Does BAD LIGHT exist in Photography?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I did stick it on the website in the end...

[@MichaelGerrard]

It's worth it :-)

[@RichardSeal]

It's a really nice shot. Deserves a place on the site I think!

[@Wklambert]

Haha, good. Very good compositions. Apparently, I'm a bit more of a rule breaker than I thought though. As you mentioned, I don't really get to choose the times I shoot. I just try to take advantage of what I'm given. Being in FL, more times than not, it is direct burning ass sunlight. I think I've squeezed out a decent shot or two over the years. One things for sure, you got some fine examples here, and in past videos where the rules are meant to be broken. I like to think it results in finer images, and pushing boundaries. Keep up the great work. You're an inspiration.

[@jamiechristie6993]

Was it the first week in August you were there?

[@theblackdouglas3253]

If you're not aware, Avon Skin So Soft is a great midgie repellant. I was on the west coast, up by Arisaig, this summer; forgot to put some on when setting up camp, and came back looking like I had smallpox. Then I was on a wee island on Rannoch Moor. You're probably familiar with that area. Those islands are just spongy hummocks of heather and mosses, surrounded by water. Midgie nirvana. I and the tripod were in a cloud of midgies for an hour or so. I'd remebered the Skin So Soft that time, and didn't get a single bite. They sell it in the camping shops in the Highlands. I've also heard that tea tree massage oil is good as well. Now that might sound like a wind up, but chack it out. I do not jest. You're welcome :)

[@MichaelGerrard]

I am happy with any time I get out to take photos, especially this year!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Me too 🙂

[@thevalleywalker]

When the light is shite think Black & White

[@jackmatthews9390]

Really good advice!

[@Om9rr]

Good rhyme😄

[@lylestavast7652]

do you pronounce the trailing e on shite and white ? :)

[@dct124]

I think old color film stock

[@dalekanium9531]

@@lylestavast7652 Yes. Important info I know.

[@keithsandercock1412]

Those blue skies sure illustrate the dust spots nicely.

[@inigotaylor9401]

There is a prescribed ideal “light” that dictates so much landscape photography that we see, be it on youtube, in calendars, on photographers media pages. I happen to live in a place with scorching summers and bright almost unbearable light. As a photographer interested in the landscape here I feel it would be a disservice to the place itself to choose the ideal to represent it. That’s not to say I wouldn’t choose specific time or light for a place or relish beautiful light. I think it is important to consider a landscape in all its manifestations,

[@julianheritage6436]

This is normal photography conditions for, me, hardly ever able to be out for sunrise or sunset. It’s bloody hard to get a decent shot

[@wadeduvall7026]

Just Kickstarted the new Rotation 180! So glad to hear you like it!

[@DavidSenteno]

"Sharpish" is my favorite English saying. I think you just inspired me to take a photo a day for the rest of the year. That way I have to work with existing light. That's for the inspiration

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome David! I've tried that before and loved it 🙂

[@karlthefirst8690]

Hey man, while I know you’re a master of proper English self-effacement, you really deserve high marks for coming up with thoughtful ideas for your videos each week. It’s pretty impressive and there’s just about always something practical to be learned as you take us through the composition process. Great to see a well-thought title subject pop up in my feed amidst all the “Here’s a new gimbal, watch me walk around with it!” videos and the “Here’s why YOU should use a TELEPHOTO lens in your LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY!!” videos.

[@CarlosUrban]

There is "easy" light and "difficult" light... 😉

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Definitely! 🙂

[@kevins8575]

You caught me. I had just looked at the weather and decided to watch KZbin instead of going out with my camera. Yours was the first video I watched. I'm going out now. Soon. After lunch.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Agreed James, backlighting can make a lot of subjects look much more interesting. Often very hard to photograph though.

[@mfreider]

Nice video! as usually :) Love the topic. Non-professionals, mortals, like me, usually we shoot when we have time not when stars do align for masterpiece, so it was very useful to see how you think about this particular situations. Well done! Bag? Interesting idea, not sure if I am convinced but it is good to see somewhere, someone uses they brains and time to innovate in photo bag department instead of dance around old ideas.

[@analogoutdoors]

Yep. I don't have the luxury to plan and choose when I go out. My bag is always packed, so if I get a couple of hours I can grab and go.

[@GutS7u6]

Good point and well made. Especially the bit about fitting photography (as a hobby) around general life stuff.

[@dct124]

The drone shot is 👌🏾 the overexposure is a good thing on the house. I think photographers should start drawing literally so they can get out of their own head when it comes to certain details

[@onehappydawg]

You may need to clean your camera sensor or lens. You can see two dark spots, one one your left and one on your right. Great video by the way, would love to go to Scotland one day. I just reached the end of your video and saw you mentioned the dust spots 🤦🏼‍♂️ I’m not deleting my comment though lol

[@rahul.k.viswanath]

hahah, caught that as well.. once I spotted it, my eyes couldn't move elsewhere.. :D

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

My bad 😂

[@juanp756]

Another problem on sunny days, and when you are out in the snow it's even worse.

[@fiizzy3884]

I know he mentioned them in the video, but I can't see them for the life of me. My eyes are getting so bad :)

[@Micke92wr]

Thanks for putting all of these videos up. Not everyone is superb and some are a bit wtf but in some way, they are all really inspiring. Keep up the good work!

[@markwagner1328]

I like Matti's picture but I must confess that Peter's picture was better. One idea for Peter is if one uses f8 instead of the smallest aperture you can get bigger star effect. But great job guys! It was FUN!

[@whafrog]

I love my Mindshift 180, but now I carry more gear than it can handle. If you have a small set of gear, I agree, it's a game changer in the field.

[@dankspangle]

I've camped where you are... trying to pack tent in the morning was impossible. The tent was in the sun and seemed to attract them. Had to pack a bit, run up a hill and hide in the shade, pack a bit more, repeat. Also, don't wear an orange hat. Midges are attracted to orange. My hat went literally (not figuratively) black with midges.

[@razzeka]

hey james, thanks for all the videos you make. it encouraged me to finally pick up a camera and i ended up with a lumix gx85. not weather-sealed, but i'm loving it so far. you're a great ambassador for lumix!

[@IanSmithFotografi]

As always, I enjoyed this one James. Lots of ideas! Hope everything is ok and that things are picking up, although I see things going downhill again... take care

[@scotthertzler7137]

That bag looks incredible!!

[@donaldgould1293]

This is the usual shooting condition in Australia. I often have to exposure blend with creeks etc and sometimes use b&w which suits high contrast.

[@czarekp3552]

8:30 never heard about this rule, but you broke it like a one tough footballer

[@henrymaddocks984]

Can’t agree with this video more. KZbin landscape photographers seem to be terrified of contrast.

[@Relyse]

That bright blue Scottish sky just made me realise I have a dirty laptop screen! As always, I get something new out of each of your videos, thanks James. That bag would be great when the ground is wet too!

[@simondeath6298]

There is one good thing that has come from Lockdown. Leaving the BBC and MSM and discovering youtube. thus finding content about subjects I am interested in. Entertaining, full of humour and inspiration, your videos are a great diversion from the nonsense that has been 2020. I binge watched the whole channel earlier this year, Last weeks video was one of my favourites. Mind you you need to be careful including Emily, She outshines you as a double act with some random facts!!

[@MSmith-Photography]

WHOA! WHOA! WHOA! WHAT. THE....A TRIPOD?! I'm ashamed of you. 🤣

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

😂

[@vipersrt30]

i got the habit of shooting against the sun in harsher sun conditions lol. backlit is nice sometimes

[@minus1db]

Thanks James another great video, I have to shoot whenever I can so appreciated this

[@YoSpiff]

Despite most serious cyclists looking down their noses at kickstands, there are some good reasons for them. One being changing lenses/cards/batteries without having to find a place to lean the bike. It also enables you to sometimes use your bike as a tripod, so you don't get teased as much by your viewers for seeing a tripod in a video. I normally use a high end compact on the bike, (currently a Canon G7x). It fits in a jersey pocket and does most of what a DSLR does. I really don't like carrying so much gear on my back when cycling and want to use a hydration pack there. I tried one of my Micro 4/3 Olympus with the pancake lens, but it's not quite a small enough package for the jersey pocket. If I am riding alone and specifically for photography or drone flying, I use a rack trunk or Carradice style bag with a little extra padding added for my Mirrorless kit. Check out the Pletscher double leg centerstand or some of the similar designs. It could be of use, the way you are using the bike.

[@andymiles5156]

I have the Mindshift Rotation 180 Horizon, also a great concept to use at the beach if the tide is coming in or you are standing in water. The only negative I have found so far is the straps can squeak/creak.

[@matssandquist9258]

I think I prefer the good weather when in Scotland and except the challenge to get some photos in sunny weather ☀️😊

[@CarolyneMacMillan]

In Zen they suggest that there is no good or bad, it's only what we think of it that makes something good or bad. I guess this would work for light in photography too so I try to think along those lines when I shoot. Right now though, I'm always just really happy to be able to be out shooting whenever I can when so many are not with all the restrictions in different places.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

Really enjoyed this trip with you for a number of reasons. Mainly, I'm not a crazy man in the field basing that on the normalcy of your first person dialogue....LOL!!

[@nathangreen7312]

The Rotational 180 bags are awesome. I have the original 34L one but want to upgrade to the 50L+ model

[@AlistairBeckett]

Hi James. Great video. For those of us with kids, getting out at dawn or golden hour is a rarity. For a number of years, I used a Lowepro Orion AW backpack bag. It split into two; the lower main section could be brought round your front for access, similar to your bag. The main drawback for mine was how bulky and heavy the bottom section was when loaded up. Also, the backpack top section was flimsy and lightweight with hardly any pockets so not great.

[@paulbennett2540]

You need Avon Skin so soft dry oil to repel the midges. Not specifically a repellant but the pleasant smell repels the insects. Used by the military.

[@CarloDidier]

Really nice image of the cottage ... if there wasn't that bloody tourist in the shot ;-) As for your new backpack. I've been using the same for years now, even wild camped a night using it (the tent was fixed on the bottom outside, but everything else, including Food and Jetboil fit inside. Good pack if don't need too much photo gear (or if your gear is small enough). I found two caveats: First if you tighten the hip belt for better carrying comfort (putting the weight on your hips), you cannot rotate, but you must first loosen the belt and re-tighten it afterwards. Second, with the photo back out, the "rest" of the pack can't stand upright on the floor for easy access to the top compartment.

[@dct124]

Wtf, I don't geek out about gear but that camera is doing magic tricks. That's a camera bag omg that works so well.

[@adriancoleman1120]

Oh James, the reference to your bag is such an obvious ad. It isn't a 'game changer'. I've had a similar swivel bag for at least 3 years. There are loads on the market

[@tonymurphy9112]

Bad light does certainly exist, come to Dubai in the summer and very high humidity, it's just not possible to make a picture 😩

[@davidtripp4221]

I have a bag like that from mindshift. It is a good bag. I really like it when I am hiking and want to stop and take photos along the way. I find it a pain to get things in and out of when I am not wearing it, however. For this reason I now bought a second camera bag I use when I will be going to a location, setting the bag down and take pictures there.

[@renepeterse1884]

Personaly, I don’t mind contrast that much. In fact I quite like it. Otherwise pictures could be a bit bland. In “the old days”, shooting with film, you couldn’t up the shadow and down highlights, you just had to accept it. And I still do. Mostly.

[@Matt.Renham]

I dont think there is ever a bad time its what you make of it especially at the moment with how everythings been this year need to make the most of it

[@MrQuirke9]

I personally like shooting on days like you have here. Obviously I'd have a particular type of photo in mind. We have to cherish days like that in Ireland

[@matssandquist9258]

Jamie Quirke I have been twice in Ireland and both time we had sun nearly every day. 😊 cheers from Sweden.

[@ΜανωληςΣτρατακης]

I dont know if anyone mentioned it already in the comments, but you have to clean your sensor, from 7:37 and on there is a dust spot in the upper-mid-left side and one in the far right top corner :P Other than that, great video as always, thank you very much!

[@arbee1958]

I've wondered why I love your videos so much- as almost everything I do photographically is the exact opposite of what you recommend LOL I too hate being restricted when I can shoot - so I bring 1200w of flash with me to a shoot - that I shoot with my 50mp full frame Canon ... oh, and I rarely do Landscapes! ...and yes James ... I use tripod ... a lot.! Keep up the great content ;-)

[@Seahawksnumber1]

another great video !!!!!! I always learn alot from your videos.

[@washingtonradio]

I believe one can take a great photo at anytime of the day. But some situations require more skill to pull it off. My problem with the rules is they tend to limit people to when they can take photos and fail to teach people how to take a great photo when the lighting is not ideal per the rule. I tend to like to shot with the sun to my side, it gives some interesting shadowing. Also, I like to shoot reflections in water on bright, sunny days.

[@steveellis9288]

“No such thing as bad weather only bad clothes” that’s the actual saying as you put it.

[@HitTheBass100]

Loving the bake off music in the in-between bits haha

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I thought that!! 😂

[@HitTheBass100]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto love your videos man, really inspires me to keep learning and trying to get the best out of my photography!

[@onlyClaire]

If I've learnt anything from you about picking locations, it's pack a lunch, and snacks, and maybe a second lunch! If you like it, keep a bag of jerky in your bag.

[@LukeFennell]

i was in England once visiting the fam and Scotland once had a WEEK of 30C days then the next week it had 2M of snow.

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

I thought "Nice bag...but £88,869...that's a bit steep!" But then realised I was looking at an IndieGoGo site...

[@christinakipfer8086]

I checked out the bag too. I'm new to photography and as of yet don't have a backpack. Holy cow, they are expensive!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

😂😂

[@RichardSeal]

Christina Kipfer if you are new to photography, you might not need an all featured bag yet. Check out James many videos on bags for some great advice. That being said, I recently picked up the mindshift backlight and it's been worth every penny. There is a huge difference in quality and usefulness to me.

[@ZachGroney]

The photo looks like an REI add.

[@ItsAMbutyoutubechangedmyname]

Ohhh I like that bag for one reason I can buy one and toss out the upper part and only use the lower bag woooohooo

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

A good fun video.

[@scrptwic]

James I beg to differ with you we have been having a heat wave in California every day this week has been over 100 degrees Fahrenheit not weather to hike or photograph in

[@Clipper024]

Was on Skye a few years back, to deal with the midges we had smuggled in a bottle of Muskol with 30% DEET. They (the midges) didn't have a chance.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Solid strategy! 😂

[@ejwkooi]

Love the Video and what a Great Country/ Island!

[@4wheelsandamotor]

There are no bad photos. There are photos we don't like and photos we do like but no one will agree on what those are. Even if you think the photo might be terrible, take the picture. Some of my favorite shots are ones I almost didn't take for many of the reasons you stated in the video.

[@lisarobertson7011]

enjoyed that - thank you !

[@martinrumfeld8593]

Answer: of course there is. But depends what you shoot. If you Shoot a nice and Open landscape, you can get a boring photo or a stunning photo depending on The time of day. If you shoot street and reportage, there are many more things to play with..., houses, cars, people etc that generate shadows

[@firstandlastproductionsllc]

She's busy working, and I've come... to take photos. LOL

[@timmo1782]

Nice, I was in that exact spot the week after you were here, same weather and didn't have any midge problems luckily! I noticed you can walk to the fairy pools from here, takes about 1.5 hrs with waterfalls on the way. Only thing is I set out too late, never got there.. still got a few nice shots as the sun set on the Cuillins. Oh and I still can't pronounce Sligachan..

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Aaaaah next time! I'd love to do that 🙂

[@Anymouse2]

Using a film camera with something like Portra 800 or 400 might be a nice way of dealing with high contract situations like a forest, right? That is of course a complete change of gear. I suppose one could also try some kind of HDRI method.

[@steveharrowingphotography4629]

Yo James! Great video as always. Just noticed (and no offence intended) you’re looking tired at the end of the video dude. Hope it’s just because you’re working hard. Stay strong 🤟

[@rob9386]

Another amazing video!!

[@Johnclark1990]

quite like the reflection of the mountains in the little pond or what ever it was ...not to big of a fan of the greens in that picture tho tbh

[@ZappaBlues]

Isle of Skye, sunny and windless,... with Midges. Sounds like a McGregor's vacation paradise .... ;)

[@robinsmith6847]

James: "I've found my new favourite camerabag" Also James: "here's my new bumbag" 😂

[@GutS7u6]

Also... does your bike not have a side stand and a basket on the front. That would be much better for photography rides.

[@serso5812]

"There is no bad weather, only bad mood" =)

[@sashaneemoht8764]

Hello James, "There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing", is what your tongue is twisting. @4:06, you never have a JCB when it could be handy...😉... @9:07, note to self: "Bananas" Emily is correct, even if it's just a prompt from a query! Otherwise, be well!

[@frstesiste7670]

The person who came up with that saying obviously haven't been out in bad enough weather.

[@Eikenhorst]

Personally I prefer the drone shot of the house to the foggy shot of it. The composition of the foggy shot is missing some interest in the composition, it looks like a pretty bland house in a pretty bland and grey landscape. The drone shot with the road creates a lovely leading line and the mountain in the background shows how remote and lovely the surroundings are. Sure that shot would be better with more interesting light, but the composition is just so good

[@JJ-mx3gh]

James, I love your videos! You do need to clean your sensor though!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Sensor fine, the lens is a mess though 🙂

[@JJ-mx3gh]

Omg! He responded to me! I feel like a teen at a BTS concert! 🤯

[@nigelwest3430]

Nice sensor spots

[@The_golden_charlie]

Yes

[@heathbarlow8769]

I must remember to leave a comment. I think I should write it down somewhere, so I don't forget again. I will next time...... Probably 😊🙏

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

😂😂

[@SebastianReick]

Hour many camera bags have you tried already ? Quite a lot I guess :-) What's your recommendation for a combined hiking | photography backpack?

[@garwim2k]

1 "keeper" is a good day for me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@rs_pa]

I've noticed that you always prefer your images to be on the bright side, as opposed to a darker & moodier look. They are brighter than even seen with the naked eye as seen in the video. Any comments on that?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I like bright day shots to be bright and dark day shots to be dark 🙂

[@antonoat]

Billy Connolly (Scottish comedian and actor) said originally, "there's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes"

[@dalekanium9531]

Love it! :)

[@usauas9703]

James... great photos come and go.... the most important lesson from this video is that you didn’t let the “midgies” win.... 😀 Keep doing what you’re doing!!!

[@bencushwa8902]

There is no bad light, but there is *wrong* light. Case in point: at 3:59, you've got the wrong light for the kind of sweeping landscape shot you described, and you explained why. If you had a camera with crazy dynamic range you could maybe get an exposure that would preserve both highlights and shadows, but the lighting is clearly not ideal for that shot. But at the same time, I do see a good photo in that scene. Split the scene up into 9ths (so thirds horizontally and thirds vertically), and the lower-middle ninth with that little pool and the sunstar would make an interesting photo, especially in black and white. Definitely not a traditional landscape, but it a neat play on lines.

[@hariikrishnan]

im from india and i really like your videos.

[@justinmorello5403]

You see those black spots in the sky in spots of your video? I see those sometimes when I'm editing. Is that just little dust spots? Because I clean and clean and clean and I sti end up seeing those spots.

[@justinmorello5403]

Nevermind. I just the part of the video where you brought it up lol. I should have watched it all first

[@MrQuirke9]

Earliest I've ever been for a famed Popsys video

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Much appreciated Jamie :)

[@denniswilliams4789]

"The sun is the whole point of the shot"... that certainly eliminates the need for compelling content.

[@craighousesounddesign5944]

Fab video as always. And your looking rather trim...good on ya.

[@krazyk57]

Note to self... Always listen to Emily... Never go hungry...😎

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Definitely 😂

[@aattokorhonen6641]

I was literally just thinking about this topic as i saw you had uploaded. 😆 Great video, james!

[@TerraPosse]

C'mon dude! Emily has demonstrated what provisioning for a walk has to look like and here you demonstrate that you can't be left rambling about on 'yer own...

[@dct124]

Something else and not saying you shouldn't clean your lens but even if it had spots, my cellphone is far worse right now with finger prints, smudges, and looks like food of some sort. Just one of those things like who's screen is squeaky clean when viewing this sorta content. As long as it's not blatantly obvious like a black spot I'd think you're a ok.

[@skyesthelimitpottery6846]

Im named after the Isel of sky

[@emanuelabel8712]

What tripod would you recommend me to buy ?