3 PHOTOGRAPHY SKILLS YOU SHOULD LEARN (and will pay off forever)

[@patrickmolloy6994]

1: 1:26 Observation, 2: 11:15 understanding light, 3: 16:50 Editing. Thanks for the video. Always great to revisit what might seem obvious but which is often forgotten - in my case form sure!

[@NikhilMace]

Making too long video on topics which can be covered in short videos ... Wastage of time .... Making viewers fool

[@patrickmolloy6994]

@@NikhilMace 15 minutes. It took you longer to comment!

[@LA-fh2fs]

@@NikhilMace Be grateful that Nigel has taken the time to share his experience with you. Go find a shorter video if you have the attention span of a golden retreiver.

[@Ramasenirama]

thx

[@joshua.ducao168]

The hero we need

[@CookedLight]

My wife is always asking “why aren’t you taking a photo” and I have to repeat your words, it looks great to our eyes but as a photo it just won’t work.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Very familiar! :D

[@MortAllachie]

You might lose some shots though if you don´t try. Better to delete a hundred photos and maybe get that one keeper (if you ar not shooting film that is) 😊

[@jimt249]

@@MortAllachie True up to a point, and I sometimes take a photograph thinking it will work, only to find when I process it that it doesn't - and no amount of editing will make it work. However the point is to train your eye to recognize when an image will work and when it won't. When I used film, with only 36 frames available, I got used to making every frame count. It's a good discipline and one I try to continue since I changed to digital.

[@MortAllachie]

@@jimt249 I do the same but I often need to remind myself that I´m not restricted to 24 or 36 frames. But I´m no expert in any way, so for me it´s better to delete a few shots when it doesn´t work out. 😊

[@SteadyRiot]

"That looks really cool...Can't make it look good in a photo though..." is something I say at least 10 times every time I go out... haha

[@SL-ev4wq]

Maybe it's a little away from the topic, but as a non-native speaker of English, I really like your accent and how you pronounce. It's clear and in an appropriate speed, which makes it really easy to understand the contents. Thank you for your amazing videos!

[@robertYTB78g]

I am new to serious photography. Seems like there is quite a spread of things you can do with digital photography, and it is all up to you. On the left, use the camera as a substitute for painting, gather and haul images into an image editor, then change and create whatever you like. On the right, become obsessed with image clarity and faithful reproduction. Keep taking pictures until you get one that works, tweak a little but reject the rest! And then everything inbetween :) Lots to think about, thank you for posting.

[@andyblessett1282]

Do what makes you the happiest. You can dive into the technicalities and science if you want to but, as a novice, just go out and make pictures that give you joy. There are quite a few "rules" in photography which are worth knowing. You need to know what they are, so that you can judge for yourself which ones to bend or ignore and when.

[@lloydhunt8343]

Pebbles is constantly looking for the oerson you are talking to. Just starting to juggle. Going well so far, have only dropped my prime lens 47 times so far

[@dominey]

I’ve heard your “detail” point also referred to as “micro-compositions” within a shot. Interesting way of thinking about it, for there is the main composition (the image itself), then small adjustments and placements within to nest elements, fix overlapping lines, etc.

[@SovietLensReviews]

6:25 Absolutely love that ferns shot! Couldn't agree more on the importance of light as well - I've spent hours camping out at a few popular spots just to wait for that perfect window where everything, shadows, highlights, temperature falls into place to get a great shot.

[@morrisondiver]

I really appreciate your passion for images, the realities of creating them, and for teaching others. Humbling.

[@cwitt8280]

Magnificent presentation Nigel! You practice what you preach. During your videos, you don't give us just "how to" snapshots. You create paths to guide thinking and considering, encouraging creation. Tx so very much . Y

[@thegreatestlight1]

An apple rolls down a hill: lose inspiration. An apple lands on your head: gain inspiration 🙂

[@extremebabla]

how high are you?

[@henriabbott9362]

I liked that one, that made me laugh!

[@Skinvictus]

😂😂

[@lawcch]

if apple lands on my head, I shall just eat it. nothing inspiration about the apple?

[@thegrayyernaut]

@@lawcch It was a reference to Isaac Newton.

[@oldad73]

I like how in these videos you start off with a white dog that has some brown patches and end up with an almost totally brown dog. Very clever.

[@mrman17]

I used to have a yellow Labrador that would turn into a chocolate Labrador...

[@MichaelBlanchette]

Nigel, you're such a good teacher. Always a pleasure to watch your relaxing vlogs.

[@alanevans6309]

Great topic Nigel! This is the real essence of photography as an art. One tip a photography friend gave me I still use today is when you are looking at a stunning landscape you are going to take a picture of, turn around 180 degrees and see what you may be missing there as well.... I have done this multiple times and it is amazing what else may be there..... To your point about light, it is amazing how it changes just by turning around...

[@DanaPushie]

Nigel you are so right on the mark. Taking photographs is so much more than knowing how to use your camera. I find it quite interesting to hear other photographers talk about their approach to observing a particular scene; to find that view that sings to perhaps just you. Photography is a creative endeavor and so much more than just knowing how to use your gear. Thank you for sharing.

[@thanos_bistolas]

Observation and good editing skills, the fundamentals of photography, you are so absolutely right Nigel. Thanks for sharing!!

[@rakew]

It's just what i need. I have some language barriers, do sometimes i feel not much information and in need of some practical shots that will show differences. In the beginning i fill, that i need some shots, and u show them, greate choice! Sometimes i bored with shootig on kit lens, and my only one long range lens. I feel like i need new lenses, and then realise that with my economic situation and my skill it's unnessesary. Thank you! I wish everyone got from this video as much as i.

[@geoffstairmand3747]

Glad to see you enjoying the forest - it has been one of my go-to places during the restrictions in all weather conditions, it keeps on giving images. Another great video Nigel with many learning points for us all. The magic of light and how it paints the scenes for me is the core of my photography.

[@subrotomukerji2608]

Pebbles adds a unique flavour to your videos, Nigel. What I REALLY WATCH are her antics !!

[@triplewinlin5576]

I love how your images have an overall "movement" given in the shapes. For instance, the mountain scene at 16:15 has the hills, mountains, and clouds all slanting up to the right. Beautiful!

[@JustRegularJoe]

Simple advice but all so easily forgotten in the field. Practice, practice, practice.... Thank you for an awesome reminder!

[@gavindavis1300]

Now addicted to these videos Nigel. Main takeaway - slow down! Difficult when fitting a hobby around family responsibilities, but ultimately it will bring more reward. Thanks for sharing - relaxing and inspiring (and Pebbles to boot!).

[@chrmi]

Observation sub-tips, make preparations to be as comfortable as possible, and prepare your equipment. For me, if I’m not dressed for the environment (my jacket is warm enough, but my hands are cold or feet are wet), and/or I have tasks to do (how does this new tripod lock, etc), it’s almost impossible to spend time observing uninterrupted.

[@driftwoodkitty]

omg - even the forest setting in your intro looks amazing, as if you are walking through a painting! love learning from you!

[@eliskatesarova3104]

Hands on the best tips that I've heard about photography skills. I realized I've actually been practising these skills unknowingly for years! I look at everything, even when I don't have a camera I think about composition, light and different perspectives of things around me. I struggle with editing the most to be honest.

[@FuatUler]

Excellent content Nigel. What a Sunday morning delight watching your videos has become. Thank you.

[@kevinkemputah]

Thanks!

[@NigelDanson]

No problem! thanks to you!!!

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

Classic Danson video tutorial - thoughtful and very useful for photographers of all abilities - many thanks!

[@shane9634]

I thought I would re-watch this video. Last year I went down to the shop and bought some apples ( Thanks Nigel ) and continued on my way to my location. Great advice.

[@josephstanski5180]

Your fine videos have turn my attention to cinematography to discover and create more meaningful landscapes. I thank you so much for your directional tips each week to discover more. I'm always discovering "the rest of the story" with cinema that got its beginnings as a still life landscape. Thanks Nigel - love the light.

[@jakubkarolewicz3678]

As always it's a pleasure to watch your videos. There is so much wisdom without any unnecessary showing off, or beginning for likes or subscription. You are the best!

[@eamonoc2268]

Excellent video. You make the invisible, visible. Really liked your video walk through of the scene to show the different qualities of the light and its impact. A few more of these videos would be very helpful. For some reason It is easier to observe the difference in the walk through than just looking at a photograph and talking about the light. Thank you.

[@maxencelemoine4190]

Great, I suck at these 3 skills. That means I have room to practice and improve!

[@markgoostree6334]

Really appreciated the insight of this video. I've got to say... you go to places that SCREAM "Take a picture of ME". Places I'll never get close to. Half of the time I feel like Chevy Chase in "Vacation"... where he walks up , snaps a picture, then says "OK, 'gotta go". But, that is why I love your videos. I get to see great places that make me want to keep taking pictures.

[@Studiomcfee]

Thank you. Wonderful advice. I have watched many of your videos and I am always impressed by your photos, your way of interacting with viewers, and your advice.

[@ChrisMahtal]

I think the best way to do this is to find locations close to your home that are interesting to photograph and spend time studying the photos when you get home. Then go back and retake them. Keep doing this and you'll learn a lot.

[@musicfan07058]

Love that you do stuff with your dog as you do stuff benefits of photography freedom to bring your dog to work 🐶😁

[@Michael-Bennett]

Textbook example of scene stealing with Pepples at 11:45! Had to rewatch to hear what you were saying!

[@shimmeringreflection]

I'm always interested in deconstructing what makes a good photo good. The photos showcased around the 16:20 mark grab my attention and sustain my interest as the result of the incorporation of the following aesthetic elements: - interesting shapes; - the shapes repeating in a pattern of sorts - ambient/soulful colours; - the gritty textures

[@barbarashore5339]

Thank you for this WONDERFUL tutorial. I LOVED it! (And I love your dog. 💕)

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot for the shout-out, Nigel! ;) Love these simple tips videos, which is not just the usual stuff :)

[@samarth9341]

these are truly wise words, I have noticed how my skill has improved over time just observing light and spending tons of time learning post-processing. Yet there is so much to learn. Thank you Nigel for reminding me of these skills again.

[@richard5005]

Nigel, this one of the most important videos to date: look, Slow down, observe, compose and edit the final result. Skills I will take with me going forward. I do not have a square space yet, but it will be forthcoming after following you for the last two years. Many thanks, Richard

[@mawavoy]

Thanks for sharing! Comparison photos help cement the concepts.

[@junglialoh]

Profound and comprehensive teaching for beginner like me with outstanding samples

[@zeljkomihalic55]

Perfect Sunday morning w/cup of coffee video. Big fan of your videos Nigel. Regards from Croatia

[@mikebaginy8731]

A good video, Nigel. That's the main reason I enjoy photographing landscapes with a tripod - it let's me slow down, check all the details. And I use a 3-way head on the tripod, leaving my ball head for wildlife shots. I can pan through each axis, checking for the best composition.

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

I love this video!! It covers more principles as opposed to gear/settings etc, and I've been looking for more of this on KZbin. Keep up the amazing work!

[@raulfernando1089]

Dude. The apple part. Brilliant.

[@robertstonephoto]

So ... juggling was just a way to gain confidence is the task of apple management?

[@donaldphilippi2018]

I enjoyed your work and particularly in light and getting the best shot possible before editing. I believe that doing most of your work in the field; taking time to observe the surroundings to take time with your photos. I'm impressed with your work. Thank you and keep inspiring us!

[@saralees2025]

I absolutely adore your style!! I'm brand new to photography and just bought my first camera. Can't wait to get out there and start shooting!

[@Ryan-vh9bw]

The first skill you mentioned is something I've wracked my brain over. So glad to see suggestions here!

[@Sven-R]

After having watched so many videos on technique, camera settings and all other important things, which are need to make a technically good image, it's great to see videos about the less technical skills. I think one doesn't go without the other, but not enough videos teach about the skills you are talking about in this video. Thanks!

[@WillNewcomb]

Thank you! I'm a beginner with an iPhone and you explain things so well. Blessing.

[@mlibrarianus]

Again your timing is impeccable. I needed to hear the tip about observation (as well as the other ones). Thank you. Also great to see Pebbles enjoying the mud.

[@avijitroy1]

I think I have discovered the most amazing channel to learn photography.

[@NigelDanson]

Awesome

[@jpdj2715]

Train the brain to learn to see, yes. And yes, post processing in digital is even more important than in the days of Ansel Adams. About the images, Nigel, as you have your remarks about them, here are mine. 15:18 - the rock in the foreground dominates the scene too much and takes away from the drama of the landscape. 15:40 - that would be the obvious shot in my thinking. I like it and might have, when there, tried a step higher to get a tad more distance between the top of the tree in the foreground and the forest reflection in the water. 16:01 - I feel the foreground dominates the shot and it looks better when you crop it to exactly square. 16:15 - poetic beauty. Wow. The most painterly of the four.

[@stephenschmid492]

Even the sites in the woods you stopped to talk at in the woods were nice compositions. I appreciate your attention to detail.

[@djmarc]

LOVE LOVE your content! So well done and very professional. Thank you and keep bringing us this fantastic content.

[@jimwlouavl]

Very insightful video. When I first became serious about my photography, I began seeing light and form everywhere. It was like jazz playing in my head. Getting better at editing is a real challenge now so thanks for the recommendations.

[@peterguman7298]

thanks for the video. I like how you show you first shot then talk thru subsequent shots. Also like how you analyzed the different lighting at the stream. Nice dog.

[@ardentdfender4116]

I've missed being at one of my favorite playgrounds here on the channel. I don't think I've been around this side of the tube in many many months. So I was subtle reminded yet again I need to drop by Nigel and see what's up via Notification. Wave's at Nigel. I'm sorry I haven't visited in a long while! For me, the most important Photography skill of all times and in the last yet is simply to take my camera and use it. Nothing else matters if you don't use it!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Great advice and a really well put together presentation Nigel!

[@mastercarlos2010]

This video matched the moment perfectly. Early Sunday, a calm morning. It was very pleasant to take Pebbles for a walk. I could even smell the place. Thank you Nigel, have a great week.

[@Pejatube]

1:20 Observation 11:07 Understanding light 16:45 Editing

[@TLM823]

Really insightful learning Nigel! I have learned so much from these and your Masters photography course- I am incredibly grateful.

[@philipsmith1465]

Thanks - I certainly jump in and start taking photos too soon. Next time I will have a sit and look. Thanks for. the tip

[@evawettergren7492]

The stuff about Observation is just spot on. I am a beginner (about two years since I first picked up a camera) and think landscape photography is among the most difficult areas in photography. I really have zero skill with observation and everything I attempt just look like boring snapshots. I am too impatient and want immediate results. So for now I am going with macro, and trying to master the skill of catching bugs before they run away. At least I won't have to stand still and ponder a single photography for half an hour... But I will practice observation and who knows, one day I might figure out how to 'see' an image in an otherwise uninteresting landscape. (also... who ended up having to wash the dog when you got home? ^_^' )

[@denise2169]

Thank you! Such simple, but important advice about patience and taking time that I had never thought about before. I am usually impatient, but see now that taking a good photo takes work! I love your photos!

[@mauromartinezm3306]

What a ''simple'' but really helpful video. Many thanks. Powerful ideas and tools.

[@tonygaskins565]

Excellent video and presentation of core skills in photography, that even as an experienced photographers, need to be part of our conscious thought processes and guard against them subconscious to prevent complacency. I really enjoyed it. I imagine a lot of work went into the planning, shooting and editing of the video, thanks for doing it.

[@canditacantrell73]

Oh Pebbles you make me smile and laugh…Great video! Light and editing are the two things I’m trying to learn and to me are the most challenging. Thank you for the wonderful tips and ideas. I learn so much from you. 😊

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Great tips to think about Nigel. Most importantly, always take extra care when handling your apples on a hilltop. Thanks for sharing again Nigel. Stay safe 😷🇦🇺

[@eucrow1973]

Brilliant quality reflection on what's important. Thank you Nigel.

[@paulcunninghamw00dlandph0t0]

Top photographer vlogger on KZbin, very informative and excellent videographer along with your tuition videos. Thank you!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Paul

[@MaximShelkov]

I am an amateur photographer from Canada, your advice is great thank you for taking the time making this video.

[@foundlightprints]

Nigel - Fantastic video - You were able to take complex issues and boil then down to simple instruction. What i believe people will discover is that following these simple categories out will lead to compelling images that have a measure of complexity.

[@SonickPro88]

Good moring ! Greeting from Greece! I like to drink coffee and watch your videos ! really love it !

[@AbieWriter]

I watch during my lunch break.

[@RichardBO9]

Extremely helpful video. At is core, photography is more about the power of observation than the application of technology. I really appreciate you going in to a scene and pointing out the various areas of contrast and how you might adjust those elements. Thanks!

[@matthewp7428]

Thanks for the episode Nigel. Editing being 50% of the creative process is so true. My photos and editing have been slowly improving over time. Your channel is a great source of information and inspiration.

[@grahamegannon9708]

These are three great tips which you do not really appreciate them until some like you highlights them. They are something I will practice and develop during my next outing. Thanks for the video Nigel and clear explanation of the three skills.

[@tanyablais2992]

I’m a little envious of the amount of time you allot for observation, framing your shot, and waiting for the light. I’d like to do the same thing, but I’m often hiking or traveling with other people and am not sure how I could do that. Maybe I can schedule some half day outings by myself, but dang! That’s just not in line with my lifestyle. Do you ever have to navigate photography and a faster pace with others?

[@marcpilon4585]

Yes I do like your editing style. You pictures are enhanced but without looking artificial. So many landscape photographers go too far. Great pictures. Thank you for your videos. You are a smart guy.

[@eibophobie]

The video where you lost the apple was actually the first one which I watched from your channel. And it was exactly the scene when you lost your apple when I though: this guy is probably worth following - and I'm so glad I did. :D

[@BlueRuby7]

Great video! I love the location where you filmed this video. Lovely!

[@jamesskintauy6773]

I really love the photo with all the triangles!

[@mickl3073]

Thanks so much for that. I find that I now notice more since I started looking more whilst learning to draw.

[@marshayame]

Wow, I love that image at 15:50! So beautiful. Thank you for the advice and video Nigel :)

[@Rayanjai]

The apple really sold me on your videos. I love that touch of humor! :D

[@alohaleslie9407]

Thanks Nigel for your words of wisdom. I so much appreciate your "integrity" as a photographer. You don't seem to do much editing of your photos, though I know you do some. As a member of several FB photography pages, I notice that many photographers take a lot of liberties with inserting skies, stars, clouds, etc. and then call the finished product a photo they captured. While I think editing is important, that kind seems just a bit disingenuous. Your thoughts. Hey! Pay attention to details...poor Pebbles wrestling with sticky sticks! LOL

[@jdebultra]

How you get a thumb down is beyond me. You hit the nail on the head with the 3. I was a painter and now a enthusiast photographer. Cezanne was a master of light if you can get around the style.

[@donrayjay]

I’m not convinced the huge foreground pictures are better. Thanks for the video. I definitely need to learn observation

[@susanrosegale6646]

Really love the care you took is walking through your examples and video clips to explain your points. So super helpful, thank you so much!

[@wildzenventures]

Great video, these are things I've definitely learned over time! I used to do a lot of "snap and shoot" but really good photos often take time and planning. You've gotten some beautiful shots!

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Excellent video, ND. I have to note that HALF of the video is about observation, and I have to say I agree with the emphasis. (Not that I'm ignoring your point about editing being half the process.) Observation has always been the hardest thing for me, and it's always been the thing I work on the most. "Be purposeful" is great advice! And not just for photography. Thank you.

[@SteveP_2426]

All really good advice Nigel. I know I don't 'observe' as much as I should - too impatient. The bit about not trying to copy a style of editing just letting it evolve struck a cord with me. I have tried to edit some shots to match your style as I really like that look but don't often pull it off unfortunately. Still only 2.5years into my serious hobbyist phase so hopefully still time to improve!

[@YUN-hm8zo]

Thank for the video! It’s very helpful for me! I understand what I should see and learn. From Japan 🇯🇵

[@dustsnowandcoffee]

Thanks Nigel for the inspiration. The photography is stunning.

[@chrisegnoto]

I already like your content a lot and you always seem genuine and just a good person all the way. But, after seing you with Pebbles, I know you are awesome. I love the apple tip! And the "why" is top advice, too. As always, I love the video and THANK YOU.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks!

[@alexgimagery]

The power of observation really would've come in handy at 12:00, wouldn't it? Poor Pebbles! Great tips. Perhaps a big 4th would be motivation/experimentation.