Creativity Is Ruining Your Photography

[@benejpocock]

Totally get this. Years ago when he was teaching me golf, my Dad always said to me ‘the harder you try and hit it, the worse it’ll get’ - and he was dead right. I apply that to a lot of things in my life now. That’s not to say I don’t try, but I let things naturally ebb and flow. With photography I just take what I see. If I try and force it and go hunting for ‘that shot’, I’ll put too much pressure on myself and be disappointed a lot of the time - and I won’t enjoy it - which is the whole point, is it not? 🤔

[@JoseViegas]

Exactly! A lot of photographers loose interest in photography because they don’t make a master piece every time they go out, and instead of enjoying they just stress with the process of making photos. It’s like I don’t go play football with friends because I can’t play like Messi.

[@Riverrockphotos]

Yes even the pros could shoot 2 or 3 rolls and only have 1 or 2 keepers.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Very good reminder of not being in pressure when photographing.

[@Mr.A_LDN]

William Eggleston was the master of just documenting. Love his stuff...there's so much beauty in the everyday and mundane

[@developingtank]

Just did a deep dive video about his work and it really helped to cement this mentality into my own work @Mr.A_LDN

[@christophergodfrey3009]

Love the idea of using the camera as a journal

[@Lethorio]

I have a similar approach to you. I just document what I'm doing. Sometimes you'll intuitively see something interesting, shoot it, then when you come to review, realise it's a really, really good photo. Like you've highlighted on plenty of videos before, 80%+ of what you shoot is going to be crap, but it's made me trust my intuition a lot more. If I've been interested by something, there's probably a good reason for it.

[@obomasinladen]

I had a similar realization a few months ago. For years I’d go out and drive around aimlessly looking for something “awesome” or “captivating” to shoot meanwhile I’ve found my absolute favorite photos comes from “documenting” the mundane day day. I used to seek things out to go and do so I could take photos whereas these days I just do what I do and take photos throughout, and the results are so much better, more authentic and genuine feeling too.

[@tobycunningham797]

I think you have a point Roman and I think you might have missed one. I think the burden of creativity can hold you back, but if you ignore it and just take pictures, then I think you won’t develop. I think you have to consciously practice photography, light, composition, reading a scene or people in it etc. you practice as William Eggleston etc did till it becomes unconscious and you can consciously let go of it and allow your creativity to flow. This is how the greats developed their eye and it takes years on constant, purposeful practice. Most of us will never achieve it but it is a lot of fun trying. Take care, Toby

[@thephotoroad]

Clearly these ideas resonated with a lot of people - including me. Well done.

[@Rumplestiltskin7]

I used to enjoy photography so much more in the early days, when i was more casual and had no interest in coming back with a banger photo.

[@obomasinladen]

Same… same. I feel into the trap of everything having to be a “banger” a few years after getting into photography. I stopped for the most part between 2018-23 but have since found a renewed joy in it. If you can realllly figure out what it is you like to shoot, and shoot it for yourself and not others, it can be really enjoyable and rewarding I’ve found

[@BittencourtEric]

5:55 there was a cat on the window! Would've been a cool shot of the lady on the bike + the cat watching her

[@Elements795]

I’m only 3 minutes in to this video, well; 2’ 50” to be exact and you’ve just summarised my thoughts on how a period of time should be used with a camera in hand. Brilliant☺️

[@developingtank]

It’s the biggest problem when worrying about making a street video that has all “good/creative” photos, because people comment about the quality of the shots. It’s impossible to create a video in this genre with that concern and it’s odd that people have those standards & will leave shitty comments about photos when really all street videos are about practice, because you can’t expect to come away with anything amazing every time you go out.

[@karlowma]

I really appreciate the ideology behind your photography, it really vibes with me and I feel like I'm in a similar place. Also, recognized Kanazawa instantly-I was there in 2017. What a beautiful little city. Of course, Kenroku-en, and the castle grounds, are both incredible! Thanks for sharing!

[@DmitryEljuseev]

I think it's important to understand own boundaries and style. For example, I know I'm not a visual artist, and I cannot take crazy-abstract street photos like Olga Karlovac, it's just not my mindset and not my cup of tea. Documenting the reality in a more realistic way looks more interesting to me. And indeed, in many cases, photography is not a competition, the main goal is just to have a good time and positive vibes, we don't have to provide something outstanding at any cost.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

It's a fine line between creativity and being a contrived and performative tryhard. And that line is subjective. So shoot what you like and how you like and for yourself...not to please or impress others...and you'll rarely be disappointed.

[@ROCAGOR]

I love mochi too. It is the best :) when I am in Japan I have a rule, to have at least one a day in its different presentations as well ( fruit or red bean paste, etc) .

[@smalltownsavouries]

I used to want to shoot the most hype video but now when I go out and decide to bring my video rig, some people will stop and ask what I am shooting and I simply say "I am shooting home videos." Having the mindset of documenting life instead of shooting something extravagant that may later be cringe in a few years is super helpful.

[@ActualCounterfactual]

You hit the nail on the head 100%.... performance + pressure should be left in the office when we go home. We should take photos for our enjoyment, making the photographic journeys more pleasurable, instead of stressful when we fail to reach expectations.... (personal OR external) .... I almost left photography behind because of such negativity

[@snappic2867]

Yes - most of my pics I shoot on traveling. And documenting my day is my number one. I have only one or two shots I’m planning for the day. And the rest of the time I shoot what comes in front of me.

[@phil1066photography]

Kia Ora and thanks Roman - just what I needed to hear for my UK/Europe holiday trip in two weeks. I'm going minimalist with my kit too. One camera - one lens (fixed) and I want to document rather than push my creativity envelope haha. All the best from NZ.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

100 agree with you , there was th odd occasion where my husband would walk through a scene maybe a market when we were over seas and I didn't not want to take the shot he didn't know I was doing it . But that's exactly how I do it otherwise , someone else said alot of street stuff has become cliche and it has . I prefer the documentary style and just record what's in front of you. I then later print out my favs and make a visual diary. I have loads of A4 size and some A3 sized diaries and I lay them out like a photo book 😊

[@washingtonradio]

There something to be said about just taking photos of something that interests you even if the final photos are nothing special. Sometimes I find myself stumbling into a great shot because I looking for something to shoot.

[@NotAnotherChannel_Channel]

You’re right again. Develop and artistic eye, but don’t miss what’s going on around you.

[@ImagesbyAsh]

Totally agree with the message in this video, Roman. Just being out with a camera and documenting your day is definitely the process that I want to follow more with my photography. Will avoid eating 5 lots of rice sweets though 🙂 Hope you've recovered now.

[@davidholt8937]

Totally agree with this. My little GRIIIx has enabled this process greatly too

[@frankshouter]

s is an argument that i care so much. Being a professional photographer, and being in love with my job, i have to push creativity further for my assignment. The few moments i can enjoy hotography without a commission i just go out and document having fun.... the best photos of my whole life are made in this way

[@pjroz]

As someone living in Japan, the cliche photos are part of it! It's such a beautiful country and it's been such a joy to begin my photography journey here! Enjoy your time here! Looking forward to seeing what you capture.

[@judylyp]

Been binge watching your videos, defs my favourite photography channel :)

[@Rick-rf7om]

Key word here: DOCUMENT. Love it 👍🏼

[@peterwoodham769]

Excellent, this shows me my thought process is correct even if my results are not as good.

[@RobMatthews21]

Brilliant video as always Roman. Appreciate the straight talking. So helpful. Can you do something on how to best archive and safeguard digital photos.

[@railroadandindustrialsky-wv8ns]

Haha you had me at “I couldn’t shit for two days”. Classy!

[@joeguillian8955]

One camera, one prime lens, simplicity, photography journal… You seem to be a perfect target for the Fuji X100v (or VI) 😊. Regardless… very interesting video with plenty of thoughts, while the story with moshis (I hope I am not doing spelling mistakes here) is hilarious 😂

[@MarkaustinHasler]

100 % correct Roman. Also a creative shot might present itself with this approach and might feel even more satisfying. Forcing things never works well.

[@nickedgerton625]

I love watching your videos on my lunch breaks. What else do you do on your trips besides photography?

[@mpell66]

The story about the sweets was so funny.. 🤣

[@charliejg]

Fabulous! I've been doing this kind of walking and shooting for a while, but in the forest on trail. Now, I want to try doing it like you've explained here in the small towns of my area. Question: Do you find that when you include several images that they get looks? I've wrestled with this because putting together several from the same walk makes sense. But, I sometimes wonder if I'm some don't get seen and would have been better of alone or with a smaller number of images. I also want to try doing some video of my walks. I keep telling myself I will, but have only done it once or twice now. Really enjoyed the ideas in this video. Thanks for taking us along, have a great week.

[@Janice_Long]

Thank you for another great video Roman! May I ask what gear did you use for the intro while you were walking and vlogging on the street? Love how stable it was! Thanks :)

[@foveacreative]

Interesting video. I do wonder if this is a bit of a misunderstanding of what 'creative' means. Maybe 'unique' would be a better word hear? All photography is creative and often the most important part of creating an image, especially in the world of street or documentary, is the process of observation and noticing things.

[@thelettre7954]

Yeah this is what i do just go out on a walk take pictures of everything i want to go home and review after a day Lots of pictures of garbage sadly but ive gotten tons of good photos i think

[@rudiphoto]

Sorry to bring up gear, but I noticed you’re wielding an X-H2. Is this a new development? Do you find the AF performance different to the X-T5 in any way?

[@Shakespeare3977]

Totally agree 💯

[@stephangauthier911]

That's what I like about youtubers. One day you gotta push it, and the next video, take it easy :P

[@RobMatthews21]

Roman can you do a video on digital zine creation?

[@snapsbyfox]

Use Affinity Publisher... no real thought goes into it and keep it simple

[@UlyssesAokiPhoto]

I feel personally attacked

[@acmdv]

"Explains why I couldn't shit for 2 days"...lol🤣🤣🤣😎😎😎

[@railroadandindustrialsky-wv8ns]

I know right? Brilliant hahaha.

[@acmdv]

@@railroadandindustrialsky-wv8ns Not for his toilet when he did finally go...😎😎

[@NicaTan-e3u]

1,800 calories in 5 minutes LOL I scared a local one time by doing this, the girl looked at me like I was insane, she simply said "that is..too much" I think the idea is that I was supposed to take 1 then take the rest home and share with family and friends or something hahaha

[@dccoletrain]

Do you use eye or face detection or any of those Subject detection modes with Fuji for street? I’ve been wanting to try it with my Fuji cameras

[@daviddyephotography]

so much street photography has become cliché same images repeating over and over or using some fancy trick to make a cute image, all of these trends are all lacking in the key element of story and EMOTION

[@sakshampareek7334]

Can you try and review nikon zf or zfc?

[@snapsbyfox]

held one in the store and didn't gel with it at all im afraid

[@lorenzonisi4252]

Hi Roman,thank for your content! I am re-discovering photograpy and I am watching a lot of your videos. Can you please recommend other camera apart from fujifilm? I really would like to buy a fuji xt-3 or xt-4 (maybe used) with some good lens but I would like to know if you can recommend other mirrorless kit like sony/canon/nikon under 1000 euros. Thank you for your work!

[@snapsbyfox]

Thanks! In the last 5 years I only used Fuji so I have no experience elsewhere. With that said any mainstream camera from the last 5 years ia good these days. I you really pressed me for an answer, I'd say canon because I used to have a few of them back in the day and they were great

[@lorenzonisi4252]

@@snapsbyfox Thanks for the answer Roman. I really appreciate your photo work and your blog. Have a nice day!

[@CWReace]

I think my most used hash-tag on my photos these days is #ThingsThatCatchMyEye 🙂

[@wilfs1196]

On our last four summer trips to various parts of Europe , I was a documentary photographer of our vacation, but occasionally I managed a combination of both documentary & creative photos. On a really good day, I managed a few great creative photos , that I am happy with , & that's what counts !

[@siriusorion]

Will you come to Taiwan some time? The food and streets won't let you down.

[@sommaberlin3394]

👍

[@elwick_photo]

Isn't that mochi not motti? Though touch that's a hell of a calorie load, did you know that due to it's sticky chewy nature there are a lot of deaths eating mochi with an estimated 1300 lives lost due to choking in January alone 😱

[@sentientsimian]

Technically, it is ‘moti’, in Japanese-style romanisation. Most foreigners are more familiar with the Hepburn system of romanisation where ti is written as chi, di as ji, si as shi, zi as ji. This difference in representation might have been meant to help English-speaking learners of Japanese. The Japanese-style maps more closely to the kana. It is the Japanese equivalent of Chinese pinyin romanisation. At some point, it was also meant to replace the original Chinese-based writing system.

[@elwick_photo]

@@sentientsimian see that's the sort of helpful responses I like from this channels community, cheers for the history lesson.

[@YouSnoozeYouNooze]

Haha congrats on your rice baby

[@raytbrown2]

lol

[@williama-d6]

lo

[@petrub27]

sounds good, does not work.