FREE Photography Tips (YOU DON'T NEED TO SPEND!)

[@PracticingPhotography]

A free, no cost tip to help your photography skill is to look at your current camera's switches, buttons, knobs, or menu and find something you didn't know about or never used. Try it. It may or may not be something you need. However, there are functions your camera probably is capable of doing that you did not know about.

[@michaelhurley8958]

Your lack of inspiration is rather inspiring. Whenever I'm uninspired I'll take my camera with nothing else and walk around my neighborhood. Sometimes I'll just look for random images to shoot. I might change my lens to a macro lens and look for something small. Or I'll just go for a walk or drive, turn the brain off and look for nothing. Sometimes looking for nothing has led to a very interesting image or no image at all. It's those uninspiring days that remind me of the Zen idea; "There is no such thing as nothing. Nothing is something, it's nothing." I've found that even those most uninspiring days, or locations or images at times can be inspiring. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but at some point. At the very least turning off the brain and enjoying the walk or drive is a great way to enjoy a day. Cheers.

[@terryplatt7806]

Your honesty is so refreshing Henry, good stuff

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks 😊

[@stevehassall6862]

Hi Henry thanks for inspiring us that it's OK to go out and NOT be inspired, you are spot on when you say if you watch other youtube photographers they mostly come across that nothing ever goes wrong, every photo they take is an epic shot so when we go out and couldn't find something that makes you get your camera it makes you feel inadequate and s#/t. Well done Mucka

[@donaldgould1293]

Without doubt the best thing I ever did was to join a photography club. To see the variety of work from other photographers and talk to them. I found it very educational going on the outings with others.

[@stevemozzie6497]

Tried my local club, only went once. Too competitive.

[@donaldgould1293]

The club I joined has some very competitive members, however, I go on my own terms. I rarely enter competitions but I have used the environment to improve my photography. I take the photographs I enjoy for my own benefit and just try to improve. I also found KZbin videos helpful. I think we must just use the tools available to suit ourselves. Good luck with your work.

[@donaldgould1293]

There will be an may different opinions as their are responders. I think we just have to work out what we want to do/achieve and work on that our own way. The photography club I am in has presentations from some of Australia's well known photographers as well as very professional amateurs (in that is not contradictory) as well as monthly competitions and regular outings. We have something for everyone. Go your own way.

[@JustinCooperPhotography]

Great video as always mate and so refreshing seeing honest video for those days we all get! Would absolutely love to see you tackle street photography, so interested in what your style would be 🤔

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Maybe one day!

[@paularnold7370]

Cheers mate I have many days going out to take images and end up with a walk but there you go! You just never know what's you will see ! keep it up and don't let the kitchen installation get you down - can't make an omlette without cracking a few eggs

[@johnlowe7097]

A great inspirational honest video Henry all the tips are really helpful, keep the great work up 😊

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks so much!

[@pathogan4854]

its ok not to be ok !! great honest video hope you have a good weekend the work will be worth it when its finished speaking from plenty of experience 😁

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks 👍

[@georgewade4600]

You always wear your heart on your sleeve and aren;t afraid to tell it warts and all. This in itself is an inspiration to me to feel better about sometimes not finding the composition i'm looking for when out and about. I always think next time will be great and usually is. Good luck with the kitchen mate.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thank you!

[@pentax-paul.]

I'll give you a big thumbs up , for telling it like it is .... i dont know of many ( maybe , any ...) photographers that have a fabulous trip or get " the" shot , EVERY time they go out . It's great to see that it also happens to someone of much more skill than i , someone who i look up to , ( your good self Henry ... ) . Thank you for your honesty , and keeping it real . 😊

[@davidfrost3770]

Sitting here in front of fire with loads of snow outside and at same time going on a walk with Henry Turner on youtube. Inspiration enough for me without taking a single shot. Bet you got plenty snow and inspiration near your gaff today Henry.

[@dannymacamaturephotographe6352]

Hi Henry i must admit even in your uninspiring videos i still get inspired. thank again Danny

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

So nice of you

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Thomas Heaton is another landscape photographer I like on KZbin, very honest and open like yourself Henry. My favourite nightscape photographers are Richard Tatti of nightscape images, Australia, and Kristine Richer of Kristine Rose photography,, she does an epic podcast too, deals with many things photography and being honest and radically responsible for where we're at. Used to like Mike Smith too, but he had to stop doing KZbin for personal reasons

[@LeeBingaman]

Thank you for the honesty that not every time out is "magical"

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Cheers for watching 👍🏼🙏🏻

[@mikkiscott9995]

Thanks for the tips. I also feel not inspired right now. Can't travel and it's winter with no snow. Your videos keep me learning and it makes me feel better that even pros like you go through ruts.

[@susansurgey]

I've got a pro tip... Follow Henry! Loads of inspiration there, even on days like this 😊 great tips there, thanks mate, and loved the photo of Bashful Alley ❤

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Great tip!

[@stephenthompson1998]

Thanks for your honesty. Lockdown got me into improving my photography, mainly nature and a bit of landscape. Always take my camera with me and try to be optimistic. Not always bringing results but no matter I always to try and take some photos and look at things differently as per your advice in a previous video. Keep up the good work and thanks.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Cheers!

[@janet8565]

I really enjoy your channel and I see why you love taking photos as it is your livelihood. I used to like going out and taking photos, but over over the last year I have given up , the photos I take just end up sitting on my computer and I just cannot see the point of taking more. I wish I could find a reason to motivate me to do photography again.

[@chriswilliams9754]

It was the first Covid lockdown that rekindled my interest in photography. I took pictures on my daily exercise walks and posted them on local social media. I was overwhelmed by the response, often from people who were classed as ‘vulnerable’ and so were unable to get out and about themselves.

[@nigelford7860]

Indeed your lack of inspiration was inspiring! Or, rather, your emphasising that this can be a part of our photographic experience and we need to be able to handle it to avoid suffering motivational damage. I thoroughly enjoyed joining you virtually on a splendid no-photographs walk, and found your tips insightful and useful. Love the quality of your videos. I'd love to see a video on how you make your videos! I often think when I'm out "It's hard enough finding, setting up and getting my shots. How on earth could I at the same time generate a video - never mind a high quality video?"

[@alanbudge]

Great video Henry. Very few photographers talk about the struggle for inspiration so thank you for that. It happens to us all. When I’m feeling that way, I go out with a fixed focal lens and shoot black and white, manual focus and exposure. Takes me back to when I first fell in love with photography in the ‘70s and works every time.

[@MarkOutdoors_]

A great video. I love watching your content. My tip which I swear by is rather that walking the same route/ loop is to go the opposite way as they is so many things we pass and never get to see it all from another view.

[@grahamallen3941]

Hi Henry, liked this video because it reminded me of me going through this stage! It all changed when I was asked by a ballerina if I could take a couple of photos for her. It led to me being asked by a ballet company to take photos of all the dancers during shows, before and after. I was so busy and the best part was they loved my work. Totally unplanned but that once chance turned into something really great. All the best Graham

[@rhodesia1578]

My tip which I gained from my own personal experiences is … I have been a landscape and wildlife photographer since 2014 .. the most I have ever learned from is KZbin. It’s free and there are loads of helpful tutorials on most aspects of photography that you can gain loads of knowledge from the comfort of your home . Clubs etc are ok to get your foot through the door .. but I found these clubs can generally have their own click and want you to conform to their way of thinking and i found myself frustrated as I had my own vision on what style I was wanting . As you grow more with experience you find yourself settling into a style eventually and that you can only learn from yourself, so it’s great to follow what the pro photographers are creating and see their style .. but find your own freedom and develop by yourself . Thanks Henry for your advice . Stay well!

[@terrymartin4489]

Thank You Henry. Every time I watch your videos and see your shots, I am always inspired to pick up my camera and take some shots.

[@terrymartin4489]

Some days it is important to realize that inspiration comes in many forms. Your video was a walk but like you said, it was a scouting trip. I know for me, It inspired me to understand that when you are in a funk, it doesn't mean don't go out and try and shoot a shot, it means that everyone goes through that from time to time. Thank You

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Great to hear!

[@stephenrogers1480]

Well that was honest Henry, and thanks for sharing. We all (us amateurs anyway) get days like this, I certainly do, and to be honest, it's good to know that you professionals do as well. Good luck with the kitchen, we finished our kitchen and dining room refit towards the end of December, it was a slog, but definitely worth it!

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@juanitakelly3082]

My favorite tip is about setting up a challenge or project for inspiration. It can keep the boredom away that we all feel at times.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks Henry for another interesting video with great comments & tips..... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@jimgraves4197]

Arnside Tower looks great in Autumn with the bright colours of the leaves contrasting against the grey stone of the tower.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

It does!

[@karenbergmann209]

Tough time of year for inspiration. This morning we had lots of heavy fog so the forest was a great place to be. Got some good images.

[@steve.shilling]

Great video Henry, it's ok to feel uninspired and it's refreshing to see this side of photography, you keep it real. When I 1st started my photography journey 6 years ago I watched a lot of photography channels, at the time I didn't realise this, and I thought each and every one of these photographers never took a bad photograph, I got disheartened when I went out and couldn't achieve great shot after great shot. You were 1 of the 1st photographers I found on youtube, then I found countless others, I watched a lot of content but now you are the only 1 I still watch every video, I do occasionally watch others but not for a while now. Like I said, you keep it real, and this 1 I've said to you a few times, your enthusiasm is infectious. Your videos have enough variety to keep them interesting and you are an inspiration to many. Keep living the dream Henry. 😁

[@michaelhale416]

Great and honest video. One tip I heard that has helped me is to go back and look at previous images and see where/if I have improved. I have also learned by looking back is that some images I thought were well edited could use a little more TLC. Keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

That's a great idea!

[@Thebeardedaussietog]

Awesome video Henry, best tip I ever received was to slow down and take a comment to think about the composition

[@Ichigoo82]

Watching your videos is inspiring 🙂

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Glad you like them!

[@WH33LZzUK]

Most of my photography is just along the bay. I have to make the most of what I can access, and the prom is fantastic for that. I've had to learn, that it's not just about the subject but about the challenge of catching, say, the boats in different light or different weather As you know, the sunsets are always different, depending on changing weather and different light (4 seasons in a day on the bay). I love the way the light always changes on the lakeland hills. Different seasons, snow, rain. Morecambe folks are friendly, and I've met some nice people along the way. It got me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to "people" and even enter a competition or two. When there are literal barriers to your photography, you find a way. 🤜🏻📷🤛🏻 Great video!, Henry

[@LancashireLadWalks]

Totally get where you're coming from Henry, happens to us all. Funny you were trotting around Arnside Knott there, literally just filmed my own walk video from that stunning little spot by the coast. 👏🏼👏🏼

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Lovely round there

[@GJuve1]

Thanks for sharing those tips Henry, they are really helpful! My additional tip would be this.. if you're suffering from a lack of inspiration, just put your camera away for a bit and concentrate on your other senses for a few minutes, sounds, sensations and the natural world around you. Find something you enjoy, even if it's just the breeze. An idea for an image always comes!

[@scotty4418]

Something I done in the past Henry was set an objective for the month such as work to improve long exposure photography, shoot panoramas or other specific camera techniques and just go out an concentrate on that aspect. Another one is to put your gear to the test, for example go through your iso settings to determine how far you push up your iso so you know how much you can adapt to conditions. Same with your lenses, go through the apertures and see where your upper and lower limits of performance are for each lens

[@FranzGraf]

Oh thank you for also having a video about not being inspired. It happens to me as well that I return from a hike without a single "proper" photo. And each time I'm like "Hu? Was there really not a single photo waiting to be taken?!". But yes, it happens!

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

You are so welcome!

[@jonstout7635]

Authenticity is what we want.

[@andypotts8062]

All very good points Henry, especially researching the work of other photographers...many thanks and best wishes.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Many thanks!

[@davidskinner274]

It's good to see you have normal feelings 😊. Cheers, mate!

[@DonDickinson-o9o]

At this time of year, I am more often uninspired that I am inspired. Like you, though, I just go out anyway... and I do take some photographs just for the sake of taking some photographs, but with the intention of using them to work on my editing technique. Hope you're doing well, Henry. I'll always follow your channel. Come for the photography, stay for the mental health discussion. 😏😃

[@T.M.G2014]

Gonna visit dryhope tower over the school break it’s near Selkirk in the borders , drove past it a few times and never looked twice but now will try get the composition

[@chrisandrews12345]

Another goodun Henry thank you

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Very welcome

[@paddytakesphotos]

I've been into landscape for years. There not many photogenic places near where I live is it can be challenge. So I tried some wildlife, mainly birds. And I just suites my area perfectly. There is so much to photograph when you slow down and pay close attention. I'll still do landscape when I get the chance. I suppose the moral is, when you feel uninspired try and find a grene that best suits your area.

[@Didierphotography]

Hi Henry, I know just what you mean. Living in North Wales you would think the inspiration would be there each and ever day with waterfalls and mountains a plenty. but no, low cloud and mizzle it can be difficult to get any motivation to even leave the house. If I tell myself get out for a walk and take the camera gear on the off chance works wonders by changing the focus on why I am out in the first place. Not every day is epic! That why we remember the ones that are.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

So true!

[@laurelb8372]

Perhaps when feeling uninspired try doing macro, sometimes the big picture is too much and looking closer brings inspiration. If not, just getting out into nature is good medicine

[@RinJERKS]

Hey, no worries because it happens to all of us in whatever we do...sometimes we just aren't into it. Nice tips, though. I'm often finding myself racking my brain on what to shoot or even if I'm able to physically get out and shoot something.

[@burtjake4137]

I really enjoyed this video no photos but interesting tips like anything free thank you Burt

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@barryhiggott9458]

Cold grey wet days rarely inspire me but if I don’t go out and carry a camera then I can’t get a shot so I go.

Thank you, this is another nice video. When I go out too many times without making any photos, I pretend it's the last time I'm doing this walk. Ok, it's not producing portfolio images, they are more photojournalistic but it works for me. #zeroquidadvice

[@gyundoanyumer1800]

Great content 🙏

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thank you 🙌

[@Twobarpsi]

Great advice!

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zsigmondfoldessy8785]

I watched the video - I won't even get out of bed tomorrow! :-))

[@AliasJimWirth]

These are some really good tips, Henry. The first one especially for me. I am struggling to get a handle on what it is I actually like; to define it. I see a photo such as one of yours, and know I like it very much, but I cannot answer the question of, why? I just like it really well. But that is no help with learning and growing. I have this same issue with my own images which I like; I cannot define why. I will try these exorcises, or evaluations, you suggest. Thank you.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RogSan1892]

I took myself off to the nearest wildlife reserve with my sigma 150-600mm c, fully geared up to take plenty of waterfowl shots...within 10 mins I realised i wasn't in the right frame of mind for it.. So, luckily I always take my 17-55mm with me. I bolted it on and switched from Wildlife to abstract and landscape photography and really enjoyed it... Just wish I hadn't lugged my heavy kit with me 😂

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

😂

[@davidcrighton3431]

A free tip from me learned the hard way today. Should you switch to manual focus for a specific shot DO remember to switch back to A/F. Doh! 😉

[@steveboys5369]

Hi Henry, another interesting video thanks for sharing ... great to see the realsitic perspective of photography, its not all epic this and wonderful that ... but having the odd mediocre day makes the great days truly memorable. Re Join a community .. did that, YOURS ! .. Re editing software that's free, for Nikon there's NX Studio of course, latest version out yesterday, perhaps not as comprehensive as some paid packages, but good enough for the financially challenged like me.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@johnallan1965]

Another cracking video, Henry, I have been reading and watching KZbin videos on a street photographer called vivian maier. In my view, one of the best street photographers, her work is stunning,

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SandraPolke]

I walk around arnside knot alot, I do find the trees very messy and uninspiring. There are some nice stone walls and gates though and the coast can provide some good images

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

It is a lovely spot

[@RayTheAvMan]

Not on your own there mate, however I do like your idea of scoping out the area. Will give it a go in a couple of weeks when our move is complete.

[@Soul_of_a_Robot]

Great video man. You should read Steel Bonnets... The history of the border rievers. An excellent book

[@ShaunTaylor-bw7jr]

Out of darkness comes light 🤔👍😊

[@leep26]

Please do a video where you include yourself turning round to collect the camera for your b roll. Make it look accidental. 😁😁. Big fan

[@southernsteve1]

There's not too many inspirational locations where I live, but I mix it up with some bird watching, and often stumble over things I may otherwise miss. Must learn though, to always have my wide angle on me, trying to do landscape with a 150-600mm lens isn't easy 🤔😂 you can pretty much guarantee to find an epic shot when you haven't got the correct equipment🤫🙄🤬😂

[@tommyvonknorring715]

You are allways inspiring Henry! :) /Tommy.

[@janet8565]

I have enjoyed photography for many years, but at 70 years old and with severe arthritis in my knees , I find getting out , walking or bending my knees very painful. What can I do to carry on with my wonderful hobby or do I just sell everything?

[@sallysphotography8174]

Another brilliant video Henry, I watched your collab video with First man last week, maybe one day you could try and get in touch with Paul G Johnson, try and get him out again because it seems like he's given up or lost interest, Just an idea. 🙂

[@ellyelzinga01]

I guess we all have those days where we're uninspired or not motivated. Not only with photography but also with other hobbies, sports or jobs.

[@timrosenburgh8597]

I enjoyed the video as usual Henry. I know what you mean, you go out to a new location with great expectations and find nothing to want to photograph.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Thanks 👍

[@jamesbowmanphotography]

Doh - I’m inspired by new gear…

[@johnteague2231]

RTFM. If you read the camera owner's manual and get to know the tools better, almost everything else becomes easier. You'll take better photos and become more creative if you aren't fiddling around with buttons and menus all the time.

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Very good one this 👍🏼

[@JimD750]

You posted this video about 22 hours ago. You've gotten roughly 1100 thumbs up already. Henry, I think you might be wrong about not getting very many likes for this video.

[@aubgoodwinSRCphotography]

if you want to do a bit street photography get ya self over here (Newcastle upon Tyne) al show you round have a look av recently done a few lately won’t even charge ya be my pleasure 👍

[@Rob.1340]

👍📷😎

[@ejorbe]

You forgot to say like and subscribe to your channel which is free to get inspiration and see other peoples photographs that will help with our photography.

[@JH-hx9kg]

Wake Up Early !!

[@HenryTurnerphoto]

Good one

[@stephengriffiths1158]

Henry is it ok to feel how crap you feel about your photos & how you don't feel good enough soz

[@GeorgeENorkus]

Henry, One free inspirational thing is to "tell" yourself that today will be a "you fill in here" type of day. By that, i mean you can only photograph certian type of trees, or maybe water sceans only, or with birds in the shot, or ICM photography, times of year, force yourself to use only one size of lens, whatever. The subject can be numerous and will also improve your creativity. You'd be surprised how a fisheye lens can be a challenging yet beautiful lens to use.

[@hanslindvall7530]

No pics... no problem.... its nice to just go out for 3-5hrs and do nothing, just get fresh air.