Stuff ALL Beginner Photographers should know!

#like #subscribe #sheep
Head to squarespace.com/james to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JAMES .
This week I'm at Llyn Crafnant in Wales running though a list of tips for beginner photographers, that I wish I'd have known when I started! From how to buy cameras and lenses, what to expect as you improve and how to set goals for your photography, I really hope this quick video helps :)
Check out my preset pack: www.jamespopsys.com/store?cat...
The Latest Book: www.jamespopsys.com/store/201...
Landscape Prints: www.jamespopsys.com/store
Newsletter sign up: www.jamespopsys.com/newsletter
---
My Gear: www.jamespopsys.com/gear
---
MUSIC:
I get all my music for the videos from MusicBed, sign up for your free account: share.mscbd.fm/jamespopsys
---

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Quick review of the Guinness chocolate: If you’ve ever eaten chocolate and wished that it tasted a bit of dark, heavy, Irish pudding beer - this is for you. Also, if you want to eat chocolate but don’t have anything else in the house, this is passable but just tastes like it’s been in the cupboard for a number of years. 6/10.

[@edwardbristow2276]

Perfect review ! It’s like you wouldn’t go out and buy it but if it’s there your not gonna pass it up.

[@sonsti8014]

You should get a chocolate sponsor instead of squarespace, which everyone has :D

[@heathbarlow8769]

So that's the Guinness sponsorship box ticked, on the sponsorship not wanted list. 😂😂

[@shutterbuginfinity]

Thats great, do you like guinness ?

[@ZappaBlues]

Is it available in Canada ?????

[@tenylegnincsevem]

"but all i want is the perfect cameraaaaa" - kasey

[@sethie_shots]

It’s a small world after all on YT 😂

[@happystar1000]

Interesting this video showed up on my auto-play feed, right after Kasey's video

[@dracoflame3921]

You could get the sony A1 its close ajd only 7000$ :)

[@ralfjansen9118]

Kasey himself knows (and pronounces) that this slogan in general is BS

[@wackyjack02]

you have no idea how much I needed to hear this. I just started this hobby two weeks ago and I'm completely overwhelmed and in my head. It helps to hear that this is a journey and to learn through trial and error. Thank you

[@Stu-Bo]

Hi Denise! I am also just starting this journey. I have just purchased a Nikon Z6ii. Most of my family have been into photography for a long time, and I have been the "black sheep" of the family in that respect. I was in my own head too, comparing what I can do at this point, to what they can do at this point. Slow but steady progression is what I need to keep in my head when I go out on a photography shoot :)

[@patrickcross771]

@@Stu-Bo Z6ii?! Thats a serious start!

[@cninh4574]

Hope it's going well!!

[@KoneStone1]

Hi! I had strugle of figuring out myy self when i tarted photography and then i decided that i try to master areas one at the time and expand my skills and gear. Once i am confident with one area i move to next one to learn about. Hardest lesson i learned many times is that i sohuld have allways certain gear with me since you never know what happens, you may loose good shot in places you dont even realize if you dont have some reach with you to take that photo. So choose a compact bag you can easily pick up with you and fit few trusty lenses in it. Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8 is usm II with 2x extender and Sigma EF 30mm f1.4 ART is always with me.

[@yuriythebest]

Did you progress with your photography?

[@MadsPeterIversen]

10:00 you crack me up! :D

[@peacenloveforall6]

All the time...LOL

[@peacenloveforall6]

@Living Soul Why? People like you need to stop this behavior. It's is just weird to interject things like this in random places. For the record, I am not against this but there are people who are....and if you want to attract, inspire or make a difference in someone's life....let them seek you out or ask for it.

[@theanimalguy341]

I appreciate learning tips from another photographer who's still learning and doesn't state that he knows everything, love your videos, especially your new 10 photos concept

[@joestrahl6980]

Yes, that you feel like you know something's which you share...but you are still learning is one of the appeals of your channel. That and the sheep of course.

[@theanimalguy341]

Can’t go wrong having sheep in a pic or video 🐑

[@alexgraefe.photoYT]

Hey James, is there going to be a "top 10 of the year list" of your favourite photos on Instagram by the end of the year?

[@jameslock2882]

I do agree, ive been shooting for 3 years, and ive only got one on my wall. Thank you fella.

[@Paul_Wetor]

Recently, in a used 2004 photo book, I read that smaller-sensor cameras have more depth of field than large-sensor cameras. WHOA - this is news to me!! I have many cameras, mostly smaller sensor types (bridge, point-and-shoot, Micro 4/3). I have been using some full-frame cameras lately and was having trouble getting sharp pictures. With smaller sensors, I didn't worry much about aperture. Now I know why - it came automatically. But with larger sensors, aperture is important. For people moving up from smaller sensors to larger sensors, this is something to be aware of.

[@grahvis]

The depth of field with different sized images was something I puzzled over years ago until the answer dawned on me that it was down to the focal length of the lens, the image size had nothing to do with it. For example a 300mm lens has shallow depth of field but is the standard lens on a 10X8 camera and obviously retains the same depth of field regardless of the image size.

[@Tusdar]

James you never fail to make me laugh. Thanks for brightening up my weekend!

[@Verkehrskegel.87]

I love those videos! It always you to reground yourself or get back on the track when your off. And just motivates to carry on bc everyone has the same progression to go through, faster, slower, everyone at their own pace. Thank you!

[@PienVCPhotography]

Can always learn a lot from your videos and found everything quite relevant to my own journey in photography

[@stephencunningham6893]

working on number four ourselves, best tip here was that to stay in cell service with baby on the way.

[@Smedley60]

These videos have helped me tremendously, especially your reminders that progress is not linear and that disappointment is normal. More helpful than you'll ever know. Thank you.

[@skwent]

Great content. I like the videos that help us to get motivated from time to time. I appreciate you showing how the family is doing and I noticed you have a new bike. Keep up the good work.

[@leafnovice7492]

Feel much better after your video. It’s good to hear someone being honest about their experiences and bumpy progress as a photographer. Makes the rest of us feel less like numpties (!) and more like keen amateurs. Cheers mate

[@relaxationtherapyandmusic]

Always learn something watching these videos James. Keep up the great work! :-)

[@d3lta1]

Hi James, just found your channel and this video has been truly inspiring, thank you. I’ve been wanting to get back in to photography again, it’s been a very long time, and your tips and views have really got me to go out this weekend. Off now to see what other videos you e got. Thanks

[@johnbuckingham6895]

Good advice as always, James, and big congrats to you and Emily on the impending little Popsys. I'm sure you'll be one of the most fun dads in the entire U.K.. Plus, the baby pictures are sure to be truly epic.

[@2LargeHounds]

I've gotten some of the most useful tips from your videos. Keep them coming.

[@chrelfistelfinelfe]

James, I like your videos so much, there are an inspiration for my own learning and growing in photography! thank you so much! great uplifting inspiring work, beautiful photos, wonderful creative making of your videos! and your are such a lovely human to listen to, I not only learn so much from you, I also feel often calm and comfortable watching your videos, while there is so much KZbin and world craziness going on... greetings from Germany!

[@abelrussell5556]

Great video! Thanks for the encouragement and videos. You are one of the "real" KZbinrs, sharing the whole journey, not just the best shot.

[@JimSCoyle]

found that super helpful, particularly the advice to enjoy it along the way, I am always needing that

[@malstanding]

Once again, great video. Instructional, informational and fun. I always have a smile on my face watching your videos.

[@joncothranphotography9375]

True advice! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Great stuff!

[@acrummey85]

One of your best videos, great advice.

[@coreycarter9752]

Great vid again! Thank you for the practical and poignant tip on goal setting. Best of luck with the bundle of joy - buckle up!

[@PeterFarrieSongwriter]

Great advice, applicable to lots of things in life, and photography too.

[@davidwamback9000]

You're advice is sage, given we're always exploring new beginnings in technique, style & genre, so it doesn't hurt to be reminded.

[@andreirani6672]

I like that you were open about points like personal progression and number of photos. It's really nice to hear the more "unspoken" things facts of photography (especially when you are a photographer yourself) , and it shows more of your personality and genuineness

[@marilynbettridge2889]

PERFECT TIMING!! All your tips perfect for me as a beginner. I love the graphs of progress...very much a relief to know. Thanks James. Keep the advice coming for beginners!

[@nervocalm]

Thank you for your advice. I just recently discovered your videos, and I am loving them. Is always good to find a channel about photography that focus on photography and not just on having the best and latest gear. Two videos in and already subscribed.

[@rafaelatakami8019]

Such beautiful places you go to, must be so peaceful 😍

[@awaywithivan5494]

this is a type of video we watch over and over to keep humble and motivated. cheers mate. great content.

[@vandalpaulius]

I really needed to hear this. It feels like we just sat down, shared our worries and now I feel like I'm not alone taking pics and feeling like this

[@meb4video]

Loving your channel James! Lots of useful stuff for folks like me who don't think of themselves as photographers, but enjoy taking photos! Cheers 👍

[@KijkEenVogel]

That graph... It perfectly captured my experience with photography! One day I shoot a picture where I'm really happy with, the next day all my pictures are crap.

[@DownWithBureaucracy]

This could not have been better timed, I just bought my first DSLR after taking interest and watching your channel for some time. I took an interest after playing with a polaroid (one of the little $80 toys my sister happened to get for herself) and decided to give it a go. Love all of the information and tips mate, cheers!

[@munsonflix]

The last minute really spoke to me. Keep up the great work.

[@I4get42]

Hi James! Thanks again for the 'Thoughts on Photography, and being a Person" videos! This style of video makes photography more accessible. A lot of channels move to more and more intricate/expensive gear setups that make photography seem less and less accessible without constantly buying new stuff.

[@metsfan3177]

James, I so enjoy your videos. You offer such great advice and you always make me smile. Good luck with baby bump!

[@antoniorenatovanhove7952]

Thanks for this video … especially the end where you mention to just enjoy going out with the camera! Indeed my mind was stuck at the equipment and photo editing lately… so thanks 😉🙏🏻

[@maryk6407]

Hello James. You help us remember not to be too hard on ourselves and not to give up and stay in Scene Mode. Loved the quotes.

[@barrynoon1812]

Good advice James, I was out Thursday, great day but no keepers but as you say that’s the way it goes!!

[@Dan-kb2oz]

I think the Dunning Kruger Effect plays a part in that line of progression too. Easy when you start out in anything to learn a few things & think you know everything. A steep drop follows in realising you don’t and then a slow progression up to probably being more of an expert than you’re comfortable admitting. Cheers James, thought provoking & inspiring video. 👍🏻

[@dansearle7024]

Brilliant video James, not only in photography advice, but also life advice. Thanks heaps for this video, really did enjoy this one!!

[@mattdixon2486]

thanks for this, your honesty is great at bringing your points home in an encouraging way.

[@AndrewSmith-ff2pu]

I have been with you on your journey since almost the beginning, it's most noticeable in seeing your beard turn white! Gandalf the photographer! :) :)

[@CookedLight]

Really good vlog, pragmatic approach to anything in life usually ends up with a much better result than one that was achieved after a lot of stress. Glad you’re keeping us updated on imminent parenting…when you disappear for 6 months we’ll know you’re occupied in cleaning up green stuff rather than out photographing it 🤪

[@ToastandJam52]

The one thing I learnt decades ago when in Wales (or the Lake District) if it is not raining it soon will be. Love your videos. Keep them coming.

[@rafaelatakami8019]

Thank you for the advices, awesome video! 📷

[@GadgetNeil]

I enjoy your manner. You come across as genuine, humble, thoughtful and earnest. I also like your sense of humour :)

[@keithtimmis]

I always find the advice and reminders helpful. Especially the one about needing to take hundreds or thousands of photos to get one you could put up on your wall. I must keep that in mind next time I get frustrated by my efforts!

[@magnushermansen]

As a beginner in photography, This is the best and most useful video i have seen! Thanks again James!

[@jordanlaine7412]

This is super simple advice and console to new photogs. It's a journey, the destinations and photos happen along the way.

[@jovicvasilije]

I've been shooting for a year and a half and I didn't think that I'd relate to your previous experiences, since I am much younger and from another region, but I think that this is the first video of yours that I can 100% relate to!

[@JackBeasleyMedia]

Hey James, I'm not a landscape photographer, but I enjoy watching your videos. You've got a dry humor that's very entertaining and keeps us engaged.

[@traceycorrigan5874]

I really needed this video today, thank you so much! ☺️

[@pathogan4854]

Brutal Honest and straight to the point. Your a breath of fresh air. great advice get out enjoy the trip !

[@iim_human]

This video is great and useful for beginners to avoid getting down about not always nailing great shots. Allowing yourself time to learn the skill of photography without harshly judging yourself will be beneficial to enjoy the craft and to maintain it for long term. Regardless if it’s a hobby or a profession. All of your vlogs are so entertaining and have a calming effect. Never stop them. They are great to watch with a cup of coffee in the early mornings or even before you head off to bed. Emily is great as well!

[@sagaloo1]

I have just found your channel and trawling through your backlist which I am thoroughly enjoying and taking away loads of you useful advice, the one that has been the most revolutionary is takes lots of images. I follow a lot of landscape photographers and love their work but often feel quite disheartened when they go out take four shots and feel it's been a very satisfactory day, and I go out and fill half a memory card, I feel liberated to shoot more images.

[@bertquaden2647]

Your waffeling tip was the best for me

[@minus1db]

I love these James, thank you so much as always

[@AliasJimWirth]

I thought this video contained some of the best basic truths and realities one could hope to know. Not everyone has access to a mentor who would explain these things and thereby cut through some years of grief and doubt. So, thank you James, for this video and for posting it.

[@jasoncrane]

I'm at the start and I found this very kind and helpful. Thanks, James.

[@GaryStockton]

Excellent advice James. I like your s-curve off learning.

[@tanyaliepins31]

Great video, just found you after a friend gave me the heads up, love your points of view so very true on all counts. I'm lucky enough to live a stones throw from the gateway to Snowdonia and Crafnant is one of my favorite places for peace and tranquility, but those darn midges are a pest and brutal. Look forward to having a good binge watch of all your vlogs and excited to see the future ones.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Sometimes we need reminding that we have to be satisfied with where we are in the journey, which for me has been at least 20 plus years with a lot of ups and downs due to family life etc . Just important to keep pushing forward and know that you will get better over time. I think especially in our insta world people are just to impatient and there expectations are too high. Your a great motivater always appreciate your thoughts

[@thedachmo]

"How much coffee you've had". Can relate!! Definitely helpful. I've so much to learn, and I don't even think I'm at the point of understanding my style or even preferred type but just learning to be happy out with the camera is so key. Ups and downs are so typical with so many endeavours - has been for music so definitely keeping that end goal in mind is key. Glad Emily and bump are doing well!

[@bert9569]

As always a cracking watch James, the ‘enjoy the now’ piece, it’s one of those phrases that a lot of us hear but don’t quite take on board soon enough. Similar to the one used by a certain blue and yellow liveried flat pack store, “sometimes the little things can be the big things”!

[@kerrywallace9298]

Hi, I've just 'found' you on UTube! I'm very much a beginner photographer, and just wanted to say a massive thank you for the hugely funny, entertaining and informative content in your vlogs. You've really made me chuckle out loud today!! ☺️👍

[@JoshBearheart]

Great video with a lot of awesome advice! It got a little meta for me when you started talking about taking thousands of photos and how you only get a few good ones out of that because I mentioned that in a recent video where I mentioned you specifically lol.

[@stormyeffects4795]

I really appreciate how motivational this video is

[@davidmascone3411]

James, Mr. Popsys formally, you operate magically on both the entertaining/light-hearted level while also on the more practical and serious level provide great advice and information. A delicate balancing action, clearly, to do both levels successfully since one could easily try to do both and accomplish neither. Good stuff then. Thx.

[@suew6307]

Very good tips and reminders! Enjoying your videos

[@slickdeville]

Just starting out so thanks for all the good advice.Your videos are great so keep up the good work.👍

[@AA_Dandelion_Days]

Hi James, usual excellent standard of video, not preachy at all, as always, full of wisdom, humour and most importantly 'humility' in so much as you always offer 'opinions' and 'ideas' never saying how things must be done, or must look. I thought the enjoyment piece at the end was hugely important and such an easy trap to fall into, it took me a while to get out of that one... and I think it's one that you can easily fall back into, especially watching KZbin with lovely new gear and stunning locations everywhere you look. Hope next few weeks go well for you, Emily and Bump!

[@millymucci]

haha you're so funny! (as well as v informative, of course). love when there's humour with landscape photography videos, as it's such fun, learning and taking photos, for so many of us and those that take it all and themselves so seriously tend to put this prone-to-spontaneous-laughs viewer riiight orf. great videos+lightness and humour get. my. vote. 👍🏼☺️

[@nichjoht]

Very good & helpful observations. Thanks for sharing!

[@UrbanoModa]

Good points and humble outlooks, some good light humour thrown in too. The days of looking at equipment and the next best lens will ( as you said ) pay no result to great/good photography. The best thing is to get out there, experiment and enjoy yourself. We learn more by trying than we do thinking of trying. Chocolate sound neat.

[@godzuks]

Enjoyed your video. Digital cameras are great ,you can take hundreds of images, trying different compositions ,close ups wide angle's etc. As you say failed shots are a learning process getting to know your camera etc ,finding out what works...biggest 1st tip for me when I started off was the old rule of thirds!

[@garryfavor7614]

I’m to photography, love your entertaining approach, I have lots to learn and will be watching more of your videos.

[@HIWalkerPhoto]

I'm not a beginner, but it's always a good reminder that progress is a series of set backs and achievements. And let Emily know that she is looking fabulous. You're going to be great parents. Oh! And thanks for the tip on the Guinness chocolate - I now know what I'm giving as Christmas gifts.

[@ashleyfrancis2903]

As a newby, these tips were great, especially the concept of defining a goal to avoid the sense of disappointment going out shooting, and coming back with mostly rubbish!

[@sirrafael1]

You definitely don't come off as a know it all. Thank you for the tips. I've been into photography for about a year now. I'm enjoying it more and more each time I snap a picture. This video was extremely helpful, even for a mediocre photographer!

[@naturebypamfitzpatrick2855]

Thanks James for letting us see Emily! Emily you look so cute! I am praying for all 3 of you! Healthy Mom and baby and wisdom and peace as you enter this exciting new stage of life! 💕

[@normp4914]

Love your vids. Been an amateur photog for about 55yrs...im always learning new stuff. Had just about every brand of camera. Now a G9 user and its the best camera I have ever had for what I do.

[@peterjoseph3839]

Great and extremly important video James! Not just for us beginners, it’s a good guide for gettona on track with the ”WHY-question ???”

[@josephryan5448]

Very wholesome video. I appreciate it.

[@jimfok4343]

Thank goodness for digital! Since most of my work is close up, a slight change in angle can make a completely different photo. I'm glad you validated that you don't have to expect perfect every time. My photo buddy just about paralyzed his photography by wanting a SOOC shot each time. I kicked his creative butt and he's better now. - Elaine

[@EmilWall]

Love the quotes and your attitude

[@joycady8325]

Thank you for showing us Emily’s baby bump! Emily you’re beautiful! Can’t wait to see the little one. James , great video as always!

[@andrewwood3719]

After a few "bad" days with the camera, I was feeling quite low. This video taught me it's quite normal. Thanks.

[@karenfloyd4256]

Helpful? Yes, thank you! As a photog that is now 7 years in, these tips were great reminders of some inner thoughts that you may keep to yourself-like the trajectory map. Kudos, mate, much appreciated 😊

[@jml7916]

My perfect camera is the used, castaway one that gives me the best value for my $$$. My best shot this year was taken with a camera I bought used way under market value, a 20 year old Sigma lens I scored cheap on Ebay and an adapter I found in a pawn shop for way less than it was worth. Part of the fun is the hunt I guess.

[@valpayne2963]

Love your videos. You’re going to make a really great Dad. Thanks for sharing.

[@63rml]

I think this is one of your best videos ever! Mike

[@kotsu94]

13:28 - 14:30 about how you think about what the next gears you will get etc is exactly me right now. I bought a camera about 1 and a 1/2 months ago and just keep thinking about a new lens I want to buy and keep trying to wait to get that and then shoot again. I will now just enjoy what I have now until I can get some new gears and play with that. Thank you for these tips!

[@adriantattersley4934]

The best phots of your life are yet to come mate. Starts in about 2 months! Good luck to you both.

[@williammorrison5739]

Thanks you got me back on track.

[@electrontube]

I just want to thank you for the perspective. it wasn't preachy or patronizing, I sincerely appreciate it.