5 Steps to Improve YOUR Photography in 2024

In this video, I want to share with you 5 steps to help you improve YOUR photography this year.
I draw upon my 15+ years as a professional photographer, to give you advice to how you can FINALLY take your photography to a new level.
📕 Download your FREE version of my new eBook, 'The Camera Doesn’t Matter - Professional Secrets for the Amateur Photographer' which reveals tips how you can immediately start improving YOUR photography gallagher-photo.com/learn
🚀 Ready to really level up your photography? Join my one-on-one STORYTELLING MENTORSHIP program to go beyond equipment and single images. I will teach you how to use photography to tell stories that matter. Learn more gallagher-photo.com/mentorship/
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✏️ Have questions or thoughts? Drop a comment below! Plus, stay tuned to the end of the video for an exclusive invitation to join my private WhatsApp/WeChat groups.
In summary, here are my 5 steps to elevate your photography game this year:
0:00 Introduction
01:07 Forget About Equipment
02:18 Focus on Fundamentals
03:54 Get Inspired
05:13 Start a Photo Story
06:43 Seek Constructive Feedback
08:20 You Can Do It
Extra Links:
More on Sebastiao Salgado: www.icp.org/browse/archive/co...
VISIT MY WEBSITE: gallagher-photo.com
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FACEBOOK: / sean.gallagher.photogr...
EBOOK: gallagher-photo.com/learn

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

If you have any questions about following these 5 steps, please let me know in the comments below. I really hope they help you improve your photography this year. Want more content like this? Don't forget to like 👍 this video and subscribe to my channel to help me reach 10,000 subscribers! ✊ Download your copy of my new eBook ➡ gallagher-photo.com/learn

[@mariofreude6688]

Hi Sean, I have just entered the world of photography and bought myself a Sony A 7C two weeks ago. I heard your tip #1 and I fully agree I want this journey to be a minimalist one I don't intend on carrying tons of equipment. The only thing I'm on the edge about is getting a wide-angle lens, specifically the Sony Fe 35mm F1.8. What are your thoughts on this should I pull the trigger now that I can?

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Hi@@mariofreude6688 Thanks for taking the time to comment. Your lens choice depends on the type of things you like to take pictures of. As a photojournalist, if I am working on my own projects, I really enjoy shooting with a 35mm lens. It's a very popular choice for street photography, travel, reportage-style etc. Small, light, inconspicuous and allows you just to focus on making images. Hope that helps.

[@srri8912]

Love the video! Need some advice, if you will. I have been taking pictures for 48 years as an amateur. Mostly kids when they were little and some travel stuff. Retired two years ago and got interested in it all over again, this time more seriously. Now, w/r/t your five suggestions, I really would love to follow those, but when it comes to the photo story bit, I am not sure how to go about it, being 72, I find it very physically taxing to just go out and taking pictures like Salgado. Can't even squat down to shoot a blade of grass, for example. And I don't find much inspiration around the house, but I keep trying. Where I live is no big help - bland suburbs. Do you have some advice for me or am I SOL?

[@robmcd]

As the owner of a Canon R5; Fuji XT4, XH2S, Canon 6D, EOS 1N, Nikon F4 and a Sony ZV1 plus my iPhone I can confirm I need a Leica to shoot anything decent.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

As the owner of a Ford, a Honda, a Toyota, a Subaru, a Volkswagen plus my BMW I can confirm I need a Ferrari to drive decently. 😉

[@vivekpaul1585]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer😂😂😂😂😂

[@robinbhairam7508]

😂😂

[@rafael55]

I am no great photographer. But sometimes my leica with a 35mm 1.4 takes amazing photos than my Canon or my iPhone can never do. Thats my experience and my opinion.

[@sumerg3800]

maybe the glass is more important than the camera @@rafael55

[@donloughrey1615]

I have a decent Nikon camera and am quite artistic. My sons ex-girlfriend who(no offense intended) is as dumb as a bag of hammers. She uses an older cell phone and her photos blow mine out of the water. Her sense of composition is uncanny. She is naturally talented and doesn't know any of the technical side. So I agree, we should not obsess over equipment until it hinders our creativity.

[@charlieross-BRM]

Yes! There are people around me who are 'eating my lunch' when it comes to sharing attractive and very imaginative images of our area. Street/People are not my thing but I admire their enthusiasm and talent.

[@Mahealani56]

Your 5 steps are spot on, particularly starting with “forget about equipment”. Too many friends are so obsessed with their pricey equipment and less so focusing on the fundamentals. Inspiration and Photo Essaying were so key when I was a budding photographer. And then seeking and accepting Critical Feedback, particularly self-criticism, is so important, but most avoid and then don’t benefit from it. Looking forward to your upcoming videos.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for taking the time to write such a meaningful comment. I am really glad the video resonated with you. I hope these steps help all those "budding photographers"! 📸

[@davidmcc6666]

Exactly, mate. I have never entered a gallery and asked "What camera took this amazing photograph?".

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

👍

[@randyschwager2515]

Great thoughts! Glad I found your channel! I’m looking forward to seeing more!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for watching ✊

[@AliaksandraBelskayaDull]

I started my journey very recently. Picked myself up a used D5600 with a nice macro lens and really having fun with it. I really appreciate your video and will follow these steps and one day hopefully it will pay off. It is truly challenging trying to replicate what I am seeing, what i want to show, into a photo.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for watching and glad the video is helpful ✊

[@philociraptor6751]

Not to be obsessed by the gear is one thing (and I largely agree with that), but to say it doesn’t matter is quite another, which for sure most professional and dedicated photographers will disagree with. I seriously doubt many artists will consider their tools don’t matter.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for the thoughts. When I get together with other professional photographers, we never discuss the brands of cameras we use. It's just not that important, as most cameras are much the same now. If I see the work of another photog I admire, I rarely think about the camera they used, more about how they developed their vision as a person/artist. The camera, as you said, is just a tool, and using it to express YOUR vision is the most important thing.

[@philociraptor6751]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer I agree with everything you wrote, but again, to say the gear doesn’t matter is very excessive. Depending on one’s creative intentions, it might be, if not impossible, at least a lot more difficult to fulfill them without the proper tools. Then I would say it’s all about giving to the tools the attention they deserve. No less, no more. And it’s just the same for every artist, whether she's a painter, a musician, a motion picture director, etc.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Yes, there are varying degrees to this. If you're a professional, you'll certainly be more attentive to the equipment to make sure it's giving you the most from your artistic vision. However, this video is mainly aimed at beginners and serious amateurs. Too often I see camera prices and tech overload deter aspiring photographers, young and old. Anyway, happy shooting, no matter what camera you're using. 📸

[@philociraptor6751]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer With this qualification we're on the same line. :)

[@charlieross-BRM]

I hang around a ton of singer/songwriter musicians. Two things I don't hear them talking about on their breaks is what kind of guitar they have or putting down some other performer. I only encounter that from faceless people here on YT.@@SeanGallagherPhotographer

[@sailslikeagirl3154]

Very inspiring thank you. New year is always a good time to focus on improving our hobby.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for watching

[@user-kj3ch3ke8m]

I'm confused by the negative comments. This was an excellent video, Sean! Clear, encouraging, and constructive. I took early retirement about 18 months ago. I've always loved taking pictures, but haven't owned a good camera for decades. As I retired I bought a Lumix FZ2500, and have been slowly and steadily relearning stuff I haven't had time to think about since the 80s, teaching myself as much as I can about photography in general. If I'm being honest, it's the constructive feedback side of things that I've been shying away from - this video makes me want to put that right. I will certainly join your community! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for taking the time to write. Don't worry about the odd negative comment. This is the internet after all...I have thick skin! I would think retirement is a perfect time to focus on your photography. Feedback is really important, just make sure you get it from people who you trust, respect and want to help you improve. You're welcome to join the community 🤝📸

[@user-kj3ch3ke8m]

Thank you, Sean! 🙂@@SeanGallagherPhotographer

[@volkergries8482]

Thank you very much! I'll see how I can follow these tips this year. I've often heart some of them but it isn't that easy. I always fall back to usual behavoir. But I'll try my best. Thank you!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Good luck ✊

[@mozzamhosein6476]

Thank you.Throughly enjoyed your message.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@DanDanBlvd]

New subscriber here! I'm in a creative rut right now and this video helped me line things up into better perspective. Just like in boxing you never become great without mastering the fundamentals. Thank you Sean.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thank you for subscribing ✊ Absolutely. No matter what profession you're in, it's always good to keep the fundamentals in mind. I am glad the video helped. Good luck on your journey.

[@adonhd7]

Thank you I will stay tune

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

👍

[@jordansyoutube]

I needed this video at this moment This was great thank you!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thewoodys_surf_instrumental]

The only time I think about equipment is when I’m on a job ..”please don’t break down” Whatever tools you use as a photographer is fine as long as they work.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

True. If you a professional and need to produce work for a client, you certainly need a camera you can rely on!

[@michaelbell75]

I really hope you have a 2nd body on a job...

[@f__e__e__l__e__e__p]

Right to the point 👍♥️

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

📌📸

[@eprod9456]

Very true!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

👍

[@adonhd7]

Very Good stuff Brother I just started my journey with photos and Video and believe me this video is so inspiring that wrote down all the step you mention and subscribe to your channels

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Really glad the video was useful 👍 Good luck on your journey. Stay tuned for more videos and tips.

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

I'm glad somebody finally said it

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

✊

[@22fret]

I'm obsessed with gear, tbh. But I'm an analogue shooter to almost 100%. (Pentax K1000, KM, KX, K2, LX, MX and 2 MEs for 35mm & Pentacon six TL for 6x6). The fact that there is no way of post-processing for me makes me think about composition, focus and exposure intensively before I give it a go. But that's exactly what I love about it...

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Yes, shooting analogue is a great way to cut out the "noise" and just focus in on making the best images possible 👍 At the beginning of my career I taught myself how to print black and white images in my own darkroom I built. The things I learnt during that time still serve me today. Good luck with your shooting.

[@22fret]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer Thx very much...

[@arabindabanchhor5027]

Got inspired ❤

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Great! ✊

[@fredkeogh9035]

I dived late in life my late 60s , intuition eventually said canon 6D MK1 new at the time , glad I did the results/ sharp/and colour/ gave me the unexpected Buzz I needed to enhance my interest “ as like most when Young holiday snapshots was the only example of what I thought was photography ! ! ! Thanks

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Fred. Good luck with your new camera 👍

[@henrikmartensson2044]

Very good video. I bought a Canon 60D in 2012. It took me a long time to build fundamental skills, but since then, I've done everything from macro photography, street photography, fashion photography, trick photography, and shooting pictures for making photo/3D composites, with that camera. I bought new gear only when I needed it for a particular purpose. I often used do it yourself solutions, like using pizza boxes and bedsheets as light modifiers for my flashes. I bought a new camera less than a year ago, mostly because I feared the 60D would give up on me during a shoot. I've taken way more pictures than the camera is rated for. The new camera has better specs, of course, but I don't, and won't, shoot better pictures with it, at least not until I have developed my skills more.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for watching. Sounds like you are doing things the right way and you are following your own unique photography journey. Keep going 👊

[@minko2268]

I am just looking for how to be a National Geographic Photographer and suddenly found you. Thank you so much all of your sharing. I am going to try to take a photo story first. Thanks for your time.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Glad you found the video and it was helpful to you. Good luck!

[@florastaedtler2702]

Mine matters because it was my grandfather’s ❤ Thanks for the great videos!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Of course, many cameras have sentimental value, especially those from family! Thanks for the comment, Flora 📸

[@rickardlarne5984]

❤

[@sandyfordd1843]

Tha ks for your excellent video, it certainly gave me a lot to think about. The better and more expensive your camera equipment is, the more time and effort you have to spend to make sure you get good shots to justify your spend. I carry my little pocket Sony A6400 with me everywhere and take some great photos with it, some of my best really. I'm always looking for that perfect light no matter where i am or what I'm doing. I ran out of a meeting with clients last week to take a shot of the sun reflecting on thir windows and they just laughed at me, but were very impressed when i showed them the photo, which is now on their website. The camera cost me €400 second hand, almost ten times less than my main camera.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Great story! Sounds like you have learnt some of these lessons yourself that it's not all about the gear. Keep going. Keep shooting and keep chasing the light! 👊

[@Liquidi_colors]

So far only Sean who share is his ideas that motivates its viewer specailly of in leaving a statement that camera doesnt matter more impt. is the photographers eye and talent

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

✊

[@pwood5733]

Liked saved and subscribed. It is so nice to watch content that is very useful and not a shouty american who starts of by saying "sup guys". Looking forward to more content Sean

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for watching and subscribing ✊ Glad the video was useful to you.

[@philipsutton8921]

Love your stuff - you are the real deal. So many 'gear shufflers', get on YT, spruiking their trash, trying to pass as professional photographers. Mercifully, you are not one of them!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thank you, Philip ✊ There will be no 'gear shuffling' from me here, just real world advice about real world photography 📸

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nice video 🙂👍

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thank you 👍

[@JobayerMolla-ev5pc]

❤❤❤

[@rockarena666]

I took the best Photo in my short career with an old iPhone camera. So yes, you are correct sir.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

📸 👍

[@thebigskyguy]

Thanks

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

👍

[@vivekveeramani87]

I hate youtube, i hate it. For taking this long to suggest your videos. Glad it did right now! Thank you for the great vudeo!

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

🙂

[@sadat.fateme777]

Thank you soo much🙏☘️✨️🍓🙃 I felt better about myself and my photos after watching your video, because I have no camera but Im crazy about photography and taking photo,and I want to be a photographer.😃🙂☘️ TNX

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

What a nice comment 🙏 I am really glad you liked the video. Don't worry if you don't have a camera now. Try and look for good photography on the internet, maybe rent some books from a library and start teaching yourself about light, colour, composition and moments. When you get a camera, you'll be ready to go. Good luck on your photography journey ✊

[@sadat.fateme777]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer thank you Mr sean for everything🙏☘️✨️

[@ViagemNews]

Hello, great video! I'm a brazilian guy, Sebastião Salgado is a stunning photographer. I use a Canon SX740 HS in my travels because it is light and practical to transport.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for watching. I'm a fan of light and practical cameras too 👍

[@eltinjones4542]

Stop watching videos like yours would be a great help to improving my photography

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

🤣 You're right. Stop looking at screens and get outside and take some pictures 📸

[@destinationwaleswithskylar9575]

Hi Sean may I ask what camera do you use in taking video while talking. I really like it its nice and clear. Thanks

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Hi. Sure, I shoot these videos on a Canon R5 with a 35mm EF 1.4 lens 🙂

[@robinbhairam7508]

Good constructive feedback is so hard to get. I joined a local camera club to help develop, lean, and get feedback. Personally it was the most ‘destructive’ thing I could have done. The people were really lovely, but the competitions (where you get the feedback) were nearly always judged by average photographers, who rarely provided any constructive feedback … it honestly put me off photography for almost a year

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Hi Robin. Sorry to hear about your bad experience with your local camera club. If you download my free eBook, at the end are QR codes you can join my groups on either WhatsApp/WeChat. I am sure the feedback you get there will be better!

[@daveleo7248]

So true. Will point some friends to this video. (No one listens to me!!)

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

They should listen to you, Dave 😆 Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lavinia2392]

hi, thanks a lot for the video. i tried scanning the qr code for whatsapp but the group link doesnt show up

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

When you scan it, it will link to me. Just add me, then I'll add you to the group 👍

[@brandond9490]

Great videos but need an upgrade on the background music :) ….. sounds like stock KZbin sound library ? 😊

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll call Hans Zimmer right away 😉

[@strwtchr]

What works for me are limitations. I only shoot using prime lenses, and manual ones. I ditched raws and color. After a photo walk or session I try to delete as many as possible. This way, only the truly unique ones stay. Sometimes ten, sometimes three, sometimes none. It doesn't matter.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Yes, simplifying your gear set-up should be another tip. I also like just going out with a prime lens and one camera body. Re: editing, I would suggest not deleting all your images. You may come back to them years later and find the odd one you like. But yes, edit ruthlessly and only choose the best 👍

[@strwtchr]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer no, it's a trap. You only keep these that are truly meaningful. Leaving the mediocre ones leads to the whole collection being a chore to return to.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

When I was a young photographer, I interned at the photojournalism agency, Magnum Photos. They had rooms dedicated to housing all the contact sheets and negatives of all the images the photographers had ever taken. The photographers also had their personal collections too. I picked up this habit there to never throw away old work. Sometimes its value appears only later on. thamesandhudson.com/magnum-contact-sheets-9780500292914

[@strwtchr]

Yes, this I do understand. And there are various flavors of photography one can give their life and heart to. In my case, I do it for myself. I rarely even show my photos to anyone but a prison or two. It's mainly street. I like the feeling of the process of creation more than exposing the results. I remember several photos in detail. And I have several sets of 3-4 similar photos, each of them I like. Now, by deleting the three of four, I make the last one unique. That's why I prefer deleting as many as possible.

[@ratgirl13]

I shared this video with a hipster doofus I know who owns a Leica and he doesn’t want to be “friends” anymore.😂. ….ooooopsy! I was just trying to inspire him…oh, well…🤷🏻‍♀️

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

🤣 Some people don't like hearing that it's not about the equipment. It's okay, you're with us now 🤝

[@rameshe5042]

good things you teaching now days generation, they don't reading old books i have 100 year old photo book lot of information

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

I taught myself photography with books from the library. But that was 20 years ago, not 100! 😆

[@rameshe5042]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer i collected one book printed in 1930, 100 years old (dangare photography) , rest all 1968 printed and latest

[@foisonurlubu4303]

I think that there isn’t a photograph in the world that has any narrative ability. Any of ‘em. They do not tell stories - they show you what something looks like.” Winogrand.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Maybe you could argue this for individual images, but when you start to put images into a series, book, photo essay etc. then it goes beyond just showing you what something looks like.

[@foisonurlubu4303]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer I agree, but 99% of us just try to create an emotion through one single photograph not a story. That's what the 1% left do through multiple different pictures.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

@@foisonurlubu4303 Part of why amateurs don't improve is because they fixate too much on capturing just random single images. As I've explained in my videos, picking a subject matter, topic, location etc. and building a portfolio of work around a theme is one of the best way to raise the overall level of your images. From this approach, you may then find those stand-out images you're searching for.

[@errole]

What gear are you using. Everyone says it’s the tool. If that’s the case, why do photogs go for expensive lenses and camera.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Hi Errol. Thanks for the comment. The point I was trying to make in the video is that you don't need an expensive camera to make great pictures. I see lots of beginners and amateurs get disheartened or put off photography because they can't afford the latest gear. Of course, professionals will tend to have expensive cameras but they are professionals because they first mastered the basics, the theory and have spent many years practising almost every day. Simply buying an expensive camera won't make you a better photographer.... I currently have a Canon R5 (admittedly expensive), bit I still have my first serious camera, a Minolta Dynax 5 which costs me a couple hundred dollars 20 years ago 😆 It's now "vintage" www.isofilmshop.com/product/minolta-dynax-5/

[@markusbolliger1527]

Oh what a crime you committed by throwing away this gem of a camera from Leica 👿 😆 I would have paid the postal charges to my domicile 😂🤣 But now more serious to your topic here: I wouldn't say that the camera doesn't matter at all. A bigger sensor for example gives you more freedom to act, as in low light, and by limiting more the depth of field than it is possible with a smaller sensor. But I agree that many beginners and technophile amateurs are worried all the time about their equipment, the best possible lenses etc. Instead of thinking how they could improve their photography. In most photo forums it's always about gear, which in fact is not the most important factor in photography.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Don't worry, it wasn't a real camera 🙂...."In most photo forums it's always about gear, which in fact is not the most important factor in photography." Agreed!

[@markusbolliger1527]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer I know it wasn't real, I was just kidding ... And I don't want a rangefinder camera anymore.

[@ianbrowne9304]

Photography has not really changed ; it's still using light and shadows to record a subject with the right composition . No new camera can actually improve those skills. I really wish I learnt that 30-40 years ago instead of spending/'wasting' money trying buy better photography via more or so thought better gear .

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Absolutely, Ian. 👏

[@danielmollohan1703]

My goodness. How do you have the patience to do these videos and then it looks like you reply to nearly each comment, and you don’t ever seem to say anything that is mean to those who are clearly not interested in learning a thing. I would lose my temper, or block the comments. I am watching your videos to mostly see how you pace each lesson. Not to judge it but to see if there is a similar format between common types of tutorial videos. I am a photographer. I have lectured, but I have never taught in such a short format. Anyway, too much information that you don’t need (my comment not your video). Mostly, just wanted to tell you I think you are doing a great job, and a great service for beginners (I think you should gear your videos towards young beginners as you are great at clearly explaining concepts in such a small amount of time, but that is just my silly opinion). You are most likely thick skinned, but I know i would need a bit of kindness (and I did notice some nice people) once in a while. Take care.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for the comment, Daniel. 99% of comments are positive, but inevitably there will be some negativity. This is the internet after all! Yes, I have thick skin 😆 I appreciate your observations and thoughts. Thanks for watching ✊

[@brightandpeacevideoandphot1289]

Would like to join your whatsaap community, can i get the link?

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

You can scan the QR code in the video, or in my eBook... link in description 👍

[@bobar84c]

What about astrophoto....

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Astrophotography will certainly require specialist equipment to get the best images, but when you take the picture you are still think about using light, colour, the composition and perhaps moments.

[@ronathanjordan6693]

It’s not the camera; it’s the person behind the camera. (True Facts!) Every camera does not take the same quality of pictures. And if you think a iPhone or Android can take better pictures; just like any other professional camera, you’re sadly mistaken. If that’s the case I would’ve saved a whole lot of money in my pocket.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Of course, there are clear technical differences between a cellphone and high-end cameras. The point of the video however, as you seemed to note, is that ultimately it's the person behind the camera that really makes the difference.

[@animegeek6118]

I’m not struggling with camera gear decisions I’m struggling making the choice to either use an iPad to edit or get a MacBook.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Well, it depends. iPad is small and convenient but may lack the processing power for larger images and lack usability for more intricate editing. Most professionals I know use MacBook Pro for editing while travelling, then edit on desktop when home.

[@animegeek6118]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer thank you for taking care he time to actually answer my question. I’ll probably end up with a Mac Studio and an Apple studio display. If not I’ll just get a MacBook Pro 16”.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Don't worry about the equipment, focus on the images 😉 Good luck!

[@TrueLweek]

You never throw with a camera. That's so rude! :P

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Ha. 00:05 *NOT a real camera 🙂

[@michaelmcculloughphotograp8571]

Your first words say it all…”your camera really doesn’t matter”. Ansel Adams wasn’t using a Nikon, Canon or Fuji! Another fact…no one is so good of a photographer that there is nothing more you can learn. I’ve been shooting since 1967 and am still learning.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

100% agree, Michael. The camera doesn't matter and ALWAYS keep learning ✊

[@rogerhampton2844]

To get truly ‘great’ images I believe you need top quality glass. For most of us that’s unnecessary. I think you missed out on learning your camera as I think things improve if you can use it with your eyes shut. I saw a guy rip another newbie photographer’s images to shreds online, even telling him he’d be better giving up. I thought ‘wow, this guy must be really good’. I looked at his ‘website’. Appalling. Looked like a disposable camera. Washed out images, flaring all over the place, out of focus, wrong aperture, even camera shake. I’ll judge my own photos as I’m my harshest critic. As yet I’ve taken nothing worthy of a website. When I do I’ll be happy to start one. I don’t need someone I don’t know telling me if my images are any good or not.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

If your budget allows, sure, upgrading your glass first is a good choice. But again, the best photography comes from a photographer's personal vision, not the equipment. Give the exact same camera to different photographers and they can take wildly different images. It's a brave decision to seek feedback on your work, but only seek it from those whose opinion's you trust and respect. Good luck on your photography journey 📸

[@Not-A-Woke-Liberal]

I disagree there are a lot of factors to think about

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Such as....?

[@glennalexon1530]

"The camera doesn't matter" he says while shooting with a $4000 R5.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

The R5 is my daily working camera as a professional but I was also using a cellphone to shoot in the video 🙂 Sure the tech and specs are very different, but the point is, you can take good pictures with both. Great photography comes from your personal vision, not how expensive your camera is.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

@@davidcarvalheira3347 Spares? Not sure what you mean, David.

[@davidcarvalheira3347]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer I meant if you have some spare cameras.

[@davidcarvalheira3347]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer I meant if you have some spare cameras. Since you have an R5, and going down the line what is the cheapest one you have? I shoot with a Canon G5X. Do you certain believe that a Fuji Film let's say, XT 5 will improve my photography? Can a prime lenses and a speed over 1/2000 make my photography better? You said the camera does not matter! Or can I be proficient enough to make the little Canon a wonder and...edit, edit, edit.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

@@davidcarvalheira3347 Well, buying a new camera may give you some extra megapixels, some image stabilization, slightly sharper images and kudos with your friends...but will it automatically make you a better photographer? No. Better to focus on studying and becoming obsessed with learning about the fundamentals of photography...light, colour, composition, moments etc. Focus on mastering these first, then if you have extra cash, upgrade to a "better" camera. Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmqufHyEdq2Dp80

[@annoholics]

That is great news. You see a beautiful bird 50 meters away from you about to catch a fish from a lake. It is already near sunset. So you take your 20 year old cellphone and you get instantly a razor sharp photo with the focus on the eye and great bokeh. I wonder how you do that. It would save a lot of photographers a huge amount of money. I am pretty sure you, as a professional photographer does not own a dedicated camera, right? A phone is good enough. Why would you spend money on equipment if it does not matter. Every camera can make any picture. It is a kind of magic. At least, if you make such a bold statement back it up with arguments why you think that camera's don't matter.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for commenting but I think you missed the point a little. Great photography is about the vision of the person behind the camera, not the equipment. Of course, for certain kinds of photography you need specialist equipment, but at the end of the day it's about how the photographer sees the world that's important, not the type of camera itself.

[@ruudkuiper5515]

Clearly you are not a professional photographer you know a lot but not the essential bits 🙂

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

What are the "essential bits"?

[@danielmollohan1703]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer Clearly, trolling a youtube channel. Cheers.

[@dannyli9424]

Very arrogant, camera doesn't matter? then all the professional photographers must be all idiots spending that kind of money buying the expensive professional gear.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Thanks for the comment, but I think you missed the point. The message is that it doesn't really matter what equipment you use, it's about your vision as a photographer that matters the most.

[@michael3owman66]

Hi there Sean, I was trying to participate your WhatsApp group, but it’s not working somehow. I’m only receiving your number and not participating a group. I was trying to send you a message to this Chinese number, but it’s not going through. Greetings Michael.

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Hi Michael. Just added you to the group 👍

[@michael3owman66]

@@SeanGallagherPhotographer hi Sean, thank you 😊

[@BadVoodoo11]

WhatsApp link is to a mainland china number contact not a group by the looks

[@SeanGallagherPhotographer]

Yep, that's me. Add me and I'll add you to our group, John.