Learning Photography on YouTube | BE CAREFUL !!

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Don't believe the hype that fancy or expensive gear will improve your photography. I sincerely believe 95% of the most demanding shoots can be shot with mid-range equipment and lenses. Invest your time and money shooting lots and reap better rewards than any camera or lens can.

[@thomastuorto9929]

I believe you & a workshops can teach you things that might never be learned on their own or take a lifetime possibly. With that said, looking at your car & food photos & what gear you used on the car photos , how much does editing come into play & is editing usually included in most workshops? Thank you so much for any replies.

[@Rajphotos_usa]

@@ThePhotographyRebuttal absolutely In Sony world , I think GM lenses are overrated , most of the time we can get really nice pics with G lenses

[@Xirpzy]

It depends, i hated every moment with my old canon 600D. Didnt really embrace photography until I bought the canon R6. Everything is better with that camera.

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@Xirpzy No kidding? When talking upgrading to a new camera, I'm talking the current brands lineups. Thanks.

[@HollisRules]

Wow, the first photography channel diss video. (kidding, kind of) You make some fair points regarding focusing on skill over equipment but it’s not clear why you specifically called out KZbinrs that in my opinion do offer balance. Firstly the clip features Jared Polin’s likeness which is questionable because that’s why it caught my attention. I wonder if you got permission to use his likeness? Jared does review equipment but he also spends a tremendous amount of time on tips, real world scenarios and strategy. He also offers honest critiques on the brands he uses, i.e. what he likes and doesn’t like and it’s obvious he’s not beholden to any manufacturers. In the video Tony (Tony & Chelsea) was mentioned and again, they offer reviews but they also very often emphasize that it’s not all about equipment and suggest that upgrading isn’t always best just because new equipment comes out. They recently dropped a video showcasing pics using $200 of equipment vs $20,000 emphasizing that photography can fit any budget. I think your points about skill over equipment could have been made without dissing fellow platform content providers on the very same platform you yourself are employing. I watch a lot of content providers like Jared Polin, Tony & Chelsea, Fstoppers, Duade Paton, James Quantz Jr, Manny Ortiz, Pangolin and many more. Sometimes I agree and other times I disagree with the subject matter but I make my own equipment decisions and my key focus is always about being a better photographer versus what gear to buy next.

[@dimaphotographer90]

That’s so true, those big photography channels are not even taking great pictures with those high end cameras and lenses, the most basic tests and comparisons. I’m struggling myself to find quality learning context for improving my filmmaking and photography skills, and unfortunately on KZbin I’m swimming in a large ocean of low quality content…

[@michael007ish]

Wow. You’ve articulated my feelings about KZbin better than I ever could. I’ve literally hit the don’t recommend channels option on so many “creators”because they’re just shills. If there’s a photographer that I love that does a review, I’m good with that because they’re a working pro. Frankly it’s doesn’t matter what they shoot because of their talent and I get more insight from that. I’ve seen too many reviewers post something and they exclaim it’s a great camera or lens but have no idea how to create a photo. It’s laughable. So now my KZbin feed is actually full of real photographers showing how they manage their craft. And now I get to ad you to that list because before you would have been lost in algorithm.

[@petersykes2240]

Been doing photography for almost 10 yrs now, I'm Self-Taught, 25 yrs old... And been learning from watching whatever KZbin video, going out and experimenting with my camera, & seeing what works for me... Although I cretic it and usually go up or down a notch then what is considered normal for ect.

[@cosmashono7665]

Valid points. However very few photographers standout on KZbin. Guys like Simon d'Entremont. Ever since I discovered him, I stopped wasting my time on other photography channels.

[@CarlosMartinez-mj6cu]

He does create really good instructional videos. I totally agree with you

[@joits]

He's great. Also my favorite photographer to get tips from on KZbin. I'll admit to watching Jason Vong videos because he's Sony specific and I have found his videos on settings to be informative, but only those ones. His sense of "humor" just really isn't my thing.

[@v_stands_for_value124]

sure dude but a bird ph is mostly useless if u do cars or sports

[@danielx555]

I love him, mostly for his great videos but secondarily because whenever I hear his name I immediately want to hear French for the rest of my life

[@pierrematthieu166]

As a car photographer working now for a Porsche dealership full time , all I have is a camera and a 24-105 F 4 lens. Lots of the costumer mention how much they like the images. we had people driving 2 or 3 hours away from us to see the cars thanks to the pictures. I do take my work very seriously and strive to be better every day. I completely agree with you, the image is what matters. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@OliverWiehe]

This is KZbin gold - agree - no one looks at a photo and says “ yeah, that’s a Sony lens” a thx for the wisdom!!!!

[@Robdickson1962]

The one that tells it the way it is . A must watch guy . Amazing

[@LetsGoOutdoors]

Spot on!

[@tommytorres]

100% agree

[@photo2000]

👏👏👏 many thanks for putting this video out there. there have been good and bad things that have come with digital photography, and KZbin and social media. I was trained at a University for photography, and while this is only one way to learn the craft, it did put me in a position where I can wade through all the rubbish that is put out there on KZbin from people that have less than optimal education and training. Unfortunately, if you are just starting out, you don't know what is good information or bad information. Its funny, I am always trying to use the cheapest gear that I possibly can to get my work done 😂😂 diy where I can. I hold onto camera bodies and lenses for as long as I can. Sure I like new gear like anyone... but am super frugal. At Uni, we were very quickly introduced to the concept that the only thing that matters is the image. Not what gear you used, or how long it took to produce... but what was in the borders of the frame.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Yep that's how i was trained too

[@mbrinkley7]

Implying that you can't learn photography on KZbin because gear reviews are the most popular photography videos it's nonsensical. There are plenty of great options for learning photography on KZbin. Simon D'entremont and Adorama are two great options that instantly come to mind for learning beginning to advanced photography here. I want my time back after watching this video!

[@visualsbypreet]

Great Message and very well said

[@dominiclogue5924]

Good information.

[@gregshawphotography8828]

I couldn’t agree more. With proper training stunning images can be had with any camera. I have a modern mirrorless camera now, a Fujifilm X-H2, but I absolutely love the looks I get from my Konica Minolta 7D. 6.1 Megapixel camera lately. I was a novice when I first bought it back in 2005, but now I love it even more.

[@steevewhitehead1416]

I think the main influence of youtube for me as an enthusiast learning photography has been to stumble across ideas- technical and creative, to research more of, outside of youtube environment. Gear reviews have been very helpful in guiding my purchases of lenses on a budget. Nearly all cameras these days can produce images which are high standard, and so developing that photographic eye for the best image really is where it's at.

[@BoostLeekdMedia]

@1:47 - I 100% agree. The image samples they share are just that, samples. It boggles my mind that a majority of the comments from those videos are about pixel peeping at 100% to 200% JUST to see how 'sharp' the images are too. @4:20 - I also wish this as well! I wonder if newer photographers are getting "mentored" by KZbinrs...thinking "I am using their presets, my images are up to their standards" Because I am reading, even in some car photography groups (locally), that they are using "youtuber" presets and they themselves like it but the overall image definitely needs work. Great video! Totally agree about having a mentor. My mentor was AMAZING and really pushed me to learn with camera I had versus constantly upgrading to the latest and greatest.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Thanks for your response. I actually do think some KZbinrs are offering mentor services as well, mainly because it is typical for KZbinrs to maximise their income streams, and mentoring is yet another way to add to that tab.

[@savaskeskin6692]

I totally agree with you. As I mentioned in earlier comments, you have I think one of the best content for learning photograph as specially Cars. You deserve much much more attention and I hope you will get it soon. Have a good day!

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Wow, thanks! Much appreciated!

[@danpinho]

Thanks for approaching the topic so wisely. Subscribed

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Thanks for the sub!

[@haneyfrancis2780]

Thank you for the honesty. More people need to hear and see this. When we call a carpenter or a handyman to fix something around our home do we care what hammer or screwdrivers he uses? Of course not so why are we so obsessed with equipment.

[@camerasutra247]

This is exactly what had to do for many years. Every time you call out the big channels for spreading misinformation they find a way to silence you. Be careful, my friend. Appreciate your honesty. Here channels like ours are always a second thought for most people that come to KZbin for photography. Everyone is a professional on KZbin People that have never ever picked up a camera in their life.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Now I'm really interested how they will "silence" me! They criticise brands so I assume they know what goes around comes around. And I'm not saying gear reviews are bad, but rather we just need a better balance and more photography content.

[@lukaszforster]

Earned my sub immediately 👍🏼 This is something I was thinking about a lot recently. I’m not subscribed to any of the “big” channels for the reasons you mentioned. I find it crazy that channels that do provide amazing value and share their knowledge are not well known and often with much, much smaller sub counts. I guess the real pros spend most of time working in their field and dedicate small portion of their time to KZbin 😀

[@GenamsongOfficial]

Thx a lot for sharing sir🤗. Ofc subscribed!.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Thanks for subbing!

[@rickfinnstrom6376]

AMEN! I have seen a person with the most expensive camera take crappy photos. On the other hand someone with low end camera take beautiful photos. It is never the camera. it IS who is behind the camera Perfect video

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Exactly!! Thank you for watching

[@packman451]

100% Great commentary. Keep up the great work!

[@DonGiannatti]

You speak the truth. The focus on gear is boring, and if one is making a YT channel for other photographers, that becomes your job... making videos for photographers. No longer an assignment photographer, the focus is now on creating "content" for other photographers. And those are two different perspectives.

[@danielx555]

I have noticed that a lot of the photography KZbinrs talk about gear because there isn't an audience for repetition about technique or composition. Most of the big channels have pretty detailed stuff about composition and style and art and color science and editing. But it would be repetitive for them to repeat videos about those topics. Like, one video to explain rule of thirds, another video to explain how you can break that rule intentionally for great effect. Maybe another video about creating a center of interest. And then 12 videos about the latest cameras.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

I think the gear channels know that gear videos get the most views, and therefore makes the most ad revenue. They are full time youtubers after all

[@tonysleigh6635]

At last, a photographer with common sense! Thank you so much for this video, I still use DSLR's as I prefer the rendition you get from them and the hands-on approach. Yes mirrorless Cameras make it easier to grab that shot but I don't want it to be too easy it's a bit like having a car that parks for you, I prefer to keep the skills needed. Thanks again for this great video.

[@bryanthomas007]

Totally agree. Don’t understand-estimate the importance of a mentor.

[@neilstevensphotography]

I do agree... When I started to self learn, I came on KZbin to pick up a little bit of knowledge... However it feels that the only way you can truly learn something like Photography is to get out with your Camera, take Images and learn from the mistakes that you make.

[@berntolovhellstrom8891]

The best statements i've heard, ever on YT.

[@GinoFoto]

Photography is a personal expression, and whether someone prioritizes gear over artistic elements is up to them, only up to them.

[@alnwill]

I totally agree. Not only photography, but anyone with a KZbin channel. They have become 'professional ' KZbinrs' and need to produce content to make money. So they need to create content to continue their cash flow.

[@thomaspopple2291]

I am so sick of thinking I found a good Photography channel only to realize it is just about gear. I want to see photographers in the field taking pictures and describing their process.

[@nbs1189]

You hit on some valid points. Some of the worst Photography YTBR's seem to have the most hits or likes. Maybe the general YTB watcher loves their drivel and eat it up. Some must love the shock or audacity of these ones or YT wants to promote them. Most of these ones have high opinions of their opinions or their creating and endless lot of material to fill their money belts. Really unboxing a camera, camera bag. Great material. Sniffing a camera lens. Conspiracy theories. Sensor experts probably wouldn't know a Volt from an amp. Selling all your gear for another camera brand. Do people really care what camera you have. Love all these opinions of camera gear supposedly being the next big thing (flash in the pan). It is fine to review gear you own and use for your personal use. Who cares what your opinion is of other gear you never really intend to use or you rent to make a review. Either your a manufactures puppet or just promoting a business channel. Reminds me of music reviewers from the 70's 80's so much irrelevant nonsense. Probably won't see much of your channel with YTB algorithms the way they are.

[@GilbertCarosinPhotography]

The megapixel and sharpness hype is also crazy .... This has become a vicious circle between the consumer and the manufacturers.... Photography has become a game of number ... High iso, super fast lens... super super sharp lenses with zero character ( micro-contrast ) 200 picture per second superfast autofocus and extrme megapixel and hoo 8k video capability because being a photographer today means you have to create video ... ....

[@Hawaiian_lightning]

Very good video. Subscribed

[@photosbyjf]

Great video, after watching this I looked back at who I followed. Most were true landscape photographers that hardly ever mentioned the gear used. They followed the light and the composition

[@Jake-zc3fk]

Bang On!

[@sergiogomez6]

Great value in this video, I greatly appreciate it

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@JohnDoe-ws5iv]

I’m excited that your channel found me!!! I’ll be binge watching your videos!!🔥📸

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Hooray and thank you so much

[@jh52photos]

Great video. Thank you! While I agree with the subtitle “Be Careful,” I don’t think KZbin is the worst place to learn about photography. I’m eager to become a better sports photographer, and good advice from the likes of Rob Sambles, Jack Beasley,and Mark Kerton has really helped. They might recommend an expensive 2.8 lens for poorly lit sports field field or indoor sports, but they also tend to shoot with last gen bodies and 20 year old lenses. Look to the used market, they often urge. I also learn a lot from B&H’s Event Series. Yes, B&H would like to sell me gear, but they also bring in great speakers to teach better photography. In short, we do agree. “Be Careful.” Filter out the useless stuff!

[@danielquevedo5064]

KZbinrs pretending to be photographers are the worst. Great presentation

[@mikafoxx2717]

Between Geralt Undone and Ken Rockwell, you can get both sides of the equipment review spectrum. Tech specs and Raw to Ergonomics, and best results for least effort jpegs. But you can take good pictures with anything. Ansel adams did amazing things with basically a large box. Pick up something old and basic and try to use it now and then to remind you that you can do it all yourself, too. Some 6 or 12 megapixel camera fron the early 2k's for dirt cheap..

[@cerleywood]

Everything you just said about photography and KZbin content also applies to every other genre as well. If it’s wood working it’s all about the best table saw. If it’s cooking it’s all about the best grill. If it’s about lawn care it’s all about out the best back pack sprayer and so on and so on.

[@bamsemh1]

Well, some channels have helped me.

[@SniperPhotography]

Great presentation

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Thank you!

[@kenjonesstudio]

Hey man, great video 👏👍. I've just started my channel and my plan is to focus around the points you make. It's not the gear it's the photographer.

[@JustSketchPNG]

Thank you for the reality check! We need more content creaters like you who provide a different perspective to beginners. :)

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

I appreciate that!

[@visionz_n_media]

This is something that I have always said. I have also met a handful of these KZbin photographers and they are not actual photographers, committed to the craft. They saw the $$$ and free gear and decided to jump on board. I get a lot of ppl that dm me on IG about gear and I always say it’s not about the brand, cost, frame size, but your knowledge, experience in photography and understanding your gears full capabilities, and quirks.

[@masonjamal1]

That works. You seem like a hell of a photographer. Don’t bring yourself down to the level of the KZbinrs you seem to have issues with. I’d totally respect it.

[@sharifsalem]

I learned so much about photography from KZbin and especially the Northrups.

[@DCMedien]

Well, I don't agree here. KZbin is a perfect place to learn. Many channels have good explanations for nearly everything, and they show you the before and after. Also they tell you why something is like this or like that. Of course, gear reviews are a thing, but you can't make those explanation videos forever, and also gear does matter to a certain point. I want to know were I could get the best bang for buck. Also, sure the gear doesn't matter to the clients, and they won't notice a nicer background blur, or micro contrasts. But, it changes the overall image quality, and the clients notice that better quality in a way they can't explain.

[@TomaszKret]

Good for learning the basics. Unfortunately you won't find here advanced light settings, retouch techniques used by top league professionals. ;)

[@CabralCreates]

You are talking facts! It’s hard to find channels that actually teach and inspire creatives. Thanks for making this kind of content. 👌🏾

[@csc-photo]

“Be careful” is a fair title here. Lots of helpful info on this platform and lots of clickbait and bad advice. Gear content = clicks, absolutely. Unfortunately so does conflict. I will say that my lighting game would be way behind, were it not for some excellent tutorials here. Gavin Hoey, Seth Miranda, Py Jersa, Dan Norton are some great names to cite. I try to give attention to channels that offer actual photography content (both art and business), even though gear talk is fun sometimes too. Great topic & advice!

[@garreswe]

I agree, this is why I rarely watch photo videos on YT anymore. I'm tired of hearing about brands and gear, I prefer watching videos that give me inspiration and ideas.

[@charliejg]

Ha! You're food analogy was spot on!! The piece of advice I would add is to just go out and shoot as much as you can. Over time your eye will recognize things you like and things you don't and you'll adjust your process accordingly. As an amateur I would finally add to other amateur/hobbyist photographers........ HAVE FUN!!! Thanks for the this reminder, have a great day. Oh yeah, question: I watched your 3 year old Q and A video again and you mentioned how you're not a fan of using a CPL. Why is that? What do you do as an alternative? Is there a video I can watch from you about this?

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

First of all, thank you. Regarding the CPL, I actually have that video in my pipeline. Just waiting for a chance to finish shooting a part of it and to give you a hint, I intentionally bought a CPL so I can smash it with a hammer. Stay tuned! LOL

[@charliejg]

@@ThePhotographyRebuttal LOL!!! I got one, but didn't pay tons of money for it like some do. It was an open box Urth CPL the size of two lenses I use often. I do have to say that I hate using a CPL. It just drives me nuts. I recently shot images at an automotive event in high noonish sun without the filter and they were fine. I have used mine in the past as a pseudo ND filter though! That was to shoot a long exposure of a waterfall. Thanks for your response! Have a great week. I will be looking for that CPL video!

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

Two comments to make but before I get to that, i have been involved in digital photography for the last 16 years shooting different subjects including events of different kinds including weddings. I don't have any formal photography education, i learned from the many photography magazines that specialized in outdoor/ nature photography like Outdoor photography. Over the years I added event photography as i was requested to photograph the Memorial day event at the Correctional facility I worked at, this led to photographing weddings of coworkers. When I started learning digital photography I also added printing my photos on what is now my third Canon pro printer. By printing my own work, l was able to provide prints to staff that took part in the Memorial day ceremony, i also provided prints that were displayed in the front lobby. The magazines that were in print at the time were a great source of information and inspiration ,the photographer's that contribute to the magazines were some very good ones and the tips and information was valuable, between that and using the cameras i had, photographing every thing of interest in different lighting, printing my own work and looking at what I was doing figuring out why some photos worked and some didn't and just pushing myself to get better and challeng my self i was able to photograph important events that gave me a sense of accomplishment that my job as a Corrections officer could not give me. Even though I photographed many paid events i never considered myself a professional photographer. Photography is something I love and am passionate about but I could never make it a living. Now with you-tube. Their are countless of excellent people on this platform but there is also a lot of biased people and seems like everyone and their mother is running a channel no matter how much experience they have and that's the problem in a nutshell. When I started shooting events, i did so without an assistant or second photographer, so I had to limit my self to weddings of 100 people or less, i also photographed baptisms, family photos portraits on location, retirement party and so on. When I see you tubers telling people that you can shoot a wedding with two prime lens, that can be done with a second photographer but if you're working by yourself it will not work well. When my wife's daughter got married only one photographer showed and with the few lens he had the results were not very good. I always carried a two camera setup and would carry a few different prime and zoom lens on a wedding shoot, at times you have to shoot group photos in a tight place and a 35mm won't be wide enough and an 85mm may not be long enough, so when you're working on a paid event such as a wedding you better come to do the job properly.

[@rsat9526]

This is so true especially all these advice to always go FF....it's so nonsense when nowadays APSC can cover pretty much almost everything FF could do can do better as well in some aspects. Moreover, nobody is going to be able to tell the differences in the final products. Getting FF is nice and all but it is absolutely not required for everyone.

[@carlmcneill1139]

I think you can learn a lot about photography on KZbin but you have to watch the right content. Mike Browne does a lot of excellent videos on how to get certain types of shots. He doesn't spend much time talking about gear other than how to use it. People like the Northrups, Fro and a few others mainly talk about gear. If you want to learn about photography from them they'll gladly let you watch more content from them but for a price. They don't give that knowledge away for free. Gavin Hardcastle is another one that tells how to do things but he also has tutorials you have to pay for. I've come full circle and recently got back into shooting film for the fun of it. Now I'm leaving how to develop my own film at home. Talk about a step back in gear. I'm using a fully manual Canon AE-1. I just bought a Minolta SRT 202 for $40 last week. I haven't tried it yet. I had to borrow a lens for it because the one that came with it has fungus on it.

[@BubbleGendut]

The trouble I found with KZbin as a beginner was so many opinions & techniques for doing basically the same thing. Wasted so much time trying to work out who had the best methodology. My solution was to buy quality courses from a few mentors I respected who taught with clarity & taught the style I was interested in. Never watch gear reviews I make do with my old stuff.

[@Akiidan]

This video needs more views 🙌🏽

[@majicjazz]

Photography is art, learn how to see, equipment is a hobby, take an art class at your local college, you will become a better photographer

[@ralphberrett8485]

The irony is today one can put together a quality DSLR system that costs a fraction of mirrorless cameras that will meet professional needs. This is something never mentioned. One of the problems with KZbinrs is that they parrot each other which means they can parrot bad advice.

[@Edwin--]

Thanks for the interesting video, I only partially agree. I always took a lot of photos, as amateur, and used a Canon S60 point-and-shoot to take photos in auto-mode. When that camera broke down, I decided to but a real camera, and purchased an A7Riii (which was quite new at the time), and took it upon myself to learn photography; the exposure triangle and some composition rules. I have no one in my surroundings interested in photography, and KZbin has always been a great resource for me. If you select well, you get great information. During Covid-time, I decided I should learn video too, and also learned the basics of that off KZbin. You certainly cannot fully learn photography and videography from KZbin, but it can give you the theory, tools and tricks necessary to go out in the world and try it, certainly at amateur level, and maybe beginner professional. Photography and videography you have to learn by doing, but KZbin gives you a (free) place to start. I agree with you that the focus is too much on gear, but I think there is some nuance to this as well. For one, you can't blame full-time KZbinrs having to make a living, and for that they need a revenue stream which comes from advertising and sponsorship deals. As long as they are open about this, and it is not conflicting which what they do on their channel, I may find it annoying but at the same time understandable. Furthermore, I appreciate the reviews online. If we went into a store, and spoke to a sales person, you got the advice and opinion of one person, whose background I did not know and neither where he had an agenda (i.e. whether he got profit commissions from a brand). A review is always an opinion and in some way biased, but at least on KZbin, you in a way you get to know the reviewers a bit in advance, you get to compare reviews, and you can distil out what matters to you and what is relevant to you. I have found this very helpful, and lead me to making well-informed purchases. Better than off a single sales person in a shop, pushing me to make a purchase decision. In photography you always have the tech-camp and the creative-camp, and the tech-camp is more represented on KZbin. But there are successful creative channels, like the "Photographic Eye" or "Art of Photography" (who does a mix). They problem of the internet is, all is out there, but how do you select and filter what you like and is useful to you...

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

And then again, I once shot an editorial job half with a Phase One IQ180 camera and the other half with an iPhone 6. Client couldn't tell the difference. True story.

[@instantesnet]

Very valid points. Most of, if not all, the famous and popular KZbinrs are not pro photographers. They're pro content creators or reviewers. They don't make a living from photography. How many events do they shoot? How many of them get their works published or on a gallery wall? Photography on KZbin is 99% about gear and technique, not about art and the feelings or concepts behind it.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Ironic, isn't it? The art and the feelings and concepts I think our much more important..

[@joits]

Like who?

[@instantesnet]

@@joits The Northrup, Mango Street, Kai, Matt Granger, Peter McKinnon...

[@aristoioannidis7490]

Outstanding!

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jimgam730]

Great video.I primarily use KZbin videos as a learning resource and watch little to no gear reviews.

[@Peter-Dirks]

you are so right👍

[@priyabratadash1833]

Literally you said such a great advice, my current street photography project is exclusively in phone

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

excellent!

[@rstebnicki]

You right mate, 10yrs ago there was much more learning channels.

[@don7117]

Great video. I have started noticing how a specific theme gets carried across all the youtube channels at the same time. It can be about specific gear, techniques, or how burned out they are. Getting really annoying. They all seem to be chasing the same clicks rather than being unique and authentic.

[@MattisProbably]

Of course the gear reviews are so dominant. Because they are often sponsored :) As a total nerd I'm fine with the reviews because I find following the progress of camera tech very interesting. When it comes to my own gear I like to make the most of my gear without rushing to get the latest stuff. Also, I've made the experience that most people also like shots I took ages ago that I took horrible compared to what I shoot today. Nothing matters! Once you understood that and you focus on just shooting and having fun you've won 😁 Though when I do buy new gear the huge number of reviews is useful. If you watch a bunch of them the pros of the product are usually the same but some reviewers might point out cons that others missed. It's a good way to get a more complete picture before you buy it. That being said... Not a single reviewer pointed out that the Nikkor Z 180-600 can only be used with electronic front curtain shutter and full electronic shutter. Not with regular shutter mode. They often follow a list of bullet points provided by the manufacturer and they might miss certain details that might be important. So you still can't trust them 100%. As for my humble beginnings, I started watching Jared Polin and Matt Granger. They actually made me want to buy my first camera. Though these days I'm pretty much going my own way.

[@ElevatedThreat]

You speak the truth! But know this... Us KZbin viewers feel the same way. We are deluged with "kit review" content, while we thirst for instructive content. I wish these professional KZbin creators would understand this!

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

unfortunately they won't because they will always follow the money

[@theodorelenoir]

I completely agree with you. One thing I have to mention is that I don't necessarily think the mainstream KZbinrs are at fault in this case. There are some amazing professionals out there sharing know-how on their channels for free (one example being Tenfold Production for cinematography), and they get 1/10 the views of channels who mainly talk about gear. It just seems that most people on KZbin are hobbyists/amateurs who want to learn about new gear, perhaps as a way to justify the results they're getting (I don't have X,Y,Z lens and the newest body by camera brand A & B so that's why I'm not as good).

[@t_mcb_1342]

excellent advice...

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Glad you liked it

[@KubaMachnikowski]

True that :). And as far as education on KZbin, there are a lot of cool cinematography breakdowns on YT regarding lighting setups and how decisions were made on set to achieve a certain result. I wish there would be more photography content like that. I've even done a few on my channel but it would be great to see some bigger commercial jobs broken down if client approves. Especially commercial car photography, it's like some f**kin' unicorn out there on YT :-). Mostly youtubers blasting flash on full power or light painting tutorials... ehh.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Agreed! But the bottleneck is getting client approval.

[@KubaMachnikowski]

@@ThePhotographyRebuttal yeah I suppose it must be pain in the ass... Maybe you can comment lightingwise on others people work or on some of your personal projects. That would be a great value for me. And yeah, I know it won't sell as well as the gear reviews.. Anyway, thanks for your content as always!

[@paulroyle-grimes]

Thank you. Great points.

[@robmorgan9391]

I'm going to have to politely disagree with the premise of the video. There is a lot of good youtube content that is about the technical or artistic search for better photographs. The truth about what we do is that it's very niche driven, so as a community of photographers we only come together across the lines of our preferred niches on things like gear reviews that interest all of us. I shoot A&D professionally, so I follow A&D channels and content (Matthew Anderson, Mike Kelley, Arturo+Lauren, Steven Brooke, etc) the closest and though excellent, all of those channels are tiny because they're niche driven. I shoot landscape & urban landscape for myself in my down time, so again follow channels & content that align with that....and that's pretty much it other than gear reviews that interest me. I'd be surprised if this approach wasn't fairly common across photography content viewers on KZbin. We're not watching the excellent smaller channels that are focused on improving our photos from niches we don't shoot/aren't interested in. But most of us are down for learning about a new camera body that might improve our workflow. Maybe I don't interact with enough novices and/or hobbyists who do believe that the difference between their landscape photos and a pros photos is kit and I'm just wrong on all of this, but I don't think the success of the professional content creators can be summed up by legions of new photographers chasing the newest kit or that their success suggests a problem with youtube photography content on the whole. The pro content creators make good content, they make it regularly, they've been doing so for many years now, and they choose topics of broad appeal regardless of what niche(s) you're into.

[@alihall4208]

I remember the early days of KZbin and the nature of photography videoed were so different. It was all education based from real photographers (NOT KZbinrs) - people like Mike Browne back in the days and other miscellaneous infrequent posters made the best educational videos.

[@JET-Photo]

Biggest problem with these big channels and gear reviews: they are totally biased and they never follow up 1 or two years later to see if firmware updates hurt/helped their initial thoughts. Fuji basically bricked the AF on their flagship cameras but you hear nothing about it from Petapixel or any other big channels. We have to get it from smaller channels that actually are using the cameras day to day. That's just one example. Most people are probably buying gear that was released a year or more before and rely on those 1-2 year old reviews to make those purchases. Very few channels talk about the art of photography or how to get the results you want with what you can afford. Most channels have some kind of hidden agenda, selling their own stuff (which is fine if it is relevant), promoting a certain brand or whatever else they can sell. My feeling is, if you are a Canon shooter, why do you need to talk bad about Nikon or Sony to make yourself feel better? Same with all brands. Tell people why you love your brand and how it helps you. But, the majority are here to make money from ads on KZbin and are at the mercy of KZbin algorithms. Controversy sells. Unfortunately.

[@cyrohan21]

wonderful video wooonderful

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@seralegre]

A youtuber i like that reminds me my history and theory lessons in art school is Tamara Hoper (probably is written a bit different). But yep, all those gear youtubers are VERY misleading.

[@masonjamal1]

“Learning photography on KZbin” is not the same thing as gear reviews. Maybe that’s my issue. The title was misleading.

[@daniellove162]

I looove KZbin photography personalities and hearing the hype. However, my 5D mkII reel is STILL very good because you had to light according to the limited dynamic range of the sensor and get it perfect in camera. I agree with your sentiment but I still like the hype and live vicariously through them so I don’t have to buy the gear.

[@masanthar]

Well gear reviews are useful if you're in the market for something and seek value for money. There lots of videos about the technical side pf photography and various techniques as well as discussion on the artistic side. You can really choose what to watch and get inspired, at least as a hobbyist. Having joined an admittedly begginer photo course, most of what I've already knew from YT, blogs (and practicing) were the subjects of disscusion. Having a group though and share photos and critiquing was an invaluable tool for new perspectives and evolving. You can get the best of both worlds, time permitting.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Agree - I'm just saying, there are not enough of these how to videos. I'm trying, but then I'm also a small channel.

[@masanthar]

​@@ThePhotographyRebuttal True, the majority of the videos are gear related and the bigger channels as well. Still there's a wealth of information out there about photography and the effort behind it is much appreciated by the rest of us, if nothing else because it is'nt gear related.

[@pashow6486]

Totally agree. This reason is why Gerald Undone is my personal favorite of the gear reviewers, because he very specifically doesn't talk about the actual process, but makes it clear he only gives technical details and specifically for people who do what he does (KZbin). So he's the most transparent in my opinion.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Yes I love Gerald Undone too - geeks the F out and owns it.

[@Notmy00000]

💙💙💙💙💙💙🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@michaborski7383]

Thanks , the point is that most of the most photographers are bad or average photographers

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Or, one can say that you don't need to be a good photographer to succeed on KZbin

[@michaborski7383]

@@ThePhotographyRebuttal yeah, but it's confusing when they say great photos, you read comments and people say the same thing, but they are really nothing special. and it confuses your taste, it was like that for me

[@Dj.D25]

One issue I have with the big gear review channels is that they hardly show any photos they take with the gear they review. Or none at all. In fact, they seem to hardly take photos at all for being supposed photography experts where I assume they would be busy taking photos often and showing their work on KZbin. Especially compared to the street photography and portrait photography videos I've watched who show photo content regularly.

[@Caballeroshot]

I get your point but none of the channels you mentioned are teaching photography skills and are just gear reviewers. If people are unable to see the difference between the flash or new gear and actually learning how to use their camera then that's on them. Both types of channels have their place here but you have to give the viewer some credit and a little responsibility that they should do their homework on how to advance their skills and see beyond the shiny and new toys!

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

But look closer. The Northrups for example, do you have teaching videos but they only comprises about 10% of their total library. And this is the imbalance that I'm talking about.

[@Caballeroshot]

@@ThePhotographyRebuttal Yeah they cover some bird photography and portrait tips however they're all just a segue into a commercial for their books.

[@Dj.D25]

@@ThePhotographyRebuttal I haven't watched the Northrups in some time but I do remember they seemed to rarely or never show photos they took with the cameras they review.

[@joits]

@@Dj.D25 I watch them now and again but from what I remember, they always show their sample images.

[@MusclesAVS]

Where are you located?

[@Johnkostercreative]

Once we understand that all the stupid gear reviews and click bait crap that a lot of large photography channels spew out are actually just commercials, we mature and get past all that superficiality. It is cynical because the Northrups know full well that gear reviews make a lot of money and clicks, and they say that they are committed to talking about photography skills and creativity, yet they always go back to the gear reviews. They do it because it gets way more clicks than technical and creative content. They say one thing, and then do another. However, there are a lot of good channels out there with working photographers that are focused on creative expression and technical growth, and once you get past all the Fros and Northrups and other sell outs, there is a ton of great information. The big channels like going to all the Sony, Canon and Fujifilm events to see their buddies and feel important, but they lie to themselves about the compromise that almost always takes place. Nothing is free in life, and no matter what they say, they lie to their followers.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Yes, I agree. They are just buried deep under the gear review videos.

[@AndrewSzarka]

Nooooo.....I need the best and the most expensive and sure my photos will be the best.... haha... you are right. I sold more prints, taking them with my cheaper camera.

[@greenmedic88]

In short, the most successful KZbin Photography channels went from professional (some?) photographer to professional KZbinr. That is what their business is built upon; not their photography. It's why a lot of KZbinr photography is... pretty uninspiring. Unimpressive. "Test shots". On the other hand, HOBBYIST photographers naturally care about new cameras and lenses and the latest gear, which makes these channels perfect for their wants. And the market for hobbyists is anywhere from 100 to 1000 times larger than the professional photography market. No secret where the views/growth/money lies for social media. But yes; all the "real" professional photographer channels spend very little energy talking about cameras and lenses, beyond maybe a quick mention of what they're using for a shoot, which is often the SAME lens/camera combo used in all their videos. Some still like to glow about a piece of kit that addresses their specific needs, sometimes leading to 50/50 mix of photo gear talk and the process of photography to get the end shot, because professionals can also have photo gear as a hobby. Do they have a collection of old gear? On display? Then they're also hobbyists, in addition to being working professionals. Wrap up: the more time and number of videos devoted to talking about gear on a given KZbin channel, the less one can expect to learn about actual photography. You'll have to buy their course/book if you want that. If the "how to" or "how I got the shot" videos are a low percentage of the channel content, then they probably don't yield the same number of views/viewing hours/AdSense revenue, making them low priority content.

[@ZombieRofl]

Ive also felt into the better gear, beter picture trap, but now I know beter.

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Ha ha yeah we've all been there. The key is not to stay there!

[@ZombieRofl]

@@ThePhotographyRebuttal Sometimes you need to experience aspect like these for yourself. But keep up the amazing content 😀

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

Yes I agree.

[@The_Idea_of_Dream_Vision]

KZbin has been the best place to learn.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

quite like fro tbh, but only from his arts and his playful approach on field, so, gear marketing game isn't my thing. Nowadays I watch some professionals doing a challenge with some hand-me-down equipments. There's always a wisdom from someone who actually a real deal irl.

[@jeffschreifels8651]

There are lots of KZbin photography channels that do not focus on gear but on composition and lighting for example. I would never watch channels that focus on gear because I do not have the money it would take to care about that.

[@jwats5713]

Agreed, they push equipment heavy

[@ThePhotographyRebuttal]

$$$ talks!