Shifter: How I Use my Journal for Documentary Photography
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- Опубликовано: 7 сен 2024
- Remember, this is how I work. This strategy may or may not work for you but perhaps there is something to be gained by having a listen, even if it's only something small you add to your quiver.
You just never know. One of the best things about being on RUclips is that people have discovered the fact I keep a journal. This makes me happy because it means that more of you might start keeping your own, and when it comes to doing long-term work there is simply no better partner than a notebook/journal.
This film is long but I was feeling good and had no particular place to be. These films, for me, are like creation therapy because they allow me to talk about things I love while taking a break from some of the daily tasks that aren't as savory.
You don't need anything fancy. You don't need the perfect pen. And the journal is for you and nobody else. This is a safe zone. Write like you mean it. There is no right and wrong.
"My advice is to start and to start today." Amen brother!
This is the most authentic marketing I've ever encountered.
He walks the talk
I've been a journaler for years - I have a whole sort of morning ritual around it. I like a particular kind of notebook and a certain brand of pen that I purchase a box worth at a time. But then I saw your video with Frank and I was inspired to have a walk around journal. I like a particular type of paper so I thought I'd make my own, based on Frank's example. Now I'm thinking I might try the blurb thing. I really like the idea of having images and such included from the get go. I do have various other notebooks scattered around the house to capture those in the moment thoughts and ideas. When I'm out and about and if I have my phone with me, I'll use the note app. Thing is though, I think the phone eats the words. I don't mean the notes are gone. It's just that the ideas never go anywhere. I have much more success and enjoyment from good old fashioned pen and paper. Thanks for another fantastic video! It was the perfect companion to my Sunday brunch. :-)
Me too. I've tried the phone and iPad and neither work for me. So much screen time already. having art and images in the journal is a lot of fun. Especially defacing it all as you go.
What a great way to record your thoughts. Wonderful ideas come into my head and I think I'll remember that, then tomorrow comes and they have disappeared.
Wrote last night's dream down this morning the second I woke up. It's. hilarious and makes zero sense.
your thought process is so intriguing, I love it how free your mind is.
So glad to find this again as I'm writing notes from the field from yesterday. I find my memory is not great and I miss things as I'm talking to my subjects, so reviewing the voice recordings is essential. I combine one photo, a voice recording and and reflections in a note to keep track.
Perfect. As we get older those memories are starting to fade......just like inkjet prints.
Ha, brilliant! Now I get it! As I watched this I was composing a question to you in my mind about the Uruguay notebook; why create a notebook filled with stuff from a previous project, for use on a new project? Why not carry a blank notebook; same amount of blank space for half the weight? Then you answered it in the final 60 seconds. Inspiration. Reminding you of successes you've had previously! Still not sure it would work for me, but I might try it. With you 100% on the more general point of carrying a journal though. Had many frustrating evenings at camp / hotel trying to think back over the day on occasions when I haven't used one.
Interesting point about notes and evidence. Professional photojournalism training showing through.
Thank you for your continued inspiration.
I agree. Unless it's with you and in hand you just can't go back with any certainty. I've tried. Every time I think I can I am reminded that is now how the brain works. The cool thing about a journal is there is no right and wrong. It's just a spill of brain matter.
I already keep small photo notebooks, not for data, focal length time, but concepts for projects or narrative results of a project or procedure. As you say, you need to note for yourself, honest, but your journals are at another level completely. The magic happens not when you note initially, but when you read back at a later date with hindsight. Excellent. Keep them coming.
Phillip, I get that question a lot. "Do I go back?" And to your point, yes, for sure. Especially when it comes to making a book or magazine years after the work was completed. You have the entire storyline and detail on those pages.
I’ve been taking notes about everything since I was 16. My wife makes my journals since 2013, first in Barcelona, then in Manchester and now in the Andes, for my hand-in-hand work with indigenous communities. I also teach. But, with all that experience, I wouldn’t been able to put into words why is so crucial to journal. You do it in a 15 minutes clip as if you were spreading butter in a toast. Man, you got a special talent in communicating the truths about the creative journey.
Ha, I'll take it. Pablo, what a cool name you have. And a fishing connotation. Love to hear more about your work. Sound great. And thank you.
Dan! My favor string of words in this piece, "An Autobiographical Work Of Fiction". Cheers, Steve TTF
I think most of us live these lives....
I´v founded it (and enjoyed it), thanks, Daniel.
this video + your channel are one of my greatest discoveries of 2021!!! thank you for ALL you share. i'm super psyched!!! umm, these blurb books too! i cannot wait to get into more of your videos!!
love from brooklyn, new york.
Brooklyn, I've heard of that. Glad you found something you like.
You popped up in my feed because I've watched a lot of "journal with me" videos over the years. By far this is the BEST video I have ever watched on journaling and this amazing advice will be taken to heart. And when I feel like I'm getting lost and confused about why I journal, I will refer back to this video. I like your work and words, new subscriber. Thank You!
Very kind of you. Who knew my little scribblings would resonate with someone else. Thank you for those kind words.
Been looking forward to this journal stuff. Experiencing a bit of a block lately.
It's endless. And who doesn't love something entirely yours with no right and wrong?
Hello Dan. I started a personal journal last summer after some adversity and while I don't use it every day it really helped me calm all the thoughts in my head in a way that being told to keep sketchbooks during my first stint at art school never did.
I just started on a masters in fine art photography and a lot of what you've said has helped me, not least with the journal I started keeping about my more formal work, in parallel with my personal one.
I definitely don't agree with everything you've said about working but then, nor should I. You have inspired me, helped me to go for it and for that I can only offer my sincerest thanks.
That calm thoughts is enough of a victory. My opinions about the industry are in the minority, at least in public, but I'm also far more honest than most. And yes, go for it and don't stop. You can do what you dream if you are smart and focused.
Awesome video, Dan. I think I’ve watched it at least half a dozen times and I always get something more out of it. I’m currently in Colombia working on a photo project and keeping a journal has been more than helpful. Thanks, again!
Jealous! Some good birding there too I come to find out. Colombia is high on my list. Enjoy it.
1st journal was ordered and shipped. I’ve no effing idea what I’m gonna do with it once it arrives. I’m counting on a religious experience of sorts ;-)
That's the best part. Destination unknown. And nobody telling you what to do. Try a poem. Try stream of C, try small observations, overheard dialogue. A short story.
Thank you for sharing, Dan🙏🙏🙏
Wow! I found your channel by mistake and I'm so happy I did. I kept journals (I didn't know that's what they were) for years. Mostly random thoughts and stories about my awfully dysfunctional family. I wish I had those books today. Thank you sooooo much for sharing and giving me GREAT ideas on how to use my journals (I still write). I love this! you have a new fan.
OH man, crazy family stuff is SO much a part of the journal. All our families are off kilter, at least to some degree and it makes great fodder. Glad you found the channel!
I have made a blurb journal and I would recommend doing at least a hundred pages. You do have to smash em to get close to flat. Tried a bunch of different brands since 2006. Use whatever works for you. If you don’t write it down you won’t remember it. Dan is so right about that. I also put the date.
I like the thicker books as well but I have to say, I have about a 40-page 6x9 and it's awesome cause it lays really flat.
Mine are 5x8 so I’m thinking maybe the 6x9 work better. Will have to experiment.
Oh! I loved this! So inspiring. I'm definitely going to start carrying my journal with me. Thanks for sharing, Daniel!
Since 29th august 2020 so not long I have been writing some thoughts down & single words just too remember what I was doing then, nothing special but will spark a memory from it. Nice one go steady
That's all it takes.
David Lean's film Lawrence of Arabia made a big impact on me and I had the privilege to see TE Lawrence's hand written thesis in the fellow's library in Jesus College, Oxford where he was a student thanks to my cousin who is a fellow there. I really enjoy your videos and thought provoking comments. I want to just do and create but am encumbered by a need to have the right camera, fountain pen, etc etc. lol
Ya, it's a sickness of sorts these days. The EDC thing which is SO odd because most folks down that rabbit hole don't seem to really use any of their stuff. I think once you have success in the field the rest of this stuff just falls away. It doesn't matter. The work is the only thing that does matter.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 I agree the work is all that matters and the mode and production can be a distraction to the image and story.
Is it good work or is it not is the only consideration.
I'm really digging the Ali G look.... Boo-Yaka-Sha.
Very nice!
A wonderful debunking of the 'mystique' that surrounds journalling. I start. I stop. I stutter forward. I stop again. I think that it's the fear of letting go and just writing; of losing, in a sense, control. But control of what? And, perhaps, fear that it will be stumbled upon and seen by eyes that shouldn't see it; that won't understand. Maybe I should stay off the wine...
Nah, the wine will help. you might not write anything great but you will write!
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Haha - true!
It is so foreign to me seeing somebody actually use pen and paper to record their daily thoughts. It's also very refreshing to see someone who actually cares about it as deeply as Daniel.
Daniel, when you were talking about your time in Albania I got to wondering. A guy like you who is obviously a huge archiver, you surely must use audio recordings for your personal and professional work. How come you never talk about that? Yes I am making a huge assumption here but let's say I'm right. If you don't use audio, my bad.
Sure, I use them all the time. I have several recorders I've been using for years not to mention all my motion cameras record sound as well. No reason not to talk about it. Sound is one of my fav things. Especially paired with stills.
Lovely stuff, Dan.
Spoken like DA BOSS👍👍👍
SUBSCRIBED!
Thank you!
Watching this video from Uruguay actually drinking mate of course
Love both Uruguay and mate!
I love that you are drinking mate. Saludos from this Argentine living in London.
Every day......it gives me wings!
Thank you for this Dan. Happy New Year.
I just discovered your channel and you've motivated me to include my photos in the journal! Also I was about to ask if you were drinking mate and said Uruguay so no doubts now 😂 I'm from Uruguay, hope you enjoyed our country🙌
Hey Eugenia, nice to meet you. Te amo Uruguay. si, you bebo Mate, y te y cafe. Me gusto caffeine! Check out the Blurb notebook and journal option. Allows you to design the pages any way you like, including images, art, etc. And you can mix and match your page backgrounds from grid to spot to lined, etc. shifter.media/page/5/?s=journal
Nice to find someone else who plays Go. Though play would be very generous. I dabble. Or used to.
What I do? I get beat over and over and over and over and over. I lose.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Finally...maybe I can win a game against...anyone. :D
Hi Dan. Everything that you do - photography, texts, and their combination finally get this creative and inspirational touch. Not sure if someone can easily come closer to your classic simple style. Sure not me. And about the Blurb - i don't see any alternative to their zines and books (and now the journals as you presented) but their prices, especially the shipping is very high. I almost finished my first Quarantine diary zine about my days in the small village during the first global Israeli lockdown but stopped to work on when I checked the shipping to the different countries. Right now i just write my regular blog posts at my website and putting together the documentary images I take already 5 months at the Balfour protests in Jerusalem to the short slideshows here at RUclips. I'm still dreaming about finishing the ZINE!
Shipping is a tough nut, for everyone. Not sure there is anyway around it. Especially when you consider we ship to 70+ countries, each with challenges.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 thank you
Thank you ;)) i am starting !!!!!
I was so motivated by one of your older videos about long term projects that I went to blurb and made my own journal! Arrives Monday!! I feel like it’s part of my process evolution! Do you ever mentor people?
Nice going Suzanne. I get asked a lot about mentoring but just don't have time for something like that. My life is such a mess and so hectic as is I can't imagine being able to provide the time you deserve. The last time I made serious photographs was over a year ago.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 totally understand! Thank you for all you do for us! It is so valued by so many!!
Excellent. I've been keeping journals for several years now. It's a very important and enjoyable part of my life. Thanks for sharing
good stuff!! That is all I need to say
putting an ad right where the battery died, brilliant!
I use a small A6 field notes kind of notebooks, because they fit in evey pocket easily... But I bin them when they are completed, although in my defence they are usually filled with things I need to do, or remember to do and random info, more than thoughts. I think I should start to write down all those moments and streams of consciousness
Yep, two different things. I have a small notebook like that as well.
Thank you sir,as always your video full of useful information
I'm curious how could you write so fast. I couldn't imagine to wrote all these quotes while keeping the conversation going. And if that is your writing (which is stunning) than my mind is 🤯
I studied journalism. And I took shorthand. So keeping up with notes is second nature. And it's fun.
I'm regarding Twyla Tharp's book and creativity and interestingly she has a chapter about a box. She uses a box the way you use a journal. Interesting that two creative people use a common method to develop a project
She is on a whole new level beyond me but I like her idea.
Dan...I have been journaling for the past 8-9 years, either using them for photography journal or birding journal, general travel etc. But I like your idea of keeping one near me all the time for yes, things come up where I want to remember a moment, or a situation etc. But what I am not understanding in your journals is that as you speak and show the Shifter, they appear almost 'after the fact'. ...All typed up, perfection to a degree. Tickets or other things glued in or attached, after the fact. That goes against my idea of what journaling is. I know you mention it earlier but your examples are surely not 'in the field journals' and they appear to be made for those who want to buy, or...as you state earlier it isn't a marketing tool, it is for you...it is about honesty etc. All of which I agree with. But again your Shifter stuff is post hoc, so not living up to what a journal should be.
Nope, some crossed wires here. The vast majority of the content in the journal is made in the field. There is nothing remotely "perfect" about these books at all. The typed pages of poetry that are glued in are only because I typed the poem on the computer because I need to use it elsewhere. The last poem I glued into my journal was written while I was standing in a dry lake bed. If I use my journal in the field making notes on a project, then add things do it while doing research back at home then so be it. I don't see any sense in "rules" when it comes to the journal and I haven't worked as a photographer for eleven years so there is no desire to use this for marketing or to sell it. This particular book IS available on my Blurb author page but only because someone went above and beyond to get it. I tell everyone the same thing "Don't buy my books." I have no idea what "living up to what a journal should be" means other than a safe place where you can put those thoughts you might not want others to see. I've been journaling daily since 1993 and I've shown approximately ONE journal.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Good for you.... glad to hear I am wrong!.... I love to journal, especially in the digital age as it makes me feel more human. I can see stashing things in 'after the fact' too.... Thanks for the explanation and the videos.... jim
@@jlehmann7477 I would lose my mind if I didn't have this outlet. I'm on a CC right now and journaling as we go.
Went and ordered two books from Paul Bowles..... Thanks :)
Sheltering Sky is famous. Let it Come Down, the Spider's House, etc. He was also a world class composure.
Thank you for sharing this. I’ve kept journals over the years, but this helps to see how one might use one for a big creative project. Years ago, in school, The New Diary by Tristin Rainer was recommended to me. It was no longer in print, but I found one at a used book store. I was training to be a community organizer, and our teacher recommended a journal as a personal tool when doing hard, sometimes exhausting work. Anyway, I appreciated seeing how you used this for projects. This may be too nosey, so if it is, please excuse me. Do you keep multiple journals at the same time: say one for each different project? Do you keep a personal one, just for your own sake/creativity? Do you go back to old ones for ideas? Thank you for this film. I found this film interesting and discovered some ways that I might add other elements to my own journaling.
All great questions and the fact you are asking means you are on the right track. Unless a project is huge, and those are rare these days, I keep one journal because I want it with me at all times. My current journal has work from Baja, New Mexico, several letters and also my Blurb work notes. And yes, I keep them and use them constantly by going back and looking at older books. And when making a book from a project from years ago, there is nothing better.
I have tried many versions of note books and have always found the ink bleed through to the other side of the page.Annoying.
Getting one of yours was as much an investigation into the construct of such a book and into the quality of the Blurb product, as much as it was having a Dan Milnor souvenir, and for someone totally new to journaling some inspiration.
Friggin hell, the book itself is worthy of a place on the bookshelf on its own right, without a word written in it.
The project working towards making ones own in time now commences.
Thanks Dan Milnor.
Thanks Bud, glad you are enjoying it. I don't get much bleed through, even with my fountain pen.
I tend to agree with you, things have to be put down on paper on the spot, lest they vanish from the mind. However, Cobbett and Pepys both indicate that in the writing of their journals, they sometime waited one or more days before putting observations or reflexions on paper. Different times ?
Probably. Living with thoughts. In a day when I've been asked for a fifteen second film......
I see the mate, if you know you know!
Jane Bowles. Lets us not omit nor forget Jane Bowles.
Thanks for sharing Dan! I always enjoy your videos. One little (tech) question: what printer do you use for printing the bnw photos that you glue to your journals? I've tried to use a simple laser printer but the results are not so good. What's the best and more affordable way to make cheap and fast bnw proofs? Thanks and keep them coming! 🤘
I use an out of date, ten year old piece of crap all in one scanner/copier/printer. That is now dead because Canon doesn't support Catalina drivers for this printer. It's bad but I'm not really concerned about print quality.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 thanks for your answer Dan! You're right. Resolution is not necessary for documenting and keeping a journal. I think I'll stick with my laser for now! 😎
Thanks for the "yall"
Damn straight.
Drank maté once... Liked it.. Didn’t sleep for five days...
Classic, first two times I had it was like that
Thank you...
Hi Daniel. Appreciate the look into your journals and process. What are your thoughts on analog (paper & pen) vs digital (electronic) journals?
I like them both but paper doesn't require a battery or power. and paper is a lot easier to carry. The one area I've seen journals really fall flat is people trying to do them on a phone. They never seem to last. And computers need upgrading, backing up, etc. Finally, paper is SLOW. It forces you to think slowly and move slowly.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 Thx for the reply. I periodically try journaling. Make it about two pages in then stop for six months. So many nice, virgin notebooks with only the first two pages violated. :-o
I've tried both analog and digital. Much better luck with digital. Never on a phone though; iPad or laptop. Using Evernote or GoodNotes (w/ stylus), the positive is where ever I stop with one device, I can continue from where I left off on another thanks to the cloud.
Just discovering this wonderful channel and he announces retirement from yt! Haha
Sorry. Come over to Shifter and say hello.
@DANIELMILNOR505 Will do! No, in all fairness you've left a wonderful legacy here for the thirsty journeyman
Thanks Dan
Thanks for sharing this Dan! One question I have, is do you typically keep a separate journal for individual projects or just lump it all together? If you do keep just the one, how are you able to go back and reference project notes? lI’ve been struggling to stay consistent with my journaling because I feel like I need one for work/to-dos, one for personal and another for separate projects I want to work on.
I do both. If I go back to Albania to teach, in September, I'll take a separate journal to JUST keep those notes. But on normal days it all goes together.
„I also play go an chess“ Jess, Milnor, can’t you do just one thing that’s not black and white 😄
only games with black and white. So, Clubs and Spades only.
It’s strange that I view this the day that a new notebook is delivered, I currently do not know the style I will right it in, or if it is to be pencil or pen. It I need something to put my thoughts and ideas in, if this is a form of journaling then yes I do ...
Use it all!
But can you read your writing? I can’t read mine. Have to journal on iPad and in Notes on phone.
I had no idea you could create your own journal in Blurb. Thanks for the info.
Yes, and they are awesome.
I have my journal/notebook in my hand. The quality of the paper is very good. Thanks for these videos.
Do you have copies of your magazines from your documentary projects for sale? They look phenomenal.
No. Not really. I ONLY made them so that they would inspire folks like you to make your own. I have no dog in the hunt for being a photographer so don't really think about attempting to sell anything.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 I respect that. The goal of inspiration is working! That said, if you ever decide to sell these, count me in as a customer. It's great work.
Hi Dan. Do you know if the Blurb notebooks are printed in Melbourne for Australian customers like the trade books are? Thanks.
I can ask. They are trade books so my first guess is "yes."
i think this guy likes black and white
Do you have a view on voice notes? I don’t journal but I do use voice notes to capture ideas. Not as mindful as writing perhaps but good for basic capture.
I've been toying with this as well. I love writing, but the flow usually happens when I'm moving. Walking around taking pictures or hiking, etc. A small recorder and lav mic with a dead cat has worked well. Only issue is transcribing (and looking weird). the software out there is either expensive or requires you to speak a certain way, not great for stream of consciousness.
Hey, if that works then go for it. I do think writing, however, is still a good exercise because it is SLOW.
If it works, do it. But try writing as well. The speed is what's good.
Any significance to the formula on one of the Shifter journals(13:22)? A sticker with the same thing came with the AG23 magazine
Fundamental understanding through the function of design + art.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 thanks! I’m a math major and have been trying to figure it out 😃
bueno, bueno
here i am bebendo um chimarrão (mate here in brazilian chaco) with dan milnor
Could you unpick your reasons for using a fountain pen rather than a biro / pencil / crayon / stick dipped in charcoal? That’s assuming there are any unpickable reasons....
I can read my writing with a fountain pen. It slows me down. That's the only reason. My handwriting is so horrible
Speaking fo maté, you could have a look at this, national beverage here in Paraguay en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terer%C3%A9
Vanessa Williams gig must have been disappointing...
Kinda late but are your notebooks still available?
I really don't sell anything at this point. I do a project, make a single copy and then move on. You should make your own! Then sell them if you feel right!
Do we need a new version of Bookwright to choose Notebooks and Journals? Mine only shows Books, Magazines, and Tradebooks when I go to Create. I have the Windows version and it is version 1.1.15 and mentions no updates are currently available with Auto Update on.
I figured it out. I had an old version. Downloaded and installed the latest and it is up and running.
Bingo!
Those Blurb journals - does ink bleed through the page? Because that is annoying.
Y’all get snow in Santa Fe?
Hook ‘em🤘
Just a tad. THE University of Texas.
Do you carry a voice recorder?
I carry an audio recorder. For sure.
Yoooo! Any chance you're on chess.com? I'd love to play ya. I'm super low rated but if you're down so am I
I use Chess.com but only play the computer because I never get time for entire game. And I play fast and reckless. And I SUCK. All cap deserved.
hi there!
Just call it "mate"...
I’m surprised you’re not burnt out.