The Importance Of Making Photos Close To Home

[@photoexplorer]

Motivation in your local area is always the challenge, with each venture outside hope brings excitement. Sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s photography. Great work.

[@TomNorthenscold]

During COVID, photographing in my local area has been a lifesaver.

[@trulsdirio]

As I don't have a drivers license to begin with, this is pretty much all I do and I really enjoy getting to shoot the same compositions through the seasons and different lighting. Really makes you grow and be able to learn by comparing your shots again and again.

[@photoexplorer]

Motivation in your local area is always the challenge for me, with each venture outside hope brings possibility; sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but that’s photography. Great work.

[@echo282]

Nice one Kyle, gotta keep up that motivation. We could all do with a nudge sometimes. Also lovely to see the great English countryside viewed with such compassion. It’s very familiar to me and curious to have an American appreciate it like you do.

[@KyleMcDougall]

We definitely all need a bit of a nudge sometimes! Glad you enjoyed this one. And also, *Canadian 😉

[@monochromios]

Can't agree more with your video. I've moved some years ago from Turin to country and most of the photos I love have been talken around my new home. Photographing near home means you know the place and its changes with seasons, you can return to the place with different light and weater condions and it is a great school for develop a photographic style that you can use when you are in unknown places.

[@sophietucker1255]

I have been doing lots of shooting in my actual backyard. It is actually kind of amazing how much there is there if you just open your eyes and try to look at the usual and mundane from a different angle or a different lens .

[@JWysocki]

Great video Kyle. I definitely agree, that taking pictures close to home is very developing and allows you to get to know yourself. I did my naster degree based on photos in my surroundings.

[@TheAraLim]

Your videos like this (where you go on and walks and take pictures) keep me inspired. Thanks for another good one!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Happy to hear that. Thank you! They're my favourite to make.

[@Lomogeek]

Always happy to watch your videos as a source of motivation and education. I need to make the time to visit areas within walking distance instead of thinking I need to drive 30mins to get a shot.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dylanwade_]

We get a lot of that weather this time of year in Northern Michigan, and its always so hard to click the shutter when all I shoot is color. But you just never know when the results are going to surprise you, even on a dreary, grey day. Great as always.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely, Dylan. I find it's so easy to sit inside and come up with reasons why it's not going to be good to go and shoot. But almost always, when you just get outside and explore, you end up surprising yourself.

[@cheteu7968]

You are very lucky to live in a such lovely area. Looks like a nice English countryside. Nice and important video. Thanks Kyle

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@Braxtonwallis]

Your channel is such a breath of fresh air thank you for making these videos

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you for watching.

[@Poncedrew]

I loved your barbed wire black and white as I gave it a title for you ..“PLANTS HAVE NO BOUNDARIES” as the grass crossed over the line of wire separation. That’s why I love photography… Absolutely correct… many photo stories are waiting in your own backyard!!!! Greeting from Los Angeles, CA!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! 🙏

[@TheFilmFellow]

Enjoyed this video Kyle! Inspiring to see you embrace the process. Love the shots with the tree. Great messaging as well!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@eddiemckenzie5306]

Love your videos man! Just know I'm going to enjoy this one as well.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Eddie!

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

Couldn't agree more with what you talked about Kyle, currently trying to do more of that myself. Lovely images & look forward to seeing more 👍 Have a nice weekend.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks so much!

[@maxglaze1196]

Just the message I needed to hear, thanks for another great video 🙏

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Max. Glad you connected with this one.

[@jimwlouavl]

Thanks so much for sharing what I call those 80% photographs. I mean the ones that catch your eye but the light or composition challenges make it not work out enough to be portfolio worthy. Most of us only see that part of our own work ourselves; you share yours. To me, they are the artist sketches that lead to the ones we hang on the wall. Glad you kep shooting while your motivation was down.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Jim. Happy to share it all, as it's the reality of photography. Not everything works out. I always think about Ansel Adams 'Twelve significant photographs in a year' quote. So true.

[@jimwlouavl]

@@KyleMcDougall And that’s for folks who don’t have a full time other career!

[@marcargentique]

To add to what you said, so many times I have found interesting compositions but the lighting didn't really align to make a great photo. It was still valuable to get out and discover those scenes so I could revisit them in different lighting conditions or as the seasons changed. Its handy to have them "ready" nearby and in your mind.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely! It's a great idea to have a catalog of places to re-visit.

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

Love this whole vibe and attitude, very much subscribe to this pov!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Wesley!

[@waynesimon7096]

An enjoyable ramble through the English countryside. I agree we spend too much time trying to find that right location to compose the award winning image and we miss the potential of photos around our home location. I have to admit, I'm guilty of location envy, for want of a better phrase, when I see images from other photographers in various locations, like England...lol. Many images are waiting to be captured just down the street out here in rural Nova Scotia. We have seventeen foot tides along The Bay of Fundy, just five minutes away for God sake. Anyways thanks for the walk and talk Kyle. Always a pleasure to tag along digitally. Cheers from Canada.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Wayne. And yeah, location envy is something we're all guilty of! Things become normal fast, regardless of where you live. As for the Bay of Fundy, beautiful area! I spent some time out there and loved it. Enjoy!

[@danehnm2210]

Great video Kyle. Very inspiring. I usually slow down during the winter in Winnipeg as it turns into a bit of a waste land here, but took your advice and really took a second look at close to home and so brought my camera with me to an old ice rink in Starbuck MB my son was practicing hockey at and it was like seeing it for the first time. We travel to so many rinks on the prairie, I think I might be on to a new project!

[@KyleMcDougall]

That’s awesome, Dan! Sounds like it could be a cool project. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@bcegerton]

Got a tree really similar to that one, love it, got some nice shots last week as the sun goes down behind it

[@philipdahl9001]

I had a similar experience with my driver's license, first my name was misspelled, the second my birth date was 50 years off 🤬. Took over a year to resolve. I do most of my photography within ten miles of home, I am fortunate to live in western Montana in an area with a good variety of trails and near a wilderness area.

[@arsenikkkk]

Enjoyed this video very much! It's rare to find someone being so passionate about photography these days. There is too much gear talk, I like seeing the videos about actual images and inspiration

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed this one! Thanks for watching.

[@davecornish1072]

Always enjoy your positive attitude.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Dave.

[@ldstirling]

Well, well, well. Two Pentax 67 bodies. This might be the first time I can recall you mentioning that. Very fancy indeed.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Have a video coming out soon talking about the both of them.

[@danielmilz]

Really good lessons in this video. When i first started to shoot film i actually thought i could only make good work if i travel to flashy places like the beach and tried to emulate what i saw on Instagram. When we had our first lockdown in Germany last year i had no other place to shoot than my hometown. Now one year later i absolutely enjoy shooting around my local area. Finding a composition in a place you have been before many times can be such a fun experience.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Daniel. Lockdown was definitely a challenge for photography, but it definitely forced me to try some new things and switch up my approach a bit. Some great lessons learned!

[@Fortnite87463]

I really liked this video. I would like to see more like this

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Another great video thanks so much. When I first saw the title, and reading it quickly, it seemed a coincidence to thoughts I have had of late… “There are photographers everywhere”. So many people with so many cell phones which take such amazing images, particularly when you consider the favourite means of displaying the images, i.e. IG, Facebook, social media generally and on computer screens almost exclusively. So may third parties looking for free images for “The photo of the day”, send in you images (without compensation) and you may be included in our calendar etc., etc. etc. There has never been a time when so many great images have been taken and shared so freely and without compensation, it makes me wonder how a dedicated photographer can compete, have his work recognised or heaven forbid, make a living. There is more easily a path for certain genres like weddings, commercial photography (headshots, product etc.) and maybe even sports, but it seems increasing difficult for landscape or fine art photographers to make a mark. Love to hear your thoughts.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I think a really important part is community and contribution. Making images, sharing your work, but also sharing your journey, connecting with others, trying to provide value, helping and supporting others. Basically going beyond making it all about yourself. If you simply just make images and post them on the internet and hope they’re ‘seen’, it’ll be tough, unless your work is incredibly unique and impactful. Yes things are more noisy than ever, but we also all have an opportunity like never before to connect with and build community.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Great videos! I found lots to shoot in my own backyard last year working from home and having to get out, I discovered a series of trails and woods all through my part of 'New Milton' and got some good images out of those walks on breaks from work. Also, I love that lone tree shot, especially the colour one.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Alex! Yeah last year was definitely a good push outside of the norm, forcing a lot of us to stick in one place. Was a challenge for sure at times, but also rewarding.

[@sterlingcalvin]

i loooooove the b&w photo at 9:15 🖤🖤

[@enochfoss8993]

Great video. I really appreciate your honesty and approach to photography.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate you watching. Thanks. 🙏

[@nelsonm.5044]

With the pandemic and the few lock downs, I had to look for locations close to home for subjects. Two of my best film photos in 2021 were taken in my back yard, if you take the time to look, you can find nice subjects close to home.

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Great video and message, Kyle. I love that you are worried less about the video side and perfecting it and focusing on the photography. With that being said, the hunting on the XT4 AF is crazy in the last shot lol

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yea, the Fuji was struggling! Noticed once I was home and was like 🤷‍♂️ It was basically pitch black at that point. Thanks for watching!

[@lorenzomartinoia8351]

Amazing video, as always. Plus, you remembered me I have to renew my driver's license AS WELL! So double thanks I guess Kyle 😂

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, you're welcome!

[@edwardalexander9486]

Background music. And close to - exactly. You are the first. 10:41 - if only all could work that message.

[@ivansadovyi6105]

3:41 - the best 'photo' actually

[@Jayv70]

Great video Kyle, The ending really hit home with me due to having roundabout the same issues. Making most of your own surroundings with experimenting brings love to what you would overwise think was getting a bit mundane. Excited for the next video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, James. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one!

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

One thing that makes landscape photography so much better and easier in the UK - the historic right to roam that allows you to walk through fields and across land given the network of public paths and bridleways. Try doing that in any other country and you cannot get past the barbed wire, locked gates and the fact you are trespassing and in some countries may get shot...

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

3.42 looked like a great image for me... Nice video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@anthonyritchie696]

Kyle I so go and revisit landscapes as you can get so many different looks depending on the time and weather and also the fact you might not like the original and your know it has possibilities. I know that some of my favourite images are close to home as I live in the country you have to be a Biot inventive for locations (it is farming land) and as the seasons change you get different colours

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Anthony. Always a good practice to re-visit locations. I find that it can definitely help you improve your eye and understanding of light.

[@roguesodyssey]

Another great video! I would have taken that photo so differently. I would have framed the tree to the right to try and capture that cluster of tall ones to the left. All our artistic eyes are so different and beautiful! Makes me want to go shoot :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers. That's the beauty of this craft-the individuality of it. Always interesting to hear how others would approach a scene. Thanks for watching!

[@koishes00]

loved it, thanks

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@AustenGoldsmithPhotography]

Nice one ! Just what I needed , I'm sitting in my van with a hasselblad and roll of velvia cursing the drab light. , perhaps I can sacrifice a couple of frames

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌

[@chocolateanddutchy]

Very motivational to just get out and shoot whatever there is around your home. Gives me motivation to get out and shoot the cold days that are coming in the Netherlands😊. What type of mic do you use? Your voice is super clear and very nice to listen to.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed this one! For the on-location stuff I'm using the Rode Wireless Go setup.

[@chocolateanddutchy]

@@KyleMcDougall Thank you for your response, we really appreciatie it. We are considering buying a better mic because it is super important, this helps a lot!

[@cakeytea]

7:30 there is a tree like this about 10 miles from me. I used to see it everyday on the way to work and wanted to take a picture for years. Still haven't done so, maybe I'll make it my mission some time.

[@Raffnunez]

Good video Kyle, quick question. Where you find that strap for the Pentax? I’ve been wanting a leather strap that can hold the weight of it but I can’t find a one.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Rafael. This one actually came with my P67ii. I think it's a Pentax one.

[@ThatShaunBoy]

You live in a very similar looking area to me (I'm in Hertfordshire, lots of woodland and right on the Grand Union Canal so lots of potential, which I have ignored for too long). In fact you inspired me to buy and shoot my first roll of film in probably 5 or 6 years. Downloading the scans as I type this and can't wait to see what I've got. Keep on keeping on, Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Awesome! Thanks, Shaun! And yes, Berkshire here, so very similar.

[@BedaGenre]

I wish I had such neighborhood

[@fyzd3r]

Always choose the blue hour! ;)

[@lucavasconcellos]

Looks like the tree in the Strawberry fields forever promo, shot in knole park in london, great vid and shots

[@BraeHunziker]

Loved this one man!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, man! 🙌

[@paulengel5482]

yes sir !

[@seiwonko1162]

damn I was complaining about carrying one Pentax 67, Kyle mills around two!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Not recommended! 😁

[@ZombieRofl]

Ofc you can make images everywhere and there is skill needed if you work in less interesting environments BUT it’s easier when you are in an interesting location or with interesting objects. Making pictures at the racetrack got me some beter and more interesting pictures than let’s say in my back yard 😉 And the same applies for your USA pictures and this one’s.

[@Juanamieva_]

yes, but nowadays there is a problem with repeated landscapes for examplo where the people goes to the same spot in the same angle to take a similar picture

[@heres_the_sauce]

Another aspect is what is normal/mundane for you might be super interesting for others that don’t see that scenery daily. For example look at Nick Carvers Route 66 work. I see tons of abandoned/dilapidated buildings and houses where I live and never thought they would be worth photographing. Now it’s one of my favorite subjects haha.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I would say that it’s all important. Quieter images in more ‘normal’ areas can also be just as interesting as ones made in more unique places, but of course it will be different for everyone. The more interesting ‘flashier’ places will probably appeal to a larger audience, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re more important, IMO.

[@manuelepasqualini1429]

Hi Kyle, you make me want to go to the countryside and take photos of trees in black and white. I don't have a car and that makes it very difficult to reach some beautiful area around Gloucester where I live, so I perfectly understand how you may feel without being able to drive to places. Btw,I love the sharpness that your lens and camera together produce. I recently bought a used Leica CL and I am looking forward to testing it. Photography gives me a lot of joy. In the future I would like to buy a film camera as I used to shoot with a film camera many years ago. Which full frame, inexpensive film camera would you recommend? Thank you in advance, Manu

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Manu, if I were you I’d look for a Minolta X-300 or X-700. You can usually find them for a decent price and they’re both great cameras with some capable glass. Thanks for watching!

[@LeoGarrote]

great video

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you.

[@bro_liv]

I would totally buy a print of that 4x5 golden three! Would that be possible? Always refreshing to hear you on photography, thanks again!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Bruno! I appreciate the interest. Not currently selling prints at the moment though.

[@lombardy3274]

I live near the DVLA and they are notoriously backlogged with drivers license applications etc. nightmare!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Total nightmare! 😂 Can you walk over and check on my application for me, please?!

[@kronkite1530]

Not to mention going on strike. Great timing.

[@ChrisGower]

'it's england so things change' - ha, never a truer word spoken. when I moved to the US, I was shocked at the fact weather reports were accurate. I spent 27 years where weather reports were just something you ignored at the end of a news broadcast, as they were always so utterly inaccurate!

[@weisserth]

Don't move to the Pacific Northwest then. Our weather forecast goes a little something like this: If you cannot see Mt. Rainier, it's raining. If you can see Mt. Rainier, it is going to rain.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep, haha, learning very quickly to not trust the weather reports!!

[@erichstocker8358]

Hard to believe that a Canadian Dept of Motor Vehicles can't renew a license in 5 months. Somewhat depressing isn't it?

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's the UK dept, but still depressing, haha.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Stick to the road. Try not to annoy the locals at the Slaughtered Lamb pub.

[@stasgavrilovru]

You'd love Russian suburban landscapes

[@Dan-jg7zl]

I find the British landscape so uninspiring. It really is a boring country to shoot in. It has great coastal locations, but apart from that it is really bad.

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌

[@kronkite1530]

Re. Your Driver’s License, public servants not serving the public. Again. Time to start privatising our bloated, inefficient and unfit for purpose Civil Service,