I'm not a documentary photographer but I love seeing people's homes and seeing all the unique personalities. It's really interesting and I'm glad you're making an effort to photograph them, that is really cool Andrew. Something I'd love to try but the way people are these days, I'd be scared to death. It's bad enough I feel like I'm being watched or feel like I'm doing something wrong when I'm photographing in public.
Very well done. In your intro and in this video- you hit the nail on the head with many thoughts I and many of us here share. Your time with Charles was the real win- you went from shots of town from the street to shots from the yard to a picture while interacting with small town life. For me, the unexpected interaction is the real joy photography brings.
Great video and beautiful project! As someone who is also an introvert I completely understand. It’s the initial reaching out and contact that is difficult but the resulting human connection is quite rich. The smiles, the eye contact, it’s a fundamental human bond, it’s something we all share and that allows us to get close and create meaningful work. Can’t wait to see more!
Also an introvert, I found this to be inspiring. I have a photo trip around the UK planned, but I'm not sure what my angle will be. This has given me some food for thought. Thanks, you're brave to take on your fears and discomforts.
Everything is hard and challenging at the beginning. Generally speaking, majority of people are friendly and approachable and I think your interaction with them is genuine .... you won't have any issue in the future. It only goes easier from here, keep up the good work.
I'm no photographer, but I find myself drawn to your content, especially this one. I love walking around places and taking photos using my smartphone. It's fun to capture scenes that seem mundane from the naked eye, but fits like a puzzle piece in the narrative in your head. Your channel makes me wanna learn photography.
The combination of anthropologist/ethnographer and introvert in you makes for a really interesting perspective on your photography Andrew. As you said, you seek out the beauty and unusual in the mundane character of everyday life. As ever, thanks for sharing.
One of my favourite videos Yet Andrew and I think so many of us can relate to the challenge of meeting new people and asking them to be a part of our creative process. Great work.
Awesome project and one that will stand the passage of time. People will be studying these videos in the future very much like we do now with photo books from the old masters. This type of documentary work is important and a valuable historical record. Total respect sir.
Hey Andrew. Always enjoy your videos and thank you for all the effort you put in on them! Two thoughts: (1) In my opinion, “Charles” was the story of this video and I would have enjoyed hearing more of his story. Not sure how long you worked with him, but he seems like he could have been a representation of a lot of what you are looking at in these small towns. He is older and persists in this place. Had he lived there his whole life? What brought him there or what keeps him there? How does he feel about the town in 2020? When you cut back into the video and started with “that ate up the last of the photography time” it made it seem like a bit of a downer (maybe true) but to me, his “story” could have been the hook of the whole video. (2) Maybe consider asking each person you talk to (whether they allow a photograph or not) if they can tell you something that they feel about their town… something you should know about it. And then ask if there is anything they would recommend for you to see/check out. That way, even if you don’t get a photo from them, you have some more info, insight, and something else to pursue. Just some thoughts. Again, I really enjoy the videos!
Great job just getting into taking photos of places others might consider not worth the time. The people around there should feel proud someone took the time to spend it where they live.
As an introvert myself, and living in a country where I can barely talk the language (but learning it), and being in a small town where I am like the only foreigner around, I totally understand your video and it talks to me deeply ! For me it’s so hard to go out (especially alone) and try to shoot in the street, especially when you are the main attraction almost all the time 😅... but Chinese people are very very welcoming, nice and very curious, so it’s always very rewarding... ☺️ but damn it’s a big jump out of my comfort zone every time 🙃😅
You might be an introvert but your social skills are good, you approach people with respect and I guess that helps them be at ease and more willing to go along. A bit of friendliness goes a long way. Each time I notice how good the composition of your pictures are, they've learned me quite a bit. Thanks for that (and for your useful reviews). I pay a lot more attention now to how a subject can be framed and how to use the background instead of blurring or cropping it. And hey, you really do good with your camera!
I really enjoy these sort of videos showing, discussing and encouraging personal projects. I can relate to the introvert struggle when approaching strangers. I go through the same fears every time I do my street portraits. But I always find the the fear disappears the second I strike up a conversation.
Congratulations on a great start to your new project and well done facing your fears. I hope it gives you more confidence. Sometimes the first step is the hardest
Nicely done. I'm an introvert but I've learnt to project myself, yet whenever I've mentioned to people I know, they go "You?!" - yeah, me. And I love to photograph people and document, too. This was sensitive and clearly personal. Many thanks for sharing.
Great project. It gets me to thinking again of my all time favorite photographer, William Eggleston of Memphis, who made high art of everyday objects. "Eggleston's subject matter is ordinary life, often presented in simple, centrally organized compositions in a style much ... of composition, as well as his unusual perspectives and uncanny ability to monumentalize the minutiae of mundane life." Also I like Fred Wiseman's documentary Monrovia, Indiana showing people in diners and barbershops of a small town.
You totally speak to me, man, both in the sense that I don't sleep well when my wife is away and that I'm not good just going and talking to strangers. Good on you for pushing through it.
As an introvert myself, even calling people on the phone is very difficult, especially when I work in a very social setting...the local grocery store. I rarely, if never, knock on stranger's doors. Kudos to you, man, you had the guts that I don't.
I really relate to some points you made in some of the last videos and I find inspiring to see how you use the time you have to take on this project, despite being something hard for you to do. As a new father and hobby photographer, I see my photography time becoming very scarce at the time. Next summer I'll have some time off of work and I hope I find a little time to take on a photography project of my own. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your project!
This video resonated hard with me. I'm an introvert anthropology major as well. I majored in anthropology expecting it to help my photography, and it certainly did. Now here I am 16 years into my photography career, and I have come so far away from where I wanted to be. I shoot houses. I'm diving back into the Fuji system as it just kinda calls to that documentary/anthropology side of me and that's how I found your channel. But this video... I can relate to it so much. Thanks for making it.
I take photos with my phone for a week now, this made me miss my camera. Photography made me love long walks and sometimes despite of being an introvert it actually helped me to 3 an effort of connect with people. These photo set is not dull at all, I actually like it.
I think your comments about introversion are right on point. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. It looks like you're using your Wotancraft Trooper M. I really like mine.
I’m always nervous the day/night before a big shoot. I worked on a personal project yesterday which involved spending 2 1/2 hours with/photographing a father and son who own their own watch repair business. I was so nervous before going. But it’s so satisfying afterwards. I work on my introversion by approaching strangers on photo walks to take their portrait and chat if they have time. Good stuff. So awesome that you’re giving Danae some time for herself.
I so identify with your reluctance to get out of bed and START a project like this! I also have difficulty dealing with strangers and hope watching this project move forward will inspire me to risk more.
I love your video!!! Thank you, it's inspiring. I studied philosophy and social work. I'm truly attracted to street and documentary photography. Awesome video
I'm so sorry you aren't sleeping well. I love this video. This shows who you are as a person. I love that when we went to the beach and you went to do street photography instead you found yourself helping mend a homeless man's cart and when you went to do old town documentary photography you found yourself mending fences. You are the most unselfish person who puts others needs first. When I grow up I want to be like you. I'm the luckiest girl on earth! Ok sappy time over sorry!
I just found your channel today while researching types of film and it's cool to hear that you studied anthropology! it's a fun coincidence since I'm a social/cultural anthropology student in my early twenties myself with a long passion for photography (and also an introvert)!! I'm actually currently doing a smaller student group project for my visual anthropology class examining how a few students create a sense of home in their living space in my home city (using photography but mostly video). for the same class, we also had to go out and knock on a stranger's door and ask if we could take their portrait. it was pretty daunting for me to do but I'm proud I did it - and so I relate to what you're saying in this video about approaching strangers to photograph them! I have some ideas for future visual anthropological projects that I'd like to do but which would probably require me to go 'deeper', just like you mentioned. so I'm hoping I can push myself to go out there more because I definitely relate to the anthropological need to not just scratch the surface of whatever you're researching!
Such an interesting documentary project. I need to explore that part of the US more. For me living in Switzerland and coming from Europe it is such a different world and contrast compared to what I am used to over here. Looking forward seeing more about your small town documentary.
It feels like there is a William Eggleston vibe going on when it comes to capturing the beauty or emotion in everyday things. I like it. Good that you are challenging yourself.
As a 70+ young lady I really admire what you are doing. You have a lovely voice and a lovely way about you. I have travelled LOTS and lived in many countries over my life up to now, and wish I had have documented everything and everyone. Still I have my memories (what I can remember lol). This year or next we are hoping to fly back once again to USA to visit friends who have moved but cos of the pandemic, we haven't seen for past 2 + years. I would like to buy a compact camera to take with me and try documenting from now. I always have told my children, Live every day, every day. You take care and stay safe. 😊 x
Thank you Andrew. I really need some help and advice please. I would like to buy a compact camera with a good zoom, good video, picture quality, touch screen if possible, anti shake as I have a small tremor and RA in my hands but I really would like to buy one and finally take nice photos of birds, family so fast moving, and would like to photo water that looks like foggy/steamy if you know what I mean. I am a pensioner (in my 70s so a young pensioner), so cannot afford a lot. I bought an Olympus Pen 10 camera just before the pandemic but then we could not go out. But trying it on birds in the garden and horses in the field where I lived, I realised with these hands not a good idea to have to keep changing lens. Would you be able to point me in the right direction please. Many many thanks. I don't understand ISO and aperture (it's all like a foreign language to me lol) but will try to learn 😊😊.
Thanks for sharing that, friend. Try being an introvert teacher. 😁😆 Anyways, I'm glad you do talk to us. Your passion for photography would be missed. 👍💪
When I go walking around the city shooting (photos) 😜 people always say in their High shrill voice “sorry about being in your photo”, I always say, get back Over there, you are the reason I was taking it. The looks are hilarious. I make strangers walk back in the frame. I should have a Flickr Album for Awkward Pedestrians. 😆
This is going to be my next summer project, to document some of the small towns of where I live. Not being the most extrovert individual, I am not sure how it will fly but the worst I can get is NO as an answer
Best of luck with your project, Andrew, and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Will be interested to see more and hear more of your thoughts from the road on the process.
If you really wanted to feed your inner anthropologist you should have kept driving for some miles. Hilldale and Colorado City are real goldmines when it comes to small town strangeness.
So appreciate the video, and the project. Aside from how interesting and enjoyable it is, (I hate to bring this up) have you thought about any legal ramifications of shooting photos on private property without permission? Is it okay/legal? I can tell your intentions are good, but some less honorable photog might be exploitative. Fell free to delete this. I don't want it to take away from the admirable work your trying to accomplish.
As an introvert myself, I can feel my anxiety rising as you approach the houses and the people. Thank you for sharing this.
Good therapy for both of us. 😆 //A
I appreciate the inner struggle, but let me tell you: the results make it really worth the trouble. Andrew, you've nailed it again
Thanks Alex!
I'm not a documentary photographer but I love seeing people's homes and seeing all the unique personalities. It's really interesting and I'm glad you're making an effort to photograph them, that is really cool Andrew. Something I'd love to try but the way people are these days, I'd be scared to death. It's bad enough I feel like I'm being watched or feel like I'm doing something wrong when I'm photographing in public.
Very well done.
In your intro and in this video- you hit the nail on the head with many thoughts I and many of us here share. Your time with Charles was the real win- you went from shots of town from the street to shots from the yard to a picture while interacting with small town life. For me, the unexpected interaction is the real joy photography brings.
Great video and beautiful project! As someone who is also an introvert I completely understand. It’s the initial reaching out and contact that is difficult but the resulting human connection is quite rich. The smiles, the eye contact, it’s a fundamental human bond, it’s something we all share and that allows us to get close and create meaningful work. Can’t wait to see more!
Also an introvert, I found this to be inspiring. I have a photo trip around the UK planned, but I'm not sure what my angle will be. This has given me some food for thought. Thanks, you're brave to take on your fears and discomforts.
Thanks Keyo. Best wishes to you and your project
Everything is hard and challenging at the beginning. Generally speaking, majority of people are friendly and approachable and I think your interaction with them is genuine .... you won't have any issue in the future. It only goes easier from here, keep up the good work.
Good work in photography and great work on yourself. Thanks for your honesty. Happy 2020.🙏
I'm no photographer, but I find myself drawn to your content, especially this one. I love walking around places and taking photos using my smartphone. It's fun to capture scenes that seem mundane from the naked eye, but fits like a puzzle piece in the narrative in your head. Your channel makes me wanna learn photography.
The combination of anthropologist/ethnographer and introvert in you makes for a really interesting perspective on your photography Andrew. As you said, you seek out the beauty and unusual in the mundane character of everyday life. As ever, thanks for sharing.
One of my favourite videos Yet Andrew and I think so many of us can relate to the challenge of meeting new people and asking them to be a part of our creative process. Great work.
Always interesting to hear that I'm not alme with my personal struggle. Your results hit the mark in my eyes, Andrew. Thank you for sharing.
Awesome project and one that will stand the passage of time. People will be studying these videos in the future very much like we do now with photo books from the old masters. This type of documentary work is important and a valuable historical record. Total respect sir.
It's really hard for me to ask people for photographs, I'm surprised how often they say yes.
Hey Andrew. Always enjoy your videos and thank you for all the effort you put in on them!
Two thoughts:
(1) In my opinion, “Charles” was the story of this video and I would have enjoyed hearing more of his story. Not sure how long you worked with him, but he seems like he could have been a representation of a lot of what you are looking at in these small towns. He is older and persists in this place. Had he lived there his whole life? What brought him there or what keeps him there? How does he feel about the town in 2020? When you cut back into the video and started with “that ate up the last of the photography time” it made it seem like a bit of a downer (maybe true) but to me, his “story” could have been the hook of the whole video.
(2) Maybe consider asking each person you talk to (whether they allow a photograph or not) if they can tell you something that they feel about their town… something you should know about it. And then ask if there is anything they would recommend for you to see/check out. That way, even if you don’t get a photo from them, you have some more info, insight, and something else to pursue.
Just some thoughts. Again, I really enjoy the videos!
Great job just getting into taking photos of places others might consider not worth the time. The people around there should feel proud someone took the time to spend it where they live.
As an introvert myself, and living in a country where I can barely talk the language (but learning it), and being in a small town where I am like the only foreigner around, I totally understand your video and it talks to me deeply ! For me it’s so hard to go out (especially alone) and try to shoot in the street, especially when you are the main attraction almost all the time 😅... but Chinese people are very very welcoming, nice and very curious, so it’s always very rewarding... ☺️ but damn it’s a big jump out of my comfort zone every time 🙃😅
It's worth it to push through, I believe. Keep at it!
@@AndrewGoodCamera I believe too ! ✊
loved this one pal! Your photographs in this one were beautiful.
You might be an introvert but your social skills are good, you approach people with respect and I guess that helps them be at ease and more willing to go along. A bit of friendliness goes a long way. Each time I notice how good the composition of your pictures are, they've learned me quite a bit. Thanks for that (and for your useful reviews). I pay a lot more attention now to how a subject can be framed and how to use the background instead of blurring or cropping it. And hey, you really do good with your camera!
Thanks for the very kind words Amon. I wish you all the best. //A
I really enjoy these sort of videos showing, discussing and encouraging personal projects. I can relate to the introvert struggle when approaching strangers. I go through the same fears every time I do my street portraits. But I always find the the fear disappears the second I strike up a conversation.
Congratulations on a great start to your new project and well done facing your fears. I hope it gives you more confidence. Sometimes the first step is the hardest
Nicely done. I'm an introvert but I've learnt to project myself, yet whenever I've mentioned to people I know, they go "You?!" - yeah, me. And I love to photograph people and document, too. This was sensitive and clearly personal. Many thanks for sharing.
Great project. It gets me to thinking again of my all time favorite photographer, William Eggleston of Memphis, who made high art of everyday objects. "Eggleston's subject matter is ordinary life, often presented in simple, centrally organized compositions in a style much ... of composition, as well as his unusual perspectives and uncanny ability to monumentalize the minutiae of mundane life." Also I like Fred Wiseman's documentary Monrovia, Indiana showing people in diners and barbershops of a small town.
You totally speak to me, man, both in the sense that I don't sleep well when my wife is away and that I'm not good just going and talking to strangers. Good on you for pushing through it.
As an introvert myself, even calling people on the phone is very difficult, especially when I work in a very social setting...the local grocery store. I rarely, if never, knock on stranger's doors. Kudos to you, man, you had the guts that I don't.
I really relate to some points you made in some of the last videos and I find inspiring to see how you use the time you have to take on this project, despite being something hard for you to do. As a new father and hobby photographer, I see my photography time becoming very scarce at the time. Next summer I'll have some time off of work and I hope I find a little time to take on a photography project of my own.
I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your project!
This video resonated hard with me. I'm an introvert anthropology major as well. I majored in anthropology expecting it to help my photography, and it certainly did. Now here I am 16 years into my photography career, and I have come so far away from where I wanted to be. I shoot houses. I'm diving back into the Fuji system as it just kinda calls to that documentary/anthropology side of me and that's how I found your channel. But this video... I can relate to it so much. Thanks for making it.
What a cool, relaxed video. And what a great place. I like the scenery 100% !!! Thx Andrew.
I take photos with my phone for a week now, this made me miss my camera. Photography made me love long walks and sometimes despite of being an introvert it actually helped me to 3 an effort of connect with people. These photo set is not dull at all, I actually like it.
A brave endeavor indeed Andrew. I look forward to more.
I think your comments about introversion are right on point. I enjoyed hearing your thoughts. It looks like you're using your Wotancraft Trooper M. I really like mine.
I’m always nervous the day/night before a big shoot. I worked on a personal project yesterday which involved spending 2 1/2 hours with/photographing a father and son who own their own watch repair business. I was so nervous before going. But it’s so satisfying afterwards. I work on my introversion by approaching strangers on photo walks to take their portrait and chat if they have time. Good stuff. So awesome that you’re giving Danae some time for herself.
Where can we see the photos of.thw watch business. That sounds super interestimg
Denae & Andrew I will be posting a blog post with photos in a week or so. I’m doing a personal project called The Artisan.
Denae & Andrew Here is my first post of The Artisan series www.kimpagel.com/blog/2019/12/6/the-artisan-neil-middleton
Kim Pagel very nice !!!
Thanks for taking us along. I too am a member of the introvert club.
I so identify with your reluctance to get out of bed and START a project like this! I also have difficulty dealing with strangers and hope watching this project move forward will inspire me to risk more.
An admirable project. I am inspired by seeing the obstacles overcome as well as the finished results. Sometimes staying in bed is too darn tempting.
I love your video!!! Thank you, it's inspiring. I studied philosophy and social work. I'm truly attracted to street and documentary photography. Awesome video
So very interesting. Great start 😊📷
I admire what you are doing. Thanks for the video.
Intense INFP here. I hear you brother.
I'm so sorry you aren't sleeping well. I love this video. This shows who you are as a person. I love that when we went to the beach and you went to do street photography instead you found yourself helping mend a homeless man's cart and when you went to do old town documentary photography you found yourself mending fences. You are the most unselfish person who puts others needs first. When I grow up I want to be like you. I'm the luckiest girl on earth! Ok sappy time over sorry!
I just found your channel today while researching types of film and it's cool to hear that you studied anthropology! it's a fun coincidence since I'm a social/cultural anthropology student in my early twenties myself with a long passion for photography (and also an introvert)!! I'm actually currently doing a smaller student group project for my visual anthropology class examining how a few students create a sense of home in their living space in my home city (using photography but mostly video). for the same class, we also had to go out and knock on a stranger's door and ask if we could take their portrait. it was pretty daunting for me to do but I'm proud I did it - and so I relate to what you're saying in this video about approaching strangers to photograph them! I have some ideas for future visual anthropological projects that I'd like to do but which would probably require me to go 'deeper', just like you mentioned. so I'm hoping I can push myself to go out there more because I definitely relate to the anthropological need to not just scratch the surface of whatever you're researching!
That's awesome! Thanks for watching and for sharing your experiences. Best of luck on the it journey
After watching this video I like your style and way even more.
"Finding beauty in the mundane" -- that's it! Well said.
Such an interesting documentary project. I need to explore that part of the US more. For me living in Switzerland and coming from Europe it is such a different world and contrast compared to what I am used to over here. Looking forward seeing more about your small town documentary.
Very nice. I love going to interesting places for taking pics. Maybe some day I’ll get as brave as you to go to some doors.
It feels like there is a William Eggleston vibe going on when it comes to capturing the beauty or emotion in everyday things. I like it. Good that you are challenging yourself.
....great video! I find intresting how you have to confront yourseleves and deal with it to reach another level. You have selfconfident.
Superb video! Emotional!
As a 70+ young lady I really admire what you are doing. You have a lovely voice and a lovely way about you. I have travelled LOTS and lived in many countries over my life up to now, and wish I had have documented everything and everyone. Still I have my memories (what I can remember lol). This year or next we are hoping to fly back once again to USA to visit friends who have moved but cos of the pandemic, we haven't seen for past 2 + years. I would like to buy a compact camera to take with me and try documenting from now. I always have told my children, Live every day, every day. You take care and stay safe. 😊 x
Thank you Andrew. I really need some help and advice please. I would like to buy a compact camera with a good zoom, good video, picture quality, touch screen if possible, anti shake as I have a small tremor and RA in my hands but I really would like to buy one and finally take nice photos of birds, family so fast moving, and would like to photo water that looks like foggy/steamy if you know what I mean. I am a pensioner (in my 70s so a young pensioner), so cannot afford a lot. I bought an Olympus Pen 10 camera just before the pandemic but then we could not go out. But trying it on birds in the garden and horses in the field where I lived, I realised with these hands not a good idea to have to keep changing lens. Would you be able to point me in the right direction please. Many many thanks. I don't understand ISO and aperture (it's all like a foreign language to me lol) but will try to learn 😊😊.
Fantastic Andrew
Thanks for sharing that, friend. Try being an introvert teacher. 😁😆 Anyways, I'm glad you do talk to us. Your passion for photography would be missed. 👍💪
Very nice results, worth the efforts!
When I go walking around the city shooting (photos) 😜 people always say in their High shrill voice “sorry about being in your photo”,
I always say, get back Over there, you are the reason I was taking it. The looks are hilarious. I make strangers walk back in the frame. I should have a Flickr Album for Awkward Pedestrians. 😆
This is going to be my next summer project, to document some of the small towns of where I live. Not being the most extrovert individual, I am not sure how it will fly but the worst I can get is NO as an answer
Great video. What is it hat draws you to the decline of small town America? Curious to know!
That's a big question. Probably something I'll talk about in one of these soon.
Great Video! Makes me Wanna do That too
Create a flyer that you can hand out to people letting them know what you are trying to do. In no short time the WHOLE town will know.
You could film paint drying and make it interesting. A fascinating take on your project, when your done make sure you do a book. I would buy a copy
Haha! Not sure about that, but thank you. :)
I feel this in my bones.
I hope you're taking copious notes. Captions are very important to documentary photography.
Best of luck with your project, Andrew, and a Happy New Year to you and your family. Will be interested to see more and hear more of your thoughts from the road on the process.
Thanks Owain. All the best to you in 2020.
When I talk to people for getting photos, it feels good, but it also feels "I don't want to do it again".
I hear ya
i'm also an introvert guy and I choose photography as my hobby. I can go out alone in the street and take random photos. #Cheers from Cebu PH
I do plenty of that also. :)
Wow, thanks.
Did you shoot the video in classic chrome?
it was shot with the Canon RP in portrait profile
You are brave, I would never dare. Wish you a good sleep :-)
If you really wanted to feed your inner anthropologist you should have kept driving for some miles. Hilldale and Colorado City are real goldmines when it comes to small town strangeness.
So appreciate the video, and the project. Aside from how interesting and enjoyable it is, (I hate to bring this up) have you thought about any legal ramifications of shooting photos on private property without permission? Is it okay/legal? I can tell your intentions are good, but some less honorable photog might be exploitative. Fell free to delete this. I don't want it to take away from the admirable work your trying to accomplish.
No need to delete. It's a fair question Michael. I probably haven't thought about it enough.
😍🥰💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼👌🏼
Introvert and a duty manager in a theatre here as well as trying to do photography. Torture.