My problem with Photography.

I go to take photos along the Nantlle Ridge here in Snowdonia this week, and talk a bit about my big issue with photography at the minute, and mochas... I also talk about mochas.
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[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Good eyes! I did change my jacket colour to red in those shots! :) Also by pensioners I mean those in their late 90s...

[@BigStipowski]

We know what you mean.. :)

[@markwilliamson6884]

thank you for this comment - was wondering if I'd gone mad for a second ;-)

[@Hanzimann1]

Damn, just thought I'd be getting in a dad-joke, and you all ruined it ;)

[@photonomist6345]

Ah! That does possibly make sense, as a large proportion of hill-walkers I see collect their pensions, and I have just joined their ranks. I'll buy you a mocha if I see you at at the top of Yr Wyddfa. The ridge you were on is a superb one too (though I forget the name of its various peaks) and has great views all round. I'm going to lie down now before I fall apart in total decrepitude due to the effort of writing this post - it's my age, you see...

[@MikeJones-ue7lu]

After 60 years of photography I sometimes find it difficult to get enthused. However watching you walking around Yr Wyddfa takes me back to my earlier years. Now that’s something I could get excited about!!

[@MonsieurFromLondon]

Light, post rain, always makes landscape look crisper (less haze and more clarity, naturally), amazing scenery!

[@shutterbug1076]

I can't lie...at the 7:14 mark I thought you were about to take a leak! LOL

[@MichaelTapel]

me too! I've got similar video of myself doing so, idk why

[@tilikumtim5562]

i was about to type the same thing!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha!

[@andy_holbrook]

Hit the nail on the head with the volcano photos, felt exactly the same!

[@Henry30065]

Superb video James! The mixture of humour, spectacular scenery and excellent photos make your videos very watchable.

[@andrewsmethers9652]

Too many vlogging photographers chasing a diminishing circle of enthusiasts. Everyone doing the rounds of the hotspots, Iceland, Faroe Isles, Elgol etc. All taking the same shots. I feel I know the Faroe Isles by heart, I have seen so many photos of the place, and I live 3500 miles from them. I have given up on many of the vloggers, as their content is the same as everyone else's, eg "What's in my bag?", "The only twelve lenses you need". The 4x4 camper van requisite for your photography adventure. Saturation point indeed. I basically 'follow' four vloggers now, each with a different aspect to their photography. Your unassuming quirkiness makes me smile, that and you are not flogging the latest 100 megapixel behemoth with a resolution far exceeding the 300 dots per inch most photos are printed at: If they are ever printed anyway. While I am on a roll, the vocabulary of most vloggers is severly limited; Think, "Amazing", "Stunning". I counted the number of times one well known vlogger used the word "Amazing" in a partiicular vlog, 42 times. It was practically every other word, and none of the usage was warranted. Good photos? Hell yes. Amazing? No. I have seen many beautiful photos, that I wish I had taken but I am yet to be amazed or stunned by a photo.

[@Just_Call_Me_Tim]

The bee distraction is the kind of energy that caused me to finish the first video. Your information shared is why I stayed. I think I need to browse your prints, and I hope to be as good with finding shots and telling fine stories someday.

[@malcolmscott7657]

Fantastic scenery James your sense of humour always makes your videos worth watching. Keep up the great work a true master of his profession. Malcolm Newcastle Australia

[@lyndapassey2752]

I agree with your point about being bored with other people’s photos and not enjoying them that much due to over exposure. I am in several photography groups on FB and used to love looking at the amazing photos but I just can’t be bothered with it at the moment.

[@gabrielc9789]

I completely agree. I find myself having to take in smaller amounts of photos at one time due to every picture beginning to feel the same. I live in a small to average size city and it always seems that the local community of photographers are all posting the same skyline views of downtown. It is hard to find an original vantage point, so I always make it a point to leave a comment letting people know that I appreciate their unique photo. The other thing is drones! It seems that everyone in my area has a drone and now it no longer seems special or unique to see the city from an aerial view. I feel it can be a trap sometimes to emulate great shots that you see your peers taking. When everyone is taking the same shot it decreases the value of the uniqueness factor. Anyways, love the videos and appreciate the content. Have a great weekend!

[@ricshaffer926]

The shot at the 11:30 mark, looking down the length of the ridge line, would be gorgeous a bit later in the day or first light. Would love to see more drone footage as well!

[@PointBlankZA]

100% agree on the over-saturation of photos. It does however drive me to be more and more creative and original. I know that is incredibly hard, but that's where I find enjoyment (apart from getting out of course).

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Beautiful location and photos! That ridge is on my list for next time I visit Wales :D

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Mads - it's a great spot :)

[@shanehuntcreative]

Dude, you make me laugh in every video. Thanks for doing your thing.

[@WolfQuantum]

Yesterday while my wife and I were out driving around our area I saw something that hit home in a similar way. I saw some cactus with fresh, bright yellow blooms and said that would make a nice shot, but it's been done so much it's become cliché. Different angles, macro, closeups with an insect in the bloom, etc.. It's all been done so many time over. There are just too many photos of the same thing. Looking through images on the National Wildlife Photo contest (which I entered at the last moment) I had that same feeling. There were some very nice images. But, there were so many that look like so many we've seen a thousand times over. Macros of flowers, of insects, and insects on flowers. There are only so many angles a exposures that can be done and they have been. A lot. If you love doing those photos by all means enjoy it for the sake of the photography itself and expose on. As you said, as great as the images out there are we can get so saturated that we lose the pleasure in looking at them. Enjoy the process and let the rest go as it will.

[@VlogPhotography]

Love Snowdon James. I've not had that opportunity to shoot a video up there yet but I've been exploring mid Wales since lockdown has ended. North Wales has done cracking locations to visit. Love that shots of the peaky mountain. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to get up there and do some Photography.

[@iankellam6440]

Great vlog as always James. Not sure if anyone else has said this but a pond is a body of water shallow enough for the light to reach the bottom. A lake is deeper. Lovely images. Keep it up mate and stay safe.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

aha! Thanks Ian, and now I know :)

[@antonoat]

The thing which gets me is people travelling to the exact same spot as other people to try and replicate photos which have already been taken. Oh yeah I went to so and so to take the so and so view that everyone else has taken, lol. Honestly James that's one reason I'm a fan of yours because you do you your own thing and don't try to copy other people, virtually every image I've seen of yours has been unique so refreshing and obviously much more interesting. Take it easy and don't fall !!! Cheers.

[@yuks705]

Loved that last one

[@Wklambert]

Not a bad thing at all sir. Your images speak to your love of the area. Absolutely beautiful work, James.

[@anouk8553]

Beautiful photos!!

[@wendynewing8834]

Great shots and video, but OMG that rocky scramble! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was on the edge of my seat, whereas you were just on the edge - and what an edge!

[@jimfok4343]

I kept thinking "What will Emily say when she sees this video?" -Elaine

[@steventaylor1649]

Welsh tourist board should be paying your mortgage James .....fantastic video! Planning my trip on the back of this ....more space and less people than the peaks and lakes. Welsh cakes , Brains SA and great castles......can’t wait.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much Steven :)

[@Charles_Coach_Photo]

Great video always love your sense of humour! great video!

[@Professionalmoochers]

I’m having a right old binge watch of your videos when I should be watching videos on how to use my own camera. It does make me realise how much we neglect snowdonia, should be easy as my parents live in Conwy. Keep up the good work

[@billywindsock9597]

Good to hear some photo rambling. It is odd how often I hear your voice in my head when I go out to take pictures. Hope Emily and the bump are well.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Billy - All well thanks :)

[@Cunabula_Adrian]

Your comment about 'shot fatigue' (or whatever one might call it) is something I've been thinking about recently. Watched a beautiful music video shot on a beach in front of some epic mountains which would have been lovely but it was Stokksnes and I know it was filmed in the evening because of the sun direction. I've never been there but I've seen so many pictures and videos of it it feels completely familiar. Sure I would feel different if I was there in person, but I honestly don't know what I would do photographing it, I don't think my version of 'that shot' would have much appeal to me other than a box ticked. It's a really interesting problem I'd like to face one day.

[@Leo9ine]

Go new places! Wander outdoors without a plan, without scoping out the satellite view first. Five miles from home can be just as special as five thousand. Keep a GPS so you can get back, but save it for the end. Maybe you'll stumble on someplace that has been photographed to death; chances are you won't. There are countless beautiful places that aren't named or known. Find your own beautiful spot. Name it for yourself if it doesn't have one. Come back a few times and find all the angles that hide until you've mastered the location. This is what saved my photography. New spots make for original photos, and really meditating on a space is a fantastic skill builder. Best of luck out there.

[@Cunabula_Adrian]

@@Leo9ine Oh I agree, I've been stuck in lockdown for a year and a bit now, only photographing the area I can walk from my home, it's been amazing, the limitations and also watching the changing seasons in such a bounded area.

[@nomadcompany]

Yes its a good call.... enthusiasm is another word for growth I think. Ive done all I want to do and now I wont do unless its awesome..... this could be seen as lack of enthusiasm but I see it as growth.

[@AndrewCockerillPhotography]

Tell you what else is typically Welsh at the moment: 1:27 - The droning of those single prop planes doing summersaults overhead! haha!

[@ZappaBlues]

Those clouds are PERFECT !!! I like what I can do to them with the right type of tweaking. Give the images a sort of 'End of Days' feel.

[@JayDowney]

love the one of the lamb looking right at you! I can imagine you coaching her like a model saying, "Yeeaaasss!" hahaha

[@joycady8325]

I hear ya about the over saturation of Iceland's volcano photos...I can't view another even though they are very beautiful. Thanks for taking us along on your beautiful, scenic hike in Snowdonia, great shots as always :)

[@jodensmith5093]

Great video. Like that you took more time showing you hiking and the scramble. Also gave more of an idea of what you pick out of a vast area in front of you

[@Gynra]

My days of rambling over Welsh mountains are long behind me, but I thoroughly enjoyed watching you do it! I share your view on other people's photographs: some are clearly great; some can hold one's attention for a while, but we do suffer from overexposure, as you phrased it. In this way, many photographs of merit get glossed over, lost in the plethora of images. I take photographs for my own pleasure, but if someone else likes them, that's a real bonus. Fortunately for me, I don't have to sell any to make a living. I'd starve!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Brian :)

[@-grey]

It always spooks me a little to hear weather abnormalities around the world from youtube that match up. There's been a bit of a strange rain shortage everywhere for the last few weeks apparently. Here in Mexico we've been told that the rainy season drought might mean a shortage of bean farming this year. 😬 This has been unrelated entirely.

[@keithsandercock1412]

I felt your pain on that rock scramble. Well done!

[@PeterLariviere1]

Great video James and some spectacular photos. My wife and I have been chatting about trips (Uk and Europe destinations) we want to take once travel opens up and had not really had Wales on our list, but after watching your video together we think it really deserves a visit!!!

[@millwallfan111]

I’m mainly a film photography shooter but I really enjoy your takes, photos and humour! Keep up the good work!!

[@riverwoodruff5986]

James, I think that scramble was class 3 or 4... props.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers mate! :)

[@donsmith2833]

I just went and purchased your presets, times are tough and every little bit helps. I swore I would never buy presets but over the past year I have purchased from several photographers to support them and their content on various platforms.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much Don, I really appreciate it :)

[@manasveer6047]

Never been so early before.. Awesome video James!

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

Truly enjoyable video. I really enjoyed the GoPro views of your hill too scramble. Stellar photos too!

[@_BrianFitz]

Hi James, great video and photos. I enjoy going on these adventure with you. Keep inspiring!

[@JFW5358]

Excellent video James. Some lovely shots and loving your sense of humour. I was going to comment on the change of jacket but see you have already noted it!

[@joelrollins2841]

Thanks for taking us out on another shoot with you. If you had to be restricted in your travels, it’s nice that it’s in such a scenic locale. Hope Emily’s doing well. Take care.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks Joel - and she is thank you :)

[@jimfok4343]

Those clouds either impacting your photos or simply being there behind you in video were wonderful. I lost it as I watched your reaction to the bee. -Elaine (We've had a very dry April here, too. Concerns about another year of wild fires have already started. Sigh.)

[@philipsmith1465]

super going up there on Friday you got me exited

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome! Have fun :)

[@RamonLinares]

Nice video, you are really lucky to live in such an incredible place and I really like when you are out there making images! Just one thing, may I ask you to enable the automated subtitles? I think hearing impaired people will appreciate that. Cheers!

[@ps-ri2qk]

Had to laugh about the cafe on top of the mountain thing, reminds me of a couple of my experiences. Back in 2007 I was near Pondicherry with Habitats for Humanity with a Reuters team - we worked during the day to build houses for families affected by the tsunami. Every eve we'd go off exploring after cleaning up at the hotel. One night in the middle of nowhere we're trekking through a wooded area on an island and we come upon a "Mike's Ice Cream" store, closed at that hour but very surreal to see. One other strangeness was in JP at the Inari shrine trekking up a very long tori gate covered trail - a noodle/refreshment shop halfway up the trail in the middle of the hills near Kyoto - very cool.

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

Such pretty little hills there. Very enjoyable video.

[@rob9386]

So happy, I was like normally James has a video out by now! I checked and boom. It's true.

[@PhilSledge]

Great video James. Liking the presets on my dog photos by the way especially High Key 2.0

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome to hear Phil! Thanks :)

[@zfrancisdumas]

Last picture was very nice!!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Francis :)

[@dreamontis]

The last shot is amazing! Also, in the shot of the path and the trees on your way back I found my self saying out loud "no James, portait! what are you doing?". I'm glad you heard it. That's a good shot 😂

[@andyb_23]

I’m enjoying playing with the presets James. Cheers from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much Andrew - much appreciated :)

[@michaeljdauben]

Your comment about Snowden reminds me of Mt. Washington, the talest mountain in the eastern US. I've hiked to the top of that mountain twice now, scrambling up some steap trails, and at the summit there's a cafeteria and gift shop that can be reached by either car or train. 😅

[@HolybasilYT]

This is an old video, so I know you survived, but you got my bum all puckered when crossing that ridge.

[@bwaide]

I‘m at a point in my photography journey where every photo of mine would be dull and boring without your presets applied. So with every positive feedback I get on any of my photos I feel a little embarrassed and owing you a „thank you“.

[@nexusproductions2064]

It's called editing, you learn along the way, there's no need to be embarrassed LoL 😂

[@JayDowney]

I agree w/ @nexus. It is an ever evolving journey. I started in 2012, and just now, 3 shots I took in my early days are going in exhibits... THIS year! lol. Art is in the eye of the beholder. I don't like horizons that are off kilter, but I bet there are total fanatics for that out there, haha.... who knows, just keep snappin!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks mate - great to hear! :)

[@brianmckeever5280]

Not a lot of it, but I like your recent drone footage, good compositions. The face on baby lamb pick is my favorite. GoPro mount seemed fine to me! Thanks for the content, I truly enjoy the weekly segments.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Thanks so much Brian :)

[@zmerc1969]

I'm having a different issue... being that Malta is so so small, I'm going out taking photos, but I'm really not enjoying it as much. Not sure if I haven't gotten used to my new camera or lens, or because it is photos of the same locations just in different light, or that I just need to get off this rock and travel.

[@viktorbjorkman5632]

7:14 and 11:09 , was I the only one thinking you were about to take a leak? Other than that, great view and great shots, makes me wanna hike up and around Snowdon!

[@sh8736]

Years ago when I was about your age I was part of a group which carried a wheel chair bound lady up Snowdon. We had tea in the cafe, she needed some one to do down with her on the train, I was there like a flash..... must have taken some pictures but was days of film

[@gregcooper2719]

Massive lambs are sometimes called “sheep…” For POV GoPro footage I have a plate (from Peak Design) to clip it into my Peak Design clip. Then does mean the DSLR has to go in the backpack and isn’t as easily available…

[@BigStipowski]

The go pro clip is great. I have one and use it myself.. it's very sturdy and reliable. Good choice. Great and unique KZbin content.. Thank you for the videos!

[@patrick.771]

The "composition" from 5:00 onwards is great! The peak in the background and you leaning in from the side :D

[@blue_ranger]

You totally just nailed my Snowden experience, did an outward bound week in my teens at Llanberis. Exactly as you describe, hours to reach the top, to be surprised by the café and the train. And the camera I had then? Canon Sureshot Multi Tele 35mm film.

[@IanWheldale]

I have one of those clips but never used it like that. Only used for fixing to fences or trees. I may well give that a try 😉

[@frightenedtreephotography4304]

Mynydd Drws-y-Coed is a fantastic ridge.

[@jodeanesullens6588]

I have always been fond of cloud shadows

[@actionimagesphotography]

A couple of months back you promised you would stay away from the "Big vista, small person" images. They were too "done". Oh well, scale is scale. Enjoyed the scrambling and shots.

[@maxwheatley4214]

The GoPro footage doesn't look any different from when you used the chest mount, definitely a good investment 👍 keep up with the videos

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Awesome! Cheers Max :)

[@bennyamst]

Really like the shot at 11:37

[@thedachmo]

Yeah the cafe at the top was both a relief and a wtf after I'd slogged up there with my bike, full face helmet, pads, about 3,000,000 of water* and there's a bunch of old people sipping fancy coffee. *may have added a few zeros

[@timothysmallwood2367]

Ooh dear, stomach went a bit wobbly around 9min in. I used to do all that stuff too. Bottle reduces with age obviously.

[@SomeonewithaSony]

Everything looks so clean and pristine. If this was Ontario there would fences everywhere (you can’t walk up to the edge of anything here). Also tons of empty Tim Hortons cups and empty energy drink tins littered all about.

[@anniebooo]

Thanks James, beautiful Snowdonia. I find that the white frames around the photos just grabs my eye away from your photos, maybe a thinner line? Just checked on a large computer monitor, no worries there, but on a tablet, a bit dominating. Maybe gray? Best regards, Annie

[@ejwkooi]

James, your presets are obviously bases on the Basic settings of you Lumix camera. I shoot with a Sony A7iii which will have other Colors to start with. Any tips for that? Love the Videos from Wales nu the Way. For a dutch Guy That is so much Nicer to See then out flat Lands. Thanks

[@pixelpeter3883]

What's Wales without sheep? And lambs? :-) That looked like quite the hike uphill; seemed very steep judging from the Gopro footage. Clamp worked fine if you'd ask me, and I think it'll be so much easier to use than a harnass, plus it also looks better than a harness, which kinda makes people look like they're leashed toddlers, ready to run away LOL

[@Insolesandlaces]

Good skills getting up there with all that gear, I struggle with a cup of water, Y-fronts and pumps..

[@tomgwl65]

Thanks, great vid as usual, nice hike!!! Wearing a shell jacket, is it possible to filter out the noise afterwards? Had a problem with that in a cut I did.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Aha good question - I'd love to know myself :)

[@robertnelson3179]

If I ever get a chance to visit my brother in England I should have him take me there for a hike. Will need my real boots though. Thanks

[@tommayo5778]

I have a yellow jacket that I bought specifically to be my own model! As a new photographer I am yet to reach the saturation/over exposure point - just consuming as much as possible on the subject. Also a problem for my bank balance… Great video as always.

[@lastrebelmedia8683]

Presets are class mate; slightly cheaper than the last ones. £1,000,000 was a bit steep

[@SubiKinubi]

I live in tasmania, we have a lot of sheep, I own sheep, I live near a tonne of sheep but lately every time I see just one, I think of your vlogs 😂 hope this is ok 😳

[@CluelessYoutuber]

Low key expected you to take a piss on 7:14 😂 always love your vlogs and style James.

[@dcraigyoung2305]

James: "Oh look, a lamb!"; Me: "Oh look, inverted strata!"

[@xxOzzie63xx]

I liked the GoPro clip, I also use a chest harness when out walking, and I agree, its a right faff taking it off to film other things, what is the name/make of that clip you used please?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

It's from GoPro themselves :)

[@benpaulley8565]

Great video. The points you raise regarding the over saturation of imagery is completely valid. 👍 Quick question: what is the name of the Montane fleece you are wearing, it looks great but with so many variations on the market it's hard to tell!

[@fernandosantos8573]

Awesome video, although my vertigo kicked in as I was watching you walking to the peak. Had to look away lol. Walking up a mountain, I have no problem with, walking on a ledge, HELL NO! lol

[@olliefergusson]

I've only just watched this, yes I am a few weeks behind, so I'm not sure if this comment will be seen but would you (or do you already) use Strava to track your routes and would it be something you would consider making public so we can also find and enjoy some of these amazing locations?

[@Goldy-zw7fp]

Reminds me of parts of the South Island of New Zealand.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Me too! :)

[@steveschnetzler5471]

You are lucky that is not rattlesnake country. It is quite exciting meeting one face to face, with it's tail rattling.

[@shaundean2350]

Love the hike vlogs and photos you do! I'm soo getting that feeling of being able to get out again and enjoying it more! Did I miss you naming what that ridge/scramble was?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Cheers Shaun - it's the Nantlle Ridge :)

[@andreasmolund]

7:14 I thought you were goining to take a piss haha, and I thought "please no".

[@bartvandijk668]

How do you strap the camera to your backpack? That seems really convenient to me.

[@thecrowfliescrooked]

I use that clamp and I always forget to use it.

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

I'm takin' the train...

[@Keemandkam]

Me Three!!!

[@SpaklesDr]

This is why I think printing and hanging photos on walls is the best use of photography.

[@ekevanderzee9538]

Good point! Everyone is so used to their phone screen by now.