Photography Investments that Changed My Game

[@jamidavis8043]

I just received my copy of Illumination, and, WOW! The book gets a hearty thumbs up from me. Also, I particularly agree with the last point: Investing more time in photography is the biggest game changer.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Awesome to hear. Thanks so much for your support, it means a lot.

[@donboyer3692]

Wow! I am a 74 year old retired over the road truck driver new to photography and new to your channel. This is the first video of yours that I have ever watched and I am so grateful for the experience. Thank you for sharing such sound advice. Just as when I was new to truck driving 33 years ago, practice is going to be the key to my photography success. There is not a facet of photography other than portraiture that I do not enjoy so I’m very excited to see where it all will lead. By the way, I did subscribe.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Don. really appreciate this comment too.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Go, Don!

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

Game changer for me I was going from film to digital, I didn’t have to go back to show the client the images and get paid I could show them the images on the day and get paid! I am a fashion photographer in Los Angeles!

[@scotty4418]

Another one for me which links to your last one Adam, is investing time into learning how to process. That was my main goal during lockdown and now I feel I have progressed, it feeds back into my photography as I can think about a final image more on location as I have a better understanding of what I'm going to do with it in post.

[@chrisgabriel8640]

T

[@ianbrown704]

Time and time again I see art created by top photographers on film cameras, its the brain behind the camera that makes the magic happen, and not necessarily the latests and greatest.

[@RFranks]

I think the best investment I made was probably the cheapest.. some card cutouts at various aspect rations e.g. 4x5, 16x9 etc.. It makes it much easier to frame up a composition without ever getting the camera out. You can move it closer or further from your eye to zoom in/out. A bonus is that if you use one eye to look through them it removes the stereoscopic vision you get from using both eyes. This flattens the scene and making it look more like you will see on a print or screen.

[@MSmith-Photography]

Three years ago, I bought an entry level Canon EOS Rebel T6 and within a year, I reached the limits of its abilities and upgraded to a 77D. I'm very happy to have done that as it allows me to do all of the things that I want to do with it and I didn't have to change ecosystems.

[@desgardner7169]

It's always nice to hear your views. One of my friends who was much older than me once said you will never take great pictures untill you understand the quality of light! If want quality pictures buy quality lenses, in fact cameras were way down the list! What you were saying at the end of your talk was, there is no substitute for hard work and that goes for a lot of things... Thank you for your views again!

[@haroldcarlson2775]

While I agree with your point about upgrading to full-frame for your situation, I think that's the underlying idea behind the real idea. Find the camera that fits your needs. Whether it be full-frame, u4/3 or whatever. And the only way you are going to do that is with experience. I have been an amateur landscape photographer for 8 years now and have finally settled down with a Fuji X-T3 but it was a journey of buying and selling a lot of gear that led me to that result.

[@iaincphotography6051]

I got rid of a couple of F/F Nikon dslr,s and changed to Fuji, much happier and no problem printing 40inch on the long side. And now with enhance on Raw you can go crazy. Also I shoot to edit, not to make pretty pics on the screen.

[@RalfWeyer]

The most important „investment“ is probably the one in yourself. Trainings and practice will let you get the most out of the gear you already have. Regarding the gear two things stood out. Number one where better quality lenses, and even more so prime lenses. These „damn things“ made me think and move much more than before. Zoom lenses are very comfortable, but you can get lazy and miss out, at least I did. Number two is something I did not think being that important before I got it. I switched from a crappy 24“ office monitor where colours where all over the place to a 32“ 4K monitor with almost 100% Adobe RGB and also bought a calibration tool. Most of the images I had to re-edit 😉

[@thomastuorto9929]

Agreed. As far as gear goes. I don’t know so much about primes vs zooms. I try to walk around the subject and look at it from different angles, up close, step back, etc. But quality lens do help. Lighting ( flash/ off camera flash is huge) makes a huge difference, with everything you shoot wether it be still life, landscape, nature. Get rid of your ambient light & try holding a flash at different angles & power settings with nature photography like flowers to see how it brings out the details & textures, etc. Like you said, nothing wrong with investing in getting schooled. Heck, even joining a photography club might help!

[@SteveP_2426]

Having moved from APSC to FF last year I'd agree with your comments Adam as it's allowed me to get more into astrophotography. I'd say for me the biggest game changer was when I decided I wanted to really get into photography to sit down on KZbin and start to follow people like you, Nigel, Mads BvS and the f4 crew as it opened up a whole new way of taking photos. I'm still happy to shoot honeypot locations but I feel I have the basics to look for original compositions too and try to do that as well.

[@washingtonradio]

I find the act of taking my camera with me makes me use it. Also, by taking my camera I tend to pay more attention to nature or the event even if I get very few photos.

[@peterfritzphoto]

Ditto.

[@howlinhog]

LOL! When I bought my first 35mm I was a teenager. It was 1977 and I borrowed my cousins Sears credit card to get a Pentax K1000 in a kit. I don't remember if I bought the book separately or if it came with the camera. Anyways, on the first page was written, "if you want to take good pictures you have to have your camera with you". I laughed at that but I soon was kicking myself everytime I saw an opportunity but didn't have the camera. Turns out that was the best single bit of advice I've ever received.

[@exploretography]

So true!

[@petercollins7848]

Great video! But Full Frame? It depends on what you are going to do with the image or how big you are going to print it. I have a number of cameras from compact , bridge, and mirrorless, all collected over time. Some have very low megapixels by today’s standard, but even the compact images can be printed to A3 if you are not ‘pixel peeping’, which is a waste of time. All prints should be viewed from at least one metre - we don’t watch TV with our noses pressed against the screen do we!

[@trevorhansen4943]

I do enjoy your candid and open approach. Your are so right of course. Thank you Adam

[@peterfritzphoto]

Adam, I love this list, and so agree with the last point. Landscape photography saved my sanity and gave me a 'life' again. Indeed, it's what got me shooting videos on KZbin. Your work has been (and continues to be) instrumental in my journey back to what I've always loved. Thank you.

[@jornmulder]

5:58, wauw ! love that one !

[@justinnemeth8931]

Hey Adam, could you share your Fuji video settings on a video. I need to do some ad work for my business and have an XT4 but I have absolutely no idea on video. Thank you!

[@sigurdsvorkmo-lundberg8541]

Adam is without doubt the best motivational speaker on KZbin, great points Adam!

[@ritamoll4347]

Hi Adam, thanks for the great video, what's Canon printer do you use?

[@grumblewoof4721]

I like to print my photographs and I like prints in general but even with colour profiles and Lightroom I never seem to produce a print that has the punch and impact of what I see on the screen. I have a Canon A3+ (pro10s) printer. I guess I need to transition to selecting, composing and taking images with printing in mind. Perhaps there are tips on how to do this ?

[@kaneclements7761]

Hi. I have the same printer. Go to the Canon web site and download the Print Studio Pro software. If you use LR, Photoshop or PS Elements it acts as a plugin and in PS is accessed from the Automate menu. All of a sudden my prints were a hundred times better. If they haven't updated the installation and you use PS 2021 try to install and then (this is on a Mac) find the folder and copy into the plugins folder. Complete pain in the ass. Adobe are probably culpable.

[@GeoffGrant2010]

Thanks Adam. Good comments. I think I need to start printing even at 17”, so I can print medium size prints and proof prints.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Any size is great.

[@tysonator5433]

There is some great advice in this video and should be taken on board vwhen buying gear. I do agree that most modern cameras vary very, very good. If landscape is your thing then cheap full frame bodt like eos RP is cheap option and one should be top lenses in the used market to get best bang for buck. For me AF is top, I will not buy an expensive camera with lots of features if the AF is poor, like nikon Z series, sorry nikon fans ! Invest in you skill and get-out and practice, practice, practice !

[@malcolmrendle6622]

Hi Adam Do you still rate the Canon 5DMK4 over newer mirrorless alternatives? I ask as I am trying to decide which camera to upgrade to 5Dmk 4 or R6 for bird photography...I am still inclined to the 5D as it has a proven track record and is 30mp but am I making a mistake, as I note most big names are switching to mirrorless.

[@yveslubanda6698]

An outstanding video! Thank you very much for sharing. 😊

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Yves, much appreciated

[@petepreston1103]

You missed one point...save up for a 1-2-1 with you!!! Great video followed you for a while..love your enthusiam...I am close to retirement and love this hobby...so fullfilling...I have a 70D with 400mm ef f5.6...70-200 and 24-105.... good results but want to go full frame...EOS R or 2nd hand 5dmklv ....your view please.... Ta. Spike

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Pete. Eos R is a great option and better for the future with the new lens mount.

[@petepreston1103]

@@Firstmanphotography Thanks Adam...my thoughts also.....can't afford to swap my lens's yet...new mount will allow me to keep them...Thanks again.

[@JB-rm1oc]

Just got my book yesterday. Enjoying it so far.

[@medor6635]

Adam, your videos are always inspiring! Thanks for all you do.

[@ericlahra8373]

Excellent video Adam. Keep up with the good work.

[@Firstmanphotography]

thanks Eric. very kind.

[@CasparHakonsen]

Bought your book. Looking forward to reading it.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Lars. greatly appreciated.

[@franceee1000]

Thanks Adam, another great inspirational video.

[@evancarlin5537]

Adam I just showed my wife your 'Game of Life - Money Can't Buy This' segment to my wife. You said it better than I have been able to explain my passion. Thank you.

[@exploretography]

Great tips! Agree on all counts!

[@chefforone]

I’m looking at getting a pro 1000 would you buy it again or choose a different printer and is the cleaning cycle a big deal?

[@cowboyyoga]

Thank you for the very helpful video!

[@ksnmurthy4476]

Great tutorial and advise. Specially the last one is awesome and a real world advise. Thank you.💐👍👏👏

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. Really appreciate the comment.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Great vid. I find printing enjoyable & rewarding & it helps me think of what I want before the shutter button is pressed.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Totally agree.

[@steveworthington930]

Ok Adam, for low light, astro, full frame is an advantage, that,s all though. I would have thought, as a landscape photographer, greater DOF is an advantage on M4/3? Take the Pen F + pancake kit len,s, a work of art, great unobtrusive camera for street/hol,s .See Steve Onion,s on KZbin, printing large from M43.

[@libork8106]

Adam, so much truth in everything you have said Great vlog, looking forward to more to come ...

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks mate, really appreciate it.

[@rlfisher]

Adam, I really resonated with your last point (life). I've been taking meaningful(?) photographs all of my life; mostyl travel adventure for a long time. I started the landscape photography journey in earnest about 10 years ago, as time allowed, and it has (i hope) set me up for a meaningful retirement phase.

[@andrewscott743]

Loved this one Adam! Especially The advice about creating art! You’ve inspired me!

[@GaryTaylorvw]

Hi, new to your channel, I’ve been working on my business startup since lockdown, I’m just about to launch my business, any low cost tips on getting seen? My business is large format printing, canvas and fine art prints, I bought a canon pro 6000 60” printer to start with so I could offer large sizes, I’ve got a canon 5d mkiv camera just to take pics of my work, lens I have are canon 24-70 mm ultrasonic lens, and a 50mm 1:1.4 DG sigma lens, and a tamron sp 70-200mm f/28 and an 600ex-rt speedlite, tbh I’ve no idea what I’m doing with the photography side of it, I bought it as a bundle unused off my mate who lost his job same time as I got shut down with lockdown, can you suggest any courses ? And possibly recommend a lens for doing really close up like eyelash in detail type lens? Great channel I’m looking forward to watching all your content “when I get time”

[@ronaldnollet1461]

awesome video Adam thnx for sharing cheers from Australia

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Ronald, glad you liked it.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Great tips. Totally agree on pure time investment is the best! That and maybe a bag so lenses aren't clanging around in a regular backpack haha.

[@scottplumer3668]

Backpack-style camera bags are a great investment, and they can be pretty cheap. I have one for my main camera, and I got another one for my location sound recording rig. Both were in the $20-$30 range, and haven't failed me yet.

[@julierogers4937]

Love your videos x

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Julie.

[@JamieGillies]

Some great points Adam. It's not easy to know where to invest money when it comes to photography, this video definitely helps to show the best way to do it.

[@Martingj56]

A very interesting video which leaves with one question: would a lume cube be a good replacement for a speedlite?

[@sexysilversurfer]

Depends on how much light you need.

[@gong9901]

I invested in a camera, lens, battery, and a SD card and it really changed my life. I can take pictures now.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Lol. if you’re watching this channel, that’s assumed. you’re not wrong though.

[@nikrotas]

Wow. That last point, so true... Your delivery id incredible too :)

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@klaus.bernhard]

Yes Adam, simply yes 💪💪

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha. Thanks mate.

[@sarahbatsford4791]

Great inspiration Adam, thank you

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Sarah

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

6:00 that's a great shot. It's wallable.

[@sabaof8]

Inspiring. Sincere.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks David.

[@antonyhalls5322]

A great inciteful video Adam. Your new book looks fantastic. I know what I will be getting this Christmas. 😊

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Antony

[@JasonBonnicksen]

I've always enjoyed your channel. This video, by far, is my favorite that you have made. The last point sealed the deal. Great job!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Jason. very kind to say.

[@EdwardKilner]

Very nice, thanks.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thank you too!

[@rodtheer]

Fantastic Tips! Agree with all of them :)

[@ProEditingLooks]

great job

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Excellent video as always Adam! Definitely the 'doing it' part is the biggest game changer!

[@analogoutdoors]

That last one's for me; i ain't got the money for the others, lol.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thats the most important one anyway.

[@howlinhog]

I have heard the opinion, "buying a printer makes no sense". I actually am perplexed by it. Why wouldn't you own a good printer? The only reason I can figure anyone would say that is that they must be a professional who only prints for resale?? I don't know. Well, I'm not a professional, and both my large and small format Canon printers do an awesome job, and if I look back on the money I've spent for gear, the printers are chump change. They probably give more satisfaction for the buck than just about anything besides the actual act of taking a photo. I just ordered another gear head and if I think about the money I've spent trying to get one that I don't hate, I could just about vomit. I could have, should have bought the Arca D4 to begin with. Anyways, off point there. Printers, yeah, part of the hobby!

[@sofiaoropesa]

i believe you

[@stevensimmons8107]

Great perspective!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Steve

[@MarylandDroneMedia]

A Canon pro 10 printer was the best thing I ever did. So much enjoyment.

[@DylanL_17]

Nice one Adam 👍

[@adrianwww9817]

Inspired by your content and the biggest investment I made is my time. And I always bring all my camera gears wherever I go.

[@johnhawkins1606]

It’s a great book.

[@marcovank78]

Great video with very inspiring messages, as most of your videos are! Currently I also have an APS-C and have been struggling with getting sharp images using a wide angle. Because of that was thinking about moving to full frame. Very nice to hear you confirming that full frame will be a huge improvement.

[@petercollins7848]

But not in your pocket! 🙁

[@wenxinchai1148]

using a full frame sensor camera won't make you images sharper buy a better lens instead

[@grumblewoof4721]

Photographer Flying his drone with Lume Cubes .... UFO sightings mystery solved, MoD stands down Typhoon interceptors.

[@FU2Max]

Gread Vid. I do disagree on one thing tho. The lens. If your planning ahead, don't waste your money on crop sensor lens. Full sensor lenses work perfectly well on a crop body. Not the other way around tho. If you're planning to upgrade to a FX in the future there's no need to replace all your lenses.

[@FU2Max]

@@djstuc ok bud. you stick to what you think you know.

[@johnhare6652]

You saved the best til last, invest time as there is no substitute. Too many chase the microwave methods of attempting to condense 2 years of experience into 20 minutes. It simply does not work.

[@Firstmanphotography]

There’ll always be the anomalies born with freak natural talent. For the other 99.99999999% of us, we gotta work at it.

[@Boatzerama]

Yes buy a printer as it makes you think more about your photos.

[@zakirh5939]

Really? The best investment is to switch from APS-C to full frame camera? Yawn…

[@Firstmanphotography]

Lol

[@c6fields]

The amount of advertisements in this short video is excessive. Two square space adverts and multiple book plugs. It's too much and cheapens the content. Please re-evaulate

[@Firstmanphotography]

Nope. It’s an ad driven platform in which both creator and viewer have to operate. I offer the Raw Room subscription for those who want to consume my content without ads.

[@pradkphotography]

First time disliked your video, Adam. But it is not for the content. That is awesome. But man, it is becoming so repetitive. What you said is absolutely correct and wonderful but I have heard you say this many many times on this channel. Please do not mind my criticism but I couldn't help it as you have set your limits so high that I expect things like that. I understand that producing quality content each time is very difficult but still said this. Hope you like this.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Hmmm, I dont think so. Although I did say repetition was the key to getting good at something. Sometimes the message needs to be heard more than once.

[@pradkphotography]

@@Firstmanphotography That's true. As I am a teacher myself, I know that hammering is an effective way of imparting knowledge. I hope you do not mind. I will of course look forward to your next video and watch whatever it is.

[@ianhamer4294]

Nice one Adam. Sound advice, as always, from someone who knows what he's talking about.

[@RobertSmith-re5vy]

Adam: I needed to watch this episode It reminded me of why I do this, especially Point #5 and #2 Illuminatin. I have used those small Lume Cubes and they really provide an opportunity to be creative. Thanks for preparing this video. .