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[@RichardOldroyd]

When ever I watch these videos I feel like I've been to some kind of counselling session and feel really motivated to go out and take the images I want to take and not the ones I think I should take.

[@darrenleigh201]

Agreed. We just need to get out and do it!

[@fotophoto_oficial]

@@darrenleigh201 ..so, whay are you chatting hahaha go ! :D hahahahahah ... (just kidding, take your time, charge your batteries, pack your gear...😂)

[@TL-xw6fh]

My way of getting my mojo back is simply take any camera plus lens and go out for a long walk in somewhere I have never been to. It surprising how much I enjoy it and my photographic eye coming back to me!

[@aerialfilm1]

I snapped out of my photo funk by putting the camera into Auto. Now I pay attention to what’s in the center of the frame and not just obsessing over the data around the edges. Haven’t been this happy in years.

[@lululimo]

Exactly. I ruined soo many photos (lately also video) with trying different manual setting of my Sony A7IV, that I was thinking of the same: get back to auto and focus on what is in front of the lens.

[@GeertKuster]

I’ve sold all my DSLR gear about ten years ago (big mistake). I re-entered photography through analog last year and am very happy so. The mindfulness of shooting frame by frame without the endresult is so liberating. It’s like my own special place, even some sort of meditation. This was my way of getting into the rhythm after more than 10 years without cameras. Love the videos btw. They’re of a calming sort of inspiration that is hard to find on YT.

[@swapnilkadam5373]

Did the same mistake 3 years ago. Since then whenever i saw a camera it used make me upset to the core. Bought a used one now and a 50mm. Trying to be a pro now. No matter how much time it takes, not looking back after this.

[@davidsowery2684]

Agree, watched Alex's bids ad finitum, inspiring and hugely helpful. Returnee after 30 year's, ex assistant in studio's, refused to go digital, bought mint Yashica TLR. A year of shooting only b/w and one model, am creating a muse portfolio. Keep me coming, Alex. Bob Carlos Clark one took me back, thanks.

[@jeroexx]

I've been struggling with this quite a lot. I work as a camera salesman and photography was my passion for the past 5 years. I was able to gather a lot of experience and it's pretty much the only thing I'm good at. Now I'm working so much that I barely have time to take photographs and when I do have time I'd rather use it to finally do something else but photography. I'm in this nasty rut right now where I tried so many things to spark my passion for photography again but it's super hard to find. I just bought a 500cm and it came back a little but I have no idea how I can get my passion back up where it was before. It's pretty much the only thing in life that I'm good and have a deep understanding at, I really don't want to lose it

[@JoshBearheart]

Something that has helped me with motivation is to not have enough time to get out and take pictures. There are so many places I love locally to photograph but getting the time to get out is tricky. If I had the chance to be out all the time it might get boring, but because the chances are few it keeps me motivated every time, I get out to take photos. I find myself really inspired when I know I might not get another chance to get out for a while. I also use the losses I have had in my life as a reminder that every day could be my last and I should take advantage of every chance to do what I love.

[@legionchef]

I’m one of the younger generation who rejected digital and only shoots film (just doesn’t work for me, don’t shoot me). I’m also In the process of setting up my one BW/Colour darkroom. I attended a darkroom class a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing seeing shots on glossy Ilford paper. It has given me another level of enjoyment of my hobby. I’d describe myself as a serious hobbyist so maybe one day I’ll push myself an do and exhibition….

[@henryrogers5500]

Congrats to both of you! Bravo!!

[@coltharwood494]

You hit on something most photographers I know seem to miss...most non-photographers could not care less about the effort that goes into making a photo. I have a friend who is a good photographer but he always talks about the effort to make the photos. He never talks about what drove him to make the photos.

[@zachrandallphotography]

Been going through alot of stressors lately and my photography has been suffering. I absolutely appreciate this info/perspective so much. Wonderful as always

[@GutS7u6]

I love my holga. I started photography with digital, and was losing my mojo as everything became so click click click without any thought. Just shoot as many frames as I fancied and choose the better ones later. Turning to film has forced me to consider what and why I am shooting, and made me take time to appreciate the process of seeing and capturing a good image. Then, the end result has a better feeling about it. It has become a flow of things with an end result instead of a chore to get the most perfect picture that I can, and discarding hundreds of crap ones as I go along.

[@LiveeyePhoto]

Dude you are awesome, very inspiring. I have been a photographer since 2000, done lots of weddings a few magazine shoots and product shots. Your perspective is awesome, I do run out of things to shoot and get burned out but when storm season comes here in Florida you will see me out taking photos of lightning. Thanks for creating this channel, you give me great ideas

[@peterjohnson1012]

Sage advice! I revitalized my interest in photography by going through all of the photos I've taken since going digital in 2008, sorting and putting my favorites by year aside then choosing favorites from those groups to make annual, by month, photo books. Kept me sane during lockdowns and really was a fun learning project and seeing how my photography changed and improved (or not) but it did at times feel like a chore. Now will likely do that culling for a monthly photo as I take them then print them or store them for a later photo book.

[@Ryomichi]

I remember when I was very little, I was stuck in my bedroom dreaming about skiing down a rigid bed sheet with my little fingers. What a fun times having a vivid adventures just inside my tiny brain.

[@davidpowell5437]

I see where you are coming from - the right gear, the right settings, genres - all concepts that the photographic press is happy to ram down our throats, and none of it really related to pictorial value. Holgas are readily available these days, but I'm planning to repose my trust in a bodycap with a pinhole. And maybe restricting myself to 50mm for a while. That question about why you are pressing the button is something that needs constantly revisiting, and if you can't answer, you don't need half the gear most of us have...

[@geraldmonger1921]

Confession, I was a professional photographer all of my working life and I lived for the compliments I received. It was easy when say you were working with an agency on a project and getting feedback almost every day but when you retire the lack of interest from friends and family concerning your work can be very depressing. I still love taking pictures but the biggest change is the way people actually view your photos. Most people will say to me just WhatsApp me a picture, most these days don't use computers or tablets they rely on their phones for everything. When low resolution pictures are viewed on a tiny screen it's hard to get exited about them. If you want to receive any form of useful comment the best way I have found is to send a group of pictures but never comment not even when you next speak to them. Don't put them under pressure and then the feedback starts to flow and your passion to take more images will grow.

[@malstanding]

Have you bugged my house?? I was talking to my wife two days ago, saying I'd lost my inspiration, my mojo. Once again, you have hit the nail right on the head. You have a terrific way of putting things which inspire and help me to want to get out and take more photo's. I'm sure others enjoy your videos for the same reason. Thank you.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

😂, awesome to hear thank you

[@petersmithm9]

For many years I loved my photography as a hobby and I decided as a mature student to do a degree in the subject. In the 7 years since I graduated I have hardly picked up my camera as my love for photography was completely destroyed by the course. Having to explain in detail what my photographs, instead of the spontaneity, meant was a soul destroyer. Why did I carry on with the degree? Giving up a full time job and taking a part time one and the student loans was a motivator.

[@wayneclayton5426]

The best reactions I've gotten to my photos is when I've posted them onto a FB group called Crap Wildlife Photography. The worst the photo (poor framing/missed focus etc) the better the response. Plus the comments are more fun when you're not worried about critical feedback. Although getting a good bad photo is more luck than skill

[@jackyleecs]

I am on a personal project. Giving myself around 10 years period for it. Going at my own pace and not rushing it out. I have not decided what to do with the images after the project. Perhaps print a few books and gift it to myself and some of my good friends. I have been involved it for a year. It is all on black and white film. I have not scanned any of the negatives and posted online. Nobody has seen any of the images. Slowly, consistently, silently is the way I approach the project, and I like it that way. ☺️

[@who2u333]

36 frames of a single object is exactly the task my photography instructor gave me in the early 80's. It is also the one exercise that I remember from then. I thought it was silly at the time but ended up as a great deal of fun.

[@stephencarmickle]

When I have gotten in a funk in the past I just go back to the basics, simplify. I slap on a small 50mm prime or whatever and take a walk through my nearest park, town, or city and just shoot things I walk by with no plan or expectations. Maybe the photos aren’t anything special, so what? It’s about being active instead of stagnant and not caring about the outcome. That’s how I deal with it, now I don’t even care if I’m in a funk or experiencing photographers block or whatever it may be. Excellent video. 👍

[@prayforpeace2204]

Good advice. I have actually experienced the same thing with filmmaking. I was feeling a bit blue and uncertain of if I should continue but I gathered myself up and submitted to some film festivals. Seeing my work on an actual theatre screen in front of a live audience was both terrifying and exciting. An older woman (I presume in her 70's) came up to me after my director's talk at the front of the theatre (they selected a few of us for Q and A at the end) and said, "My boy, your movie made me smile inside. Thank you for that." And she walked away. I have never, ever in my life felt a compliment like that from social media. From that point on, I knew I needed to keep making movies and keep submitting to festivals. Since the day that old lady gave me that compliment, I've been to close to 90 film festivals. And as for social? I still rarely get any "good feelings" from it. But now I can see it for what it is. A high school popularity contest for the bold and the beautiful, not real life. Stick with your passion, and try and take your art into spaces in real life.

[@RogerHyam]

Legacy portfolio! Believe it or not one day we will all be dead. Our loved ones will dispose of all our stuff to make room for their own lives - apart from a handful of things that have sentimental value and represent us. They will be kept for a while, maybe generations. Your lifetime photographic goal is to produce a single, physical portfolio with a couple of dozen prints that represent your work and will be worth keeping and someone in the future getting it out and saying "look my ancestor was a photographer".

[@AndyBanner]

There is something really captivating about your videos and it's not watching you sit on a sofa in front of drawn curtains. What really makes you stand out on KZbin is your background and likely education in the art of photography. You present images from celebrated photographers that are "boring" by the standards of today's over-saturated sunset shots that clutter up social media but contain all the realism that anyone needs if only they can look beyond the fact that they are real rather than fake. This has given me a new way of looking at some of my images, particularly very recent ones that I present in my latest video that I consider to be a bit "meh" in a new way. Muted colours, uncomplicated scenes of reality, the documenting of some time spent in a location just observing and the joy that can be derived from that. Keep up the good work. I'm hooked.

[@henryrogers5500]

Great video and thanks! Here’s what I’ve done. I’ve done some pro-photography that I’ve gotten paid for. Weddings, product, models, and events. But mostly as a hobby. I’m a very late bloomer and began my photography in 2000, shooting digital, exclusively. About a year ago, I discovered a passion for shooting analog with 35mm film cameras, my favorite being my Nikon F. Now here’s what makes it exponentially interesting and even more exciting and adventurous for me. I bought an e-bike and I happen to live in a rural area full of lush, rolling hills and trees with a lot of livestock. And not far away, in town, are historical homes that date back to over a century. I go out on my e-bike (I go everywhere for miles and miles) and take at least two film SLRs with me, one loaded with color film, the other with black and white, in a camera backpack. I sometimes will also bring a third SLR, my mirrorless Sony a6100 or my Olympus mirrorless. I also have the Apple iPhone 13. I will take the same photo with all three cameras, some identical and others from different perspectives, angles aperture settings etc. Mixing it up! And I will go to the same places over and over again, always finding fresh and new things to photograph! When I get my negatives back from the lab, I will scan them into my computer with my Epson V600 film scanner and post them on Flickr. I also get 4x6 prints back from the lab. One thing I haven’t done yet, and may do soon is to buy larger prints for wall hanging as you have suggested. One more thing. I’m retired working less than part time and have nothing but time on my hands to do what I love, taking pictures! 🙂

[@nigelbiney2742]

This is going to sound negative, I don't mean it to, nor do I intend it to sound contradictory to all those who know all about photography. I am not one of them, I'm just a chimp with a camera. But, to keep my mojo I stopped watching, and looking at other people's stuff and just took what I enjoyed shooting. Is my stuff Bressonesc or magnum worthy....nope, do I care? Nope! Am I enjoying myself, yup, sure am. Have I lost my mojo? I may never have had one. But I'm happy.

[@Anon54387]

It is neat to watch videos about photographers in limited amounts, but too much leads to a sort of muddlement. There is no substitute for getting out there and practicing and finding one's own strengths and weaknesses and finding one's own style.

[@davidpearson3304]

I stopped watching all the gear head videos and now just watch guys like Gavin Hardcastle (he makes me laugh), Thomas Heaton and Henry Turner (his enthusiasm is off the charts) because they are more about the adventures than the images (and hardly any gear talk).

[@fixxxer4234]

man, you speak truths, easy to understand and relate to. You got yourself another constant watcher!

[@LSqrd1960]

For some reason, I seem to get into the photo doldrums in late winter, early spring, so this video comes at a good time for me. THANKS. Meanwhile, I did a 365project a few years ago, and I think it was worthwhile. I had been, at the time, fading away from photography, and I needed the "project" to get me back in a photo frame of mind. But it's not for everyone, and there were some real dogs in my years. I did it for two years, and have stayed at the site since, as I formed some relationships along the way. But I don't remotely shoot / post every day.

[@davidabarak]

I think this is my new favorite photography channel.

[@michaelhull1813]

After I started to print my work (24x36) I noticed I started shooting for print. I started seeing what was wrong with certain images, and how they didn't make good prints. The large prints are an ego-boost for sure, and I really feel it helped move forward in the Art.

[@joshuathreadgill4148]

I can't wait to have our studio where we can hang up our art. Having your photographs printed is a totally different experience than the "online experience". I really enjoy your video's. You're like the photographer guru or therapist, thank you for your experience, wisdom, and insight.

[@jimphilpott902]

There is a repetitive theme in your presentations: "have fun, man!" This one mandate keeps me going.

[@acottagefortwo]

You have a good point about printing. I NEVER print my photos. I always think they are not good enough. In early 2020 just before the pandemic, we were at a gig with Sharon Shannon and I took plenty of photographs but the photoshoot turned out a disaster because of the coloured lights inside the pub, as well as my inexperience with low light. However, despite quite poor quality because of too high ISO, I really liked some of them and tried making them black and white which worked quite well. This winter my husband saw one of them on my computer and really liked it. He grabbed a version of it from a backup on our common Dropbox, and for my birthday in February, he had it printed and framed. When I look at it now I feel so proud of it and it's really inspiring to see it in printed form! I'd like to print more of my photos now.

[@judeemclaughlin7394]

I gave up taking pictures in 2017 and did not pick it up again until spring 2021. I let other people convince me I was wasting my time picking up a camera. A landscape photographer showed videos where things went wrong but he was still having fun and that is what inspired me to try again. I will never have the skill to make it a career (been doing it for decades - classes, seminars, practice - it is not there) so remembering that it is supposed to be fun motivates me.

[@kevinhanley3023]

Prints are awesome. I buy 12x18 or similar because the are large enough to enjoy while inexpensive enough to make a standard way of making a first print. The SLS launch was fun.

[@VictorReynolds]

Thanks for the inspiration Alex! I've printed my photos for exhibitions, which are a great creativity boost. I also did a self project back in October 2021 taking square monochrome images using only my smartphone. I also believe that a lot of inspiration can be found locally. I don't have to travel to the ends of the Earth.

[@cozyflannel]

It’s wild how useful these videos are

[@tonyperez5360]

As always Hank you so from a person who firts step into the darkroom in highschool 1971 and worked none stop in the profession ( assistant, photographer and still creating ) corporate photographer LA Co. Fire photographer still creating but always for me to revisit my Foundation . I still love film camera ( time ,& money ) I'll continue to create because I have too You help. me to stay motivated.

[@jbliborio]

As an old wolf I love to print my photos!!! Got some on my bedroom and hallway walls and I love to take a look on them sometimes. About motivation I guess the fact of consider absolutely necessary keep track of what I see and not trusting in my memory helps a lot. Thanks for the video!

[@jeffstephens5266]

I’ve got 2 photos being printed at the moment, the first 2 that I’ve had printed large (150cm x 50cm and 120cm x 70cm). They are being printed on board and I can’t wait to get them back and hang them

[@Fifthimagez]

I’m not even halfway done this video and you just open my eyes to another level thank you truly appreciate all the knowledge.

[@photomojo2431]

As for motivation, this comes from being lazy. Shooting and uploading to a website is like eating fast food all the time, at first great but then you get stodgy, slow and fat. Shooting and having a physical print gives inspiration to yourself and excitement. If you do not do it right then like anything it will get boring. Rediscover ‘photography’ and there will never be a time when you are not looking to take another.

[@joboee]

One fun way to get that spark back is to buy a small instant printer (I have the Fuji Instax Wide), and you can print polaroid size pictures easily. It doesn't have the same investment and space as your typical photo printer, and you still get the joy of seeing your work printed. You can easily share these photos with others as well. Since this printer just connects to a smart phone, I can take a photo with my mirrorless camera, transfer to my smart phone, and then print it out. I have done this in public with random people that let me take their photo, when I share the printed photo, they are always thrilled

[@raymorgan4337]

Thanks. I have my favourite pictures printed on foamex. As you say, you don't need to frame them and they look great. I have a couple of shelves I sit them on and rotate them as the mood takes me. My local print lab are ever so helpful; and they print the foamex to whatever dimensions I want.

[@broken12367]

Definitely lost my photo mojo. Sometimes life just gets in the way.

[@Nostaljikone]

Especially recently. I know what you mean. Let's get it back!

[@Huffoto]

Same. I walked away for a year during 2020. Luckily a friend convinced me to come back. It's not easy. It feels like trying to catch sparks from a falling star.

[@HR-wd6cw]

The 365 project is a bit of a chore for most people. I'd say start out with something as simple as maybe a 52 week project (one or two photos for 52 weeks). I think the problem with the 365 project is that it can get boring, unless you perhaps vary things or have a very broad theme (because I don't think having no theme for a 365 project can also be a mess too after a while because you will end up with 365 random photos that are not really connected in some way -- perhaps with a 52 week project you can do a theme of seasons and show how something has changed over 52 weeks). In regards to shooting I think a lot of people might benefit from getting a modern digital (but film camera) like the new Polaroid cameras or the Fuji Instax cameras where there is no real digital file to deal with, and you get a print instantly. It lets you focus more on your shot (composition) and less on the technical because there is no real AF to worry about or lenses or other things that might get in the way. You can focus on the core of your photograph--the composition and the lighting and ignore the rest because you have no real control over it.

[@ibp2007]

It’s not always the motivation. It’s the energy levels. When I have several weeks work in front of me and become exhausted the frustration of not taking photographs becomes demoralising.

[@imagepoint9726]

I remember the 36 frame assignment from school. The assignment was 36 frames of an egg. B&W one desk lamp light, black cloth and a hard boiled egg. I think, I will try this assignment again!

[@trevor9934]

I have been looking at the alternatives to getting reasonably large images and I am investigating the use of OLED screens. Where I live, in New Zealand, the cost of printing and framing an image as large as a 37" screen is at least as expensive as the screen. When I have visited the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibits, I have been impressed by the punch of backlit images. Getting a screen would mean I get that same punch, and I can change the image as often as I like for no further cost.

[@steveshadowphoto9346]

This is how I explained motivation on my website: When I need inspiration I open my favorite photography books; "Darkroom" and "Darkroom 2" by Lustrum Press and "Minor White: A Living Remembrance" by Aperture. If those fail, I channel Dennis Hopper's character "Photojournalist" from "Apocalypse Now".

[@kym-bid-bidstrup3623]

Thank you so much, Alex. Once again, you've motivated as well as informed. As the old saw says; it's the starting that stops most people....

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I already promised out loud and in print that I will self-publish a book. I do have some prints on my walls, but apartment living (plus a spouse who prefers bare walls 🤷‍♂) limits my available wall space. But something, in a zine or maybe something bigger, will give me something tangible to share with my circle. Also, I'm finally booking a couple of trips this year. I don't need to travel to shoot, but I really want to and I think it will add just a little more motivation to go out.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

P might be better. Like Auto, but you can choose to have both raw and JPEG images, so when you do get the urge, there are raw files to work on. Oh, and exposue compensation is available.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

@@oneeyedphotographer I think you replied to the wrong comment.

[@TonyUnwin]

thanks for this ... I have struggled this last 6 months ... getting back my mojo has been a struggle... you have some cool ideas ... many thanks

[@LiveeyePhoto]

Yea I too lose my mojo but this KZbin channel really helps you get out of your rut

[@peterjoseph3839]

Thanks Alex - the friday boost I really needed. 🌞

[@hippek77]

One more suggestion from me would be to make a calendar with your photographs. It is a bit seasonal but I find it a good way of presenting your shots and sharing with others (you can give it as an addition to a Xmas gift). It is nice to see your calendar on your friends' walls.

[@davidpearson3304]

I like the calendar idea. I always have trouble finding Xmas gifts for people (as well as a calendar for myself) every year. This just might be what I’ll concentrate on this year.

[@hippek77]

@@davidpearson3304 what I like about it is that you use a single place on the wall to show twelve of your pictures over the year.

[@guyhausfeld7783]

Your presentation is still very relevant today. Thank you.

[@green856w]

I get the thing about photos not being appreciated by some friends. My FB friends, of around the same age as me, like seeing my 'tourist-type' photos of places I visit, however I want to spend more time on going back to the basics occasionally - concentrating on line, texture, and other aspects I regard as developing my creativity. I enjoy the photos of places I have visited - memories are important, however I have no real audience for the more adventurous attemps.

[@jmartinky]

I couldn't agree more about the 365 project as being problematic. I finished one in November and have scarcely picked up a camera since. I both loved and hated the project as I was going through it. In the end, it left me burned out. From being a relatively prolific and somewhat "successful" amateur photographer to one who has kind of lost my mojo a bit. It's coming back, but it's taken a good few months.

[@glorphindale]

My experience with project 365 is quite different. There are many days where I don't want to take photos, but if something pushes me to do it, I start shooting and get in the flow and start to see a lot of images. Images I wouldn't have taken if it weren't for the commitment to shoot everyday.

[@davidjoy5995]

Yet again inspired by your video,thanks for the motivation.36 frames has got the juices flowing.many thanks

[@fotophoto_oficial]

Very good program, not focusing on gear, but on the photo! which is what really matters :D thanks! you are inspiring!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thanks for watching

[@raypowell6783]

I only shoot using the sport mode and JPEG for Street Photography , it works for me, as snap shots are a doddle as the camera does all the work for me. I just have to aim and fire. This is single shot mode, center metering.📸

[@ddsdss256]

I don't think the size of the image matters as much as the display medium. Projected images on any size/resolution screen simply don't have the "presence" of prints (especially really well-executed ones on high-quality paper). And of course, many images work best at certain sizes and bigger is by no means always better. In any case, I think that doing your own printing can make a huge difference in your photography and it's as much an art as recording and processing images (film or digital). BtW, Michal Kenna shot some of his most iconic images on a Holga (hey, it is "medium format"). I almost thought you were going to say "piece of "...

[@3irik]

Just fantastic inspiration as always. It feels good to listen to you as you really seem to be at the right place in your work life, working as a tutor. Greetings from Norway.

[@alandonuts403]

Those Holga shots are great!

[@pedrobartolomei7707]

Leaving some feedback to help you again the evil algorithm, it's always nice to see one of your videos;

[@HR-wd6cw]

I think that printing is under-rated as a means (at the very least) to appreciate your work and motivate you. Photographers like Matt Kloskowski emphasizes this in his videos that even if you make a small print on generic photo paper, it's an important step and a step he said he does (partially because he shot film and the print was your final output, not a screen in most cases back then) and it's also something tangible to hold in your hand and share.

[@markthomas1351]

I appreciate the time you put into these videos. Thank you

[@jamesoliver6625]

Like music on a score that doesn't actually exist until it is played and interpreted, IMO images don't really exist until they're printed and displayed to be paused at and reflected upon. Sure it's expensive in comparison but imagine if your whole music experience was through a two inch speaker on a pocket transistor radio from the 60s.

[@jpash]

Perfect analogy James, think I need to print this and pin it to my wall 👍

[@LeopoldoManuelRamirezMena]

I also turned off instant preview and sometimes i even go back to auto and jpg... 😅 but the most interesting part... I took out my old cameras, a 1mp and a 5mp one, to see how good or bad my pictures can be now, It's interesting

[@sbai4319]

Another great video. I love the idea of the 36 image project. This is in no small way due to my passion for a documentary style of photography to tell a story.

[@jctedsap]

It has been years since I printed any of my captures. Some great advice.

[@michaelrc6282]

this was so refreshing. thank you

[@iphoneography]

Yeah baby, yeah.

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

Well, the cause of my rut is that I don't have subjects to photograph. I tried street photography, but I don't think it''s my thing. I'm too shy to get close and NYC, where I live, is just too cluttered for the kind of imagery I want to make. What I really want to do is make portraits.

[@scotskinner4350]

I can't recommend printing your photos highly enough. Printing my photos large changed the way I view my photography.

[@clintwoosley9512]

Perfect. Do it for yourself first.

[@christopherclarke6184]

I would first like to say how much I like your u-tube videos. The subject with your camera with no control over the settings was an intreating subject. But would you say it’s just like putting your camera in auto mode? I suppose one way of creating this camera in the digital world would be to , like you said turn off the rear screen and cover the view finder , but you could also put a prime lens on a DSLR 35mm crop 50mm full frame for the equivalent of a human eye view . Set the aperture to say f8 the lens in manual mode and a little out of focus. Then sellotape the lens so the settings cannot be changed , but not permanent hence the tape. To simulate your old camera . What are your thoughts?

[@bobbyd9107]

Alex thank you for your great videos. It is almost like you are speaking directly to me because so many of your videos touch exactly on what I often feel or experience within myself regarding my photography journey. Your comments regarding 365 projects, was exactly my experience. During my experience it eventually became a chore and burden, which would turn into guilt as I failed to post a daily shot, which grew as I attempted to play catch up with my post, and eventually stopped posting altogether, whit turned into greater guilt and the felling so of failure. Basically it took the fun out of my hobby that was once fun. Watching your videos has helped me with my motivation and many seem to touch exactly on my mindset when it comes to photography. Which have helped me better understand myself as well as helps me understand that I am not alone in this journey, and that others have had similar thoughts and experiences as they grow with their photography learning experiences. Thank you and please keep up the great work.

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

I'm glad the guy called it a hobby rather than a matter of life and death many in comments sections seem to think it is. One trick is to not take your hobby too seriously, there are more important things in life and the hobby will wait for you...life won't.

[@henryrogers5500]

Good point!

[@TimberGeek]

I've always want to play with a Holga... Also a Leica. I've split the difference and gone for an old Zorki-4.

[@ibp2007]

Thank you once again. 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@paulmstuart]

If you don't have the space or the money to produce large prints of your work, here is a suggestion. If you have a decent computer with a reasonable size monitor, set your images up as the background. You can rotate them as you please. Over time you can critique your work without dealing with the trolls on social media. Give it a try. I find it helpful.

[@peterreber7671]

I have to say that my experience of sharing my pictures on social media has so far been entirely positive.

[@animikhchakrabarty]

such an important channel

[@MiddleClassNaPobre]

i love macro and street, but not all the time I have opportunity… I do photoshoot with my friends and family as a birthday gift, my portrait shots are mediocre but my friends and family love it and print it… if theres no opportunity, make one…

[@1Whitead]

Thankyou , you are inspiring!

[@carolinezaramati9193]

As much as I love photography, I less like the time consuming effort that goes into post process editing. Although I took a course in Lightroom, the infinite options are baffling. Sometimes spending half an hour on one picture. And as you felt liberated and excited to use that plastic toy camera, I found the same freeing feeling when I stared shooting jpeg, as opposed to the convention of 'you should only shoot raw'. The Fujifilm camera users amongst us are familiar with the excellent film simulations. So why waste so much time on editing, when I get the same results with jpegs, plus my pictures have a more consistent look. Speaking of printing our work, following your suggestion, I am currently working on a project for a photobook, and I'm eagerly waiting for your next video on the subject. Thank you for this great video!

[@dronescoVKE]

That’s the reason I got an XS 10. 😅

[@davidpearson3304]

While I’m not a Fuji user (I did consider getting a XT-4 a year or so ago) but a Nikon Z5 user I completely agree with you: I personally find editing tedious and boring beyond all belief (except for the occasional panorama or composite image). Changing the mode to “jpeg” was wonderful. Especially with today’s cameras being so good they get it the way I want it 90% of the time anyway and I can spend more time outside shooting instead of in front of a computer screen

[@peterreber7671]

As a software engineer I sit in a room all day. I do not want to spend even more time sitting in order to edit pictures. Photography is a way to get out, walk, bend, crouch, turn, and simply move. I shoot JPG, editing is usually just cropping and a little play with exposure, contrast. I want photography to remain an enjoyable activity and spending a huge amount of time to create a perfect image through editing does not excite me.

[@jeffstephens5266]

I would say that if you are spending that much time editing one photo you are doing something wrong. I never spend more than 5 minutes editing one image

[@carolinezaramati9193]

@@jeffstephens5266 Wow that sounds super quick! What’s your secret?

[@armandonorig]

I'm a fashion photographer from Venezuela, I have luck to say that I live out of Photography, I love it. But lately I have been out of inspiration and dunno if I want to keep doing it. It's very depressing but 🤷 I don't know if I will or want to continue working on this industry

[@martinharrimh]

Inspirational. Thank you.

[@Photosbystacyb]

This came right when I needed it and you are right about the prints. I have two huge canvas prints in my living room. One portrait and one landscape and they are the two photos that speak to me the most 💚

[@Luna-cf3op]

Well said very good advice.

[@photomojo2431]

I totally agree, one of the biggest problems with ‘photographers’ is that they do not finish photographs. A photograph is a solid final printed image, that has character and provides the full impact of the creation. These days it seems to be quantity rather than quality and printing forces quality. A screen is just an image, it is not a photograph. Looking at a photograph is a living experience, whilst a screen is like looking a soulless imitation. The image is there but the soul is absolutely missing and only creating the final image gives it that soul. There is a big difference between photographers and image takers. Image takers are looking for attention, photographers are looking to provide an experience, either for themselves or others. A photograph is not a photograph until it is printed and had its spirit put into its body. Printing a final image and experience creates the photographers perpetual motion. Without a final print you are only creating a lifeless body, and no matter how pretty, handsome or interesting it is, it will only ever be a lifeless body. A print is like electricity that brings that body to life so it can talk to you and discuss what it is and what you feel and experience.

[@ivanbarrientos7106]

Bravooooo! ! !

[@thomaspopple2291]

I struggle with getting motivated on days I work my regular job. So hard for me to switch my psyche from work brain to creative brain.

[@mikejohnston9113]

I like the video. Lots of good suggestions. I can't find your video that is about the 36 shots of a single object (other than this one). Thanks

[@LeopoldoManuelRamirezMena]

I sold most of my gear, and kept a tlr and only a few lenses, that madera my bag lighter and I'm Back Out

[@thekeywitness]

Inspires me to get undertake a project

[@Selfpowered]

I've definitely gone to events (even travelled interstate) and then talked myself out of taking photos because the background wasn't right, or the light was too harsh, or there were too many people around e.t.c. and returned empty handed and defeated. I've also joined workshops ten minutes from my house and got great images that I never would have taken, but got caught up in the moment and forgot to worry about it. There's definitely a nugget of an idea on how to get motivated by things that are commonplace to us, but seem to boring until you get over yourself and just start.

[@MathieuAlepin]

Hello… I like your videos. Very motivating! Thank you for making them! By the way, thought I would bring this to your attention. Lately, possibly since January, I noticed that youtube has narrowed out the buttons. They’re more stuck together and there’s a tab space where the thumbs up like button used to be. So, for instance, when I come to click the thumbs up like button, it clicks the thumbs down by accident… Maybe it’s a combination of me being left eye dominant with the new closely stuck together configuration of the buttons, « narrowed » as I put it, but I don’t mean to click the thumbs down button as I notice I often do since the change, and I always change it back to thumbs up. Thought I’d bring that to your attention and wondered if you had noticed a change in patterns for liked and disliked videos since around January. This could be the reason. It’s so odd. Almost seems purposely done that way to trick people into clicking the thumbs down dislike button. Carry on the good work! I am eager to make the time to shoot more photos and try out these exercises you have suggested. Cheers!

[@NaihanchinKempo]

wish these Ads would stop showing up in the middle oof a point you're making

[@peterreber7671]

KZbin premium. The best investment I made, and keep making.