How to Improve Your Photography for Noobs

Tips to help beginner photographers up their photo game!
Click to get your 2 month free trial to Skillshare: skl.sh/KaiW
Filmed with: www.adorama.co...
Music:
Chill Study - Weekend Lifestyle
Brightside Studio - Playing Footsy

[@KaiManWong]

300k subscribers!!! Awwww, you guys...high five team boke ✋Thank you, 謝謝, merci, gracias, danke (and other languages I don't know) 😘

[@Daniel_Zalman]

No problem! On a serious note: I'm glad things are going well and that your channel is growing fairly rapidly. Keep up the stellar work!

[@Gynra]

Diolch yn fawr in Welsh

[@jonitan76]

terima kasih

Hvala (Croatian), Dankie (Afrikaans), Asante (Kiswahili), Murakoze (Kinyarwanda), Grazie (Italian), Natasha (Bemba Zambian), Zikomo (Nyanja Zambian), Obrigado (Portugese)... From me, for your 'thank you' collection... :D

[@markiemarc8342]

bedankt (in dutch - flemish)

[@shibapatrol801]

Probably the biggest hurdle to improving as a photographer is confidence. Confidence to take photos publicly and not feel too self conscious about it or worry what others might think about you. Its a slow process but once you get past the initial road block its gets much easier. And you're completely right about copying others, its a great way to expand your knowledge and styles. If there is a particular photo you like the look of, find out how it was taken, what kind of editing was done etc. You'll always over do it in the beginning (especially editing) but eventually you mature as a photographer and start developing your own style/flavor.

[@danseabreeze1404]

I agree, I've been laughed at with my point and shoot by a guy with a dslr and insulted with my full frame & zoom lens; someone thinking I was taking a pic of them when the camera wasn't even angled towards them. I've overheard a guy at the beach say "Why is that guy taking a picture of trees?" and another day followed by a security again with my zoom lens at a lighthouse beach/park in Key Biscayne, Fl.

[@echike]

Thanks for sharing this. That has been my biggest problem (re: being too self conscious about other people while taking photos). Helps to hear that it gets better, I'll try and come back to this comment every now and then lol

[@juanquispe3494]

3:17 "Find some work that you really enjoy and try to do exactly the same photo." Yeah, saw some dude throwing around a transparent vibrator on the coast and take pictures of that thing. Now I'm doing the same.

[@waynebelfast]

Juan Quispe lol. Wut?

[@rodiaz6652]

Sounds like art. 10/10 would do it.

[@olliegray6429]

Kai, you legit are a fuckin legend...

[@mrscillalatte]

YES!!!!!

[@teodorsweden670]

agree

[@ruhulruy9121]

Oliver Gray you mean he is fucking a legend?

[@elijahdiller5253]

Definitely

[@yanj2945]

Is Kai, Immortal? He doesn't age..

[@LongTran-yv2nq]

The curious case of Kai Man Wong...

[@333dae]

he's asian, his aging is delayed until he hit 50-60, that's when he instantly loses all his hair and gets wrinkles

[@Laudas_Tattoo]

How old is he btw??

[@God-yb2cg]

It's Wang not Wong

[@jeanettettette]

Jun Not to all Asian, a lot if Asian just really don’t age much! My dad is 71, he looks like he is at his 50s! Aging is actually a disease, how to grow old without looking old? Google and learn.

[@Theytoldmetodoit1]

actually...this was the most serious educational video I have seen you in. Great advice. I really need to take my camera out more but I never like my photos.

[@philm]

Dont let that stop you - enjoy the journey ;) best of luck

[@danseabreeze1404]

+Phil m Photographic I like your hat Mr. Smurf! : P

[@philm]

thanks ;)

[@geoblk3000]

You're the Jeremy Clarkson of photography

[@CulturePhilter]

George Fekete - his delivery is very Clarkson-esq isn't it.

[@Trazynn]

Harsh.

[@EXHUMEnCONSUME]

I've said this before on one of his videos! I've thought the same thing for the longest time!

[@lightflix]

George Fekete Jeremy Clarkson is the Kai of Top Gear

[@flower-ld5id]

he sounds similar and digitalrev was like top gear. you're right lol, but kai's nicer

[@jimwertman2288]

One of the best videos I've seen for new photographers. The comments on taking your camera everywhere and using the auto modes.... brilliant in their simpliscity.

[@ayol1011]

How to improve editing for noobs next please.

[@joeldoxtator9804]

This, CF cards FULL. Still have no desire to edit them.

[@ethanbarrett2430]

Amirol_XI i edit i just mess around and see what looks best

[@Tzadeck]

I got a lot better by watching people do full edits on KZbin. Stick with Lightroom for a long time before you get into Photoshop.

[@ian9outof10]

I've got into editing a bit more. Like most things I used to sort of mock the people who spend hours in lightroom. I like to shoot in-camera and leave it at that. The problem is, I literally CANNOT shoot a straight photo EVER. So some tweaking is always needed. Plus, now I use RAW more than anything else so some degree of tweaking is needed to publish photos anywhere. In short, I still don't love editing, but RAW gave me a bit of passion because of the creative control it offers. And in Photoshop, it's not actually that hard to get some nice photos quickly - I don't really get on with Lightroom.

[@karosu2936]

commenting here for future reference

[@jesperegeland7075]

That shot with the birds above the tree at 1:19 is fantastic

[@EdgarAndresGarciaHernandez]

I like instructional more than review videos

[@nothajzl]

Edgar Andres Garcia Hernandez i love all Kai's videos :D

[@nkcreativity1454]

I really like the style of your videos. It's fantastic how many informations you pack into a short and humorous video like this. I love it!

[@KaiManWong]

Hi notification squaaaaaaaaaaaad!!!!!!!!!

[@DangerMau5]

Kai W squad

[@JackMcCorkellVlog]

SQUAAAAAAAAAAA

[@nothajzl]

Kai W that 1999 footage is legit m8

[@dizzij]

Come to ITALY! Let's try some street photography in Milan!

[@KaiManWong]

Yep, I fell asleep as I was typing the "a".

[@NJX0722]

Pisstaking (quite literally this time) half-educational videos from Kai is always great fun to watch.

[@TheObaidUtari]

This was posted on my birthday, what a lovely belated gift.

[@Ghostrider03Z]

thank you for so much for being real about these tips. nobody ever says gear matters and to copy other ideas, but dangit it helps you so much and learn so much

[@bossjfc]

This video was great Kai! Thanks for the tips! Keep doing what you're doing!

[@motorek963]

OK, that's undoubtfully the best video by Kai so far. Including everything he ever did in DigitalRev.

[@alenaxp]

I am for photography between

[@MustangBoss1973]

Kai, your vocabulary is absolutely legendary. Love your videos, I've never watched one without being in stitches. Thank you.

[@MeloFloww]

When Kai uploads, it's a good day

[@benjihardwick960]

I love this guy. Takes a point of view of learning that really makes things easier. I learn by trying to replicate, failing and winning and in your failures you can pick out your flaws or what you have nailed.

[@hteekay]

1st rule: DON'T. DROP. YOUR. GEARS

[@incee_netinai]

this is easily the most entertaining photography/camera channel on youtube

[@avish1795]

emails and porn im dead lmao

[@TLRPhotographe]

Avish internet is for p0rn 😂

[@maximilianwe851]

I already liked most of your work on DR, especially the pro photographer cheap camera videos and other creative stuff that made it possible to learn something new or see how others take pictures. I would love to see more videos like that on your new channel!

[@victoriawhite649]

I could only afford a Canon 1300D, I have bought a 50mm 1.8. I just can't afford anything better. I am a beginner, but I want to take it as far as I can. Is it possible to make good pictures on a budget? Love your videos, you're lots of fun.

[@NickIrvineFortescue]

Tori White are you not getting great portraits already with the 50mm 1.8? That lens is brilliant. Try using f1.8 in aperture priority with auto ISO. If you don't have a zoom, the kit lens is good enough to give decent photos.

[@victoriawhite649]

Nick Irvine-Fortescue Hi, yes that lens is great, it's more the camera I was worried about. I have since bought a zoom/macro lens and loving that also. Everything I have are cheap versions, so I've had issues with chromatic aberration. It's just things like that. Thank you for your reply. :)

[@gesangmanggala9966]

I've used a 1200D before, and it's pretty similar to 1300D. It really comes down to how you define good picture. As long as you're not shooting wildlife or sport, or any other action-packed shot for that matter, it works just fine! Chromatic aberration can be eliminated in post-editing. Anyway, you have taken the right step by investing more in lenses.

[@ryanvacation7319]

Tori White a good way to get inspiration and copy a technique or two is to search for Flickr groups of your camera model or lens. Tons of amazing shots from skilled photographers there. I usually just Google lens/camera name with "Flickr."

[@TheMetalButcher]

Honestly that lens is so great, and that sensor is fine. With proper lighting and viewing at web resolutions, you wouldn't tell a difference between it and a 1dx with 50mm f1.2@1.8. You'll only start having issues if you try to do "hard" photography, such as BIF, low light, or sports.

[@PrinceMascara]

You're one of the reason why I appreciated photography.

[@InAUGral]

The hurdle that I need to jump over is getting up early enough for those sunrise photos.

[@aintnynja]

this is how I seriously stepped up my photo game fast. Best video out there for beginners

[@rialbb]

do some redmakes of the old videos from digital rev. ive been watching those and they have the ads on every video and can't skip them. do anything! remake of why you should get a 35, 50mm etc. tips for landscapes, things street photographers encounter, etc.

[@Steyrshrek1]

Great vlog I teach my colleagues basic photography, I tell them they live in the best age to learn. Digital has made it easy to experiment and learn what your camera does. They always ask "what does this do", I tell them change it an take a picture and see what it does. There's never been more great gear available in the history of photography.

[@vay-den]

can u do video on ND filters?

[@KaiManWong]

Does anyone else want to see that?

[@vay-den]

Kai W qadhFJstjgkxhmxmigsyk

[@hkTrazor]

yes! would be awesome and helpful :D

[@rocketdog67ify]

Kai W yes definitely

[@RorySinn]

We'd definitely like to see a video of you screwing some dark holes...onto lenses.

[@ol3zzz]

I used to hate Kai when he was making videos for Digital Rev. He is one my favorite youtubers now! Keep it up Kai. You ve got some interesting content

[@BobIzam]

I think you forgot a massive one: EDIT YOUR PHOTOS. You will almost never 'get it right in camera', so sit down behind your laptop and turn your good photo into a great photo

[@BADMAN-SJ]

Bob Izam your tru

[@levipicard7685]

this is incorrect. most of my photos are exactly as I want them to be without editing. here's one of my Instagram posts that's directly out of camera: instagram.com/p/BzbyReigR_o/?igshid=47q1fp1ffci5

[@thigoror]

@@levipicard7685 that is a good photo. But like raeef said, by editing it you could get a great photo. If you like your photos with minimal to no editing, that's ok, but understand that it could be better (even if you personally don't like it) with editing.

[@shonaguthrie848]

I was in Hong Kong & China late last year. I used you as my muse for my street photography- I hope you don't mind! I did get some great shots, and even shots of people with trolleys! I stayed in Sheung Wan and spent a lot of time in Mong Kok & loved it.

[@bianosaurus]

how bout make some tutorial series with your 'style'?

[@oswinksbxl9865]

After seeing soooo many videos about "Mistakes of beginners" / "How to improve your photogrpahy skills" / Etc I realize - you sir made it simple and god damn clear about how to do so ! Clap clap clap ! u_u

[@Fantastika]

kai is amazing

[@shawn4820]

Really digging the new channel dude! Awesome to see you able to have a more direct connection with your audience (not that you didn't in your DR days - but it's quite apparent this is all you) Keep it up and good luck moving forward!

[@MrRuffun]

Sending you some love from Norwich. Hewett School represent.

[@KaiManWong]

Hewett masssssive!

[@MrBearitall]

Kai you will probably never read this comment but I want you to know that honestly you taught me how to be a photog. I loved how funny you were with DRTV and watched almost every video with you in it, even back to your first episode.I'm glad you continued to make videos and hope to see more funny tutorials. One love brother

[@HighlandChicken]

Kinda surprised you're from norfolk but never did any wildlife photography It's literally one of the most popular bird watching sites in the U.K

[@ArcticRc]

uplifting video. Just got my GH5 and love it. Im a Noob but learning every minute. Thank you

[@addictedtoart]

i laughed so hard at the Vivitar comment

[@roadcasted]

At least I got the many photos few keepers down. Went on a trip recently and took ~3000 photos. Ended up keeping 89 of them.

[@acanalesc]

"Learn the rules", so you can break them later.

[@BlueNETGaming]

I have to say, now that you are on your own yt channel I just find you so much better. Keep up the good work, love ya!

[@garthdewilcho]

i love you kai daddy

[@KaiManWong]

Who's your daddy

[@KaiManWong]

....well, presumably, your dad.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

"Lisa, it's me, daddy. Your father. "

[@DasJibbala]

Your hair evolution has been amazing Kai

[@ddd778]

What did you google to see the rejected photos?

[@BaddaBigBoom]

I'm glad you're over here Kai, you are one of four photo gurus I respect ...a lot. Please don't bugger off to HK again.

[@champ3737]

Come to Australia Kai!

[@user-ut5gr7xm5j]

Sahir Raja yess please!

[@mtjsrc1]

Kai, I'm glad to see you are continuing on your own after DR, I always love your videos and humor.

[@PONTIACOX]

5:23 Take that fro knows crap

[@ben________3156]

Bruno Herrera yeah, really. Impossible to get truly spontaneous photography of multiple things and not use auto.

[@MalcolmPowder]

Fro Knows Fuck-All

[@crunchysauce]

You guys need to chilllll. Fro actually says shoot auto when starting out...

[@PedroSilva-jl9bt]

Ben _______ Get a fully manual camera (film), learn the sunny 16 rule, and you will get a completely different, stimulating photography experience. No need for automatic modes.

[@keithr2835]

Very true. While cameras may not get it right all of the time they do get it right most of the time. It is a good tool to learn settings.

[@WhiteStarlinesPlease]

Critiquing your own photos and being honest with yourself has helped me so much - super useful advice as usual Kai! Also you had me in stitches with 'Sick in a bucket' haha!

[@ClayWilliams]

Ohh that shirt is really cool! what brand is it?

[@77Marius77]

Clay Williams I want to know it as well

[@joelscb]

Clay Williams topman men's cotton pullover

[@MegaJackpot180]

yes totally agree about try something new after 30 odd years ive taken my first steps into product photography and im learning a lot !

[@jjbmxer]

hey Kai , i miss Alamby!

[@DontKnowLetsGo]

I have nothing but respect for you... thanks for the helpful content Kai.

[@PrashantRawat]

love from India .. Kai .. not in the interesting way though 😁

[@KaiManWong]

Shame.

[@joeldoxtator9804]

Shame. *Ding Ding*

[@FabricEyes]

I don't think this is just for noobs. This is great information and inspiration for any level - It's great to remind yourself of this stuff now and then.

[@KiranPatel-wl9tr]

What's all that shit on the lens 😆😆

[@KaiManWong]

Mostly shit.

[@roni910]

Are you have zeiss 35 mm f 2.8? Is it great lens?

[@ardentdfender4116]

Recent new subscriber, you ended up in my feed somehow and have watched a few of your videos. What i like about you vs watching other standard photographers or even many pro is you just have a maverick style of just going out and do it. You Vlog, you go out and shoot and just do it and you learn what you learn from it. As well enjoy your recommendations and advice.

[@Drone1Media]

Do A How To Improve Your KZbin Channel For Noobs I Need That Stuck At 130 Subscribers Goal Of 5000

[@iamkaioken]

Kai, really diggin' the channel. I find your new content even more engaging than the already great work you'd been producing at DR. Thanks for keeping it real and keep up the great work man!

[@iezopen]

Top video, Kai, your passion for photography really shines through. Thanks for continually taking the time to put out entertaining and useful content!

[@ClassicRockRadioEU]

Love it Kai as ever right on the target, beauty of digital is you are not wasting film or money if you don't hit that shot (not dwelling on those wasted rolls of HP5) , so take some more give yourself a chance to pull it off and toss the ones that don't work (ooh er missus)

[@dangernba]

One of the best videos you published ever. Greetings from Brazil.

[@kckreationz7258]

kai is the best! been following his video since the early beginning!! learned alot!!

[@indianweddingphotographerbipin]

The most important thing for us photographers is to always be learning to do better work each time we go out with a camera

[@mugheesahmed4922]

Honestly speaking thats a big motivation fr new photographers like us... Thanks fr the tips

[@oslego]

Thank you so much for putting into words and video some sensible advice! Yes, gear does matter; it's not directly correlated to better photos, but better tools do help. Yes, copying some style is a great way to learn about it and form one's own. One piece of advice I'd include is making people feel more confident regarding editing tools. I used to beat myself up a lot that my pictures didn't turn up from the camera as good as the ones I'd try so hard to emulate. I learned much later in life that even professionals edit and that editing itself is part of the photography process. It's worth saying that editing alone can't save a bad photo with no subject or with crappy composition.

[@tsaikat]

I'm not even that interested in photography. I'm just here for Kai's humor.

[@KaganTech]

Always fun watching and learning from you Kai. From your biggest fan in Nigeria.

[@TheYaBoyKevin]

Kai's probably the realist photography youtuber. He don't give no bloody fucks.

[@robertsmith4912]

I've watched and enjoyed a lot of your videos. What I've learned has really helped me gear up for getting back into photography. Looking forward to following you in the future.

[@koolkat214]

I legit thought he used a filter on his old videos. THIS. GUY. DOES. NOT. AGE.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

"Mimicry is the best way to learn photography" Indeed! Just as we learn language as children (or adults), as we learn music by transcribing and imitating/varying, there is nothing *truly* original. That's not to say there aren't new angles or variations or interpretations or perspectives; it simply takes the pressure off of having to reinvent the wheel. Stand on the shoulders of the more experienced.

[@xTiiDDY]

I've started to get back into photography lately and im enjoying it but im a bit reluctant to share anything ive taken. I just like experimenting at the moment so this video is very helpful. Thanks!

[@DaveTheRaveBangkok]

Simple but sound advice. Awesome Kai

[@duncanupjohn1481]

Love this style of vid Kai. It was what attracted me to DR when you were there. A few of these occaisionally should boost your following no end. Keep up the good work.

[@emagrev]

Hahaha!!!! "Get a girly camera and put it in your man sized pockets" you sir just motivated me to use my Canon 7D again! And I wanna thank you for your old review videos for a good canon 50mm prime lens. You're awesome and continue to inspire others!👍🏼

[@leithatex]

i love the idea of scouting locations via google and instagram.

[@tiborfekete6510]

Thank you Kai for everything you're one of the major reasons why I started photography. Thank you for everything

[@Scorehound]

Taking a wiz at the top of the hill... priceless. Excellent video.

[@ChefDaddy]

Ah, my favorite type of videos from the DRTV days! Can't wait to see more like this.

[@happydragon3205]

I just want to say thank you for all of your videos. I have learned a lot! and you helped me deside my upgrade! about 2 months ago I got a real good deal on a Canon 60d. I loved your review on it! I also love the heck out of the "tilty, swively thing" (tilt screen) lol it helped. thanks again!

[@calvincalvinify]

I remember going over famous paintings in art class and what they have in common. We also discussed where the eye likes to look. Look at Robert Batemans paintings for great examples/ideas for nature photography.

[@The1ich]

Hey, nice Video. I love how you can make a video both very informative and funny at the same time. Also all the cut-in scenes from old/other videos are very fitting. Keep up the good work!

[@BaoZwer]

I always look forward to your videos! Please make more in a week Kai! 😢

[@ChrisGouge]

Great video Kai. Loving the old VHS footage too!

[@jhenukumar]

Photography Lessons from Kai 1. Always Try something New. Different types of photography. 2. Prepare yourself for location. 3. Checkout google maps, Flickr and instagram 4. Go out and explore. 5. Shoot outside during sunset or sunrise. 6. Gear Matters. Just don’t complicate it 7. Copy others work, Mimicking is the best way to learn faster. Find someone inspiring and copy them 8. Take More photos of the same, because to different you need to shoot different angles. 9. photos:keepers =36:1 10. Contact sheets of legendary photographers, so you can know 11. Constructively Criticize your own work, publish selectively. 12. Carry camera everywhere. 13. Learn the rules and Screw the rules.

[@terrencejallison2779]

Thanks Kai, great tips!

[@Covertlybound]

Thank you for teaching me photography from my childhood. you are awesome.

[@Ryu13Kv]

I find this video very motivating even for people that aren't​ noobs. Good job and make more of this kind of video.

[@tim10ac97]

I just love the “boke”

[@drivethru7565]

oooh, look at that resolu~tion

[@farhanafsar9013]

most realistic advice on gear ever!

[@Jay-mj6xe]

Kai really become more mature and incredibly informative after leaving DRTV. Keep it up the great content, Kai. Thank you.