PHOTOGRAPHERS OFTEN GET THIS WRONG

I critique photos and explain a simple composition tip that can make a big difference to your photos
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[@ktealby]

I'm not a nature photographer, I shoot mostly sports, but I love watching these edit videos. Nigel literally critiques the same things 99% of the time (space, simplicity, colour) but it blows my mind every time. It's like he should write out a set of 10 basic questions to ask yourself about your edit: 1. Are the elements balanced? 2. What is your eye drawn to? Etc, etc. In fact, Nigel, please write those questions for me. Maybe it will help me take a decent landscape shot one day.

[@jimtrull683]

What I took away is how very small changes in an image such as a crop or another minor adjustment can have a major impact on the final image. Thank you.

[@lakesrhino1]

Thank you, that is probably the best landscape photo critique vlog I have seen. It was great that you didn't just say what didn't work for you but we're able to show the changes you'd make. I came away with a few good tips to help me.

[@user-jd1sm1vw2x]

I love watching critiquing videos because they help me fix the problems I see in my own photographs. I've seen a few over the last couple of weeks. Whenever the pros (and, yes, I include you in that group... of course) are working on their own photos, most often, if at all, we never get to see the faults, only finished perfection. When viewers send photos, they often contain weak areas that, with a simple crop or edit, they can be made stronger. Watching weak areas get fixed with a simple tweak is highly beneficial. Thank you.

[@ianbrierley5671]

Thank you so much for featuring my wild garlic and bluebell image Nigel. Your comments literally blew me away..I love your channel and masterclass and you've been hugely influential on my photography journey from only 3 years ago as an absolute beginner on DSLRs. 🙏😊

[@DavidCourtenay]

Just received my Z8 and am in the Great Smoky mountains giving it a workout, Fantastic as is the Z9, Going to love it

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

Its amazing how just a small crop can make a great image even better. I really did like both the before and the after images.

[@tubularificationed]

👍Interesting content, because it takes us away from just lazily consuming a video, towards really thinking actively. I only can recommend to viewers, to pause the video on each new picture, then to spend a minute or two on own thoughts about potential improvements, and only then continue to hear what Nigel concludes 🙂

[@antonoat]

Great stuff Nigel. There are those who say it's all about personal taste but as you often prove there are real reasons why certain things just work !

[@zigatretjak75]

Glad for the opportunity to see and learn. Thank you Nigel!

[@mawavoy]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Your viewers submitted some high quality photos for you to edit. Thanks to them as well.

[@niksiotv6204]

Thank you so much for showing my canola photo😃. I really like these critique videos because they teach a lot. To next Sunday.

[@user-cv2sf7ll4j]

Extremely interesting to "see" how you think Nigel, and how some small changes can make a big difference. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and to the very brave contributors.

[@danevarkevisser4670]

Nigel, I pretty much agree with everything you said in this video and it is great and I think very helpful to get your views through this type of critique. However, I did love Rich Doak's woodland image and I know you also liked it but had reservations. I felt this is a great example of where more is better. Rich has embraced the complexity of the woodland and as a result there is so much to maintain your interest in this photo. It is beautifully composed. Yes, perhaps he could have given the fern at the bottom a bit more breathing space, but not much more. I don't find the dead tree in the bottom right section of the image distracting. Rather it is another point of interest and adds to the dynamic of the composition. In fact I feel there is a wonderful dynamic in this photo if you follow the line of the bigger trees. Your eye is drawn from the right hand side to left hand side and then back to the right hand side and finally back to the foreground tree and fern. I am less concerned about the spacing of the various trees relative to each other. Mostly there is good separation. In my view you run the risk of the woodland looking unnatural if you try to compose in such a way that a group of trees are equally spaced apart. Interestingly, Rich has included the sky as seen through the tops of the trees in this image. Normally you would try to avoid this in a woodland or forest setting as the bright patches tend to distract. But in this case, I don't think they are distracting. The bright patches are spread right across the top of the frame and this seems to balance it in a way that is unobtrusive.

[@dude157]

Some brilliant work here. I especially love how great that image of the trees and light turned out after you cropped away the sky and made it a wide aspect.

[@bobmcdonald4834]

Fantastic video, Nigel. Thank you. It is fantastic to see how you interpret an image into something a bit stronger and I learned a lot. Many thanks again and to all the contributors 😊

[@DarrenRussinger]

Thank you for choosing my image for critique. The suggestion on the crop was spot on! Cheers.

[@davidskinner274]

Enjoyed the improvements, less is definately more, including your light hand on the sliders. Cheers, Nigel

[@richdoak9349]

Hi Nigel, sorry for not replying earlier I’m on holiday in Greece! Great critique and I agree with you. I have it in a tighter crop I will apply the setting when home and tag you when I post it. Thanks again for the praise!

[@someguy_]

Need more videos like these!!!!!!!

[@csayban]

I love seeing everyone’s different photos and then your changes. It really helps me start to see new options when I’m shooting and editing my own photos. Love these episodes. Keep up the great work!

[@johnmullineux4872]

What an interesting video, as always. Thank you so much for selecting one of my images that is not only one of my visually favourites but it also comes with so much personal meaning (and a super scary shoot as any rain would make escaping that pan near impossible so we ran to the car as soon as we smelt the rain). You remain an inspiration and creative mentor to me through your videos :)

[@vlaney21]

Nigel, thanks so much for including my image of snowy mtn’s and sunlit bushes…and it’s nice to know I’m getting it right sometimes. Loved the really beautiful (and diverse) range of images you chose, and how you can make a good image into a fantastic one with some simple tweaks. These types of critiques are really so helpful … sometimes when I’m out in the field, I think of what I’ve learned from your videos and try to incorporate your tips and way of looking at the whole picture. Thanks for another great video, Nigel!

[@lauriegrassiart]

Loved your photo; amazing composition.

[@vlaney21]

@@lauriegrassiart Thanks so much, Laurie! really appreciate it!

[@tTLM823]

Great lesson on seeing an image and rethinking them through a crop! Thanks much Nigel.

[@blackforestwanderer]

I was quite happy about what you said about the second image the dutch photographer. I don't know him personally but I follow him on Instagram and really like his work. I remember him saying that he struggles a bit with editing these days so I guess he will be pleased to hear that.

[@hemsathc]

Love these kind of photos. Thanks for putting this together

[@michaelhall2709]

Congrats to the participants - those were some really lovely images, most of which I’d be quite happy with had I taken them.

[@johndonegan8110]

Great vid. Love these ones you do, including the critique of your images a while ago. Your discussion of peoples images is kind and direct, well done

[@Xo1ot1]

These critique videos are the ones I learn the most from. Most of the photos you showed went from good to great in a few editing steps. Thanks very much.

[@felixhernandez2238]

Thank you Nigel. Excellent video and critiques. I learned a lot watching you improve a number of wonderful images.

[@lyndapassey2752]

Thanks Nigel for a really helpful critique. It’s amazing how small changes in editing can make a big difference. Some useful tips about composition too.

[@markledbury3666]

Excellent video Nigel! I appreciate listening to your thoughts on all those cool photos as well as your suggested changes. I learned a lot!

[@grahamegannon9708]

I love these critique sessions you have as I learn a lot from your comments however they were all amazing images. I wish I had the courage to send some of mine in!!!

[@AliasJimWirth]

What an excellent video, Nigel. There is a lot to learn here from you. I'll need to watch this one a few times. Composition is what I am concentrating on this year; what I still really need to improve. Many thanks to all who submitted work for Nigel's critiques. Some amazing images. Cheers all.

[@nelehoremans2546]

It is so powerful to see how your trained eye and little tweaks can uplift an image! So helpful in getting better in spotting an image and postprocessing as well. I saw your request for images both in the video as in your newsletter but didn't have time due to being occupied in work to send in an image, which I regret. So secretly hoping you will every now and then do another of these critique videos, their are really powerful! Enjoy the trip to Greenland!

[@kristeencochran4753]

So helpful. Thank you and all of the brave contributors.

[@gailmager4147]

Thanks for the feedback on other people's photos, it's helpful seeing the examples

[@mariebird01]

I loved watching your views on other people’s images. There’s a lot of information to help, there, by picking up on sometimes the minutest tweaks to already really good photos into really great images. Thank you. Sorry I missed the opportunity of sending one of my images in. Hope you’ll do it again sometime, I really loved this video, thanks Nigel.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Marie

[@TorToroPorco]

Some brilliant photos here. I find it’s always useful to revisit photos after I’ve initially worked on them to see it with fresh eyes. There’s often something that I’ve missed or want to alter to improve the image. So this video is a really good primer on the sorts of things one can look for.

[@whafrog]

Brilliant commentary, thanks so much. And congrats to all those who submitted.

[@keithspangler4814]

Very nicely shared....thoughts, opinions and expertise! Sincerely, appreciate this.

[@joanl3115]

Thank you for this video. At the learning stage, this is very beneficial.

[@ettoreleiduan9418]

Great great great!!!! This is a video great to growth my photography!!! A lots of images in one video… no only vlog with a few of words….

[@rosssayer6524]

Really enjoyable to see how you did the critique 👏👏

[@spacejesus570]

Love these videos, we all see things in our unique way. Cool to get inside someone else's head.

[@nillarafael3883]

Great video Nigel, thanks so muchf or sharing with us

[@theloneracer1935]

I get what you're saying about the second image but personally I really like the original composition as is.

[@caroleneame4974]

Great video and so many tips. Very imformative

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Great tips and advice Nigel! 👍👍

[@DrGruffLes]

Some cracking photos from the viewers, with some good tips and explanations. Thanks :D

[@stevechilvers1322]

Another great criique video Nigel. Keep up the good work.

[@richardpesce5325]

Thanks Nigel, I learned a great deal.

[@hemantsharma1967]

I have been using the D850, but I switched to the Z7ii for two main reasons. Firstly, I noticed that no new glass was coming for DSLRs from 2020, while the new Z lenses were lighter, better, and sharper. This influenced my decision to transition to the Z7ii. Secondly, the Z7ii, while not catering to professionals specializing in sports and wildlife photography, proved to be excellent for landscape and Astro photography, which are my primary interests. Considering the Z8, it retains all the qualities I appreciate about the Z7ii and adds many exciting features. However, the one feature that stands out to me as most important is the vertical tilting screen. This is particularly useful for my photography, as I enjoy capturing timelapses and tracking the Milky Way. Hence, I opted to acquire the Z8 while still keeping my Z7ii, as I find them both essential for my Astro photography needs. I would love to hear from others about their reasons for switching cameras. What motivated your decision? Feel free to share your experiences and insights!!!!

[@maidinhloc3770]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@scarcesense6449]

One day I'll take a photo good enough to submit for a video like this!

[@alexwaterton9769]

A great video and some excellent feedback and suggestions. Well done Nigel and enjoy your z8 :)

[@MakingTracks]

Fantastic advice!! 👏👏👏

[@lindakarlin2980]

Super video. I have the z8 for a week. You will love it.

[@trevorarmstrong4875]

This is some great content, I learned a lot from this. You should do this routinely

[@MrRussBaum]

Great video. Perfect for showing at our camera club!

[@lennartphotography]

Lovey photographs, great critic. 🤩

[@Cuchulain-rk1kw]

Thanks Nigel - can’t believe one of mine made it in (#10)! Appreciate the tips as ever!

[@grumpyparrotphotography]

An island in Scotland that’s off kilt-er. Nice one!😊

[@dfinlay587]

Great video! Your tips are always handy, I just returned from a trip and have 2000 images to cull and edit. Oy! I would recommend you sign your old Z7 and auction off. Who wouldn't want a Nigel Danson autographed Z7?? ;-)

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you!

[@alstuart8801]

im always amazed how people think the shadow recovery slider is a good idea!

[@gerardcherel1232]

Thanks Nigel. Your comments are always relevant and constructive. They greatly help those who follow you to improve the quality of their images, whether during composition or editing.

[@stevenmarvinranger]

Really great.

[@ursulursul3339]

Very nice! 😊

[@JFW5358]

Some lovely photos and constructive criticism, thanks.

[@tjsinva]

The photo at 5:21 is very similar to one that Mads used in a video last year. Lone tree at top of hill in the middle of a rapeseed field, great opposing colors. worthwhile commentary. Carry on. 👍🥂 Where's Pebbles 🐶?

[@andreasommer3431]

Great video, really useful to see your comments on various styles and other people's photos. I noticed with the crops you suggested you were not sticking to standard ratios. How do you address that with printing?

[@gregsmith6373]

Thank you

[@ronkelley5348]

I think letter box crops work very well on many landscape images - something I regularly use.

[@ItsMe-oi9dy]

I'm a big cropper. The best thing you can do is compose in camera, but damn, I can't resist the urge to crop every single image. Makes me wish I bought an a7R model instead of the base model of my Sony.

[@andrewroland]

Some crackin’ images there.

[@Makingmehungry]

I love your channel! Im new to photography. Where can I send a few I've taken for your opinion?

[@paularkinstall736]

I'm interested in your thoughts on cropping and aspect ratios. I often try to keep my cropping in proportion to an aspect ratio, whereas you appeared to crop a little more freely. Does this approach effect sizes when printing and/or framing? I do want to crop more freely but always fear I'll get caught out later on.

[@rayb1853]

Nigel, are you sure the lone tree with yellow foreground and blue sky wasn't one of Mads Peter Iversen's. I'm sure I've seen one like that in some of his videos?

[@laurelb8372]

Question, pardon my ignorance but many of these looked good after a crop, how does that affect the print size if one were to want to print. Good illustrations

[@brucedelorme5026]

Have always wanted to input some photos but as a true beginner I am nervous that you would spend an entire video on my photo...lol lo es these

[@marianjonca2160]

Everyone sees differently. If all paintings were created to the taste of one artist, the world would be boring.

[@NigelDanson]

I completely agree... these are just my thoughts

[@ellobo5698]

“Nobody sees differently. All paintings should be done with the same taste. That way it’s not boring.” Is this what he said? Is this what you responded to?

[@rainbowtrash1625]

How can I submit images to hopefully be featured in one of these videos? I don't use IG.

[@umerrashid6655]

Where do we send the images may i ask? I would love to have you critique my photos 👍 that'll be great

[@vincezammit-vzphotography3993]

hi nigel how can i send you a photo for a video like this please?thanks

[@krimke881]

Experience counts. that's what this proves. no one is an expert. just different experienced. =)

[@howardchud9097]

Ridiculous

[@alexthai4957]

Here's what you're getting wrong. Lame clickbait thumbnail with circles and arrows. No creativity or original ideas. You care more about the algorithm than your art or viewers.