I'd add: you are the only audience that really, really matters; if you like your own work, there will be others that do too. I think I had an advantage in that I was drawing and painting my whole life before I fell in love with photography, so while I know the rules (guidelines might be a better word) of composition, I don't actually think about them. They're already ingrained. But I don't worry about whether other people will like my photos; they either do or they don't.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on wisdom and concepts for the arts. Your position on what art is is true and deeply honest. Wise people who are deeply involved in any of the art forms would never spill nonsense like: " I know, art is simple: that with little bit of that. Just add a little vanilla to the top and Voilà.". When Duke Ellington was asked what jazz was, his answer was short " If you ask me this question, you don't understand Jazz." Respect and admiration to your thoughtlessl. Thank you for sharing your talent and your deeply personal expertise.
Don't underestimate to amount of post work Adams did under the enlarger, he was a master of dodge/burn. Personally, Oswald Winston Link was the man for composition almost to a fault.
I once attended a free packed open to the public lecture/presentation of his at the University of Minnesota. The event filled a large hall. In his early years he did product photography.
There is something I always tell beginners as a test to see if their pictures have a certain something I call it the “nice test”. If you show it to friends or family no one will ever say they don’t like it and if you get the response “that’s nice” it means it’s not good enough. However if the response is “wow omg how did you take that” or the obligatory phrase that pisses off photographers “you must have a really good camera “ your picture making might be going in the right direction !
I once read a quote that (roughly) said, "saying to a photographer 'wow nice photograph, you must have a really good camera' is like saying to a chef 'wow, that was a lovely meal, you must have a really good cooker'".. !!
Light and shade, either a balance or a contrast. Take lots of photographs, then, when you think you know it all, discover that you are just on the first rung of the ladder. Always be your own critic - listen to what others say about your pictures, but in the final analysis, YOU are your best critic. A great image this week can just be wallpaper next year, always strive for better. Know your camera, you should be able to set it in the dark, shutter, aperture, maybe eeven focus. Shoot in Manual, or at least shutter or aperture priority. Great video Nigel. George
great words of advice, from rules of thirds on. For me, it is all about visualizing shots in my mind, shooting them and being self critical....and sometimes, things just work out.
Your descriptive words are so spot on Nigel, everything you say has substance. Colours are a representation and we all see things differently. I'm colour blind...I don't see the green variables like others but I can beat the ishihara test with a tinted left lens..put a red ball in a green field and it morphs into the green. Hence I love black and white. What m42 lens is the best for B&W crispness with character but doesn't cost a fortune, could you investigate. You may be surprised.
There is a second similar method. Draw a diagonal line either from upper right to lower left or from upper left to lower right. Intersect that line with two more drawn at 90 degrees to the remaining two corners The two points of intersection become the "eyes" of the photo. One should be chosen for placement of subject matter.
Before I did my A-level (which is no great accolade), I thought I knew it all. How wrong I was. When I saw a Cartier-Bresson image, my first reaction was "that's just some bugger jumping over a puddle". My suggestion is to do plenty of research, read books, go to exhibitions (if you're able), watch tutorials like this one, join a photographic club. And also (as importantly suggested here), practice. If you use film, it may be a good idea to use a cheap digital camera for 'practicing' so as not to waste a lot of money on processing. Great video as always - thanks for posting.
I thought I'd made a great image, used the rule of thirds for the composition, soft focus, muted colours, best portrait I've ever taken. Passport office said it was crap. Totally gutted.
Most men would assume that they - or their financial capacity to buy specific expensive gear - makes for a good photograph. In reality it is just the subject matter that makes the image special plus the lucky opportune presence of the person who presses the button.
Mr. Z, thank you so much. Not only did you put into perspective this thing called photography and art, but for me you settled a mind that has been in consternation for a couple of weeks. Motivated and on a much clearer path now. Thanks again!
It is said that a picture is not perfect when you can't nothing add but when you can't leave anything out. Picasso is said to have said "You have to know the rules like a pro to break them like an artist."
May i ask u a question. I like to hike alot and i love the forrest. I wil buy a NEX 6 this week and i want to ask you what vintage lense you would recommend to me. Price under 100$. Thank u very much!
Hello sir, I hope you are in the best way, recently I looked at a video that you uploaded of the canon powerShot G1 digital camera from 20 years ago I have the same camera but I have a problem when I connect it to the electricity it works correctly but I disconnect it and it turns off I don't know what's going on, I hope you can help me
Strangely enough I think visual to emotional impact is a huge factor. Review the best images from sources in the US like LIFE magazine or National Geographic. Sometimes the most memorable images break the rules of good composition, but they leave an unforgettable image. How to make that image? Practice and luck.😊
@@zenography7923 Yes, it is a really clever piece of kit. The fully automatic exposure modes for tele, normal, and wide, plus spot or averaged metering seem to pick exactly the right combination of shutter time and aperture for any given film speed. Many came with a modest 35-70 mm zoom lens. I don't normally like zooms, but this one is particularly good. It works perfectly on two AA NiMH rechargable cells; the flash needs four. If you make a video, please keep it to about 10-12 mins - many thanks.
1st rule of thumb-TAKE PHOTOS OR DIE! 2nd rule of thumb- review, review, review, 3rd rule of thumb- post photos and see what gets likes or thumbs up. repeat.
Zen, I’ve watched your videos for years now, you are one of my favorite youtubers on photography and vintage cameras/lenses
Glad to hear it, thanks!
I'd add: you are the only audience that really, really matters; if you like your own work, there will be others that do too.
I think I had an advantage in that I was drawing and painting my whole life before I fell in love with photography, so while I know the rules (guidelines might be a better word) of composition, I don't actually think about them. They're already ingrained. But I don't worry about whether other people will like my photos; they either do or they don't.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on wisdom and concepts for the arts. Your position on what art is is true and deeply honest. Wise people who are deeply involved in any of the art forms would never spill nonsense like: " I know, art is simple: that with little bit of that. Just add a little vanilla to the top and Voilà.". When Duke Ellington was asked what jazz was, his answer was short " If you ask me this question, you don't understand Jazz." Respect and admiration to your thoughtlessl. Thank you for sharing your talent and your deeply personal expertise.
Don't underestimate to amount of post work Adams did under the enlarger, he was a master of dodge/burn. Personally, Oswald Winston Link was the man for composition almost to a fault.
I once attended a free packed open to the public lecture/presentation of his at the University of Minnesota. The event filled a large hall. In his early years he did product photography.
Really enjoying your videos at the moment it’s good to have a bit of knowledge on the background
There is something I always tell beginners as a test to see if their pictures have a certain something I call it the “nice test”. If you show it to friends or family no one will ever say they don’t like it and if you get the response “that’s nice” it means it’s not good enough. However if the response is “wow omg how did you take that” or the obligatory phrase that pisses off photographers “you must have a really good camera “ your picture making might be going in the right direction !
I once read a quote that (roughly) said, "saying to a photographer 'wow nice photograph, you must have a really good camera' is like saying to a chef 'wow, that was a lovely meal, you must have a really good cooker'".. !!
Or, it's like seeing Ronaldo score a great goal, and say 'Wow, he must have a good pair of footie boots.'
Light and shade, either a balance or a contrast. Take lots of photographs, then, when you think you know it all, discover that you are just on the first rung of the ladder.
Always be your own critic - listen to what others say about your pictures, but in the final analysis, YOU are your best critic. A great image this week can just be wallpaper next year, always strive for better.
Know your camera, you should be able to set it in the dark, shutter, aperture, maybe eeven focus.
Shoot in Manual, or at least shutter or aperture priority.
Great video Nigel.
George
great words of advice, from rules of thirds on. For me, it is all about visualizing shots in my mind, shooting them and being self critical....and sometimes, things just work out.
Leading lines that's another powerful device... for pictorialism.... used it time again Nigel....
Very good starting points after understanding your camera, things that should direct your viewers in the right direction!
Wonderful thoughts. I wholeheartedly agree.
Your descriptive words are so spot on Nigel, everything you say has substance. Colours are a representation and we all see things differently. I'm colour blind...I don't see the green variables like others but I can beat the ishihara test with a tinted left lens..put a red ball in a green field and it morphs into the green. Hence I love black and white. What m42 lens is the best for B&W crispness with character but doesn't cost a fortune, could you investigate. You may be surprised.
There is a second similar method. Draw a diagonal line either from upper right to lower left or from upper left to lower right. Intersect that line with two more drawn at 90 degrees to the remaining two corners The two points of intersection become the "eyes" of the photo. One should be chosen for placement of subject matter.
Before I did my A-level (which is no great accolade), I thought I knew it all. How wrong I was. When I saw a Cartier-Bresson image, my first reaction was "that's just some bugger jumping over a puddle". My suggestion is to do plenty of research, read books, go to exhibitions (if you're able), watch tutorials like this one, join a photographic club. And also (as importantly suggested here), practice. If you use film, it may be a good idea to use a cheap digital camera for 'practicing' so as not to waste a lot of money on processing. Great video as always - thanks for posting.
I thought I'd made a great image, used the rule of thirds for the composition, soft focus, muted colours, best portrait I've ever taken. Passport office said it was crap. Totally gutted.
That's because you didn't look like a gormless bank robber in it. That's what they want to see.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Great video, as usual! Always an interesting topic. Thanks for all your hard work.
And don't obsess over gear I would add. If it's good enough for you, it's good enough. Saying that, I have too much vintage glass to play with LOL 🤣
Most men would assume that they - or their financial capacity to buy specific expensive gear - makes for a good photograph. In reality it is just the subject matter that makes the image special plus the lucky opportune presence of the person who presses the button.
Plus a little skill perhaps, no matter who the photographer is!
Mr. Z, thank you so much. Not only did you put into perspective this thing called photography and art, but for me you settled a mind that has been in consternation for a couple of weeks. Motivated and on a much clearer path now. Thanks again!
Glad I could help!
It is said that a picture is not perfect when you can't nothing add but when you can't leave anything out. Picasso is said to have said "You have to know the rules like a pro to break them like an artist."
What makes a good photograph? 1) composition 2) quality and -angle of light
Having a formula would destroy the very art you are trying to 'create'
May i ask u a question. I like to hike alot and i love the forrest. I wil buy a NEX 6 this week and i want to ask you what vintage lense you would recommend to me. Price under 100$. Thank u very much!
Hello sir, I hope you are in the best way, recently I looked at a video that you uploaded of the canon powerShot G1 digital camera from 20 years ago I have the same camera but I have a problem when I connect it to the electricity it works correctly but I disconnect it and it turns off I don't know what's going on, I hope you can help me
Strangely enough I think visual to emotional impact is a huge factor. Review the best images from sources in the US like LIFE magazine or National Geographic. Sometimes the most memorable images break the rules of good composition, but they leave an unforgettable image. How to make that image? Practice and luck.😊
Practice and practice and more practice. Talent does not hurt, either.
raise your audio levels a tad bit my good man :)
Apologies, I will!
If you have a good reason to take a photograph, do it.
If you have no reason to take a photograph .... find a reason.
I assume the Canon T70 is what makes a good photograph? Luckily I have one.
You are right! I have two T70 cameras, complete with all the accessories, instruction booklets, flash, etc. and both in near-mint condition.
I'm liking the T70 more and more, should have made sure it was in shot though!
@@zenography7923 Yes, it is a really clever piece of kit. The fully automatic exposure modes for tele, normal, and wide, plus spot or averaged metering seem to pick exactly the right combination of shutter time and aperture for any given film speed. Many came with a modest 35-70 mm zoom lens. I don't normally like zooms, but this one is particularly good. It works perfectly on two AA NiMH rechargable cells; the flash needs four. If you make a video, please keep it to about 10-12 mins - many thanks.
1st rule of thumb-TAKE PHOTOS OR DIE! 2nd rule of thumb- review, review, review, 3rd rule of thumb- post photos and see what gets likes or thumbs up. repeat.
I am a video
Ceci n'est pas un video. Ceci est un pipe.