New Photographer? Ignore these 6 things.

Don't listen to all the noise! Photography should be fun. Just get started. If you're a new photographer, here's some advice to get you started.
First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
My business:
www.omargonzalezphotography.com
Gear I use for business: • The Event Photography ...
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Instagram: ogonzilla
ogonzilla
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*Purchases using the affiliate links above help support maintaining the channel at no cost to you, so thank YOU!
KZbin Gear
Camera I use for KZbin:
Main camera: bhpho.to/2GrQBN8
Lens 1: bhpho.to/2OnBcp7
Lens 2: bhpho.to/3b4W6Cc
Lil’ Vlogging Camera: bhpho.to/31Ilabw
Vlogging Mini-tripod: bhpho.to/3h3JICi
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/3kXjAuc
Wireless Mic: bhpho.to/3qB7FVL
Voice Tech Lav: bhpho.to/2FOOWnB
Small Vlogging Mic: bhpho.to/2Kbd9VG
Cheap Podcast or Voiceover Mic: bhpho.to/3tfZwrH
Podcast Audio Recorder:bhpho.to/3qKkJZe
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Camera Mounted on: bhpho.to/2ImRSWI
SD card of choice: bhpho.to/30ywUP9
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Photographer’s Desk Items:
Aukey light: amzn.to/2vFUbBJ
Hard drive that holds my catalogs: amzn.to/3iWlBHS
Drives that hold my photos: amzn.to/39mn7zy
Time Machine Drive: amzn.to/3t1GDJs
My NAS: bhpho.to/3sXJ7ss
My SATA reader: amzn.to/3sZBJwU
My music receiver: amzn.to/3iN17B8
The Ben-Q screen bar: amzn.to/36buBna
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Favorite Fujifilm Gear:
My main Fujifilm Camera: XT20 Newer model here: bhpho.to/38roJaD
My 2nd most used Camera: bhpho.to/2OejxA5
Fun pocketable camera: Fujifilm X70 (love the sensor!)
Wide angle lens of choice: bhpho.to/2FykRZt
Street walk around: bhpho.to/3bLPrNi
2nd Street lens: bhpho.to/3dQKIs1
All around most recommended prime: bhpho.to/2FzFXGD
Portrait godliness: bhpho.to/2FvUAL1
Rokinon 12mm: amzn.to/2J1ZGzq
My Fujifilm video lens of choice: bhpho.to/38Ai2D6
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Music from Soundstripe. 44IREBCETRGFEW78
Learning!
Where I learn photography: cr8.lv/2Lfwl3a

[@pal2tech]

LOL, I literally was writing a script for "5 Things to Not Worry About If You Are Just Starting Out". OK, this is a much better video you have sir. My backup idea now is a 'How to string together and hang Godox lights with old lav mic cords".

[@lukasthrone]

I watch your videos too!

[@tonykennedy2344]

the fuji masters P2T and Omar!!

[@ogonzilla]

Haha. Awesome. Maybe MORE 5 things to ignore lol

[@oc2phish07]

I also watch ALL your videos pal2tech. They appeal to me as I use mainly Fuji (X-Pro2, X-T2 and X-T3) but also Nikon DSLRs.

[@oc2phish07]

@@tonykennedy2344 Absolutely, and totally, agree.

[@mttqie]

No!! That was a test!! You got me, can't stop laughing. Lol

[@sexysilversurfer]

A great line to be remembered!

[@danielcortes9840]

Yeah! haha I was like: Yeah! fuck all those fan boys, he´s right! and then opened a new tab like... Nikon what?...Sorry Omar, I failed. :( hahaha

OMG! 2:36 THIS ! This is so true! Almost three years ago I decided that I wanted to buy a full frame mirrorless camera and started researching what the options were for me. It was between the Canon EOS R, Nikon Z6 and Sony A7 III. If I had "fallen" into the trap of hearing what people say on youtube and the internet in general, it would surely have been a Sony a7III. I got the impression that neither Nikon nor Canon can take pictures at all, that you do NOTHING with them. That Sony is the only one that can be used. Fortunately, I did not "fall" for it. It also helped me a lot that I visited a store and held a Sony a7III in my hands, it was like holding an "uncomfortable electronic box", it did not sit in my hand at all. Even though the Sony camera was technically the best of the three, I still chose the Nikon Z6. And perhaps the main reason was that it sat very comfortably in my hand. Then the Z-mount and its potential for the future, the Nikon colors, the S-line lenses. My principle was that I need to be one with the camera I choose to buy. By that I mean, if I buy a camera that is technically the best (Sony a7III) but I dont feel that this is the one for me then it doesn't matter that it is the best camera. It doesn't matter that the Sony a7III is the best in test if I do not feel I want to go out and take pictures. When I took the Nikon Z6 in my hand and took some pictures with it, I immediately felt that this is it! This is my camera! It was not technically the best camera, but since I liked it, I knew that I want to go out and take pictures with it. Nowadays I have a Z6II. The only thing I miss from my Z6II camera is being able to raise the rear screen upwards when I hold the camera in vertical position. I do not want to lie down on the ground, which can be wet sometimes to take a picture of a flower at ground level in a vertical position.

[@ambermay7032]

There are so many camera traps to fall into. 10 years ago my ex husband decided my first DSLR camera. He listened to the fanboys that Canon was crap in comparison to Nikon. He refused to get a basic camera to learn on and we couldn't afford a full frame so he went with D7000 for both of us with a 35mm lens. I always enjoyed macro and landscape with point and shoot cameras so I found the 35mm mostly useless. I hated the Nikon camera menus and its body was way too heavy and bulky for my small hands. I finally got a macro lens and a tripod so I warmed up to it a little. He rarely used his and I only used it for macro. I sold it recently for a mirrorless setup but fell into the trap of full frame vs aps-c. I went with Sony so I could buy great lenses for my aps-c for when I was ready I could upgrade and still use them. I ended up with a A6400 with a 18-105mm Sony crop lens. I now regret that setup and should have gone straight to the base full frame with a landscape zoom full frame lens especially since my macro choice is the full frame Sony 90mm macro. My A6400 is already being retired to a fun setup using old manual lenses and for travel only. The 18-105mm Sony crop lens is too bulky for travel but wont give me the best results on a full frame so I'm stuck with it for idk... vloging? Its been a costly mistake for sure. Personally I feel if someone wants to stay casual with their photos or travel a lot without a bulky setup then aps-c all the way. If there are plans to put out print quality or head towards more professional settings in future then an entry level full frame would be the best starting point as it will take you way further into amateur territory with a nicer transition to pro than an aps-c will.

[@wojtekw6040]

Yet another great T-shirt material: "just make sure the camera has a lens on it". 4XL please :)

[@ArinaKimCinematicVlog]

Lovely tips! Thanks! 🤩😍

[@mchlhth]

I’ve been shooting digital interchangeable lens cameras for nearly 10 years. My first was a used Olympus E-P2 with the original M.Zuiko 14-42mm collapsing zoom. My first prime lens was a 14mm f/2.5 from Panasonic. I shot aperture priority and auto ISO for at least 2 years before I started caring about manually controlling everything. I’ve used all the camera brands and sensor formats since then, both personally and professionally. They’re all great, and, simultaneously, they’re all quirky in some way. I’ve only purchased one brand new camera ever. What’s progressed my photography more than gear: Taking fine arts courses, looking at other’s artwork, learning directly from professionals, listening to peer criticism, and trial and error.

[@willstith1]

I actually fell into the brand loyalty trap when I initially bought into Sony's ecosystem. I was all Sony until I found an X100v used on a trip to NYC now I'm a Fujifilm fanboy but really I've realized that all the camera makers make good stuff for different purposes. For me right now the x100v is perfect since I mostly focus on street and documentary photography. I'd mostly recommend avoiding GAS and just focusing on getting better and practicing.

[@thegrayyernaut]

I'm still using an X-T1 till this day and sometimes I forget it has 16MP xD

[@vpr5562]

i am like you - got my pro camera a7R3, but now with my x100v... cant let it go!

[@titasghosh9729]

I can agree with the fanboy part, when I started, I was sold on to the canon fanboy system, now after 6 years after trying all the major brands, I'm now shooting with fuji camera 😂 because I love the small form factor. Canon DSLRs are heavy and big.

[@paulm944]

Just found your channel recently and so glad I did. You are such a breath fresh air with common sense advice, great humor, and really fun informative videos! Keep up the great work.

[@giselesmith7795]

I still use my XT-2 and don't feel a need to upgrade...yet. Didn't realize that the XT-20 had gotten so inexpensive....that DOES tempt me.

[@sidvicious3129]

Omar great information and you continue to amaze me with your knowledge, common sense, style and comedic timing. All of your points for new photographers is great no bias or bs and the “Angry” part was great, I finally had enough and moved on from him. The main thing is to go out and shoot and just have fun with it and who knows, you just might want to make a career of it some day. Keep up the outstanding content.

[@gitara01]

I’m new to this channel and a new photographer as well. I’m learning a lot from here! Thank you so much! 🙏

[@okay1904]

Best camera advice ever.

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

#1 key. Find “influencers” with artistic integrity. Like this one. And dont buy a drone. Also buy 2 cameras. One for photo, one for video. Way easier than spending HOURS looking for the PERFECT hybrid. Also, dont forget to actually study photography😂. *Final thought, the exposure triangle is everything*.

[@MarcusSortijas]

>Also buy two cameras. One for photo, one for video. Way easier than spending HOURS looking for the PERFECT hybrid. Agree 100%. I’ve wasted tons of time on that endless, futile quest. Even if you do find a hybrid camera that has all or most of the features you want, it’s probably too expensive. I’ve settled on an old full-frame DSLR for photos. And will probably get a used crop-sensor mirrorless camera for talking head videos, vlogging, live-streaming, etc. Looking for two separate cameras makes it easier to pick the right camera for each purpose. As a bonus, if you buy used, those two cameras together might still be cheaper than buying a new hybrid full-frame camera.

[@jessedt9837]

Great tips Omar. Although I have a lot of newer gear, I still reach for my older cameras like XPro1, XT1 and X100s and have captured some great memories.

[@tonij8322]

Thank you for this insight! I have been “paralyzed” by all the research and comments and invested in NOTHING. Your video just freed me from all that! Thanks Omar!

[@tor2919]

This channel is so refreshing! Thank you

[@aviral1230]

I just come here to listen you, tips and other things are just bonus for me!

[@MirorImage]

My photography journey started with a used X-T2 I got in 2019 for $600, and I still use it as my main camera today. I even started a channel dedicated to helping new photographers learn photography using video game photo modes. I use my X-T2 as a webcam and overlay the footage over gameplay capture. No shame in going used, especially when you’re starting out!

[@yongkysiaw6597]

Kind of insane when you're putting so much money if you're not going to make money out of it. Used ftw!

[@MirorImage]

@@yongkysiaw6597 Oh I should mention that I'm a car photographer normally, so my gear gets used quite a bit. I decided to make a KZbin channel and my $600 used X-T2 is still going strong for both applications

[@joturchetphotography1968]

How exciting to see the results - letting the light in after 40 years! Love the last one with the 'selfie' stick!

[@hlv119]

Dear Omar. LOVE LOVE LOVE This video. Each word - super!!!!

[@iancaldwell2516]

so glad I found your channel, someone who just wants people to enjoy photography at last!!

[@ridgesfilm]

This is such a great and informative video. Been shooting street photos with my phone and recently started on a Fujifilm camera. I'm still adjusting to shooting to full manual mode. But then I realized that there's no harm in trying to shoot in Aperture priority. Especially since I'm using a manual lens. It helps me bring back the focus into the composition rather than just constantly tweaking the camera to find the right exposure.

[@karolisstankuss7932]

As always Omars tips are gold!!!

[@callefty3670]

Modern photography is like an iceberg, most of it is not apparent. The camera and lens are above the water, your computer hardware, storage and software are below the water.

[@Adriana.Gabriela]

And taxes. Don't forget taxes. Website and domain expenses. Marketing expenses. Working hours spent doing social media (and other types of marketing if you do them yourself). Gosh, the list is endless

[@enkaphalin1111]

Everybody gucci till you ask them how they back up their photos

[@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll]

the test was hilarious! and I have to say, I almost failed it... I had the Z6 II in my amazon cart..

[@MisterMuleboyno1]

I agree with the advice about used - BUT I can’t imagine someone regretting the Z6ii (with at least the kit S lens). . . .

[@themadgreek]

Keeping us (Fuji fanboys) grounded ... thanks to you & Chris (below) for the outstanding vlogs you produce...my top 2 go-to guys for all things photography!

[@suzannebradford129]

I am so glad I discovered your channel. Just great!

[@oc2phish07]

Definitely one of your better videos, and they are ALL good of course. I particularly liked your comment on the angry type of presenter. Boy, did THAT ring a bell for me. Great stuff Omar, keep them coming.

[@ozgundemirr]

Just recently discovered you, and can get enough of your humor. Your videos are always fun to watch.

[@rayhernandez2996]

So good man 👏🏽 have gas most of these doubts so it helped a lot that you pretty much nailed each one on the head. Your last tip was my favorite too.

[@ckpro75]

Your photography heart is in the right place

[@johnhal1]

Brilliant advice. Thanks Omar.

[@mortenthesbl5535]

You are so right! Its a jungle to navigate through. But buying used i probably the best advice of all! Your videos are great - the energy is always positive and honest!

[@GunniGrahn]

Spot on and funny as always

[@robintaylor7374]

Another superb vid Omar..love the dont listen to, 'you're not a real photographer unless you shoot manual' crap.i see it so often online and it does my head in ! I probably use AP for 90% of my photography,and I often think those who tell beginners they MUST learn in manual,are giving terrible advice.thanks for sharing

[@itslinaphotography]

Oh, thank you sooo much! This is so helpful

[@BucNasty32]

Love your vids man. Only just found your channel. Entertaining and informative. Love it.

[@TheStanstan56]

Really useful tips. I bought an X-T1 with a 35mm f2 about 2 months ago and I'm enjoying it and I use it with aperture priority too.

[@tanweercaa]

Great video Omer, it's really mind blowing to see so many distractions now a days that main target gets disappeared. Thanks a lot🌷

[@localnavy433]

love this advice and I wish that I would have heard it three years ago when I started lol.

[@LuposVoice]

You are sooo right! I think like you about this 6 Points! 👍😉

[@RichardBO9]

This should pop up like the cookie notice on B&H and Adorama before you can enter the site. 🤠

[@sweet4nice2003]

Omar the great!...great tips and neural advice...love it!😁👌

[@SebastianAnklamm]

I really love your videos your approach and the way you teach.

[@i.themonkey4786]

Thanks, Omar! 😊

[@marcokalle2452]

Informative as always, keep 'em coming! 😊

[@togp3403]

I got an X-T2 as my first camera a few months ago and I want to thank you for all your videos on it! It’s been a blast with vintage lenses, now going to the 35mm f/2 (or 1.4 hmm)! Love this camera.

[@bmeclipse]

Thanks for all your great advice!

[@fernandorivera03]

Excelente video Omar, en tus videos encuentro mas motivación y consejos útiles que en la mayoría de videos en redes. Y tu sentido del humor es muy bueno 😂

[@Eyeamsurreal]

Great video, Omar! I've shared your video with friends who have expressed interest in photography and found it very helpful. Thank you!

[@duncand.881]

Just upgraded from a 5d mark ii to a Fuji xt-3 partially because of this channel and am so excited to change my photography up a bit

[@ogonzilla]

Hope you didn’t sell the mark ii!

[@joshuaalzate2144]

Just got myself a used xt20 and I am loving it!

[@martinphilipps8678]

Just great. thanx!

[@sew_gal7340]

I know that fan boy madness from experience, my first cam was d750 and i was bullied into the canon mark iii and finally caved because i wanted to "fit in". I sold my d750 and all my lenses ...got the mark iii and ABSOLUTELY HATED IT. I ended up selling the mark iii and re-bought all my OG lenses and the d750...quit my group and went solo with my favorite camera! That was 6 years ago; i took some amazing photos since then including my mom's last birthday before her passing. It will always mean the world to me and will remain my best friend!

[@jess43]

Okay this was totally reassuring and helpful! I’ve been going back and forth on either staying with Nikon or switching to Sony and it’s so overwhelming! These fanboys (on both ends) have me second guessing ! BUT I’ve made my decision. Your channel has been so helpful, thank you!!

[@JdTV79]

LOL at The title "Sony is not a camera company" and "anyone who's really angry". You just needed to add "If i'm lying i'm dying" :P

[@Dimasphotographer]

Love it. Really fun! I’ve been a photographer since 2008 and I still need a slap on the face sometimes

[@hyperclearphoto6573]

Everything you bring up. I wish I listened to 10 years ago. Now I love shooting on older cameras that people hated on. I.e, Fuji

[@vicpico1]

Hi! Nice video. Very informative. Very good advice & reminder for new/old photographer. Thanks for sharing.

[@edwinparker6732]

Excellent advice, Newbies take note 👍😁

[@CorvusHyperion]

"That was a test!" haha. Your videos are brilliant. Thank you.

[@alexg7300]

I started with an XT1 and then got and XT2. Worth it!

[@M_H_2000]

Great advice ❤️❤️

[@cvbattum]

On tip 1: used all the way, even if not a beginner anymore. I saved about 25% on my a6600, got it for the price of the a6400 new, and it was in pristine condition.

[@davidkeith3648]

Love my xt20 pics then I saw some recent canon pics and thought wow. It really is ford vs chevy vs dodge. They all work.

[@stevearita3267]

Excellent advice!

[@EvigPoesi]

Love your joken, man. Regrettably, they’re just my humor.

[@AlainLafleche1]

You are so funny loll like your videos and clear explanation Omar. Thanks a lot.

[@DavidTramacchi]

great tips thanks!! 😊😊

[@alter7181]

Omar, I don't know why I waited so long to check out your channel, it's great! This video, in particular the "don't buy stuff" part, was just what I needed to hear. My wife got a Canon EOS Rebel T5 from some school parents and I've been loving getting back into photography with it. Just took an underwater photo course too. Been diving lately? - It's Thorp from Beacon by the way.

[@imranawan8021]

Love your channel... great advice and tips..🙂👍

[@ReinaldoVersuri]

I'm ftrom Brazil and I love your videos, good explanation.

[@JimRandolph]

I’m a beginner and these are super helpful, thanks so much.

[@V2classic75]

Great advise for all photographers

[@amirgloverxx]

Great stuff man ! Thanks

[@sarahlopez6374]

Thank you!!!

[@faisalee]

Love it 👍🏽

[@wilfs1196]

Great video ! I think you nailed it when you stated that Take photographs that make you happy. A lot ofttimes , my delete button gets a good workout along with the save button. The beauty of todays cameras..............

[@mattyb4177]

Great video and advice. I started shooting with an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II and some cheap, manual primes. Just upgraded to an E-M5 Mark II and dove into Fuji with a used X-T2 (a little more for that sweet Graphite Edition) and an 18mm f/2. Great colors with both systems and loving the Fuji Film Simulations and Recipes. I have friends who have constantly tried to push me toward Full Frame, but I don't get the feeling of wanting to go out and shoot with those cameras like I do with my Fuji and Olympus.

[@indiehorse]

Cool, got it... 2nd hand Fuji body with a Tamron/Sigma zoom lens...

[@miscible21]

Thank you for this!

[@albertsmith9315]

John's? Shooting for decades... 100% agree with your thoughts. Wish I had all the money back that I spent chasing something that I already had.

[@carlgarner9477]

You are spot on, ignore these 6 things, buy an even cheaper film camera, get off that computer and enjoy yourself! Bring it on naysayers...

[@Roger_Ramjet]

You are the man.

[@katealekseeva4260]

Thank you for this video! It is very helpful)

[@denniskogan6324]

very helpful! Thanks a lot!

[@SleepyCroyd]

This is wisdom.

[@27krit]

Lovely tips and very useful ones 😀😊

[@josiahjones515]

great advice!... just purchased my first cheap prime lens!

[@cvgreko]

Great advice! :)

[@mattg8888]

I personally started out with a used two digit Canon DSLR (60D, but 70D is pretty cheap now as well) and those are amazing value. Pair that with the 18-135 and you can have a great range of focal lengths and that lens is very sharp for such a low price. Not the best aperture, but decent enough for a beginner. And Canon has some super cheap primes like ne 50/1.8 and the 24/2.8. The 24/2.8 actually made me get the X100T ;-)

[@brianmcgrevey9832]

Thanks Omar enjoyed that. You mentioned about not to be ‘embarrassed’ about not shooting in manual mode. I’ve been using aperture priority and enjoy using it. I’ve bought a couple of fugi cameras x-t1 & x-t20 (so many menus and confusion at the moment). Like the jokes! Regards B

[@rsteup]

Great advice!

[@tjsinva]

Good advice! 🎯👍 🥂

[@shadow479]

3:08 that is meant to be a joke against Fro, I can smell it lol

[@JoelDino]

I have been photographing since the early 80s so I'm not a new photographer. However, I enjoyed this video because of its sincerity and focus on the art of photography. I would like to send people to your channel and to this video from my own KZbin channel which I hope to start up soon. Thanks!

[@rolanddubi3773]

Very good and helpful video Omar. Every zoomlens changes the aperture by zooming in or out - it's compensated by adjusting the diaphragm but has nothing to do with the quality of the optical elements. Some zoomlenses with variable aperture, especially telephoto zoomlenses, are very good.

[@melvayne]

I always lmao on some comedy bits you throw in your vids but still very educative... Love Nikon & Fujifilm (not a fanboy) 😂

[@dougdavies1089]

Great advice