Photography Motivation! 'Best of John Free'

John Free is a social documentary photographer. John has taught at USC, UCLA, PCC, LACMA and has worked professionally at this craft for more than 45 years. For his personal work he does street photography. Follow the founder of John Free's KZbin channel on instagram: @deeno_andfree
Follow John @john_free_photography
Website: johnfreephotigraphy.com

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Just watched myself here again. Deeno put all this together. I am very happy if this video from our hearts, reaches many other hearts and helps move them into this wonderful world of photography.

[@Ardavan47]

you have no idea how precious this is.... thank you for the videos sir... will try to live by your wisdom and create

[@JohnFreePhtography]

@@Ardavan47 Hooray for us both.

[@newmason5572]

Your energy and wisdom is very much appreciated Mr. Free. I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for your work!

[@Steyreon]

Thanks John for letting us in, I love your energy!

[@Pappa_spiller]

I love how passionate you are about your photography. I revisit this video often just for the sheer inspiration. Thank you, John! Hope to see more videos from you.

[@LennonZA]

John was among the first photographers who ignited my passion for the craft, showcasing the artistic depth of photography and emphasizing the value of joining this amazing community. I'm grateful for the internet and its vast archives that enable us to revisit and learn from his genius behind the lens. I can't remember how many times I've watched this video, and I don't think I'll ever tire of it. What an incredible man. Rest in peace, colonel 🕊 you'll be dearly missed

[@CostaMesaPhotography]

It's a privilege to be a "contemporary" of John Free. What's crystal clear to me is that someday, John Free will be celebrated as one of the greatest street photographers of the 21st Century. Yet here we are and his knowledge and creativity runs under the surface of the craft and industry of photography. So many photographers scratching our their place in social media...and then there is John Free, creating an entirely new path, in our times, while we're here to enjoy him, and learn from him...wow...do you realize how lucky you are??

[@jameshart5380]

Reason #865 why I like John Free: in all his videos, not one gear promo, camera review or discussion about the authenticity of Peter Lik. Just his love of photography and how the rest of us can get better.

[@NH4Ukraine2]

Well said.

[@ShinDongJi]

In a world where people are so obsessed with gear and short cuts to success, John is one of the few people whom people should learn from. His words got stuck on me and I live by it... "Make it difficult, easy ain't worth it". Every time I feel down and not going out to shoot anything, these words never fails to toughen me up. I wish you all the best, good health and please continue to share your wisdom to this current generation and many generations to come.

[@tonydesarzec907]

We'll miss you John. Thank you for all your efforts.

[@Bakkm]

What is going on here, only 20K subscribers? This man is a living legend, it should 2 MIO subscribers. You sir make me wanna push that button on my camera., you get me motivated.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thank you Marcel. The camera and a noble intent gives us power. Power for us to provide entertainment and understanding with our heartfelt photographs. A walk to the store will never be the same, when we take along a camera and a desire to make something which might be valuable to all. In all my years of teaching, I have found that anyone, young or old can make wonderful photographs. Think like a writer who searches his or her brain and soul to find the right words to tell an important story which all mankind should read and benefit from. A combination of well chosen words to get the story right. With the camera, we must frame in the viewfinder well chosen elements, factors and details to tell an important story. Include the right details and exclude the distracting details to make visual poetry. They called my friend Robert Frank, a poet with a camera. We all have the talent to do it, but very few believe believe they have the talent. In 25 years of teaching with my son Scott, we have noticed that anyone can do important work with their heart, mind and camera. Photography gives us all great power to make great images and to impress ourselves with ourselves.

[@agent01soul]

You and Bruce Gilden are my favorite photographers.Your approaches to taking photographs could not be more different but at the core you have the same goodness.

[@longrider9551]

I carry my camera everywhere because of you John, you have left your mark sir

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Hey Longrider, My pleasure to get you motivated. Why not share with others what has given me so much love and understanding of what is important in my life. To help others gives me a little kind of power. A good from the heart power to you my friend.

[@hasanmoula5395]

Yes,,totally agree with you Marcel...*

[@rubenespinoza7121]

I've seen hundred of photography videos and this is the first time the word practice has a very strong and meaningful weight. Thank you so much.

[@arryharry]

John Free is to photography what Bruce Lee was to martial arts - always inspiring yet always aspiring, such a gift to their chosen art and how they express and share it.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

You honor me sir. Thank you.

[@Nocturnal_Dreamcaster]

Kostas from Greece here. At 46 yo, never had an interest in photography until I came across John Free's videos. This man has literally changed my mindset about life. Made me rethink my life. I signed up to a two-year photography school to learn practical stuff. But no school in the world can teach what John Free shares in his videos. Thank you mr John Free, from the bottom of my heart, you changed my life, God bless!

[@Rafa-yw8nu]

Hey Kostas, hope you’re still going strong! I actually wanted to do a photography project in Greece last year but my university declined the funding. Now I’m thinking to do it on my own in the future. If you want to work with me on that, hit me up!

[@misoadeio]

@@Rafa-yw8nu Hi Rafael, glad to hear, it would be my honor! Unfortunately, I no longer live in Greece. A few months ago, I accepted a position in Spain for 5 years. Wish you all the best with your project!

[@longrider9551]

John the only guy who still inspires me to go take an image

[@darrens7040]

Very true Longrider love this guys perspective on photography.

[@s_p_harris]

RIP John Free 3/30/24 - absolute legend. I watch this video like once a month.

[@florinmatthew1]

We're waiting to see u again John, in a video clip, walking in the streets of LA, teaching us street photography. Can't wait!

[@armandcrispo]

2021 and still watching this, again and again and again. to gain back my motivation. cheers. 🥂 thank you

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Hi Armand. I just watched it again and enjoyed the message and the great fun it gave me and Deeno by making the video to share what has been such a loving part of my life.

[@armandcrispo]

@@JohnFreePhtography please continue doing this kind of video's. so fun to watch and very informative. specifically to people like me who is just starting out. stay healthy John. thank you.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

@@armandcrispo Thanks Armand. Happy you started. You will have great fun and pleasure. Happy I can help.

[@paharithrottle4110]

John Free a genius photographer

[@MrDomq22]

absolutely the most important man in Photography right now. No one is speaking with such confidence, with such motivation. Love this, man, seriously. John is the only Photographer I still find my motivation from. The gear doesn't matter. your skills matter.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

And the fact that he vlogs. We are all very lucky.

[@AlexZafer]

I entirely agree with this statement.

[@MrDomq22]

we are incredibly fortunate that a man with such experience shares his days. I really love your videos btw, i've been watching the last few months and you guys have some of my favorite Fuji content on KZbin! :) @Denae & Andrew

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Aw. Thanks Domenic. Good to stumble into a viewer :)

[@MrDomq22]

Denae & Andrew I'm actually watching one as we speak haha of course, not sure if this is Andrew or Denae but, thanks for the content!

[@LewisNobleArtist]

I’ve watched a lot of YT photography videos over the past couple of years after getting back into it. These are the best by far. He’s not talking about his camera, lens, focal length or anything. Just a passion for making great images. What a star!

[@JohnFreePhtography]

O.K. Lewis. Lets go into the magic where the photos come from. We walk together. Smile.

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

Saving this one to watch over and over. Inspirational, like all John's videos. Thanks John.

[@sinnedfpv5333]

Thank you John! You always are a big inspiration for me, love your ideas in photography as in life!

[@tonywalton1052]

Always inspiring to watch John Free. Gives me inspiration to keep on doing this thing (if only for myself, at times)

[@FalandoJones]

the part about the viewer should want to see the photo again and again and again because it's therapy spoke volumes to me. It's therapy for both photographer and viewer. When you see a great photo you just feel better about life at that moment. it's like music or a poem.

[@JG-bh9rz]

John, you give the best advice I have ever heard, my photos have improved hugely since watching your videos, especially your photo essay about the railroad tramps, simply beautiful. Thank you!

[@Street_whys]

I always come back to this.

[@jkb462]

Absolutely amazing. So much knowledge here. Thank you John for sharing this.

[@yvesbajulaz]

I really like the practice with no film... makes so much sense.

[@TRIXRFOKIDZz]

I genuinely wish he posted more inspirational videos. I always come back to this video for a boost.

[@MrDantres]

Such passion for photography and life!

[@claudiaayala3365]

Thank you for this. I’m so shook from this video. Your choice of words…. Beautiful

[@jimk8878]

Simply fantastic John, thank you so much.

[@marvinphotog8602]

You make me smile and I love that...thank you.

[@stigmatedbrain]

"Study Study Study, Practice Practice Practice!" Oh man, we live in a world where everything is achieved without effort, "we have the rights, we deserve it, we.... we..." What is happening in our world? what! I wish to be born again, I wish to have a second chance to live my life again, and spend more effort, more. Don't give up, keep on pushing, whatever the cost is. My honest and sincere respect Mr. Free!

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thank you, thank you J.J. My day will be a happy one because of your kind, thoughtful and accurate words. No practice, not much thought, just keep pushing the button and everything will be fine, because our mothers told us we were special and great, but where is any good product we might have made? Just keep pushing the button and something might be made from it.

[@chdombro5768]

Thank you Mr. Free!

[@kunal02jun]

inspiring.. love this guy.. truly inspiring !!!

[@RodUSMC75]

This is the cold truth that every photographer needs to hear. I needed this, as I've been in a rut for so long. Thank you, John

[@hasanmoula5395]

Sir john free, your every video every speech makes me motivated. Thank you very much to you. I wish your have a long and healthy life... ♥

[@flickerspot]

Thank you John, so inspiring.. love listening your powerful voice. ❤️❤️❤️

[@MrBluesfly]

You like this the first minute you subscribe at second because of that great guy.So much knowledge to give.

[@No2theBS]

I could listen to John all day.

[@sonpois]

I love this dude! Such great advice and attitude

[@bobemmerich8595]

As you said to Robert frank, "Thank you being there!" Just started in SP and I hope everyone is getting there is much more than street photography that you are delivering. As a former teacher I appreciate so much your passion and dedication. As a photographer I will take your suggestions to the bank!

[@keithyip6551]

Dear John, i just finished all your videos. And i wanna say Thank you. Thanks for inspiring me to pick up the camera again which i abandoned for a long time.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Hi Keith, I am happy my videos have inspired you to pick up the camera again. The camera takes me to a special place in my mind and heart. Our chance to speak out with images that might have the visual power to excite the viewer of our photographs and to provide a better understanding of our lives because you made a visual poem from your heart and your camera which went out to the world of mankind to help explain man to man and each man to himself. We all have this power inside. We all have this creative ability to make wonderful images. I wish all men and women had the noble and happy intent to photograph from the soul and make powerful images that will be here for thousands of years for all mankind to learn from. You have the power to do this wonderful work Keith. I will be with you in spirit while you search for meaning with your camera and your grand intent.

[@chetanmane6638]

Great.. great.. great... live long sir ... I'm gonna click more photos now..💓🙌

[@elshuffles]

love, insight and understanding...

[@petrahattingh8013]

thank you, John!!!!

[@michaelnikonfuji3539]

Absolutely inspiring Sometimes all the noise about the latest gear makes me forget about the pleasure of a great I never though to practise such simple truths awesome

[@riverrat1747]

You are such an inspiration.

[@kinoreds5460]

it's nice to see your enthusiasm sir, may you always be given health and happiness and blessings to you and your entire family,,,thank you for your passion in the world of photography sir!

[@WaywardAce]

It doesn’t get any better than this.

[@genecampanelli7456]

This is so honest and awesome! Thank you​!!

[@ayahtiiv]

always the best and always my inspiration

[@kamykasedu13]

Thanks a lot for this video, you made my day, and reaffirmed my passion for photography ! From someone who's living in France, and who would give a lot to be able to meet and learn in person from such a great photographer, and man. Alex

[@lichtspiel4544]

Pure Motivation, thank you so much

[@mzf11125]

Thank you for inspiring me to keep doing street photography

[@solidsammy7]

I come here to get motivated. Back to the basics 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽practice practice practice! Thank you Johnny

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Sammy and Johnny having fun together making pics.

[@maggyfish]

Wow what an inspirational character you are I could listen to you all day thanks for the video and subscribed

[@alexsalvara9958]

Wow. Hi John. I'm from Australia. Living in this beautiful country for 16years now. There is so much beautifull things inside of you. I am watching your video after 2 years. Where was I all this time. But I am so grateful I came across your video. I will practice myself to watch your video. Thank you thank you thank you thank you John.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Gday Alex. thank you for reaching out. A great pleasure to know you. Thanks for the nice words. We are working on a new video.

[@alexsalvara9958]

@@JohnFreePhtography I love it. Yes please. You actually speak from the inside of you and your inspiration of motivating people around. Which soooo nice from a real human being that we don't see much anymore around. That is why I'm so grateful that I came across someone like you over the video you share to the world of us. Again thank you. 🙇

[@schueweTV]

Hey, I love to watch his videos. And this man has taught me a lot. I wish I could join his courses, but since I am from Germany, the way would be much too long. All my best wishes and greeting to John! ~ Chris

[@ChePlaysBlues]

10:47-"I usually turn away from the centre of interest". One of the best photography tip ever.

[@WMedl]

As Meyerowitz stated you must have another eye outside the frame...

[@jarikumpulainen9481]

Thanks for your strong talk.

[@NH4Ukraine2]

I love John Free!

[@stephenmorgan5414]

Thank you John, practice, you are so right, i have been a photographer but I don't practice yet of course I should. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. You're extremely passionate and inspirational

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Photography has been a wonderful part of my life. Practice and study will bring a photographer to a much higher level of awareness about where to point the camera and when to push the button. The fingers must be able to work well with the mind and imagination and be able to make the shot on time. To coincide with the wishes of the brain. How quick is our brain and how quick is our finger to push the button? Life has given us a great chance to do something well and to do something important to us all. Take the time to improve and then know the great feeling of success when you can photograph at the speed of life.

[@trustfoxvideo]

Thanks John, top man.

[@Mekdjizle]

Just what I needed. Thank you for giving me purpose and courage to go shoot great streetphotography

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thanks Max. Go fly. A strong and determined approach to achieve personal excellence.Listen to your prepared mind and allow room for the subconscius. Be honest with your self. Compare your work to to the photos of the greats and learn from any failure. The passion from knowing the potential and the camera strap will pull you to fantastic places and to places in your heart you didnt know about.

[@bobdots5974]

Thanks John, I've read widely about the 'process' of creating images but you condense more common sense into a 19 minute video than anything I've read over the past 40 odd years. I love your description of the need to practice - I agree that any craft has to become intuitive through repetition.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thanks Bob. I am happy to share some of the insights I have had over the years. I think about the process and I write notes about the process of making meaningful photographs. Research and practice, but mostly thinking about what is the best thing I can do with my camera today. I also listen to the good advice from my friend Robert Frank, who said, "We must be detectives when it comes to our photography".

[@sbai4319]

Thank you John. I learned a lot.

[@johnkosterimages]

John, you inspired me years ago to go out and take photographs.Sincerely, thank you. It changed my life.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thanks John. A life change for me too. Something important for me to do. Photography got into my soul and heart and it makes me happy to share that pleasure with you. My son Scott and I have been conducting classes and workshops for 25 years. We have learned in those many years how anyone can become very effective at making meaningful photographs. Photographs that reach out to all of us with a message about ourselves as humans and from that a better understanding of all of us.

[@Devgear1]

Yeah! I love this guy!

[@JoeLopez]

Very inspiring. No nonsense helpful information, thank you!

[@holomomohapi705]

I needed that. Thank you so much

[@streetstylefinds]

great advice, loved this video. thank you

[@santosalvarezleon3105]

I love it !!! A fan from Spain.

[@adampinson6230]

Great video John , thanks for sharing.

[@theusbadenhorst1848]

This is amazing. Thank you

[@photobyjewell1987]

Thanks Again for the motivation to keep shooting photography

[@fitzventure]

This is a Master Class. John is a huge inspiration to me and many others. I'll be he hasn't made a dime off his work but his work is priceless. I aspire to do this sort of thing for the shear joy of making great images that are real.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thanks Don. Nobody has as much fun as John Free.

[@B_Chanslor]

John, you inspired me tremendously this past Friday; on the way home from work I had your KZbin video on and it was "10 Year Photo Essay." I wasn't watching it because I was driving but I was listening. Things that you were saying inspired me to go and shoot the following day. Now, what I normally do is before I get to where I think I want to shoot, as I walking up to the spot I have in mind, I "warm up" by taking pictures of anything, getting the focus right, the settings, etc. By the time I get there, I'm ready and just have to pay attention; the pictures are there, I just have to capture them. Warm up, and practice. Thank you for being you and for all that you do. You are appreciated.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

John. I love that you talk about practice. Your videos have inspired me to work on fundamentals. I would love to hear some of your recommendations for practice regime.

[@derekrosales4988]

I've attended one of his workshops in the past and to be able to hear and learn his practice regime is by far one of the best experiences ever. If you are able to attend one. It will change your approach on everything.

[@googo151]

The reason I still go out and shoot in NYC, during this Corona plague. Thanks JF! You're a genuine soul and inspiration to me and all that matter.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Hooray for us to be able to go to that special place in our heart and through our soul and with a little press of our finger make magic happen. We can escape to this wonderland whenever we want just by thinking about it and preparing ourselves to be ready to react to life and to ourselves at the same instant. Love, love.

[@googo151]

@@JohnFreePhtography Your the best at it and I watch you everyday, when I get home from shooting pix in NYC. Today was a magical day, with several magical moments, in street portraiture. Thanks John.

[@KPTv02]

Fantastic video thank you for the insights and thoughts

[@martindesantiago6508]

Great compilation of great videos

[@exert2020]

John Frees videos have helped me no end. First day of shooting today since viewing and my technique has improved no end. Learning camera operation, preparing shots ahead of time (focus exposure) being more selective and interacting with the subject. One weakness I noticed in myself was I was getting a shot and then quickly moving on...i missed several lovely shots with this behaviour. There's always tomorrow

[@exert2020]

Also worth mentioning, I had this fear I would be questioned or confronted. I was taking shots of people only feet away and not once did I get a bad reaction. Usually a smile and a thumbs up...i was pleasantly surprised

[@eunicejames5330]

You said it brother!👏🏾👍🏾

[@iiiiiiliil1173]

This video is so special to me. Photography came into my life at a time when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to live anymore. Sad but true, I was suffering from severe depression, anxiety due to a mental disorder that causes these symptoms coupled with auditory hallucinations. It was hard to find the will or desire to make it through a night to see the sun rise again and live through another day of torment. I was given a camera as a gift and I started finding a great amount of joy in creating images. Soon I began venturing further from my home and out into the world to find more things to create pictures with. I started to see the world differently. I couldn’t wait till the next day to let the world reveal itself in new ways. I fell in love with street photography and this video was one of the first to stand out and John made such an impact on me and my thought process. I am forever grateful for his sharing of passion and insight and whenever I need inspiration I watch it or study hi work. Truly an incredible man and inspirational artist. Thank you sir.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Yes, the camera connected to the heart will pull you to wonderful places where photographs are waiting. You make these images to cure. When we need to be cured, we cure others. Yes, I know what the blues can be like and I also know what a search for goodness with a camera can do for the soul. you are a healer.

[@tr1ph0p]

hero on all levels

[@geraldgair8148]

Inspirational man!!

[@willparsons32]

John... May I please call you Mr. Free? You're an awesome photographer, teacher and most of all, a GREAT inspiration. Watching this KZbin video really makes me smile and most of all, feel SUPER good about myself. I'm a starting photographer and you are my mentor! Thanks and keep up the great videos!

[@ksmgmedia]

What a legend!!!

[@federicofloresmoy8385]

I really like his way of feeling like a person in relation to photography and life. An important key to feel sure that one loves everything around us in a simple, humble and joyful way, to achieve a visual novel and give the best of each through study and practice., Create feelings in people when See your pictures of the referent. Warm Regards.

[@GarnettLeary]

Inspiring. Thank you.

[@Boatzerama]

You can’t help to want and get out there after John Free has spoken.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

Hooray. Thanks Michael. To be able to make photographs anywhere at 1000th of a second and maybe create a photograph which has great value for many people for 100,000 years. How could I ask for anything more stimulating and rewarding?

[@2yoyodog]

.............quite a hustle..!!

[@zapallalla]

Such a motivational video, thank you! Any change you could give some ideas what to practice? What are the most common things photographers should practice?

[@breezy503]

Awesome John! I'm out the house with my camera - gonna go practice!!!

[@anthonytella4176]

Fantastic!

[@kamillo0606]

love that guy

[@ArminHirmer]

amazing and perfect

[@gregdesign]

many thanks

[@piotrwydmuch9413]

I am absolutely speechless! I learnt about John’s photography yesterday and I literally cannot stop watching. It’s mind blowing. Such an incredible person. I love everything about what he says. I just discovered something that will stay with me for a long time. Thank you John.

[@JohnFreePhtography]

You made my day much brighter Peter. Thank you. Photography can be a wonderful part of ones life. A search for images taken from real life moving situations found most anywhere with the intention and purpose of sharing these special instants in life with all mankind. This brings us all to a higher station or level in our own minds and hearts knowing that our true intent with the camera is to spread understanding and poetic entertainment for men to see and hopefully take something good from the experience of looking at my or your photograph.

[@piotrwydmuch9413]

I cannot express how much your videos opened my eyes. Your words truly speak to me, they helped me realize what photography can be in ones life. I love the true, simple, hard working, speaking from their heart people, because i feel that in today's world there aren't many of them left. So i treasure this so much. I will do my best to attend one of your classes John. All the best.

[@MrLarryhoover425]

"It's a camera, not a machine gun" amazing quote

[@tonynguyen9610]

Thank you