Your take on embracing imperfections - like the rope - and the "reclaimed wood" furniture movement, all puts me in mind of the Japanese aesthetic philosophy wabi-sabi: savvytokyo.com/wabi-sabi-the-japanese-philosophy-of-embracing-imperfectionism/
A person way smarter than me said that "Perfect" is the enemy of "done". Sure, removing unwanted elements will also result in something that is nice and aesthetically pleasing and all. But where does it stop? For many it doesn`t stop. Which is exactly where the problem is.
I agree, I recently joined a new landscape group on FB and scrolling through the photos it was obvious that the majority were Light roomed to death. They were so digital art that I have not posted any of mine because they are more, as i say straight from the tin. I think as photographers we can see through these images instantly but unfortunately the buying public can't won't don't. I once pulled a guy up about the extent of his editing saying I preferred reality. He reply good luck with trying to sell that!
@@captinktm I think I know exactly what you mean....Photography groups on FB seem to have devolved into basically a playground for people who love to push ALL of the sliders. Many (but certainly not all) of them should really be called "Post production show-and-tell". They are your go-to address if you want to see Lightroom technique pushed to its limits or want to learn about the latest and greatest plugins and libraries for PS and LR. There are people who apparently prefer to create their images with oodles of post production instead of getting it right in camera and just applying the final polish in their app of choice. (of course this depends heavily on the subject matter, but you get the point) Other than that, many people obsess over tools and gadgets and lose sight of what photography can really be about. Many have yet to understand that tons of new and fancy gadgets do not always yield the results they hope for. Which the results in more gadgets being bought and before you know it you are miles deep into an expensive rabbit hole. Sure, I love me some nice gadgets but I have grown a bit tired of that lately. But that is probably a discussion for another day I`ve been waffling on for too long already. Cheers!
I'm... struggling with this. I've got some video footage I took on my 2nd day at work. Very badly taken. It's been 2 months now in the editing room, and I don't know how I'm gonna explain I messed up the colours and white balance in camera to my boss.
@@professionalpotato4764 I am not sure what your on about, but you messed up in camera, go back and do it again, if you can't then I guess your in the wrong job. Your boss probably will agree.
Really appreciate this approach. As for why we crave imperfection when we have the option of perfection, I keep finding myself going back to this Brian Eno quote, which I feel can kind of be applied to an awful lot of things about how we express ourselves: “Whatever you now find weird, ugly, uncomfortable and nasty about a new medium will surely become its signature. CD distortion, the jitteriness of digital video, the crap sound of 8-bit - all of these will be cherished and emulated as soon as they can be avoided. It’s the sound of failure: so much modern art is the sound of things going out of control, of a medium pushing to its limits and breaking apart. The distorted guitar sound is the sound of something too loud for the medium supposed to carry it. The blues singer with the cracked voice is the sound of an emotional cry too powerful for the throat that releases it. The excitement of grainy film, of bleached-out black and white, is the excitement of witnessing events too momentous for the medium assigned to record them.”
Totally feel this, dude! I often find myself hesitating to even take a photo if it isn’t PERFECT. Which is no fun and leads to less photography and less learning. Working more on trying to spend less time concerned about the perfection aspect and more on enjoying the experience and capturing the moment/story 😌🤙🏽
My wife and I have determined that we should shoot whatever we want to shoot, however we want to shoot it. If, after capturing that instinctive shot we want to refine the composition we do so. We found that not letting oneself shoot what your instincts are telling you to is a form of creative or even psychological suppression. We're much happier with our photography now that we just shoot whatever we wish however we wish to do so. So, we echo your sentiments. We are enjoying photography much more than before and learning so much.
@@RicardoGomezToro Nothing has a point. Nothing is pointless. Nothingness has a point. Nothing has a point to it. Nothing points to it... alternatively I could say what you just said and mean what you meant, that everything has its place in the universe of things.
You are one of my fave 'youtube' photographers because, like you said in the video, some people like transparency, honest etc. You always have great content & story
This is probably one of the most finest lessons to learn. Perfection doesn't equal "perfection" . The mentality behind creative photography is a much bigger factor than the absolute technical execution to achieve a eventually clinical image. Sean Tucker has brought me to this realisation several times with his videos and it honestly became one if not the most favourite topic of mine regarding photography over the last year. It's very much boiling down to "taking pictures about things rather than of things" again, but also showing that nature has its quirks we need to embrace. It's never truly fixing something, but rather choosing between the best of multiple "mistakes".
The rope is one of the reasons my eyes linger on the shot in general. It causes me to refresh my view of the whole shot. I like it. But, I'm not surprised, as I enjoy your work and your channel. I love watching skills on display. Thanks James.
This philosophy makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing. I’m very anal about removing all distractions, in that last shot the branches in the top right would be gone straight away if it were mine. But, it’s very clear now that those little branches tell the viewer that you’re standing in the edge of the woods. Makes complete sense.
Good point and the great distinction between what adds to the story and what isn't working. Thanks for clarifying that. Those woods look amazing can't wait to see the future videos in there!
Very entertaining, as usual. Thanks a lot. I always enjoy your "rambling". And if you do end up feeling confident as a woodland photographer please share how you got there. Keep up the good work and all the best for getting settled in your new home!
For someone who does not do woodlands, you’re doing quite right. I like you take on “perfection”, which sits just right with me. Great photos, good video, thanks.
Hi James! You are a big reason why I started my RUclips channel. I travel to places, film and photograph them. It’s great! I will be doing more travel stuff on my channel in the next few weeks but I have enjoyed filming the locations. Can’t wait to edit the clips! Thank you for sharing your passion with us
The ad I had to watch before your video was for Pampers. So was quite glad it was of the pristine variety 😀 How YT thought that was a good ad for me is beyond me!
have not even seen the whole video but I must say I love the rope it gave a question why is it there who put it there it make imperfection perfection that's my thinking
Fanstatic contribution . Breathe be still and visualise . You are going to be greater , but those of us who follow you know that already . Good luck with all you are trying to achieve and don’t give up, as you are inspirational .
Totally agree, and I do the same... I really seldom remove things. Sometimes, the "distracting thing" is THE element that makes the photo stand out (like the blue paddleboard in your example)! Love when it happens in fact... perfection is boring most of the time anyway...😅
Love the POV amazing photos you captured. The rope brings so much to the photo I think. As soon as I saw it I could imagine people swinging across the creek or jumping into it.
Thanks, James! I think that kind of"perfection" is another word for Kitsch. It leaves nothing to be discovered, nothing that would keep me coming back.
I like that you didn't automatically reach for your tripod. I only use my tripod if I'm unable to handhold due to shutter speed. It gives me so much more flexibility to find the composition I like without mucking about with the length of legs or the position of the bloody thing. Nice forest shots, by the way.
Cannot get enough of your musings James. Keep them coming! :-) Have no problems with editing when it comes down to color, contrast, cropping etc, but don't like the though that an image has been altered completly by removing and/or adding things to strive for 'prefection'. In analog times things were 'better' in that regard imo. As a matter of fact, in them black&white days I enlarged my b&w pictures showing the edges of the negative (dark edges) so you showed nothing was cropped out, plus you got a nice black border :-)
For me, the photo without the rope would be the picture of a beautiful unique place somewhere, probably untouched and very likely far for a big city. But then, as you mentioned in [06:00], the rope made me think of the beautiful hidden places of MY youth - so, at least for me, it looks much more appealing simply because it feels relatable. Anyway, wish you success in your channel. Cheers from Brazil
"We know now, even more, when we're being lied to" - said during one of the most lied to phases of human history, ie lockdown ie 'trust the science'. Classic. Really love your style of presenting, much like this video explains - you have character! And not one that seems fake for the camera!
Fabulous content as always James. I’m with you on woodland photography and find it so difficult to see through the chaotic nature no matter how many videos I watch for inspiration! I truly believe that you have to become one with the woodland itself so being so close you’ll get the opportunity to get to know it through the seasons and conditions. I really liked that moody area and with the right conditions that will be stunning. Very enjoyable 😃👍
I have often thought about the reasons why I don't remove objects and your reference to 'context' hits the mark. Also I note that in the video you show a short example of cloning out the rope. I know there are smart tools but I use an old version of Elements and rely on the clone stamp for touching. There is an art to using the clone stamp and I think you could usefully do a video about that skill. Thanks for this vlog.
I totally agree. BUT... I would still remove the rope, frame it differently, or simply delete it in post. It distracts me a lot and the photo already contains too much of information. I would even use a shallower depth of field to take the foreground out of focus and highlight the bridge. It's still a beautiful photo. Except for the distracting rope lol
Very interesting and I thought your reasoning about trying to get the image perfect and your test for removal was spot on. I agree with the rope in, is better, it adds something to the story of of the scene. "appreciating the beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" = Wabi-Sabi
Perfection is a lot like beauty, all in the eyes of the beholder. Or as someone more famous once said “There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs” Ansel Adams. Personally I aim for good photos, and occasional great images. Thanks for sharing again James More new UK lockdowns, stay safe.
Totally agree with you about the concept of perfection. That’s one of the reasons I’m not overly fond of the long exposure photos that seem to be so much in vogue these days - nature isn’t perfect, waves and cloud patterns will seldom be perfect so why the need to smooth everything out in the name of ‘fine art photography’? I much prefer seeing some of the randomness that is part of the world around us - or am I just too lazy to seek out the ‘perfect shot’....? Mmmm.... not sure....
I found the fStoppers website a while back and at first, loved it. But after a while, I noticed that the people that run it, love the perfect, overly polished photos that contain colours that don't exist in real life. In regards to taking photos, the "perfect" photo is where the people (or rope, cars, etc.) are placed "perfectly". This is what photography used to be like with Henri Cartier-Bresson. If it's in the scene, a great photo will incorporate everything into the composition.
Best musings on RUclips by miles, Mr P! And that rope, as many others have agreed, should definitely be there, photos 'about' not just 'of' are words of yours I'd have tattooed, if I didn't fear pain... and my lovely wife. Thanks as always for your honest down to earth musings 👍
I really enjoy your musings, always fun and interesting. I actually like the rope in the image, makes the scene come alive and feel like it's used and appreciated by others 🍂🍁🤩
Great theory. I felt the rope added to the story of your photo, like "how can someone rope swing into that creek without immense injury"! Loved the photo and your video 👏🏼
Hello James, I was wondering where does that dry wall go? Got to love a dry wall. Good luck with the furniture shopping and you should try Etsy for that reclaimed stuff.
I've always have taken pictures that are imperfect. It's my way of expression my true shelf threw photos. For me it gives me more depth and feeling. And I have found for every person that doesn't like my photographs there are many others that do. And that's good enough for me. Keep doing your style of photography. I really enjoy them. You have a true sense of personal art that comes across threw Evey photo of yours I have looked at.
Thanks for your video and, as always, your great sense of humour. I couldn’t agree more with your views re ‘perfection’ (now what IS that?!). If perfection is realising your own artistic vision then I’m all for perfection. If on the other hand perfection is about straight lines and nothing being allowed ‘out of place’ etc then, as I think you suggest, perfection is boring, clinical and soulless. Art is about character and story. In my view art is also to do with humility, and this is something I really enjoy about your approach and you channel. Many thanks
0:12 hmmm I need more gate walking through sequences in my videos :)))). Now on to the rest of the video. Totally agree on the point that by removing extra stuff from your image you might accidentally remove the photos character. I do clean up my images and sometimes wrestle with the idea if I am going overboard but I let my gut instinct guide me through ^^
Benches in the middle of the woods are good for bird watching, or just quiet contemplation. Though, given the road noise in the background, in your video's case it's more likely just the former. I agree with keeping or removing odd bits from photos if they add to, or detract from, the photo's story.
As someone who is not a pro, even amateur for that matter, at photo editing in general I really appreciate your take on this. It doesn't help when I'm also a bit of a perfectionist too. Knowing that people appreciate non studio grade images may help me get out and shoot more. Thank you!
Plenty of good enough for your local county / village brochure, just like that, with a little editing. With all those films, and humour, we'd almost forget you're a great photographer.
I think it’s about authenticity. In an age of filters changing people’s faces to an unrecognizable degree and fake news, something real/genuine is refreshing.
Totally agree about leaving the rope in the photograph. I'm BORED of perfection in landscape photography. I can appreciated the skill of the photographer to achieve amazing images and I'd love to be able to create something as good. But when you've seen a lonely tree in a popular spot ... Nice one James.
I find a similar issue arises with editing photos, not just removing elements but the levels, colour and all that. You did a video a while back where you talked about snapping a jpg and raw to use as a comparison so you don't go too far with editing. That was a top tip and one I use now for every shot. Less is more... more or less.
Just for the record, whilst I did mention the rope, I in no way meant to suggest it doesn't belong to the photo. It's another subject in it, it adds to the atmosphere, and I don't dislike it.
The attitudes expressed in this video really resonate with me. That’s why my house is full of brown Victorian furniture and why I collect antiques. But it’s the day before lockdown so I have to drive to whitstable to take some non perfect beach shots today. So no time to be gassing on the internet 😆.
we have an identical obelisk like that here in devon.. and the surrounding woodland looks almost identical too... for a minute i thought you were in my back yard :-)
Great video as usual James and welcome to my part of the Country. If you live close to these woods then we're practically neighbours, I live about a mile away :)
I’m pleased that you kept the rope, I did wonder if you’d get any comments about leaving it in?.....I don’t like perfection in photos, but if that picture on your wall isn’t straight then watch out!....👍😂😎🌈
Hi James. 'Perfection' is very much a Western ideal that has embedded itself in our culture over hundreds of years. It's more prevalent than it's ever been in our internet world and only set to get worse. Happily, there's an antidote from Japanese culture: wabi-sabi; 'nothing is perfect', 'nothing lasts forever', 'everything changes'. It's said that wabi-sabi cannot be defined but that notwithstanding, I believe it can instead be understood in crude terms as 'accepting what is' and co-operating with nature, while recognising that everything has flaws and seeing beauty in those flaws. Big subject and one worth checking out.
Hi James: Congratulations on your successful move to Wales! With respects to your image from last week's video, I found that the rope was not distracting in anyway and actually added to the overall exploration of the photo once the viewer dealt with the primary subject of the photo, in this case the bridge and stream. I agree that removing small distractions from an image that do not materially impact the overall integrity of the image are fair game. to remove. On the other hand, removing major items or even compositing new items into the image such as adding a 'moon'; alter the image to a point where the image is no longer an accurate or truthful representation of when the shutter was click. At that point, in my opinion, the image is no longer a photograph but rather a composite and the individual moved from being a talented 'photographer' to be a talented 'compositor'. Both states can exist but the difference is in the truthfulness of the image. Time to get off my soap-box. Cheers, Keith Pinn (Canada)
It's the imperfections that make a thing perfect. That's my view anyway. Kind of a wabi-sabi thing. Beautiful woodlands there btw, and nice to see the sheep-extras get another walk on part.
Nice and thought provoking today. Surely you could further argue the any post production tinkering is the enemy of natural imperfection and therefore wrong? You new woods look lovely.
A great video there James, just fell upon your channel, i like your humour in your videos, and just like me you do a landscape channel. I think some people forget that a photo should tell a story.
I agree that some things, like the rope, add to the scene. Others, like fire pit rings, rock cairns, and my least favorite, power lines, detract and must go.
Great video, and I love ya work mate and I 100% agree with you, "But", Instagram filters will say you are wrong. More people prefer the instagram filters then people that don't. A massive majority of instagram users prefer the filters....meaning they prefer the fake. Anyway mate, looks like you are doing well so I'm happy, cheers, Marty 👍
I have to admit that i was sceptical about the rope in the last episode but your explanation makes perfect sense. Btw James is there any reason why you keep moving all over the country?
@@JamesPopsysPhoto neither can I. looks like youre close to my work place in this video. I work at VW down the road from the obelisk. may see you around :D
Taking the rope out of the example shot would be silly, IMO. Part of the charm of that shot would be imagining a youngster climbing up on the rope and splashing into the water. Meanwhile, if there was a plastic bag on the ground, there's every good reason to erase it. Good video, and I am again glad to see someone who doesn't feel they have to tote a tripod around and take 20 minutes to set up a shot. :)
I leave branches sticking into my frame, all kinds of things. Don't care what any other photographer thinks about it. Nature is not pristine, not orderly, it is generally chaos. If something is particularly egregious I might clone it out, but the beauty of nature for me IS the chaos, and how all of it goes together to end up beautiful.
The only thing I’ve tried to remove besides dust spots was my dogs lead, it was just a quick shot whilst we were out walking but it turned into one I wanted printing. That rope could be found on any river like this around the world, it shows how people use the river as you say, rather than it being completely fenced off and nobody allowed near it, it just doesn’t happen. Well, unless on NT property with the Gamekeepers patrolling 🤣
My first thought from the last video was that the rope was a distraction but then realized that it actually was part of the story, an integral part. I saw kids swinging on the rope; kid climbing up the tree to tie it off, and then using the rope. It's all good.
Excellent stuff! I have a highly technical question. What kind of trousers are you wearing? I am Canadian and almost phrased it as “what kind of pants”...that would not get me the response I am hoping for.
Don't know if you are a gamer, but when you was walking through the forest, and you was using a POV as you walked. It looked like a live action lost woods or forest temple from legend of zelda ocarina of time.
If all is perfect it will be boring. I like imperfections as I am flawed in making perfect things so maybe I like it when others are also less than perfect. It does make pictures honest and trustworthy. James I like the way you explain your pictures and life. Also I like the Britain country site like Wales, Lake District, Scotland and more. Nice flowing hills, woodland, sheep and weather ;-) Thank you!
The first 1000 people to use the link will get a free trial of Skillshare Premium Membership: skl.sh/jamespopsys10201
Desktop is STILL a mess...
turn off you desktop! or drag everything into one desktop folder, you'll feel better for it
Your take on embracing imperfections - like the rope - and the "reclaimed wood" furniture movement, all puts me in mind of the Japanese aesthetic philosophy wabi-sabi: savvytokyo.com/wabi-sabi-the-japanese-philosophy-of-embracing-imperfectionism/
@@kalisti2323 I did that and ended up with three "Desktop Away" Folders... ;o)
A person way smarter than me said that "Perfect" is the enemy of "done".
Sure, removing unwanted elements will also result in something that is nice and aesthetically pleasing and all. But where does it stop? For many it doesn`t stop. Which is exactly where the problem is.
I agree, I recently joined a new landscape group on FB and scrolling through the photos it was obvious that the majority were Light roomed to death. They were so digital art that I have not posted any of mine because they are more, as i say straight from the tin. I think as photographers we can see through these images instantly but unfortunately the buying public can't won't don't. I once pulled a guy up about the extent of his editing saying I preferred reality. He reply good luck with trying to sell that!
@@captinktm I think I know exactly what you mean....Photography groups on FB seem to have devolved into basically a playground for people who love to push ALL of the sliders. Many (but certainly not all) of them should really be called "Post production show-and-tell". They are your go-to address if you want to see Lightroom technique pushed to its limits or want to learn about the latest and greatest plugins and libraries for PS and LR.
There are people who apparently prefer to create their images with oodles of post production instead of getting it right in camera and just applying the final polish in their app of choice. (of course this depends heavily on the subject matter, but you get the point)
Other than that, many people obsess over tools and gadgets and lose sight of what photography can really be about. Many have yet to understand that tons of new and fancy gadgets do not always yield the results they hope for. Which the results in more gadgets being bought and before you know it you are miles deep into an expensive rabbit hole. Sure, I love me some nice gadgets but I have grown a bit tired of that lately. But that is probably a discussion for another day I`ve been waffling on for too long already.
Cheers!
I'm... struggling with this. I've got some video footage I took on my 2nd day at work. Very badly taken. It's been 2 months now in the editing room, and I don't know how I'm gonna explain I messed up the colours and white balance in camera to my boss.
@@professionalpotato4764 I am not sure what your on about, but you messed up in camera, go back and do it again, if you can't then I guess your in the wrong job. Your boss probably will agree.
@@captinktm thanks for the encouragement. Guess i'll just quit my job and kill myself now.
Really appreciate this approach. As for why we crave imperfection when we have the option of perfection, I keep finding myself going back to this Brian Eno quote, which I feel can kind of be applied to an awful lot of things about how we express ourselves:
“Whatever you now find weird, ugly, uncomfortable and nasty about a new medium will surely become its signature. CD distortion, the jitteriness of digital video, the crap sound of 8-bit - all of these will be cherished and emulated as soon as they can be avoided. It’s the sound of failure: so much modern art is the sound of things going out of control, of a medium pushing to its limits and breaking apart. The distorted guitar sound is the sound of something too loud for the medium supposed to carry it. The blues singer with the cracked voice is the sound of an emotional cry too powerful for the throat that releases it. The excitement of grainy film, of bleached-out black and white, is the excitement of witnessing events too momentous for the medium assigned to record them.”
That is one tremendously insightful quote.
Totally feel this, dude! I often find myself hesitating to even take a photo if it isn’t PERFECT. Which is no fun and leads to less photography and less learning. Working more on trying to spend less time concerned about the perfection aspect and more on enjoying the experience and capturing the moment/story 😌🤙🏽
i see u everywhere
My wife and I have determined that we should shoot whatever we want to shoot, however we want to shoot it. If, after capturing that instinctive shot we want to refine the composition we do so. We found that not letting oneself shoot what your instincts are telling you to is a form of creative or even psychological suppression. We're much happier with our photography now that we just shoot whatever we wish however we wish to do so. So, we echo your sentiments. We are enjoying photography much more than before and learning so much.
@@RicardoGomezToro Nothing has a point. Nothing is pointless. Nothingness has a point. Nothing has a point to it. Nothing points to it... alternatively I could say what you just said and mean what you meant, that everything has its place in the universe of things.
@@antonycooper7023 your response gave me flashbacks of PHI101
I think you're absolutely right, 100%. Thanks for sharing
Thank you :)
You are one of my fave 'youtube' photographers because, like you said in the video, some people like transparency, honest etc. You always have great content & story
This is probably one of the most finest lessons to learn. Perfection doesn't equal "perfection" .
The mentality behind creative photography is a much bigger factor than the absolute technical execution to achieve a eventually clinical image. Sean Tucker has brought me to this realisation several times with his videos and it honestly became one if not the most favourite topic of mine regarding photography over the last year.
It's very much boiling down to "taking pictures about things rather than of things" again, but also showing that nature has its quirks we need to embrace. It's never truly fixing something, but rather choosing between the best of multiple "mistakes".
Nicely put! Thanks for watching :)
Your awareness and consideration of the topic is pretty respectable, makes a lot of sense!
The rope is one of the reasons my eyes linger on the shot in general. It causes me to refresh my view of the whole shot. I like it. But, I'm not surprised, as I enjoy your work and your channel. I love watching skills on display. Thanks James.
This philosophy makes so much sense. Thank you for sharing. I’m very anal about removing all distractions, in that last shot the branches in the top right would be gone straight away if it were mine. But, it’s very clear now that those little branches tell the viewer that you’re standing in the edge of the woods. Makes complete sense.
Good point and the great distinction between what adds to the story and what isn't working. Thanks for clarifying that. Those woods look amazing can't wait to see the future videos in there!
I've been a part of this "imperfect" photo shoot. Hours spent on debating if "those crumbs look scattered randomly enough".
Never again.
Very entertaining, as usual. Thanks a lot. I always enjoy your "rambling". And if you do end up feeling confident as a woodland photographer please share how you got there. Keep up the good work and all the best for getting settled in your new home!
For someone who does not do woodlands, you’re doing quite right. I like you take on “perfection”, which sits just right with me. Great photos, good video, thanks.
Hi James! You are a big reason why I started my RUclips channel. I travel to places, film and photograph them. It’s great! I will be doing more travel stuff on my channel in the next few weeks but I have enjoyed filming the locations. Can’t wait to edit the clips! Thank you for sharing your passion with us
Awesome! Thanks for watching :)
The ad I had to watch before your video was for Pampers. So was quite glad it was of the pristine variety 😀 How YT thought that was a good ad for me is beyond me!
have not even seen the whole video but I must say I love the rope it gave a question why is it there who put it there it make imperfection perfection that's my thinking
Beauty is always in originality! Brilliant topic- hope you guys are keeping well and safe in lockdown
Fanstatic contribution . Breathe be still and visualise . You are going to be greater , but those of us who follow you know that already . Good luck with all you are trying to achieve and don’t give up, as you are inspirational .
Genuinely your best video yet. Magic to hear.
Totally agree, and I do the same... I really seldom remove things. Sometimes, the "distracting thing" is THE element that makes the photo stand out (like the blue paddleboard in your example)! Love when it happens in fact... perfection is boring most of the time anyway...😅
You're my favorite photography youtuber to watch, with the calming locations and voice.
100% agree with you
Cheers Liam :)
I grew up swinging on ropes into streams like this. So including the rope had more meaning for me than not seeing it.
"Musings" is the perfect description for your videos. My desktop is a mess as well. Rock on!
Love the POV amazing photos you captured. The rope brings so much to the photo I think. As soon as I saw it I could imagine people swinging across the creek or jumping into it.
Yessss.... Nature is already beautiful. Imperfection is beautiful. Preach.
That was the best and most helpful discussion I've ever heard about "distractions"!
Great video, your reasoning for and against perfection, and your method for deciding to leave or remove is dare I say it, perfect!
Cheers Pete :)
One of my favorites from you James. Good lesson, great pics and excited to see more of Wales.
I appreciate that perspective. Thank you.
Thanks, James! I think that kind of"perfection" is another word for Kitsch. It leaves nothing to be discovered, nothing that would keep me coming back.
Spot on James! I always embrace the "imperfection", the wabi-sabi of the subject as the anchor of the story. Keep up the good work.
I like that you didn't automatically reach for your tripod. I only use my tripod if I'm unable to handhold due to shutter speed. It gives me so much more flexibility to find the composition I like without mucking about with the length of legs or the position of the bloody thing. Nice forest shots, by the way.
Cannot get enough of your musings James. Keep them coming! :-)
Have no problems with editing when it comes down to color, contrast, cropping etc, but don't like the though that an image has been altered completly by removing and/or adding things to strive for 'prefection'. In analog times things were 'better' in that regard imo. As a matter of fact, in them black&white days I enlarged my b&w pictures showing the edges of the negative (dark edges) so you showed nothing was cropped out, plus you got a nice black border :-)
Thanks mate :)
For me, the photo without the rope would be the picture of a beautiful unique place somewhere, probably untouched and very likely far for a big city. But then, as you mentioned in [06:00], the rope made me think of the beautiful hidden places of MY youth - so, at least for me, it looks much more appealing simply because it feels relatable. Anyway, wish you success in your channel. Cheers from Brazil
"We know now, even more, when we're being lied to" - said during one of the most lied to phases of human history, ie lockdown ie 'trust the science'. Classic. Really love your style of presenting, much like this video explains - you have character! And not one that seems fake for the camera!
Alignment of that picture bothers me more than the rope ;)
It's a wicked shot. Really appreciate all your videos, learning so much from you.
Fabulous content as always James. I’m with you on woodland photography and find it so difficult to see through the chaotic nature no matter how many videos I watch for inspiration! I truly believe that you have to become one with the woodland itself so being so close you’ll get the opportunity to get to know it through the seasons and conditions. I really liked that moody area and with the right conditions that will be stunning. Very enjoyable 😃👍
Cheers Gary! :)
I have often thought about the reasons why I don't remove objects and your reference to 'context' hits the mark. Also I note that in the video you show a short example of cloning out the rope. I know there are smart tools but I use an old version of Elements and rely on the clone stamp for touching. There is an art to using the clone stamp and I think you could usefully do a video about that skill. Thanks for this vlog.
An imperfect talk on the importance of imperfection that came across perfectly and entertainingly! Thank you Sir!
I totally agree. BUT...
I would still remove the rope, frame it differently, or simply delete it in post. It distracts me a lot and the photo already contains too much of information.
I would even use a shallower depth of field to take the foreground out of focus and highlight the bridge.
It's still a beautiful photo. Except for the distracting rope lol
Very interesting and I thought your reasoning about trying to get the image perfect and your test for removal was spot on.
I agree with the rope in, is better, it adds something to the story of of the scene.
"appreciating the beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete" = Wabi-Sabi
What a refreshing view, I’m sure a lot of people will agree with this and thanks for your insight.
Perfection is a lot like beauty, all in the eyes of the beholder. Or as someone more famous once said
“There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs” Ansel Adams.
Personally I aim for good photos, and occasional great images.
Thanks for sharing again James
More new UK lockdowns, stay safe.
I agree
If a photo has been taken someone has liked that scene
Thanks for the video James. Cool. When will we see you taking some portraits? That would be nice.
Looks amazing woodland location you have on your doorstep James, I’ll be looking forward to next weeks video.
Thanks 😊
Totally agree with you about the concept of perfection. That’s one of the reasons I’m not overly fond of the long exposure photos that seem to be so much in vogue these days - nature isn’t perfect, waves and cloud patterns will seldom be perfect so why the need to smooth everything out in the name of ‘fine art photography’?
I much prefer seeing some of the randomness that is part of the world around us - or am I just too lazy to seek out the ‘perfect shot’....? Mmmm.... not sure....
I found the fStoppers website a while back and at first, loved it. But after a while, I noticed that the people that run it, love the perfect, overly polished photos that contain colours that don't exist in real life. In regards to taking photos, the "perfect" photo is where the people (or rope, cars, etc.) are placed "perfectly". This is what photography used to be like with Henri Cartier-Bresson. If it's in the scene, a great photo will incorporate everything into the composition.
Best musings on RUclips by miles, Mr P! And that rope, as many others have agreed, should definitely be there, photos 'about' not just 'of' are words of yours I'd have tattooed, if I didn't fear pain... and my lovely wife. Thanks as always for your honest down to earth musings 👍
Once again sir you hit the nail on the head!
Entertaining, informative and even a few inside jokes...
cheers!
See you next week!
I just take photos just for the sake of taking photos. It's so fun! Don't need to be perfect :)
I really enjoy your musings, always fun and interesting. I actually like the rope in the image, makes the scene come alive and feel like it's used and appreciated by others 🍂🍁🤩
Great theory. I felt the rope added to the story of your photo, like "how can someone rope swing into that creek without immense injury"! Loved the photo and your video 👏🏼
Hello James, I was wondering where does that dry wall go? Got to love a dry wall.
Good luck with the furniture shopping and you should try Etsy for that reclaimed stuff.
I've always have taken pictures that are imperfect. It's my way of expression my true shelf threw photos. For me it gives me more depth and feeling. And I have found for every person that doesn't like my photographs there are many others that do. And that's good enough for me. Keep doing your style of photography. I really enjoy them. You have a true sense of personal art that comes across threw Evey photo of yours I have looked at.
Thanks for your video and, as always, your great sense of humour. I couldn’t agree more with your views re ‘perfection’ (now what IS that?!). If perfection is realising your own artistic vision then I’m all for perfection. If on the other hand perfection is about straight lines and nothing being allowed ‘out of place’ etc then, as I think you suggest, perfection is boring, clinical and soulless. Art is about character and story. In my view art is also to do with humility, and this is something I really enjoy about your approach and you channel. Many thanks
Such a great attitude and sentiment. Like you have said before, it's about the story, and in all stories things aren't perfect - that's a fairytale.
Cheers John :)
0:12 hmmm I need more gate walking through sequences in my videos :)))). Now on to the rest of the video. Totally agree on the point that by removing extra stuff from your image you might accidentally remove the photos character. I do clean up my images and sometimes wrestle with the idea if I am going overboard but I let my gut instinct guide me through ^^
Benches in the middle of the woods are good for bird watching, or just quiet contemplation. Though, given the road noise in the background, in your video's case it's more likely just the former. I agree with keeping or removing odd bits from photos if they add to, or detract from, the photo's story.
As someone who is not a pro, even amateur for that matter, at photo editing in general I really appreciate your take on this. It doesn't help when I'm also a bit of a perfectionist too. Knowing that people appreciate non studio grade images may help me get out and shoot more. Thank you!
Plenty of good enough for your local county / village brochure, just like that, with a little editing. With all those films, and humour, we'd almost forget you're a great photographer.
Thanks James .glad you got your internet installed, always something to learn from you great videos. hope all is going well at your new place.
Cheers Ron :)
I think it’s about authenticity. In an age of filters changing people’s faces to an unrecognizable degree and fake news, something real/genuine is refreshing.
Thanks for this James. I enjoy your personality and content. Also I agree with you on the points made this time.
really love this video!! i agree with what your saying about personality and character.... props
Cheers Tyler :)
Honesty in photography, who knew? Some nice images as well. Thanks.
Such a wise man. Cheers James!
I think thet the rope adds nostalgia and the feeling of being a kid again playing in the stream!
Totally agree about leaving the rope in the photograph. I'm BORED of perfection in landscape photography. I can appreciated the skill of the photographer to achieve amazing images and I'd love to be able to create something as good. But when you've seen a lonely tree in a popular spot ... Nice one James.
I find a similar issue arises with editing photos, not just removing elements but the levels, colour and all that. You did a video a while back where you talked about snapping a jpg and raw to use as a comparison so you don't go too far with editing. That was a top tip and one I use now for every shot.
Less is more... more or less.
Just for the record, whilst I did mention the rope, I in no way meant to suggest it doesn't belong to the photo. It's another subject in it, it adds to the atmosphere, and I don't dislike it.
The attitudes expressed in this video really resonate with me. That’s why my house is full of brown Victorian furniture and why I collect antiques. But it’s the day before lockdown so I have to drive to whitstable to take some non perfect beach shots today. So no time to be gassing on the internet 😆.
we have an identical obelisk like that here in devon.. and the surrounding woodland looks almost identical too... for a minute i thought you were in my back yard :-)
that Devon photo is magic mate!
Great video as usual James and welcome to my part of the Country. If you live close to these woods then we're practically neighbours, I live about a mile away :)
I’m pleased that you kept the rope, I did wonder if you’d get any comments about leaving it in?.....I don’t like perfection in photos, but if that picture on your wall isn’t straight then watch out!....👍😂😎🌈
Less perfection, more story. Excellent advice.
Cheers Jeff :)
Hi James. 'Perfection' is very much a Western ideal that has embedded itself in our culture over hundreds of years. It's more prevalent than it's ever been in our internet world and only set to get worse.
Happily, there's an antidote from Japanese culture: wabi-sabi; 'nothing is perfect', 'nothing lasts forever', 'everything changes'. It's said that wabi-sabi cannot be defined but that notwithstanding, I believe it can instead be understood in crude terms as 'accepting what is' and co-operating with nature, while recognising that everything has flaws and seeing beauty in those flaws. Big subject and one worth checking out.
Hi James: Congratulations on your successful move to Wales!
With respects to your image from last week's video, I found that the rope was not distracting in anyway and actually added to the overall exploration of the photo once the viewer dealt with the primary subject of the photo, in this case the bridge and stream. I agree that removing small distractions from an image that do not materially impact the overall integrity of the image are fair game. to remove. On the other hand, removing major items or even compositing new items into the image such as adding a 'moon'; alter the image to a point where the image is no longer an accurate or truthful representation of when the shutter was click. At that point, in my opinion, the image is no longer a photograph but rather a composite and the individual moved from being a talented 'photographer' to be a talented 'compositor'. Both states can exist but the difference is in the truthfulness of the image. Time to get off my soap-box. Cheers, Keith Pinn (Canada)
It's the imperfections that make a thing perfect. That's my view anyway. Kind of a wabi-sabi thing. Beautiful woodlands there btw, and nice to see the sheep-extras get another walk on part.
Nice and thought provoking today. Surely you could further argue the any post production tinkering is the enemy of natural imperfection and therefore wrong? You new woods look lovely.
I suppose so! I guess everyone has different tolerances :)
A clear description of why so many people use vintage lenses on modern cameras!
I agree. It seems like I get more positive comments with my "imperfect" photos than I do with "perfect" photos.
A great video there James, just fell upon your channel, i like your humour in your videos, and just like me you do a landscape channel. I think some people forget that a photo should tell a story.
I agree that some things, like the rope, add to the scene. Others, like fire pit rings, rock cairns, and my least favorite, power lines, detract and must go.
Great video, and I love ya work mate and I 100% agree with you, "But", Instagram filters will say you are wrong. More people prefer the instagram filters then people that don't. A massive majority of instagram users prefer the filters....meaning they prefer the fake. Anyway mate, looks like you are doing well so I'm happy, cheers, Marty 👍
I have to admit that i was sceptical about the rope in the last episode but your explanation makes perfect sense. Btw James is there any reason why you keep moving all over the country?
Love the good work! Welcome back to wales!
Cheers mate! Can't wait to get back out after lockdown :)
@@JamesPopsysPhoto neither can I. looks like youre close to my work place in this video. I work at VW down the road from the obelisk. may see you around :D
Taking the rope out of the example shot would be silly, IMO. Part of the charm of that shot would be imagining a youngster climbing up on the rope and splashing into the water. Meanwhile, if there was a plastic bag on the ground, there's every good reason to erase it. Good video, and I am again glad to see someone who doesn't feel they have to tote a tripod around and take 20 minutes to set up a shot. :)
I leave branches sticking into my frame, all kinds of things. Don't care what any other photographer thinks about it. Nature is not pristine, not orderly, it is generally chaos. If something is particularly egregious I might clone it out, but the beauty of nature for me IS the chaos, and how all of it goes together to end up beautiful.
The only reason I would prefer it not in the shot is, it looks like a noose that someone has hung themselves with. But a fantastic shot!
I really liked that photo of the 3 trees lined up
The only thing I’ve tried to remove besides dust spots was my dogs lead, it was just a quick shot whilst we were out walking but it turned into one I wanted printing. That rope could be found on any river like this around the world, it shows how people use the river as you say, rather than it being completely fenced off and nobody allowed near it, it just doesn’t happen. Well, unless on NT property with the Gamekeepers patrolling 🤣
My first thought from the last video was that the rope was a distraction but then realized that it actually was part of the story, an integral part. I saw kids swinging on the rope; kid climbing up the tree to tie it off, and then using the rope. It's all good.
Excellent stuff! I have a highly technical question. What kind of trousers are you wearing? I am Canadian and almost phrased it as “what kind of pants”...that would not get me the response I am hoping for.
Don't know if you are a gamer, but when you was walking through the forest, and you was using a POV as you walked. It looked like a live action lost woods or forest temple from legend of zelda ocarina of time.
If all is perfect it will be boring. I like imperfections as I am flawed in making perfect things so maybe I like it when others are also less than perfect. It does make pictures honest and trustworthy. James I like the way you explain your pictures and life. Also I like the Britain country site like Wales, Lake District, Scotland and more. Nice flowing hills, woodland, sheep and weather ;-) Thank you!
Cheers Robert :)
The rope tells a story like people having fun swinging on it on a hot summer day.new sub I am glad I found your channel.
20 seconds in and you already have me laughing! :D
I have trouble with making woodland images because while it looks wonderful in person when I get home it just seems like a load of trees.