John Free Talks Discipline in Photography 'That's When it Becomes Important to the World'

John Free is a social documentary photographer. John has taught at USC, UCLA, PCC, LACMA and has worked professionally at this craft for more than 45 years. For his personal work he does street photography.
IG: @john_free_photography
Website: johnfreephotography.com

[@fotofillholland]

Great antidote to the endless camera unboxing and review videos on youtube.

[@SpookyConcepts]

I come back to this video every so often, this is maybe the 10th time I've watched it all the way through. I don't think I've ever heard someone describe the practice and the craft of photographing on the street like John has, and how important it is to the entire world. Thank you for the words as always John, peace

[@scoon2117]

Thanks for all your style mr. John free!!! Only wish id discovered you sooner.

[@stephenobisanya]

I’m going to need someone to spend some time with John and work on a well-shot and produced documentary film. I hate that the photography community never puts the time and energy into showing people like him the love they deserve while they are here. Much of who I am as a photographer has been because of John. I even primarily work with a Nikon F3-my first and only film camera (for the meantime)-because of John.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thank you Stephen. So nice of you to think of me that way. I am working with Deeno for the past 8 years and he is responsible for all my videos as well as being my friend. He also handles the selling of my photographs and he is a credit to the medium. A fine young photographer who is making quite a name for himself in the art world. I am very lucky to be connected to him in this photographic process. Thank you again Stephen.

[@markmaffioli9856]

"Real life is weird when you're a photographer" - John Free. I'm gonna start using that quote

[@MrAndrejing]

RIP Mr. Free. You're a legend in street photography.

[@wadereeves1153]

I can listen to John Free talk about photography all night. A truly amazing existence.

[@pnk4444]

Mr. Free .. Been shooting since i was 12 ..Everything from street to wildlife. Now at 60years old , been shooting mostly wildlife , raptors and such. I just always feel empty inside . My Passion, Talent and Desire has and will always be the Streets, and that will never change. We all get lost in our ways, but eventually find our ways . Wish i knew about you in the earlier 1980's when i was in California going to college and Playing Baseball ..lived in Ranch Cucamonga , i would of rushed to LA just to shake your hand and tale your butt all over the place ..ha ha ... Anyways , I'd like to thank you for ALL your videos that over the years Ive always gone back too .. for inspiration, love and the Kick in the Ass that i may need ... Thank You , Thank You Sir ... I would love Just to Shake your hand Sir ... Thank You ... Peter

[@JohnFreePhtography]

You just shook my hand. Thank you. I try to help. I want all people to feel the good stuff I feel. No more empty inside. Maybe you could be a great MENTOR. Young or old on the couch. You have an extra camera and you know how good photography could be in someones life. To get them out with you both having cameras and a nice walk in the park of paridice. Together going into that good magic world of stepping out to look in and maybe catch a part of it to share. Always to share. You and your extra camera and your time and your passion and love will find their way inside you and make you smile because you stooped to help a child or an adult who needed you.

[@ersinklc8702]

Thank you for the real lessons. I am watching you from Turkey. You are so real. I feel like my grandfather teaching me what things are done right. I am 34 by the way

[@agapon2023]

no, you're 38

[@motttta]

​@@agapon2023 His comment was made on 13th of Jan 2018. Our man Ersin will be 40 this year.

[@connorizatt9200]

The most genuine thing iv ever (will ever) seen...

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

I gained a whole new appreciation for photography when I was actively looking for something good and not just a picture to record what the family did. I was looking for the best way to present what is to others.

[@h.d.d.4674]

Thanks Mr Free. I've just got back into photography again after a few years. And your helping me to remember why I love it :)

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Hooray for you and me.

[@alanfricker]

It is truly a wonderful day when there is a new John Free video to enjoy. Thanks so much John!

[@AlexOnStreets]

An absolute legend and treasure.

[@EricFosterMedia]

Mr. Free, you've given me such a gift. Whenever I focus my eyes on something, whether I have a camera or not, I hear your advice. I take your positivity into the 'stranger' world every time I go out. Thank you sir!

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Now you have given me a gift! I will be out shooting with you today.

[@Bavubuka]

Love this guy so much. What a gift he is.

[@BSF111]

Thank you John, I feel motivated whenever I watch your videos.

[@mylifetimephotograph]

Thank you for posting this. I watched this last night and listened very closely to what you are saying. I know I need to practice more but it was good to hear you say that. Thank you again. I appreciate it so much.

[@dilfill]

This wisdom is gold!

[@H3ath]

These words moved me. Thank you, i'm infinitely more inspired than when i hadn't seen this video.

[@florianguillon1773]

A video to be watched again and again to keep being inspired by one of the finest street photography artist alive. I personnel learned a lot from your content sir and I'm happy to say that my photographic approach as evolved a lot thanks to your advices and wisdom. For that, I'll be forever grateful. Finding meaning, learning and reevaluating your work over and over. What a great mantra for street photographer.

[@jbairdexp]

As with your video on "practising photography" I took a whole lot from this video. Even as a landscape photographer, many of what you talk about still applies. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@googeewoogeetrybe5025]

I was actually typing in John Green and it autocorrected to John Free. I'm glad I watched this!

[@Fjalll]

Great to see a this legend still full of passion and energy

[@doowwhap1]

Just a delight to listen and look at John Free. Greetings from Holland.

[@sasquatchmansfield]

Amazing! I’ve changed my whole approach to making photographs because of you. I’m such a fan of both your work and your ability to teach so well. Thank you.

[@ibsoc003]

I could wax lyrical at length about the impact that your attitude and philosophy has had on me - but let me put it like this; after a morning of feeling creatively dull and uninspired I discovered your channel, and, after just a couple of videos, had an irresistible urge to pick up my camera and go out on a cold, rainy Sunday to practice my discipline . Many many thanks.

[@Bakkm]

You sir are the reasons Why i started shooting film. U are a inspirator a fantastic streetphotographer and a great person. Keep it up👍🏻

[@arryharry]

As another great artist once said: don't think, FEEL! Love your philosophy, John. Pure, genuine, honest and all with the goal of capturing that instinctive moment that speaks to you in a millisecond.

[@labradax]

Watched this again after years. Excellent advice, technique and sound principles.

[@eduardolima3936]

What a privilege to have a great contemporary photographer drooping pearls just at my home, let´s go and catch those pearls and make something out there in the streets. Thanks John free.

[@vaamorais]

I am so glad I got to know you through this channel. I learned to be a better photographer and a better person. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@stormbeverages]

Just discovered your channel today, and loving it from now on. thank you sir

[@rhbraly]

Love your videos. So excited to see a new one. Great message. Thanks.

[@deepspacedusty8082]

I just clicked the like button as soon as I saw your new video . I know it's a gem always

[@robertbosson5223]

Loved listening to this, 20 minutes of photographic postmodern mystical woo woo!

[@ninniciotta1960]

Thanks John from Italy. God bless you and your work!

[@biginjapan8]

Inspiration! Thank you Mr.John

[@Pixografiacast]

Its awesome to see your videos because i can feel that theres no ego... theres just this wonderful heart sharing information...

[@mishkathlay]

You truly are magnificent. THANK YOU soooo much.

[@aleksandarjovanovic7398]

So sincere talk... Thank you John for helping us to better understand this beautiful art. It's all about humanity... 🙏

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thanks Aleksandar. Just woke up, had some coffee and now I go out to my darkroom for a fun filled day of making prints.

[@connorweaver6590]

Great to see another video up, Happy New year John and Deeno.

[@PekkaKeskinen]

What a perfect way to start the saturday morning. I just made a cup of damn fine coffee and noticed the new video. Couldn't be happier! These videos has been such an inspiration. Thank you very much for all the good work!

[@eyeholeman69]

great video as always John! Thank you for sharing!!

[@riverrat1747]

Thank you John. Your awesome!

[@jeremygerard8306]

You are the Real Deal Mr. Free. Thank you.

[@cremeofclubs]

Inspirational as always, thank you John.

[@alexfrederickson1540]

Thank you, John. May you know how valuable your advice is and your images are. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@HelmutWFanck]

Hi..many...many thank's for your work! You're real great👍👍👍 I love the F3.!

[@willybabythrowingmybag640]

Thanks for the motivation John I've been shooting 5 months now and I have learned a lot from you streets of san Diego.

[@johnkraemer5505]

Great video and information to think about! Thank you John!

[@andrewfrost8866]

Thank you so much John. Inspiring.

[@Buttface_52]

so happy for the new video :)

[@docchocobo]

Thank you for a very good and real lesson. I don't think I need to say anymore than that.

[@suehodnett6911]

Thanks John & co

[@HyoomanBean]

Wonderful. Such an inspiration.

[@Mark_L40]

In a time where some people concentrate on “the feels”, here’s a man giving out solid advice and having the discipline to do the important work. Discipline is the foundation to doing things and becoming successful.

[@74Ljay]

Great video John.... thank you very much

[@MarcEllie31]

Precise instrument of recognition What a words of wisdom

[@richardowen4558]

Amazing that he is still using film in the digital age! I love it!

[@roastpigeon9511]

Highest salutation to you, Sir!

[@AcidicDelusion]

Outstanding. Feckin fantastic.

[@cosmogang]

Wonderful insight. Applicable to any endeavor. You're the Alan Watts of photography. Thank you

[@inshadowz]

THIS: “When you walk to the store to get a loaf of bread without the camera, it's just a walk to the store. But when you walk to the store with a camera, it opens up a million possibilities.” This nails it! This is EXACTLY why I carry my camera around so much! And I'm going to quote the hell out of that statement every chance I get!

[@NYisconstipated]

Needed this thanks John

[@rileysmithphoto]

I'm down the Rabbit hole with you Johnny! Cheers!

[@avigluck]

Thank you for this videos , the content is very motivating ,im gonna try streetphotography again,it was so hard last time i tried ..thanks again

[@seamusandpat]

Thank you John.

[@mrdre1019]

thank you so much for this video

[@tmc-fotografiede2272]

Some very nice true words! Greetings from Germany.

[@gilles3574]

Merci pour cette très belle leçon de vie et de photographie!!!

[@Andreas-vw7py]

Thank you john for this video /Greetings from sweden!!

[@stigmatedbrain]

'... It's a new day, and I'm hunting...' So true!

[@beaupfeifferrecordings]

good info as always John cheers

[@bach7617]

Wonderful! I even learned about cars...

[@dmanb123]

Brilliant!!!

[@TheRealestIdealist]

12:20 👀 - So smooth with the candid captures

[@EmanueleAndreozzi]

👏👏👏👏👏 I love this video 😍

[@beaupfeifferrecordings]

legend for getting into boat building every haul has different shapes templates to test fit hardware etc a art of its own

[@storybookworkshop]

I love photography! :)) 📷

[@j.k5654]

That lens, 55 f2.8 is a legend. I love mine

[@normapadro420]

I like your videos. I'm glad I started to watch them. It gets a bit tiring watching some of the other ones about new cameras. I just want to watch photographers with many years of experience, and less of the new gadgets. Great video. Have a great day.

[@hotpotato265]

Holy shot!

[@brionniochoa6082]

Nutty old guy, gotta love him, I'd like to meet him one day.

[@RohamBroccoli]

John, missed you man. Do more videos please :)

[@JoeBee721]

Great video!!

[@byigit86]

wish you can produce more videos for youtube! great content about street photography!

[@bangtwister]

Very Inspirational!! Thank you for sharing :-)

[@aldaryrachmadi8942]

Im blessed, thankyou from japan

[@paulpiasecki]

Great advice John!

[@robari2410]

Never a flash!

[@RenePfluger]

Just a great explaination how important it is to know your gear and have a strict idea. Take some ideas with me. Many thanks.

[@marleymarl85]

Rocking a Carharrt hat. I like him even more than I did before

[@lifetimesofamultiplemediam1003]

Excellent… Give Thanks

[@Tipzyyy]

the davis goggins of photography

[@LedGaRRagE]

great video, thank you !

[@carolineandtigger]

Very nice. Thank you.

[@karlbailey2113]

More videos please!

[@Jason-Scott]

Great stuff

[@noamoster6417]

four minutes in i can tell this going to be great