3 Secrets Pro Photographers Won't EVER Tell You

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

In this video I discuss 3 things that you generally won't hear from professional photographers. Hope this provides some inspiration. - Will

[@foxdenham]

Thanks for the insights mate. I was a professional photographer for years and made an ok living, but could never find a make-money-niche that didn't impact my creativity somewhat negatively. I left it behind as a job and subsequently found that my niche was, 'Only take photos that I want, never what I should'. I am now a happy, creative and better photographer because of it.😊

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad I could help!

[@RobertFalconer1967]

As a full time professional photographer, I'm gonna say this is an important video. Especially the part about resting on one's laurels. It's super important - if and when you decide to go pro - to regularly take time out for yourself to pursue your own creative work...to get back in touch with why you got into photography in the first place...just for the pure enjoyment of it. It will help you recharge your batteries and the skills you hone by having fun for its own sake will then naturally bleed into your professional work.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So great to hear from another pro on this. Thanks for the input Robert

[@RobertFalconer1967]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs Thank you, brother. Please keep up the great content. You're offering the sort of creative inspiration I would talk about myself if I had the wherewithal to start a KZbin channel.

[@cesarm8811]

Hi Will, I am old guy. When I started in photography (hobbyist), I used a film camera, Pentax and then a Minolta. Boy it was tough to get the whole roll to have good images. And then you had to deal with different ISO film, extra. By no means am I diminishing the modern professional photographer skills. But the digital camera and post processing software has made photography a lot more fun. I say more fun, not necessarily easier. The complexity of the digital camera and especially using post processing software makes for whole new skill set. And I use Photo Elements and have trouble using the software. So my hat off to you and all the professional photographers.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Love hearing from people who have been in the game for a while and you’re so right, things have changed so much. Great to hear from you Cesar!

[@lenzielenski3276]

Those who grew up only knowing digital cameras and workflow will never realize how (relatively) easy they have it. I shot advertising for 9-10 years, on film, and believe me, getting something absolutely perfect on film is a lot harder than sandwiching two or more images or effect exposures together to make one shot. Try shooting diamonds on black plexi and dealing with the dust. Try capturing one moving object going through a still life and have it show multiple "shadow" images of the moving object. Or shoot products under water. You had to be good because mistakes were often too expensive to reshoot and there was no such thing as retouching. It makes a difference.

[@siras2]

Some great points, well made. Can I just add that along with your "almost no-one gets it right 1st time" comment, many of the people we all think of as being truly great photographers are held in such high esteem because no one ever gets to see the images they've chosen to discard. Having the knack of being able to select images that "sing" and setting aside the rest can make all the difference.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

This is such a huge point ☝🏻

[@kimmimaloney]

Great points - thank you for sharing the honesty, and for the inspiration.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Much love Kimmi!

[@rachelleabaca]

I’m loving your content! Literally writing notes as you speak, thank you so much for being real and inspiring people like me! Keep it up

[@nealperkins4978]

I really do appreciate the fact that your speaking from a place of honesty and truthfulness. Awesome!

[@RichardJPhotog]

#3 hits home...but with regard to #2, is the reason we need to keep personal projects. Push our boundaries beyond the scope of our profession. Keeps us engaged and keeps it fun. Good stuff brother...as usual...no sugar coat, real world views

[@jrarsenault2413]

The truth, demons that all pros wrestle with. Clients that come up and say 'be creative' thinking it's some kinda photo constipation you conjure up, grit your teeth, and produce Mona Lisas on demand. To me, 80% of pro photo is being able to produce images at a certain level no matter how I feel and make it happen. Not every job I produce is the best of the best, but there are images that still bring a tear to my eye because they are so wonderful. After 40 years doing it, those images mean more to me than the $$$ I get. Have a few regular gravy gigs to pay the bills, loving the mechanical repetition to maintain 'the look' created years ago. But it's the weird side gigs that feed me with occasional surprise emotions when something pops out in editing I love. Would love to see a video on your mini side gigs. Sounds like fun! Probably a good inspiration for the noobs that want to get out and get up. Like this 40y one ✌️

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great comment my friend!

[@andreeadobre3190]

Agree so much, JR. I have a lot less years under my belt than you but no matter how uninspired I feel sometimes, or how artistically uninteresting the work gets sometimes, I still enjoy the actual mechanical repetition as you call it. Heck, I'm crawling on the floor at an event and pressing buttons on a little gadget, I could be stuck at a computer all day in some office desk instead (well I am when editing but you get the idea). I am autistic and with a camera in my hands is one of the few occasions when I'm fully present in the moment and not stuck in my head. So many people hate their work, I feel grateful to enjoy mine.

[@jrarsenault2413]

@@andreeadobre3190 good for you! Glad you found your place, it sounds like you are thriving in what you do. Keep it up and enjoy the ride.

[@martonhegedus]

As a professional photographer, I really needed to hear this, thank you

[@JeffreyOakarPhotos]

Inspiration and creativity are the keys to making "Shots to Die For". It's one of the reasons aspiring photographers should buy art, photo, design, architecture and fashion books. It's one of the reasons we should pay attention to how films are shot...light, angles, color, composition etc. It's one of the reasons we should listen to great music when we are editing or getting ready to shoot. And finally, it's one of the reasons to subscribe to your You Tube page!

[@edewaa75]

This video is SO true. Creative portraits I love but it definitley takes a few shots to transfer the image from your mind, to the image in camera. Great video!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching brother!

[@cherylhofferber300]

Seriously!!! Thank you for this!!! One of the biggest fears starting out is can I get it right, and you just made it real. No one gets it right every time!!! Even the pros. It is these little ah! Ha! moments that really click with me. Thank you for your honesty. Out of the many videos I have watched, you have struck a connection with me. Thank you!!!

[@ytr8989]

That’s cool. I usually find most pros enjoy talking their skills and give away lots of their tips and tricks. It’s the ones that ‘call’ themselves a ‘pro’ that don’t give you any tips and tricks, because they ain’t pros and don’t really have any secrets to tell you. 👍

[@jarambahboy9391]

Heheheh I agree with you

[@bassangler73]

Good vid bro! I am just an hobbyist wildlife shooter but the advice you gave can be applied to any genre of photography

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching brother!

[@bassangler73]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs 👍

[@cjvpjackson9350]

Love your Real Talk and No B.S. please continue to do So!!!!!

[@brettwooderson7442]

3 great points. Made complete sense to me as someone who is just looking to go full time. Thanks

[@hurleygreen927]

Appreciate the tips, my brother! LOL

[@rubyred2874]

I have always loved photography. I got my first camera when I was 7 years old and I went with my parents to NYC to use it. I am trying to get more jobs out of my photography now. I have done portraits and weddings, but I want more consistency. Honestly, I never became bored with it because I have ideas, and I see other work out there that inspires me.

[@earthwalker4538]

Thank you Will for an awesome informative and motivating video! I love the points about pros being uninspired, bc I think we all feel uninspired many times. It boils down to how often we as individuals seek more inspiration and even through dry practice, we can find that inspiration. For me, photography is a huge inspiration and I feel so much more inspired in many areas of my life just by holding my camera and getting in that mindset. Always awesome Will, you are the MAN!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So great to hear how constantly inspired you are my man. It truly is a gift!

[@brettida3936]

thanks for bringing me back to what got me started in all of this. Time to pick up my "hobby" camera. I think I have to order some B&W film and see where that takes me!

[@jermainemcdonald-downes2200]

Thank you so much for this video!!, I'm a year into photography and watching this makes it easier for me to decide where I want to go with this.

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

Wow, true words being spoken. I think most folks feel they can step away from a "regular job" and take the joy with them full time. Not realizing that you still have bills to pay and such. So it's work still but the passion part of doing the work is what sustains. Peace and thank you for the truth.

[@bobceffo]

it'S more fun as a hobby. same with music.

[@Poverello2001]

Great advice! Your channel is where I turn to for education and inspiration. Over the years I’ve shot a few weddings, mainly for family and friends, and didn’t like it at all. It just wasn’t for me. So now, I stick to shooting what interests me. I like being my own boss and worst critic!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Smart man!

[@PhilJonesIII]

Same here. I was persuaded to shoot a few weddings and the results were reasonable. But, the stress killed it for me. I actually stopped doing photography for a while. Now I stick to shooting what I enjoy.

[@cgmed1790]

This was an amazing video and I appreciate your honesty ☺️📸

[@JohnWilliams-zh3mw]

Really good points, thank you.

[@aztecvspec002]

Some will also use highly stylized wedding portraits taken at a workshop that someone else help them set up as their own. Gotta watch the sizzle man.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

EXACTLY. This is so true and I feel it’s somewhat dishonest. Getting a photo in a stylized environment where you have plenty of time is so different than creating in the throws of a wedding

[@brandonmcmillan9641]

I dont think that's really wrong? Its advertising but your clients better be happy. Is it wrong to hire models and a nice venue to create beautiful wedding photos for advertisement

[@sugarfreedaddie5995]

I do it as work now but, everyday I think of it as a chance to bring happi3 and joy to others a d that really keeps me. Going and inspires me to do more. Of course you need to be professional on time on point. Kind polite and really helpful to clients.

[@claudeshami471]

Im still stunned how crispy and sharp the video looks in B&W!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Straight out of camera!

[@claudeshami471]

So good! Btw, you are the reason I upgraded my 7 year old D5100 to the Z6! Much love and keep up the good work!

[@TheMoksa]

2nd and 3rd relate to me 100% Since August last year I have been taking fewer and fewer photos and seeing my skills fade away

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

I really hope these videos are helping you!! I promise you can get the fire back, just have to push yourself to do something new.

[@vnomik]

just discovered your channel. after only 3 vids I think I'm.. excited!!

[@billmcfadden4791]

great points. most photographers who stay in the business are always learning new skills. nothing wrong with with growth as long as photographer does not bogged down into the trap of always spending on new gear.

[@obscur_yoann]

Great great great points ! It's so true. The third one is exactly why I take my time and think carefully about jumping to the ''pro side'' one day... No rush.

[@kenpeterson3414]

Hi Will, I love your channel..I just retired & have had a love for photograghy for 40+ yrs..After 10 yrs shooting with a Nikon D7000 I just recently upgraded to the Z6. What a game changer, it is a beast & results are very encouraging..Thank-you for your tutorials about the Z6, they have been very helpful..Also you put out very honest info, I have often thought about turning my experience into a profit , but don't want to get away from the creative side of a serious hobbyist..Keep up the good work. Just my $0.02 Ken in Arizona

[@sidneykincaid851]

Will I love videos like this where you give us excellent insider info about the pro side of photography. I agree, I think a lot of non pro photographers have preconceived beliefs about the profession that are not accurate. Thanks Will for another great video and for more excellent inspiration brother!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

You the man Sidney! Always appreciate your support and kind words my friend

[@lynnwhyjae]

one thing you said reminds me of a couple of things Joe Mcnally said. Said the great picture you are after is rare. You will rarely get that great picture. So a lot of the amazing pics some folks show is business, it's marketing. Important to keep that in mind. Also, something I've seen Joe Mcnally do in teaching clips is mention in so many words, working your way to what you see. Digital cameras don't eliminate the process of working your way to the shot you see in your minds eye.

[@creativityrevealed3659]

One thing I noticed about the local wedding and family photography is it's cookie cutter feel . Like every one up here is shooting the same shots at the same locations. Makes it boring. Guess I'll have to spice things up. Always a good word brother!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So true!! Sara and I actively fight against this by getting really interested in the people at every wedding. Like the real personalities of our clients, the Venus may stay the same but the people are always dofferent

[@Wh33lsofFortune]

And the same moody presets but they're soooo original. We need more people that wanna push the boundaries instead of just being a cookie cutter

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

This ☝🏻

[@petrvokurek2286]

Very true points. Especially the one about going pro. I´d say having a good job/ business and doing photography as a hobby might as well be the ideal path for many. Being finacially dependent on doing what you love does mess things up and few manage to keep the right balance. I´ve beeen a pro for about 15 years and it´s a constant struggle. Then again, there´s a lot to be said about devoting 100% of your energy to something...Thank you for yet another inspiring video!

[@richcolicchio9888]

This video echoes my inner thoughts about becoming a professional. Thanks for sharing this.

[@lenzielenski3276]

I loved the comment about photography being more fun when you're an amateur. That is so true. I loved taking pictures 'just because' but after years of shooting 5 days a week looking at a camera on weekends just doesn't happen. I was so burnt out that when I quit I sold EVERYTHING but one point and shoot Nikon and didn't take another photo for 10-15 years. My favorite come back to "are you going to take pictures?" was "are you going to pay me?"

[@bricemyfoto8907]

It's actually a relief when you shake your head after a shot and the model says "No no, were gonna get this shot..." And youre like, aight let me change somethin. My hobby work is a huge relief from the 9-5 professional work. So its more of a creative outlet than the by the book stuff.

[@andre-pierreghys2156]

Very intersting topic. Your 3 secrets are why I never accepted to be paid for being a photographer in an event. I have my own job and photo is my hobby. It let me invest in art and emotion and show my creativity. Thank you for sharing this.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for watching. This is all true and there is power in doing photography as a passionate hobby. Too many people think a creative job is an all around fairy tale. Although I am very grateful and happy, it’s not all perfect.

[@kennethbradstedlarsen5194]

Love your honesty!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Always my man!

[@troyphillips1077]

Thank you for your time and your candor is very very much appreciated. I shoot live music photography and videography professionally. I love it it’s a blast every show is different the monies just not there. I have a Lotta pictures folks love. But I take thousands of shots at shows sometimes just to get the right one and live music live shows everything‘s in a flux of movement and feeling. Capturing the feeling of that show isn’t done in a couple Photos. There’s many hours it going through the pictures just to find the right ones that work for the moment shooting at such a shallow depth of field all the time sorting through the ones that are not in focus. Especially with a DSLR. That’s why through your channel I’m getting a Z6 this year not get rid of the 850But something to supplement it

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Very much appreciate the tome you take to watch and engage with these videos my friend

[@wintersthrall]

Troy, you will love the z6. It will lock on eyes and faces like a leech in AFC, which frees you to concentrate on composition.

[@brad_in_yyc]

Have you tried getting a separate camera for just your creative side away from weddings? Maybe a completely separate camera. Different brand or lens mount and creating it as a hobby? Think that would help?

[@litty1776]

Love this video man. ❤️ Can you do a video on naming your business? Differentiating between a personal brand and business brand? 📈 Do you think it's important in photography? I'd love to hear your views on it. Cheers mate 🥳

[@ThatsSoAilene]

thanks Will

[@clasijuls1]

I love your videos .You say what nobody says .sometimes things have to be said ...

[@Martin-nu6ym]

I'm not a pro but I do have six engagements throughout the year that are volunteer related and it feels like work because I'm expected to produce a product. All three points you listed were dead on for me. If anything I have learned that I never want to be a pro. :) I love doing the work because I'm happy with my results and a continual honing of my skills but to be paid to do this - no thank you that adds yet another layer to the responsibly level for each engagement.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

So great to hear from someone else who gets the point! Thanks for watching Martin

[@Prem07891]

Love your honesty buddy

[@CS90]

#1 is especially true. Even the best photographers mess up and fail, you just never see the bad images. Kind of reminds me of the times that Instagram influencers exposed how much deceit is involved. Not the same as photography but they both rely on a false sense of perfection. As for #3, that's why I never wanted to go into pro photography. Perfectly happy being a hobbyist.

[@gm010379]

THANKYOU...

[@danilocruz5978]

The master himself said it.. “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” ― Henri Cartier-Bresson (it’s more than 10,000 tho) I want to be a pro willing to take the risks I will be 33 this year (I started with lomography when i was 20yrs old) i think it’s too late but I really love photography hoping next year I can start the business I agree to your points inspiration is really important no matter how I love taking photos if I am not inspired it’s nothing I can’t create, so what I am doing now is sharpening my skills compositions etc etc. My point is thank you for inspiring us😊

[@bassangler73]

Man it's not too late bro, you got another good 30+ good working years in you I'm sure..Don't give up, your still young

[@danilocruz5978]

bassangler73 thank you for the encourage!!

[@bassangler73]

@@danilocruz5978 👍

[@gpdoyon]

Great advice!

[@BrettSayles]

Real talk! Great video.

[@rvarelagonzaga]

Another thing that professional photographers never share are bad photos. so, everyone think that they get the photo in the first click and perfect from the camera and that they never miss a photo because have professional equipament e magic skills. but they miss photos too, had disfocated photos and making pos-processing in their photos and this can dismotivation the people that incially think that this is simple, in the firt shot, out off the camera and is done. Thank you man for more one inspiration video.

[@verbatimscience]

Hi Will, you just got a new subscriber! I appreciate your thoughts and recommendations, many of which just resonate! I would like to ask you a bit more about your video gear for the videos on youtube. I find your videos cristal clear, so I was trying to guess what kind of camera and lens(es) are behind. If it is a camera I would guess around a 24mm? Is it the nikon Z6? I understand you do wedding/family photography but you are pretty well a reference in youtube video, just an idea :)

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Great to have you on the channel my friend! For all my videos I use the Z6 with the 35 1.8s lens. My settings are: 1080p 60fps 1/80 1.8 Iso 100 Just the monochrome picture profile in camera. No post processing, all videos are straight out of camera!

[@verbatimscience]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs thanks very much for taking the time to reply. I think you could think of making a video or two on how to make videos on youtube. Your scenery contrast, sharpness and lightening looks professional, which I am sure would interest a wide rang of users on YT and elsewhere in this age of self filming. For instance, tips on microphone choices and positions as well as lightnening and general scene settings to keep the focus on the speaker. Greetings from Europe. Take care

[@gabrielvaldezr]

a while back you made a video on how to get focus highlights when you turn the focus ring on the nikon lens while also pressing another button. what was the other button? i cant find the video

[@jtwolfstories]

Good points. I built my website as portraits, weddings, and real estate. Dumb because I am a photojournalist venturing into new fields. Stick to one lane. Thanks for the advice.

[@a.l.alexander3668]

Lol, like Jason L..(Oops, not to mention any names). I hear what you're saying, I've often wondered if I ever had the balls to try and go pro would I lose some of my passion for creativity in the art. All of my favorite shots over the years have come from my learning what a particular camera or lens or flash could do.

[@romiemiller3093]

Dorothea Lange's iconic image of the dust bowl photograph is number 10 in a series. The nine other photos that came before aren't remembered, but i think almost everyone has seen number ten at one time or another.

[@caryrules]

Yeah, after shooting TV news for over 25 years, I totally agree. The station I work for does 90% crime coverage and the remaining 10% is weather. It becomes such a downer because I'm meeting people at the worst time in their life. Homicides, fires, stabbings, shootings, natural disaster. Not much fun in that. I have had a new interest in shooting because of KZbin. There is so much great content on here that I can't help but become inspired again. Equipment is now much better, more accessible, and easier to use. I have started shooting more and more stills because I love the challenge of creating moments rather than sequences. To me, doing crossover work with stills has given me the gusto to get better at video. Personal projects. Doing stuff for myself instead of always for my bosses (or clients for the stills guys) keeps my interest. Actually printing your images in a book or for your wall is great, too. There is nothing like having a tangible piece of your favorite work to look at. I love shooting my girlfriend's dad's farm. She, her dad, and the farm are my muse. I can't even begin to tell you how much having a personal project has helped keep me going!

[@zackchoy1969]

Great sharing and great video !~

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Zack

[@oliverlane4050]

Thanks for these, it’s great to know that I’m not the only one, we definitely need the odd personal project to keep the interest and creativity alive! It’s a shame my wife doesn’t understand this, she goes nuts at me if I’m photographing and not getting paid 😢

[@russellwright9961]

Oliver Lane My wife is the same way!!

[@gernblandson4007]

You hit it right on the head. Cheers!

[@motiwalamoiz]

Good stuff

[@eddiehennessy2627]

Brilliant

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for watching sir 🙏🏻

[@Ron_C]

I've been enjoying your content for a few weeks now, thanks for taking the time to share these things. I have a question about "professional photographer" title, how is that obtained? I think that successful photographer would be a title better deserved.

[@richdeering9580]

In the days of film photography… if I got one good photo from a roll of 36 exposures, I counted it as a SUCCESS. And somehow, without seeing the final image until it had been processed and printed, (when it was still in its latent state), I had a sense of intuitively knowing I had secured a good picture. It was magical. I’ve always loved photography. Digital seems different… less mysterious, and magical. But, I am still chasing after those special photos, which please the eye… they are precious gifts from God.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Amen to that brother

[@mannyva01]

See..... I am on the hobbyist stage..... I want to go to the next step.... but I am not sure if I would feel the same way if I was paid..... plus I have no clue how to market myself or where to start...... been doing photography since 2012..... I have done numerous indian weddings.... mostly relatives that I know of course just to see what I can create even though they already have their own photographer..... but for me it's just the practice really..... other then that I stick to belly dancing, flowers, landscapes and animals...... but for me it was mostly for fun and to pass time

[@elwelkin]

Sir I'm debating on whether get the Nikon 85 1.4g used or a sigma 85 1.4 new for the nikon z6, I would like to have your advice on it

[@stanspb763]

85 1.8 S No brainer, sharper across the frame than either, lighter, a lot better behaved with zero color fringing wide open, faster AF on a Z6/7 and less expensive. All the S lenses are better optically then F mount lenses of the same FL. There are a few lenses that there is no current S sub for, like the 105 1.4G but the new 70-200 2.8 S is as good optically or better while being more flexible. If you are not building your collection of S lenses you are missing out on the real benefit of Z mount over F mount. I have all the desirable fast F lenses in the range of 14mm to 200mm and not one is better at the same FL as the few S lenses. Try out the 50 1.8, 85 1.8 and 24-70 2.8 S and be prepared to be impressed. The 35 1.8 S is an all-rounder that also is a great video FL and an all-day lens, one you can go out and shoot almost anything with it. The 24 1.8 S is also a very impressive lens. With my DSLRs, the F lenses combination was very satisfying, the D850 has no flaws, but required a large heavy backpack for almost any shoot and the bag was too heavy for overhead on airlines. I added the Z6 as a personal travel camera but soon discovered it was the most enjoyable and capable camera I ever used. After getting the Z6 and 24-70 f/4, 35 1.8 and 50 1.8 the DSLRs and big lenses ended up collecting dust. Now, I can go on a commercial shoot with a sling bag a couple primes and a 24-70 either f/4 or 2.8 1-2 flash and come back with a higher keeper rate. In fact the last 3 theater shoots(cast headshots and dress rehearsals it was 24-70 f/4 and 85 1.8S, that is it. Weddings, and formals, 24-70 2.8, 85 1.8 and 24 1.8 S glass. I shoot for the main jazz club here in a city of 7 million and take only 85 1.8 and 24-70, shooting wireless tether so slide show starts from the first shot and there is no room for screw-ups. I have forgotten the last time I wanted to delete a shot that was already in the slide show. The club started offering prints of the shots, we split the income and they handle the printing. Every night they sell 20-50 prints and I make $5/each without lifting a finger. I live in a country now where $1000 a month is full middle-class income, with zero debt and, much better quality of life than my native US when I made $15,000 a month. Weddings which are 23 hours of shooting!! the locals, very different and more freeform than weddings back in the US. charge $500 and have enough left over for international travel to exotic locales every couple months. Photography is part-time for me, I turn down most paid assignments because I have 3 other businesses and prefer to shoot for free if it is interesting than paid. I still do 3 paid gigs a week, usually, theater/ballet or portraits or fashion but shoot every day for fun. I shoot for 2 top-end pro ballet companies, and the Z6 is the perfect solution with the 70-200 2.8 35 1.8 and 24 1.8 The 85 1.8 is only $700 and is the only short tele-portrait lens I need, with all my big heavy primes, sit collecting dust. With all the BS claims about Z6/7 AF being bad is nuts, these are light full pro cameras, rugged, bulletproof, great lenses, higher keeper rate in tough lighting then the D850. AF-S down to -6ev is better than any DSLR in low light. Yes, the S lenses are that good!

[@jrarsenault2413]

Stan, truly a unique inspirational post on many levels. I've been at it pro over 40y, love reading stuff like this. Even if it's only me, thanks for taking the time cuz it feed the beast 👊

[@elwelkin]

@@stanspb763 I followed your advice and got the 1.8s I do own the 85 1.4d but it's manual is nice but this 1.8s is very crisp, although they are ugly IMO I prefer the look of the afs prime but that's just a exterior, I own the 24-70 f4s I don't need 2.8 because I mostly shoot my kids, to me photography it's just something that I enjoy, info print with canon pixma pro 100, I'm married with Nikon not because I think is better but because it would be way to expensive to start my passion with another sistem... I own the 16-35 f4, 50 1.4g, 24-70 f4s, now 85 1.8s, 105 2.8d, 200 f4d, 200-500 5.6g.. not to impress anyone here but move to another system would be to expensive and I love what I have.... Thank you Sir for your honest advice 👍💪

[@samienr]

Dang. I really needed this.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Glad it helped my man!

[@alwaysbenicesmileoften8492]

I've literally taken 1000 pictures.. and delivered 20. As long as your moving around. No one notices. Lol 😂🤣😂

[@georgekemp4847]

Thanks...

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching George!

[@hailynewma9122]

that was a good one. again

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thanks for watching Haily!

[@ron5935]

You are lucky you do not work for my photo mentor. He had a large wedding business in Chicago 1960`s. Up to 10 people worked for him and he trained them exactly what to do. 6 dolls of 36 per wedding. Neighbor ladies printed at his home after he developed the film on Sunday evening. He purchased 100 foot rolls of film by the case, enough for a year.

[@jerrynieves7689]

Love love love this video!!!!! Thanks bro 👊

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Thank you for watching my man!

[@blakegirouxphotography]

Wait these are things we don’t tell people? Oh then maybe I should start keeping these secret lol

[@russellwright9961]

💯💯💯

[@wintersthrall]

You have to find a way to keep your inspiration because that's how you grow, how you get better. I spent all this week shooting portraits but it was the first time I'd experimented with a hair light. With chance to look at the first day's shoot, I got the chance to see it needed to be flagged to prevent spill onto their shoulder. I had Friday to edit, but I also made myself go out and try and capture the essence of winter. I saw what I wanted in my head, but it took 8 tries until I ended up with what I'd seen (this: instagram.com/p/B8AjacRniRJ/ ). Keep seeing the world afresh. There are tiny wonders everywhere if you can a way to look for them.

[@gepwxaqdfsidsesg1548]

I am wondering if there is an enthusiast+ model whereby one can earn enough in a short space of time to pay for equipment (and make it tax deductable) whilst keeping ones non photography day job and enjoying the rest of one's photography time as a pure hobby.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

That’s a great question. One thing that fits this model is monthly mini sessions. Every once in a while we’ll do a day of short session: 20 minutes long, 15 photos, $200. We book 5 back to back at a certain location and they just show up one after another and it’s a quick $1000 for an hour of work (plus editing). You can do that once a month and certainly pay for new gear. If you’re interested start advertising in moms/family groups on FB

[@Pumpamentals]

I paused your video at a random moment and magic happened: imgur.com/a/VnnEDrI Time to specialize in candid KZbinr pause-portraiture. Great vid! :)

[@kavishrajpaul6065]

The truth

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

🥂🥂🥂

[@MeekPhotos]

I posted settings to a picture and someone called BS because the settings didn't work for them. Didn't even waste my time explaining.

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Unreal. I’m working on a lighting tutorial now and in one of the videos the first thing I say is you have to PAY DUES. People think photography is purely technical like they can plug in some formula and achieve a result over and over again. Not true. You have to practice practice then practice some more then maybe you will be lucky enough to develop your own style. Great to hear from you

[@MeekPhotos]

@@TheMonochromeMemoirs great to see the growth on here. Been around since 1k!

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

Man I appreciate that so much!!

[@doblebo]

I hear that. Artistic tools are now business equipment that pays the bills. How about where you do something you think is cool and others like it but your paying client hates it... feels like they tear out your heart and make you feel like a cheap failure... or is that just me? Lol

[@kenttarbox4918]

I have been a contract photographer for my local newspaper for 18+ years now. Shot news, features and sports for the bulk of that time. Last 10 years have been mainly focused on high school, college and pro sports work. I also have a day job in IT that pays the bills, etc. The contract route is not a bad way to go for several of the reasons mentioned in this video. 1 - I make extra cash, so I consider my contract work to be like someone else's UBER or Lyft gig. Not their full time career but a great side hustle. 2 - being contract, I can turn things down on occasion when I need to. My paycheck is not dependent on my photography 3 - I am free to step outside of the sports realm of photography and work on new skills. Currently delving more into product work, flat lay and personal brand type work. Learning strobe lighting as well... 4 - I hear this all the time "man it must be great to go to all those sporting events and watch the games..." well, it's not always that great. First of all I am not there to watch, I am working. Secondly, I have had to work through some pretty bad games at the high school level, they don't make ESPN's Top 10 reel. Lastly, sure, come out to the football game with me on Friday night in the snow, sleet, rain, heat, etc... don't get me wrong, I still do it, but it is not as "glamorous" as many think it is. 5 - when hobby becomes work, it is no longer a hobby and your perspective and motivation can change quite quickly. 6 - very few photographers reach the status of an Annie Leibovitz, Steve McCurry, etc where they are in such demand that they can all their own shots, the rest of us are bonded to our client list and have to hustle to always find new clients... All of this being said, being a pro photographer is really no different than any other job. There are good days and bad days. There are aspects that are appealing: not going to the same place everyday, a little more control of one's schedule (client schedule still comes first), getting to actually do something you enjoy, meeting new people and encountering new experiences... all good things. For me, I find that having the day job provides the security I need until I retire (which is within the next 5 - 7 yrs) and the contract work allows me to the opportunity to continue to develop my skills and explore avenues outside of sports photography without having to worry about my income stream from my photography. In the end, if you want to go full time pro, go, do it and I wish you well... just be prepared for the reality.. thank you...

[@josephl.cinematographerpho4976]

I gotta skip these episodes. it's clearly catering newbies as this all true but common sence, that doesnt need to be talked about just understood, but good job helping new people out

[@ge48421]

The problem I have with the title of this video is the following. We have these two premises : - no professional photographer will EVER tell you these secrets - I told you these secrets The assumption that you're a professional photographer leads to a contradiction, so I'm led to conclude from your own statements that you're not a professional photographer 😂 You have to watch those titles. BTW: it looks like the bright side of your face was *slightly* overexposed, it lost detail at times.

[@Darkslide99]

Wait what? Are you messing with us? 😊❤️

[@TheMonochromeMemoirs]

haha NEVER!