The only photography tip I bother with now.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

If you're wondering about the church: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Cwyfan%27s_Church,_Llangwyfan :)

[@drtysox]

Not the castle Arrrg?

[@coilinmacaibhistin8853]

That's exactly what I was wondering - thanks James. Another brilliant video.

[@MiscellanyTop]

Thank you, Mr P.

[@DanHaug]

We were actually there this afternoon. Conditions weren't nearly as nice.

[@natelex7084]

What's hilarious is that I was disagreeing with you, and then your video kept going and you disagreed with yourself. Love the videos.

[@ChrisWorksCreative]

Haha same.

[@robertalmeida3180]

Exactly ! You beat me to it! Being from the USA and not familiar with this spot, I was wondering what the surrounding area looked like and you shot it, thanks.

[@MrMoonpie001]

That's just James!!!!! He is a mess, but that is what we love about him!!!! I never leave a video without a big smile on my face!!!! Moonpie

[@matthew2978]

Been watching your channel for years now. I hit subscribe right after the first time I heard you say, "Don't take photos of something, take photos about something." Best photography advice I have ever heard! It's just a hobby for me, but my photos instantly got better after you said that. Love your channel. Best one on KZbin. Thanks so much for revisiting this topic. It is such an important element that most other channels forget.

[@FelixvonNida]

Only KZbin photographer I still watch. Insightful, transparent, free of ego (rare) and just a sprinkle of subtly perfect comedic timing. Love it.

[@neglectedloves]

That's exactly why I love your videos: nothing is set in stone and contradicting yourself proves how fluid photography can be. When you were complaining about the shot from the road from slightly above, I instantly said "how pretty" and you weren't happy to be changing your mind too later on... distraction yes, but lots of about... 🙌🏻

[@robertvonthaden]

7:22 I was jumping out of my skin. I do this all the time...stand around waiting for "the shot" only to realize later on, that I was wrong. The beauty of photography is we go out for one thing, and come back with something we didn't even know was out there. Absolutely love that shot man. Cheers!

[@mvdz1982]

This could have been said by my wife if this was about shopping 😂

[@stevepaul2507]

Hi James, Love your style, simply because it goes against everything I was taught many years ago as a press photographer. My first day on the job & my boss took my 50mm lens off of me, saying I could have it back when I left. At the time every SLR came with a 50 standard. He said we needed a point of difference as he handed me a 28. When I had mastered that I was allowed a 135 & eventually I was allowed to choose my lenses. Since then I have never used a 50 or a zoom lens. However I'm a huge fan of your work, retired now & haven't picked up a camera in anger in many years. Back then we used Kodak 400 ASA Tri-X (black & white), Nikon FM2 & primes only. My lenses even today are 24, 35, 85 & 135. Thank you for your work, your channel & your insights. Cheers Steve

[@RolandKaufmann]

Appreciate the honesty about being “wrong” on the day. Some people would have edited that part out. The topic of context is an interesting one. Seems like a tough balancing act.

[@BobbiRae-p7q]

One of the reasons I subscribe is your humor. I always lose it when you cutaway to watching yourself on the computer with a look of disgust on your face haha

[@bluetulleart]

Yes I love the photo from a distance. It’s gorgeous. The fact that that lovely chapel is in the distance draws me in.

[@shaibah14]

We just disagreed with you at the same time you disagreed with yourself.😂

[@danielgoldberg2129]

Same. Came to say this too. 😊

[@Aneliuse]

I havnt watched the video and im squarely interested in watching the video now lol

[@Jake-vt4ow]

😂😂😂

[@photography_by_henk_101]

I am really glad that James took back his statement because I started to doubt myself because I found the photo really strong.

[@JamesBurton-l3o]

10 million percent 😂 as soon as I saw that I was like what the actual hell did this man say 😂

[@DonGiannatti]

Hah... I was thinking... "James, THIS IS THE SHOT"... then a few moments later. One of the best photo YT's out there.

[@lindaw5890]

I'm glad you disagreed with yourself, because I did when you were saying the image held too many distractions. Instead it's absolutely my favourite of the video. 🙂

[@wde291]

“Not that I am being picky” but wonderfully expressed thoughts James. Thanks

[@Mike-VR]

Sir James, I have recently come across your work and your KZbin channel. I can confidently say that going forward your influence is going to be the strongest of all the other photographers I admire and follow. Your work is different to what I usually do and your presets I purchased are amazing. Thank you

[@TravisRhoads]

I really enjoyed this. I appreciate you sharing your thought process, I love the theory of it. When you were in the field and didn't like the image from the road...I was in full disagreement...then you came to your senses!

[@dansmouse7393]

I think getting up on the mound to the right would’ve given a fantastic context to the church by allowing more of the ocean to be in the frame without the distraction of the grassy landscape and road.

[@paulasimson4939]

That's so funny. When the shot from the road at 7:25 came up, I went WOW!

[@Pavel.Romashchenko]

7:39 Hello! I watched your channel for the first time, and I really liked the critical thinking. The absence of fear of internal contradiction, changing your judgments. This is very important for me. I will definitely watch and listen to your other thoughts.

[@curiousabout1]

I appreciate your viewpoint and you're freaking hilarious.

[@johndurham5629]

I really love your attitude and presentation in these videos - you're the most honest and real YTer I have ever seen. And your photography, while not within my comfort zone, somehow makes me appreciate photography more and, hopefully, improves my own work. Thanks for all you do!

[@nihal467]

a quick thank you, your videos and style are what got me into photography. The videos are just amazing to watch, not common i sit and watch something start to finish

[@StephanZwiauer]

Love the simplicity of your explanation. Totally makes sense immediately. Thank you!!

[@adamfuge5053]

Always original and thought provoking James. Loved this video!

[@danielhenzphotography]

Have a great trip. We will be here when you come back.

[@BlueskyLouAnn]

This was very helpful about subjects and context.

[@helenoliver7006]

That was a great video. You pointed out several things that I really need to pay attention too mainly around context and removing distracting elements. Very educational. Thank you.

[@LOU2179]

The shot at 5:52 -wow, I need a print of that! Absolutely stunning!

[@Amphlett]

This has been the most informative video of yours I've seen, brilliant

[@thesamburton1]

First time watching you James. I love how well you describe and breakdown every part of the process that we, as photographers, often do intuitively without even thinking about how or why. I'll be thinking of this video next time I'm shooting for sure...

[@Bloggerky]

This video helpfully emphasizes the importance of studying a scene to maximize the impact of your composition. It is not "drive by and snap," it's "take time and study your options." Work the scene.

[@philvfilms]

Love it, great video and photos. I live locally and my first ever video for fun was filming my wife on that very spot and it lead to a career in videography.

[@edwardnixon1782]

It's interesting that your nit-picks *added* to the complexity and potentially the complication -- against which you inveigh: waves, more visible mountain in the distance... But, really, at the end of the day (or the video) we really must just be thankful for what we have been given by the light. I know I certainly am. Thank you again for an... enlightening experience. And a beautiful photograph.

[@flowkes2707]

Another great day; with a new james popsys video!

[@retirewithjames6745]

James, I just received my book “Human Nature”. USA. Love it! Great job. I received it yesterday and have enjoyed every image in the book already. Thanks

[@SteveBonario]

Thank you for sharing the entire thought process, with everything supporting your statement about context, curiosity, and "about" rather than "of" -- thank you!

[@abolfazlgdimi]

I have been enjoying your videos for quite a while and, it's funny how many times during watching them you reminded me of Jeremy Clarkson, I hope it's ok to say that, also I found that your videos have a positive therapy kind of effect on me! Whenever I watch them, I feel peaceful.

[@alangauld6079]

The last shot is definitely the best. Plus, it's an unusual view of the chapel, so it stands out from the crowd.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

really agree with your choice it’s way better back on the path as it gives even more context to the isolation of the building

[@meatloaf7228]

holy flashbang at 2:12

[@liveinaweorg]

Austin is an interesting character and I love his books and channel. He makes you think!

[@tindeljean3274]

personally I love the one at 7:54, and I think that the one with the road is nice but too distracting, so I agree with your first opinion. But in any case, I love your video, really inspiring !

[@BenjaminLeeds]

This one is my favorite as well.

[@andrewfarrell6120]

I think I understand what you mean about context without distraction but I totally disagreed when you were on the hill and appreciated you correcting yourself. That composition was so much better. A great photo.

[@aderixon]

My copy of your book arrived on Monday. Really nice work, love it, all of it - thank you.

[@AlexanderLabial]

This makes so much sense, I’ve never really thought about it in that way. And now when I’m looking at some of my less favourite photos I see the elements that aren’t adding to the context 🤯

[@rickarmstrong9793]

Glad you changed your mind about the spot in the road. For me, the shot from the road changed it from looking at it from a distance, to being on the way there. Normally I like to be a little closer to my subject, but I thought the longer shot was far more effective. This video reminded me I need to remember to add more context.

[@j8kkb]

another nice video with fabulous images, understand your thinking completely ' Clean photo's' no distractions, unless they enhance the subject

[@peterfritzphoto]

This is absolutely brilliant, James! Just brilliant.

[@MortAllachie]

Just received a book in the mail. So happy to read that you had the epiphany here in Norway so I can enjoy your book. Hope to find some inspiration to get back out and shoot 🤩

[@MrBusby]

Always try and get to “the church in the sea” when I visit Anglesey. It’s such a fantastic location. Thanks for another great video.

[@MrMoonpie001]

I enjoyed the video!!!! A long time ago you mentioned how subjects offer "Scale!" This has been a huge help for me. That church looks very small but with the man and dog actually makes the church look larger! I think this is really why you liked the further distant shot after reviewing. The man makes the subject look larger even with all the distractions around them. I notice you also use a lot of manmade artifacts in your photography and it looks great! Again, it is a trade off and often scale is the missing, but most important part in conveying the story about a photo! I also include something of scale in all my shots. It helps the mind focus and understanding is much more automatic! I appreciate all you have taught me over the years! Too bad there were no whales in your shot in Wales!!!!! (Bad, American joke, I know..........) Moonpie

[@Zack23737]

I love your channel james youre my favorite channel on youtbe and i hope ill be lucky enough to get paid for photography or get alot of time to take photos

[@dillank3240]

This was useful! I have to be reminded of these things from time to time. Raising questions is good technique!

[@dillank3240]

Which reminds me of a question: how do you say the name of that church again?

[@robertnystrom289]

The Church definitely created curiosity. That was not a small undertaking. The what appears to be concrete wall around it, all the fill required, and the sheer aggravation of building it with tides, wind and waves was not a lightly thought out undertaking. Looking forward to the book- Cheers!

[@allenchurchill6183]

Great vid. I am interested in the ideas that underlie your work. Love the discussion of context. I have been in nearly the same situation and found it helpful to get up on a ladder with a very wide lens and shoot down on an angle at subject. Keep up the great work! Your vids are a treat

[@rob9386]

hahhaa 8 min in I thought the same and how you edited the video was so cool! Loved that!

[@jremi]

Great video as always and yes, very useful!

[@paulboskerphotography]

Great video. Thanks for making us THINK about our photography. Love your work!

[@tedphillips2951]

I agree with your final photo selection. Complicated or not.

[@thewaffl3r]

I disagreed with you as well, but easier to see that on a big screen than in camera. I was so happy you changed your mind cause I was beginning to think I knew even less about composition than I already do!

[@richarddutchholland4780]

Every single image I’ve ever taken since I started photography in 1983 as a 13 year old kid using my dads old camera was purely for myself and nobody else, today is exactly the same and none have been upload for “Likes” on Social Media as they have no interest to others, only myself and that is all that matters

[@neeravnaik]

Always insightful and concise! We are lucky to get this wisdom for free

[@JackieDElia]

Always fun to wake up to a new James Popsys video! My very favorite channel on YT.

[@andriesmeyer5525]

I have been here twice over the last couple of weeks and find the location difficult, also tried from the road but found the little house to the left was an easier shot 🤷🏼‍♂️ after watching this will definitely go try again.

[@SarunasTarvydas]

It's a bit meta, but I think a good shot was a frame from the video of that chapel on the right-hand side and you on the left photographing the chapel at 5:15 😄

[@robertleem5643]

Been here a few times, really nice and quiet place, have got quite a few night shots here, stars behind looking superb

[@MrCheeesy]

Long time viewers knew it was only a matter of time until he made a video with this title 😂. But im all for it, these 3 words alone have changed how i shoot my photos, FOREVER.

[@MrRooni]

Thanks for the video, James. You could do more videos on this subject, it’s a good one. Separate note, got the shipping notification for the book, can’t wait!

[@jamessullivan564]

Great fun to see a video from somewhere I travelled to recently- from Australia. Took one of my favourite pictures from there

[@PeterbFree]

Nice work and a great video James

[@LJ-wo1wf]

That was exactly the explanation that worked on me. I like to think that I’m decent enough at framing my subject, but I’ve always felt that something “extra” was missing. Bingo - I never looked for context.

[@SzabokaMusic]

Instantly picked the 3 books up on Audible, the minute you quoted the 'cat on the mat' thought.

[@RichardBO9]

Interesting video. Quite a bit to ponder. So I think the composition you were after was in the location you wrote off at about 65mm. 🤠

[@peterivarsson9267]

Same here, great take on composition 👍

[@StuartWeir]

When I saw the “The Three Words”, as a Brandon Sanderson fan, my brain immediately went to “Life before Death, Strength before Weakness, Journey before Destination”, but I realized that couldn’t have been what you meant because thinking about it, none of those have anything to do with photography. Except maybe the last one. And maybe the first one, if you get meta about what photography is really about. And maybe the second one too, if you hike a really long way for a shot and you’re really tired and can’t carry on anymore. So never mind. It could have been any three of those.

[@alanbristow8483]

First video I've seen of yours. I enjoyed it so will be back. I literally said out loud, "I definitely disagree with you there mate" on the composition and seconds later you disagreed with yourself! 😂 😂 😂 Great minds think alike but not necessarily at the same time! 😁

[@domipro123]

For once I did learn something from someone (on KZbin) talking about concept and context in making pictures! Thank you

[@LloydSpencer]

Excellent mantras... right on.

[@jaynebooton5663]

So glad you changed your mind, photo from the road soooo much better, to me anyway😃

[@julianheritage6436]

I really like this video and got your view, so when you got to the track leading down to the church in the distance I thought yes, that’s the image I get it. But when in location you said it was too complicated I was shouting out nooooo what are you saying. So thanks for then correcting and disagreeing with your past self. Confusion averted 🤪 I have Steal like an Artist too, great book 👍

[@QuicknStraight]

We all see different things. I'd have gone back down nearer and used a wider angle lens to make the chapel and island look smaller in the landscape, highlighting its isolation.

[@volkom91]

A photo taken with a drone at about 10-20m high elevation (at the same height as the second photo, but closer to the subject) would have made the context part even better probably, with the ability to exclude the distracting foreground

[@juliewerner1553]

Thanks again! I enjoyed as always.

[@thisisananonymousname4903]

Great video!! Love it

[@costafilh0]

A drone would be the perfect tool for the chapel photo. But perhaps it would provide more answers than questions to the final result.

[@artu10alonso]

So good video James

[@Clickumentary]

The guy and the dog...very nice. Love the tip!

[@PhotoBilly]

dont know why i never given your channel much attention befor... but i find myself both itching to get out shooting and sat binge watching your youtube... thanks for the confusion

[@anewcareerinanewtown]

Interesting but while you were looking for the right angle I was thinking 'the video is nicely framed - maybe that's your shot'. A still from the video.

[@joshballimages]

nice video. Love the perspective.

[@eduvivan2562]

My god in 4 minutes of video i learned more about inspiration than 2 years watching photography enthusiasts videos.

[@ybbobmurphy]

Really helpful!

[@sameteyvaz]

Yep. I just subscribed. This is good stuff

[@PJ-om2wq]

The stuff about "photos about something instead of photos of something" made no sense to me. The stuff about context and distractions was brilliant, as was the unanswered questions point. I love these kinds of videos. Thanks.

[@macadish]

What an expert discussion on the importance of context in photos (for certain genres...) Decades ago, I used to wonder what is this infactuation with photographers about telling a story with photos. Shouldn't photos be about a subject and making it look 'nice' with rules of thirds etc.? But over the years, looking back at my old photos, I started to understand the problem. Without context, the photos become a commodity, and leaves minimal impression because it doesn't make a viewer wonder. The photos lacks dimension, like drinking soup that's just water with salt instead of broth with soy sauce for example. Distraction though, is much trickier to qualify. How do you decide if an element, like a silhouette next to a building, provides context instead of creating distraction? It is subjective because a supporting element in one photographer's vision might become a distraction in another narrative. Nevertheless, it is a good guiding principal to take a more active role in including or pruning supporting elements instead of passively accepting them or worse, blurring everything out at f1.4.

[@federicosequino3904]

I really love and enjoy your video

[@stonerock64]

“Not that I’m being picky” but from a purely technical point of view, did you try using a polarizing filter? Low sun angle at right angles to your subject and haze that is interfering with the view of the mountains, sounds like it might work. I do have trouble using a polarizing filter with wide angle lenses though. Sometimes it helps to use somewhat less than the full polarizing effect. Anyway, I really enjoyed this video and your thoughts on composition and context. I have plenty of photos that would have been better with more context. The photo of only the chapel on a mound of rocks is a perfect example of needing context. The final composition explains it all other than reading the history of this place. Yes I did read it.

[@ColeScottPhoto]

“There is no story. It’s just a question of shapes and light,” Harry Gruyaert …..something to think about ;-)

[@matchoo812]

Ha I was just about to say I actually preferred the shot from the curve in the road when James changed his mind. 😁

[@robertalmeida3180]

At 8:00, if that man and his dog would walk down the path, you would have an even better photo. Great vid!