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This week I'm looking at some of this year's photos and working out what I can learn from them. I like to look for commonalities in the best photos I've taken, and then compare those to the assumptions I hold about how I think I'd like to go about my photography. Hopefully it's more interesting than it sounds...
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[@rossbrannigan407]

Assumption no.1 : People won’t buy prints with a kink in the corner. Can you sell them at a discounted rate and cover your costs? Seems a shame to lose them!

[@kerry5586]

Once it is in a frame it won't be seen.

[@clfurness]

I'd love to be able to pick one up and frame it on the cheap, would totally buy one with a slight kink!

[@TheJ_G]

For real. Just call them the “kink collection” and sell them at a discount. Pristine is overrated.

[@TrevorDyck]

It's not a bug - it's a feature!

[@rossbrannigan407]

@@TheJ_G The Kink Collection 😂 🔞

[@TrevorDyck]

These are my favorite videos, where you get casually introspective and break down your thought process on something for us. I'm also obsessed with patterns, so identifying patterns in your work: A+.

[@C4CH3S]

lol I did notice that in a lot of your pictures you tend to go for those yellow/orange + washed greens + nice light blues. it works really well

[@gageadavis]

I love how some of these photos are arguably "over exposed". A lot of the coastline photos lost all detail in the top half due to this, yet every photo you showed is absolutely amazing. It really shows that sometimes doing something that can go against the norm can create absolute beauty. You have really inspired me thankyou

[@ssgg23]

He usually edits in post to get that effect. He doesn’t actually overexpose when in the field.

[@rickreyn9242]

My inclination is always to beware of "over exposing" after getting "yelled at" on a photography forum previously. It's great that you've got enough credibility to have your own style! Furthermore, shooting at all times of the day is indicative of the presence of a wife and child. The "golden hour" is normally taken up by domestic duties!😊

[@ryanmooncat3949]

Yeah, interesting observation. I agree. These are great photos.

[@Autotrope]

"high key" is probably the appropriate term. James does it well.

[@HartenDylan]

Sometimes I think perspective can help frame things! "I have to shoot all day to produce the photos I like", which to me reads as "I'm able to produce good results at any time of the day". Especially when there's entire videos tailored to only shooting at Golden hour, frankly it's kind of freeing to know you're not limited to a sliver of the day to produce work you're happy with.

[@RealRaynedance]

That little explanation of the apertures you used is a good part of why I'm such a vocal supporter of vintage lenses. Not all of them are fast f/2 or f/1.4 lenses. Some, especially the cheap ones, are f/2.8 or f/3.5. And people would be surprised at just how little they need anything brighter than that if they're not shooting in dim light, assuming their subject isn't moving and they don't need autofocus, anyway. (Set-and-forget street photographer perspective, don't need AF.)

[@nextsibling]

For sure. Modern digital cameras that make high ISOs usable way beyond what could be done with film offer slower vintage lenses a whole new life.

[@lukeconner]

Better photos in 20 minutes, but James does it in 11. That’s why he’s the goat

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Underpromise… and then under deliver! A winning strategy!

[@AnomandarisPurake]

Have you compared your favourite shots from this year with those of last year? To see if you've been shooting the same way. Or do your photos change depending on where you've been during the year ?

[@trishf29]

Slightly dampen the corner of the paper on the reverse side, then dry iron them. You might have to dry iron them on both sides, on warm, then keep them pressed, under a pile of books for example! The crease probably won’t come out entirely but will look better. Love your shots, James. Have a happy Christmas!🇦🇺

[@alltagsvlog]

Blue and orange he likes the most he says - whilest having green eyes, sitting in front of a green wall wearing a green sweater using orange lighting in tha background showing us images on a earthy orange wooden table. So we did know already what the Mrs.‘ favorite color scheme is without being told 😂 Thanks for another very enjoyable piece of time with you and your thoughts on photography.

[@louisburley1597]

I don't know if the room matters as much as we tell ourselves it does. The content is strong enough that I didn't pay attention too much to it. Cheers James!

[@beepboop7543]

More raw unedited videos are appreciated, definitely adds to my enjoyment of your content

[@alexandermckown1409]

James, What a refreshing video. I have watched a number of your videos with great interest, because of the advice you provide. Also, I like your focus on the skills required for photography . Recently it has become apparent to me that there is a growing separation between photography and editing. With the increasing power of editing software, i editing skills are beginning to rival photography skills and disciplines. Thank you for your focus on the key aspects of photography, rather than the ever-growing power of editing software. Alex

[@hollowaysteve]

That doorbell was very 70’s sitcom. Terry and June came to mind.

[@KeirTheDouche]

The thing i love about your photos is that i can tell that you follow your gut. Its not about the rules/traditions, just what feels right.

[@VegasGrudzien]

3:50 beautiful photo.

[@nathanlind4509]

Love this episode. Bar none, this was the best photography advice I heard this year from all my KZbin photographers! Very insightful way to see and evaluate your pictures in print without a lot of expense. Just got your three books in the mail. Christmas present to myself! I'm going to enjoy them over the holidays! As a child of the '70's in the US, your pictures remind me of the color photos and childhood memories of my world. That is one of the reasons I enjoy your photography so much. There are several reasons, but that is the top one. Keep up the great work!

[@travelwithlenses]

Thank you so much for another video (even if there was some echo) it was really nice to see the process of comparing the images! I will do it too (maybe not printing them).

[@Toschi23]

Considering this is supposed to be an exercise to self improve and challange ones assumptions. I like to do the same thing, but also pick images from a little while ago. (Maybe the year 2019 or so) ant try to understand what the style differences are and if I actually like the change or should revisit some things more often. Great video!

[@littlesue2633]

Interesting assessment of the images. Some good points to bear in mind. Thank you. And, I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May we look forward to another years worth of fun videos! xxx

[@antoinelasalle3767]

Thanks for your videos. When I see one of them I always have the feeling that I need to take photos. Really inspiring. Thanks again!

[@MusicFreesYourSoul]

The reason you like the coast so much could be subconcious, the negative ions from the ocean or waterfalls is calming and relaxing! That and it's just beaitiful haha

[@andrewhird5373]

Merry Christmas James, Emily and Noah. Yours was the first KZbin channel I subscribed to and it’s one of the few where I watch from start to finish. Anyone who loves Newborough and Llanddwyn like you gets my vote. Keep up the good work and wishing you all a happy & prosperous New year, Cheers.

[@andrejniko362]

The way you think and talk about photography is so admirable. Thank you for your videos ✌️

[@bastian.michel]

James, I dont know if you plan these "jokes" or if you just have talent... But things like referring to the christmastree in summer is funny. Its a huge part of your channel.

[@dreamontis]

One other conclusion seems to be that you like to shoot pretty much exclusively in landscape orientation. Not sure if that's something worth noticing, I did because I have the exact opposite tendency and since becoming aware of it I'm trtung to correct it, as I'm sure I'm missing a lot of shots because of this.

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Great tree James, very fitting for the season 🎅. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Stay safe 🇦🇺

[@adunford2664]

An interesting view on your work this year. I’m sure many of us will go through our photos this Christmas to see if have common themes too.

[@printsbytoni]

That desert shot at 3:57 is beautiful 🔥🔥🔥

[@henrikolsen5]

Nice format, James. And love the image at @6:00.

[@vargavideo]

Consistently unique and helpful perspective - thanks and Happy Holidays, James! 5:00 and the polar bear photo my favs.

[@jameshotten]

Not sure if anyone else has made this point: Surely, as a professional photographer, this exercise should also be done alongside your images that have sold the most. Your favourites might not actually be the ones that sell. And the trick presumably is to align the two. Look at which images sell well, and that you personally also think look great, and make that the basis for future work. Admittedly, this technique in the video is great advice for rubbish amateurs like me though, so thank you, I'll do this.

[@nextsibling]

Another thing about the (non) usefulness of very fast lenses is that you might want to blur the background, but usually not so it's a completely unrecognisable blob, just blurred. For mid focal lengths, f/2.8 or so is just right for that. I find super fast lenses are less necessary than their fans tout.

[@nicolasguillenc]

Man I really liked the format of this video! Great photos these year, looking forward to the next one

[@paullavin5449]

No wonder that i always enjoy your photography, because probably 80% of my own photos contain the sea and i also end up shooting throughout the day and am happy with a bright sky. 👍

[@mikebartow9415]

Merry Christmas!

[@sue.Hoo123]

I really like Blue and Orange too. Merry Christmas, have a wonderful time with Noah 🎄🥳

[@danieltrajkovski7640]

The jokes/humor parts of the video... and it just looks so effortless. I like it. Love the videos, keep it up.

[@whatkevsaw]

As a newcomer to photography, I love this exercise. I always enjoy your videos, and hope to discover a dented corner of my own in the photography world that makes me as happy as yours does you! Thanks 🙏

[@laurencedunkley8097]

Cheers James, great video, relaxed and informative as usual. Have a great Christmas,nice tree by the way !

[@davehemprich-bennett9336]

On time-of-day, the takeaway might not be that you need to shoot throughout the day… It looks to me like there’s no link between time-of-day and you’re feelings about a photo, so you’re free to just go out whenever you like 😉

[@tremaincheerful4189]

Yes, it brings more freedom, not less. Perhaps James laments the loss of "bad light" as a justification for goofing off.

[@nielshagenaars5500]

Great video and analysis James, loved it, original content that we all appreciate from you, including your sense of humour😂. However, a question: these analyses tell you what your favorite results are based on how where and when you took photographs last year. If you stick to this you will be guaranteed to further tune in to the style you have now (and we all like). However, this could also be a call to change your approach to photography and keep on exploring your repertoire outside of your comfort zone. Like Nigel Danson had some videos on when he was in a rut, or when the Beatles went psychedelic for that matter. Curious if you considered that angle?

[@samitarsus8716]

Orange and blue are opposites on the colour wheel, they are complimentary colours. I always forget the alignment between painting and photography when composing photos.

[@Symplasia]

Do you print these yourself? Sorry if you've already covered this in a previous video. Would be interested to know what the procedure is

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I do! Canon Pro 1000 🙂

[@StephanZwiauer]

Interesting and Useful. Thank you, merry Christmas 🎄

[@jordhall]

The comment about orange and blue reminds me of Wes Anderson. That power transformer photo at 3:25 has a colour grade reminiscent of Mr Anderson.

[@SourPlanet]

This is a great idea. I've surely heard it before and certainly used it at my day job... But something about your no pressure approach really resonates. Good stuff!

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you for the video and merry christmas!

[@gojkodjurkovic]

I just love your videos. They are funny, informative, interesting and usually with some great photos. 😊

[@zacharytarrant2761]

Just discovered your channel. Lovely. Been waking up before shoots watching your vids for inspiration!

[@kevinmoriartyphotors]

Happy Christmas mate

[@craigstoner3014]

Only think I'd push back on with regards to basing future gear purchases based on what you've already shot.. If your lens works best from f5 to f10, you're more likely to love those images because of how they come out. If you had a lens that works best at a different range, youre more likely to love those images. Just something to add!

[@RichardRecupero]

Thanks for what you do

[@rob9386]

Love it James such a great idea

[@keithtimmis]

Excellent, thought-provoking video.

[@weisskm]

What a nice video - love your images and your personality!

[@tomasgold8317]

Very enjoyable video James. Thank you!

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

The Popsys photos that spring most to mind from 2023 were the ones you were taking from the middle of a road on a blind curve in Italy. I remember watching that one, screaming "Get off the road!".

[@ethanlavoie4166]

I really like this practice, especially printing them out to review. Do you have any recommendations or tips on printing at home?

[@danielhenzphotography]

Even a weakness like the ruined paper can still be usefull or even a strength depending what you look for or what your angle of viewing is. Same with photography gear and images

[@JCBShortFilms]

Love the photos and the idea James! Your photography is really quite inspiring and I might start taking cues from your style here in the coming year! They all have a simple, peaceful feel, and that’s the look I’m going for. Excellent work, and thank you for the idea!

[@youphototube]

I love your channel. I have followed you for years and will continue to do so. I even play you at normal speed! You are a natural entertainer. I shoot wildelife, macro, street and landscape. Gear is very important. Long lenses, specialist maceo lenses, fast lenses shooting wide open etc For your style of photography you could do just as well by dumping your camera gear saving some money and using the latest flagship phone camera. Keep up the entertainment and fingers crossed you will not be found out.

[@julianrozental525]

A bit late to ask...what ratio do you print those images? Thanks for a wonderful inspiration.

[@po6414]

Hey James. When will "The Books (Collection Vol 1-3)" be available again?

[@uweschroder]

Great video and comment, James. Very, very useful, much better than any gear-video to make better photos. I like your picture- style so much and want you to demonstrate your workflow in LR in another other video. Thank you!

[@LeviFiction]

Love the doorbell, reminds me of a grandfather clock. I wouldn't even notice the corner, honestly. An end of year review is something I'd never even considered, and it's a cool process. Loved seeing it. I'd probably lazily just use a program to compile the meta-data and average it out for me which wouldn't help with distances to subjects or subjects unless I manually added that data upon importing them into my manager.

[@kiberkli]

Ok, with the corners. Place the paper on the a flat surface, pinch your thumb and index finger and place the flat part of index finger nail on the corder and press down and slide toward the edge/corner of the paper. Not perfect but it might look wee bit better.

[@JFW5358]

Interesting thoughts. Thank you. BTW, no problem with echo and I did not once hear the chair squeak. Happy Christmas to you and family and thanks for the inspiring videos over the past year.

[@tjsinva]

A useful exercise. Carry on. 👍🥂 Merry Christmas! 🎄🎅🏾

[@SteveD518]

Good stuff as usual James. I do like the Polar Bear.

[@Beaver314]

Great exercise going to do that one as well

[@_Just_Some1]

I would very much consider purchasing a slightly damaged print. Great video. Please make a similar one next December, when you review the year.

[@nigelwest3430]

I love coastal photography, unfortunately I like in central Bedfordshire so I'm about as far from any coastline as it's possible to be in the UK 😢

[@NathanielRolland]

Great video James.

[@drewselby1]

I would absolutely still buy those!

[@mariaanclaassen9047]

This is fantastic advice! It will actually help choosing which lens to buy in the near future for me. Thanks for being halarious again😂 you make me laugh in every video. When are you coming to South Africa?

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Your shot of that car in front of the brick building i just love it, and as look back tgrough my own work its filled with these type of shots, i love all your shots though for the same reason, merry Christmas and happy NY to you and Emily and Noah from the otherside (Melbourne) 😊

[@andrewinglis45]

Another great video and lovely prints. What printer do you use?

[@phvrvohxo]

great vid james

[@WPAYTTS]

Very helpful video - thanks! What about crop size? is there any pattern to show your preference there?

[@paulasimson4939]

This was really helpful as a starting point in analyzing my own photos.

[@sharpenednoodles]

Better photos in 20 mins? And the video is only 11 mins?? Man, I see this as an absolute win!!

[@antac95]

Where are 3:50 and 3:22 taken? Amazing shots

[@FTRek]

Very informative as always! I am thinking of getting new lens for apsc camera and portrait shoots that incorporate more of a background into the images. Would you recommend 24mm (effective 36mm) or 30mm (effective 45mm)?

[@danielgoldberg2129]

Thanks!

[@danielgoldberg2129]

I’ve pre-registered twice for your Antarctic photo excursion but have not heard back. FYI

[@norbertbarics]

now I want one of those even more! Will you sell them?

[@lidge1994]

Hello again Mr. Budget Gerard Butler. Always nice to see your casually insightful and chill, interesting content!

[@shimmeringreflection]

Oh, the lovely bokeh of the Xmas tree

[@sbutler66]

Orange and blue camera strap too

[@mr.t.9019]

3:28 don´t koow why but i love the photo soooo much

[@ECDPhotography]

40 or 50 if you had to choose 1 to go with the 24mm?

[@richardwagner3317]

Reviewing your best photos at the end of the year - a great practice we should all consider to help us understand how we are shooting.

[@nadirgas]

Incredibly pretty picures James!

[@sailslikeagirl3154]

Is it orange and blue or just the colours you have edited too?

[@RichardRecupero]

Thanks!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much! 😃

[@TheJustinMueller]

Heh, one of the first things I noticed with your photos a while back is the orange and blue (more of a cyan skewed blue). :)

[@radu_c]

Hello there! What strap is that? Looks cool :D

[@emma_psycho]

I didn't hear any echo in this sounds great

[@kidmohair8151]

it is a good thing you were a 400mm lens away (which would equate to about 40 metres?) from a polar bear... they are not the friendliest creatures on the planet. another thing that I noted is that *all* of your distance references are metric... jolly well done! for someone who is a native to the place that gave us imperial, I'm impressed!

[@ingabett]

So interesting and I believe it’s very helpful ! And something I would like to do myself, but how did you select the information? Is they an app for it? Thank you for great photos and very inspiring videos, when I need or am in lack of inspiration your videos do the work. You are also very skilled when it comes to teaching and explaining. Thank you 🎊 🎉

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much 🙂