This is why your photos are boring.

[@seandalt]

Thank you Motion Array for sponsoring this video! Checkout Motion Array here: bit.ly/3xydzQJ

[@king_of_twins2]

I learned a lot in those 10 min, this why I love KZbin, it's people like you that give knowledge instead of showing thier life like other platforms, great shots by the way.

[@razerone49]

The reason some of us still use very shallow depth of field is the fact that many of us don’t have the luxury of shooting in places where the background is something we’d even want in the photo. I for example shoot many of my portraits of my son in our backyard that is busy and just not very interesting. I want as much of that ugly background out of focus as possible. Your shots are in beautiful or interesting locations so I get why you don’t shoot wide opens I wouldn’t either. Point is, there is a place for 1.4 shots. It’s not just about decision to use it or being a new photographer with a new 1.4 lens.

[@seandalt]

That’s totally fair, but I also want to challenge you a little bit (out of love!). Even in ugly places you can capture cool photos, it’s just about isolating aspects of your environment and utilizing it as best you can. As I’ve grown as a photographer I actually like shooting in boring places just as much as I enjoy stunning places, but for a long time I would only shoot in the best of the best locations. It’s only recently that I realized this. Given, I can’t say much about your backyard so I understand why you’d want to shoot wide open there. With that said, I don’t mean don’t shoot at f1.4 at all, I certainly still do quite a bit. But just not for every photo as when done this way it’s the easy way out and prevents photographers from improving other aspects of composition. Thanks again for the comment and appreciate you watching!

[@lemnisgate8809]

@@seandaltHow about you go to the ugly places and if you use models try some average looking ones and you shoot some of those extraordinary photos you’re talking about for us.

[@anta40]

A simple thought: ugly background can also be interesting, depending on how you frame it. Perhaps a longer lens is the appropriate tool, doesn't have to be f/1.4.

[@catalystcomet]

I feel that he specifically addresses this twice in this video. I know what you mean though, I try to take pictures of my kids and we don't even have a backyard so it's usually just a messy house haha. But one of my favorite things to do with photography is finding some irrelevant thing that I would normally be upset with being in the background, and literally make that object the star of my photograph. It's really dumb and it's not anything I ever post online, but it's a really fun challenge to try and see if I can change that jolly rancher wrapper from an annoyance to something more fulfilling.

[@kimjohnson313]

In the beginner social media arenas, they all want the super blurry backgrounds a "bokeh" ..... Its beginning becoming a fad and losing alot of the charm it had for occasion use. Too often its a crutch for not picking the right background. Photograph of people arent only for the art, but also for the memories. Twenty, 30, 40 years from now when that photo of your son is seen, those recognizable items in the background of your images of your son will be memory triggers and conversation starters.

[@irakurmaz]

The most interesting and useful video i have seen recently. Other photographers repeat all the same in their videos but here i have heard smth really new and helpful that I want to try. 😊

[@seandalt]

Thank you so much for the love :) Glad you found it helpful and welcome to the channel Ira!

[@zahrahalili5878]

i love this, really makes me want to get creative and not hold back on that. I always go the safe route and my photos look basic. Thanks!

[@seandalt]

Hell yeah that’s what I like to hear!

[@mizzdee021]

I just recently bought my first film SLR camera and slowly getting serious about making photography as a new hobby. I feel like my photos lack creativity and are starting to feel stale already. Your video is very helpful and informative. I'll keep all these tips in mind. Thank you!

[@seandalt]

So stoked to hear that, thank you for the comment! If you haven’t already, I recommend checking out my Photography Essentials class. It’s a great place to start for beginners. No pressure though! I try to publish as much free info for you guys as I can 🙏🏼

[@shessudar]

You’re talented Sean.You make your photos interesting 👏🏼

[@seandalt]

Thank you Mindy! ❤️

[@tripl3stan]

This is the first time I've come across your channel and I am blown away. You are next level talented. Those shots are all killer!

[@seandalt]

Thank you my man! Really appreciate that 🙏🏼

[@ahmermirza]

So are those tips and advices! Much appreciated @seandalt

[@FinnishSuperSomebody]

Thank you, these tips were actually very good! Didn't except much (haven't seen your videos before I think) since most of the KZbin videos about photography is too much about technical things, not that much about actual art of photography, composition etc. so I was happy to see that you actually talk about photography, not gear stuff. Also when you showed photos it was much easier to believe your tips since those photos were excellent so you really seem to know what you are talking about - good lightning, good composition etc. so not good only in "technical level" but as a photography what as an artform. Gotta appreciate! Keep up good work :)

[@olivernalen]

First video of yours I've watched. I'm a total amateur, so everything in this video was fantastic. Great advice and great photos too. Liked and subbed.

[@seandalt]

Hey Oliver really happy to hear you enjoyed it man thank you. Welcome to the channel brother!

[@brandonabby9048]

Your shots are stunning, great photos and great content, thanks!

[@kenyan_mr]

I'm surprised at how articulate and informative you are.🔥🤙🏾

[@seandalt]

Thank you my man!

[@alrozanski8352]

Sean excellent video, you gave me info that I don’t use often which explains some of my photos. You have an excellent channel my friend. Great work.

[@seandalt]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching 🙏🏼 tried to include some tips that aren’t discussed often. Might need to make a follow up as there’s a few other things I’d like to mention

[@alrozanski8352]

Hi Sean sounds great. Can you possibly do a video or another video on shutter speed? I know I seem to have difficulty in this area at times thank you, sir.

[@classic.cameras]

Congratulations on reaching 100K Subscribers.

[@seandalt]

Thank you! Kinda came out of nowhere 😂

[@rauleduardo85]

The last photo is amazing!

[@seandalt]

Thank you!

[@shaza7845]

Thank you for sharing these tips, you're photos are amazing and inspiring🤩

[@seandalt]

Thank you!

[@mikemorrison3913]

I feel like the lack of a clear subject concept pushed by other photographers in the past might be bs. Just look at painted art; there are many famous or beautiful paintings where you don’t know where to start looking. When visiting a panoramic mountain range, the views are epic even if there isn’t a specific “anchor point” to hold things together. Anchor points just help simplify compositions

[@jamesamoh7340]

Congrats on the 100k subs. Cheers to the next 100k. I’m guilty of over planning and things didn’t go as planned. Thanks for the tips and as always, great content.

[@seandalt]

Much love James really appreciate that, and apologies for the late reply!

[@jimaguilar4028]

Thanks for the reminders and tips. Especially the “too perfect” advice. I’ve become so intent on learning Lightroom and some of the other editing software options that I’ve forgotten this tip. Great video…

[@seandalt]

Thanks Jim, appreciate the comment and glad you found the video helpful 🙏🏼

[@kevindonnelly8862]

Minimalist compositions are a really great way to think of capturing compelling shots. Try find a story within each frame

[@seandalt]

100%, I think that’s why many of my favorite shots are actually quite minimalistic. Appreciate the comment Kevin 🙏🏼

[@jimwlouavl]

Interesting point about too many photos being too perfect. I will definitely ponder that. Thanks for the video.

[@seandalt]

Thanks for the comment Jim, glad the video gave you something to think about!

[@lite1776]

the timing on that bali photo is insane

[@seandalt]

Thank you legend 🙏🏼 which shot?

[@lite1776]

@@seandalt the last shot you showed in the vid-- 13:50

[@MorriganJade]

I own a Sony DSC-H50 from 2008, and am still learning photography. But when you mentioned the "too perfect edit" (mind you, I can't shoot raw in this compact camera), it's one of those things I now like about my camera. It has flaws (chromatic aberration for example), so I'm now making use of it, while still learning how to become better at it. I realize that this old device can still shoot better pictures than my Samsung Galaxy A52 from only a few years ago when using it well. Just at the cost of a few things. Like max iso, megapixel, or other things I don't mind as much.

[@localnavy433]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing them.

[@seandalt]

Hey absolutely, thank you for watching 🙏🏼

[@_Lalunal_]

Amazing video! Thanks for the tips! All i needed to hear at this moment ❤

[@mauriciolee7349]

Thank Sean for such an INFORMATIVE video. I agree with you that OVERPLANNING makes my photos look boring. Photography is half art, and half science. With art, there is NO FIXED RULE. If I just photograph exactly what I planned, then my photos become monotonous! On the other hand, if I don’t plan my shoot, my photos will be all over the place! It sound PARADOXICAL, but it’s true.

[@VivekM1]

Great tips, Thanks for sharing. Also, your photos are inspiring, love the colors and consistency !

[@seandalt]

Thank you for the love Vivek!

[@Drewxx1-n4x]

Due photos are stunning!!!!! Greetings from Indonesia. I learned a lot. Just starting out with my a6400

[@seandalt]

Thank you for watching!

[@dgamboaaa]

fire advice brotha

[@seandalt]

Much love my man, appreciate the comment 🙏🏼

[@keyu6215]

Thanks a lot for this reminder. I disliked shooting landscapes if there was no subject. Thanks a bunch! Great video.

[@Jake-vt4ow]

Excellent photography. Love your editing, and your use of color and light.👍

[@seandalt]

Appreciate the love Jake thank you 🙏🏼

[@kultyurgeym]

I love how you say imperfections made the photos beautiful, because it is raw. Not too much, just alive

[@seandalt]

Exactly, that’s what it’s all about right?

[@BenSussmanpro]

Your best point was shooting the same photos that everyone else shoots. For this reason I refuse to look at any more photos of Eiffel Tower, Brooklyn Bridge, Tower Bridge, that Singapore “boat’ building, most pictures shot in Italy, Prague, London, NYC, Toronto (if I see 1 more CN Tower pic I’ll scream), Seattle (for crying out loud Pike Market isn’t the only thing to see!), Chicago (enough with the Chicago River already!). Thanks for your video 😆.

[@Relaxingsounds_pro]

Very nice brother. Thank you for sharing this video. I love it ❤

[@ravicholachagudda5912]

Wow even complex things you explained it like peace of cake i really enjoyed your video.& am subscribing your channel. Thanks for the video

[@seandalt]

Thank you for watching!

[@asiadmajeed]

First time here. Thank you for the good and down to earth advice. Will take all to heart and try to improve. 🤘

[@hggy]

Great message, great points

[@evgenyi_bond]

such a useful content, thanks a lot man!

[@andreas.samson]

Solid tips man, and nice to see some Bali in there

[@daniellemann4975]

This is great advice. Also, your photography is gorgeous!

[@ChrisMarpe]

I agree that is often more interesting to have a person in a photo, but I live in Germany and any photo with a recognisable person in it must not be published without written consent from that person. So unless you take a friend with you everywhere and place them where you want them, you have to wait until there is no-one there, or they are so far away even zooming in keeps them unrecognisable..... Only at a public event like a concert can you include people but there are also rules, a group rather than an individual, nothing that they would find embarrassing or would get them into trouble.

[@seandalt]

Yeah the EU is a bit more complicated with photographing strangers in public. But you don't have to show their face to have that human element in your photo. Even just a silhouette of a person can be enough. You could argue that showing the face would even distract from what you're trying to accomplish with your composition, just depends on the scenario.

[@keresmanson8765]

I am a beginner i just got my first dslr camera, and i always wondered, are these photographs (on the video or any other professional photographer) processed or edited, or they come this way straight from the camera? I always wondered why mine do not turn out like that!

[@seandalt]

Almost always edited! Editing is a huge part of the creative process for us as photographers. It’s where you can really shape and guide an image to a style that you like. You want to make sure you shoot in RAW image format as these are much easier to edit than jpeg files. Once you’re done editing you export as a jpeg. If you don’t edit your image, you’re just letting the camera essentially edit it on your behalf, and you’re really missing out on a lot of creative control. I recommend checking out my photography essentials course as it’s designed specifically for photographers like you. seandalt.com/photography-essentials/

[@Alv1z]

Great video! 🤗 Very inspirational! 🙌

[@seandalt]

Thank you!

[@estebanur1]

Excelent content, stunning pictures, grreat advice!!!

[@seandalt]

Thank you for the love man! Appreciate the comment 🙏🏼

[@MilutinMujovic]

Absoultely stunning photos and video. Where is 1:58 taken? It looks otherworldly!

[@don7117]

New to your channel. Love the content and your photos. Thanks.

[@seandalt]

Appreciate the love, thank you :)

[@jjpoo5563]

Thank you for this video. Many good pointers mentioned. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@seandalt]

Thank you!

[@raypower2743]

This is the first time I've seen your channel. That was a great informative and encouraging video; thank you very much.

[@GloriaLiu.]

Excellent examples and great points!

[@seandalt]

Thank you Gloria! ❤️

[@johnnyfal1]

Your videos are always helpful for me. Thank you and God bless you

[@seandalt]

Hey Johnny appreciate the love my man! Happy to hear that

[@AdiHanifWD]

Wow nice and amazing information. Thank you very much.

[@HaggenKennedy]

Hi, this is my first time watching your channel. I'm wondering... you show a slew of pictures throughout the video to illustrate your points. Are all those images yours? I have to say, I'm in awe of your work. They are truly incredible pictures, and I don't say that easily. Some of them are really very different (new) from what I usually see. I really like your PoV and your sensibility. I love getting a fresh look on things, and you provided just that. Really love your pictures. You obviously don't need my approval, but I believe in giving credit where it's due. And you certainly deserve credit for the remarkable material you've produced. I thought I'd leave a few positive words, your work is inspiring. Thumbs up, Sean. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@seandalt]

Hey Kennedy, amazing words man thank you so much. You are correct in that all the photos in this video are mine. I appreciate you taking the time to write this and a big welcome to the channel :) more content soon!

[@dennysworld777]

Wonderful video. Thanks for the tips. 👍🏻😊💖

[@seandalt]

Absolutely, thank you for watching!

[@ghozialfayyadh9444]

Hello Iam from Sumba Indonesia, i hope you enjoy to come back again🥰

[@OjimaruStore]

Thanks for visiting Indonesia 😊❤

[@philipgriesmeier6033]

Wow you carry around a lot of Lenses. I am switched from Sony to Leica. Best decision ever, wayyyyy better in most terms

[@seandalt]

Leica always appealed to me, I’ve thought about switching but the utility is too good with Sony. I have a Fuji for personal/everyday shooting and I imagine I’ll get a Leica for that eventually!

[@SuLu_XD]

I feel like the DoF thing can also be said for video. So often I'll see people filming at 1.4 with a cranked shutter and it just looks horrible -- it would look so much more "cinematic" if they just exposed properly by closing the aperture and following the 180 shutter rule. There's a time and a place for dreamy bokeh, but it's not in every goddamn picture or video clip especially when the motion is all jittery. The recent Zack Snyder movies are great examples where that f0.95 nonsense just hurts my eyes and I *literally* can't focus on 99% of the frame because it's out of his razor thin DoF. I bet the production designers were thrilled that nobody could make out locations lol, everything is a blur except the subjects closest eye. I personally love f2.8 on full frame for 99% of shots (stills or video). I think it adds enough pop and depth for subject separation without becoming a distraction. I still have a bunch of f1.4 GM primes but they only really come out for filming interviews or when I'm shooting for fun and don't need to worry about getting coverage! Give me a quality 24-70 f2.8 and I can shoot 90% of what I'd need when working as a pro. I get being hesitant over an f4, but people get way too lost in thinking they NEED something faster than f2.8 on a full frame sensor.

[@gjermundhansen7799]

Inspirational, thanks!

[@seandalt]

Absolutely, appreciate you watching!

[@Chickboom34]

I dig reason #4.

[@amitkuril96]

You are amazing with the the knowledge, i loved your edits, can you teach us plz!!!❤

[@seandalt]

Thank you! I’ll def make some editing videos :)

[@owenkato956]

wow he used The Black Tusk. What camera do you use?

[@bbkintanar]

fantastic video! also, on the note of location, where is that @1:52? It looks beautiful out there!

[@Wars98]

THANK YOU FOR THE TIPS!

[@lidge1994]

I mean, sometimes it's nice to have subject separation with wide apertures (I wouldn't know, though). I'm still a beginner with a D3100 and 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, but getting that subject separation effect looks great to me.

[@seandalt]

I think there is always a time and a place! My point with this was when a beginner gets their first prime lens they shoot everything with a super shallow depth of field. I don’t mean to say it doesn’t look good at all, but not every photo needs to be shot like that if that makes sense

[@lidge1994]

@@seandalt Ahhh, yeah, I get that. Just because you can do something special with a lens, doesn't mean you should ONLY do that?

[@seandalt]

@@lidge1994 Exactly!

[@loupsigma5746]

thanks man ✨

[@seandalt]

No problem my man 🙏🏼

[@larshultberg6972]

Very informative video. Thanks 😊

[@seandalt]

Absolutely, thanks for watching ☺️

[@JustOneKnight]

Thank you enjoyable video easy to understand.

[@kenyan_mr]

How do you get to move around so much ?

[@seandalt]

Good question, I just try to prioritize travel over other things. With that said it’s becoming more difficult as I now have a partner and I’m getting older. However I live between Bali and Thailand so being based in these locations leaves a lot of room for photography. I’m blessed to live the life that I do. Still a lot of places I haven’t been to!

[@vanhuy9469]

love this video

[@seandalt]

Thank you!

[@MH_Photgrahy]

Thank you

[@stevencottam7570]

As Cartier-Bresson insisted, look to capture the ‘decisive moment’

[@seandalt]

100%, I’ve lived by that statement for quite a long time. Patience goes a long way in photography

[@89jchem]

This video is solid

[@seandalt]

Thank you brother!

[@withtiago]

Master! 🔥🔥🔥

[@seandalt]

Much love my man!

[@GerhardBothaWFF]

I know! I know!

[@realisticflow9]

thanks for this man

[@TamaraRise]

thank you Sean :)

[@ptoze]

is the shot at 4:55 taken in Lombok?

[@JayOvertron]

Yo was that Lauterbunnan at the start?! love that place

[@stargazeruwu5985]

Yall everyone stop by you’re doing seen Dalton just released a new video!

[@seandalt]

Haha legend, thanks for the support Gavin 🤙🏼

[@fredrickartyom]

Thanks

[@seandalt]

Thanks for the comment 🙏🏼

[@Pablo_24_Alvarado]

What music did you use for the background of this video

[@chriswittstruck282]

Nice vid thanks! Subbed.

[@RiccardoGabarriniKazeatari]

What town is the one at 10:18 ?

[@seandalt]

Granada, Spain. Beautiful place!

[@RiccardoGabarriniKazeatari]

@@seandalt thanks! 🙏

[@walkwithjonas7920]

Have a subject. Don’t have a subject. Have a good location. But don’t have a good location. Plan your shoot. Don’t plan your shoot. 😂😂😂 thanks for the suggestions! 😀 no but really, loved the tips and thanks!

[@seandalt]

Haha it’s all about balance! Thank you for the comment 🙏🏼

[@TheAccidentalPhotographer]

Another brilliant video. Found your channel after watching several of your skill share videos - brilliant educational content. Thank you for the tips and ideas to incorporate into my development in photography. Would love your thoughts on road-trip photography, I am doing R66 in a few weeks and currently planning for that trip with a photo book as the end goal!

[@seandalt]

Lovely comment thank you so much 🙏🏼 for road trips just always keep your eyes peeled. You’re crossing so much ground and you’re going to stumble upon some pretty cool places. Take your time and stop frequently, especially in good light!

[@yinodiaz4290]

Luminar Neo Tutorials 🎉🎉🎉

[@CarlosLemans]

The algorithm suggested your video, when someone makes suggestions like you I prefer the ones that are showing by example and really master the art of photography, looking at your videos is not your case, your shots looks lifeless...

[@seandalt]

That’s totally okay if you don’t like my photos. They’re not for you and that’s fine. Ultimately photography is subjective, as is any other art form. I love my work and love the craft even more, hence why I make videos about it :) Best of luck to you Carlos!

[@LifewithElliott]

I think the reason is because my name isn't Sean Dalton

[@akombalasau4022]

10:44 is this where Odin died in Thor Ragnarok?

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

If people think your photos are boring I suggest you find another way to express your self because obviously you’re not cutting it as a photographer

[@seandalt]

Completely disagree

[@ReinoldFZ]

Indeed too much editing, to the point is noticeable over the composition, can deprive from the connection to what exists in the photo and, to me at least, the photograph turns into a digital image. Nice photographs : )

[@edng4595]

who says my photos were boring !!!?

[@seandalt]

Wasn’t me! 😜

[@interestingvids-hx2sq]

Wasn’t me either 😂

[@sava3989]

Sean did

[@TheFloatingWorld999]

❤

[@seandalt]

Thank you!

[@leonardotorres8919]

I came watch this video mostly because of its thumbnail, where I saw a woman at the ocean in a very good dark looking color grading and I was hoping to see something related to that image. Unfortunately I didn't see anything.

[@seandalt]

I thought I showed that shot in the video. If not I meant to. Either way, it’s still quite signature to my style and fits the vibe of the video. Appreciate the comment nonetheless Leonard!

[@mikemorrison3913]

First step of better photos is go to better locations lol

[@MopoMogo]

the photos are boring because doesnt have any emotion same portraits sma eboring stuff and a lot of edit softwares

[@lianadotjpeg]

Very helpful! Thanks. Be blessed, in Jesus' name.

[@Mrwhomeyou]

probably bc most photographer are boring most of the time lol

[@seandalt]

Everyone’s on their own creative journey, and what’s boring to you might not be boring to them or to others.

[@Mrwhomeyou]

@@seandalt There's nothing wrong with being boring, and on avg most things are boring to most ppl.

[@paulwilson7093]

Cruel but funny😂😂

[@Mrwhomeyou]

@@paulwilson7093 joke only works when it's true hahahaha

[@IoRobot_98]

Ehi, if you're a boring photographer, just use film! The grain and poor colours will cover up any lack of creativity and personality 😎😂😂 unfortunately photography is a form of art, and art is a way of expressing something, but you have to have something inside to express it... most simply don't... and I mean no offense with this phrase, we can't all be Picasso or Andy Warhol...

[@nickfanzo]

You wanna know why your photographs are boring? You call them photos Or captures And you look at KZbin videos and Instagram Instead of real photographs That’s why

[@seandalt]

And what’s a “real photographer”?

[@nickfanzo]

@@seandalt Someone who makes photographs instead of posting videos on lame trending nonsense. Study more Eugene smith and less KZbin You don’t see Sam Abell or Don McCullin trying to “trend” and get subs and likes, they made real work, world changing work. Same goes for Steve McCurry Philip Perkis Henry Wessel jr Aaron siskind Sharon Rupp Joel meyerowitz Garry Winogrand Robert Adams William Allard And on and on If you think making videos on KZbin makes you a photographer, your priorities are out of wack. What are your projects like? What is your editing process? By editing I mean selecting works over a year for a major project, not manipulating photographs on a pc or Mac to make colors look different etc What project themes are you working on? Is there a book In Process? Etc etc What is your process to get inside access for a story or for your projects? my original comment was for people who want to go deep into their photography, looking up “this is why you’re work is boring” videos isn’t going to change that. Learning from the greats and figuring out how they did what they did, is the key. Stories Projects Editing processes (cutting out images from the project and sequencing them) Inside access Shooting something that has meaning to you, not of random crap somewhere that’ll look neat on instacrap , and never get seen for more than an eighth of a second. Etc These things are what make your work potentially great, not watching social media videos for social media creators who just want money, or how to move sliders in Lightroom, while listening to some trippy background music everyone else uses. Tips like “open your lenses to get a dreamy background” is shallow garbage. I can tell you’re insulted but hey, tough words are sometimes needed. If your channel is like all the other 1.500.000 videos out there about “how to make your photos look sweet”, then you need a big push to go deeper. And I think you deserve better and should have someone push you to greatness. Or just stay comfortable and prioritize content, not real photography and the work involved

[@seandalt]

@@nickfanzoI’m not insulted at all, we are all entitled to your own opinions. Photography is a subjective art form after all. I just don’t engage in emotionally driven interactions like this so I wish you the best my man!

[@nickfanzo]

@@seandalt Same to you and I hope I helped someone go a little deeper with their work. We should all strive to make our work stand out from the insta garbage that all looks the same

[@robertjpayne]

boring...