A Photography Rule That Actually Matters

[@WillemVerb]

The images are stunning!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, man. 🙏

[@giulianomarialodi3722]

Thank you! Watching your video became my daily routine before going bed so I can digest all the wonderful info you’re giving us all!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you're enjoying them. Thanks for watching!

[@paintingphotographs]

I've been feeling repetitive in my photography, and your vlogs remind me why I fell in love with photography in the first place. They make me excited to make images again.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Pat! Really happy to hear that!

[@aaronsambeyfilm]

Big fan of your temperament throughout your videos. (Hey from Ontario!)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Aaron!

[@Larpy1933]

From Ontario too. Kingston. Now settled on southern Vancouver Island. Your video work is fascinating. I appreciate your philosophical ruminations. Keep ‘em coming.

[@theoldcameraguy]

Lovely fog, beautiful images. (Sidenote: The 80/20 Rule also applies to hamburgers - perfect lean to fat ratio for juicy burgers)😃

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 Like I said, you can apply it to most things in life!

[@terrachromatic]

I've been binge watching your channel lately, and congrats for the amazing content you put out. Honestly, the value you bring us by sharing your work and all the amount of tips/apps/advices is just incredible. By the way, it's funny you say these images are not "keepers" for you, but I really dig the b&w vibe of this fog! looks almost like sci-fi ambiance, very very cool mate!!

[@FRONTPhotography]

You’re clearly learning the ways of the British weather! It’s a good job that hike looks so beautiful to help compensate.

[@brandonsaulphoto]

I have heard of the 80/20 rule before but never applied it to photography. I think this is very value added for the photo community because there indeed is so much focus on the gear and not enough on what truly matters to an image. I just made a video detailing my photographic history and I spoke on the gear dilemma as well. I do believe it's important, but nowhere near the importance of knowing how to tell a story with a camera and how to make compelling images, no camera will give you all of it. Thanks for sharing Kyle and as always, love seeing the quality of videos you put out!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that, Brandon! Glad to hear that you enjoyed this one. Thanks for watching.

[@l.s.11]

These images are AMAZING! I love the abstract looking textures. Is it a wave? A painting? A desert? Mars in B&W? Lovely. I agree with you - what mostly catches me with an image is - subject matter, composition, colors. Tho a good chunk of it often comes out of gear decisions. So it's all complexly intertwined.

[@nickdeak]

You’re videos and topics always open my mind to what’s important with photography. Thank you for that

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Nick. Really happy to hear that!

[@brucepenhaligan8483]

You’re on form this year so far, I’ve really appreciated the content of your 2022 videos, (and those previous) It’s so refreshing to watch a video with a great message on a less than perfect day, rather than the many other who just moan or try to invent some drama. Awesome as always! Thanks for your ever positive and constructive content.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that, Bruce. Thank you! Glad to hear you've been enjoying this content.

[@runninblue9415]

Funny how subjective our art is. I'm biased as I'm into hillwalking but, on first glance at least, that is my favourite work you've done in b&w. Which is saying a lot. 👌

[@mattbray_studio]

i too thought the work was stunning

[@SteveKleinheider]

I agree...I think Kyle is selling himself short...some of these images are quite stunning!

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. Always interesting to hear things like this. Honestly, one of the challenging things for me is that images take time and grow on me. I find with a lot of work I post here on KZbin, at the start, I'm not a fan, and then later on I warm up to it. Cool to hear that you like them!

[@mortenthesbl5535]

I agree - but its always hard to see your own work right after you've made it.

[@mattbray_studio]

oh yeah for sure, i have implemented a system where i don't share anything for at least 3 months now to give me time to really understand whether the work is any good or not. I just can't tell straight away.

[@nickdeak]

All of those images in this video are keepers!

[@KyleMcDougall]

It's funny, looking back on them now, I'm actually warming up to them. 🙂

[@TheSoulofBlues]

Monday gets better when Kyle drops a video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

What a striking space! The ice made it look otherworldly. And I liked your photos as they show that otherworldly atmosphere. Been thinking of that GFX system! I’ve an XT4, and a Sony A74. Fuji is hands down the most inspiring.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Mick. The GFX system has definitely been nice so far!

[@SteffenMiethke]

Really enjoy how you're not just being hypocritical, but really putting the stuff you say to the test in every video! Keep them coming:)

[@correctaperture]

Perfect atmospheric conditions for minimal composition and subtraction of the subject. I do like this look and the three rendered hills with the ice look so contemporary. GFX 100s omg, awesome!

[@mattbray_studio]

yes contemporary is a good description, they look super clean, i can see them looking amazing printed large in a white cube exhibition

[@tutzu4]

Strange the connection between hiking and rambling!!! Always enjoy your videos a refreshing change.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, John!

[@shereemaebalangue1296]

This was super helpful and what I needed to hear right now. Thank you KM!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@RobbieMaynardCreates]

Man, those conditions are absolutely beautiful! I love your approach to weather.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Robbie. Definitely was a unique day. Challenging, but great atmosphere.

[@DebenVanDamme]

Absolute spot on.

[@gregwardecke]

Phenomenal piece Kyle! You called it a “ramble”. FAR FAR FAR from it! Excellent advice. Of the 20% .2% might be moving the camera three feet after you hiked four hours, .02% meter once more, .002% waiting three seconds before making the exposure. These infinitesimal expenditures of time are the difference between a snapshot and a photograph. Thoughts on wasted time because of weather. If you will think back to your early days (digital or film) you would have come back with tons of images despite the bad weather. And all you would have had were images. Coming back with little or nothing to speak of is a big part of the maturation process. Forgive me for sounding stupid but I think it was a great day for photography. You honed your skills of discernment. That’s something Kyle. Once again, thanks for making the video. I appreciate what you share with us.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Greg! Appreciate those thoughts. And yeah, a day out shooting, even without a 'keeper', is still a good day. It all matters. :)

[@Stand4Victory]

I can relate to what you are saying about gear and the artistry of photography to my thoughts of music. I studied music in college and of course studied all different kinds from Gregorian chant all the way up through 20th Century (mainly in the 'classical' realm, not pop or jazz). I was also very much into synthesizers, recording gear, etc. where one could definitely 'geek out' on the latest gear. During that time I read an article by a musician and he was saying that "Studio A" (which can be considered a recording studios best studio with the latest gear) is in your head. Meaning, the flashiest gear doesn't make a great song - that comes from the musician. It's the IDEAS that ultimately make a good song good. Consider the music Mozart cranked out with nothing more than a pen and paper - no computer/synthesizer/5000 sounds at his disposal - yet wrote incredible music. I agree that technology/gear can be helpful in photography. But as I've seen other comments, if you can't read the light or compose a great picture, not many people will enjoy your pictures. Ok, enough talking.....great video and I appreciate you sharing all your photography experiences!

[@andreathode3782]

Yes, my dude! Correct analysis. Absolutely the way to see the profession.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Andrea!

[@donbender9414]

So many possible uses of the Pareto principle in photography...in histograms, 20% light or dark, in composition 20% in sharp focus & 80% bokeh, in editing, in percentage of the frame occupied by the subject (rule of thirds is 33/66!), etc. I've used Pareto in my previous career as a technical problem solver, and never even thought about it in the context of photography! Thanks for the mind worm lol!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Don! And yep, can apply it to so many different things!

[@filmhowyalike]

The color grading 🤌🤌🤌. Also, location looks absolutely majestic 😍

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@heswithfilm]

thanks for making this kyle. inspriring as always...

[@shootfilm4377]

Some valuable thoughts right there!

[@cinemamode9928]

image at 5:49 is amazing. Very different from your usual style but I might like this better than a lot of your previous work, to be honest.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Very cool to hear that.

[@christopherbgriffith]

Me: Wow, those images are subtly beautiful. Really impressive. Kyle: Meh, none of these are keepers. Me: 😳

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 I'm warming up to them!

[@sarahdippity]

Wow Kyle ... the sceneries are just incredible! Love this! Always one of my favorite style of videos on your channel when you go out to shoot photographs and document your journey. Can't wait to hear your views on the GFX100S.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Sarah! More to come soon with this camera and a couple other adventures.

[@1331photo]

Solid advice! Thank you for the reminder! 😎🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome.

[@mortenthesbl5535]

thx Kyle - another great video. 2022 is going to be a good year :-)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Morten!

[@key2adventure]

Maybe the 80-20 rule is true, if you focus on results. At my age of 65, I focus on having fun, as I can’t know when it is all over. I guess most of the fun things fall in the 80 categori, but that’s where my focus is.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I agree. And absolutely nothing wrong with doing photography for fun. I actually think often it's the best thing to focus on.

[@kaeptnkrunch9212]

I totally agree with you. The pictures we like are most of the time made with different Lenses, Kameras etc. You can have the best Camera and Lenses and make the worst pictures....

[@heywhiteforest]

thank you for the video and sharing your thoughts

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for watching, Victor!

[@sumaiyakenzaatchia7682]

Amazing video as always! Loved the shots and learned some new information. Massive fan of your work as always Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@VlogPhotography]

Great video Kyle. Considering the conditions, I loved the outcome of the images. This was a really interesting and inspiring vlog. Really enjoyed watching. Just subbed to follow more of your work. The 80/20 rule is such a good point. Brecon Beacons is such a great place to explore and adventure around. Thanks for sharing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed this one. Brecon Beacons is a place that I'll definitely be returning to!

[@MikeChudley]

Recent viewer and I love your content!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Mike!

[@Headin_South]

Foggy icy day on the Brecons? bloody lush! Very classy pics, especially the second one. Mmmmm. Welcome to the UK

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Martin!

[@rick8035]

Okay, sitting here on my couch and looking this video and BAMM, 2:51min blow my mind… awesome video and outstanding good images…

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. 🙏

[@arsenikkkk]

Another great video on creative thinking. I really enjoying this format to the point that I even subscribed to a newsletter (field notes ;)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying it.

[@NickSmithPhoto]

Wales always looks amazing, I really need to visit, though not sure I could hike for hours and hours before my knees giving out. Maybe I could piggy-back.

[@jw48335]

I'm a huge fan of TLRs, having owned the Mamiya C220, a 124G, a Yashica 635 (with 35mm mask), Rolleiflex 3.5F, Yashica Auto, and Kowa Kalloflex. Top three: 1. Kalloflex 2. Yashica Auto 3. Rolleiflex Why? The Kallo has a unique convex focus screen, the focus and winding are combined on one side, and the shutter button is better placed. The Yashica Auto is the best quality TLR they ever made. They made fewer of them because of the cost. Just as with the Kalloflex, the Auto was meant to compete directly with the Rollei top-end offerings. I prefer the Yashica over the Rollei only due to cost - it's basically a clone. The Rollei is awesome, but the Kalloflex is the winner:) IQ is essentially equal across all three. Honorable mention to the 635 for unique capabilities, but a weaker lens wide open.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Interesting to hear about the Kowa and Yashica. I'm definitely not familiar with the Kowa model.

[@jw48335]

@@KyleMcDougall The Kowa is not a common model at all. I found it by accident while looking at the Kowa Six history. The convex focus screen is unique among all TLRs as far as I know. Matt on the Mr. Leica channel covered it recently too.

[@barrieanthony952]

I walked the dog at the weekend, had sun, snow, hail, rain, gale force winds, and perfect still conditions, that's the UK for ya

[@Itsallgoodie]

I think you're being pretty hard on yourself. The work in this video isn't what you usually produce but honestly its some of my favorite I've seen in a little while.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Chris. Cool to hear that. I find it takes me a while to warm up to most of my work. And this tends to happen often with the work I post in these youtube vids.

[@donaldryder5534]

It's always nice to be reminded of the 80/20 rule - it's easy to get swept up in daily to-do lists and other minutia and forget it.

[@theundefinedphotographer]

Between you and Steven O'Nions, I'm always surprised by how empty these amazing trails and parks are. Most conservation areas and parks in southern Ontario are packed, especially during the last 2 years when people are finding things to do outdoors. I was wondering how you've found the comparison between Ontario vs. UK nature areas ever since you moved?

[@KyleMcDougall]

There's definitely people around here, but I haven't been anywhere that's packed yet. As for the wilderness and nature, I've been absolutely loving it here. Very accessible and the landscape changes drastically within an hour or two drive. So there's a lot of variety.

[@theundefinedphotographer]

@@KyleMcDougall Interesting! I've been really enjoying watching you document the rugged landscape. Thanks for taking us along!

[@CalumetVideo]

Same here in Indiana, kids everywhere screaming and people everywhere, even walking in front of the camera when I’m trying to compose and focus.

[@sbutler66]

Loved seeing you out in these wilderness environs. Would love to see you out with Murray from the Scotland's Mountains channel

[@KyleMcDougall]

Just came across Murray’s channel the other day. That would be great!

[@dragosfrangulea6447]

Hi, Kyle! I love your channel and really enjoy listening to your podcast. It would be awesome, if you found the time to record some new episodes in the near future. Best of luck with your current projects and thanks for everything!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Dragos! Hoping to continue the podcast at some point. 🙂

[@carltanner9065]

GFX100s...my fave camera. Just can't afford one :) So, I'll live vicariously through your future pics :) Jokes aside, I hope the camera works well for you and you get out of it what you want to see. I like the pics you took in this video. Quite minimalist landscapes and in B&W. Hope you do more of those!!.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Tanner. Been enjoying my very limited use with this camera so far!

[@derekosborn]

Dude! I saw some keepers. Don't sell yourself short. The frosty mountain contours in the fog? Love your abstracts.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! They're growing on me, for sure.

[@lebxwski]

It's really interesting to hear that you don't like these images you made on this trip and I persoanlly felt a lot of emotion while looking at them. I'd be very curious to see you do a video on breaking dow na few of the images you've made over time like these and break down what you may not like about them and what you feel could have made the image better like what specific light would you have prefered and things like that. You may have done something like this already and if so I'd love to give it a watch - I haven't come across it yet while watching these over the last week!

[@sjmheron]

Great spot, and wonderful images! I'm curious how you approach the decision on what image making tool(s) you take with you on an outing. I'm sure some are channel content-driven, but for your own work, how do you approach that? I can find it a bit paralyzing (digital vs. film, formats, film stocks, etc.). Also, is the podcast dead? I found it in the fall and have loved it, but have come to the end.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Sam, I'm at the point where I'm trying to keep it as simple as possible with one main camera system. But of course, the channel does complicate that as I end up with a lot of tools (buying for reviews, etc.), and then the temptation is there to use something different. But yeah, my goal this year is to try and stick with one format/aspect ratio for my main work. And then of course, still make days for play where you just grab something fun like a half frame, etc. As for the podcast, unfortunately had to put it on pause for a bit. Ran out of time. But hoping to bring it back soon.

[@TheAugusts]

Excellent video man!

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@CHRISTOPH-B]

Word! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 (pictures are awesome 🔥🔥🔥)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. 🙏

[@ConstantinSPurcea]

I was in Wales, in Snowdonia on the 25th of Jan and it was exactly those conditions. Everything was frosty in the morning. Were you by chance in the Brecon Beacons on the same day?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hmmm, can't remember the exact day. Could have been though!

[@sethstrickland4925]

Agreed with a lot of folks -- some of my favorite images you've made. How do you feel about them now, three months out?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Seth. Still surprised to hear that. I haven't really looked at them too much since. But I'd say I still feel similar about them.

[@sethstrickland4925]

@@KyleMcDougall I never like the shots other people like the most in my own work, so I shouldn't be surprised. Whenever someone says they really like a shot my response is inevitably -- really, that one?

[@ChrisW.Fuji_Canon]

wonderful 😊🤩

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Chris!

[@liveinaweorg]

Kyle, I always take something from your rambles :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Happy to hear that, Morris!

[@palesmichael]

Hey, I would be very much interested how well do the C/Y mount lenses cover the GFX100 sensor, as I know that there is an adapter for it. (especially the planar 100 macro 2.8)

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'll probably do a vid in the future about it. I do have an adapter, and have been playing around with the 50mm and 45mm so far. They both cover.

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

This is the second video I've seen with stunning B/W landscape shots where you really sell yourself short! The other one was in the quarry (the Olympus XA photos looked especially great). I'm not sure if I've heard of this rule or not, but it's definitely something I'll mull over for the rest of the day. I'm trying to work on a writing project before my next semester starts and it's hard. Going out on photo walks is the diversion for me at the moment, but that's also really fun and creatively interesting, so does that count as 20 or 80 percent? Probably the latter, but I'm not so certain...

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Christian. I'm definitely warming up to them. The 80/20 all comes down to what you're looking to achieve. You can definitely just go and do things for fun. And I guess if enjoyment/fun is the end goal, then going out for a photo walk would fall into the 20%. :)

[@MrBritishGent]

You know how to suffer for your art, Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁

[@key2adventure]

With regard to photography, I would spend most of the 20% on thinking creatively

[@victorcarmelo8606]

Beautiful especially with the fog and dusting of snow. Sorry the weather and light not inspire you but loved the images you got here. Regards.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Victor. They're definitely growing on me!

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Very interesting thought. I also though the few images you showed were pretty damn good!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Geoff.

[@rascott1970]

Pretty sure I recognise the route you were on. Did you get to the top of Pen y Fan?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Not this time. But hoping to get back soon!

[@kronkite1530]

Another great video; fantastic location and lovely images… … but, unless you regularly sell LARGE prints, or need the draw of mf and high mpx count for prospective clients, I just don’t get the expense and lens limits etc of a 100mpx camera. On KZbin (if a major source of income?) we wouldn’t see the difference between it and an XT4 let alone A7R4 etc. Unless it’s just something for you, because you appreciate / want it, of course.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Many reasons for purchasing this camera, which I'll touch on in future videos for sure. I will say though, 100MP was definitely not the main draw. I do print large, so resolution is important to me, but there are some other reasons as well. I agree about your point for KZbin/socials.

[@kronkite1530]

@@KyleMcDougall I hadn't realised/wasn't sure that you did print large (whether for sale or personal enjoyment) so understand that side of the draw now. I haven't written medium format out altogether for the future (having come from 4"x5" film down and a 51mpx 5DSR) but for now the limitations/hassle (and cost!) make it unfeasible for me.

[@faranji]

Any plans to test the GFX 100S for film scanning?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep. Hoping to have a video up this month.

[@stephenlloydco]

I think the pictures are good. Possibly they are the kind you’ll come back to in 12 months and change your opinion on them.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Stephen. Yeah, they're already growing on me.

[@bleepbleepohio]

Takes new gfx100 out of bag. Sits it on ground. My brain malfunctioned for a few seconds 😂

[@KyleMcDougall]

*Testing the weather sealing. 😉

[@rafriedman]

“Photography is easy; it’s getting off of the couch that’s tough.”

[@ilyapo]

Not a keepers, what are you talking about? Those are amazing shots! Please, can you share one or two raws, so we can play with?

[@ilyapo]

I mean not matter the camera, those photos i find very pleasing to look at, composition, tones, condition, estetics - everything is top notch

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Ilya. I appreciate that. Happy to share a raw file. Just shoot me an email: [e-mail]

[@ilyapo]

​@@KyleMcDougall thanks, i did already downloaded bunch of raf's and played with them in c1 - didn't find any magic unfourtunately( i guess i just stick with my x-t20

[@jvermillion1052]

I think all of the pics you took are “keepers.” I prefer them to the classic “old building” or “across the valley” shots that there are millions of. I think these were some of your better work.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. They're definitely growing on me.

[@radicaleyemag]

1:34 - this is what i hate about the UK 😂

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, I actually quite enjoy it! Keeps things interesting.

[@MrIvanlagos]

is no one is gonna mention that he just walked passed those bulldozers on the side of the mountain and then goes on to say he struggled finding good photos? not trying to talk shit, just felt those could've been some amazing photos!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, I definitely thought about shooting them!

[@wcrofford]

I guess the rest of us who can't afford these Fujifilm gfx 100's aren't able to create decent landscape photos, seeing many youtube creators are using these cameras. If, as many of you guys say, any modern camera will do

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Wayne, everyone should just use the camera that suits them best / what they enjoy. For me, that's currently the GFX100s. No one said anything about not being able to make good photos without it.

[@jnrickards]

I prefer your first rule, ignore the weather forecast and just get out there, LoL.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, it's a good one to live by in the UK!

[@СергейИванов-л3ф4е]

You are such handsome!……....…….................... Don't worry, I'm straigth. I'm photographer almost whole my life, since 1980, 42 ago. Now I'm 65, time to live! But unfortunately, I'm living in rUSSIA, Moscow. And I donno when THE Kremlin Crocodile get died. One wish I have: small light camera and lucky people around... And I try to write stories of them. My English isn't so good, but I hope it's understandable. Glad to be together to world photographer community.

[@hollywoodheiner6028]

There is only one rule in photography: BuiLd YoUr wEbSItE wItH SqaUrEsPaCe!!1!

[@relaques666]

What the hell you talking about these shots are lovely and moody!

[@LandonWhitsitt]

I’m sorry, sir, but those images are remarkable. “Unproductive”? Absolutely not!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Landon.

[@doozledumbler5393]

Clickbait title. Not an actual 'photography' rule. 🤣

[@thomaspopple2291]

film photography takes another hit. I am not against digital but will be unsubscribing if digital starts taking over this channel as I am just not interested in watching yet another digital photography channel.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Fair enough. Lot's of great film photography channels out there to choose from. I'm not stopping shooting film, but we'll see where things go.

[@thomaspopple2291]

@@KyleMcDougall can't blame you for using the Gfx100 though. Nice camera.

[@jhaydnreynolds]

I thought your images were impressive!

[@bensimmonds2101]

Great video Kyle, love your approach to photography. Got some very interesting places for you to visit over in Wales as part of your project. Will message you on Instagram 👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Ben. Always down for recommendations!