Practical Tips for Better Photos

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#ShotOnUrth

[@averytheamazingone]

I find the time by bringing my camera everywhere with me. Unless i feel absolutely awful, i will always have a camera on me. I dont take a lot of photos just bc life sometimes doesnt allow it, but i do my best. I love photo books, it's really validating for me. I personally have real bad imposter syndrome when it comes to the questions "are my photos good?" It is a really subjective topic. I do really love my photos and my growth, but when you look at social media it'd be considered bad. My top post has 5 likes, but in proud of that. Photo books have helped me find relatively unknown photographers that do similar things and inspire me to keep doing what I'm doing. Im even now planning my own photo book with the encouragment from my partner. I now even if i tired to sell it, people probably wouldn't even give it a second look, but in doing it for me and me alone. Is a fun experience organizing photos and planning their placement, page size and color and everything else. I'm not by any means a "real" photographer, but it helps me process emotion and the world around me so i don't plan on giving up on it at all. If i take just one photo that i personally like, then i consider it a really good day.

[@nvrumi]

I recently started carrying a camera along with all the time (other than my phone). I like using a "real" camera that has controls and a large (or larger) sensor. There are always a few minutes to pause and make a capture or two.

[@RaffaeleLadogana]

👏👏👏👏

[@leixo]

Really glad to see that other people are carrying their cameras everyday, do you mind sharing your Instagram? I'm really interessed to see what you see

[@averytheamazingone]

@@leixo its captain.audbeans

[@AnotherLisa]

What is your instagram name? Nice statement about your photography journey

[@DeemsAM]

Your last point hits close to home. I quit photography a couple of years back because I put pressure on myself professionally and on getting Instagram followers and likes. The algorithm game messed me up to the point where I fell out of love with photography. Today, I am slowly picking up my camera again but this time I am trying to consciously take a laid back approach. I need to understand that Instagram or any other platform does not dictate the quality of your work. It’s your art- do what makes you happy.

[@nvrumi]

I played with IG for a long time. Once FB bought it, it turned into something other than what it was and I no longer like it. I find that VERO is much like IG was in the old days. You see what you follow, not what the algorithm thinks you should see. Have a look.

[@red9350]

The fact of the matter is: i'd like to _share_ that art and that happiness with the people who follow me, but when a picture i love and i find meaningful doesn't get that recognition i start to question myself. Probably that picture is boring, amateur, uninspiring and worthless, otherwise it would have gathered some sort of appreciation from at least my friends

[@ThePurpleHarpoon]

Sometimes, other people do not recognise the beauty in a beautiful thing. Sometimes, only the artist knows how beautiful something is. That is sometimes how things are meant to be.

[@I_Dont_Recall_My_Name]

Good for you. Sometimes, we need to get knocked out of love for something so we can miss it a little. Let that passion grow back because we get too distracted with other people's standards and the pressure of what people think we should be doing. Like anything, do it for yourself, and make the art that you like, and hope that it finds the people who would like it. So even if it doesn't find those people, at least you know that you love it.

[@renonagasan]

Faizal! Please do a full video featuring your favorite photography books!

[@RagsCS]

Great video Faizal, lets not forget something; if you work outside, like a delivery driver, construction worker, city employee, you can easily implement photography while you work (with digression). I've been a delivery driver for a postage company for 3 years now, and while I love doing my job I also love the fact that I work so freely around the city/state so I can bring my cameras with me.

[@gregstevenson7401]

The book "52 Assignments: Street Photography". As a beginner, I get lost in the multitude of teachings that I consume the minute I walk outside. This book offers a clear goal for any given week so I go out with focus and am being taught. Of course you take other frames but like any good recipe, they all start coming together.

[@NaveenVenkataraman]

Great recommendation. Some folks, including myself, benefit from focused tasks rather than open ended ones based on inspiration. The book you've mentioned is a great help.

[@ZeDarkLord]

Thank you for this video. Based on this, I have a few takeaways for myself that I want to share. - Try to click at least 5-10 pictures every single day - Shoot with one specific focal length for a while - At the end of a certain time period, select a few pictures and get them printed out to see what kind of photos you like more. These are the things that I want to start doing more regularly and consistently now.

[@ReimannPembroke]

Great video! My main tip to new photographers is: If you can’t find anything to photograph, look up, then look down. You’ll find something.

[@davidwoods80]

I might add that new photographers hear that they're only supposed to shoot in full-manual mode, and that can lead to frustration. It's OK to shoot full auto! Magnum photographer Martin Parr, for example, shoots only in full auto. Better to come home with some decent shots than having a stressful day, lost in the 'Bermuda Exposure Triangle'.

[@brianhinesley]

i have been shooting for 16 years, i love how i can fit street photography around my time, and not have to schedule shootings with other people. i tend to shoot when i get off work at 1:30pm or on my days off ill get up around 7am and head out to shoot the morning crowd and light! i always enjoy your videos faizal :)

[@cintyaposse]

Excellent pieces of advice you give here. I would say not only for beginners but also to remind everyone that you need to shoot to be able to improve and also to not concentrate so much on Instagram or social media.

[@rudermanphoto]

Such a well made video! Excellent advice and so beautifully presented!

[@nedannnn]

My mental blockage is that I am most interested in taking pictures of people but I am an introvert when it comes to photographing strangers. On top of that, I live in Denmark, where people are not very open to getting their picture taken. I have yet to see a video that really helps me get over the social anxiety of taking pictures of others :/

[@cooperclelan9761]

I love your videos Faizal you have such an amazing way of narrating these videos that pull the viewer in. thanks for the tips!!

[@andrehoffbauer]

A very good set of advice that also reflects my experience and is presented in a very accessible way. I think this video can help many people to find a photographic path or motivation again.

[@tysonjnelson]

I love all of these tips! It’s so often that you can easily find yourself overwhelmed because you do have these massive aspirations and goals with your photography! The small tip that I feel like I see a lot and honestly “hate” hearing but know is true - Is consistency. Whether that be with posting on socials or just getting out and shooting, or editing. Like said in the video always find a way to make photography part of your daily, have it on your mind always! Also remember why you are doing it and make sure it lines up with your goals! Love the video!

[@abhinavgarg6487]

I love your tip about photographing your commute. I’m blessed to have a beautiful walking commute and should take advantage of it.

[@garlido536]

Been shooting for over 10 years and I still feel that these tips are applicable. Thank you

[@Haarpify]

You are a tremendous artist. I love the feel of your videos, the cutaways, the little jokes, the color tone -- visually, audibly, and emotionally, what you are uploading is so great. And super useful tips, too. Thanks!

[@Zeno_08]

These 4:3 shots make it so much perfect watching it on a zfold device ❤️ thank you, and thank you for the tips!

[@CrispyFrenFry]

The first line of advice is absolutely a great idea; alas, I commute via train with stops every 15-25 miles in between so I won’t be able to opt for that route of motivation. As for finding inspiration, I love leafing through books so it was nice to hear someone offer this as an alternative to social media. On occasion I hear photographers on YT saying that we don’t need to go to college or to read books to become great photographer: I completely agree with that sentiment but wish there was at least, acknowledgement within those statements encouraging those who do enjoy a structured learning path or reading books to incorporate them into their photographic journey.

[@RaffaeleLadogana]

I love this video and its content...I will put your advice into practice right away!!!

[@seankeelan-ut1cb]

Excellent advice! Break away from the distractions of social feeds and pick up a book!! Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@evelyntea3150]

Thanks for the great advice, Faizal. They are definitely very useful as I restart my photography journey.

[@Nhatlan93]

Thanks for this comforting words.

[@dennisvanmierlo]

These tips are still valuable for experienced photographers 👌 I enjoyed this video very much 😊 Lot’s of greetings, Dennis 🇳🇱

[@boulila]

Thank you very very very much !!! you are amazing ! Im a big fan of you and your work already ! Your channel is a benediction to me ! Ive just discovered it and I learned a looooot already !! Keep posting ! Thank again

[@jaredashton]

loved this video man!

[@poobs2361]

I have found that I am ABSOLUTELY a telephoto shooter. I'm almost convinced at this point that I have ADHD and shooting wide fills me with a lot of self doubt and anxiety. I 100% press the shutter less because I don't know what should be in the shot or if it even SHOULD be in the shot. Much better (for me) for the camera to FORCE me to single out a point in the image with interesting details, or light, or subject and hone in on it. I have started practicing with a 35mm (equivalent) lens and it's been very uncomfortable frankly but I AM starting to see improvements in my "eye" for catching moments in this wider focal length (I usually shoot 50-135mm). Frankly I may never experiment with going wider than 35mm because it is so far outside of my comfort zone.

[@asia_sk]

Wow! Same here 🤝

[@gr7dc]

Very inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

[@JonOnFilm]

Great vid as always, Faizal. Will be tossing my camera in my bag to take to work and use on my break. Be easy, stay creative.

[@43topspin]

Great tips! Before and after work is a great idea.

[@sm1062]

Wow i was left hungry for more nice video it was very inspiring and helpful for me THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@CassidyHansen]

Similar to choosing a focal length, it can be helpful to choose a "theme" like lines, shadows, long-exposure, etc.

[@dalia6295]

This is such a good video, thank you so much! I'm just starting out, and I managed to find some great books at my local charity bookshop. Looking forward to getting out there and improving.

[@muris60]

love you for this video!

[@luischavezphoto]

I love the way you word your thoughts Faizal. Also, you need to send me that hat.

[@urthco]

Fantastic video, once again! We're feeling inspired to get out there

[@johnkraemer5505]

I enjoyed the video! Thank you for refreshing some ideas!

[@rodriguezvaleria1999]

i needed this reminder! ✨️✨️

[@guirob]

Nice vidéo, thanks Faizal, I love the tone you use to explain thats fundamentals tips. Bye 👍

[@marcoeisenbarth4452]

Great content. likable person. I see, I like, I subscribe. Thank you Faizal.

[@juliarodriguescardoso3267]

thank you! you inspired me to restart photography again :)

[@user-oq1we2sh8r]

I love the Q3 with the 28mm

[@user-uq4eb9nf9u]

Great video, thanks. I started with two lenses - 16-50 and 33 mm F1.4. Now I have 5. But I take only 1 or 2. I choose between them depending on my mood and weather. I do not want to depend on these factors. And for the same reason, I put a diffusion filter and flash in my backpack.

[@jamesgriesedieck5116]

I think the tip about using primes starting out is great advice! Took me years to realize I like a wider lens! And it forces you to move around in a scene and how to put thought into composition rather than just firing off at whatever focal length you quickly frame the subject in without thought. Also fishing vs. hunting techniques maybe worth some inquiry...

[@andrewbernardi8761]

love the tip of getting off the train early. also lower case type might look better for supers.

[@marqusee]

Super important vid. Thanks bud.

[@antoniorepizo_]

Great video!!! So fan of yours

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Awesome tip Faizal! I will take them seriously to get better at this beautiful craft :) One tip I would have is to start taking picture of topics, you are interested in. If it is cars, people, architecture, insects, mushrooms, etc. - it can be anything. And then start from there to find the real photography topic you enjoy shooting. I thought in the beginning I would enjoy shooting cars and landscape, but after doing that I did different topics and right now ended up enjoying street :)

[@joshmaroguilla337]

appreciate the content.. super helpful for me as an aspiring stph. :)

[@pauljunholee]

I spent 2.5 weeks in New York City last month and I think I learned the most about myself as a creative/photographer while I was shooting in the city. Like Faisal said, I believe the best way to know what you want to photograph is by observing the best you can before you click on that shutter. Observe what is of interest to you, no matter how quick or long it takes for you. As a “slower” photographer, the first day of shooting in the city was overwhelming for me and couldn’t take many photos. But once I got used to the environment, I was able to slow myself down in the midst of the fast pace in the city and just observe.

[@srunchres]

Great advice beginning to end. For me 😍

[@iloveweezer69]

gonna check this out!

[@jackiefox7326]

Thank you for advice 😊 great video

[@KevinLoustau]

- everyday carry your camera - everyday notice something new The rest will happen on its own.

[@davekumo1]

"when you're a better observer, you're a better photographer" ❤

[@YrsaClicks]

Make that time :) Good video! Thanks so much ❤

[@digitalfrisc0]

Going off what Faizal said, find your focal length. See what's more suitable for your taste, it'll play a role in your observation and might end up finding your style if you haven't already. Having variety is good but having too much can overwhelm you. Enjoyed this video btw, reminded me of some things that I tend to forget. Capture what you like, not what the internet likes. Also curious to know, what music do you listen to when you're out taking photos, Faizal?

[@user-ln2on4ig4g]

Love your channel and the way you inspire. Maybe you could make a video or some sort of a list on available books that are inspiring. Keep up the good work. Kind regards from Belgium.

[@yasinmikail]

This was excellent.

[@EricAdeleye]

Excellent video.

[@TheUrbandilema]

Great advice as usual I am trying the one focal length for every photo walk and I always keep my camera in car either my point and shoot digicam or my mirror less or even my phone...how they say everything is photographable Cheers Faisal

[@TungstenOvergaard]

I didn’t get anything (it’s too late) but I loved the mood, the images and the music. Love it.

[@biofilia_]

Two years ago I took photograph classes inflenced by my sister just cos she asked me for company, we studied together and finished the course, now I’m missing to look for cool spots to photograph in the downtown. Inspiring vídeo, with a nice aesthetic bro, I’ll follow your tips.

[@gunberriesgame7680]

Very useful thank you

[@MikeMena]

How about an insta competition? You give us theme of month and we tag you? Could be fun!! Maybe you could make a video critiquing top 5?! Prolly won’t get a lot of views, but could result in a channel community.

[@akew2343]

thanks for the "wejangan"🙏🙏🙏

[@yoshiston3r]

Faizal, the main reason I settled with Fujifilm is to photograph daily life and my daughter’s growth. What lens do you recommend for things like school concerts, events? I’ve shot with Nikon, canon and Sony and I settled with Fuji so I’m not lugging heavy equipment around. Another thing to consider is I’m disabled so being able to be on stage up front is close to impossible. Would really love your input.

[@DebiSenGupta]

Thanks for the tips - can you please recommend some books by contemporary photographers?

[@KillerTacos54]

Great video

[@l.aspace3126]

you are resourceful

[@jennellelo1891]

hopefully you make a review of the new fujifilm xs20! ❤

[@mirjanagecin715]

I recently bought a book called ,,Forever Saul Leiter" and when I saw your photos I thought that your style of photographing is kinda similar to Saul, and here is the book that I have mentioned in your video, ahhahahha very funny but I'm glad that I came across your channel bc i want to learn how to take pictures like Saul and you are the great example :)

[@sithabelamandlawenkosiwodu6298]

Very informative.

[@D3CONd]

thank you for the video my issue is ive been doin this over 5 years and still feel mediocre at best with the few shots I did manage to pull off but I'm stuck in the "my camera isn't good enough" spot, as I haven't been able to get a sharp photo to save my life.

[@gregorylacomble7091]

Nice video! May I ask you, what are the protective accessories you have on the ricoh? It seems it’s a filter and a « sun visor » (not sure about the French traduction of « pare-soleil » 😅, I’m interessed in finding good protective accessories for my ricoh griii

[@97007kim]

Hi! First time here and I already fell in love with ur video. Quick question, may I know where you get the music licenses for your videos? I think your taste in background complements your visuals a lot and I wanted to do the same. Thank you!

[@user-wi6wh7km5g]

Hi! What brand is the camera strap you use (the black ropey style one)?

[@zeogen]

great opening :)

[@gianlucairaggi]

I loved the "colored cards" in the intro and between scenes! it tastes a bit like Master of None S3 🙂 does this amazing show inspired you in any way? Also great music choice🥲

[@ilsevandenbrink5479]

I noticed that I take less photos and especially don’t share them as much because I was shooting everything in raw and felt the need to edit everything. Now a days, on casual occasions like a friends party I bring my camera and shoot in jpeg. That way they can be quickly shared with friends without me procrastinating on editing and I spent more time taking photos.

[@MrBillkaz]

My backlog because of this very issue is probably like our national debt … lol

[@IbranorIbrahim]

mantapp kang sharing nya. terima kasih!

[@bernieleahy1158]

Hello Faisal….do you do workshops

[@Mumpitzjaeger]

Regarding the focal length, and before you buy primes you may not use in the end: As a beginner when you are trying to figure out what you like to shoot, you can start out with any kit lens and stick to a specific focal length for some time. Even though you could, try not to zoom in or out - commit to the focal length. After some time, try another focal length and see how it feels.

[@cazetihw6183]

Faizal we need a book of your work bro!

[@timclarke1032]

I think it's useful to remember that shooting is a physical skill. By shooting often, you will memorize the controls and how to get to the settings in many different situations. Then, hopefully when the great moment is in front of you, you don't find yourself on a 2 second timer, or forget you have turned off stabilization.

[@sw2de3fr4gt]

Which skin did you use to black out the logos?

[@Techdash.]

What photography books would you recommend? Oh nvm, it's in the description. Thanks !

[@d.cassarino]

I don't have time for "street photography" but I'm still using my cameras on a daily basis, basically now I document the life of my family instead of the one of strangers

[@johnclay7644]

informative video.

[@orbel1234]

Great advice beginning to end. For me the hardest part of enjoying this hobby is the guilt of spending time on something that is not directly helping my business grow profitable. I notice most people that enjoy photography happen to be employees and have an easier time fitting the hobby around their structured day. However for entrepreneurs like myself that are still in the building stage, there is no dedicated off hours and to step out with a camera means I’m putting energy into something that won’t help my business.

[@harrisonjames28]

To that I say you don’t know the impact the art is making on you. So give it some space too. Who knows, maybe that stress relief of an artistic outlet will help spark ideas for your business or even put you in a better mindset for “the grind.” ✌🏻

[@remembershooting2064]

One of the hardest things about running a business can be switching off and making time away from work. It's tempting to feel like you should give every waking moment to work, especially in the first few years, but respite will recharge and refresh you. All the best with it.

[@gvnrchmnd]

One tip I would share is to play on the strengths of your own character. If you're an introvert/shy person, chances are shooting on a wide lens and getting in close with groups of people will be scary. Aim for a telephoto and observe at a safe distance. Eventually you may conquer that fear and begin to get closer over time. If you have balls of steel aka Joel Meyerowitz style then getting in close and taking risky shots should be no issue for you. And if the thought of photographing people to begin with is a step too far then you can take inspiration from the likes of Stephen Shore and photograph the landscape around you. One thing to remember when shooting like this is that familiarity can be a big hurdle to get past. Looking at photographers like Alex Webb who shoot in remote places such as Morocco, or William Eggleston with his colourful Americana. Chances are shooting around a grey mill town in Britain won't give you the results you were seeking so you need to find your own way of capturing it and remember just because its familiar to you, doesn't mean it will be familiar to someone who lives in Ohio for instance.

[@nvrumi]

I'm only two-thirds of the way through the video, but I would add "listen to what speaks to you." If you see something that catches your eye (so to speak), then work it. Walk around it. Take a lot of photographs. Play with the settings and even the angles. Get on the ground and shoot a low angle. My wife once remarked to me "you have a different way of looking at things." Part of that was from looking at the work of others. Part of it was having a camera in-hand for more then 50 years. So, learn to *see* things around you. And listen to that inner voice.

[@zhecloud1]

Great video, but i still have some troubles choosing my focal lenght.. Always have the feeling that i have the wrong lens with me, for example, when i go out with a 35mm eq, i always want something longer and viceversa. Thats why im thinking about a zoom lens like the fuji 16-80.. but it is bigger compared to small primes lens..

[@d.cassarino]

The 18-55 they say is a great lens and isn't that big after all, you could carry a zoom and a prime and you're good to go

[@haruharu2909]

Can anyone here help me with the descision between the gr3 and the gr3x? for the past time I mainly Shot with the 27mm pancake from fuji on the xe4 (they broke) and I dont know which one of the two to get. Abit of Input would be appreciated. Great video faizal as always. 🗣️

[@sebastianbernestra9979]

Take photos on the commute of the people and sun. Meanwhile in Sweden: The sun goes up before I get to work and sets before I leave, and I see almost no people on my way to work 😂 I still bring my camera everyday though. Great video, thank you!

[@Hunden-db4rj]

New video from Faizel, I click

[@LM43243]

Nice vid! Something I struggle with is: 1. I'm SO bored of shooting the same stuff around my neighborhood, and I don't want to travel too much to practice photography as a hobby 2. In Sweden at this time of the year, 99% of the days consist of extremely cloudy days without sun and rain. Any clues how to solve these issues, or at least, continue enjoying photography with 1 and 2?

[@WoWMinGM]

Pröva svartvitt! I am in the same situation but here we get snow at least. Jump on your bike or take a car somewhere near your town/city. Call it a photo excursion. I did this last weekend and almost finished a roll of film when I just the day before thought there was nothing to photograph.

[@LM43243]

@@WoWMinGM Det är sant! Will do. It sucks when my "photo style" revolves around interesting architecture and shapes, but I've literally shot every thing I can think of here already haha. Might need to branch out .... Cheers from gbg.

[@marycarron5118]

I often have the same issue. Here are some things I've tried. Monochrome only for a day Taking on a small project Trying triptych photography Macro or close-up Abstract images. These can give a bit of variety in a familiar location. Thanks Faizal for a thoughtful and informative video.

[@red9350]

For number 2: try black and white; Try flash photography; Try intentional motion blur (lower shutter speed, like 1/8)

[@red9350]

You can also use both the intentional motion blur WITH the flash on! You'll get a very distinct look with the subject illuminated by the flash almost perfectly sharp, while the rest of the scene is blurred or you could get a trail of the subject with it also being sharp at the same time. Very interesting look

[@marz444]

Hey buddy, could you tell me the name of this song please? Great video btw.

[@simon359]

The biggest advice I can give, is to shoot more and keep moving. As far as focal lengths go, I switch back-and-forth between three lenses every day I go out. But I’ve learned to find the best lens for the area I am shooting. 50 mm for when I’m closer to people, and 56 or 90 mm for when people are farther away . Since I have to travel into the city that I know, it makes it easier to know which lens for which subjects, and that only comes from experience. And the three lenses changes from time to time. I never carry a bag of lenses, only those that fit into my pockets. Focal lengths I use, 18, 23, 33, 56, 90.

[@henlolneh]

I'm sorry but who the hell stores lenses in their pockets lol

[@simon359]

@@henlolneh It works very well, I get coats that are designed to hold numerous lenses while I’m walking - that way nobody knows that I’m a professional street photographer! I also don’t use lens shades unless it’s raining!