The camera I regret buying most...

Head to www.squarespace.com/james to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JAMES.
This week I'm answering questions. Leica's, other gear, inspiration, editing and a whole load more stuff.
0:00 Intro
3:10 Should I buy an old Leica?
4:55 When are you getting a Leica?
5:13 What's your favourite focal length?
5:25 Do you still use use your G9?
5:52 What have you learned because of photography?
6:28 Why do you prefer to shoot with Sony?
7:56 What do you do when you don't feel inspired to take photos?
8:18 Could Fuji ever replace your Sony?
8:30 Do you have any photography regrets?
9:15 Would owning a 50mm help my photography?
10:03 Gear I most regretted buying?
10:06 Best camera for under $300?
10:25 Workshops?
10:43 How do I know when to stop editing?
11:27 What's important when learning composition?
12:29 How many countries have I been to?
12:58 Is editing photos fun for me?
13:20 How do I find new locations?
13:43 How important is light in photography?
14:42 Workshops in the US?
15:08 Why did I choose landscape photography?
16:04 How to get over anxiety in street photography?
16:40 Would I be a brand ambassador again?
17:46 What do I do outside of photography?
18:14 Do you need a special monitor to edit photos?
19:02 How did you find your photography style?
20:25 What do you wish you knew when starting photography?
20:55 My most common aperture?
22:34 Do I miss micro four thirds?
22:55 Editing or composition, which to learn first...
23:26 What metering do you use?
24:50 Imposter syndrome
25:35 A good looking portfolio?
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[@donalone]

What photography teaches me for life: I heard my friend said it was to gain, you need to be willing to “let go”. Photography is a “no lose, no gain” trade off game. You want quality, you lose portability, you want convenience, you lose versatility, you want all, you lose money, you want to wait when you get ready, you lose the moment, you want everything to be perfect, you lose fun.

[@nickmccoy9772]

I can't begin to describe how much I enjoy this channel. I literally can't explain it. I don't know if it's your quirky personality. Your skill and knowledge as a photographer/videographer, or just the simple HONEST feel this channel provides... I enjoy and learn something from every video. Thank you for making such good content, and sharing the same feeling we all get when we spend too much on something we thought we just HAD to have!

[@nicola6323]

I like its philosophical note. He thinks a lot about what he does.

[@christopherhocker]

👏👏👏👏👏 Man is a national treasure. To be protected at all costs. Keep up the great work James. The absolute best photography channel on KZbin, makes the other channels unwatchable. 🍻🍻🍻

[@darrenleigh201]

I tune in primarily for the sarcasm & witty dialogue...👍

[@YounanPhoto]

​@@darrenleigh201 yeah me too not so much for the photos

[@soundscape26]

Unwatchable?

[@gghana]

Going to Sony for autofocus? Fast moving sheep? 🤣

[@jortx]

Agree 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@daracayo]

You really hit me with the regrets part. I just drove tonight and saw an epic sunset. There was a hill, beyond it the colorful sunset and on the top of the hill a car. I haven't stopped because I already did it 10 minutes before. As soon as I drove maybe half of mile I started regretting not stopping and as the time went by I hated myself even more. I know it will haunt me for a long time.

[@jpsuperstar]

If it's any consolation, since I feel this, sunsets are free and there will always be another one and most of my favorites I have no photos of because I just got to enjoy it in person

[@rhythmace1]

I've definitely done that a good few times. And, although a bit different, it also reminds me of seeing possibly the most interesting & picturesque scene I've ever been confronted by while travelling in Kashmir and, having just emerged from a dark carpet store, accidentally shooting it at ISO 800 on the Nikon D80 I was using at the time, which was definitely not a camera you would use at that ISO unless you absolutely had to! I never forgave myself for that, although at least I can address that now we have things like Topaz DeNoise.

[@zachb4047]

I have binge watching this channel for the past two months. It’s gotta be one of my favorites now. A good balance of gear, humor, tips and most importantly, remembering to keep photography fun. You inspire me to keep going. Its unfortunate that I’m stuck in school at the moment, and my new Sigma 24 to 70 sits there…taunting me. Be sure to keep us updated on your trip to the US. I live in Southern California and if you haven’t been to Yosemite-you are in for a very big treat, highly recommended.

[@Jaymino_]

I like watching you James, not only as a photographer but as a person. I genuinely enjoy your rambling and photography wisdom :)

[@Batch2103]

You are the only person on KZbin that I would go out of my way to watch. You really know your stuff. Your delivery is truly excellent and a joy to watch. Keep going my friend.

[@joycady8325]

Great video James. I totally understand about not stopping for a photo opportunity and then regretting it after. I have had many of those moments. Love this channel, it's like Christmas morning whenever I open KZbin and see one of your new videos posted!

[@stabmixer2816]

Hey James, been following you for a while and I really admire your kind of photography! I don‘t see your photos as over exposed, but rather as perfectly portraying emotion within any Situation. When it comes to landscape photography (with or without human interaction) i think yours is Special and definitely a good example to always look up to!

[@matsfotografi]

Hello James! I'm typically not a big fan of Q&A videos, but this one was a real treat! I have just turned a creative corner and moved my photography from the deep forests and the traditional kind of landscape photography to a more "Popsysian" way of shooting. In some part this is because the deep forests of Sweden become really deep when you have a non-existing sense of direction like me, but mainly because I've done some soulsearching and come to realize where I find my true creative flow. Your channel has been, and continues to be a good source of inspiration in my creative adventures (except for your opinions about tripods) 😏

[@eorsjr]

I just wanna say James, I appreciate you. You are a huge inspiration, and I wouldn't be where I am in my photography if it weren't for your two cents about your own craft.

[@zand]

The Leica user experience is definitely different and more particularly on the M series. And then there's the image-color science which is quite different. You could get a Pixii if you want something similar with compatible mount from a smaller indie brand, but no mechanical shutter, but second-hand is probably the best option to experiment and see if you like it.

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Stopping. That's it. Stop the car, get out, shoot. I have a major regret regarding this a couple of months ago. I was driving up to Carlisle on the A6 and there was hoare frost everywhere. On the bare tree branches, on the grass, just everywhere. Why did I not just stop for a minute? It was truly gorgeous.

[@KeithMasonPhotography]

One of your best videos of the past year. Some really helpful advice, lots of sensible suggestions and insights. Thanks, James. Best, Keith

[@jamesballantyne8349]

Love this video James, ive watched lots of your old videos and I think this is the first one ive watched on the day of release, thank you for sharing about imposter syndrome. My experience is that ive been just using Auto on a bridge camera for 2 years during the lockdowns as I started enjoying taking photos as ive walked, now im beginning to learn more the technical side of things, and trying to compose photos in the scenes I see and not just take a photo of a bird or sunset for example. Ive learned such a lot from your videos and so, thank you

[@DanaPushie]

Well done James. I keep coming back to your channel for, as you have said yourself, your opinion. What I get is, relax, have fun, enjoy the experience, think about what you're doing and why so you can improve, learn, explore, scout, take lots of photos, please yourself. I may never share my photos with anyone. I'm just into the process and the journey. Thank you for sharing your experience. The one-handed southpaw.

[@davidskinner274]

Love your candid aproach, James. I must use my hand held little Olympus RAW point and shoot style as a walk around stuff, which you inspire me every time I look at your videos.. I too really regret not stopping. I still get an image in my head of a lone tree along a fence in fog, just fantastic to the eye, and I didn't stop! That was nearly 2 years ago.

[@tremaincheerful4189]

Many of us share these same neurosis. I have now begun to STOP (sometimes to the dismay of following traffic) for "that shot" which otherwise would have haunted me for days after. It has given me some of my best shots, and I return home at peace with myself even when the shot hasn't turned out well. I still miss too many mornings while deciding which camera to take along! Thank you always for your insights, humor, and humanity James!

[@TobiTheHuman]

I felt understood, when you said you buy things only to return them. I am a return-buyer too. Always click on buy and the second I recieve the shipping notification I ask myself "why the heck did you buy this?" Then I wait till it arrives, accept the package and immediately bring it to the nearest post office. You are not alone, James.

[@adamwhittingham86]

Dopamine. Read the book "dopamine nation" 👍

[@jplum7708]

Excuse me while I go buy a book on how to start a support group.

[@danoncho]

Really enjoyed your FAQ section... Your honest feedback about "there's no best camera" and imposter syndrome are really important to share with other people. It is OK to shoot on any camera!! Thanks for your video!

[@costafilh0]

If you use vivid mode on your phone, it is useless to test your photos on it. They will look super flat on others. If you don't the photos will look super fake on the screen of the people using them. But that's the look they like, so it's okay. The best way is to always opt for a natural look with a little pop. With artistic license to do whatever you want, of course. But this generally provides the best results for most people consuming your photos.

[@jshanni2066]

Thanks for taking the time and effort to answer all these questions, James. I'm sure those who asked appreciate it. I did have to chuckle, though, at the comment about not going back to Lumix because it costs so much to change systems. Right in the same video that you spontaneously purchased a Leica M11 and Lanthar lens 😄 !!!

[@ImagesbyAsh]

The best Q&A video on KZbin! I learnt so much from your responses, not just about gear, but also around the process of photography. More of a Question and Advice session. Cant wait to see the shots from the Leica...don't forget to take the battery 😉

[@LeeBoris974]

I didn't think I would want to watch a Q&A, but I quite enjoyed that. Also, I started watching your channel just looking for inspiration. Now I just watch because it's enjoyable. Thank you.

[@davidmill7289]

Really enjoyed the Q&A James - some very interesting, honest and useful answers.

[@annashtraus]

Love you James, even if I don't care about your favourite focal length, you're always a joy to watch

[@alb1rdy547]

Highly recommend the Leica X2. Just picked up one from MPB. Absolutely a joy to use

[@DaveAdams222]

RE: Audio - You're slightly balanced into the left channel. At least on my setup. Maybe someone else can confirm.

[@bradleybull1787]

My left ear is slightly deaf atm so I really appreciated this

[@JW-df7iw]

Same for me!

[@so3520]

I wish you hadn’t mentioned this, now it’s all I can notice!

[@Edwin1947D]

Same here - volume noticeably louder in left ear versus right ear

[@martonhegedus]

dji mic running in stereo mode and he is only using one mic. That’s my guess. Can be fixed in Premiere with the effect “fill right with left” or vice versa.

[@baharam98]

I can't get over this: I bought a M-p 240 a few weeks ago, and I was contemplating on returning it and no matter how hard I try to hate this camera, I just can't! I LOVE the way it renders. I guess I'm going to keep it after this.

It's a fine camera. Keep it and use it.

[@forneverarrow]

Interesting answers. Two of them catches my attention more: 1) using the phone screen to check your images. Absolutely true! That’s my approach too. 2) I had the same regret about a Leica in the past (thank god for that). As for the Sony: no other camera can replace my a6000 (ok, maybe the a6600😊) as far as I am shooting raw. I left Canon cameras and my lens collection for Sony for a good reason and since then I can’t imagine myself using something else… but, if I sometime decide to rest on SOOC JPEGs, then yes, definitely Fuji will be my first choice.

[@DA-yd2ny]

Lovely and instructive video. I enjoyed it very much. I can see myself watching it again and again

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Great stuff, thanks for the down to earth tips as always 👍🏻

[@joncothranphotography9375]

I have the same regrets... I often fail to stop for a photo often! Thanks for your thoughts!

[@susanbray6817]

Funny, informative, inspirational! Thank you. Look forward each week to your videos.

[@rickreyn9242]

I "regret" going on vacations with family members bent on "getting there." All I'm seeing is photo op after photo op in the rear view mirror. While in Ohio, we went racing past an Amish schoolhouse and I barely ripped off one photo from the backseat that miraculously captured the scene, albeit with lilliputians.

[@brettbaker7049]

Thanks for being one of the creators who nudged me back into photography.

[@TheFuzzyskwerl]

Feels like this video has more photography wisdom than most of KZbin photography videos combined. 😂

[@nigelcliff7390]

Used that Voigtlander 35mm f1.4 on a Leica M6 that I was loaned a few years ago and I absolutely loved the results from it

[@jonstout7635]

No matter the topic, I always have a great time watching. Thanks again for the insights and laughter.

[@ScorchedPainter]

You're a gem of a channel James.

[@jimpchip]

Love the Q&A episodes. Would love to see more.

[@dareks8000]

Spiritually valuable video James! Thanks.

[@eqm991]

Wow...great vid. Really enjoyed your insight

[@craighattam2020]

Very well done!

[@user-cv2sf7ll4j]

I almost didn't watch this - due to the title. SO GLAD I DID! One of the best "photography" videos I've ever seen. Well done James, and keep up the impostering LOL. I couldn't agree more on the editing technique. Very sensible "opinions" on the other questions too, as I find I share the same opinion.

[@bardofhighrenown]

I liked your point about most cameras which are reasonably comparable being so similar as to it not really mattering which go you with. I suspect that the majority of people who get really invested in camera brands are doing so because cameras are very large purchases for most people and they want to feel comfortable in spending that much money on something that is a hobby. When in reality all cameras are pretty good and what you have is great, just enjoy it.

[@brianmckeever5280]

Enjoyed the extra content, thank you!

[@frankbelt633]

Your videos are fun. I haven’t seen them all but this was one of your most enjoyable. Thanks.

[@wednesdaythroughthelens830]

Great video…. Your usual mix of useful insight and humour 👍

[@hedydd2]

I’ve just bought a Leica. It’s at the Swansea post sorting office currently so, depending on what class they used to post, it will be with me tomorrow [Sunday] or Monday. Yes, a moment of weakness had me buying the D-Lux 7 007 edition. Way overpriced if comparing it as a pure photographic tool. However, as a work of art or luxury furniture with occasional practical use, and as an addition to my Q7 007 model to make a small 007 set, I just couldn’t resist. It’s not going back! In 100 years it might be worth at least what I paid for it all LOL. Off to the food bank on Monday for charity food because I’ve blown my food budget until the end of may. [please don’t take that seriously] Truth is, I’ve retired and fed up with decades of thrift as it is later than we think.

[@costafilh0]

Nice transition to the AD

[@JamieKitson]

Great video, one of my favourites of yours.

[@billkipper3264]

I regret not stopping for photos the most as well. Usually it's because I've been out all day and I'm tired and just want to go home. Afterward I usually end up telling myself what an idiot I am for being too lazy to stop for five minutes to get the shot. As far monitors making an difference I would emphatically say YES! I just switched from my 17" laptop to a pc with a 27"Asus PA279CV monitor and all I can say is WOW! While not the most high end monitor out there the size and resolution has totally made a difference in how I view my photos. I can absolutely see how good or bad a shot is whereas before it was much more difficult. Plus, it makes editing so much easier.

[@bigdhav]

This is a fantastic video James. Really well done. Thoroughly enjoyed the truth and humour. Cheers!

[@marcvalade94]

Great dynamic intro yet not anoying! Good job!

[@insoleandlaces]

Great video James full of good info and humor. Shock horror no mobile service on Anglesey.

[@marximus4]

Your regret about not stopping is very applicable to me. I've always regretted the images I've never taken, haha.

[@mthomas653]

I'm glad I partook of this video. I found it quite interesting and useful.

[@nazteeb]

Sound advice! Thanks

[@Lord-yf8ib]

I am about to buy my first camera and you are one of my biggest Inspirations. Right now I am thinking about buying the Lumix G91/90 so the littler brother of the G9. Love your Videos, keep up the good content!

[@jeremymaitre8146]

Get an used G9 or Olympus Em1-mk2, they are fantastic, far better then the g90, and they are a lot of them on professional shop on superb shape.

[@_Slice_of_Filips]

Just spring for the G9. I just got one from Ebay seller mapcamera out of Japan, a huge used gear shop. Like new it was $620? Best value right there. I did find myself missing the compactness of my old G85... And so I also bought a gx1 😂

[@nicolasguillenc]

Great video as always

[@NikonDave]

lol. I've caught myself with an M11 in the cart more than once. For what I do it would be so impractical but I agree...Leica has some magic in the sauce somewhere that tempts me.

[@Michael-Bennett]

Thanks for addressing the "over exposed" issue. I've wondered myself while watching your videos why deep glowing light in the video disappears in the photo.

[@andymcgarty3099]

Really good video, lots of interesting information. Lets hope Leica want you as a brand ambassador :) Great insight into what you do and why. Don't forget to calibrate whatever screen you use. Not sure I'm a fan of phone screens, always tend to be over bright.....? Thanks for this one, the Q&A was very good.

[@DanniPortillo]

It was a great video to watch amazing and thank you.

[@danatkinson1517]

In 13 odd years of dabling I have never seen a more relevant and common sense bunch of opinions/information compiled into a single video. I have recently switched from Canon full frame to an OM-1 and associated macro gear. I'll also do the occasional landscape, birding and maybe even some street. I know there will be times I miss features of the full-frame ecosystem, but I also know that the switch for me has brought the fun back to my photography which is the most important aspect for me.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Nice video James - thanks 👍. I once bid on a 16 channel professional mixing console. I neither needed it, had the room for it or could afford it. Thankfully I was quickly outbid - phew! Not stopping when I pass something interesting? That's been a regret many times over the years. But I've found a solution. Downsizing my motorbike from some of the behemoths I've owned over the years for a Royal Enfield Classic 350. It's such an accessible little "go-anywhere" bike that I'm exploring all the lanes I've passed so many times. Also, due to it's diminutive size it's really easy to find somewhere to pull over for a shot. I can't do that in my car! Ironically, changeable weather (like we're enduring at the moment) is often ideal for good landscape photography. The changing light, incredible cloudscapes and quieter roads are ideal to grab something different. We all love a blue sky and the confidence that we're not going to be caught in a downpour. But it rarely provides an interesting image.

[@nelsonsousa3150]

Great insights!

[@iscoguy]

Great video!

[@toomuchkit964]

Thank you James for a great video, really enjoyed your intelligent, down to earth answers. Someone once told me I didn’t have a style but had depth 😂.

[@studioprairie]

11:55 Such a stunning picture, I just had to pause on it. Wow man, that's amazing work. Well done! I wish I could get a print of that, but I can't find it on your website.

[@tysonjnelson]

"Editing, I probably prefer more then the actual photography, if im honest. I love it. Normally helps that I like to do it with a beer...... or two ...... or six" - I have never related more! 🤣🤣

[@bert9569]

Cracking video James and certainly didn't seem like I'd watched it for an hour either ... oh and well edited!

[@tomislavmiletic_]

Yeah, back in the day I've edited my photos on a (cheap) laptop and afterwards I've send those photos to my iPad which had Retina monitor via Dropbox, to check colours and sharpness. It works...

[@JonnyOgg]

this video was insanely formatted, I have subscribed

[@dillank3240]

That was an excellent Squarespace segue.

[@MrChrisWhitten]

The M11 is getting mixed reviews. I have an M240 which is the full (and fun) rangefinder experience. The 262 is the same I think. Or get an M10R. These are cameras that make lovely images, give you the Leica experience and have all the bugs and issues ironed out.

[@-grey]

I'd recommend getting the lens first as stupid as it sounds, but honestly it's a lot of the experience. Play around with it on the old X-Pro if you still have that. After you've had a go of it, rent out a few of the bodies to see which you like best. Unfortunately the most affordable full frame Leica isn't really your focal length - the "feels like a 25mm" Leica Q. Personally, I would get the CL digital, because I don't mind aps-c and I'd just shoot it like a Ricoh anyway because I'm a cretin.

[@robkar623]

one of the best videos you have done

[@PhilKnall]

I recently saw someone mention they always leave the battery door/card slot cover open when they remove it. Have started doing this too as I make that same mistake often.

[@TechWithBruno]

I love this Q&A videos, can alwyas learn stuff from it

[@john_norris]

The moment you mentioned about night light mode and editing photos. I just realised that I edit mostly in the evening when night mode is on! Face palm!

[@LLCLH173]

Hey James, concerning your "overexposed look", I guess your theory with the GoPro is probably right... Another thing I thought about, because my arts professor always told us, is to use a neutral background. So you could try using a neutral grey instead of a white background.

[@Noparticularcontext]

Really enjoyed the video, don’t really comment very often on KZbin but I really like the Chanel and your photos and style. Have you tried the Sony 100mm f2.8 stf, I use it for landscape as I like some depth and it is in my opinion superb

[@TelmanRaoofi]

Hi James. Thanks for very useful and enjoyable content. You have talked about printing photos before. Though what I struggle is the aspect ratio. While the sensors are either 3/4 or 2/3 aspect ratio, the papers are like 5/7, 4/5. So, how do you print? Do you think cropping to the paper aspect ratio is better or putting a border around the photos? Thanks

[@AllAboutNat]

Your humour is just the best thing haha! Great channel! By the way, should have kept the Leica. My fave brand in photography. So glad I own one, the quality is second to none!

[@AoyagiAichou]

Bugger, I don't use Instagram. Thankfully someone else asked about the G9 at least! Good amount of practical wisdom in this video as well, given in such a lovable way. Thank you for being you! Still pretty much the same person who got me into photography those years ago 😅. I could watch these Q&As for over an hour or two, honestly. How about a new book? I think you briefly mentioned one recently.

[@Big.E]

Love how Frank and funny you come across. Great advice, by the way

[@BritishRosie-es3zr]

"It's taught me patience" he says about 1 minute after buying a Leica on a whim. 🤣

[@besperus4475]

Here a sit on the West coast of the USA. I try not to be over doing that but. Any how I have made my living as a photographer. Made every error possible in the pursuit of learning. I met Ansel Adams and a few other notables in my life ( I’m that old, slightly wiser). James, you mirror a majority of what I have learned (Liecas are too expensive) And children, life and marriage take priority over perfect scenes. I’ve driven past award winning images taking kids to school or going to grocery store. Argh! Doing great. Keep out the good fight. Heading off to Costa Rica soon. ❤

[@CookieMonster-nt8hh]

youre becoming my favorite Photography KZbinr really fast

[@nohandle-01]

So funny James. Ironically, I've been loving the overexposed look (although they're clearly not overexposed) - I actually thought it was an intentional creative direction. Also felt like I was in a Camera's Anonymous session at the beginning. We've all been there (although not "Lecia money" been there).

[@Herfinnur]

24:30 per the gopro footage: change to the other profile, the natural "boring" one. Can't remember what it's called and I'm not getting up from this beanbag for anything other than the baby alarm 😜 It looks worse in direct comparison on the GoPro, but it is much more true to life and really easy to grade. I especially hate the oversaturated dark blue sky on the standard profile, so I'll happily choose boring over that

[@karlkrebs4386]

Your videos are usually quite good but this one is IMHO one of the better once. Not meaning that the other once are bad, just this one is better. The other thing I wanted to put my two cents towards was the question about composition. I watched a B&H talk with Michael Melford several years back and he suggested to look at paintings from the greats of our world because they have/had the composition down to an art (pun intended).

[@colinbatchelor1043]

I love all your content, the common sense approach, and self deprecation . Welcome to Fatherhood! Looking forward to tips on decent family snaps.

[@pbasker]

James! If you come to the States, come check out Colorado Springs and see one of my favorite parks in North America, Garden of the Gods. We'll get a pint, or two or six

[@samatherton5745]

Got a Leica q it’s getting old but it’s a beautiful bit of kit

[@sh8736]

A work shop in Wales or the Peak District would be good, not interested nor able to go to the other side of the planet :) agree for landscape any brand will do. But for other genres not the same so much, Fuji for example don’t have the range of long lenses if you do wildlife, Canon and Nikon have more choice, but their top end kit is big heavy expensive, Sony is lighter and there are some third party lenses to go along side the expensive Sony GM but some find their bodies too small. Oh and your 35mm lens is being well looked after have taken it on many outings recently to photograph snowdrops, in built focus stacking on the A7R5 has been really helpful as you say f16 does not get everything in focus when shooting close up 😊

[@ericaceous1652]

Man after my own heart, boozy edit sessions with some good tunes are the best. Also nice shot at 15:38, Betws-y-coed is it not? Lovely place, lovely scene.

[@assai74]

Your sense of humor towards your fathership is killing me. Keep it up! 😂