15 Years of Honest Photography Advice in 15 minutes

[@MicroFourNerds]

I hope you find this helpful! Share your best photography tips below too 📷☺️

[@dennismwallentin296]

Buy printed books on the subject because they are processed by many people that assure quality and facts.

[@DeerDreamPictures]

@@dennismwallentin296 and in book there is no fracking squarespace! only profits...

[@dennismwallentin296]

@@DeerDreamPictures Not profits but pure knowledge 🙂

[@gregfeeler6910]

@@DeerDreamPictures Yes and YOU pay for books but YOU don't pay for free KZbin videos someone busted their butt to make for you. Maybe you should retract your comment.

[@DeerDreamPictures]

@@gregfeeler6910 maybe you should not write something what you have no clue about. I am paying for the youtube and as far it removes the regular ads so it does not remove this crap with squarespace. I am also paying for content creators directly who are not using squarespace.

[@ghislainsaint-vil1479]

"There's no finish line in photography" Single best thing I've heard in a long while.

[@gregpotts95]

The printing thing is huge for me. Getting out of the mindset that there’s no other way to look at art (for want of a better word) than on a phone screen.

[@cosmojames7710]

Bingo. I’m a year into buying a camera. Bought a printer recently and it’s a totally different experience.

[@jameschetwynd]

Phone screen sees 90% of stuff. Few bother to print

[@fotofillholland]

If you're into detail for your photography then some of those images will be terrible on a tiny phone screen, sometimes those photos look great as bigger prints. It changes the way photos are consumed, a phone screen encourages fast image consumption, an image that requires time to understand works well as a print, it slows people down and they see prints in a different regard to digitally.

[@tjitsekoster9379]

I used to print all the time at A4 size. Had a nice borderless printing Canon for it and loved it. I have an entire portfolio map of prints. Pics are rubbish, obviously, but it was a great experience. I should do that again. I don't really know why I stopped doing it.

[@APP1EZ]

“I’m so excited to see what future me can do” is such a powerful statement.

[@feartheocean]

Seconded. This video is 90% advice and 10% therapy.

[@lens_Noirphotography]

This year, I finished University and got my BA in June. I haven't picked up my camera since due to depression, anxiety and the fear that my work isn't good enough. I understand what you mean about your camera giving you confidence. I am autistic, and photography for me lets me express myself. Thia video struck right into my soul and left me in tears, as what you mentioned is exactly how i feel and what I need to remember about photography. That I need to push my fear down and go for it. So, Thank u 🖤

[@bookofdaveandsteve]

Hang in there fellow human - that post uni time can be very disorienting. Hope you can find a footing 🙏

[@opiethrice8746]

I have been struggling with all of those. I have kept going with my camera though, even if I'm not feeling it that day. Just keep shooting. You can do it.

[@fr3dfixit945]

Just in case no one has told you yet today that you are wonderful, please allow me: You, Ma'am, are wonderful. I'm 73 now (egads...) and though there have been hiatuses since then, I've been taking pictures since grade school. As I watched and listened to you I sensed sincerity, credibility, and a delightful, inspirational enthusiasm. Thank you very much! Think I'll go out tomorrow with my camera and have some fun!

[@mrjohnbaseley]

Even though I only have an LX100 from years ago among many other camera bodies and systems with no intention of purchasing more m43 gear, I always enjoy your content and presentation. Absolutely number 1 in all current photography channels. Thankyou so much for your commitment in uploading.

[@MicroFourNerds]

Thanks so much, so kind of you to say!

[@davegobey2137]

I do enjoy this presenter. She is informative, laden with charm and a joy to watch and listen to.

[@davemelling9520]

Its so nice to to see/ hear a genuine person make an interesting honest video that will be actualy useful

[@WWSACPAS]

You are so wise Emily. I started my obsession with photography 16 years ago and I am still hooked. Take photos every day and I do it for myself. Rarely do I find inspirational photography videos on KZbin but you are so honest and true.. I am so glad I found your channel. Keep it up..

[@martinr5362]

Very professional. You have nailed it. Something for everyone and your passion comes over in LOADS.

[@cliffko081953]

Hard to believe that you were shy, as your personality is the number 1 reason I subscribed. Your joy of photography leaps off the screen. Plus the advice you give is so spot on. Additionally I have been converted to a MFT fan.

[@chrisbaker5284]

I love your, straight to the point, no nonsense advice. Thank you Emily.

[@maxhighstein]

I think you did a wonderful job on this video. You spoke from your experience and from your heart. Honest, sincere, helpful, no big ego, lots of love of your life and your work. I wish more people were like you. Also, guitars!

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

Well done, thanks. As an amateur, I like to constantly remjnd myself that I only need an audience of one, myself. And the point of the exercise is the joy it brings.

[@Shcreamingreen]

The best of all summarising videos of that kind. Thank you for sharing it.

[@reto3685]

Thanks Emily for this amazing bag of tips. Especially for sharing how photography has changed your personality. Also enjoyed the idea of competing with oneself.

[@humanelements2]

just wanted to say that dog photo at 0:46 is really striking!

[@claypatrickmcbride8100]

Love what you said about photography helping build confidence

[@blujeans9462]

YT suggested your video - but when you started by saying you have 15 years under your belt, I knew I'd only be listening to the first few suggestions and click off. But, not only was I totally wrong - but I found your talent incredible. With 50 years of photography experience, although I intuitively knew most of your suggestions, I admit I hadn't given them enough importance; you know things but you don't consciously go about doing them - but your video is going to change all that. I am going to write down your suggestions and refer to them regularly. Like you, photography has totally brought me out of my shell... especially when you get sought out to do a shoot or judge a competition. And, again, I never gave it much thought until I watched this! However, one thing I have never given any thought to is using the video feature of my camera! I'll video a personal experience with my phone, but never thought to use my camera's video feature. I think you mentioned something about a course on videoing; when I rewatch this to take notes, I'll check out what you were referring to. I think videoing would be a great thing to add to my skill set. Thanks!

[@FuzzFinger]

You are wonderful and this was so helpful. Thank you!

[@randall.chamberlain]

Would you consider doing a video about printing your images? I really have no idea where to start at all, so any pointers would be helpful. By the way awesome video as usual :)

[@seanbirdsell]

Been taking photos for over four decades and all I can say is: "this". Excellent advice all the way around.

[@ohnezuckerohnefett]

This is easily one of the best photography channels.

[@daweelzondabus]

This is enough advice to keep me going for the next 15 years 😂 Absolutely brilliant, thank you !

[@LongTruong.mp4]

As a photographer figuring things as they come and go for 4-5 years now, this is extremely insightful and dead on!!

[@Sunkissed1968]

Stunning video! Great insight in your way of development in photography. I can see a lot of parallels in my own progression. You've described many situations where I've been also. Keep up the good work!

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thank you so much Emily. I remember watching your KZbin videos when you first started and you do seem so much more confident in front of the camera now, in fact very confident. I agree with you on all your advice and I have been a photographer since 1968. I agree with you on overrated background blur. I often like to show some detail in a background to give the subject a better story, to tell a better story. Sometimes I like to have a simpler composition for a flower, and will use a background board with a colour painted on it to make the subject stand out, but I do not need blur for that. I have enjoyed this video. Also it was great seeing all your photographs that are beautiful.

[@ronnieleebailey]

25 year pro here, and I agreed with every single thing you said. I was just teaching someone about creating layers and depth last week.

[@ifeinberg]

Thanks for the informative video and congratulations on your success. It looks like you put an enormous amount of energy in trying different things to add skills to your talent. I'm always envious of people who reach a creative and noteworthy achievement - whether it's music, art, photography, video, etc. I enjoy watching your posts and keep an eye out for more!

[@JeevesTCW]

So many remarkable photos covering different genres Emily you should be very proud and very enjoyable to watch. Great points, one of those videos to go back to again and again to remind ourselves of what's important. I am guilty of never shooting video, might have to sign up for your workshop, I'm sure this would be a fab starting point in the process, Rich

[@RegCoulter]

Emily, not only do I really enjoy your videos, and the information they contain, but what really draws me in and keeps me watching, is you. You have a twinkle in your eyes and an honest and sometimes, ‘cheeky’ smile. You exude confidence, and enjoyment, and it get s conveyed in your videos. I too am a micro 4/3’s nerd, as well a Fuji APS-C guru. Please, how about a video for you doing what you do. Thank you from Canada.

[@lumixographer2185]

Zen and the art of Emily🙏 A master class on the art of photography and living. Be focused. Be composed. Seek the light. Mindfulness that is attained living on this path goes well beyond the images captured. A masterful lesson from Emily for all of us to follow❣️

[@davidgambin2551]

The printing and depth parts are so important, I need to focus on those more 😊

[@scottsherwood8555]

This is a great video. Thank you for your tips and tricks and what have you’ve learned so far in your journey. I learned a lot!

[@EnerGeezerSquirrel]

Finally! Someone who appreciates that a sharp, shallow image is better that a deep, blurry one. I used to argue this point endlessly with other staff members when I worked in camera shops. Get creative all you want with static subjects, but motion, unless a blurred image is the goal, needs small slices of exposure, not heaving chunks of sensor blasting.

[@mlophotohollywoodfl3332]

So well explained... I 100% agree about spending money on workshops, travel, etc. and not so much on equipment. Personally, I have learned more from getting out of my routine, taking tons of photos, and being inspired by new places and people. I am downsizing my equipment for this exact reason.

[@gordon3988]

Great advice…one thing Marlene Hielma often tries to do is to let your camera do most of the work for you (when appropriate). Personally I tend to edit very little, perhaps some cropping, but I want to share with people what I actually experienced that day, not what at times may look better…thats more of an artistic approach and a skill I am lacking! Loved your comment about adding in angles and views through things. One of my favorite photos was taken through the corner end of an old wooden fence. Loved it even more as it was taken by accident!

[@MsTBrown60]

WOW! What refreshing content and attitude! Thank you, thank you, thank you! It was actually fun to watch your video and I didn’t have the urge to fast forward once! ❤

[@TerezaBarloon]

I love that you started with the eternal niche question 🙏 I started photography as a young teen, but took a break during my university years. With a new job and some disposable cash, I’ve updated from my old dslr to my shiny new Sony a7iv. I decided I want to pursue this hobby/passion of mine more seriously, but have been intimidated by the endless “stick to one niche or else you won’t succeed “ advice. It took me almost a year to finally start putting my photos online as I was scared people wouldn’t take me seriously if my IG page was “just a bunch of random pictures “. But I came to realise that 1. people may never take my photography seriously 2. That’s ok 3. Might as well shoot what I like and 4. Hopefully that will attract the kind of people who enjoy what I have to offer. So thank you for making that the number one tip. Also I love your style and am subscribing :)

[@Raist3db]

Emily- this is a great great GREAT video! I love it and it's easily one of the very best videos I have seen on this channel. I like the "triad" of things to pay attention to, you picked up (lighting, subject, composition). Thanks for making this video and sharing your tips.

[@akiranigata]

I love this video. It gave me great insight and provided a perspective of how one's thought process can affect their photography game. It's been 4 months since I've started and I'm still constantly looking ways to improve my craft, and if there's one thing that's truly my enemy, it's my own doubts that are blocking my creativity from really shining. Thank you so much for your honest take!

[@scottnorland4214]

Lighting, subject, composition > camera brand/version, lens. Absolutely

[@MrHajdi]

Fantastic video, Emily! Your genuine love for photography is felt in every word. Really useful and concise advice as well! I've seen some of your more gear focused vids here and there but after this, I'm subscribing! Thanks.

[@johnclarke4082]

Loved this inspirational video - we never stop learning - I started on 35mm film - only 36 exposures on a roll of film and you would not know until developed if you had "Got it right" - teaches you a lot about exposure and lighting, i can tell you!🙂 Cameras and certainly digital photography have come a long way - Carpe Diem!

[@pgy8863]

On further reflection, I might add one more nugget (which was kind of referenced): Play. Goof around sometimes, don't be too serious. Let it flow. You might end of with rubbish, but maybe not. It helps you get out of your comfort zone.

[@stephanvdmerwe336]

This was an awesome video! What a lovely introduction to your channel.

[@stephenbrasure4331]

Love the comments about shallow depth of field obsession! Excellent points made throughout the video, and I find that photography is very much like music (I'm a flute player & retired music teacher) in that you never stop learning. I know that just like with my photos, I'm a better musician than I was some 50 years ago when I started my teaching career. Thanks for all your contributions for us amateur photographers.

[@jaughnekow]

I am glad to try the various styles of photography. There’s more to learn.

[@davidanjo9752]

With my Secondary students (13-18 yrs old) I emphasize one thing, in addition all the technical bits and pieces: bang frames. Don't worry about mistakes, embrace them: bang frames. Keep shooting, all circumstances, all times: bang frames. With the work, the process you will get better... great video btw, pleased you did it and bared yourself in the process.

[@okhipster]

What does that mean? Which meaning of ‘bang’ are you using? (Genuinely curious as I’m not understanding it from your context, unfortunately 😆).

[@alfredosaus1545]

@okhipster I guess he means shoot spontaneously or with a trigger finger, hence bang?

[@davidanjo9752]

@@okhipster It means "shoot" - no question, practice makes better...

[@testisterator]

this video deserves way more subs, likes and views

[@ronvillarrealphotography]

It is very refreshing to hear another photographer say that it's not all about the gear. Yes, without a doubt, the right gear can make a shot easier to obtain, light and composition is paramount. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights from your photography journey.

[@ATLfletch]

Some great pointers & suggestions you've given here. You wrapped it up well with the emphasis on the creation and controlled use of DEPTH, rather than constantly repeating trendy visual cliches like shallow depth of field. I especially LOVE how you repeatedly emphasize the mindset and approach to your photography can be so much more important to getting quality images than the techniques and the gadgets you use to produce it.

[@redmondramos7382]

Just wanted to say this video made me subscribe. First time I saw one of your videos and you do a great job. Thank you.

[@van-gabondramblinrose6398]

"When I was there, I took a picture with an alien in a UFO, on his lunch break, eating a prawn cocktail crisp and mayo sandwich!" 😂 As a beginner myself, I love this video. Super helpful, because the 'gear anxiety' everyone seems to push is difficult to ignore sometimes. I really want to be that photographer that nails it in camera most of the time.

[@egilandersrnning3776]

Thanks for your awesome photo/video recommendations! - talking-points about photography Your photos are amazing!👏😊

[@vanle4508]

best tips video ever !!!

[@gregory9421]

Your channel is actually helpful, in contrast to most other channels telling me to buy stuff I can't afford or showing me what I do wrong even though they don't know me. I take whatever photographs I want with whichever equipment is available to me. The important thing to me is that I like the process of taking and editing the photos and have some photos I like enough to hang on my wall once in a while. Looking back at and learning from your own old photos is a really helpful advice, though. Thanks and keep up the awesome work Emily!

[@Democratiser]

You are a wise lady. Thanks for sharing.

[@dumspyrospero]

Finally a down to earth and honest advice that makes sense. Light, composition, subject = the only 3 words you need to remember for taking a great photo 🔥 And yes small F stops are overused (and abused) 😅

[@mskaruhluheevon]

This was such a helpful video! Loved the tips. Thank you!

[@davidesteban8209]

Great video. I can't stop watching it. Everything is so true and useful.

[@agaamorgos18]

It was so nice to hear my own thoughts coming from somebody else's mouth..I have been taking photos for about 20 years now and I agree with most of the things you said. I have exacetely the same approach! So I just wanted to send you my greetings and express that Im very glad to have found you here in this space full of pseudo-experts and quite often just arrogant pricks. You are natural and lovely and your passion shines through you. Keep up with the great work you do! My best to you! Aga

[@jorsetti]

Important video at any level and am glad you made this for all to see, it’s a well organized rundown. I resonated with many things said especially that the camera has enriched my life through travel and the passion of making great photos, at least striving and learning. 🙏🏻

[@DmitryEljuseev]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I tried different cameras, from 100-year old Kodak or 4x5 large format to Fuji GFX, and I love your enthusiasm :)

[@adrivas80]

Great video, with an excellent ending as well.

[@reidramharrack2243]

Something I needed to hear! Your video ideas always offer such a unique perspective in a was of people trying to emulate others. Thanks for the work you do, and getting me to dive into photography!! ❤😊

[@ThePNWRiderWA]

About the same time period that you started I was at an impasse. It seemed everything had been done many times over. What was unique anymore ? I felt stagnant. A close friend / mentor is well know and has had some images in the Smithsonian in Washington DC. I went to him and expressed my frustration. I had been shooting since the 70s ; but I had to admit I was stale. He told me to put away the digital camera ; just shoot with the iPhone for a year ( I phone 4s ). I figured what do I have to lose and did it. After a year I realized the limitations forced me to be creative. I had to get closer ; change angles. I learned to look up and down. It made all the difference. In one year I progressed more than I had in a decade. So at lest once a month I just shoot with the smartphone and play. That is the biggest lesson. Play ; have fun. Shoot in auto mode forget the bits and bobs. Just be creative

[@scooby0000]

Great tips. Thank you ! And indeed, its not only the gear you use, but the occasion and moment that makes the picture. Look at the the pictures made by Henri Cartier-Bresson for exsample.

[@goldendoggy8904]

Excellent video talking about the self as the key to taking great photos versus buying the next shinny toy. Well done 😊

[@EdProsser]

So much wisdom in here! Love the printer idea and also about competing with yourself and no one else, so important to try ignore what others are doing and walk your own path!

[@paulnichols393]

There are so many individual things I could comment on in this video, but I need to sum it up by just saying - great video! There are some wonderful words of wisdom here and it’s so refreshing to see a KZbin video saying this stuff. Superb images along the way too. 😊

[@Gmogli]

Love watching your videos. This one was actually very inspiring. No finish line AND push your boundaries are really great advice. Those and just go out and do what you love to do. ......and not that age has anything to do with it really, but I love that someone younger than me is inspiring me to be passionate about things I love to do, and is reminding me of the things I listed that are the best life advice for any passion that I already knew, but YOU giving me the reminder to remember my passions and not worry about perfection but more like improvement is so great. Hope you enjoy my rambling. I can assure you that writing is NOT my passion hahaha. Cheers from the USA. And thank you.

[@pedrobartolomei7707]

Can’t stress enough how much I like your videos, all this passion you have said you have for the craft is totally there and I’d love to see your take and advice for video as I’m taking my “baby steps” from photography to that direction too. Keep up the excellent work!

[@friedhelm1957]

I am so thankful for you pointing out in this video what a role photograohy is playing in personal development and what a role personal going on is playing in photographic development. It is one of the most essential videos of those hundreds and thousands I have seen concerning the role of photography in my life. I am deeply in respect of you „languaging“ these coherencies!

[@juliette-mansour]

Hi Emily, as usual, another fantastic video - a huge source of awesome advice for younger photographers! What I love about it is you sharing more about yourself too. You started SO young! I began taking photography seriously in 2003 but I was much older than you at that time. I say this to mean that as much as you have accomplished at this stage of your life and as many wise tidbits that you have provided here, you will loom as a legend before long. Keep on chasing your dreams!!

[@MicroFourNerds]

Thank you! ☺️

[@MoonContradiction]

wow. I'm glad I listened

[@KaylaIveigh]

What a wonderful video!

[@JadeMonkee]

This is such great - and inspiring - advice. Thank you for crystallising your experience so clearly.

[@PerEng2405]

Dear Emily, you have accomplished the impossible. Your always relevant, interesting, entertaining and humorous videos have turned a seasoned and battle hardened die-hard Nikon full frame shooter into a MFT evangelist. I will never leave Nikon FF for studio work, but you have opened a new world for me. I am not tiptoeing around giggling (I am an adult for crying out loud) but MFT has in some odd way removed my pursuit on technical perfection and revitalized the creative side while at the same time impressing me with the picture quality again and again. I find myself really, really enjoying photography again. I have moved from E-M10 over E-M5III to OM-1 Mark II in no time while lying to myself when I say that I will sell some of it. I will not. THANK YOU Emily. Big shout out from Denmark. Keep up the fantastic work. /Per

[@MicroFourNerds]

Thank you very much! ☺️

[@BlueberryFennec]

Wonderful advice, wonderful presentation. And all so encouraging and positive, not putting anything/anyone down or gatekeeping.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Very thoughtful. And especially you distinguishing between shallow depth of field (to the max) versus an appropriate amount of depth. Well said!

[@KirstenBayes]

I know you are taking one for the team when you do this type of video, instead of "why this new lens is a game changer". So, thank you, this was excellent.

[@MicroFourNerds]

That's such an excellent way to put it 😂 yes, it's always a risk with the fickle algorithm, but I also really love helping fellow photographers as much as I can, so I'll always make time for these video, even if they don't become "big hitters" so glad you enjoyed it!

[@KirstenBayes]

@@MicroFourNerds those of us in the cheap seats appreciate it!

[@ChrisBrogan]

I love all the ideas, but for whatever reason, I had to hear the depth tips today. The rest were all understandable and great etc. But the "shoot through things" and frame really stuck to me .Thank you!

[@mikkiscott9995]

Excellent video! Is very helpful and thanks for sharing your knowledge and experiences with us.

[@Marcus_R]

Thanks for the video, good tips and presented in a very likeable way. Keep up the good work!

[@gregfeeler6910]

Emily, it's videos like this that make me so happy that I am a subscriber to your channel. Just a stunning amount of priceless advice, and just what I needed to hear at this time. I shoot for personal please, and I really like idea of my future self being better than my present self. That's actually been happening, but it's encouraging to be aware of that progression. Thanks so much for this video!!

[@nichelleritter9480]

Thanks for this video, it was a pleasure to watch! I have finally decided to get more seriously into photography and am about to buy myself a proper, proper camera and lens after 10 years since my last one was stolen 😢 For the longest time, I could not justify spending this money on a hobby but I have found myself always thinking about it, funnily enough, a lot of the things you mentioned I already do in my mind haha 😂 Watching this made me happy and excited to allow myself this investment to immerse myself into a craft that will hopefully be a way of me making a living in a creative way one day! Much love from Australia!

[@betorenteria7768]

Excellent information! Much obliged. Your work is exceptional!

[@robertupchurch8088]

Very good…the advice on composition and depth is so true….thanks!

[@DesertPackrat]

I like your work. You have a wonderful eye.

[@raiiny_day42]

It's like someone asking, "Great song! What kinda guitar did you use?" Irrelevant. You already liked it. Gear is secondary.

[@callemdavies8992]

So many excellent nuggets of advice and info in this vid. Thanks m'dear!

[@ianforber]

Great video, as always! “Would I hang this on my wall” is the criteria I use to decide whether a picture is worth keeping. It’s why, despite having photography as my hobby since 1979, I only have 36 images in my favourites folder and why I have deleted/thrown away the overwhelming number of my negatives/slides/digital images. I don’t mind that - 90% of my enjoyment comes from pressing the shutter button. On getting the shot right in camera, I’m not so sure about that. Wonky horizons maybe but cropping is fine, especially if you only have prime lenses or a fixed lens camera. Embrace cropping - it’s your friend! Same with focus. Stop zooming in to 200% on the screen.

[@piggletimpact]

this video released at the perfect time for me since I just got my first mirrorless camera so I'm trying to be more intentional with my photos now that I'm no longer just using my phone or an old digicam I got for the holidays when I was like 10

[@JoyHopeFully]

Loooong time photographer here … all such great points! Love this!

[@chrisnelson3670]

So well thought out and presented! Thank-you!

[@scottfineshriber5051]

I strongly agree with using a semi-auto mode in many situations. Using manual everything is really helpful when you control everything in a studio with strobes, but for many other more spontaneous photography your camera will make good decisions about either shutter speed, aperture or ISO and do it much faster than you possibly could, and then responds to changes constantly while you concentrate on making the photograph. You do need to keep your on eye on what your camera is doing, but things like minimum shutter speed settings or max ISO settings can save your bacon when you lose concentration, haha! Thanks for another informative and amusing video! 🫶

[@davidwarwick7968]

Thank you for this video. My motto is 'never stop learning.' I have been taking photographs for 50 years so I've had to learn as cameras have changed.

[@lawrencewald196]

Brilliant 15 minutes!!!