processing.She doesn't take photographs. She makes them.
Super Thanks
Thank you for sharing your passion!
Ive just bought her book -Wonderland. Fantastic stuff..
Very good!
Anny Leibovitz works with a huge staff of super-talented people and she has the best lighting and camera gear that exists so she could not take a bad photograph even if she tried.
The only photographer that ever made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck was Bailey. No one else came close!
WOW! Magnificent images! Many Thanks
Thank you
So true. Less gear = simplicity & creativity
She is true legend.
As - so - often, I agree with you...💁🏼
I really enjoyed this episode. I always favor the episodes that feature a particular photographer, but this one really stood out for me. Well produced. Keep up the good work.
Nice video. (If I'm being picky, I think a Peter Hujar portrait slipped in there at 3:00. I could be wrong)
Beautfiul work Gavin. The gels and the coast looked so cool 😊👍
I subscribed! Thanks so much.
I love your portrait work Alex, it really is stunning. Wonderful light and creativity.
Great video. I learn so much from watching your channel.
Beautiful imagess thanks for sharing
When i advise many upcoming photographers i give them a task to take only their camera and one lens at times, learn to work within the boundaries of different lenses and not think expensive choices or solutions. often they can't because they just want to do everything all at once, instead of slowing down and looking at the subject matter in front of them!
It is amazing to learn so much from the photos.
It really is!
Thank you I had the opportunity To work with years ago was tuff for a week assistant
For me one of the greatest experts in portrait photography is Peter Coulson!
Yes, definitely. The slideshows bring your comments and advice to life.
I totally agree that too much gear can be a hindrance rather than a help - but seeing some BTS of Annie's shoots she is NOT a minimalist- full crews/lighting/grip equipment!!
I know right, that's the irony!
Awesome video Sir, However a side not to the new guys Annie owns very little of that equiptment. Most of are rentals.
not completely true...when she went bankrupt she had to sell off a lot of gear...she had plenty...she was very wealthy of course ...so she could afford and did buy plenty of gear. Pro's do both...own an arsenal, and fill in the gaps with rentals, and or rent on location shoots rather than travel with a ton of gear and bill to the client.
@@locophoto6881 So, exactly what I said then?
@@Michaelajacksonfilms Pretty much the opposite of what you said...not sure I understand how you are saying "she owns very little of her own equipment" is somehow the same as me saying "she owns quite a bit of equipment actually" when she was shooting most of these images before her bankruptcy.....
But definitely start an argument with a stranger over RUclips....that's what all adults do?
@@locophoto6881 I like you, you are interesting.
You do amazing videos...I know so many people with great cameras and lenses but do not put enough time into mentally learning about the art of photography.
Your videos are the best explaining this
Awesome video and commentary 👌 Brilliant 🎥
wonderful format Alex! More? Yes please👍😉🙏🏻
You got it!
...and as ALWAYS great advices! You hit every point on the head!!!🙌🏾
what an inspiring video! I want to grab the camera and head out to take portraits. Thank you!
Go for it!
For the most part, the people being photographed are used to being in front of a camera. Who does her editing, lighting setups etc? To be honest Alex I preferred your shots as they looked more honest. And to see the work of Saraya Cortaville is a delight and she has to work to tight time limits.
Thank you ❤❤❤❤
More wise words! Thanks for another great video!
My pleasure!
Great video as always. Thank you
Hi Alex. Thank you for your very informative videos - I watch and learn from all of them. Can you also include Landscape & Wild life photography skills. Very appreciated.
Passionnant!!!
I love that…..just take one lens …..choose one and then go photograph. Choice may cause you to miss a great shot!
I love the talk, can you please remove the background music? Thx
Super inspiring video today!! Great work thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
That Star Wars portrait with Princess Leia and the other three characters is interesting. It could be one of those portraits that says more about the artist than the subject. Idk
Think it's more about Annie these days TBH
Thank you so much for your wonderfully inspiring, informative and just downright good sense channel! I come to it often and always leave feeling grateful for how generously you share your understanding and thoughts. Just one request, if I may: Please will you consider dropping the piano Muzak from any new videos. It does not add anything of value to the videos. In fact, it is distracting from the images you show and when used as background to your voice, it makes it that much harder to hear what you are saying. It is entirely unnecessary and, for me, considerably lowers the impact of some of the videos. But other than that: again, thank you, a brilliant channel.
The thing is, i suck at photography...I can do other things effortlessly like designing or sewing, or arranging flowers without much thought and the result is beautiful...BUT photography eludes me , because there is a weakness that i cannot overcome. I think that weakness has something to do with my inability to understand balance; i am an extremist....chaotic, and until i learn to respect rules, order, gentleness, and respect...would i be able to take great photos. A great photo is a fragile thing, the story it tells cannot be taken away and destroyed; a photographer is a great and patient story teller.
09:16 Precisely explained, the key word is: liquid light
Excellent video Alex! Would it be possible to upload the pics showcased so that we can download them?
Gear matters, and so do subjects.
To photograph someone with their guard down you must first let your own guard down. There can be no ego no facade. How can you ask a person to connect with the camera if you can’t connect with them yourself. I also pay attention to every facial expression my subject makes in the first 30 mins of talking to them before shooting. I mentally take photos of each one in my head and when I finally start the shoot I already know how to strategically move the conversation during the shoot back and forth to get the reactions to flash across the face..all while acting like a dork who’s just having fun. Because if I’m the dork then my subject is the cool one.
You cannot regret retrospective. You made other choises. Thats life.
You are doing great work. BUT you seem to insist on using music «under» your voice, why, why, why?? It is sooo disturbing. Please cut that out!!
I actually could not see this episode all the way to the end because the music was so disturbing. And I really wanted to, because it is so interesting.
So much this. Only reason I didn't subscribe.
I'm a photographer, I only look at things I can see, listen to things I can hear and most importantly for nature & wildlife follow scents I can smell. ;-7
You have to decide whether you want us to listen to you or your music.
Don't listen to others telling you what to do. Find your own way.
I wonder if Annie does the color editing of her photos?
Thanks!
Thank you Frank
Thank you for good advices
Always welcome
@@ThePhotographicEye How about emulate the ligthing in old paintings?