Someone once said, " The harder you have to work for something, the better it will be". Very few youtubers would admit that they actually made lesser images, or gasp, even a mistake or two. It's really interesting that you, (and your viewers), enjoyed the earlier photos shot on a simple medium format with one lens. Another of your videos that taught us something. Thanks for that.
Thanks Harry. The earlier 6x6 shots feel a lot better to me but then again there used to be fewer visitors and more interesting characters around the attractions.
I like this episode. Your commentary explaining the issues you were having, along with the photo examples illustrating your points, I find to be helpful. That would be a most enjoyable event to attend. My dad and I always enjoyed that sort of thing. Thank you, Steve.
I can't compare how it is to shoot digital - but I just told my BF a couple of days ago, that my best work i always done with my 6x6. But also, sometimes we have good days of photography and bad days. That's how it is. And I love your landscape work and learn so much of you. Thank you for that.
I definitely have off days and find it hard to stay motivated when there are too many people around. At least with a film camera I’m not worrying about what each shot looks like at the time, I’m sure it makes for a more enjoyable trip.
Perfect illustration of this channel’s greatness! Authenticity in Spades. What you experienced is exactly what you experienced in sport. Specificity of training is everything. That is the lesson here. The title is undeserved self-flagellation.
I guess you must live somewhere near where I grew up. I noticed familiar names like Foden, ERF, Haslington etc. I think I also saw the name of the town before it scrolled away. Although I haven’t lived in the UK since 1974 I grew up in Sandbach in Cheshire. My father used to love this type of show and took me often when I was a kid. Memories.
It could be that shooting video and having the constant background thought of editing it later, trying to find a storyline.. takes some of the mental space to find the better photos
It does take a little out of your shooting video which is why I like to make the clips with the same camera if possible as here. Just having to hit the record button after framing the still image isn’t too much of a chore but when shooting film it’s really quite intrusive.
I think maybe it's because you were distracted by the gear (multiple lenses etc) ... I was reminded of a video you did where you was going out doing street photography and had also brought multiple lenses (or even cameras) with you and it wasn't working out because the constant switching hindered you from going "into the zone" (so to speak)... for me simplicity is key: I always bring one camera with one lens (and maybe a second point and shoot) with me and that forces me to get creative, if you know what I mean. As always: great video!
This was my thought too. I have often been distracted by too much gear, especially when in a busy environment like this one. One camera, one lens for this type of photography is best IMO. Trouble is it's a hard lesson to learn and I still keep making the same mistake of too much stuff!
I’m almost certain this was the case, I had four lenses and kept swapping around which did me no favours. I’d have been better off with either one lens or two bodies with one lens on each.
Hello Steve, I am in the same situation. I like my current photos less often. I also believe that it is difficult to have such constancy and such fresh wonder after the years. This can sometimes be linked to our state of mind, but I also think that we can feel the fact of having explored an idea. I also noticed that people are more difficult to photograph. more suspicious, including in this type of event. in France in any case, which pushes us to stay more behind. rest assured, your images remain beautiful. and you gave us to see here your old images which are sublime and prove that you are an excellent street photographer... but that the opportunities are rarer to exercise your talent in this category currently.
I think there’s something to be said for seeing ( and photographing) things for the first time, somehow it’s easier to make a good image. Perhaps we try too hard upon returning and also have preconceived ideas of what we should be shooting.
Hey Steve. Long time fan of your channel and work. I mentioned you in my last video. Thank you for your honesty and being an inspiration to all of us aspiring photographers.
Everyone has an off day, Steve! I think trying to photograph such amazing vehicles is a skill in itself. Your comment is correct: If you don't practice a skill, it fades away. I actually thought you got a few good shots using the infrared. The older shots were better because you were in practice and using a simple technique. Some days I go out, and although I take a few shots, I know in advance there will be no keepers. If your muse is missing, nothing can bring it back to order!
Thanks David. I was pretty sure I wasn’t getting good shots right from the off and it never picked up. On other trips I can have a shaky start then find a rhythm but in many ways I went backwards on this outing.
Loved your old film shots.... could it be the old thing of more care being taken taking film photos due to cost and a limited number of shots. I am certainly more cavalier with my digital camera.
Very nice report of your experience at such an event, not least because you name all the challenges for a photographer: Too many interesting things, too much "clutter", too little time, hardly any planning possible. I found that it is virtually impossible to get the one great shot at such events. Instead one could perhaps tell a better story with taking series of pictures of objects...
Very possibly, I was definitely distracted. I think another approach would have been to use a single long lens, say 200mm and force myself to work on much tighter crops.
I have never had much interest in infrared, but the dark traction engines contrast so well ahainst the brightness of the grass, and even the people. It makes a great image.
Spooky Steve, I was at another steam rally this past weekend at Cromford in Derbyshire, probably all the same people displaying. I found it difficult, everybody wanted to get out of my shot in a benign way, or they wanted to smile at the camera. I got into a groove with people polishing their engines but then my camera back sprang open and ruined a roll, never happened before. Some days are just to remind yourself there can be bad days.
There’s a lot of those rallies around this time of year Steve and they seem more popular than ever. I should have got there earlier and had an hour or so before the crowds got too big. Shame about your film, I hope you got some decent shots anyway.
that looks a good fair to go to love the old cars and steam engines i went to the mods and rockers event in Brighton a few years back lots of nice bikes and scooters got thue a fair amount of film that day.
The most interesting thing at country events is the people, the equipment is a supporting act. Putting a frame around that interaction is the hard part.
Steve, hi! Again in your video very deep thoughts and important questions. This makes them very interesting and useful! Your camera, like all photographers' cameras, doesn't have a magic "Masterpiece" button. Of course, a great shot only comes out when the photographer looks, feels and SEES the shot. And to get it, you need, first of all, the mood and inner state of the photographer. Professionalism and equipment are secondary, and you say so yourself. Most likely, you just had internal reasons not to be collected, not to let the picture of this fair pass through you. (You have enough professionalism and equipment!) But this is normal, we are living people and are subject to our inner moods. Although a number of your shots turned out great! I sincerely thank you for publishing this video, and I'm sure the moping will pass and your most wonderful work is yet to come! Take care of yourself, with respect, Yury M.
Thanks Yury. I’d have been better served with just the single camera/lens approach on this day, it was too easy to click away and get mediocre shots rather than concentrating carefully and using perhaps two rolls of 120 film.
Thank you very much for sharing this video and for being so honest about struggling taking pictures at the event. I think the main reason might be the loud and crowded place whereas, when shooting landscape, you are just by yourself or with one friend in a really quiet and peaceful environment. I also think that it might have to do with the different medium and format (digital vs. film and rectangular vs. square). During the last year I mostly took pictures with my Pentacon six, in most cases with the 180mm Sonnar, and when I have looked through the finder, everything fell into place. At the same time, when I took a picture with my X-T4, it felt strange and I was struggling, although technically, digitally should be way easier. Perhaps you are a 6x6 person too. And despite you being unhappy with the outcome of the event, I like the abstract pictures with the star and the flames very much!
I do think I see a lot better in the 6x6 format and the crowds certainly put me off. Like you I find digital surprisingly hard at times but don’t fully understand why.
Fairs and fates are extremely difficult venues to get any wide shots, too many people, exhibits too close tigether, never an uncluttered background, so generally it is close up details, portraits or street style photography. Thoroughly enjoyed the video, especially the 720nm infa red video, certainly brought through the atmosphere of the day, felt your frustration regarding still images, thanks for sharing 😀
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think the only way to go with wide shots is to go ultra wide and capture the sheer scale of the event, 24mm was uncomfortable in between.
A very thought provoking video. Thank you! I wonder if it's also the modern technology that makes everything so much easier and so we don't pend so much time thinking about the esthetic aspects of the shot?
Another great video, Steve, and very thought-provoking. Having seen all your good work on film with the Bronica, I feel the 6x6 aspect ratio is perhaps your natural home and something that brings the best out of your photography.
Some of my experiences shooting exhibitions and similar events: When there are lots of people, music and loud noises, when I need to move out of the way of people or things, it all puts my mind at agitated, unfocused state, and the photos often come out rushed and not thought out well. I sometimes use earplugs at loud events (when there are no hazards) to quiet everything down a bit and to focus better. Also going with many lenses is a distraction too, instead of thinking of a composition, I'm trying to decide which lens to put on the camera. I like one midrange zoom lens, or maybe one wide and one long lens for events. The black and white modes on digital cameras often have very contrasty the shape of the tone curve, the toe and shoulder are a bit too punchy and aggressive for my liking. In busy events like this, I think that using equipment with shallow depth of field leads to better photos, since distracting backgrounds are simplified. Another thing is lightning - it seemed like it was harsh midday light, some of the older photos were in a diffused soft light.
I do wildlife and landscape photography and occasionally macro. I find if I have been primarily doing wildlife or macro for a month or so, I really struggle getting my eye back in for landscape. It feels strange, like I just can't seem to find anything to shoot. The summer is also a factor, summers here are hot, 90 (I think that is 32C) degrees most days and very humid and everything is thick and green. It always demotivates me. I'm in the doldrums now for that reason. I am looking forward to September!
Indeed. And I think it true as you mentioned, that if you spend a considerable time shooting eg specifically landscapes, you thought and visualization processes for eg street photography becomes less focused. I rotate my shooting styles, so as not to lose the feel for things. Your earlier 6x6 images are simply amazing. Cheers
Steve there are a few wonderful shots in this video, you'll see that a little more clearly with time. Some of the older shots are stronger, but how many older shots are you overlooking which might not be as strong? I agree with the earlier comments about how working on the RUclips video footage while rusty on this subject matter must play as a factor in your dissatisfaction. Keep up your great work!
I suppose when shooting the film images years ago I’d only have perhaps 12, 24 or 36 frames to review which is a lot easier. I’d also refrain from pressing the shutter button unless I felt the composition was strong enough.
Sometimes it seems that if you use an older camera with film, you simply think a lot more before pressing the button, and therefore perhaps move on to the next perhaps better scene more quickly. And using older cameras may initially not secretly set the bar as high for the result as with a modern camera with all conceivable modern gadgets.
As Ansel Adams had said, the most important part of a camera is the 12” behind it. Some of the greatest photographic compositions were made without any digital technology. Many new photographers need to understand two critical success factors: Commitment & Practice.
They Might Be Giants did a live performance of their first album, and at one point they said to the audience, 'we had to practice the songs yknow, we didn't just KNOW them.' Seemed a similar sentiment somehow. I appreciated your suggestion that familiarity with an event or location can help you better tell its story.
As another person said, I think first of all, you are too hard on yourself - you had some very nice shots in that collection. Having said that, I can totally understand your frustration at this event. I went to something very similar several years ago here in the states, and whilst the machines were amazing, as was a huge steam powered log splitting setup, the people and the layout was simply not conducive to making good photographs. The mix of old and new, the overcrowding of both people and machines, did not allow for clean images. I got a few I liked, but didn't go back the following year since I knew the setup would be roughly the same.
To generalise this feeling more, i think it's down to unfamiliarity. When i'm unfamiliar with a place, person, scene, etc. i tend towards the obvious shots, i'm more cautious, i want to get something in case i'm not there again. When i've been somewhere even just once before, or maybe a few times in recent memory, i'll tend to experiment more as i already know the obvious, and more familiarity is comfortable and relaxing, clears the mind.
Interesting video Steve I actually preferred the infrared I'm using it a lot of late it just completely transforms an otherwise blah scene. I shoot a lot of events people etc Im never usually self conscious I figure folk are here everyone is snapping away so why not me too. I thought your film shots were awesome at events such as that using an old folder is so much more than camera it's a conversation starter love em
Thanks Paul. I think the use of old film cameras, particularly TLR’s and folders really suits the time period that most of the exhibits originate from.
In 1997 Year of the Hong Kong's Handover, AFTER that, my editorial work for foreign magazines practically came to a halt because of various reasons which I don't care to go through here. In the Year 2014, Year of the Umbrella Revolution, my job as documentary photographer have revived taking pictures for world's top wire service with the initial R. P. There was 17 years of absense from photography between 1997 - 2014, however, I didn't have your problem, NO. On the contrary, every senses for photography was recharged and back in original mental, physical, intelligent and skillful level in just a second as soon as I took up my camera equipments and started shooting at the Mong Kok junction on Nathan Road on the midnight 29th of September 2014 as soon as I started shooting. On the next morning my wire photos are already gracing online covers on NYT, NWK and practically most of the prominent Papers and Magazines in the West. Yes, like Chinese Calligraphy, one have to practice SHARPENING SKILLS BY WRITING CHARACTERS EVERYDAY ( in order to maintain ) , however, for Photography , you'll be switched on anytime anywhere at given time and space even after a long years of lull or hiatus IF YOU'RE TRULY GIFTED PHOTOGRAPHER. In short, I didn't share your dilemma and frustration. @frame25_ren
I do think, current gear does have too many features - the exact opposite of "simplicity" which i do prefer. Yet alone from the menues - one could dig into for days, really. It's crazy. With your old 6x6 folder - you just literally focus on your composition - nothing else get's into your way. A camera is just a tool, to get the job done. But i do find, many current nowadays cameras are just getting into the way, make it complicated, to use feature xy and that, and then....you loose your PoV about your subject, your motivation - your composition. I mean, it was way simple with a D40, or D70s for instance...but when i dive into the menu from the D7000, D700...i know them...but sometimes...still looking for something. And that was 2008/10 tech...now look at any Olympus MFT nowadays - i get crazy! Or current Fujifilm gear. My X-E1/T1 already had enough to play with - but nowadays, seriously - WTH? I don't need all of this. Just simplicity. At best, just your aperture ring onto the lens, shutter speed and ISO, done. A build in LM comes handy. That's why i used more my F60 vs the F80...the handgrip is bigger, better.
I agree that ergonomics and general handling are more important than any amount of features. The cameras I use on a regular basis are those that fit my hands and just do what I ask of them.
I remember a similar show way out in the bush in AUS. Much easier to get a clean background. And a 200mm worked well too, with its limited depth of field. Maybe it was just a case of 'been there - done that' moment for you, subconsciously . I know I get that sometimes. Not all days are the same.
Hi Steve, I find that genres I rarely shoot I tend to rather poor at seeing the opportunities in front of me. I think it's mostly because I haven't learned to see rather than just be looking.
I think we all go through the same from time to time. I really like your idea of changing things up with an IR Camera just to get into a different frame of mind. Was the 6x6 camera you were referring to a Perkeo II perhaps? I really like my Voightlander Bessa II and have been looking at Hasselblad but wasnt sure if I would like the 6x6 square format so I was thinking of getting a Perkeo II to see if 6x6 would be right for me. Now I'm going to have to back and check out the Video you made with the Perkeo II to see if I want to spend the $250-$350 to see if I like it. Thanks again for a good honest video.
It was the Perkeo II Steve, unobtrusive and somehow appropriate for the subject matter. The square format almost works perfectly and adds to the feeling of nostalgia.
@SteveONions Thanks Steve - I ended up going with a Mamiya 645 that at some point I'll bring over to Chester in 2025 when I visit my UK team. Thanks for the response.
I feel with you, Steve. It's the opposite of the dunning kruger effect, named Imposter syndrome, into that term, you do feel inferior, or simply not good enough, for the task - hereby, -photographs in terms of composition. When i can't take pictures a few months, in terms of time or not being into the mood, or just simply bad weather...or other reasons, the first pictures do suck, it's too mundane, ordinary. The landscape, and my surroundings here are pretty boring, and i do mean hell boring. Not cute, as into my former state, but i am living here such a long time...anyway. Today was also a bad day, then one of my Nikons literally "ate" the film, a nice Pro Image film, and it was only after that i took frame #13, that my Nikon made a louder than usual 3-4 sec. wirrr-wirrr-wirrrr noise...then the motor gave up, and it showed simply "Err" into the top display, for error...i felt puzzled, no problem...just rewind it..hit the knob at the body and the same issue occured as before....when i was opening the camera into the dark, i've seen that the shutter blades have been bent much, the film was like a akkordeon, entangled into the winding mechanism, and messed up. I could bent the shutter blades careful back into position with a tweezer, but sadly..it looked like 90% ok...but after every shot...Err...DOA, it's dead, Jim ! Lucky me, i shoot a "new" one on eBay shortly after that incident. This is the first 35mm SLR since 87 which went south...ever. I've had 3 nice frames before today in good light...never happened all my life, only once the (manual) film advance from my Yashica FX-3 super 2000 got stuck...some 4 years ago on a photowalk, but this mess today is a first, really sad because of my lost frames...and the 35mm SLR was my cheapest one, ever...a F60.
I hate it when equipment goes wrong but some systems just seem to deliver time and time again. The Nikon F80 is my go to 35mm body and has been so for 20 years now. It just gets on with the job and never fails me.
@@SteveONions Steve, i am on my 2nd F80 since 2001. Actually, as not as wide known as the F100, the plastic latches here also could break - my copy is not 100% tight, when the film door is closed. There's a gap from around ca. 1.5mm. Which is bad. The F80 & F100 film doors are their archilles heel - they were not built to last forever, seriously.
Classic photography is more difficult now when people are in frame. Modern fashion, hairstyles and technology everywhere ruin so many photographs for me. Even the way people walk and carry themselves is different than it was just a decade ago. It all makes for a harsh and unpleasant juxtaposition when combined with the classic or vintage. I’ve given up here in Paris. Everyone here looks the same regardless of culture or nationality. I think what you did by compressing with a tele is probably the way to go. Just post cropping isn’t always going to be enough.
You have a point there, it was definitely easier 10 or 20 years ago, fewer visitors and a lot more characters who seemed to fit in with the subject matter.
Technology is sometimes overrated. IMO, photography in general hasn't been improved by digital, or in many cases even by having a bunch of lenses to choose from. Some of my own best images have been made with fixed lens cameras (medium format folders, TLRs, 35 mm point and shoot, even old medium format box cameras), all of them on film. My few digital efforts have generally sucked, aside from those taken with my phone (and I have no idea how much my Pixel 7, previous first-gen Pixel, or prior Galaxy S4 messed with the images internally to make them "better"). For this kind of event, I'm about as likely to carry my Moskva 5 or Mamiya Six folder as even a 35 mm SLR. Even if I take my Speed Graphic, I probably won't have a second lens (despite having 105 mm, 135 mm, and a 150/265 convertible) because my rangefinder can only be calibrated for one focal length at a time and it takes too long to set up and focus with the ground glass (plus requiring I haul along a fairly large tripod). But yes, I'll probably shoot something like this in black and white...
Yeah, interesting. I am similar - seems to me the more mature (or older lol) I get the less interesting my images often are - back when I was younger I had less gear and took more risks rather than using more sophisticated equipment as a crutch, more daring images made better images.
It's quite understandable and expected that being away from photographing that event for so long would result in having lost some of your compositional affinity for it. I'm sure you can look forward to more encouraging results in subsequent outings.
I find that I have such a difference in frame of mind as to whether I view an event as a spectator as opposed to attending as a photograper. In the first case, it's more passive and relaxing where I might pull out my phone if something jumps out at me and want to grab a snapshot. In the second case, I'm pushing myself to "see" something and then compose it. Neither approach is better or worse, just different. Occasionally, however, I recognize that I need to give myself permission to just enjoy the moment and leave the camera behind or in the bag.
When you showed new images paired with ones from years ago, you always liked the older ones better. In some cases, I like the newer one better. Or at least didn't like it less. So maybe give them some time. But also, you were comparing to the beautiful tones of your 6x6.
I don't know Steve. I feel that at times the way that objects are arranged and presented to us just doesn't make for good photography. There is also that question of the state of the mind of the photographer. More than once or twice in my recent excursions to Manchester, having spent a couple of hours on trying to photograph something interesting, I just gave up and went and sat in a bar and had a couple of pints of beer by myself. A much satisfying experience. If its not working, it is not working. Another day perhaps.
This is exactly what I wanted to say...10 years ago, objects and people were not so crowded, and people weren't staying so close to their vehicle on fishing chairs. Photogs work with what they've got, and sometimes we don't get that much. Also, our state of mind is a big influence on what we see
I’ve also found myself calling it quits quite a few times recently and going for a drink and snack instead. It has definitely become more crowded and consequently distracting at events like these and on urban shoots.
A bit too hard on yourself! There are a few shots that work well despite your self criticism. Enjoyed seeing the videos. You did capture the essence of the show perhaps more effectively with the video recordings. Perhaps attempting to record both video and still shots served as a distraction to your work flow.
The worst part of event photography is that there are people there. If they were absent, the images would be much easier to create. The general public with their uncontrollable children, prams, slobbering over ice creams, overweight middle-aged housewives with purulent white cellulite bulging out of clothing two sizes too small, burger-vans, hot dog stalls, parked cars that outweigh exhibits ten-to-one, tacky stalls selling 'vintage' key rings and beer tents festooned with empty Stella cans and chip wrappers all ruin otherwise great photographs.
Could it be that shooting digital you had a different end result in mind? I find that sometimes I go out with the intention of getting prints, so I shoot differently. I almost work backwards by thinking about the choice of film stock, the format, even the lens choice, are all made to suit the print I’m imagining before I leave home. Then I tend to concentrate on the final piece of the puzzle which is looking for a subject and composition that will suit the print. For me, if I’m shooting digital I tend to be too easily distracted by the “cliché” shots rather than looking to fill that end result I’m after. Take care buddy.
IMHO: 1. you're being too hard on yourself and 2. you can never go back. A lot changes in ten or a dozen years, including the scale of an event and the number ("hordes") of humans present. We change, they change, its inevitable.
I think you are being too critical of your photos. I see goodness in them all. Are some better than others? Yes...but that's just the nature of photography. Hardly what I'd describe as rubbish. You are a great photographer!
So you're walking through this fair with a whole bunch of distractions, carrying two cameras, a couple lenses and a video camera .... and you claim to be "rubbish when (you're) distracted. The solution: Adderall 😊 Please remit a copay of $25 US. ❤
Far too much effect for effect sake rather than using an effect to enhance the image. There is very little intent in many of these images. Maybe too much gear?
Someone once said, " The harder you have to work for something, the better it will be".
Very few youtubers would admit that they actually made lesser images, or gasp, even a mistake or two.
It's really interesting that you, (and your viewers), enjoyed the earlier photos shot on a simple medium format with one lens.
Another of your videos that taught us something.
Thanks for that.
Thanks Harry. The earlier 6x6 shots feel a lot better to me but then again there used to be fewer visitors and more interesting characters around the attractions.
A powerful axiom, Steve. More power to you for being so truthful. I wish there was more concise, visual teaching like this. Thanks for the video 😊
Glad you liked it 🙂
I like this episode. Your commentary explaining the issues you were having, along with the photo examples illustrating your points, I find to be helpful. That would be a most enjoyable event to attend. My dad and I always enjoyed that sort of thing. Thank you, Steve.
You’re welcome James. These events are growing all the time, there is huge interest in the machines of yesteryear.
I can't compare how it is to shoot digital - but I just told my BF a couple of days ago, that my best work i always done with my 6x6. But also, sometimes we have good days of photography and bad days. That's how it is. And I love your landscape work and learn so much of you. Thank you for that.
I definitely have off days and find it hard to stay motivated when there are too many people around. At least with a film camera I’m not worrying about what each shot looks like at the time, I’m sure it makes for a more enjoyable trip.
Love the Austin 7 shot from the show. And I noted the brief glimpse of a Volvo P1800S in the video. One of my favourite cars 👍📸
Yet another fantastic and thoughtful episode.Thnx Steve
You’re welcome Stephen 🙂
Perfect illustration of this channel’s greatness!
Authenticity in Spades.
What you experienced is exactly what you experienced in sport. Specificity of training is everything. That is the lesson here. The title is undeserved self-flagellation.
Thanks Kevin, I was definitely out of shape for this event 🙂
I guess you must live somewhere near where I grew up. I noticed familiar names like Foden, ERF, Haslington etc. I think I also saw the name of the town before it scrolled away. Although I haven’t lived in the UK since 1974 I grew up in Sandbach in Cheshire. My father used to love this type of show and took me often when I was a kid. Memories.
It’s not that far away Howard, Kelsall just East of Chester. I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
It could be that shooting video and having the constant background thought of editing it later, trying to find a storyline.. takes some of the mental space to find the better photos
I think that's a good point you make about distractions in general - best shots come from getting in a groove (flow, zone, etc) and staying with it.
It does take a little out of your shooting video which is why I like to make the clips with the same camera if possible as here. Just having to hit the record button after framing the still image isn’t too much of a chore but when shooting film it’s really quite intrusive.
I feel your pain!
I've been in such situations myself as well, feeling unable to find good shots.
It got me me down in the end if I’m honest, far too busy and I never got into a groove.
I think maybe it's because you were distracted by the gear (multiple lenses etc) ... I was reminded of a video you did where you was going out doing street photography and had also brought multiple lenses (or even cameras) with you and it wasn't working out because the constant switching hindered you from going "into the zone" (so to speak)... for me simplicity is key: I always bring one camera with one lens (and maybe a second point and shoot) with me and that forces me to get creative, if you know what I mean. As always: great video!
This was my thought too. I have often been distracted by too much gear, especially when in a busy environment like this one. One camera, one lens for this type of photography is best IMO. Trouble is it's a hard lesson to learn and I still keep making the same mistake of too much stuff!
I’m almost certain this was the case, I had four lenses and kept swapping around which did me no favours. I’d have been better off with either one lens or two bodies with one lens on each.
I only shoot my digital with a prime lens (50mm) and my film camera is a rolleiflex so I never have to switch lenses.
Hello Steve,
I am in the same situation. I like my current photos less often. I also believe that it is difficult to have such constancy and such fresh wonder after the years. This can sometimes be linked to our state of mind, but I also think that we can feel the fact of having explored an idea.
I also noticed that people are more difficult to photograph. more suspicious, including in this type of event. in France in any case, which pushes us to stay more behind.
rest assured, your images remain beautiful. and you gave us to see here your old images which are sublime and prove that you are an excellent street photographer... but that the opportunities are rarer to exercise your talent in this category currently.
I think there’s something to be said for seeing ( and photographing) things for the first time, somehow it’s easier to make a good image. Perhaps we try too hard upon returning and also have preconceived ideas of what we should be shooting.
Hey Steve. Long time fan of your channel and work. I mentioned you in my last video. Thank you for your honesty and being an inspiration to all of us aspiring photographers.
I glad you liked it Andy 👍
Everyone has an off day, Steve! I think trying to photograph such amazing vehicles is a skill in itself. Your comment is correct: If you don't practice a skill, it fades away. I actually thought you got a few good shots using the infrared. The older shots were better because you were in practice and using a simple technique. Some days I go out, and although I take a few shots, I know in advance there will be no keepers. If your muse is missing, nothing can bring it back to order!
Thanks David. I was pretty sure I wasn’t getting good shots right from the off and it never picked up. On other trips I can have a shaky start then find a rhythm but in many ways I went backwards on this outing.
Loved your old film shots.... could it be the old thing of more care being taken taking film photos due to cost and a limited number of shots. I am certainly more cavalier with my digital camera.
Definitely Malcolm, two rolls maximum in the 120 camera would have given me more keepers, no random shutter firing just for the sake of it.
Wow. I would travel to England for this event.
We have lots of them, we like to spend our time in the past 😊
Very nice report of your experience at such an event, not least because you name all the challenges for a photographer: Too many interesting things, too much "clutter", too little time, hardly any planning possible. I found that it is virtually impossible to get the one great shot at such events. Instead one could perhaps tell a better story with taking series of pictures of objects...
Very possibly, I was definitely distracted. I think another approach would have been to use a single long lens, say 200mm and force myself to work on much tighter crops.
I have never had much interest in infrared, but the dark traction engines contrast so well ahainst the brightness of the grass, and even the people. It makes a great image.
Thanks Kevin. 👍
Spooky Steve, I was at another steam rally this past weekend at Cromford in Derbyshire, probably all the same people displaying. I found it difficult, everybody wanted to get out of my shot in a benign way, or they wanted to smile at the camera. I got into a groove with people polishing their engines but then my camera back sprang open and ruined a roll, never happened before. Some days are just to remind yourself there can be bad days.
There’s a lot of those rallies around this time of year Steve and they seem more popular than ever. I should have got there earlier and had an hour or so before the crowds got too big.
Shame about your film, I hope you got some decent shots anyway.
that looks a good fair to go to love the old cars and steam engines i went to the mods and rockers event in Brighton a few years back lots of nice bikes and scooters got thue a fair amount of film that day.
Lots to see at those events, sometimes overwhelming.
The most interesting thing at country events is the people, the equipment is a supporting act. Putting a frame around that interaction is the hard part.
Steve, hi!
Again in your video very deep thoughts and important questions. This makes them very interesting and useful!
Your camera, like all photographers' cameras, doesn't have a magic "Masterpiece" button. Of course, a great shot only comes out when the photographer looks, feels and SEES the shot. And to get it, you need, first of all, the mood and inner state of the photographer. Professionalism and equipment are secondary, and you say so yourself.
Most likely, you just had internal reasons not to be collected, not to let the picture of this fair pass through you. (You have enough professionalism and equipment!) But this is normal, we are living people and are subject to our inner moods.
Although a number of your shots turned out great!
I sincerely thank you for publishing this video, and I'm sure the moping will pass and your most wonderful work is yet to come!
Take care of yourself, with respect,
Yury M.
Thanks Yury. I’d have been better served with just the single camera/lens approach on this day, it was too easy to click away and get mediocre shots rather than concentrating carefully and using perhaps two rolls of 120 film.
Thank you very much for sharing this video and for being so honest about struggling taking pictures at the event. I think the main reason might be the loud and crowded place whereas, when shooting landscape, you are just by yourself or with one friend in a really quiet and peaceful environment. I also think that it might have to do with the different medium and format (digital vs. film and rectangular vs. square). During the last year I mostly took pictures with my Pentacon six, in most cases with the 180mm Sonnar, and when I have looked through the finder, everything fell into place. At the same time, when I took a picture with my X-T4, it felt strange and I was struggling, although technically, digitally should be way easier. Perhaps you are a 6x6 person too.
And despite you being unhappy with the outcome of the event, I like the abstract pictures with the star and the flames very much!
I do think I see a lot better in the 6x6 format and the crowds certainly put me off. Like you I find digital surprisingly hard at times but don’t fully understand why.
I think the lesson to be learned is to bring the same thoughtfulness you bring to your photography and video to my own work. Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
Fairs and fates are extremely difficult venues to get any wide shots, too many people, exhibits too close tigether, never an uncluttered background, so generally it is close up details, portraits or street style photography. Thoroughly enjoyed the video, especially the 720nm infa red video, certainly brought through the atmosphere of the day, felt your frustration regarding still images, thanks for sharing 😀
I’m glad you enjoyed it. I think the only way to go with wide shots is to go ultra wide and capture the sheer scale of the event, 24mm was uncomfortable in between.
I like the motorcycle shots. But then I'm a big fan of vintage bikes.
A very thought provoking video. Thank you! I wonder if it's also the modern technology that makes everything so much easier and so we don't pend so much time thinking about the esthetic aspects of the shot?
It add me slapdash at the event this time, I’ve never shot digital here before and I found it very frustrating.
Another great video, Steve, and very thought-provoking. Having seen all your good work on film with the Bronica, I feel the 6x6 aspect ratio is perhaps your natural home and something that brings the best out of your photography.
I tend to agree Graham, the Bronica would have been a good choice and still allowed me to shoot the more successful low angle shots.
Some of my experiences shooting exhibitions and similar events:
When there are lots of people, music and loud noises, when I need to move out of the way of people or things, it all puts my mind at agitated, unfocused state, and the photos often come out rushed and not thought out well. I sometimes use earplugs at loud events (when there are no hazards) to quiet everything down a bit and to focus better. Also going with many lenses is a distraction too, instead of thinking of a composition, I'm trying to decide which lens to put on the camera. I like one midrange zoom lens, or maybe one wide and one long lens for events. The black and white modes on digital cameras often have very contrasty the shape of the tone curve, the toe and shoulder are a bit too punchy and aggressive for my liking. In busy events like this, I think that using equipment with shallow depth of field leads to better photos, since distracting backgrounds are simplified. Another thing is lightning - it seemed like it was harsh midday light, some of the older photos were in a diffused soft light.
It was definitely a contrasty day and far too busy for my liking. Earphones would have helped somewhat as would arriving earlier to avoid the crowds.
Thanks Steve. - you explained clearly how and why I fail so frequently!
Thanks Peter.
I do wildlife and landscape photography and occasionally macro. I find if I have been primarily doing wildlife or macro for a month or so, I really struggle getting my eye back in for landscape. It feels strange, like I just can't seem to find anything to shoot. The summer is also a factor, summers here are hot, 90 (I think that is 32C) degrees most days and very humid and everything is thick and green. It always demotivates me. I'm in the doldrums now for that reason. I am looking forward to September!
It’s a tricky time of year Philip, very green here too and lots of insects everywhere. I find life easier when the vegetation dies back a bit.
A very honest and interesting vlog there Steve. Maybe its just a case of some days the mojo just isnt there.
Very much so, at no point in the day did I really connect with the subjects.
Just the video i been needing.
Glad you liked it 👍
Indeed. And I think it true as you mentioned, that if you spend a considerable time shooting eg specifically landscapes, you thought and visualization processes for eg street photography becomes less focused. I rotate my shooting styles, so as not to lose the feel for things. Your earlier 6x6 images are simply amazing. Cheers
I’d definitely lost my eye for this sort of event and carrying more than one lens didn’t help, a simple 6x6 camera would have been better.
Steve there are a few wonderful shots in this video, you'll see that a little more clearly with time. Some of the older shots are stronger, but how many older shots are you overlooking which might not be as strong? I agree with the earlier comments about how working on the RUclips video footage while rusty on this subject matter must play as a factor in your dissatisfaction. Keep up your great work!
I suppose when shooting the film images years ago I’d only have perhaps 12, 24 or 36 frames to review which is a lot easier. I’d also refrain from pressing the shutter button unless I felt the composition was strong enough.
Great lesson! One has to practice on refining visualizing and composition as on any other skill. 👏
Absolutely!
Sometimes it seems that if you use an older camera with film, you simply think a lot more before pressing the button, and therefore perhaps move on to the next perhaps better scene more quickly. And using older cameras may initially not secretly set the bar as high for the result as with a modern camera with all conceivable modern gadgets.
As Ansel Adams had said, the most important part of a camera is the 12” behind it. Some of the greatest photographic compositions were made without any digital technology. Many new photographers need to understand two critical success factors: Commitment & Practice.
Totally agree.
They Might Be Giants did a live performance of their first album, and at one point they said to the audience, 'we had to practice the songs yknow, we didn't just KNOW them.' Seemed a similar sentiment somehow. I appreciated your suggestion that familiarity with an event or location can help you better tell its story.
It’s been a long time since I heard a reference to they might be giants, I believe REM were big fans of theirs.
Love the critical eye you apply to your work … although I think you are extremely hard on yourself
Thank you 🙂
As another person said, I think first of all, you are too hard on yourself - you had some very nice shots in that collection. Having said that, I can totally understand your frustration at this event. I went to something very similar several years ago here in the states, and whilst the machines were amazing, as was a huge steam powered log splitting setup, the people and the layout was simply not conducive to making good photographs. The mix of old and new, the overcrowding of both people and machines, did not allow for clean images. I got a few I liked, but didn't go back the following year since I knew the setup would be roughly the same.
I can’t see myself returning either Robert, there were far too many people and like you the modern clashes with the old uncomfortably.
I would like to see what you would do there with your Holga and black-and-white film
That would have been a better camera choice 👍
To generalise this feeling more, i think it's down to unfamiliarity. When i'm unfamiliar with a place, person, scene, etc. i tend towards the obvious shots, i'm more cautious, i want to get something in case i'm not there again. When i've been somewhere even just once before, or maybe a few times in recent memory, i'll tend to experiment more as i already know the obvious, and more familiarity is comfortable and relaxing, clears the mind.
I was definitely out of my depth on this occasion, right from the off I was struggling.
Interesting video Steve I actually preferred the infrared I'm using it a lot of late it just completely transforms an otherwise blah scene. I shoot a lot of events people etc Im never usually self conscious I figure folk are here everyone is snapping away so why not me too. I thought your film shots were awesome at events such as that using an old folder is so much more than camera it's a conversation starter love em
Thanks Paul. I think the use of old film cameras, particularly TLR’s and folders really suits the time period that most of the exhibits originate from.
@@SteveONions spot on mate we have an annual art deco fest I've shot it with old folders at times gonna try a box brownie next time
In 1997 Year of the Hong Kong's Handover, AFTER that, my editorial work for foreign magazines practically came to a halt because of various reasons which I don't care to go through here. In the Year 2014, Year of the Umbrella Revolution, my job as documentary photographer have revived taking pictures for world's top wire service with the initial R. P. There was 17 years of absense from photography between 1997 - 2014, however, I didn't have your problem, NO. On the contrary, every senses for photography was recharged and back in original mental, physical, intelligent and skillful level in just a second as soon as I took up my camera equipments and started shooting at the Mong Kok junction on Nathan Road on the midnight 29th of September 2014 as soon as I started shooting. On the next morning my wire photos are already gracing online covers on NYT, NWK and practically most of the prominent Papers and Magazines in the West. Yes, like Chinese Calligraphy, one have to practice SHARPENING SKILLS BY WRITING CHARACTERS EVERYDAY ( in order to maintain ) , however, for Photography , you'll be switched on anytime anywhere at given time and space even after a long years of lull or hiatus IF YOU'RE TRULY GIFTED PHOTOGRAPHER. In short, I didn't share your dilemma and frustration. @frame25_ren
Good for you 🙂
I do think, current gear does have too many features - the exact opposite of "simplicity" which i do prefer. Yet alone from the menues - one could dig into for days, really. It's crazy. With your old 6x6 folder - you just literally focus on your composition - nothing else get's into your way.
A camera is just a tool, to get the job done. But i do find, many current nowadays cameras are just getting into the way, make it complicated, to use feature xy and that, and then....you loose your PoV about your subject, your motivation - your composition. I mean, it was way simple with a D40, or D70s for instance...but when i dive into the menu from the D7000, D700...i know them...but sometimes...still looking for something.
And that was 2008/10 tech...now look at any Olympus MFT nowadays - i get crazy! Or current Fujifilm gear. My X-E1/T1 already had enough to play with - but nowadays, seriously - WTH? I don't need all of this. Just simplicity. At best, just your aperture ring onto the lens, shutter speed and ISO, done. A build in LM comes handy. That's why i used more my F60 vs the F80...the handgrip is bigger, better.
I agree that ergonomics and general handling are more important than any amount of features. The cameras I use on a regular basis are those that fit my hands and just do what I ask of them.
I remember a similar show way out in the bush in AUS. Much easier to get a clean background. And a 200mm worked well too, with its limited depth of field.
Maybe it was just a case of 'been there - done that' moment for you, subconsciously . I know I get that sometimes.
Not all days are the same.
I wasn’t really up for the event when I set off if I’m honest, perhaps I should have left the camera at home 🙂
@@SteveONions LOL we all know what happens when we leave our cameras behind :D
We've said before, restricting choice can help creativity!
Definitely do, adding gear usually leads to weaker images.
I see you only have a few videos with the autocord from years ago. Could you do an episode with the Minolta Autocord?
I may do in the future 😊
Hi Steve, I find that genres I rarely shoot I tend to rather poor at seeing the opportunities in front of me. I think it's mostly because I haven't learned to see rather than just be looking.
I wasn’t feeling it at all and I don’t think I’ll be revisiting next year, perhaps it’s just not me anymore?
I think we all go through the same from time to time. I really like your idea of changing things up with an IR Camera just to get into a different frame of mind. Was the 6x6 camera you were referring to a Perkeo II perhaps? I really like my Voightlander Bessa II and have been looking at Hasselblad but wasnt sure if I would like the 6x6 square format so I was thinking of getting a Perkeo II to see if 6x6 would be right for me. Now I'm going to have to back and check out the Video you made with the Perkeo II to see if I want to spend the $250-$350 to see if I like it. Thanks again for a good honest video.
It was the Perkeo II Steve, unobtrusive and somehow appropriate for the subject matter. The square format almost works perfectly and adds to the feeling of nostalgia.
@SteveONions Thanks Steve - I ended up going with a Mamiya 645 that at some point I'll bring over to Chester in 2025 when I visit my UK team. Thanks for the response.
I feel with you, Steve. It's the opposite of the dunning kruger effect, named Imposter syndrome, into that term, you do feel inferior, or simply not good enough, for the task - hereby, -photographs in terms of composition. When i can't take pictures a few months, in terms of time or not being into the mood, or just simply bad weather...or other reasons, the first pictures do suck, it's too mundane, ordinary. The landscape, and my surroundings here are pretty boring, and i do mean hell boring. Not cute, as into my former state, but i am living here such a long time...anyway.
Today was also a bad day, then one of my Nikons literally "ate" the film, a nice Pro Image film, and it was only after that i took frame #13, that my Nikon made a louder than usual 3-4 sec. wirrr-wirrr-wirrrr noise...then the motor gave up, and it showed simply "Err" into the top display, for error...i felt puzzled, no problem...just rewind it..hit the knob at the body and the same issue occured as before....when i was opening the camera into the dark, i've seen that the shutter blades have been bent much, the film was like a akkordeon, entangled into the winding mechanism, and messed up. I could bent the shutter blades careful back into position with a tweezer, but sadly..it looked like 90% ok...but after every shot...Err...DOA, it's dead, Jim ! Lucky me, i shoot a "new" one on eBay shortly after that incident. This is the first 35mm SLR since 87 which went south...ever.
I've had 3 nice frames before today in good light...never happened all my life, only once the (manual) film advance from my Yashica FX-3 super 2000 got stuck...some 4 years ago on a photowalk, but this mess today is a first, really sad because of my lost frames...and the 35mm SLR was my cheapest one, ever...a F60.
I hate it when equipment goes wrong but some systems just seem to deliver time and time again. The Nikon F80 is my go to 35mm body and has been so for 20 years now. It just gets on with the job and never fails me.
@@SteveONions Steve, i am on my 2nd F80 since 2001. Actually, as not as wide known as the F100, the plastic latches here also could break - my copy is not 100% tight, when the film door is closed. There's a gap from around ca. 1.5mm. Which is bad. The F80 & F100 film doors are their archilles heel - they were not built to last forever, seriously.
Classic photography is more difficult now when people are in frame. Modern fashion, hairstyles and technology everywhere ruin so many photographs for me. Even the way people walk and carry themselves is different than it was just a decade ago. It all makes for a harsh and unpleasant juxtaposition when combined with the classic or vintage. I’ve given up here in Paris. Everyone here looks the same regardless of culture or nationality. I think what you did by compressing with a tele is probably the way to go. Just post cropping isn’t always going to be enough.
You have a point there, it was definitely easier 10 or 20 years ago, fewer visitors and a lot more characters who seemed to fit in with the subject matter.
Technology is sometimes overrated. IMO, photography in general hasn't been improved by digital, or in many cases even by having a bunch of lenses to choose from. Some of my own best images have been made with fixed lens cameras (medium format folders, TLRs, 35 mm point and shoot, even old medium format box cameras), all of them on film. My few digital efforts have generally sucked, aside from those taken with my phone (and I have no idea how much my Pixel 7, previous first-gen Pixel, or prior Galaxy S4 messed with the images internally to make them "better").
For this kind of event, I'm about as likely to carry my Moskva 5 or Mamiya Six folder as even a 35 mm SLR. Even if I take my Speed Graphic, I probably won't have a second lens (despite having 105 mm, 135 mm, and a 150/265 convertible) because my rangefinder can only be calibrated for one focal length at a time and it takes too long to set up and focus with the ground glass (plus requiring I haul along a fairly large tripod).
But yes, I'll probably shoot something like this in black and white...
I think a one lens approach would have worked a lot better for me too.
Yeah, interesting. I am similar - seems to me the more mature (or older lol) I get the less interesting my images often are - back when I was younger I had less gear and took more risks rather than using more sophisticated equipment as a crutch, more daring images made better images.
I think the young have the creative edge in nearly all endeavours. Over time our technical skills improve but all too often at the cost of creativity.
It's quite understandable and expected that being away from photographing that event for so long would result in having lost some of your compositional affinity for it. I'm sure you can look forward to more encouraging results in subsequent outings.
I think the extended break has made my enthusiasm for the event wane somewhat, if I revisit I’ll not be taking a camera except for the iPhone.
I find that I have such a difference in frame of mind as to whether I view an event as a spectator as opposed to attending as a photograper. In the first case, it's more passive and relaxing where I might pull out my phone if something jumps out at me and want to grab a snapshot. In the second case, I'm pushing myself to "see" something and then compose it. Neither approach is better or worse, just different. Occasionally, however, I recognize that I need to give myself permission to just enjoy the moment and leave the camera behind or in the bag.
When you showed new images paired with ones from years ago, you always liked the older ones better. In some cases, I like the newer one better. Or at least didn't like it less. So maybe give them some time. But also, you were comparing to the beautiful tones of your 6x6.
Fair point, I rarely like new images but I also agree that 6x6 is hard to beat.
I don't know Steve. I feel that at times the way that objects are arranged and presented to us just doesn't make for good photography. There is also that question of the state of the mind of the photographer. More than once or twice in my recent excursions to Manchester, having spent a couple of hours on trying to photograph something interesting, I just gave up and went and sat in a bar and had a couple of pints of beer by myself. A much satisfying experience. If its not working, it is not working. Another day perhaps.
This is exactly what I wanted to say...10 years ago, objects and people were not so crowded, and people weren't staying so close to their vehicle on fishing chairs. Photogs work with what they've got, and sometimes we don't get that much. Also, our state of mind is a big influence on what we see
@@pauuuuul87 Very well observed.
I’ve also found myself calling it quits quite a few times recently and going for a drink and snack instead. It has definitely become more crowded and consequently distracting at events like these and on urban shoots.
All artest have good and bad days but look at what you learn.
I think one shoots more cautiously with film Than digital.
Film makes a greater photographer. You carefully compose. 💪🏻
A bit too hard on yourself! There are a few shots that work well despite your self criticism. Enjoyed seeing the videos. You did capture the essence of the show perhaps more effectively with the video recordings. Perhaps attempting to record both video and still shots served as a distraction to your work flow.
I agree, the video was more successful and perhaps I should have concentrated on that instead.
Good grief! I can't imagine how awful your photos will be a few years from now. ;)
😀👍
The worst part of event photography is that there are people there. If they were absent, the images would be much easier to create. The general public with their uncontrollable children, prams, slobbering over ice creams, overweight middle-aged housewives with purulent white cellulite bulging out of clothing two sizes too small, burger-vans, hot dog stalls, parked cars that outweigh exhibits ten-to-one, tacky stalls selling 'vintage' key rings and beer tents festooned with empty Stella cans and chip wrappers all ruin otherwise great photographs.
Based on your description I think I should have concentrated my efforts on the spectators 😀
@@SteveONions Yeah.... I was a bit over zealous there wasn't I.? Lol..
Don't you feel like we're still suffering post-lockdown malaise? Still, they are so much better than my steam fair shots. Boo-hoo.
I don’t think we’ve got back to where we were pre 2020 James, I certainly don’t have the same enthusiasm for things that I did then.
Could it be that shooting digital you had a different end result in mind? I find that sometimes I go out with the intention of getting prints, so I shoot differently. I almost work backwards by thinking about the choice of film stock, the format, even the lens choice, are all made to suit the print I’m imagining before I leave home. Then I tend to concentrate on the final piece of the puzzle which is looking for a subject and composition that will suit the print. For me, if I’m shooting digital I tend to be too easily distracted by the “cliché” shots rather than looking to fill that end result I’m after. Take care buddy.
I definitely enjoy the outing more with film cameras as I take the shot and move on without constantly checking if it worked or not. 🙂
I think you were simply overwhelmed Steve, too many people, too much to see, plus you were videoing as well.
Definitely the case, should have got there as soon as it opened and left before it got crazy busy 🙂
So today's photographs didn’t measure up to your all time best shots ….. seems like an impossible standard to hold to.
I’m never happy 😊
Sometimes you just gotta put the camera aside and enjoy the event.
I think I should have 👍
IMHO: 1. you're being too hard on yourself and 2. you can never go back. A lot changes in ten or a dozen years, including the scale of an event and the number ("hordes") of humans present. We change, they change, its inevitable.
It’s definitely a lot busier now Russell, 10+ years ago it was easy to get a shot of the exhibits without onlookers blocking the shot.
I think you are being too critical of your photos. I see goodness in them all. Are some better than others? Yes...but that's just the nature of photography. Hardly what I'd describe as rubbish. You are a great photographer!
Thank you for the kind words 😊
So you're walking through this fair with a whole bunch of distractions, carrying two cameras, a couple lenses and a video camera .... and you claim to be "rubbish when (you're) distracted.
The solution: Adderall 😊
Please remit a copay of $25 US. ❤
Far too much effect for effect sake rather than using an effect to enhance the image. There is very little intent in many of these images. Maybe too much gear?
Definitely too much gear 🙁
Cheers Steve - nicely put forward. I'd be wasting my time or frames there - just not my kind of subjects.
I just didn’t get the same enjoyment from the subjects this time, I doubt I’ll revisit.