I Never Imagined THIS Would Happen After Buying a Leica!

[@scottfrenchart]

I really appreciate everyone who liked, commented, or subscribed after watching my first 2 videos. Here’s video #3. Has anyone else ever had a wake-up call or epiphany that changed their approach to photography?

[@shearcreatif]

fantastic video. i related and learned something... you got a new sub

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much!

[@tarashahi2378]

T0ufuùuď😊

[@mehowkielan1984]

​@@scottfrenchartyes, buying a Leica doesn't make you an artist. It just makes you a snob:)

[@classicaloracle]

Very impressive start! Thank you. I've subscribed.

[@sophietucker1255]

My mother was a painter. She helped me to understand that painting was an additive process. You decide what the subject is, where it is, what elements are there and how the light is moving in the painting. Photography is a subtractive process. Your canvas is full to overflowing and your job is to find the subject, isolate it, eliminate as many distractions as you can and the use the light that is there or figure out how to modify it to your needs. I may never be a great painter or photographer but I like to think tat I'm getting better at addition and subtraction.

[@scottfrenchart]

Great points! Thanks so much for sharing your story.

[@howardwoosey213]

A very good appreciation. I’ve been a tv cameraman for 35 years maybe more (1987) and what you say is spot on, it’d just never occurred to me. Thank you very much

[@GastonShutters]

What a great channel you have. I really enjoyed this video.

[@scottfrenchart]

@@GastonShutters thanks! So glad you liked it.

[@blackbird8837]

This is actually some of the best advice I've seen on getting better at art / photography. If you reduce it to a tangible element of the process, you can actually feel the progress rather than having to look back after years to realize how much better you've become and why.

[@cullenphotographic]

Thank you! Solid sense, appreciated. Greetings from Scotland!

[@scottfrenchart]

You're very welcome! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[@PixPete]

Wow. We're only 3 videos in here on your channel and you've really got my attention. Please keep going with this "youtube thing" because I can tell you it's definitely going to work out :)

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks Pete! I appreciate the kind words.

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Like you, I lectured in photography back in the dark analogue days of the 20th Century. It was always pleasing to see students being successful, even if their work was better than mine! Some are successful photographers to this day. Interesting channel. Good luck.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah, it was always great for me to see talented students enter the profession. Glad you like the channel so far.

[@YouNeedMyVoice]

I like this channel and the direction it's going. Congrats for your clips, they are really well made !

[@scottfrenchart]

Thank you very much! Glad you like them. I appreciate it.

[@markboreskie7181]

Such an encouraging video, Scott. When my teenage son began to make photos I was envious of, I realized he was seeing things I was not. I had to train myself to see the little things that describe an urban setting as he was doing rather than taking a whole streetscape. I started to see the elements of a scene rather than the whole and I taught myself to change the images into something artistic. I think your video will encourage me onward and can help others evolve from snap shooters to artists.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing your story...really great to hear that you found the video helpful!

[@AudioSpaceGeek]

This video definitely earned you a subscribe from me (thank you, mysterious algorithm). I've been shooting for years, but had been getting more and more discouraged and directionless in recent times. So, I did much as you did...I sold my gear. All of my long lenses, gone. All of my specialty glass, gone. Four bodies, gone. In place of my old gear, I now have a Leica Q2, a Ricoh GR III (for when I really need a pocket camera), and a Canon Pro-1000 printer. I also decided to embark on a personal photo challenge: one year, one focal length (cropping allowed), black and white, and far more physical printing than social media posting. Three months in and I have multiple projects in the works, my wife has joined me in the challenge and is doing a monthly zine, and I am excited to pick up a camera again.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much Mark! Good luck with your projects!

[@JHurrenPhotography]

Nice channel! I've been a photographer for 25 years this September, and I'm just discovering the value of concept work and researching the lives and work of all disciplines of art. I still can't help but continue to amass a my collection of camera gear, but it has slowed. You got my sub, looking forward to watching more.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for subscribing! Great to hear about your journey.

[@GiannaMakesMovies]

These have been the most helpful videos (I’ve watched all five so far) that I’ve watched on photography so far. Thank you very much for making them and I am so looking forward to the next one! 😊

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you found the videos helpful. Next one coming soon :)

[@Dockxjzjsjhx]

Your KZbin channel is the most useful of those I have seen based on photography. Thank you

[@scottfrenchart]

Happy to hear that! I'm glad it's been helpful.

[@schumif1champ]

Beautiful video. Need more of this about photography.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@davidoliver2161]

Excellent, and so 'focused' on the real point!

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much.

[@roo7239]

Don't comment much on youtube, but I've been in photographic industry for over a decade (always working for others though) I've always struggled to find the time to get out and actually take photo's apart from those of my children. Next year with my youngest starting school I'll have a day free per week, so was thinking it would be a good time to get back into doing some photography for myself. Just watched all your videos tonight, thank you, it's taking me back to basics about how to create a body of work, how to come up with a concept, how to see again. Keep up the good work Scott.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much! Yeah, finding the time is always a challenge.Glad that you found my channel just as you are getting back into doing some work for yourself. Good luck with it!

[@albiov]

Hello. Just 3 videos and I really liked your channel. I am learning and your comments are really interesting and reflexives. Saludos!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks and welcome!

[@tundrusphoto4312]

Another wonderful and insightful video. Thank you. You have, with only a few videos, become my favourite. All the best.

[@scottfrenchart]

Wow, thank you! So nice of you to say.

[@spikeboydell]

Greetings from Sydney! What a beautifully crafted video Scott! Love your work. Liked & subscribed. Please keep sharing…

[@scottfrenchart]

Awesome, thank you!

[@danielbustillos8573]

Great video, made me realize some things I was missing, I can relate to many things said. Congratulations for your work and thanks for sharing your expertisse.

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad it was helpful! I appreciate the kind words.

[@sdhm808]

Extremely insightful and enlightening perspective! Thank you!

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate it.

[@carrieannkouri2151]

Great video. I love how graphic your work is.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thank you very much! I appreciate it.

[@davidbrighten2572]

Wonderful video, thoughtful and well presented. Your own work is excellent and inspirational. More please!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thank you! Will do. I appreciate the support!

[@j.f.7509]

This is one of my favorite video I've seen about photography in a long time!

[@scottfrenchart]

Wow, thanks! I really appreciate it.

[@jimwlouavl]

Wonderful insights. Enjoying your channel and looking forward to more. Thanks.

[@scottfrenchart]

Awesome, thank you! More to come.

[@smudgegunteam6356]

Loved this. Great insights I'll definitely put into practice. Cheers

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@josephschimmer302]

Within the last couple of weeks the algorithm suggested some pretty inspiring channels. Yours is one of them. Instantly subscribed and curious how the journey goes on!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thank you! I'm glad you like the channel so far.

[@mikipixi]

Hello Scott. Magnificent artistic works and fantastic portfolio. I have been a frustrated drawer and stitcher since I was a child, and I developed my professional career as and advertising, product photography and wedding photographer. At 56 years old I was a little lot and I need of finding a new artistic path with a photography. You have managed to inspire me again. Your words will be the light that illuminates my next photographs. Congratulations on your artistic works of photography and channel. Thank you for sharing from Spain.

[@scottfrenchart]

I really appreciate you sharing your story :) I'm always happy to know I inspired someone! I wish you all the best with your new artistic path. Would love to see some links to your work.

[@keithnh]

I don’t often leave comments. However, your first videos very impressive. In place of yet another “review” channel, i like your measured approach. Best of luck !

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad you like them! I appreciate the support.

[@websterforrest]

What a wonderful video. This kind of honesty is such a great rock on which to build. Thanks for this - I'm going to watch it again - I've already gotten a lot from it! :)

[@scottfrenchart]

That's so great to hear...glad it was helpful!

[@Keenonhang]

Buying a Sony A7iii was transformational for me regards to my photography and videography. I learned so much with that camera. I’ve bought the Leica Q2 and it was delivered to my house today. I’ve yet to go home and play with it and see how much in the coming weeks and months it transforms my approach to photography. If it does at all.

[@scottfrenchart]

Great to hear! Good luck with the new Leica :)

[@stuartgraham5055]

Thank you so much for this video, it is exactly what I needed to see. I am really looking forward to watching your other videos. Thank you once again.

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad it was helpful! I appreciate the kind words.

[@rs2841]

I just watched this video (can’t wait to watch the other two) and immediately subscribed. I am looking forward to seeing you channel grow and to watch its videos. Really interesting, inspiring, thought provoking and well presented content. You have something special goin on here. Keep it up!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thank you! I'm glad you like the channel so far. I appreciate the support.

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Couldn’t agree more! When I completed a drawing course ages ago … the single greatest revelation afterwards was how much more clearly I could see the world around me! It literally was an eye opening experience that has stayed with me ever since and I definitely think it helps with my photography. 📷🙂

[@scottfrenchart]

Awesome...Thanks for sharing your story!

[@giolee1274]

My goodness, your images are fantastic!!! But I love your humbleness even more sir.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thank you so much 😀 I'm happy to know you enjoy my work!

[@rickpinelli1586]

As an Ear is to a Musician, the eyes are to a photographer.... Anyone can use a camera and take a photo, that is what I call snapshots. Having a creative eye is what makes a snapshot a work of art. It's not the gear but the person behind the lens.

[@scottfrenchart]

Totally agree! Thanks Rick.

[@jensbomholt4529]

After tens of years of taking photographs with many different cameras, formats and systems, I now have only one Olympus Tough TG 6. I do not know if my photographs are better or not, but I entered a new world of perception. Fascinating how that different tool helps me to discover different dimensions.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing, Jens. Sounds as though you found something that works for you.

[@jiteshrohra]

well, something similar happened to me, i got a full frame camera and i didn't see any improvement in my photography! That was a big learning!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing. It was an eye-opening experience for me too.

[@LagunaCandles]

Thank you for sharing. I also have a Leica. D-Lux 7. I get overwhelmed feeling I must learn all of the features, therefore I’m not shooting as much. What you shared encouraged me to pick up Leica and not always shoot with my phone.😊

[@scottfrenchart]

Great to hear! Glad the video helped.

[@chaztical]

I never had an explanation for my unorthodox process / style of photography and you've somehow managed to articulate it, thank you!

[@scottfrenchart]

Great to hear! I'm glad it helpful.

[@L.Spencer]

I'm interested in knowing more about your going to high schools and seeing their work. I am middle aged, but taking photo classes at my local community college. This past semester I discovered I'm equally or more interested in my classmates' work and wish our school had more ways for us to show what we're doing with the community.

[@scottfrenchart]

Hey thanks for the interest. I worked for a few years as a recruiter for an arts college. I was fortunate that part of my job involved speaking to high school photo and art classes about careers in the arts and college options. Being an amateur photographer at the time, I always like to see the students work after speaking to the class.

[@martingreenberg870]

I took photography classes for two years at the local community college. Repeated the same four classes x2. Bob is a very talented photographer. He didn’t teach much. The 1st day of class he would talk to us about the subject and that was that. The next day we would take pictures and the following week show three to five images. Bob would never criticize the images. He would always find something nice to say about the image. I pulled him aside and asked him to be more critical of my work. I learned more from watching my fellow student’s work than listening to Bob. The most dramatic example of this is the day we went to a park and I didn’t find a lot to photograph. Some of the students saw things I didn’t see. They made images from a different perspective. I learned to critique my work based upon what the other students saw. This wasn’t Bob’s intention but it was my major takeaway. Thanks Bob. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing...great story!

[@christophersmithphotograph2275]

Thanks for making this video…legitimatizes what I had already been thinking on many levels…new sub 😊

[@scottfrenchart]

You're welcome...glad you liked it. Great to have you!

[@kingcormack8004]

Watching light change over a year is a great tip. An aspect of this is to return to a subject at different times to see how it changes (light and weather).

[@scottfrenchart]

Totally agree! Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSRC900]

Wonderful video! Really like your style of video, keep it up!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thank you! Will do!

[@omh186]

Love the video, subscribed.

[@scottfrenchart]

Awesome, thank you!

[@tomlangton782]

Dad used to say “the most important part of a car is the nut behind the wheel.” It’s not the gear - it’s the ability to see.

[@scottfrenchart]

Haha...True!

[@gregdelves3615]

I feel like you have very eloquently delivered an important lecture on the obsessive issues of modern photography. I'd like to wipe away all the noise on cameras and reviews and have a much more fulfilling and thought provoking discussion on art. Thank you for this film, it's very important. GD

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for the kind words! Great suggestion.

[@everydayphotography]

Fantastic quality content - would really like to see you take us through initial idea, field work to making a single image.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much! I'll look into that for future videos.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Yes, it is the light. It is not all of it but without the light it ain't nuttin'. I think that most of us know a good photograph when we see one. When we see one that is not yet in the camera, well, lift the camera, focus it and press the button. I, too, have an M9, with an Amotal mostly, that I love. But it was not the chisel that made Michelangelo. I still struggle but am getting better. In my opinion, LOL.

[@scottfrenchart]

Well said. Thanks for sharing.

[@Precisionpace]

Excellent video. I'm just getting my first Leica, used Q2. I've used Canon DSLR earlier and Sony point and shoot, sold both. I'm wondering what gear you use now and what made you make the decision. Thanks 🙏

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad you like the video! I still have the m9 but don't really use it for most of the work that I do now. It doesn't really have the precision that I need. A rangefinder (and I imagine the Q2) is great for street photography, candid or more intimate portraits, some photojournalism and documentary work. But if you go to my instagram, you'll notice my work focuses on architecture and built environments. I almost always use a tripod and/or a tilt-shift lens. These days I use the fuji gfx system. I have a couple of fuji lenses and have adapted some canon tilt/shift lenses.

[@Precisionpace]

@@scottfrenchart Appreciate the detailed answer Scott, thanks for taking the time. You are just four videos in and it's already having a big impact on folks like me to pick up a camera and start shooting/experimenting again. Look forward to more of your thoughts on the art form. Cheers.

[@scottfrenchart]

@@Precisionpace Thanks so much! Good luck with it.

[@kistzu]

Congrats on the successful clickbait title, and I mean it in a good way. The people who click it for the leica bait are the ones who are in need to hear this the most, I guess. I started taking photos in 2000, and only ca.13 years later did I start painting. Now making an attempt at shooting again, and I can totally feel the message here. Painting is superior, and will always be, and photography says it is happy with that fact.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks :) Glad you like title and message.

[@soylentlolmilk]

I went to art school and majored in photography. There were a lot of young guys (especially) who had tons of fancy equipment but had no 'eye' for photography. That's when i learned this lesson and felt better about my Pentax ME Super hehe. I had a Leica for awhile and sold it to pay rent, still regret it. Nothing like a Leica for street photography, I feel.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing. I think Leica's are great for a lot of things. Still use mine for some stuff.

[@lschiz-photography1765]

Well sounding repetitious here but… Excellent again!! Love the line where “Teenagers w much cheaper gear are producing superior work.” That was so totaly true a while back and still intrigues me how that the learned skills and giftedness of so many do it w less. Thanks for the reminder.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks :)

[@BaintonTV]

Scott, excellent video! The part that resonates with me relates to 'seeing' and taking that approach to either creating a mood or emotion and/or painting a thematic template. I attended Columbia Grad Film School (under Milos Forman and Frank Daniel), and the best part of it was studying the great directors of all time, to see how they 'saw' cinema overall, or how they wanted to 'see' differently in a particular film. For me, as a writer-director, I write the script with these 'seen' elements in mind, and, like you, I will walk a location to pre-plan a shoot, to 'see' what uniqueness I can perhaps bring to an otherwise normally standard setup for the scene I may be shooting. And, like a child, I just let my imagination flow over all the possible elements that I 'see' and can play with. Further, I only work with crew members who are open to help me 'see' more interesting angles, elements, and the like, who can similarly open up their imaginative senses to the creative possibilities within a particular locale. This collaborative 'sense of seeing' has really helped me in getting my various crews to buy into the overarching vision--and, wonderfully, they, too, get very excited about working with me, knowing that they are not just mute functionaries in a standard production. In short, there is nothing more exciting than working with people who are as passionate as me about a project...and isn't that why we do this in the first place!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much! I appreciate your thoughtful comment. Well said.

[@depotmsa2362]

I always edit same day or the energy is lost from that experience fresh on my mind , thats the beauty of digital !

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing...I think we've each found an approach that works for us.

[@JonathanRobinson11]

Great video. Helpful. I think so many of us struggle with the "photo I wanted" vs "the photo I got" problem. How many takes did it take on average to get the consistency you achieved in your specific project work?

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad it was helpful! If you're asking how many times I returned to a location to get the image that ended up in the project, it varies. Sometimes I was lucky enough to get it on the first visit (with as some preplanning before the day of the shoot). Most often, I returned multiple times to get better light or even reframe the composition if I wasn't satisfied with what I already had.

[@GJSsongsmith]

Inspirational video . Thanks Scott 🙏

[@scottfrenchart]

My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@Photojouralist123]

I'm a former photojournalist for the wires, I've shot everything and have many front covers. But and a big but, my wife started getting into photography just as simple hobby. She told me in 2 weeks I'll have this camera figured out and I will master Photoshop not a problem I said ya sure you will. So what did she do bought a Leica as her first camera and bought $50,000 worth of lens. Traveled to Mongolia and lots of other places. She felt Leica was not good enough so she got into Hasselblad and got 2 907x and a X2D with 5 Hassy lens. With in 2 months Edward Hopper gallery in NYC called her and wanted to feature her work! I said WTF! She had accolades from all over the world from Leica to Hassablad. Found out she has a masters degree in fine art. Thats why, so she understood the fundemtals of art. That was her advantage .

[@-_ch40s_]

Wow. I think, someone hits the Nail on its Head 🙏 Thank you for this Input. Subscribed (with bell)

[@scottfrenchart]

I appreciate the support! Glad you found this helpful.

[@vincecosta]

Well done Scott. Just discovered your channel, so insightful and inspiring. Any books you’d recommend on the masters? Thank you.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much Vince! If by Masters, you are referring to Painters, I mostly relied on visiting art galleries and what I could learn online.

[@ankerwiedemann]

Great point. Excellent inspiration!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much!

[@ruffianrandev]

Thank you for this video, beautiful content 😊

[@scottfrenchart]

My pleasure 😊 thanks for the kind words!

[@SantiMaggioSavasta]

3:47 Great video and very meaningful content. I totally agree with your points and on my side an architect, drawing all the time, I know how this helps, especially in framings and finding the right angles and contrast. One small thing that I have noticed: at this time in the video, the movie you mention is “Sicario”, but if I am not wrong, is “Suspiria”, by Dario Argento.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing! Great to have your perspective. I believe the movie clip is labeled as Suspiria. From what I understand, Sicario is a remake of Suspiria.

[@SantiMaggioSavasta]

@@scottfrenchart Thank you for your kind reply! As far as I know, the original “Suspiria” movie is from 1977, and the remake, which is still called “Suspiria” is from 2018. Sicario, as I remember it, is a totally different movie. Nothing to do with the “dance academy” from where the story starts in “Suspiria”.

[@websterforrest]

You are correct. The image you are referring to at 3:47 is from the original film 'Suspiria' (1977) by Dario Argento. It shows Jessica Harper as Suzy Bannion in the back seat of the cab she takes from the airport in the rain at the beginning of the film.

[@EM-nv2ep]

Thought provoking video. Really interesting

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked it!

[@anta40]

I think paintings are great references if you are into color photography. Well I mostly shoot in B&W, and unfortunately B&W paintings are not common nowadays... but surprisingly paintings are still very useful. How? Abstract paintings. These days, I tend to embrace high contrast scene, forget about symmetry, look for reflection/shadow, shoot from through mirror, etc. Something like what Ernst Haas did, except in B&W. Well, the closest painting-like thing I can get.

[@scottfrenchart]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing that.

[@FrankDavalos]

Loved this a lot! Thank you 🙏

[@scottfrenchart]

You're so welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carlosmcse]

Point taken that the “gear isn’t everything”. By today’s standards yes. The cameras they were using decades ago were primitive. But at the time they bought it they were using the latest tech in their time. When the M3 Bresson was using came out he immediately got one. It was revolutionary. Also Saul Leiter was a camera enthusiast. Every time something new and small came out he bought it. He owned a lot of cameras.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Carlos! I'm sure many of the photographers I mentioned here were using the latest tech available at the time. My point was more that even using what would be now considered outdated gear, their images surpass what many (including myself) are producing with the latest tools available today. It's interesting to hear about Saul Leiter's camera collection. He might have really liked cameras, but like many of the talented student photographers I met, he really loved painting too. Thanks again :)

[@carlosmcse]

@@scottfrenchart Yes he studied art when he was in school. I don’t think he graduated though. He had a custom suitcase built full of Leicas. His son has them now. He also liked guns for the same reason. He just liked the mechanics of them. So he was a collector of cameras. Liked to take them apart. I think people now think the magic is in the lenses and the cameras. The reason why these guys took the best photos is because they knew the basic rules of composition. And the magic was in the content within the frame, not the gear they used. Now people want to skip learning basic rules and go straight for breaking the rules and get some sort of style or follow a style.

[@edthesecond]

Never could afford a Leica or a Nikon so I got a particular brand of reasonably priced SLRs, which I won't name because I try to not discuss the names on the cameras. Dependable, damn near indestructible, and if you got caught in a brawl or a riot, you could grab the strap and start swinging. When you knocked the guy cold, you could still take his picture. My digital cameras are not glamour cameras either but they do the job and they do it well. Your best photography tools are still a good eye, a big heart , and nerves of steel. And a note for the Leica cult: If I want to be impressed by machines, I'll stand in a semicircle of 427 Ford Cobras when they all fire up at the same time, surround myself with electric guitars at a good guitar store, or stare up at a P-38 Lightning or an F4U Corsair. Also, John Singer Sargent and Andrew Wyeth are two of my biggest influences.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for adding your perspective.

[@louhautdavid6451]

Slowing down is certainly one of the best advices. It's funny to watch some great photographers walking around, live Cartier-Bresson or Eggleston. It makes me think about searching mushrooms. Lucky you if you find them in a hurry. I think you need time to connect with yourself and find a personal way to express something special and avoid easy clichés.

[@scottfrenchart]

Absolutely! Thanks for sharing.

[@vojkan_milenkovik]

Great video. Valuable lesson and advice to anyone asking themselves why or how... I always appreciate when people talk about light, colors and mood. Bokeh is helpful, but ultimately /regularly it is a crutch helping hide points such as poor light, composition etc. . I am guilty of this as well :( To finish off with an Ernst Haas qoute “Leica, schmeica. The camera doesn’t make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But you have to see.”

[@scottfrenchart]

Well said! Glad you found this helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@bikecameraaction3334]

Here's what I've learned about photography and art: Photography (like painting, sculpture, movie making, etc) is about using an idea to tell a story, first and foremost. The 'art' happens by 'accident'. It's a by-product. It's like happiness. If you pursue it for its own sake, it will elude you. So, whether you are using a camera or a paintbrush, try to communicate a story or feeling. If the stars align, you may just create art. When you do, keep exploring that idea. Keep mining it and you'll probably create more art.

[@scottfrenchart]

Well said!

[@superkrell]

I might have the upper hand when it comes to landscape photography. The enjoyment of oil painting and even Chinese ink painting of landscapes seem to be related and make landscape photography second nature...!

[@scottfrenchart]

Great to hear…good luck with it!

[@richardsimms251]

Some of those photographs are terrific.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much :)

[@jkroemer2685]

Interesting video and topic! I fall into that category of not knowing that much on the technical side of photography as I’ve just gotten into it about a yr ago (June 15th to be exact lol). I have a buddy who unknowingly got into photography literally the next day and we were chatting about 2 days ago and sending pics back and forth. He commented on mine looking print worthy and no way I’ve been shooting for the same time. I told him “I have an art background in drawing and had a scholarship, so it translates well into photography. I probably understand lighting, composition and see things you might not, not to feel discouraged “. So far I love photography and I have a Leica typ 109 and X 113, simple cameras!

[@scottfrenchart]

Great to hear! Your art background definitely helps. Good luck with your work.

[@jkroemer2685]

@@scottfrenchartthanks I greatly appreciate it! You as well

[@marike1100]

It’s not the gear, it’s the ability to see, to pre-visualize interesting compositions, compelling images. Besides, those old Pentax cameras (K1000, Spotmatic) are some of the best mechanical 35mm mechanical cameras and lenses ever created. As great as Leica cameras are, all cameras are basically light sealed boxes.

[@scottfrenchart]

Well said! Thanks for sharing.

[@Swingkid14]

My 11 years old Fujifilm XE1 gets me in my creative mode, especially with manual lenses

[@scottfrenchart]

Great to hear!

[@jon-nolanacousticsingerson9920]

Great video!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks...glad you enjoyed it!

[@lpark8]

This is as very insightful 🙏

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks. Glad it was helpful!

[@KawikaDowney]

i am a painter and enjoy your videos

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoy them :)

[@plutinicus]

Superb advice.

[@scottfrenchart]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alexsomeing8192]

There is a youtube channel "Light Ponderings" that goes in the topic of how visual artists perceive light and overlaps with theme of this video

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks...I'll check it out.

[@arneheeringa96]

Andreas Feininger wrote: 'I know a world famous photographer that owns only 1 camera (probably Cartier-Bresson). But I also know an amateur with thousands of dollars of gear that never took any good photo '.

[@scottfrenchart]

I imagine there are many like that :)

[@arneheeringa96]

@@scottfrenchart The photographic eye made a video about your subject a few days ago too. I like such channels that talk real stuff and not gear, like Daniel Milnor, Peter Coulson, Som Picture, etc.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks Arne. I'll check out Alex's new video.

[@jalakanen]

Thank you

[@scottfrenchart]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@monktv4090]

Children are much more freerer than adults. Thats why their work is so much better. Piccaso also had the same realisation when he said that he would like to paint like children. Yog and Meditation teach us to be completely free. There is a part of you that is chained in many things. You experience that part every day. Then there is this other part of you that is unchained. But you experience it very rarely. Yog allows you to find that part of you and unite with it completely. When that unison happens and becomes permanent is when we say that one has become an enlightened person. Now you don’t necessarily need to do ashans and pranayamas to practice yog. You can do it even by practicing arts. Pure artistic endeavours are like a meditative journey as well. They unite you with your unchained self. Therefore when someone experiences that unchained self that is within all of us, then the art that they create speaks to our own unchained self. That is when we experience bliss when we look at such an art work. In shot. Experience the unchained part of you completely. Then allow that unchained part of you to speak through your art work. Let it move your hands and body to create something. That something is art. Art that will be a blissful experience for the viewer.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[@jesusrobles1856]

I just looked up Saul Leiter. Triple wow.

[@scottfrenchart]

He was one of the greats!

[@langhorn3831]

Old joke: Q: What's the difference between painters and photographers? A: Painters don't talk about brushes all the time.

[@scottfrenchart]

Old but good one!

[@martinekwall4671]

I like what you do and how you present it. This is different and inviting. You got a sub 😀 I had a moment 30 yers ago I decided to create art that would evolute aesthetics. That my way could one way of many to do it. But it was true to me and it lifted my photography to new heights. I made really good shots and those are still good today. Making a goal and purpose that is that’s way up there, something unbelievable, that’s how to evolute ones fantasy and artistic ability. That made wonders for me.

[@scottfrenchart]

I appreciate it, Martin! Thanks for sharing your story.

[@shumyinghon]

u can still learn to 'see' using other cameras,,,slow or cumbersome operating cameras could make you miss the shots

[@scottfrenchart]

True...you can learn to see using any camera. But I find a camera that forces you to slow down helps. As for a slow and cumbersome, the buildings I shoot don't move too fast so I haven't missed many shots.

[@belaacs5238]

Artistic vision doesn't include when buying a Leica but most Leica users think that way.

[@scottfrenchart]

You're probably right about that.

[@Francois_L_7933]

For me, what changed everything is when I read a book titled: Designing a photograph - visual techniques for making your photographs work (1985, Smith, Bill, Amphoto). It's only midway through it that I realized that photography is essentially applied Gestalt. Once you figure this out the doors open wide when it comes to improving your compositions and exposures.

[@scottfrenchart]

Hey thanks for the great book recommendation! It sounds interesting.

[@ArtDecoArtNouveau]

"Sicario" is actually Dario Argento's Suspiria from 1977. ps I am also a subscriber!

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks! Glad to have you. I didn't realize the connection. Then again I've only seen clips of Suspiria. It would be interesting to see the entire film.

[@JamesClark1991]

Studying paintings is advice also championed by Roger Deakins.

[@scottfrenchart]

I didn't realize that. Thanks for sharing.

[@pixelmixture3067]

The gear doesn’t make the photo … but some kind of gear forces you in becoming a better photographer

[@scottfrenchart]

Haha...you could be right about that :) I think it kind of forced me.

[@pixelmixture3067]

@@scottfrenchart 1 roll of 120 : 2 good shots 1 roll of 24x36 : 2 good shots 1 256Gb SD card : 2 good shots

[@chengo51]

All this is obvious to me but I come from 60 years of photography, so nearly entirely from film. At the time you had 12 to 36 frames to take so you had better "think" your photography and visualized it. And each roll cost you money. Just these parameters alone were enough to be slow and you didn't know the result until you get the prints or slides in hand. So, to evolve to the best, treament was part of learning and producing process. I learn to "frame" my pictures instead of cropping them, to wait for the light or the position of something in the frame, to chose the perspective etc... Digital has erased most of the photographic approach, auto focus & burst at 20f/s, over the thousands taken, with a nice crop you might have a good one.....who knows ! And with the cat/eyes/firecrackers/cakes/candels and grandma programs....you should be set ! Oh ...no.... I am missing the night club and the car races ones ! Once you realize that, I understand the idea of a Leica, I had a few for 30 years, because they are about the only ones who have still the photography in mind....but would I buy a Leica today is another story !

[@scottfrenchart]

Well said...Thanks for adding your perspective.

[@fIysohigh]

Here in Germany it’s actually called „making a photograph“, but I’m still not able to produce anything great. And yes, a Leica doesn’t change this…

[@scottfrenchart]

As it should be everywhere :) Thanks for sharing. Keep working at it.

[@realniteart]

You obviously never tried to purchase a must have brush that is made from a tail of a certain type of squirrel that lives only in Kharkiv's forest :) And paint, choices, choices... Painters need more different tools than photographers and they are just opinionated about them as everybody else. Take a break and LOOK at what you are photographing before shooting is a good advice.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks Oleg :) You are correct...I have not tried to purchase such a brush.

[@c.augustin]

Interestingly enough, shooting with a Leica M6 did change my photography - not because of using a Leica (I still *do* love Leica cameras, but this is not important), but because it was a rangefinder camera! I started with a Voigthländer Bessa R (not the old 6x9 cameras, but the late 1990s 35 mm rangefinder model), but found it to be lacking (unreliable and very temperature sensitive distance measurement, and somewhat loud) and bought a used M6. I now have a Leica IIIf as a 35 mm camera, because it is much more to my liking (and much cheaper ;-)), and a Bessa R again (as my back-up 35 mm camera). Using a rangefinder camera completely changed my way of pre-visualising the scene (having "infinite" DoF makes it necessary to have a better understanding of how the aperture will change the overall image, and have a better grasp of what might be distracting in the final image, while with an SLR I would only literally see what I was focusing on). I would always urge people to at least give rangefinder cameras a try (could be a Fuji X100), and see what it does to their perception. Maybe this is why painters are often so good at photography - they also have this "infinite" DoF to deal with (and the necessity - and option - to decide what to include and what to exclude in a composition).

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing your experience! The rangefinder does change your approach. As it happens, I also owned a Bessa R along with 2 older Leica lenses before I got the M9 (I kept the lenses but not the Bessa). My only problem with the Bessa was the placement of the viewfinder. There was too much lens blockage.

[@dizzybuizzy9347]

Never thought of Photography as a Job, or a Chore.. the Good and/or the Bad, is all in the Eye of the Beholder!.. Anyone who takes Photography Too Seriously, is already missing the Point..

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for adding your perspective!

[@jesusrobles1856]

Wow

[@DJPixelList]

I want to assure you that I can still produce crappy pictures on my H6. It's not the camera, or the gear that makes great images.

[@scottfrenchart]

I don't know what an H6 is but I agree with the rest :)

[@DJPixelList]

@@scottfrenchart Hasselblad H6. Sorry..missed the brand name off in my OP.

[@earvinquero2037]

If you dont have the eye or artistic view whatever camera you using you will suck! Its a gift to have an eye in photography. You can shoot same as the other photographers but if you dont have it you dont have it. Its not about cheaper or expensive gear its about being artistic.

[@scottfrenchart]

Thanks for sharing. I don't completely agree with the idea of you either have the eye or you don't. I think you can develop your artistic voice or eye if you work at it.

[@ysabelledurant]

"photography is not about equipment but about capturing the moment" Yasmin Ahmad, Malaysia. Think twice and just shoot. The most expensice camera might not change your photography.

[@scottfrenchart]

Great points!