FRUSTRATED Landscape Photographer! - I sucked, but figured out HOW TO FIX IT...

[@insightvideo6136]

“I don’t care what you think. I love it.” Now you’re a photographer. Shoot for yourself first. If others share your feeling for your shot, that’s icing on the cake, but shoot for yourself first. Photography, unfortunately, encompasses all feelings, because it just does. Frustration from time to time is good, because it makes you better. Total satisfaction all the time means you’re probably not being honest with yourself. I think you give good advice here.

[@DamianLakin-Hall]

What a great video ….. touching on the downside of photography and how the “ bad place “ that we all get into from time to time can take us over ! Learning to disarm it and take a side step is so important in all aspects of life … thank you for being so honest, we can all relate.

[@colin_barr]

Last week I spent a day in the landscape and yes, I enjoyed it. However, despite looking great through the viewfinder, on getting back to my computer, I immediately realised that every image I had taken, sucked. I felt frustrated and down. Only after watching your video do I realise the root cause of these feelings. I care. I really care. And not only that, I now realise that I too, feel good that I care. Suddenly, I feel a bit better. So this video that you have made out of a negative, has been a real positive for me.

[@julianpaxton5750]

Thank you Alister. A really good video. And you are one up on me...I think I have forgotten everything, but never the camera. Nice that you can turn frustration into a really insightful and useful KZbin video. Don't forget, its nice for we mere mortals to see the pro's mucking up.

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, pro's only maintain the myth by only showing their best work and never their failures :-) I am very much normal!

[@richardbaileyphoto]

I just stumbled upon your channel with this video via KZbin recommendation and subscribed immediately. You’re speaking my language! Thanks for the inspiration, and I’ll definitely be a regular viewer!

[@Alister_Benn]

Fantastic, thanks for that. Finally KZbin does something good 🙏

[@johnclark9499]

Thank you so much for this video and for taking us into your thoughts and feelings. You are definitely not alone.

[@ericlahra8373]

Thanks for being so honest Alister, I think we all go through the same emotions.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you, it helped me to feel better

[@sharondmeber3802]

Perspective in photography is just as important as perspective in life and our attitude! I know I almost always feel better once I have vented😊 Thanks for sharing. Great video!

[@anisab9506]

Thank you for the inspiration, the authenticity, and the comforting words, that yes « this too shall pass ». Much gratitude to you 🙏🏽

[@Alister_Benn]

You are so welcome

[@pascalthiebaud]

Yesterday was a bad day too. A nice project in my head, then everything turns to nightmare because my music gear was not updated for my computer. I've tried different things, plug my guitar with an external sound card, then I gave up. After a while I thought, don't give up, but slow down and you will find a solution. This morning I thought about my project and found new ideas. What I've learned is that for complex or bigger project you have to give you time and take care of the project, and it's not easy for me. I have to take care of my project. Thanks Alister

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome buddy. Every defeat is an opportunity to grow ❤️❤️❤️

[@conradkelsey5925]

A great video Alister. I pack all my gear when I go out. I have the motto, rather have it with you and not need it than not having it and needing it. Keep up the good work.

[@linaionta7590]

Thank you for this Alister. As always you express yourself so eloquently. Not all days will be good photography days for sure but just the experience of being outdoors with your camera is therapeutic in itself. That applies even if we don't take a souvenir photo home.

[@Alister_Benn]

Many thanks! I really appreciate that..

[@robertlee8980]

Alister, thanks for being real. I absolutely love your photography and ability with the willingness to teach what you know. We all learn from you, and you just taught the most important, be outside and enjoy the opportunities. Looking forward to meeting you in Jasper! 🙂

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that very much. Ah, excellent we will meet. I am looking forward to that very much also.

[@jennifercrouse]

Very encouraging video for those of us who have zero credentials or confidence (and questionable mental health). Thanks for being real. ❤

[@Alister_Benn]

Appreciate that, thank you

[@jasoneldridgephotography]

Thank you for sharing your time with us!

[@Alister_Benn]

My pleasure! Thank so for watching and taking time to comment

[@marcusnz232]

The great thing for you Alister is that you live right there. It’ll be there for you next week, next month etc etc. I used to ski with a chap who lived in Tignes and could ski every day all winter. If he had a bad day he just went home. He could come back tomorrow! So be mellow and accepting. I often find my best images just felt like snaps when I took them. Yet when I get home I find my subconscious mind was busy getting something I would not have got had I consciously tried to.

[@Alister_Benn]

100% agree, I am so lucky and I went out again this morning and had an absolute blast! Next week's video in the bag :-)

[@marcusnz232]

@@Alister_Benn Great! Always remember to be kind to yourself. No experience is wasted, even if it’s not the one you thought you were going to have!

[@Alister_Benn]

Generally I am. I’ll turn most negatives into positives

[@j8rtUfh3evz]

I'm really grateful for a video like this as we all suffer mentally in one way or another and everyone has different triggers - myself, I haven't touched my camera for 6 months since my partner wanted a puppy (a giant breed we've always had) and my wants have gone out the window... this was shortly after getting myself a GFX100s. So frustrating. I didn't want to move from Canon EF to RF so I have a few EF lenses one of which is the Sigma 150-600 - and using that with an EF-GF converter (Fringer) adds a whole new dimension for longer focal length lenses and less need to carry a few lenses on a walkabout. (albeit losing 40mpx)

[@Badger220455]

Think many of use have been there Alister. Not every shoot is a good one. Just being out with my camera helps my mood. Thanks for your honesty.

[@martinoberstein8431]

Thank you ever so much for revealing „your demons“, Alister. The way of coping with these negative emotions is described very vividly. I think it‘s extremly helpful to search for the positive intention (of your organism/your mind) behind these negative emotions. As long as there is a balance it‘s o.k. Fine content as always, unique.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you as always. I very much appreciate your sensitive observation. I am just back from a sunrise shoot for next week's video and what a difference in attitude. Looking forward to sharing that with everyone.

[@martinoberstein8431]

@@Alister_Benn Nice to hear that, Alister. I kinda expected this sequel😉.

[@Alister_Benn]

You know me too well

[@davidkipperman5218]

I go with no expectations than everything is a plus. If you take nothing, you're outside doing more than most people. From that point of view as long as you have more great days than bad you're doing ok my friend. 😃

[@Alister_Benn]

💯 I am happy to make a positive out of it. Thanks for the kind comment

[@kevinriley1346]

Good to know that these feelings and doubts are shared as much as our appreciation of engaging images. Thanks a heap Alister.

[@terrysankey3982]

I always knew you were human and your problems and how you deal with them is one of the main reasons I watch your videos

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, I really appreciate the support

[@mdw1927]

We learn from our mistakes. It's what drives us forward, without that we are standing still. My father had a great attitude on this subject. He would take a minute, laugh, call himself a silly sod and move on.

[@carbonejack]

Great advice. I can relate to getting all ready, pack up, go where you wanted to go, and forget something critical. Like film. Battery, Meter. What I like about what you do and how you present things is your honesty. We all have shitty days. Even guys with a $10,000 rig. Love your channel.

[@astridpreisz519]

I love that you are sharing that these things happen to you, too! Expectation is a bitch, 🤪. I have gone out without card, without battery, but never without a camera 🤣. Well, I was stuck with only my phone after my whole backpack was stolen on my way to a photography trip and that really sucked. But I learned that my creativity and my joy about being in a great location hadn't been in that backpack, though. The thug didn't get it. It was still with me!. Thanks for the reminder that the landscape is still there and we are still blessed with the experience, even when we can't make any images. And I just love that little bird! It reminds me how I watched to kestrels in the tree for hours when I was alone in the mountains. I didn't even think of taking out my camera - my bins were enough...and the images I made with my eyes and my mind. Anyway, frustration is human - but we have ways to overcome it. Your home is gorgeous! No way you can stay pissed for long in such a landscape! Enjoy it! ❤

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Astrid, I like how I made a positive message out of what could have been a negative experience. Not only am I a glass half full kinda guy, I’m having your glass too 😂😂😂

[@astridpreisz519]

@@Alister_Benn help yourself to it - my glass, I mean, LOL. At the end of the day sweating the small stuff doesn't make anything better. Enjoying the small things in life, however makes a huge difference. Like watching a bird ☺

[@ReynoldsCreative]

Lovely video Alister, You might not have had the shots today, but that B-roll was magnificent. This Vid snatches victory from the jaws of defeat, and hey what more could you ask than that? Good luck with the new glass! Cheers, J.

[@Alister_Benn]

Absolutely, we are so lucky to live in a beautiful place. The conditions were fabulous, I wasn’t 😂

[@GJuve1]

Thanks for sharing this, its really helpful to hear how you dealt with that particular experience, and more importantly to be able to benefit from your honest self-reflection after the event.

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad it was helpful! I am really delighted to hear that

[@lauramunsie1496]

Love your channel. Thanks for such honest and genuine thoughts on the joys and struggles of photography. ❤

[@Alister_Benn]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching

[@esanford]

I know the feeling.... You feel like you've wasted a day of a precious life. Release and letting go is the answer. Good video....

[@Alister_Benn]

I still found a good bird though ❤️ I don’t stay down for long, I am super happy now

[@esanford]

@@Alister_Benn Yes you did.....

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate

[@larryrudnick1519]

We all have that feeling sometimes. I try to think - well, it could always be worse!

[@bergis65]

Brutally honest. Reality. Very good.

[@Alister_Benn]

💯 I’m the same as everyone else, just normal

[@280bunny]

Expressive photography, or expressive photograher? Great post, thank you for verbalising what we all feel at times, not just with our photography, but with life in general! 😀

[@ralphtonge1400]

Knowing those locations, I can understand your frustration; I'm also a photographer based on Lewis and a key thing I've learnt is to take all the kit all the time (although I appreciate you have much more kit than me probably!). The challenge of those moments when you see spectacular waves, that your photography is being challenged in that moment, and absolutely know that feeling of not succeeding in capturing those moments as you want to. Having a big choice of kit, definitely helps me react and respond. Sometimes though when the frustration bites, its just time to look, breathe and absorb the location for another time another day. Hope to bump into you at one of those locations sometime.

[@ianbrown704]

Superb video. I totally get exactly what you are saying. However as with most things, photography is a journey and we don't always engage with our subject. I am retired so its doesn't really matter as its only for me. You channel has inspired me and I always enjoy your content, I hope you get your mojo back soon. Thanks

[@georgemason2472]

Beautiful Golden Plover shot! Nice to have filters for a lens that big.

[@Carlos-tm6zk]

Hi! These past two days I’ve been enjoying autumn weather here in Portugal and went out for woodland photography. The first day I sucked, the second day I sucked a lot less, pretty happy with that! But I always take my dogs with me and really enjoy being in the scenery and, whenever I feel frustrated, yes, I do remember and tell myself that even Ansel Adams felt like crushing his camera often, back in the day. So I chuckle to myself and move on with my terrible photos in my camera. When I get home I make sure that people share that misery with me through social media, even if just with a couple of photos… All best

[@kathylinford1]

Wonderful video Alister!

[@SimonWillig]

That's a very wise lesson you give to us here. Thank you!

[@Alister_Benn]

My pleasure! I’m glad y too feel better

[@ASMPHOTO]

Wow! I am not alone! Weekly I have a crappy day. Yet we have to keep going!

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes we do. We’re all entitled to a bad day every now and then. I’m out just now having a complete blast in flat light, but I’m working with it and loving it. Tune in next week 🤣

[@gashead2]

Had one of those days today. I am in Cornwall for a couple of days and wanted some long exposure shots of Godrevy lighthouse for smooth seas and cloud, also I was hoping for some wave shots. Got to my location and found that I didn’t have the correct adapter to fit my lenses for my Kase magnetic filters! The wind was exceptionally high so even on a tripod it was tough and as I was struggling to see due my eyes watering in the wind I messed up a whole lot of photos! I was peed off just like you and as I have mentioned before to you I too suffer depression. I went back to the car and sat and waited to see if things would improve but to no avail so back to the accommodation. When I returned I thought about the day and realised this, I am an amateur so why worry, I feel much better having exercised, I got maybe 2 out of a hundred ok shots better than zero, I have learned something from the experience, I love shooting photos, I love being outdoors. Therefore like you put it behind you and move on. Thanks for the video.

[@bjoernsviews]

Expectations often kill the fun, so if possible I try to get out without and appreciate whatever I can find. And in the rare cases where the conditions are bad and nothing really catches my eye I try to see the positive aspect of being out in nature and being active.

[@malcolmgibbs5826]

Excellent video Alister, bang on the money. Hey, so you are not perfect, welcome to the real world my friend. Sometimes its shit and no matter how nice a place we are visiting, how nice a camera and new lens we have in our bag its still, shit. It's reality and nice to hear that you are just like the rest of us! Keep up the good work, I've ditched my therapist now that I follow you 😂😂😂

[@ingabett]

When I have these bad days I try to think: “Luckily I’m not a brain surgeon” 😅 But it is awfully frustrating sometimes! My most common problem is unsharp photos, due to having fibromyalgia my arms some days are very, very weak and tired. So when I go somewhere I have a lot of emotions in my bag, a lot of expectations, and coming home too see that maybe the best images are a bit unsharp is very, very frustrating. When I can, I carry a tripod but if I’m mixing my photos landscape and street a tripod is only going to be in the way (I have a monopod but that only helps a little). That leaves changing the mindset, and I’ve also landed on thinking that the reason I’m frustrated or sad is because I care. And also I try to learn from that experience- what could I have done differently? Why is the image unsharp etc. So watching professionals like you experiencing the same feelings is a good thing. Thank you for sharing and remind yourself that any of your photos, even those that end up in the bin, are photos that many of us would be happy to have taken! 😊

[@johnburke1682]

great video as usual, Alister. that begs the question, is there always a shot to be had when you go out, or is there days when you dont get a pic at all?

[@Alister_Benn]

No I don’t think there always has to be an image and I think that’s a false pressure. I usually find that if my mind is in a mess it is harder for me to settle and just be there. This morning on the workshop was perfect; no stress, slow paced and I made loads of images I like. Every day is an opportunity to learn

[@PMCN53]

Great session Alister👍🏻 I agree, it can be very challenging when your planning goes south. I recently took a trip the NZ South Island (my 6th)….. My months of planning didn’t seem to work, I did get some good shots but much of my detailed plan failed.😞 I’ll just have to go back (i’m from Sydney Australia)😊

[@Alister_Benn]

I don't know why, but your comment reminded me of something I read, which seems appropriate, even though in a different context. "If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans!" Sounds like a mantra for landscape photographers...

[@Alastair6]

As a professional musician, I can totally relate. Sometimes you have to embrace the suck.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, that’s hard too! Sucking on your own is one thing, sucking for a paying audience? Wow.

[@roobarb7989]

A timely video Alister, at least for me! Had a 5 day break from work and had all these expectations of the local photography trips I was going to do during those days. Reality was I also had many life projects that needed to be addressed too. So I got frustrated that I didn't make the images I had planned in my mind or get out to the locations I had wanted. But the other side of the coin.. I got the other projects out of the way and took some time for myself. Took the time to enjoy a coffee with my partner and just be in the moment and not try to force my photography into a set window of time. There is always tomorrow.. hopefully ;) Also learned from a previous mistake that dead batteries in my camera and bag don't make for good images..lol.

[@Alister_Benn]

Hahah, sounds like you nailed it. I’m right back up again today and had a lovely evening out in flat light, but big waves

[@davidwalker2402]

I think expectation can have an adverse effect on how we cope, “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed “ but yes being disappointed shows you care so thats ok too, but you live to fight another day. Good luck.

[@Alister_Benn]

I was out last night and it was a whole different story ❤️ thank you

[@arbee1958]

I felt your pain Alister ... I have a Subaru Forester and even when I'm just doing some outdoor headshots I bring a carload of gear ... Multiple camera bodies , spare cards , batteries and flashes , overlapping lens focal ranges and a craptonne of stuff ... can't stand travelling , setting up and then realizing that XXXX would have let me get THE shot .. but I suffer for it 🙂

[@Slave-Of-Christ]

Life's a beach. And this is good lemonade. Thanks!

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, sure can be sometimes

[@hillelbrandes6283]

Good video and story, Alister. I'm with you! Hopefully you can influence Fuji a bit to consider making a G-mount 100-x00 mm lens. ;-)

[@gailmager4147]

I think everyone has those moments. At least u got out there despite not achieving what u wanted to. Sometimes enjoying and jhst being in nature can help.

[@Alister_Benn]

Absolutely, I never want to take it for granted

[@pettersorsdahl1400]

Good to know you're not alone out there. :)

[@gunsentry8349]

Wow excellent and timely video I just spent two weekend afternoons trying to get a image I have pre visualised, manage to get one image I like out of a couple of hundred. But yes I did get the image.

[@michaelwplant]

I have not laughed so much in ages, that leaving the camera at home is almost as bad as going out without your batteries for a digital camera or film when using a film camera. We all have days of frustration and they teach us how to be better.

[@Alister_Benn]

I’m a quality individual 😭😂😂😂

[@vitalisvasylius7390]

Many landscape photographers will probably agree that there have been more unsuccessful sessions than successful ones. This especially spoils the mood when you are taking photos not near the house, but going far away. I had to fly 6 times 5000km to the same island to try again to photograph what I thought was not possible last time. Of course you discover something new every time.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, it’s easy close to home to stay positive. Long trips at great expense are a much harder test

[@tjsinva]

Some days you get the honey, 🍯. Other days, you just get the bees. 🐝 Carry on. 👍🥂

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, I like that

[@kamarules]

first time watching video a landscape photographer with 500mm lens .. wow

[@Alister_Benn]

Ah, neat. I used a 400mm a lot with my D850

[@RS-uv3bd]

Tough luck missing out on that moment with the glass you needed. I think we’ve all been there, and it’s never less annoying and frustrating. Perhaps we are just meant to enjoy these moments in the context of amor fati? I’m sure your next masterpiece with that handheld Ferrari of a camera will come soon.

[@Alister_Benn]

❤️ handheld Ferrari 😂 love that - thanks so much

[@DennisBater]

As well as taking two lenses, maybe take a camera as well! I saw an opportunity to offer you $1000 for the 500mm lens, but then you chirped up, and my hopes faded! I am glad you turned yourself around and know you aren't the only one who forgot his camera! Take care!

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, yes, I’ve been out this evening with TWO lenses and an actual camera body. I took TWO tripods as well, just in case 😂

[@uwetrenkner9716]

Sharpness is a bourgeois concept. HCB. Does sharpness really makes your images shine? I am not a landscape photographer. But in my last shooting I spend a lot of effort not to get sharp images. I fell in love.

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, comment of the year ❤️ I don’t generally obsess over sharpness, but this one did irk me. Wait a month until I’m in the forest. Thanks for making me smile

[@Argyll9846]

My bad day was when I went out doing some street photography. I arrived at my favourite location for shooting the street, took out my camera only to discover that I had a flat battery and I'd left the rest of my batteries at home.

[@The_golden_charlie]

I find Cardhu useful on these kind of days. 😊

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I was recently shooting birds, I used a shutter speed of 1/200 for standing herons, which brought my ISO way down. But later, I came across a fast-moving sandpiper. I forgot to change my shutter speed! Out of several hundred images of the sandpiper, all but about 5 were ruined by motion blur. That was a major bummer.

[@Alister_Benn]

Wow! Yeah, I hear you. Life has a way of testing us and what I am finding is that I react in the same way regardless of the cause. Art mirrors life, if my photography irritates me, small things in life do the same. It’s so fractal!

[@goranritterfeldt2608]

Just some day ago I went for a trip to a coastal trip here in Latvian. I had some special pictures in my head and rhetorical next day I was there I wanted to visit the place that I planned for. (The city’s name is Liepāja by the way.) I took the camera and found the battery was empty! The camera has been switched on for 24 hours… and no other camera or extra battery with me. What a shame… so that’s life sometimes.. take care Göran in Latvia

[@ronpettitt6184]

I will never understand people who unload a camera bag in between shoots. My bag is packed at all times, I can pick up and go in a heartbeat. My long lens is the only exception, I have to grab it at the moment. I purposely don't have more lenses than will fit in my bag and never will, partially for this reason.

[@Alister_Benn]

It’s not normal for me either 😭😂

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Earlier this year I also had a series of images that I thought would be nice... And then it turned out none of them were really sharp, due to camera shake in the wind. And I should have used a different lens and zoomed in more. When I rate my images, a 1 means for me "probably not but might still be something". Images that are rejects, either I mark them red or instantly delete them. (Or I just don't copy them from the card -- depends on how much time I spend on culling while copying vs culling afterwards). BTW rating goes a lot faster by pressing the number-keys 1-5.

[@Alister_Benn]

I know the feeling. Yes, I rate images using the number keys

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Try the goldfish method.. .only worry aboiy the next 10 seconds...we can't alter ot change the past. Being angry is fine and agree it's that we care. It's what we do we with that 😮

[@Alister_Benn]

The older I get, the more goldfish I become! Hey, what a huge bowl!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@Alister_Benn ha ha its a compliment 😄

[@Alister_Benn]

Taken as such 🙏

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@Alister_Benn Love your work mate!

[@lubos-ro3hy]

Great video

[@Alister_Benn]

I appreciate that, thank you

[@guykerr8111]

Thanks......

[@Alister_Benn]

You’re welcome

[@MarkFloyd7451]

Drink a pint of Guinness Stout. It helps for bad days.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, I don’t drink alcohol at all, I’m fine. I coped, all is good

[@MarkFloyd7451]

@@Alister_Benn Good to hear. I don't drink alcohol either. :)

[@danevarkevisser4670]

Alister, I think you put far too much pressure on yourself. This is the problem of someone who makes a living from what is for most of us a hobby. I have no such pressure and when I go out to photograph, I don't go with any great expectation. I go for the joy of just being out and if I come home with something I am pleased with that is a bonus. Caring about what you do is one thing, but you can take this too far to the point of it being psychologically detrimental. Perhaps you are caring too much about what is not as important as you think it is. There are plenty of great photographs out there that you would say are technically flawed. But by God, there is something in those photographs that sucks you in and makes you feel something and that is what is important. Anyway, good video. Love what you do.

[@Alister_Benn]

100% - going out to make a specific video and "failing" annoyed me. But, I think the video I ended up making is better, more relevant and actually makes me feel better too. I appreciate your comment and support, thank you.

[@Innovatead_Solutions-e4u]

Dear Alister Benn, your channel has caught our attention and we’d love to work with you on an advertising project. Let’s connect to talk about it!

[@JohnRees-ig7bo]

The best camera is the one you have with you …