PHOTOGRAPHY | Nature or Nurture? +TIPS that helped me

[@NigelDanson]

Question of the week - Should we take apples up mountains? 🍏 😉

[@AF8Images]

Maybe but we should definitely take photos up mountains😀

[@Robert-vj3ec]

Johnny did. Now we have apple trees everywhere.. ;). Great vid by the way..

[@vanessaaudenaert7516]

Well yesss, don't worry, apples fall from trees, not mountains 😎😉

[@alanmcdade2459]

Banana skins left up mountains always annoy me, why cannot people take their rubbish home.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

I'd rather take an apple than a Dell

[@Viator19]

10.55 - "If you can explain to someone why the photo is good, you can learn a lot about it" Great quote.

[@nobodyhikes]

That area has to be one of the most incredible places I have ever seen. You truly do this place justice, Nigel. The call-outs for what worked and didn't worked were very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!

[@valrion.photography]

The way you talk about photography, so genuinely and passionately, and how humble you are about your photography evolution and job, is very inspiring Nigel. The same way you got inspired by other photographers, I started getting more seriously into photography the day I discovered you via one of your KZbin videos. Sunday mornings are now a moment I'm very much looking forward to spending watching your new vlog. And your Masterclass' are completing your vlogs so well!

[@davidmedeiros7572]

Nigel, I really like it when you dissect and annotate your shots from a vlog, even if the notes aren't directly relevant to your dialogue. I think there is so much that can be learned form notes like this, I'd love to see you do more of that!

[@waynemacleod5648]

Nigel - definitely one of your (many) best videos - thank you! One self-improvement point that you eluded to, but didn't specifically state is that I think the underlying factor in much of you great work is your (amazing) ability / personality trait to pay attention to detail. For you it seems to come naturally, others may have to develop and continually improve that ability / skill otherwise we may miss or only gloss over the best opportunities / photos. Also I hear so much from "everyone" about how a photo should tell a story and I totally agree (and have plenty of room to improve there), but a group of photos such as your Faroe Island photos provide one (big picture) perspective / story and thus need to be carefully selected and assembled from the total photos taken, then each individual image adds detail to that overall story and can / should be a story on their own, which may or may not be dependent on the big picture (e.g. an image of a lighthouse may tell what life was like for the lighthouse operator regardless of whether it is located in the Faroe Islands or not and it also adds to the big picture story of how life in the Faroe Islands is quite different than life in New York City). Your thoughts on "what story you were intending to communicate with each photo" will be helpful when you talk about an image and I'm interested as to whether you think that every individual image has to tell a story or not.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks for the brilliant comment. Completely agree!!!

[@malajusted1]

Your best vlog yet. You've previously gone overboard on superlatives but on this you nailed it. Spoken from your heart and totally natural... I think this is the real you. Informative and delivered with knowledge - well done. Ps The faroes are beautiful too.

[@timthorington4498]

Totally agree. This was an excellent vlog...

[@emarekica]

I agree.

[@NigelDanson]

Many thanks for this - appreciate the kind words

[@mikemitchell3889]

Nigel, The examples and lessons taught in the actual Faroe shots are very well received. What caught my eye also, was the compositional follow-through of the overhead shots of the three latter images. The design in placement of the apple/computer/external drive/previously viewed pics shows uncommon forethought and execution. Thank-You, Mike

[@PamelaMarshall]

This kind of video is what I put on to relax with a cuppa. It’s like Blue Planet for photographers. 😁 Something so subjective as photography can be interpreted in a million ways and we aren’t all right, but we aren’t all wrong either. We have our own styles and develop our own techniques. All we can do is keep practicing. Brilliant vid, Nigel.

[@Barnyz]

Great video, i never get tired of seeing views of the faro islands. Also i appreciate that you often take photos during the daytime and dont limit yourself to sunrise and sunsets all the time, its super useful for those of us with busy lives who cant always be out and about at odd hours. Big thanks!

[@DupoSoft]

Enjoyed this vlog. I especially liked the little pop-ups explaining the strong and weak points of why you feel the shot works or not. It makes me want to try and see if I can spot it myself with every new view before you point it out. Training the eye....

[@giselesmith7795]

More photo dissection - I love it when you do this. It helps me be much more critical when I am out and about looking for compositions. Thanks again Nigel. Looking forward to next week.

[@Halfpint71]

Good video again, Nigel. That third print with the dark clouds is awesome! Fantastic work.

[@emarekica]

Nigel, your channel is the one I stick with because of your honesty and subtlety.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much - really appreciate that

[@rchauser57]

Great insights. Thanks. Although I have to say I was nervous watching you so close the edge on those mountainsides. Probably just a visual illusion, but with all the people falling to their demise while taking photos, I kept thinking “get away from the edge.” So stay safe out there.

[@JoDaniels]

Goodmorning Nigel, this video is an amazing road to improvement for everyone who is seriously praticing photography. Thanks for sharing your lessons learned. Have a good Sunday!

[@Midnight_Rambler]

This is the type of video I love watching, very informative and more about how to improve your Landscape photography, the best channel by far that is out there at the moment IMO, a great video on how to capture scenes within a scene instead of going for the wide shot all the time, looking for shapes within the scene, waiting around for the light to change, I love the captions too Nigel, great way to point out to the viewer what to look out for and why that particular image works, all great tips for any Landscape Photographer wanting to improve their work, loved that shot at the end too, really stunning, I think some people do have a natural talent and some people need to work at it more but practicing and seeing your work improve as you progress is what spurs you on to get out there and do more.

[@AlexBerger]

Beautiful reflective video. Also, wow - that cliff and cloud shot. Magnificent!

[@rgarlinyc]

Thanks ND, very helpful, thought provoking. I too have always been, unsurprisingly, in awe of Ansel Adams' work - and one thing I learned was to always scope out the landscape from different points - to "look at different bits within.." as you put it, and not just think of the vista as a whole.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Not really a rule but the one thing that I try to follow continuously (and something that you mentioned several times throughout this video) it works every time, follow the light and the rest will fall into place. Your last image was a fine example of following the light. Great topic and video, Nigel!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks a lot Adam. So true - light is the secret. Transforms most scenes and unlocks compositions. 👍👍👍

[@foofreddy]

You are such a great teacher. Love the images from this week also. Thanks Nigel.

[@charleswoods2301]

Thank you Nigel for emphasizing simplicity. I find great value in your explanation of extending the time at a location, and revisiting the scene at different times of the day. You make the photography journey to great photos easily understood. Thank you!

[@andyoaf]

Hi Nigel, loved this video. When I started to learn photography, not so long ago, the best thing I picked up wasn't f-stops and ISO, it was analyzing a photo, where the eye goes, what works, or doesn't work in the image. It got to the point where I started drawing eye tracks on images. That's why I really like what you've been doing with the self critiquing. It's not something I'm really seeing on other channels. I would say there is very little nature in my photography, the majority is definitely nurture. You've pushed me a lot this year, and I'm out shooting at least once a week.

[@stephenthomas8288]

Excellent video. Love the toque (hat). I'm dyslexic too, and also don't like reading and like you I became to love photography. It great to know that an artist I admire for his amazing photos and videos struggles with the same things I do. What a inspiration you are.

[@scotty4418]

A great episode Nigel and as well as the images and the location being stunning, loved the various touches used in the editing, especially the info pop ups.

[@jimmiealeshire7605]

Awesome video Nigel, loved it. Thanks for sharing. Love everything that you do.

[@90make]

Definitely my favourite was the image with the three people. I love the composition and as you said the strong shapes.

[@sarkarpappu]

That's one great advice for beginiers or an advanced person in photography. This simplyfying of composition or an image overall has been my priority sice past few years, I have taken your advice since in one of your earier video. Keep up the great work.

[@thehunter3884]

Fantastic video Nigel some really good points on how to improve my photos. Definitely going to be thinking of these next time I'm out taking landscapes.

[@shykotctg]

One of the fantastic video. I like the way you explain how the photograph works, It's like you bring me to the location and show me the scene and show me how you took the photo. The most unique aspect of your videos is that you show us the scene you are photographing and explain what is good photographs, why it works, which one is bad, why later one is good. It's all like I'm there when you're explaining. Always wait for your new videos. :)

[@AlynWallace]

Some superb advice Nigel. Digging the new studio setup too!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Alyn. Yep - new setup makes it so much easier to shoot different angles.... 👍

[@bh6279]

Thank you, Nigel, you have me looking more at my photography, I have created a statement for my photography style " imaging photography as art" you have also got me more excited to looking and saving for an upgraded camera from D3200 Nikon to a D5300 Nikon. I do love watching your video and see your photography thank you

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent video, beautifully made. This is the curious question we all get hit with from time to time, it's been the focus of my thinking for the last few years also. I always say, the art came first, the rules came after. I don't believe a rule is a template for creativity, but there are certainly psychological guidelines that can deliver predictable results.

[@darrenasay2036]

Nigel, the image at 11:52...AMAZING! Absolutely Amazing.

[@cindyannohara]

I loved this video, having just returned from the Faroe Islands, I can totally identify with your video. And you recently posted video on how the review 2000+ pictures is also spot on ! Thanks for your videos as usual I love the way you show the locations and the process back in studio (really nice) and the prints!

[@DarrenRussinger]

Another great & thought provoking video Nigel. Thank you! Looking forward to next weeks!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Darren

[@andrewfrost8866]

Wow! And that image at 11:50 is simply, simply stunning.

[@ScoTreVan]

One place on the bucket list Nigel, amazing, thanks

[@andychattaway5620]

Hi Nigel, Really enjoyed the video - as per. The Faroe Islands look stunning and your images too. Your Ansel Adams quote regarding 'The Rules' reminded me of a relevant quote which I like by Edward Weston "Pictures came first. Rules followed. No one ever became an artist by learning rules or keeping them."

[@charlenenagel7962]

This was such a fantastic video! I had to pause it just to take in the compositions of the back-drop scenes where you were talking, in addition to the photos. I love your work! Thank you so much for your willingness to teach these fine points of photography. Greatly appreciated!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much Charlene

[@valk-photography]

Super educational video with stunning landscapes ...... like the designators in the pictures a lot !! Thank you Nigel !!!!

[@bradleyzimmerman4184]

You are definitely one of my favorite living photographers. I'd like to keep it that way and I'm sure you would too! When you're on the edge of cliffs, you must understand disasters happen in split seconds and you cannot forsee unintended consequences. Wind, ground giving way, balance etc.. all could happen singley or together and then it is the end of you! Please give this some serious thought. Great video and photos as always. Take care my friend.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Bradley - I am always ultra careful... and actually never too close to the edge...

[@bradleyzimmerman4184]

I know I sound like an over protective parent but reminding people to take safety seriously is no small thing. I live in the US in Illinois. There are 3 areas here in Illinois, Starved Rock, Garden of the Gods and the Kankakee River State Park which Rock Creek runs through and is only 15 minutes away from my home. All three areas have claimed many peoples lives. So when I saw your video, there were a couple instances where my legs went wobbly! I am sorry if I offended you in any way or seemed like I question your intelligence. I fell off a cliff once myself so I'm a Nervous Nelly now.

[@robertstephens1868]

Thanks so much, Nigel. Your presentation gives us much to ponder. A real inspiration.

[@NigelDanson]

Many thanks Robert

[@clivejepsen4078]

Thanks for the video. It is very difficult to talk about this subject because everyone has a different view, other feelings. good job, Nigel.

[@lombardy3274]

This is one of the most polished videos you have produced, congrats. It was a great watch, fantastic images!

[@awolfNspirit83]

Wonderful video Nigel with amazing images. Simply inspirational.

[@WalkingEng]

Nigel, thank you for this wonderful video. I know that the development of my photographic capabilities takes time and work. These videos always inspire and help me to keep going.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Steve

[@brianjones6784]

Great episode Nigel. This could be an intro into your Masterclass. Well executed, as all of your episodes. But for some reason, this one will surely resonate. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!!

[@marcherrmann9635]

I must confess that I like 1 over 2 of your photos taken when you were a kid... So there's definitely a fair amount of nature inside your art for sure. About the rest, I will continue trying to follow your good advices and find enough time for being out in the nature without stressing about the time passing. One thing I've learnt by now: it's sometimes easier to integrate the family (wife and/or the kids in my case) into the own projects rather than obtaining free time totally dedicated to yourself and your photography...

[@flowersunandmoon]

Thank you so much for your lessons ! They are so understandable and helpful.

[@RossCollicutt]

Almost comical to see a tutorial being done in a place that looks like that. Amazing. Very well done with the walk-through of how you look at images. Most tutorials gloss over the important parts but you step through them. The overlays on the images pointing out the different elements are very helpful.

[@Hirsutechin]

I really like the light and repeating lines and shapes in the image at 11:45. And composition elements aside, the first of your prints at 15:10 gave a strong first impression of a mix between waves breaking on a rock and a snowy peak - I liked that a lot! I enjoy trying to understand what makes other photographers' images work too. Just one remark:- photographers don't take images, they make them; your "three photographers" being just one example. Keep making them!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much

[@phooesnax]

Nicely done Nigel! I always worry when you sit stand near those edges. Jim

[@danfry909]

Oh man! That shot (the third print) is absolutely stunning. Great work sir!

[@chasegilmore7158]

I love this channel. You are an exceptional teacher my friend! Your videos have the best ROI when it comes to improving my photography knowledge vs. other channels.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much

[@danmaynard120]

I swear you’re videos get better every week. Can’t wait for next weeks exposure video!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Dan - appreciate that

[@richardwynn6744]

Beautiful stuff, Nigel. What a phenomenal place to visit!

[@johnsholian4318]

Strong subject, great light, and an uncluttered composition. Doesn’t have to be an epic location like the Faroes but it certainly helps! Throw in lots of patience, lots of failures and time. Lots of time because it takes that to master anything. Glad you’re able to make a living doing what you love. Now, in addition to SquareSpace, try SquareApples...

[@davehayford4294]

Well done Nigel......Very Well Done. Thank you for Sharing.

[@jasonkennedy2045]

Nigel, one of your best vlogs mate. Really great info and working examples. I learnt a lot from this one so thank you! Cheers Jase

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Excellent video, great tips as always and some stunning examples of your art. You were 100% correct when you said this week's vid would be something special!!!

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Tony 👍👍👍

[@photosbyjosef]

oh my goodness such an amazing job not only explaining the way you assess a potential photographic location but the photos you took and the video is just stunning. I'm a professional photographer in Florida us and I am so jealous that I have not been to a location like that but if I do I will be thinking about your advice. Thank you thank you thank you

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@gstandaert]

Nice video with a few really nice images at the end there. The Faroes look so amazing!

[@garywedley9601]

Great vlog ...thanks for sharing your valuable experiences!....Loved photography for over 40 years and your advice about spending more time in one place is right....practised this for the past year now and my photography has shown a vast improvement 👍

[@Archibald_Quincy_Stanton]

Fabulous episode Nigel. One I will watch again for sure. When you got back to your office I kept fixing on the apple thinking, well at least it's on a flat so it won't roll away😊

[@vbiljar2839]

This is my first comment on your channel ... and I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience ... and in such an amazing way ... all of your videos I've seen are great, and most importantly - very inspirational and motivational ... and amazing shots there, btw :)

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much

[@JohnPaul-ii]

I was going to comment on how I seem to watch your video’s twice now, once just to listen and the second time to focus on the visuals. How ever then I spotted the Apple, it made me smile when the subject turned to you going out again with that apple 🍏. Was also thinking of your earlier problem with a hill and an apple. Thanks for another fantastic vlog Nigel.

[@waterman308]

thank you Nigel. I have lately been pondering the same kind of idea - what elements in a photo appeal to or stir the human mind and emotion? Are we attracted to: sharp contrasts in texture, color, light (and dark), geometry, abstractness, juxtaposition of dis-similar objects (things that are out of place but have occurred without intention for example), balance in a photo of various elements, dis harmony? I know i don't like 'messy' pictures - weeds and branches all around the edges (mostly what i get in southern New Jersey in the U.S.). But why? I think this vlgo of yours along with your other vlogs are digging deeper into the answer to that question. And if we can begin to understand it (I'm an engineer and scientist too and have the same interest to figure it out), then I think we can really improve our photography both in the rate at which our skill develops as well as its depth. Thank you again.

[@sander5086]

An other inspiring video from stunning location!! Watching other peoples work is the best way to improve your own photography, it helped me a lot. (next to going out and shoot some photo's) Watching KZbin video's like yours is also a great way to improve my skills. Been doing it only for a year now, but I can significant changes already!!!

[@desgardner7169]

You gave out good advice again Nigel, someone once said to me you will never be a good photographer until you understand light, that person did not mention foregrounds perhaps that was his big secret of success, thanks for sharing that advice with us....

[@paulbarnard5267]

Now that was a good video! Lots of great information and excellently presented.

[@josephstanski5180]

Great Video Nigel - images are very instructional as well as beautifully constructed. Mountain light vs (where I'm from) prairie light - you have so many more elements to draw from besides light. I'm envious, but only temporarily. Nicely done.

[@ilesmic]

This is one of your best instructional videos- well done-- I truly love that last photo. I see you got a red jacket for your Faroe Island's Trip. I am sure you don't remember, but that was a suggestion I gave you from your last trip to the Faroe Islands.

[@AF8Images]

Nice video, I found my photography took a real step up with the advent of digital non-destructive post processing as it allowed me to experiment with different styles, crops, and techniques. By 'playing' with images in post processing I could work out what worked and what didn't for me. Keep up the great videos👍

[@NigelDanson]

Totally agree - it makes a big difference

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Great advice. I think a lot of success is hard to do due to the vast amount of people doing it. I really need to go to that place

[@Professor_Internet_PhD]

Great video. Pointing out with text why specific points in the photo work or not is really helpful. The only thing that makes me nervous about these videos is you standing or hunkering so close to the edge all the time ;)

[@keithgrafton5006]

That was epic! Scenery to die for and interesting narrative.

[@KarenBaker616263]

You are an educator! Thank you for this wonderful and informative video. Safe travels~

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Karen - appreciate that

[@Sparxdd]

Always such informative videos, thanks. also, i really like how you incorporate excellent composition and color in your videos.

[@chrispixl]

hello Nigel, don't know if it's your best video, I see a lot and all are verry good and verry usefull for me, thanks a lot.

[@perambulatingmike]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@N4865G]

Since coming across one of your videos by reference from another author I immediately got hooked on your series. Excellent info, right to the point, very well narrated as well. This, however is the best yet, I think. It encompasses all the tips you talked about before into one, very valuable material. The most important bit I learnt is to take time and think about all the elements which make a stunning photograph. Not always easy travelling with the Family, but this really makes all the difference. One think I noticed in your pictures which got me intrigued, however, is your liberty in cropping pictures based on the composition, not the preset ratio. This is revolutionary with many other pro photographers religiously sticking to preset picture size ratios. I like the effect very much. Thank you for taking time to publish your videos. I learnt a lot and you got me motivated to look into the landscape photography genre once again.

[@vanessaaudenaert7516]

Truly an amazing video, thanks so much for such great advice! We are allways so hasty, we want so much in little time as possible, it is definitely killing us and our photography as well! So I am going to pack my bag and revisit a location where i think i have seen it all by just passing through, make it an amazing daytrip and prove myself wrong 😊

[@photoit1486]

i enjoy seeing you videos, i am leaning a lot from you. Keep up the great work.

[@63rml]

Nigel great video. I think you should call that last shot “Horse Hoof Mountain” Mike

[@NigelDanson]

Good name!!!!

[@johnfuqua1143]

Excellent Vlog it is just what I need and what I have been seeking . Good luck with the apple you might carry along the Kit Kat as back up- Thank you Nigel.

[@opelgang89]

That last photo is a masterpiece 👌

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Patrik

[@Noealz]

gosh its so beautiful - have a good one

[@MaikKronerPhotography]

Grandios Nigel, wish you a great Weekend. All the Best from Germany. Maik

[@stevemozzie6497]

Observation is the key to everything in life.

[@paulburwood8231]

Totally agree with your favourite image; so atmospheric. :-)

[@glenns001]

Those Islands look so good i think you could shoot any time of day and get epic photos, some places after sunrise its just gone, or before and after sunrise.

[@paulus0109]

Very good vlog Nigel.thnx

[@AlexLancashirePersonalView]

Nicely put together video, Nigel.

[@hasithrathnayake7569]

Thanks for awesome content! Really like your videos, true inspiration!

[@squirls8814]

Love this video, there’s so much to take away from it. I’m quite fascinated by the fact that most of us need to hear the techniques articulated in words in order to learn to take great photos (I prefer the word “technique” to “rule”) but yet words can sometimes be so reductive and circumscribe the meanings of others to an image which may be different from your own. It can also make the process feel formulaic. I was fascinated by the bit where you spoke of studying the images you like. It takes time to fully immerse oneself in an image to fully understand the feelings it inspires uniquely to you and allow the rhythms and nuances of the scene to emerge without words. Perhaps your dyslexia provides you with an advantage, a propensity towards visual literacy? (I’ve no idea how you would test for this though). To paraphrase David Lynch, wordless thoughts leave a little space for dreams. Thank you for nudging my brain to think about these things. So much effort than is immediately obvious I'm sure goes into creating your vlogs x

[@gregoryforeman2105]

Excellent video Nigel

[@grantnewton5705]

Some great shots..... well done!

[@unikoweiss]

Great video Nigel!!

[@GingerPhotographer]

Great tips! - Thank you.