Three Years in Photography - 2022 Inspiration & Lessons

[@BryanBirks]

Full list of favorites from 2022… Podcasts (talked about these but didn’t expand because of time) - Sasha Wolf - Magic Hour - Small Voice - The Messy Truth - Open Curtain Photographers - Bryan Schutmaat - Stacy Kranitz - Baldwin Lee - Matthew Genitempo - Sasha Arutyunova - Stephen Shore - Thomas Prior - Mark Steinmetz - Erinn Springer - Josh Chaney - Ron Jude Channels - Alec Soth - Cody Wood - Lewis Potts - Willy Sheepskin - Gian Carlo Stigliano Other Books - Rivers Dream by Curran Hatleberg - South Central by Mark Steinmetz So many more things but these are what speak to me off the top of my head. I also understand the responsibility of inclusion among lists like this so I tried my best to be diverse while still sticking to what actually speaks to me. Hope you all had a good year and cheers to 2023!

[@liveinaweorg]

You nailed the musical accompaniment. Wonderfully enjoyable video. Thank you.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you very much!

[@KeatonBeach]

somewhere too dissapear changed my life as a young photographer. best. film. ever.

[@harshavardhansalgaokar]

I see a Bryan Birks video uploaded, I press play.

[@BryanBirks]

What a guy.

[@petemc5070]

Interesting. The photographs in that Matthew Genitempo book are pretty special.

[@BryanBirks]

Agreed. Fantastic work.

[@crownmoto]

Your photography is great. Your commentary and insights are stellar. Keep it up.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, will do!

[@manuelmoreno3827]

One of the main reasons why i was drawn to your work is your 1000% honesty. You don’t hide your failures like so many other photographers/youtubers, you show the true sides of photography such as getting rejected when asking for a portrait, taking a blurry photo or driving around for hours trying to find a subject. Big fan of your work! Im glad i found you on instagram

[@BryanBirks]

Always wanted to be honest and it got me in trouble in the beginning because I was too honest. Finding that balance has been a leaning experience for sure. Happy you enjoy the channel!

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

dang the sound design and editing on top of Mother of God is some of the best I've seen on KZbin B! Still watching but had to pause to say that

[@BryanBirks]

I was going to make an entire video of that book just like Rivers Dream but didn’t have any audio from Matthew and I didn’t feel like bothering him to talk about it. Had to give it the spotlight in this one.

[@MrPhotog4u]

40 years of taking pictures, seen a lot of change around the medium, one thing that has never changed is the passion and how it makes me feel looking back at all the images I've captured. I do it for me and could care less what everyone else thinks. I find if you can separate that mindset then you will enjoy it and create great work and if you really need the world to accept your work it will find its own path. I believe the greatest photographers of our time didn't wake up each day thinking how will I create an image that everyone is going to like. I believe it was way more bigger than that. Those photographers had passion and skills and patience to create what they believed in. If social media is driving your creative mindset you're probably on the road to burnout. Bryan you have some great points in this video. Thanks for sharing.....

[@TomRaneyMaker]

Wow, Jung's 'Windscreen' has some wonderfully crunchy textures.

[@BryanBirks]

It definitely made me rethink my current project a little bit. Made me focus a little bit more on simple compositions and finding smaller stories within a scene.

[@SummersSnaps]

My wife; "what Christmas movie have you planned for us tonight?" I tell her the good news, I've stored up FOUR Bryan Birk videos to watch back to back! Merry Christmas! 😆

[@BryanBirks]

God bless her soul.

[@chromagraphphotoart]

Hi Bryan, I've been holding this video over for a while now and I don't quite know why, But, I finally have got round to viewing it and many things you say strike a chord with me. The stuff about not being 'average' I can really resonate with, although by average you probably mean the kind of oversaturated, over-processed landscapes I would have previously aspired to making, or the sumptuously lit over airbrushed portraits that receive so much acclaim. Or the instant orgasm tik-tok or Instagram 'Reels' As for me, I now consider myself primarily a film photographer despite the many obstacles in the way so thank you for this video and I will maintain my Patreon for the forthcoming year.

[@contouraerials]

Stutz was great.

[@TheRound2000]

Apart from great photography, what I appreciate about your channel is the effort you put into production. From the editing to the music and mindful pacing, they are always a joy to watch. Looking forward to what you get up to in 2023.

[@BryanBirks]

Much appreciated. I just don't want to waste anyone's time. If you are watching, I want it to be enjoyable from start to finish. Thanks for the support!

[@nicktalerico8273]

Really needed to hear the "take a break" bit. I've been taking photos for about a year and a half and it has been the center of my life for most of that year and a half. Around the holidays this year I experienced a major burnout. Still kind of in it right now. Thought I could shoot my way out of it for a while. But sometimes a break is the best answer. Thank you for making these videos, excited to see what you get up to this year :)

[@BryanBirks]

It comes and goes. You just have to know it’ll happen. Focus on some other creative endeavors. Cook a meal, learn guitar, watch a film. It’ll come back. Just gotta be patient ✌🏻

[@CristianGeelen]

Happy anniversary, Bryan. :)

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you!

[@KongBoatNoodle]

Wow, thank you for introducing me to Baldwin Lee. His story is really fascinating and I'm definitely going be to diving into his work for the next week lol

[@BryanBirks]

The sheer amount of film that he shot actually amazes me. He has so many good photos. Makes me want to shoot for 10 years and not share anything.

[@robgutkowski7141]

Very enjoyable video, thanks for sharing your interestes and favorites, best of luck to you in 2023, I look forward to seeing the results!

[@ChrisCummins]

Bryan, I'm relatively new to your channel and I don't feel I have anything valuable to contribute but I just wanted to say that I really like your style and thoughtful approach to things, it is definitely something for me to aspire to. Thank you for making these videos!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Chris. No worries. Most of the time I have nothing to contribute either. Haha glad you enjoyed. Have a good new year!

[@SlavaVeres]

❤Thanks for this video! Your “end of year” videos among my favourites. Merry Christmas!

[@BryanBirks]

Happy holidays!

[@cody_wood]

Biggest inspiration this year was Stephen Shore, reading his book gave me many new ideas not just for photography but for my life in general. Loved the KZbin is hard section haha I've been there for sure. And thanks for the mention! means a lot and gives me confidence to continue making whatever video I feel like!!

[@BryanBirks]

Stephen Shore on a Small Voice is definitely worth a listen. Talks a lot about his new book and philosophy.

[@sushant2095]

Thanks as always, Bryan!

[@BryanBirks]

Any time!

[@JohnHolloway94]

Haha gotta love the KZbin is hard bloopers.

[@BryanBirks]

Lmao The info is in there. It just needs to come out.

[@mikoajstarzynski3738]

Wow, new-old Soth I didn't know about! thanks for that and all the rest. I really enjoy Your videos and Your work. I wish You all the best, Bryan!

[@BryanBirks]

The Soth documentary is great. So many little moments in it. It’s a great tandem when combined with his magnum course.

[@philipu150]

I enjoy hearing your insights into the creative process. We all struggle with variations of these n different ways. I would recommend a short, excellent book titled Art and Fear, the Perils and Rewards of Artmaking, one of the more insightful books on the challenges faced by creative artists.

[@4r1777]

I relate a lot with you about the portrait of Ralph being stuck in my brain, I wonder sometimes if it's an artistically healthy thing to do, maybe it is a stepping stone towards me developing my own style, regardless, every time I take a portrait I compare it to that photo.

[@BryanBirks]

I think if you were to ask any great photographer that made a name for themselves they would all have a couple of photos that were constantly in their head to push them forward. I think it’s perfectly healthy and almost a necessity.

[@4r1777]

@@BryanBirks I think you're probably right

[@briansoko6481]

Re: not looking at too much work from others as you’ll end up imitating. This is great advice, especially for young artists. It was years of street photography before I even knew anyone else was doing it. Thought I was special😂. In retrospect- it was for the best. The best advice I’ve ever received was from my grandfather. As a young musician, he hammered into my head that yes, listen to the greats often, but never try to copy them. You’ll never develop your own style. Good stuff per usual Bryan.

[@BryanBirks]

For sure. It’s totally normal to look at other work and I think you should imitate to a degree. But after you have the essentials down you need to branch out.

[@anthonymoreno894]

Happy 3rd year YT anniversary Bryan. Cheers! 🥂 Looking forward to many many more.

[@BryanBirks]

Cheers, Anthony!

[@jonatascd_]

thanks for this video. have a good one.

[@jakobquick1598]

Thank you a lot bryan, this was very good. important things i needed to hear, the topics you speak are not often spoken about, hence i love that you do itz. you are strong and cool and i like your videos so much. i resonate with this

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching!

[@motodiaries8204]

The process of looking at other peoples work and struggling to find your own voice is a part of any artists development. You need to know some of the many ways to make great work. The hard part is finding your own way and that just takes time. Keep up the good work. I always enjoy your videos.

[@ChrisToombes]

Great finish to the year and looking forward to following your journey in 2023. In the meantime have a great Christmas & New Year. 🍺🍷🍺

[@BryanBirks]

Cheers, Chris!

[@lameaim]

Appreciate your videos, Bryan. I’d also like to echo my own appreciation for Erinn Springer’s work - her photo in the recent Times Magazine 100 List really spoke to me and I’ve been seeking out her work ever since. Very excited to see what she does in the future. Also, thanks for putting the Phil Jung and Baldwin Lee books on my radar. I’ll be trying to make those happen in the next month or three.

[@BryanBirks]

Erin's work is great. I like how she handles the social media aspect as well. Really inspiring. You can't go wrong with either of those books but make sure you have the shelf space for Windscreen. It is massive.

[@lameaim]

@@BryanBirks Appreciate the size warning on the Windscreen book. I’ll put it next to my Todd Hido reissues.

[@shaunwaller8913]

Thank you Bryan for your wonderful, quiet, engaging videos. Happy festive season and best of luck for 2023.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Shaun. Cheers!

[@martylevenson7062]

Thanks for introducing Matthew Genitempo - I was unaware of his work and am hooked! I'm really looking forward to exploring some of your suggested photographers, podcasts, and channels. Best in the new year!

[@BryanBirks]

Definitely look up "Jasper" by Matthew. Really great stuff and truly inspiring.

[@sansclous]

Thanks for this, Bryan. I have always appreciated your thoughtful approach. Really inspiring. Wishing you all the best in 2023.

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, sir. Cheers to you 🍻

[@didiMao]

Hey Bryan. I really enjoy your videos, photography, and thought process on what to share/produce. I struggled a lot last year with social media and the pressures to "post." After closing my instagram account I really found myself taking photos and leaning into my own style. Looking at my photographs with attention. Redlining and noting how to improve. And over time I think I really enjoy what I've been able to make. It has been a hard road but that learning ( as you pointed out ) has helped me avoid the pitfalls to chase likes and what's trendy. I hope you and yours have a great 2023.

[@BryanBirks]

I am definitely already taking a hard look at my relationship with Instagram and social media. Something that I am going to work on closely in 2023. Thanks for the support and have a great new year.

[@jamesthoma6532]

What an inspiring post! Thank you. I’ve been making images for a long while, but have been stuck for several months after my move to Missouri. Your video and words help. Stay safe in the upcoming stormy hours!

[@BryanBirks]

Serval months is just a blip in the grand scheme of things. Just keep going. Already have my Christmas movie booted up for the snow ahead. Cheers!

[@tedphillips2951]

Thanks for this video!

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure!

[@horatiueduard]

Loved the video Bryan. You do put a lot of thought and work into each one. Personally, I gave up trying to take pictures that sell well on Instagram or photos that could be in a gallery or a photo book. I think I'm just taking photos of what connects with me and other more personal subjects. I realized that it doesn't make me happy, so I'm only doing what I like. I took some photos recently of a place I like and avoided to take them in the past because it wasn't what other people are looking for, but now I don't really care. The best pictures that I take are the ones that end up on the fridge, memories with my family and loved ones.

[@BryanBirks]

For sure. I put together a little album of my fiancés photos with her point and shoot...some of the most treasured photos and technically they all suck and they definitely wouldn't be popular online. Something that I am looking to be better about in the future!

[@SammySantiagoIrizarry]

Wow! Excellent video and advice!!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching!

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

Bryan being clear eyed and connected to your process is a trait to be admired, I find you informative and engaging, and for that I'm ever so grateful. Thank you, happy holidays.

[@BryanBirks]

Happy to see hear that, Clarhett! Thanks for the support.

[@markmurton5507]

Thanks for these videos. I shoot digital but enjoy listening to you describing the journey and in particular the mistakes. What i really like and find inspiring as someone who feels kind of reliant on social media for feedback is you're reminders that social media is very limiting and not to rely on feedback from it. Also - the reminder to take breaks from our and not feel duty bound somehow to create content regularly. The best and most original content will come when we're focused less on pleasing other people. Please keep it up :)

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment, Mark!

[@unchartedthickets]

thank you Bryan. Another beautiful video. Happy Xmas and Merry New Year!

[@BryanBirks]

Cheers!

[@LouisMellini]

Taking breaks was the section that really got me. Had to learn that lesson hard this year and I felt very free hearing loads of my favorite artists both in and out of photography say how much it helps. Especially being a dad now, feeling free to take breaks has been really nice. Great video as always Brian.

[@BryanBirks]

A lot of people have been tricked by bad to average photographers posting average work all the time. It’s not doable if you are continually trying to improve. Breaks are necessary or you’ll run yourself ragged. Glad you enjoyed, Louis. Congratulations on the kid as well!

[@ThisisBobbyMartinez]

I always enjoy your choice of music!

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Bobby!

[@james.00]

beautiful video as always

[@motodiaries8204]

I would suggest not thinking about “progress” or getting better at photography. Just follow your interests and make work. Alec Soth isn’t thinking about getting better, he’s thinking and feeling his subject matter. Great images happen as you photograph what interests you. Quality and progress will happen on their own. Keep moving forward and forget about whether you’re “good enough.” You are.

[@liamivarsson]

i love this video

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for watching, Liam.

[@jons_car_photos]

Always love seeing your videos, Bryan. You've definitely been one of my biggest inspirations of 2022, and I'm very thankful that i stumbled upon your channel and Instagram. Enjoy your holidays, brother, can't wait to see more of your work in the new year!

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks, Jon. Happy to have your support. Let me know if you ever need a question answered or an ear to listen.

[@andrewgifford7740]

I've been really enjoying your channel, thanks for sharing all as you do. Wowsers, that Windscreen book! Those colours, textures, light, framing - that's another level (for my tastes)! Would love to similarly hear a little about the cinematographers you've felt inspired by some day. Meanwhile, rest up and happy holidays.

[@BryanBirks]

Windscreen is just a beautiful book. Big and punchy. I thought about including some in this video but it would be way too long. Definitely in the future!

[@raulmedialdea794]

Really nice content, thanks.

[@BryanBirks]

My pleasure.

[@wallywo7392]

Great video, with wise words. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Thanks for your hard work.

[@BryanBirks]

Thanks for the support, sir. Have a happy holiday 🍻

[@maximvdn]

Great video. Seen the improvement in your work. Your channel is unique and that’s really nice. Any plans for 2023?

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you! Plans for next year...just continue improving. Get my work seen by people that I aspire to be. Get good feedback. Continue the project. Continue making videos the same way I do and not get caught up in numbers. Be better about social media and my phone. The list goes on. Very excited for it though!

[@doderhult1]

That photobook looks epic, is ther any chans to know how to make a simular by my own?

[@LisaMarieKaspar]

Thank you for this video! What you said did indeed inspire me; I have been taking photos for 10 years now and I feel like I reached that plateau at the moment and I wish back those days in uni when I would do bigger photo projects and work that I did because I came up with the concepts and ideas and not because I needed something to post on social media. It feels silly, because I know social media doesn't matter that much, but I feel torn between creating for myself and sharing it at some point and trying to keep up with everything and everyone on instagram for example. Kinda feels like fomo in a way and I can't help it sometimes. I have this big questionmark in my head at the moment like I know what I wanna pursue more in photography but at the same time that's probably not what's gonna pay my bills (I want to go full time freelancing next year). I don't know if my comment made any sense or is just chaotic, but yeah, felt like sharing haha. Thanks again for your insights, it definitely helped me! Have great holidays and see you next year :))

[@BryanBirks]

It’s definitely tough. My personal photography would in no way pay for my bills either. I’m not close to full time as a freelancer. Weddings pay my bills so I am in a different spot compared to most people where I can focus on that for money and then focus on my personal work separately. Social media is tricky because without it I don’t know where I would be honestly. All I can tell you is that you should go with your gut and even if you don’t share on socials you can still be present and contribute to conversations. I think it’s fantastic if you have a good relationship with it. The danger comes in obsession, oversharing, and imposter syndrome. As long as you try to stay true to yourself I don’t think you can go wrong. Not sure my comment helped at all either. Haha but a conversation is a good start regardless. Thanks for watching.

[@WatchDSSID]

Great video - thanks. The guy that inspires you the most - Bryan Scumont?…. How do I spell his name please, I’d like to “look him up”….cheers and Happy Christmas from the UK - Peter.

[@BryanBirks]

Schutmaat! Legend. Happy holidays, Peter.

[@WatchDSSID]

@@BryanBirks - Cheers mate….. I’m looking forward to buying your book in 2023!!! :- )

[@randomsixty]

I saved the Alec Soth video to watch yesterday, and today I see it is no longer available. :(

[@BryanBirks]

That’s annoying as hell. It’s been up on Vimeo for 10 years.

[@randomsixty]

@@BryanBirks Maybe you sent too many people to it. If you come across it again, please let me know.

[@randomsixty]

Found an alternate link kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGO3Z3SEq7CjpdE

[@daveyg.6775]

Of all of the quotes you’ve came across this year, what’s held the most weight?

[@BryanBirks]

Recently it’s been : “An asshole who makes great art is an asshole who makes great art; but an asshole who makes lousy art is just an asshole.” One that is with me always, from Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”

[@daveyg.6775]

@@BryanBirks thanks for this!!

[@timothypeterson9753]

Casual Gary Clark Jr portrait in the middle of this video haha.

[@BryanBirks]

Did not even notice that. Haha

[@patrykgizicki5024]

Speaking of people taking breaks and waiting for them to come back, where the hell is negative feedback gone

[@BryanBirks]

He’s definitely focusing on his career. Inspiring to me personally. It can be hard to leave a channel for an extended period of time and feel fine about it.

[@kevinscotton]

Watching this video after what you put together for your photo review experience. I’m really glad that you’re finding your footing and accomplishing the goals that you talk about here. Keep going Bryan, you’ve got a fan for life within me 🫡 (really enjoyed the blooper reel at the end too)

[@BryanBirks]

Thank you, Kevin. It’s all about trusting the process. Which I always need reminding of!

[@GKhanKutar]

Hey Bryan! Great video! Who is the photographer of the photo shown at 14:43? I am in love with that one.

[@BryanBirks]

Stephen Shore!

[@GKhanKutar]

@@BryanBirks thank you!