If you think your photos aren’t good…

[@TheCamG]

5:14 “Art is never universally liked.. . If it is universally tolerated, it probably means it’s quite vanilla.” What an impactful encouragement. I really needed this.

[@LouisLuzuka]

Thank you 🙏🫶🏼😭

[@davidmantripp]

I like vanilla 😄

[@sonyviva308]

@@davidmantripp but I don't love it. I prefer chocolate. See? Already am the guy who dont like the norm here haha

[@davidmantripp]

@@sonyviva308 you know vanilla is actually a rarer and more valuable commodity than cocoa, right ? 🤣

[@DavidSenteno]

To be honest I don’t like all of your photos, but I don’t like all of mine as well. I have posted what I thought were fantastic photos and gotten very little response. Then I posted what I would consider a “meh” photo and people rave about them. Go figure. The autonomy of art reigns supreme.

[@strangetube82]

I know what you mean I've had likes on photos I wasn't that fussed about. Then hardly any of some I've been really proud of. 🤷 I take photos for me anyway, if people like it then great, if not, then nevermind.

[@addick675]

Art is subjective

[@neglectedloves]

Brillant photography and one thing always strikes me when watching your videos is, that compared to other KZbinrs your footage is very close to what you actually photograph. So often in videos of other YTs I hear myself saying "oh, that could have been a beautiful shot" and they're not even considering taking a picture... thanks for constantly inspiring me 🙌🏻

[@mikafoxx2717]

So much this. It's so absolutely jarring when their camera video settings for exposure and saturation and contrast are worlds apart from their photo style as well, it's like - what the hell happened here. His flows naturally and the videography is also.. kinda beautiful.

[@snapsbyfox]

Still in Vietnam. Still have toes.

[@erin.v.z]

😂

[@ChrisBrogan]

But do you VALUE them? ;)

[@spiersey1]

Do we have to come to you for footage Roman?

[@azmje80]

Keep checking to see if you’ve posted a new video. No dice. Hope you’re enjoying your trip.

[@robmcd]

Are you engineering the new Jaguar rebrand?

[@newenglandlight8724]

I've just recently started following you and I absolutely love your work. You have one of the most unique styles of photography I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@kevinjorgensen1046]

Have lived in Vietnam for 22 years and have taken over 200'000 photos. Just a hobby. I enjoy it.

[@MarcoBlanke]

That shot of the farmer is such a great display of human nature

[@billb8262]

James, long time subscriber but seldom comment. I love your photos. You have a special skill of not just capturing a scene, but making it something to stare at and think about. That's exactly what we all strive to be able to do, but it's a personal growth thing I have not yet achieved. I look up to photographers like you and I try to study your and others' work to improve my own abilities to tell that story instead of just snapshotting things. Your "photos about something and not just of something" saying repeats in my head often. Please keep doing what you do and sharing your outstanding work with us. I've learned so much from the perspectives of photographers like you and truly appreciate the work you put into this channel. Your images are off the chart great, often reaching the level of stunning.

[@ch_boki]

Great Art opens questions, Great Designs answer questions. You can mix them and create art that shows clearly what it is, but there are still things that makes you question it. This requires talent and empathic abilities. This, this is art.

[@Paul9]

It’s also important to remember that just because someone doesn’t like a photo you share, it doesn’t mean they don’t like you.

[@derekwillson2538]

Hi James, well done on the message in today's film, the idea that your photos are not good doesn't always manifest itself as clearly as in your headline, and its taken me a little by surprise to realise that its exactly why I have not got myself a website yet, I feel like a bit of a dullard now! thanks mate 🙂

[@Jude_Beattie]

I love that this what your video is about this week. I started reading camera lucida this week, and this is a major theme in the first parts of the book. It's been really refreshing to think that what someone thinks of a photo is a reflection of how they feel about it, not a reflection of the quality of the photo

[@justinbaker8238]

Would absolutely love an editing video from you! You got my vote!

[@nathanlind4509]

Brilliant insight James! Thanks for the boost in confidence.

[@retirewithjames6745]

Absolutely perfect statement, "You're not aiming for everyone to like your stuff, you're just aiming to finding the people who do". I have really enjoyed your book that I recently received. It sits next to my chair in my family room. So I can just reach down to pick it up and take a look at it again. Great job!

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Thank you for the great images. First thing I thought of was how they looked like old school film prints. I used to be a photo hobbyist way back, shooting Tri-X and printing. Now I'm guilty of the iPhone, and 4"x6" prints from Smug Mug, refrigerator art. Excellent thoughts on people appreciating your work.

[@cmphoto_]

James I’ve been following for a long time, you’re always, ALWAYS the first name I say when talking about photographers and my favourite bodies of work. Could easily tell your work in a blind test. Stands out for all the right reasons. Got a trip to Thailand coming up and have 3/4 days to myself. Hoping to get out and get some 1/10th as good as you. Cheers for the inspiration.

[@timo3192]

That's awesome man, you're gonna have a blast over there. Where can I see your work?

[@thebeautifuleyephoto]

Thank you for putting into words something I’ve been feeling too: I put photos out here hoping that they will find someone who likes the photos I like enough to put out there. Thank you!

[@davidmill7289]

Fantastic images James and thanks for the insight. Your human nature shots really tell a story.

[@TheAdventurey]

I am glad you released a video on this topic. Your words apply to you too. I watch many of your videos and I look at your photos and I feel peace. Thank you for all that you do and I hope you continue for a long time.

[@Shannon-q2n]

Fabulous! A dream bucket list trip for sure!

[@-grey]

You have surpassed all my favourite photographers in vision, concepting, and overall consistency of results with your photography that I'd consider you the current master worth checking out here on KZbin. I'd say you're well on the way to being like those great Nat Geo documentarians, if not already there. Love the considerations and and the images on this channel. Thanks for showing us Vietnam through your lens. 🇻🇳 ✌️

[@alanwainwright79]

A great point James. Sometimes it takes anothers’ perspective to be enlightened. The photos of the farmer and his cattle along with the structure in the background is pure gold. Cheers.

[@AlexanderLabial]

Maan I haven’t been following you for that long, but I have really learned a lot from you. Love your philosophy about photography and capturing. Yeah I just like it, can’t wait for the next video 😊

[@desgardner7169]

Its pointless taking pictures if you don't show them to people, if you just keep them for yourself you will quickly get bored with them! I love to hear stories why you took them that's why I post most of mine on social media, I don't get many likes so that gives me something to work on! Vietnam looked good its one of the places I should have gone to in my lifetime but failed to go, so its good to look at your pictures! Thank you for showing them to us!

[@donalda760]

Very good points. Sometimes I take a pic I really like, but get a lot of Meh. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@pascalthiebaud]

When I make an image that I like, my work is done. I have no impact on the viewer, because that's their job, not mine. The woman pushing back the water is a superb subject. I don't see that every day.. Thanks, James.

[@MrDunk66]

I genuinely love your images James. They give me great inspiration to photograph the everyday in an artistic way. Thanks

[@hansgiersberg4138]

Editing question: Your images have a distinctive look - light blue, low drama skies; overall slightly high key look; etc. I believe you’ve touched on that before, but I’d love for you to address the look again. Also, I’ve just received my copy of “Human Nature” and I absolutely love it. Nicely done! Finally, beautiful images of Vietnam. Thanks.

[@nicolasguillenc]

Great advice and great photos! Thanks James

[@kruuuber]

You are a wise man and I greatly appreciate you generously sharing this. Thank you!

[@Raykenn1]

I may not always appreciate an image but I always appreciate your insight. Thanks for posting 👍

[@AlFirous]

Art is indeed subjective, it's always funny to see people debating about this art is good, this art is bad. Anyway, I am thankful for the algorithm so I can find your channel which I feel resonates. Hope you are doing well!

[@davidlitherland360]

Editing question: when do you stop? Editing question 2: I make changes with aspects of the photos (luminescence, contrast, clarity, etc) and don’t always see differences. Are there good resources where I can discover what I should be looking for? Love your channel. Thank you for helping to keep me inspired and motivated.

[@artiedoc]

James , I have been so looking forward to these shots 😍 I must say that I actually universally love your photos …even the crap ones ! But part of that probably comes from knowing you and where you get your inspiration from . Photography in many ways is very personal and knowing the why and how you go about deciding when to hit the shutter makes each capture ever more special and interesting! Well done my friend ! Best Art …

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks as always Art ❤️❤️

[@hjones451]

Never even considered going to Vietnam, but its certainly looking extremely photogenic in your vlog. Thanks for your effort in posting so regularly.

[@PhotoswithArt]

Thanks for the video. I have no fear of sharing my photos online because I'm just a (enthusiastic) hobbyist and know that I still have a lot to learn from pros and skillful people on YT here. 👍

[@jebbytunnelcoats1182]

The light in vietnam looks spectacular. Great theme recently with Roman's pics as well. Loved the shore pics.

[@NevinThompson]

These are fantastic images, James

[@graesonphoto]

Some excellent points here, as well as some gorgeous shots. You're so right though, it's not a risk, it's inevitable. Gonna take that forward with me. Thanks James

[@malstanding]

This has been very helpful. In the last 4 years I've taken over 200.000 photo's, I've posted 2. I've shown some to my wife, but that's it. Only recently I have taken more that I like and I wouldn't mind a few more people seeing them. Maybe, after watching your video, I'll bite the bullet and publish some for others to see.

[@Prototype_Kelvin]

There's a thing that happens when a particular location really connects with your "style" of photography, I must say Vietnam has a nice connection to yours

[@nathandickin8795]

Your photos are just so unique I've never seen anything like them. I don''t really know how to describe it.

[@photom3]

Probably some of the best advice presented simply. Would you say that travel eclipses the cost of photo gear. Location often makes for more interesting subjects.

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thanks for sharing all your photographs. I agree with you on all those thoughts.

[@youphototube]

As an aside all you need to aim for is to be engaging and entertaining and you have a true talent for both. Those are the reasons why I have followed you for years.

[@peerawichkorkiatcharoon]

It's been around 3 years since I'd started my photography journey. At first, I thought it was going to be my future career. And that thought has been around for the last 3 years. Now I'm currently studying in the secondary school, which is great, but not at all... I'd realised that this, would not take me to the place I want. It's more likely going to be the things that I love, but can't control some of the scenario, So I thought 'you know what, I'll just take it as a hobby' And started focus more on studying. Less on the photography and crafting. But that has came with a bad outcome. I've lost some of my fire, it's still burning, but not as strong as it used to be. I've lost MOST of my photo editing skills, my photography addiction, and even some of my creativity. I don't really believe in any sort of coincidences, but this video may have saved my whole heart of photography. I'd just realised for the second time that good time management = everything. And you have poured the petrol fuel right onto my fire. And I can now do the things I like, and the things that I need to. Both without losing any of its margin. Thank you so much James. One of the greatest photographer ever!

[@alunrees3056]

Thanks James, some much needed encouragement.

[@_NoDrinkTheBleach]

It took me a few years, but I stopped seeking validation in others' opinions. I started to recognize patterns in the way other people saw my work. I know that some people are always going to be negative and some will always be positive. I'm not aiming for the middle, or one of the extremes. I'm just doing what I want.

[@petrub27]

sound like exactly what a teenager will say, lol . that's not how you run a business

[@ChasingBarrels]

Amazing photos. Love the one with the farmer and spaceship in the background. I would take amazing photos over video footage any day. And great advice. You have inspired me to show my work more.

[@kalledimming6298]

Beautiful photos as always James👍

[@ntienthanh.181]

Love to see you visit my hometown, a small province in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. I'm excited to see more videos from you

[@DanYosua]

The sooner and the faster you run to that fear of feedback, the better! Excellent shots as always. You make composition seem so effortless. I never thought about the stills/video ratio before... but that's super telling indeed.

[@gregdarroch1946]

I really enjoy watching your videos, but not because I love the images. Same applies to other KZbinrs I follow. I watch each of them because they are interesting, entertaining and humorous. Some of the most gifted photographers I can’t watch because they are not gifted communicators. So, bottom line, your photos don’t always appeal to my taste, but that is just fine because I always enjoy your way of presenting your ideas and I can certainly appreciate what you offer.

[@anewcareerinanewtown]

'Hope the people who like them will find them' . I think that's a great way of thinking about it - one for all the innovators. In fact all the great artists never painted or played in order to appeal to a mass audience - they painted or played for themselves - then the cult following grew huge.

[@jonstout7635]

Spot on advice!

[@alangauld6079]

Wise words, but very hard to keep in mind under the pressure of public inspection.

[@davidligon6088]

I love your style. Both the nature-human compositions and the pastel color editing. I believe that woman with a broom was collecting sea salt.

[@benbrice7680]

Long term fan, first time commenter. I would love to learn a bit more about how you use luminance masks in your editing, and how you refine the colour palette of your photos (for the editing episode). Apologies if you’ve covered this in earlier videos.

[@alexanderbellander4234]

Thank you James, this helped me in my thinking of posting!

[@matthadenmusic]

This is great work. Different to previous works of yours while maintaining the Human Nature thing. Very inspriring!

[@mattlau]

Agreed. The biggest obstacle for an Artist is to become comfortable with everything they put out regardless of what people think. I've played music for 20+ years, taught music, played in live shows, played for weddings, and there are still people who don't like my playing. And for me? I no longer care. I already know what I am capable of and already have people who appreciate my work. The goal is not to get the world to love you. That's silly and will never happen. The goal is to make art you are happy with whether you have 1 fan or 1,000,000 fans. As I embark on a new journey in photography, that's my goal as well.

[@patriciorodriguez3772]

I think my editing related question would be how did you learned editing initially? Would love to hear about that. Thanks for making these videos, I genuinely love them! Cheers

[@unlockyoursoulmemory4199]

your pictures are always so aethetically pleasing, wonderful work of art!

[@ChrisBrogan]

Wow. Never thought I'd hear you reference Kevin Kelly. That's worlds colliding for me. How fun! Great post, James. I really love the topic. It's nice to cover this one. I also liked that aside about photos-to-footage considerations. It's tricky thinking like both a videographer and a photographer at the same time. Similar tools, VERY different needs. "Coverage" versus "getting the shot." Quite thought provoking. Thank you!

[@GarryM66]

I’d love to go there because the light and interesting scenery and surroundings are a match made in heaven 😍😍 stunning images as always btw 👍👍

[@__eugenelee]

The photos are beautiful!! Loving the airy feel!

[@Chris1LFC]

Recently visited Vetnam with my camera. Absolutely loved it.

[@kenjonesstudio]

Personally for me it's not a fear of showing work. It's a fear that no one is seeing it.

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

Now that is indeed some very soft light 👌 Lovely shots man!

[@RobertHogan-zg1rm]

Excellent message regarding people “liking” your photos…. Yes, it’s definitely inevitable…. Perhaps it boils down to a need to develop “thick skin”…? Very enjoyable and good message James!

[@jordantaylorreed]

Your photos from Vietnam are sooooooooooooooooooooooo good, James. Here's hoping you ate well, too!

[@tomphillips5513]

Editing question: the vast majority of your photos (which I think are beautiful and inspirational) have this dream like haze where the sky almost blends in or forms a canvas for the subject, you make it look dreamlike and soft… how do you achieve this? Also, do you often reduce the contrast or soften the blacks in your photos, because they have a lovely, almost desaturated fluffy look that is really appealing to me. Keep sharing your work, I love it!

[@wiedo]

Often when I make a set of photos I have one favorite. That’s often the one which my friends like the least. Then I doubt of my whole selection a little, but end up just make peace with that I’m making for myself and that I have to enjoy the end result first and foremost.

[@Gary-LX58UDV]

Great video and images. I have received your book and enjoying it👍

[@NathanielRolland]

Wow - great vid and set of pictures, James.

[@Dan-kb2oz]

Editing question for upcoming vid: Do you personally tend to use sharpening or just rely on good glass? Addendum to this... When do you choose to sharpen or soften an image.

[@HanzsKlopek]

After years of taking photos and showing them only to my family, I decide a couple weeks back to share some of them on Instagram. It feels good. 😊

[@Burbs21]

Hi James, I’m a big fan of your work and Human Nature just came in the other day, I’m excited to start reading it. For your upcoming editing video I’d like to learn about your process of choosing your photos that are worth keeping versus not keeping? I’m also very interested in seeing what you do for different versions of the same photo. Do you create virtual copies to make different edits? How many versions will you make?

[@krzysztofsadowski5620]

This industrial factory looks like a cement factory. I saw many of them last year in Vietnam, especially in Ninh Binh, and I also got the same feeling about the spaceship look 😅

[@CluelessYoutuber]

This indeed, in fact, brightened up my day.

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Excellent shots!… ✊🏿

[@felixgaensicke]

great video. thank you. those are great surfable waves in the background!

[@krisweyers6248]

Fabulous photos. While I do love you vlogging I really loved seeing more photos of Vietnam.

[@SpudUna]

Looks like the place to visit if your chosen genre of photography is litter 👍🏻

[@johnalmberg7512]

James, I wonder if you could talk a bit about the difference between composing a photo for a book or screen, and composing for a print that will hang on a wall. That is, between a photo you will view close up, and one you will view from a distance. I find that many of my favorite photos just don't work as framed prints, because the subject is too small, or it just gets lost in the background. I've never read or heard anything about this problem, although for me it is a big one because my goal is to take photos that look good printed and framed. I can't be the only one trying to wrap my head around this problem!

[@StevenRaden]

Editing question: Among the infinite ways to edit a photo, how do you determine what you are going for? Vibe, Color, Crop, etc

[@ImagesbyAsh]

A really great message, James. I am getting more comfortable sharing my work and taking a risk, but as you say even if it brightens up one person's day then it's all good. Absolutely love your images from Vietnam. I couldn’t think of better team than you, Roman @snapsbyfox and Jord @jordhammond to capture beauty of this place.

[@glensumner3425]

Ignore the detractores James I love you long time!

[@countskippy]

I just bought a fisheye for my systems...if there were ever a more relevant thing to hear, it's definitely it's inevitable that people aren't exactly gonna like it. Skater days were calling, so I had to answer.

[@luigiheewan]

An editing question i've got is: how do you make the greens and the yellows in your shots pop? i often make them too saturated and they end up looking fake, but then i turn the saturation down the greenery just looks dead... it's been quite a tricky thing for me to figure out and i'd love to know how you do it! Thanks in advance!!

[@Stef-Kuipers]

James again, stunning! Really appreciate your photography and the way you share your ideas and philosophy. Absolute inspirational! Edit idea: white balance, do you use auto white balance? How is your edit process in this?

[@brianmckeever5280]

Good advice. Those images are terrific! I don't know how you did it, but my favorites are @ 1:27 and @ 7:21, what are the odds? The round boats are great. I don't think I've ever seen them quite as large. Safe travels!

[@StephenCotterell]

This is so helpful. 🙏 I’ll share the on The Photographer’s Help Desk

[@richardhart3911]

Hello James, there is a documentary element to your photos in terms that they are capturing the essence of a particular location. I suspect the value and appreciation of that will change a lot over time. As an example I sometimes look at very old photos, think they are fantastic and then wonder if I would have taken a photo at that time had I been there. Probably not, but that would have been my mistake. Hope that makes sense.

[@zacbinns]

i’m ways baffled at how well you edit your greens in photos, i’m sure you’ve covered it before but would be great to get some insight!

[@jakegreenwoodphotography]

Love love love your colour edits and photography. Bought and modified your presets. I often fall into a little hole when using them - the ones where they exaggerate the oranges a lot - you love exaggerating orange and so do I but occasionally I go overboard 😊. occasionally feel they’re so intensely orange and yellow - and end up with eg the shot of the farmer in front of the space ship - I feel like the orange and yellows are pushing beyond ideal. The yellows especially feel like the luminance is up too high or something? The orange cows are intense but realistic, but the yellow plants above the cows to the left- the green and yellows patch.. something feels off I’m learning, so would be interested to hear what you think of your colour edit on that image (and comparing raw to edited)

[@kwatson1378]

Been watching your stuff for a few months now and you are genuinely up there with the best 🙌🏼 Would love to explore selling my own work, getting some kind of income from it and just getting my work out there some more. Would enjoy some kind of breakdown of what you do and maybe how you go about it all (other than your KZbin ofc 😂). I might be a minority asking this question but any kind of advice passed on would be great!

[@ronmasters751]

Took a walk in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, way out on the Aleutian Peninsula. Mostly a fishing port, full of junk along dirt roads. Epiphany: It takes surplus wealth to make a nice place. Had a driver along the NW coast of Borneo (in Brunei) a decade later. 2 lane blacktop, completely lined with trash-paper and cans. They missed the ad blitz in the US against littering. I’m horrified by the trash in these photos.

[@kaipbowe]

lovingggg the Vietnam images man