What you NEED vs What You WANT for making BETTER Photos

[@peterfritzphoto]

That last image - spectacular!

[@ngrabowskiphoto]

As much as I agree with you about that we need to do photography more often and spend more time using the gear we have, instead of browsing and looking at gear we wish to have. But I do believe that gear needs to be upgraded from time to time. While we develop our skills and get better we may find ourselves in a position where gear is what is holding us back. Quite often when we want to get out of our comfort zone and try new things like astro, wildlife, macro, street (I am assuming that everybody here is into landscape). You may need new lens or just invest in filters to try out long exposures. So I'm keep saying don't buy things if your camera is just sitting in a cupboard, buy things if you are shooting every available day and your gear is holding back your creativity.

[@JJ-ef7lb]

I use a Nikon D3400 and I’m happy at the moment despite weather proofing issues etc…. My main draw back is not having a desktop to use the software that comes with it. Can only use mobile apps for post… can still get some great images in my opinion

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I would have been down on the ground shooting that heather and looking for bugs. That's why my kit includes a macro lens. I sold my 5Ds and bought a Lumix S1R because I can make with it photographs that I could not before. I also bought a Sigma adaptor so I can continue using Canon TS-E lenses. FF cameras are, I find, a bit heavy, so I also have micro four thirds cameras. I own and use an OM-D E-M1x, compared with prior Olympus cameras it adds live ND and the ability to make 50 megapixels images, conditions apply, with a 20 megapixels sensor. Live ND, like an ND filter, allows me to impart motion blur and ICM, no filters required. GPS and two batteries are nice features too.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Having a camera and system to suit your needs is a smart move.

[@LauraCurrie-h9y]

You are so inspiring! We are about to visit the Lake district for the first time and your videos are getting me so exited! So refreshing to hear someone say you don't need all the newest gear, just passion and creativity! :D I'm venturing up there with my Nikon DSLR and my trusty 50mm f1.4 - don't want to carry too much! Can't wait! :)

[@pattyhertogh9294]

I laughed out loud when you said your clothing for your photography outings was more than your entire wardrobe at home. 😂 "Slowing down" is something I struggle with so thank you for mentioning it. It is always great to have a reminder. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Like you, a lot of the messages I try to convey in my videos are addressed just as much to myself as my audience. Love your work, mate, and as always, I echo your sentiments 100%. 👍

[@petemellows]

10:16 this is a beautiful scene, beautifully captured.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks mate

[@peterfritzphoto]

Gorgeous shots, Adam. I love moving/dappled light on mountain scenes!

[@steveoldham4462]

Great to see you enjoying the photography in the mountains.

[@tomfoord8860]

Your sunset image is beautiful, despite not being what you had planned. Great call on your part.We should all be so adaptable.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Tom.

[@davidligon6088]

Excellent video. For landscape photography, I agree with you, for the most part. However, for more technical genres like wildlife newer equipment can make a difference. While shooting birds in flight, Bird Eye AF is hugely beneficial, and having a stacked sensor for fast frame rate is equally beneficial. Under the right circumstances I can get great shots without all that fancy stuff, but I can get a lot more a lot easier with it.

[@chrisburnard5157]

Thank you for your continued great content Adam.

[@Firstmanphotography]

My pleasure!

[@RogerJones-mountfield]

The first question you have to ask yourself is "Do I want OR Do I need" a though provoking question when photography and of course gadgets are concerned, Keep the videos coming!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Exactly. But not always easy to answer unless we're being completely honest with ourselves.......which of course we are not all the time.

[@barbarachamberlain6918]

That final image was especially exquisite!

[@soethan.1349]

Another great video. Adam, and keep up the good work.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks, will do!

[@Twobarpsi]

You make a great point about needing specific outdoor clothing. I never really considered that before!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Literally life and death in some circumstances......and things changes quickly in the hills and mountains.

[@Nonaxisymmetric]

Great video Adam, good message and some cracking images.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it

[@joaoysphotography]

I've been "wanting" a new camera upgrade, but every time I get out, I'll get better images (practice, practice and more practice) I think you're absolutely right!

[@michaelfarrugia7550]

Your looking vary good are you still on the health plan ? Well done mate you can really see the effect you are making. Thanks for all your videos Mike

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Michael. Yes, i've been working hard....... and still at it.

[@rogersteele9890]

Great topic, great photos with nice use of light, thanks for the video.

[@romiemiller7876]

I keep a UV filter on my go-to lens, and sometimes use a circular polarizer. That's it. Works for me.

[@SteveLawrance]

Another great vid Adam, thank you, you are a very inspiring orator, keep up the great work.

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

what people need is to understand light, composition and settings. Any camera will do.

[@antonoat]

I think there are huge numbers of people with cameras who have literally no understanding of the fundamentals of photography, this is proven by many of the questions that they ask!

[@suxxesphoto6419]

I use the same camera canon 5D mk4 and want the same canon R5. For me the main reason is do a lot of hand holding and really want(need) that EVF with the histogram. then everything else IBIS more pixels, dynamic range etc etc. Just the cost stopping me. But still taking great photos with the 5D mk4, but could be easier and better...

[@desgardner7169]

Wise words again Adam about gear! and I am so glad you mentioned it, people should study your pictures they are so good you are really getting the best out of the camera that you are using, you get to some really nice landscape places that you have found and others have not, although I am not a landscape photographer and I don't suppose I ever will be its always good to hear you talk about your ideas and methods to get some decent images. I think your images this week are some of the best I have seen on here for some time so thank you for showing them to us and for taking us along with you. I am so glad you got your drone back in working order....

[@malcolmhouse7285]

I look forward to your channel every week. So much more than the images, which were awesome BTW. Keep up the great work Adam.

[@Cruiserboxer]

Great video, thank you. You are looking great. You have got your spark back.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Johnny. I feel it!!

[@TomNorthenscold]

Timely video. I’ve been wondering why I’ve been feeling that I should stay with my Nikon D850 and all my F-mount glass. It seems everywhere I look people are bolting to mirrorless. I’ve been resistant. I think the fundamental reason is that I don’t need mirrorless. I’d go through a whole lot of upheaval and expense with no net gain for my photography.

[@erickracht6099]

Well said and inspiring. Love the images! Keep up the good work.

[@jcat5150]

Another great video, Adam and I wholeheartedly agree with the premise. Upgrading the photographer will always pay greater dividends than upgrading the gear.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

A lovely location sir

[@Firstmanphotography]

Definitely is!!!

[@robertwhitemoto]

Oh, I had the Canon 5D mk iii and mk iv... they were so good, but the focus upgrades (eye detect, etc.) convinced me to move to the R5 and I'm so glad I did. "Time" is now the gear I need most... to "get out". Loved the colors on that last shot !! Cheers from hot Texas!

[@Firstmanphotography]

I love the R5, it's an absolute monster. The mkii maybe the tipping point where I can justify it.

[@bencompson]

I agree about the gear treadmill. I typically avoid it. My first digital camera was a Nikon D200. I used it until the D750 came out. I've been using the D750 for 8 years. I have good glass to go with it. And there is no reason related to image quality to justify getting something else. But, as I get older and busier the size of the D750 plus a 24-70 f2.8 has gotten prohibitive. And I'm less inclined to carry it. And if you don't carry it you get no pictures. I tried the trendy and excellent Fuji X100V and while it was incredibly cool and portable the fixed 23mm (35m eq) was to restricting for me. I sold it for what I paid for it and bought a like-new used Nikon Z7 with a like-new used Z 24-70 f4 for what I got for the Fuji. I sold a number of my F mount lenses a got a like-new used Z 14-30 f4. Yes, there are compromises with f4 lenses versus my f2.8 lenses but these Nikkors are very small, very light and very good lenses. So yes, I agree, chasing the latest thing is often a fool's errand but one of the benefits of modern tech is smaller, lighter gear. And that's something.

[@patrikekstrom2838]

Nice and inspiring as always. 😊👍 I own the Canon 5D Mark IV since some years, and I have to say one of the pivot persons for me finally getting that camera was you. 😊 I'm really happy with it. 😊

[@andrewcroft2570]

Great video Adam, people take pictures, not cameras. I know where you are coming from regarding the right clothing I spent more years in the Army as an infantry soldier than I care to mention, and good footwear and clothes suitable for the matching environment are essential. And could be life-saving in certain circumstances.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Absolutely. It's no joke when the weather closes in in the mountains. You quickly realise we are not designed to survive there.

[@andrewcroft2570]

@@Firstmanphotography That's quite true, even when you've been trained and trained others, it can still catch the best of us out. That's where the 7p's come from Propper, Planning & Preparation Prevent, Piss Poor Performance.

[@michaelhale416]

Another great video and message. Amazing images. I agree fully with you message on gear not being the answer. I used to be embarrassed to tell people I use an entry level camera, but have recently changed my mind. I currently use a Canon T7i and a Pentax KS2, both of which have been ridiculed by some other photographers. It was about a year ago that instead of comparing what gear could do for me, I focused on the images I created. I am a hobbyist but have a number of images that I am very proud of. I have even compared my images against others with the best of gear and believe I am doing okay, and always striving to improve. I have gained a great deal of knowledge from watching your videos. Not only from a technical perspective but more so the philosophical aspect of photography. Keep up the awesome work you do for all of us. Cheers.

[@QuicknStraight]

My first thought, at the beginning, was that you looked in better health! As for the new camera thing, I agree to a point, but maybe some people need to upgrade to be able to get out more and take photos. I mean features like weather-sealing, for example, as many cheaper cameras/lenses don't have weather-sealing. Beyond a certain point, though, yes, buying the latest greatest gear is pointless.

[@wimscheenen3535]

Great video! I love your last shot most 👍🏻

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks, my daughter thought so too.

[@stephenelliott7071]

Some great images and inspiring as always. Loved the idea of bracketing rather than messing about with filters, I always thought that a faff and distraction from the photograph at hand.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Yes!! It absolutely is a faff. Although never say never.

[@jimbruton9482]

Stunning images Adam! What a place to be -360 degrees of beautiful landscapes. On your message, "What you need..." is absolutely spot on. If one goes back and reviews some of their images from a few years back using gear of that time, you will see that beautiful images are not from the camera, but the one who's looking in the viewfinder.

[@frankdeblon5507]

Thank you Adam for, another, very inspiring video ! I love using filters because it is a creative way of making images and also, like you mention, it slows down everything and that, for me, together with the photographic journey is of great value. Beautiful images, again ! Thanks 🙏

[@Firstmanphotography]

I enjoy using filters too. I often think focusing on improving technically also helps us improve creatively.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Lovely video, Adam. I just did a trip to the Aussie Outback, and shot over 1,200 images. As always, some of my best shots were with my iPhone 14 Pro. The RAW images out of that little sensor are quite extraordinary, providing there’s enough light. I’ve even shot 5-second exposures of moving water handheld, and they’re completely usable!

[@LoudSilences]

Hey Adam.... Rick Carroll here from Ottawa Canada. Followed you from Twitter. Great video as always. Thanks and keep going.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Thanks for the pep talk

[@andydelphoto]

Great stuff, as usual 👍🏼👍🏼 Your vids, above all else, make me want to get out there and make stuff.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

If I only shot landscapes, I'd have kept my own 5D Mark IV. But I also shoot birds and other wildlife and the 5D Mark IV's burst rate is terrible compared to the R5. Frankly, I don't miss the DSLR's weight either and all the RF glass is pretty light too. But for a pure landscape shooter, the 5DM4 is great. Good job finding that drone!

[@robertleem5643]

Excellent video. I checked out those Shimoda rucksacks, my jaw nearly hit the floor - £350 to £950

[@simeonbennettphotography]

Brilliant video Adam 👏👏I have the Canon 5D Mark IV too it’s a brilliant camera. I’ve kept mine for years 👍never lets me down 😊

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

Hmm. You're absolutely right. Gear obsession is a bad expensive dopamine hit

[@jezgowers-cromie4133]

Hi Adam, love your videos. Question - You sometimes mention that your bracketing, does that mean your using an HDR technique in post or do you then pick the best shot and work with that?

[@scotty4418]

Really loved the images Adam, especially that final one. Good to see you getting the drone recovered too.

[@DarioCanadaPhotography]

What happened to the find drone functionality?

[@Firstmanphotography]

I didn't know such a thing existed until after making this video.

[@DarioCanadaPhotography]

Never fear Adam! Give us a call and we’ll guide you through! Great video as always, great to see a true photographer who shares struggles with the audience! Thank you

[@jasmck3261]

Great video with important message. I'm looking for another camera because a friend is getting married. I have a D7500 (crop) and would like a ff possibly a D750 to have for the wedding. But I'm not sure about if I can justify the purchase... mind u I'd have to also convince the wife.. 😂 Thankfully I have some time to think about it... so time will tell. 😊

[@banditalley9592]

Camera manufacturers have got people obsessed with megapixels, and therefore the need to keep increasing the amount you have. I did weddings with a 5D mk1 back in 2006 or so, and the image quality was amazing. 12 and a bit megapixels that's all. Any camera made in the last decade (if it still works) is fine, and most modern lenses are magnificent compared to the jam jars of a few years back. I think the "I need" conversation is usually an excuse for lacking something more fundamental - and it's not equipment!

[@Firstmanphotography]

There is only one genuine need for big megapixels. Very large prints with close-up fine detail.

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

I've my canon 5d MK1 files and defy anyone to tell the difference between my prints and the latest zzzs or whatever. What a great camera. I now use a canon 6d and image quality couldn't be better.

[@banditalley9592]

@@hamshanksproductions7161 The 5D had such a lovely quality and texture to the images - I actually had the flagship 1Ds II at the time as well but always preferred the 5D images

[@randyschwager2515]

I am retired and on a fixed income! Over the past 4 years I’ve been able to save $4,000 to purchase a new mirrorless camera to replace My Nikon D500 that works perfectly and that’s allowing me to capture some amazing images. You’ve convinced me to hold on to my money until my current camera dies or no longer gets me the photos I want! Thanks for this advice…and thanks for taking me along! Great images this week!

[@sigsegv111]

hi randy ... I have everything what I need so my two main cameras are Nikon D850 and Nikon D7200 .. and guess what - I am shooting *more* with D7200 because except of "more pixels" and some hassle around the lenses you will not find any difference in the output from $500 and $3000 camera

[@billz4795]

AH - what do I actually need? I'm a big eBay seller and buyer that has used to "trade up" - admittedly for "wants". If done somewhat wisely your wants can be relatively inexpensive. Example I purchased a 5ds bundle - sold off non camera items, purchased 5dsr bundle, kept camera and lens. Finally camera cost well below market - BUT I'm finding 5dsr is Very suspectable to hand held shake. Would probably be better off with 5d iv. - just saying.

[@LetsBHonest]

Are you planning on any trips in other countries for your photography in the future?

[@Firstmanphotography]

Yes. But the travel I do is going to be primarily to spend time with inspiring people and have adventures. I'm sure there will be some landscape photography and videos along the way but I'm not gonna be just going country to country to bag some images.

[@alanwilson7792]

As the saying goes...there's no such thing as bad conditions, only inadequate clothing.

[@alecstetzer2018]

maybe put an airtag on the drone? well done on the video...!

[@bolleolympus]

👌👌👍👍❤❤😊😊

[@andybusard6694]

You are right, of course, but I still want new gear...

[@romiemiller7876]

I don't need a waterproof camera because I'm not waterproof either! 🙂

[@dave_corney]

I crashed my drone once you can go into the controller and make the drone sound an alarm to help you find it.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Brilliant thanks. didn’t know that.

[@lphilpot01]

Just like real estate: Location, location, location. Unfortunately. 😕

[@Firstmanphotography]

To a point yes. But give me a field, a tree and some nice conditions and i'd be happy.

[@lphilpot01]

@@Firstmanphotography yep! Sometimes it's amazing how hard it can be to get those three in alignment!! LOL

[@melissahall7009]

Love your teaching. Could you do a video on taking panning seascapes at sunset with one exposure only and processing 😁? Every time I expose these scenes the histogram ends up not overexposed but all my data on the right side. I find it very hard to figure out how to bring back the blacks without making too dark. 🥹

[@Firstmanphotography]

Personally I’d bracket the images in that scenario. if you want it in a single exposure though, ND grads maybe your answer. The challenge is dynamic range in those scenes.

[@melissahall7009]

@@Firstmanphotography thank you!