Did Brooklyn Beckham make the Worst Photo Book of all Time?

Brooklyn Beckham’s Photography Book is called "What I See", buy it here: amzn.to/3Kwawdm
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[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you for watching my video. I have a free monthly photography newsletter that you might want to check out: mwroll.com Also feel free to follow me on instagram: instagram.com/mwroll or twitter twitter.com/micaelwidell

[@ireneonly]

His dads portraits came out great because his dad is ridiculously photogenic

[@tykeboy16]

He also has a ton of experience doing professional modelling.

[@Zunderfeuer]

You could take pictures of this guy with a burned potatoe on the toilett and still get a photogenic picture out of it

[@mikef55]

Some of these photos are like those pics you think about putting in a travel post on Instagram, but then change your mind after you realise that they're not aesthetic enough for your page

[@mikef55]

I guess the reason people make fun of it is because his privilege and status allowed him to do this when there are millions of excellent photographers and artists around the world who can't afford to publish a book of their works

[@webwillie1]

BINGO..!

[@joergbrathauer2302]

I have to say that I find the harsh criticism is actually called for. if i am passionate about photography and am offered the chance to be published for whatever reason I think I should still try to make an effort and ask editors others pros for their opinion and help. Everyone can tell these photos suck. They might be meaningful to him, maybe it was the first time he saw an elephant but that doesn’t mean it should be in this book. So if you get the book deal and dont have enough good pics for a full book put in some legwork take your camera and go out and take some. Art is a lot of work and effort.

[@blueismylove3128]

I hate that it's clear he doesn't actually read the comments. He just hearts all of them, so the heart doesn't actually mean anything. It would be cool if he actually engaged with his audience because you and a few others actually have some good points and perspectives. And if it doesn't want to engage with this audience then don't which includes not coming across it's fake by hearting comments that he clearly didn't read. Otherwise, what's the purpose of hearting the comments? Just so you'd go "ooo, he hearted my comment, he cares about what I have to say as a viewer", when in reality he's doing that to all the comments.

[@joergbrathauer2302]

@@blueismylove3128 actually I think the topic is so subjective Micael simply let‘s everybody speak their opinion without judging. He has answered personal emails and comments on videos about macro photography where he is actually an expert and it is more about knowledge than opinion.

[@blueismylove3128]

@@joergbrathauer2302 It's not wrong to have an opinion and agree and disagree with others, but say what you're saying is true. He still isn't having a conversation with anybody. It doesn't matter if you speak your opinion if it's to the void and you get no feedback. Plus it's just something smaller KZbinrs do.

[@SilentNinjaaa]

“Art is a lot of work and effort.” Yes! Art is the feeling of being inspired but captured through immense effort and time dedicated to perfecting that particular craft. The pc police will say nice, inoffensive things, but the fact remains that if Brooklyn Beckham really cared about photography and perfecting it he would not have ignored so many of its fundamentals in the first place. I believe he’s in a competition with his parents’ legacy and also wanting to be the first amongst his siblings to strike gold. He lacks real commitment and he is becoming a perfect case study in what not to do when trying to find your creative voice.

[@drumdrumcymbal1594]

Mommy said your photos should be in a book for the world to see...............Victoria's sarcastic voice and normal voice being the same.

[@sarak6083]

🤣

[@bcegerton]

He should have carried on with his Photography Course he started then dropped out of, it should have been a 4 year course at Parsons University but he was given an internship in the U.K. If I remember correctly it was for Burberry, I just hope they never use any of his photos if they want to actually sell anything. Then he became some sort of celebrity chef I’ve heard, WHY WHY WHY ??? That being said, he isn’t the one saying he is a great photographer, he just loves photography. As you say, he got the book deal because of WHO he is, not WHAT he is,

[@escutus]

I guess they can use the photos of as an example of what not to do.

[@BartRos1980]

I think other Photographers are right if they feel there is inherently something wrong about a kid that just started out get a publishing deal. I have been a photographer since 2017. Not too long. But I do have a few images that have been sold and published in the thousands of times (i agree its a bit of luck). And yet no publisher ever got back to me when I wanted to launch a book. But to me that was fine. I printed, marketed and launched it myself. And now all of the margin goes to myself.

[@claudiatamara7819]

🎉

[@guybob548]

I would be way down for Micael to do a video roasting some random Photo Books

[@Paul_Wetor]

It's tough to be the child of a celebrity, trying to make your own mark. But doing something poorly is not the path to success.

[@jmk3830]

Fyi i am kenyan. And no. Elephants are not that difficult to photograph. Even in the wild. Say if you go to the mara...or any other reservation with elephants; they move mostly in small to medium size herds. During the day. So not really. Moderately challenging animals to photograph- lions, hyenas, may be having a gazelle stay still enough.. Difficult animals to photograph- Rhino with child & mature leopards- its usually an absolute priviledge to spot these. But no. Not elephants. They are definitely fascinating but in a reservation where they stay, it wouldnt take you too long to spot one...or 10.

[@chezceleste]

I had no idea about who Brooklyn was but I'm here because I read a funny piece about him by Marina Hyde in today's Guardian.

[@MicaelWidell]

Ah so that is where all these new viewers are coming from. Noticed lots of new viewers on this video :)

[@deano6912]

A well balanced, honest critique. So refreshing. Thank-you Micael.

[@madeleinewinterdown3256]

He's a professional chef now. 🤣

[@philipk9783]

That was last week !

[@Needacreate]

Okay, Brooklyn Beckham scores high on brand recognition value but isn't consistently compelling as a photographer yet. Now, photography is a journey, and he may have barely left the beginner stage. The book, which I have no reason to doubt was nicely produced, is probably best understood as a fan article at this point. Who knows, he may move on to become an accomplished photographer one day. I wish him three things: that he manages to develop his skill, that he is able to keep alive his love of photography, and that he manages to step out of the shadow of his celeb father one day.

[@stevenhickman1388]

He’s a chef now, allegedly

[@leequinn2733]

@@stevenhickman1388 He's going to keep taking on different job titles, never having actually earned any disciplines. He's obviously taking advantage of his surname and the fact that he has millions of followers who don't care if he's doing anything right or not. They will keep following him and buying his b.s. merchandise. Next? Brooklyn Beckham menswear, mens facial products, cologne(so you too can smell like Brooklyn).

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

Step out of his father's shadow? If it weren't for him, nobody would care for his garbage photos anyway.

[@leequinn2733]

@@itsgonnabeanaurfromme Don't hold back, tell us how you really feel.

[@ACherimoya]

I think you are right on point with everything in this video.

[@samsen3965]

And btw...No. I didn't check on the video clip because there was a Beckham name in the title. I did so because there was the name Micael Widell under the title along with a cute macro? Buggsy log that I adore.🙏

[@eskylent7962]

I really like your attitude. It’s so easy to pick on people these days. Subscribed!

[@charitykennedy4928]

this vid was super helpful ❤

[@iman7j887]

He's like a comedian 😂😂😂 he turned the poor elephant into a hamster 😂😂😂

[@larsandreas2045]

I wish I could give 100 likes for this. Very balanced and extremely insightful. Thanks.

[@jadeang6814]

He's just a rich kid , that's all

[@ChrisHunt4497]

I clicked the video b/c it was from you Micael. I know who BB is and I have no interest in him but I do enjoy a good book review. If you could do more reviews it would be great, maybe from little known but upcoming photographers.

[@DaveMcIroy]

Your thumbnail is better than his shots.

[@belaacs5238]

Beckham"s asked the publisher to publish a book about their son's photography not the other way around. Next, they would be asking Magnum to give him a membership and he will be his generation's best known photographer. People will study him how to make bad images an art form. His mum is a genius. I'm curious what she will figure out to her other children to carry on the Beckham name.

[@youmnawehesh5769]

Vicky isn't a genius. She was in a girl band then married a footballer and now a fashion designer. Genius is someone like bill gates or Mark Zuckerberg. She never created something benefit humans. Making expensive clothes doesn't make a genius. She didn't cure cancer .

[@MarylandDroneMedia]

I agree 100%. Gotta start somewhere.

[@samtravis4822]

An extremely mediocre amateur photographer getting a book published is the symptom rather than the disease, but you can’t help but chuckle at how naively terrible those photos were!

[@rufmor1]

Why do you think that? This is a collection of pictures by a highly famous individual who probably made more money with this book than you will do in the next 10 years. Why does good photography be the end of this book? Maybe he knew that the photos were shit but knew that he was going to make money anyways. The publisher made a shit ton of money too. Making money is the end goal of any company and they succeded at that.

[@ToastyZach]

@@rufmor1 Brooklyn? Is that you?

[@lunarsabbatical7906]

Hmm. I tried to publish my pictures Shute I went to the Art Institute of Chicago for three years and worked on several projects for famous individuals yet I got many letters commending me on my style not being quite what they are looking for at the time

[@exnihilo1910]

So well balanced comentary!!

[@mindseyeproductions8798]

at this current state of photography IMHO much attention should be focused on image capturing (in any format) especially for smart phone images; the more people understand what they are doing they soon will grow out of the simplicity of the smart phone camera and progress into different capturing devices.

[@valemarykox4646]

Me crawling out from under my rock to peak at the world. Lol. I have no idea who is. I enjoy watching the content you put out.

[@anthonystaples4475]

Thanks for sharing your opinion that all of the negativity is uncalled for. The Internet has been going mad to shit on this book and it all feels like childish bullying and shit talking. Who cares? Why do people put much effort into being so mean? He's a child -- imagine having a million people talk shit about you when you're just trying to learn something? Damn

[@tombube49]

I can say this about every photo book and campaign

[@Inpreesme]

Thank you

[@birdie399]

I think you are too kind.

[@devroombagchus7460]

Fun to see this, because I don’t have to pay. Buying is a waste of money.

[@warrengh5647]

Please do not go into politics because you will fail. Your comments were so condemning about the obvious short comings of this book. But then you analysed the whole topic and made me feel a fool for following the people who discredited this honest attempt at his chosen career. Thank you for this, we need more people like you to see things at more than their face value, which is why I doubt a political career could handle your honesty. Many thanks for your videos.

[@Kelkschiz]

I did not click on this video because of Brooklyn Beckham. I didn´t even know David had a son. I clicked because from the thumbnail I concluded that you were critiquing a beginner´s work and I was curious how you would approach that. I know the pictures I take myself are not great. And the ones I made several years ago are ridden with mistakes, but they document the journey: my life's journey as well as my photographic journey. We are all on our own journey and from that viewpoint critiquing someone's work often misses the mark. In a way, it is impossible to make mistakes. Learning is never a mistake, and how do we learn most?

[@laika25]

The elephant.... (sigh...) is it possible he was going for the silhouette (actually ❤shaped)? I think it makes for a more interesting pic.

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

Enjoyed this review, but actually I’ve never heard of Brooklyn Beckham until now. 🌿🙂

[@PhilThach]

I had never heard of him or his parents until I watched this video.

[@PhilThach]

My girlfriend, the soccer fan, knew his father.

[@ltlbuddha]

Brand, marketing, these are more important than skill. This is, and pretty much always has been, the truth. NOTE: Bad and mediocre photos taken by non-famous people HAVE been marketed and received praise. The important bit is the marketing by their discoverer.

[@adrianmendozadiaz5033]

Good critique.

[@foster2095]

and that's another point for nepotism :(

[@Trutruman]

Even for a normal person’s eyes who is not a expert of photography, His skills seems not good

[@druidactual]

Well said

[@Bobcat-1967]

His dad probably said "Your surname is Beckham, they will pay through the nose for any old shit you care to put in a book."

[@webwillie1]

Answer to the title question...YES..!

[@patricketp8356]

There is a lot of hate going on on social platforms. Especially on celebs.... And I´m curious, why this is.

[@mrrcassidy]

Parenting. Go and get vocational training and learn a professional skill in the best environment you can find. When you have that, you are set. You can then take career chances on whatever the hell you like because you have that one skill that will always be there to provide enough income to feed and clothe yourself.

[@davidfullman8063]

Love it

[@benroyal1957]

Any artist, regardless of the medium, should spend time looking at the work of earlier artists, not to copy but rather to understand and learn such concepts as composition, coherence, form, style, and the evolution of the medium. Brooklyn may have benefited from such a glance. Instagrammers do this daily if only to discover what works to grab likes. Brooklyn may have benefited at such a glance backward and to this morning's posts.

[@guillemarin8387]

Indeed, I find not check this video because a “celeb” was featured, but just for Micael Widell, like always your videos are great. Very clever idea of cross marketing, how about if he starts talking about this video with his 14m followers… be ready for new followers :)

[@MicaelWidell]

Haha I wouldn’t count on it but it would be nice if he mentioned it in his social media 😀 I am sometimes trying different video concepts for fun and to try to reach new audiences.

[@blueismylove3128]

I just came to see if his criticism might be as hard as Rachel Oates. Usually I love her stuff but she seemed quite pretentious in her video about it. I have no idea who Brooklyn is or have any interest in him. It's kind of wrong about why people are watching this video. It's probably mostly people who just want to hear his thoughts specifically and not necessarily about Brooklyn. Again I didn't know who he was before watching Rachel Oates video.

[@laika25]

I actually like that blurry picture of the people at the table, and I probably wouldn't like it if it wasn't (blurry and poorly exposed...) I think the kid was going for a more artistic conceptual careless vibe........

[@Renegade1127]

Re: the elephant SPOT METERING !

[@astroboirap]

him cooking is even worse, he's a "chef" now

[@laika25]

I differ... full auto will actually try to compensate for any possible motion blur

[@Psmith-ek5hq]

Is there no start to his talent?

[@mermaidmoon2254]

I know this infuriates others, but in a way I think it makes us all appreciate the hard work. You know? Going to school and learning for years, getting your hands dirty, starting from a shitty first job, going from experience to experience for years. We think it's a burden, but if you don't do it, that's how you end up. At 18 you publish your first photo book convinced you are the creme de la creme while you are still a beginner. And a pretty mediocre one at that.

[@hjones451]

He could turn his talents to ICM (Intentional Camera Movement) and get away with it. Only joking, like you, selectively, I can see the good photography in the book.

[@juliefaulkner5497]

His elephant picture is funny.

[@AC-ff1cn]

You know the saying, born on third base and believe they hit a home run. He’s a privileged Uber rich kid that’s been told everything he’s done is amazing. He’s apparently a chef now.

[@anatomicshutter3975]

Thank you! Everyone is just being so bitter about a photo book a kid made because he has the means to. They're not the best pictures but like you said, I don't think he ever said they were.

[@michaelmonsanto692]

His mother and father promoted him as an amazing photographer though. They have tried to make him be something he is not, and tried to bypass the hardwork necessary to become a professional. Its the nepotism people do not like.

[@anatomicshutter3975]

@@michaelmonsanto692 I understand that but is that his fault? Which parent wouldn't do what they did? They're proud just like any other parent would be regardless of the level of talent or lack thereof. Just like Micael said, someone approached him to make a buck and he said yes just like we all would.

[@michaelmonsanto692]

@@anatomicshutter3975 What his parents have done is way beyond being proud parents - they have elevated him to D list celebrity status without the talent to have got him there on his own. A good parent nurtures their child to show that hard work and persistence pays off in the end - not, you can get a book deal at 18 because of your surname.

[@anatomicshutter3975]

@@michaelmonsanto692 I agree with you but again, what does this have to do with the kid? He was born into this lifestyle and choices were made for him essentially so if a publisher wants to use him and Brooklyn also makes a bit of money and he gets to share his work, why not.

[@blueismylove3128]

I don't think people are necessarily mad at him, but at the reality that someone who isn't very skillful in this craft gets this great opportunity while others who've worked so hard don't. People have every right to be angry at nepotism. But I do think the guy in the video gives a good point about how we should we could turn this into a positive by understanding and accepting it's just how the world works and begin to market ourselves more because companies don't care about our craft, they care about how famous we are.

[@roddyboethius1722]

Brooklyn is the new Andy Kaufman A subversive comedy genius

[@bethhenkelman5249]

Yes

[@ekatsvart]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@amyfiveaquatics]

Brooklyn who? I watched because it's you! :)

[@TonyJulien]

this video was great.

[@nealmceneaney3771]

Not easy for some of famous people and they have get out from under shadows But saying you’re a chef and a photographer while driving a Lamborghini Self awareness please

[@newtuber4freedom43]

I don't follow celebs at all, so i had no idea who he was. I only clicked the vid because you uploaded a new one. Unless he's an evil person, which I seriously doubt, making fun of his work is in poor taste. There will always be bullies, jerks and folks who need to tear others down to feel better about themselves. We are all on different parts of our learning journeys. Let's keep being supportive & helpful to one another. ☮️💟 ♥️📸 Thank you for being objective.

[@janivauhkonen]

No, I clicked here because I like your videos

[@Theyorkshiredad]

It would seem Brooklyn Beckham is an easy target here and the timing of this video as click-bait is absolutely perfect - almost as if it had been planned, what with the man getting married and being plastered all over the media in recent days. That being said, he's published a book and thus opened himself up for review. It's a pretty harsh take and I can understand why. But, photography is art and it's subjective. Don't like his work? Then don't buy his book. It's a pretty simple take on the matter.

[@drewb9743]

7:35 EXACTLY. THE ONLY REASON I WATCH THIS IS BECAUSE IT'S ABOUT BROOKLYN BECKHAM AND DON'T ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT THE CONTENT CREATOR. THANKS FOR DEFENDING BROOKLYN THOUGH.

[@cmdredstrakerofshado1159]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🔥🔥🔥🧂🧂🧂🧂

[@chriskim7123]

He's just a kid. I think people are being too harsh on him.

[@jeezus666]

Mommy and daddy bought everything for Brooklyn. No shit he sucks at everything, because he's never had to actually work for it.

[@sarak6083]

🤣

[@samsen3965]

In my book (No. Hasn't been written yet!), the real photographer is not the one who takes the picture that has the highest price tag in the world or is the most sophisticated technical riddle. The real photographer is the one who not only has a passion for photography but is most pleased to put his name under every picture he/she took. Brooklyn Beckham totally and fully fulfills my definition.

[@michaelm1]

Actually, no. I clicked on this video because I hoped it was a Brooklyn Beckham that had nothing to do with the celebrity.

[@drewb9743]

Brooklyn Beckham just gets a lot of hate just because he's born in silver spoon. No matter what he does, people always have something negative to say. Haters always gonna hate. It's not his fault he's born in rich family. People are just so envious.

[@jakobgoldmann515]

I think the biggest criticism should go to the publisher for publishing such a remarkably bad book. I think every photographer would have taken the chance to publish their work at any point in their career so i dont know if brooklyn can really be faulted here (except that his photos suck ass of course). The privilege is of course ridiculous...

[@mynewcolour]

More an incitement of publishers than the kid.

[@GeoffSimpsonCreative]

🥴🤣🥴🤣🥴🤣

[@drewb9743]

I WATCH THIS VIDEO BECAUSE OF BROOKLYN BECKHAM.

[@andrewlovegrove6442]

Kudos to Brooklyn for having the courage to publish and be vulnerable to the inevitable criticism as he is a big target. Great points you make, every photographer has to confront their fear of ridicule eventually if they wish to progress. Good luck to Brooklyn and great use of entertaining clickbait to you :)

[@kimberlyrampersad9192]

Lol

[@davidforshaw6447]

I clicked on the video because it is from you, not an entitled person who is living on his family name and status. Maybe he will improve and get some respect for what he accomplishes, not because of his last name. We are all beginners at some point in our photography journey, and we have worked for a long time to get where we are today. Learning is something we do everyday. Their are no shortcuts to sustained success.

[@webwillie1]

Does he have a legit job?

[@janneroz-photographyonabudget]

A rich kid with a hobby that he's not particularly good at. I salute him for being keen, but when there's thousands of talented photographers that will never get published, this just smacks of over indulgent parents paying for him to publish dross. The amount of time and money spent of this rubbish, they will never recoup what they have spent.

[@raymondperry6555]

If anything I applaud Brooklyn for putting himself out there,

[@clown5957]

Do you know why photos of David look good? because David himself is extremely photogenic... put someone else then it'll become bad. Worst photography book of all time. "What I see" -- yet there's a photo of him skateboarding. My goodness....