Wonderful to see you have a book out of this work. I’ve spent many hours listening repeatedly to your videos and especially the ones where you discuss the work and prints you made. It’s priceless and has helped me grow, so a big thank you. ..I only wish I lived in Cali so I could attend a workshop. Regards from London.
Hi John, I’m writing from Sicily and I follow all your precious videos. I’ll buy your book, so I can understand and appreciate your sighting. Study… study… study… Thanks
Hello Luca, Thank you. Yes, study. Study Robert Frank, W. Eugene Smith and Henri Cartier-Bresson. These three will help anyone. Read what they did and said. Please stay in touch with me. I want to know more about you
I admire you for being old school when it comes to photography. By that I mean you use film instead of going digital. How do you walk into a railroad yard, which is very dangerous, without the railroad police chasing you out? By the way I saw the book on Ted Forbes channel so I immediately went to your link and ordered my copy. When you did the program on that ten year project I was very moved by your love and compassion for these good people. Thank you for your great historical photography!
Hi James. Thank you for the good words. I used less than 100 rolls for the tramp project. I was poor. I souped all my film and made prints at night in the bathroom with the enlarger on the toilet. I am still in my darkroom almost every day.
@@JohnFreePhtography I miss your videos John, they are an oasis of sanity in this silly world. I can't thank you enough for signing and sending your book out to me in the UK, it has pride of place on the bookshelf next to my armchair. Take care Dafydd Whyles
@@dafyddwhyles8169 I say old chap that was very kind of you. My wife Wendy and I went to a small book fair last weekend and sold some books. I also was able to meet and talk with many photogs. I still remember some of their reactions when I told them they only had to flip a switch or two in their brain, thinking and skill with the camera. You become an actor and act like a great photog would act. You must also be a good giver. Take the old guy next door out to lunch in the park and lend him a camera. Take some kid to the zoo with cameras for both of you. Change someones life in an afternoon and feel good about yourself. Love and devotion always.
A nice thought; I hope for a lot of snow ... Yes, pictures can create connections and many will feel the same when looking at your work. Honest pictures full of respect are rare today.
The book looks beautiful! Maybe you can talk a bit about the technical bit of when you take pictures? How you set up your camera for instance.. Dont get me wrong I absolutely love the stories you share and philosophy behind talking pictures. And Im not much for geartalk usually. Thanks John! Cheers from Sweden.
Question: I would like to know what “mistakes” you made as a street photographer over the years but which you learned the most from. Not technical so much but more approach and philosophy to making shots.
Hi John. I ordered a book all the way over to England, I can’t wait. Your work is fantastic and truly inspiring. As a young aspiring photographer I would like to know what you recommend to somebody looking to turn photography from a hobbie into a working job that provides financially. Or is this a foolish idea in this day and age?
Congratulations on the new book John, I am very excited to order. 🍻 Please do a video on wide angle street photography!! Mr. Free, I know gear isn't important but I would absolutely be tickled pink if you did a video about 28mm or 35mm from your perspective.
Got my book, Mr. Free, thank you! My "hard" question for your consideration: how did you juggle your work in The Yards with your job as a body man and family commitments?
@@JohnFreePhtography Thank you for your reply. I really, really appreciate it. I am so sorry for your loss... Mister John was inspiration for so many of us .. He was such a kind, beloved man ..
Hey, John....I would love to hear about what photography has meant to you over the years, what it means today and how you keep the fire in your belly 😉
Wonderful question. I will be very, very happy to tell my tale in our long video which we are working on. The video will be a long one and I will discuss many things about my life as a happy photographer.
Hi John, congrats on the book! My questions: • Approaches and thoughts about sequencing images? Any differences in approach if the images are in a book, in a slideshow, in an exhibition format? • Reflecting back on the years…1) what is the point of photography today? 2) what is the point of *your* photography? • What’s are some often overlooked skills that you believe more photographers should hone? • The history of photography, particularly in the US, has largely been dominated by white men. How do you feel about this? Love to hear your thoughts! Will you be posting the video here on RUclips?
I have heard your philosophy on photography being hard it’s our job as photographers to take difficult pictures. No easy shots. I therefore would also like to ask what you believe was the most difficult photo you have taken. Not necessarily your favourite image, but the photo you had to work the hardest the get and the story behind it.
Maybe its still a good deal. We priced the book as low as we could. My photos were reproduced exactly like my prints. Photo books are difficult to produce in order to get my photos exactly as I made them.
Postage is not high. I've paid higher for smaller packages from UK to Ireland. Ordered book had it in 5 days Super Fast. My birthday cards to UK takes longer. Super book John Free.
I have technical interest in your film type (HP5?), ISO used, and developer with times. Do you push your film for effect or necessity of low light? Shooting roll film makes it much more difficult to come up with compromises of exposure due to the one development time for all frames. These aspects have always concerned me when approaching street photography.
Hi John, I have a question: Once in a video you briefly mentioned that having three subjects or three points of interest in a photograph is more pleasing to the eye. Can you elaborate on that? Thank you.
Regarding the video I’d love to just get to know your visualization better. Just more of what you see as you see it. Narrate the scene. I find your view fascinating so anything regarding how and why you arrive at the shot.
Postage is not high. I've paid higher for smaller packages from UK to Ireland. Ordered book had it in 5 days Super Fast. My birthday cards to UK takes longer.
All about the coverage. The Nikon F3 is a gem of all eras of photography. Built great but not as tanky as the F2 or F4 which was extreme. Canon doesn't get into the 100 percent viewfinder until the large 1d era film cameras which were bigger or similar size as the Nikon F5 from 1996. By then you're talking about high quality film cameras built for all conditions and are not light weight or great for every day casual use. The one camera I miss I owned was the Nikon F3. I sold off all my other Nikons and Canons. I even had the Nikon Fm3a which was a late release from Nikon during the digital boom but it didn't have 100 percent viewfinder either.
Rest in Peace, John! You are a true inspiration. Can't forget our workshop in DTLA in December 2016.
Rest In Peace Maestro, you where an amazing teacher
Got your book last month. Love it!! I admire your work so freakin much! Thank you, sir and may you rest in peace! :(
You're a class act Mr. John Free
I would love to see some more videos on your process
Wonderful to see you have a book out of this work. I’ve spent many hours listening repeatedly to your videos and especially the ones where you discuss the work and prints you made. It’s priceless and has helped me grow, so a big thank you. ..I only wish I lived in Cali so I could attend a workshop. Regards from London.
Hi John, I’m writing from Sicily and I follow all your precious videos.
I’ll buy your book, so I can understand and appreciate your sighting.
Study… study… study…
Thanks
Hello Luca, Thank you. Yes, study. Study Robert Frank, W. Eugene Smith and Henri Cartier-Bresson. These three will help anyone. Read what they did and said. Please stay in touch with me. I want to know more about you
I have been looking forward to this book more than any other book for a long time... congratulations...
Thank you. Your comment makes my day.
Any updates in 2023?
the most inspiring photographer i've seen the most passionate photographer i've seen
Thank you. My camera leads me to special places in my heart and I enjoy sharing my passion.
I admire you for being old school when it comes to photography. By that I mean you use film instead of going digital. How do you walk into a railroad yard, which is very dangerous, without the railroad police chasing you out? By the way I saw the book on Ted Forbes channel so I immediately went to your link and ordered my copy. When you did the program on that ten year project I was very moved by your love and compassion for these good people. Thank you for your great historical photography!
Hi James. Thank you for the good words. I used less than 100 rolls for the tramp project. I was poor. I souped all my film and made prints at night in the bathroom with the enlarger on the toilet. I am still in my darkroom almost every day.
@@JohnFreePhtography I miss your videos John, they are an oasis of sanity in this silly world. I can't thank you enough for signing and sending your book out to me in the UK, it has pride of place on the bookshelf next to my armchair. Take care Dafydd Whyles
@@dafyddwhyles8169 I say old chap that was very kind of you. My wife Wendy and I went to a small book fair last weekend and sold some books. I also was able to meet and talk with many photogs. I still remember some of their reactions when I told them they only had to flip a switch or two in their brain, thinking and skill with the camera. You become an actor and act like a great photog would act. You must also be a good giver. Take the old guy next door out to lunch in the park and lend him a camera. Take some kid to the zoo with cameras for both of you. Change someones life in an afternoon and feel good about yourself. Love and devotion always.
Congratulations Mr free!
i found your videos a month ago, I'm such a big fan and congratulations for this book.✨ Thanks for all your work
Thank you. We are friends of the lens.
RIP, John the humanist.
Just received mine. Thank you so much, it’s wonderful.
Hope you can find European dealer for the book.
Congrats Flaco
Excellent video I'm a photographer in Florida I just learned some great great information thank you
I'm so happy the book is ready. Ordered one. For my christmas this year in germany, where you started your photography 52 years ago like you said.
Hi Fritz. We can celebrate Christmas together. Yes, a migic Christmas for me in 1969 in Germany.
A nice thought; I hope for a lot of snow ... Yes, pictures can create connections and many will feel the same when looking at your work. Honest pictures full of respect are rare today.
congrats mr free
I wish you would write a technical book with all your insights
R.I.P
Mine is on order!
The book looks beautiful! Maybe you can talk a bit about the technical bit of when you take pictures? How you set up your camera for instance.. Dont get me wrong I absolutely love the stories you share and philosophy behind talking pictures. And Im not much for geartalk usually. Thanks John! Cheers from Sweden.
Good to see!
Thank you!
Question: I would like to know what “mistakes” you made as a street photographer over the years but which you learned the most from. Not technical so much but more approach and philosophy to making shots.
Hi John. I ordered a book all the way over to England, I can’t wait. Your work is fantastic and truly inspiring. As a young aspiring photographer I would like to know what you recommend to somebody looking to turn photography from a hobbie into a working job that provides financially. Or is this a foolish idea in this day and age?
Congratulations on the new book John, I am very excited to order. 🍻
Please do a video on wide angle street photography!! Mr. Free, I know gear isn't important but I would absolutely be tickled pink if you did a video about 28mm or 35mm from your perspective.
I think "Gear" is very important. I will be happy to do so.
@@JohnFreePhtography So happy to hear. Have a good week Mr. Free!
Got my book, Mr. Free, thank you! My "hard" question for your consideration: how did you juggle your work in The Yards with your job as a body man and family commitments?
*Rest in peace mister John... I just found out that you are no longer with us ... I am very sorry to hear this ... ...*
Thank you on behalf of John’s family
@@JohnFreePhtography Thank you for your reply. I really, really appreciate it. I am so sorry for your loss... Mister John was inspiration for so many of us .. He was such a kind, beloved man ..
Are you planning to do some sort of Q&A video?
Would be very interesting to see you answering Questions from your viewers...
Take care!
Hey, John....I would love to hear about what photography has meant to you over the years, what it means today and how you keep the fire in your belly 😉
Yes, please do an episode on that theme, John!
Wonderful question. I will be very, very happy to tell my tale in our long video which we are working on. The video will be a long one and I will discuss many things about my life as a happy photographer.
Congrats to your book. :)
unfortunately shipping costs to Germany are more expensive than the book itself. :(
Hi John, congrats on the book!
My questions:
• Approaches and thoughts about sequencing images? Any differences in approach if the images are in a book, in a slideshow, in an exhibition format?
• Reflecting back on the years…1) what is the point of photography today? 2) what is the point of *your* photography?
• What’s are some often overlooked skills that you believe more photographers should hone?
• The history of photography, particularly in the US, has largely been dominated by white men. How do you feel about this?
Love to hear your thoughts! Will you be posting the video here on RUclips?
I will be happy to answer those very good questions in our next very long video that Deeno and I are preparing now.
@@JohnFreePhtography I also would love to see the next video approaching these questions
@@JohnFreePhtography Hey John hope you’re enjoying the holidays. Any chance the video can get uploaded here on RUclips if it’s done?
I got to get mine. I would love to attend your workshops. I love your wisdom. Any way to get an autographed copy?
All of the books are personally signed by me
@@JohnFreePhtography that’s awesome. I can’t wait to look through it. You’re a fantastic inspiration
I have heard your philosophy on photography being hard it’s our job as photographers to take difficult pictures. No easy shots. I therefore would also like to ask what you believe was the most difficult photo you have taken. Not necessarily your favourite image, but the photo you had to work the hardest the get and the story behind it.
ordered a copy too. John, can you share what is the process in deciding which pictures are in and which are out of the book…
I have a great family to help me.
Great! I would love to buy a copy, but shipping to Australia costs even more than the book does
Plus I don't think they're shipping to Oz at the moment. Damn 😞
Maybe its still a good deal. We priced the book as low as we could. My photos were reproduced exactly like my prints. Photo books are difficult to produce in order to get my photos exactly as I made them.
Postage is not high. I've paid higher for smaller packages from UK to Ireland. Ordered book had it in 5 days Super Fast. My birthday cards to UK takes longer. Super book John Free.
I have technical interest in your film type (HP5?), ISO used, and developer with times. Do you push your film for effect or necessity of low light? Shooting roll film makes it much more difficult to come up with compromises of exposure due to the one development time for all frames. These aspects have always concerned me when approaching street photography.
I would love some tips for asking strangers on the street for photos!!
He covers a lot of this in his older videos on this channel. I highly recommend watching them.
@@BeingWolfy I've watched every single one of them!! I just want to know if he's developed any new ways!!😁
I never ask. Just be friendly and smile. Why would you be making photos of a strangers face?
Hi John, I have a question: Once in a video you briefly mentioned that having three subjects or three points of interest in a photograph is more pleasing to the eye. Can you elaborate on that? Thank you.
👍
Congrats John for the book. I would like to order it but I don’t see an option to ship to Europe. Is there an option for that? Cheers.
Yes.
Regarding the video I’d love to just get to know your visualization better. Just more of what you see as you see it. Narrate the scene. I find your view fascinating so anything regarding how and why you arrive at the shot.
I would love this book but it cost more then then the book to ship it too the uk .Over £100 ‘s altogether
Postage is not high. I've paid higher for smaller packages from UK to Ireland. Ordered book had it in 5 days Super Fast. My birthday cards to UK takes longer.
£65 postage forA £45 book is a-bit high .Hopefully John and his team can find a-distributor in the uk .
Lee Jefferies book Portraits from UK to IRL is very similar as John's from USA to IRL. So it's very affordable. IMHO.
Do you ship to uk? Thanks
Yes. I ship internationally.
upload again, it's been a year !
who here from johnfree
The only thing i like less about you is that you don't photograph with a canon ;-) Wonderful book, congrats
What is the percentage of viewfinder coverage for the Canon. My Nikon F3 shows 100% anything less is crazy and messes up all your careful framing.
All about the coverage. The Nikon F3 is a gem of all eras of photography. Built great but not as tanky as the F2 or F4 which was extreme. Canon doesn't get into the 100 percent viewfinder until the large 1d era film cameras which were bigger or similar size as the Nikon F5 from 1996. By then you're talking about high quality film cameras built for all conditions and are not light weight or great for every day casual use. The one camera I miss I owned was the Nikon F3. I sold off all my other Nikons and Canons. I even had the Nikon Fm3a which was a late release from Nikon during the digital boom but it didn't have 100 percent viewfinder either.
Is John Free still alive ? update please
Yes I am!
Thats great to hear John...you were my inspiration to start shooting street photos.@@JohnFreePhtography
How are u john
I am fine. Thank you. Now I will walk to my darkroom in the garage and start making some prints today, like most days. Keeps me happy.
@@JohnFreePhtography that's awesome I'm glad here from you have a great day