The Dangers of Perfectionism in Photography

[@N556ND]

One of the things that I have learned from photography channels is that often the creator says that they don't like an image that I love as the viewer. I realized that I am and we are our own worst critics. Now I have a couple trusted friends that I show my work to because their nonbiased opinion has really shown me that I am better than I thought I was. PS: I wouldn't have noticed your clipped highlights until you pointed them out.

[@Cunboss]

So true ! And sometimes, the youtuber would be saying "this is my favorite shot of the session, and probably one of the nicest shot I took in my life" and I'm just like :|

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. I've found that often once I sit with images for a while and return to them, I end up liking some that I wrote off at the start.

[@bradybaker]

As a viewer of many photography channels -- both film and digital -- I find HIGH value in content that emphasizes imperfection & failed expeditions. Honestly I'd prefer MORE videos that highlight the regularity of disappointment.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Good to know. Thanks, Brady.

[@AdrianBacon]

I’m a huge fan of “good enough to get er done”. Could I try to get it perfect? Sure. Do I *HAVE* to? More often than not, nope. The real skill is being able to discern what is needed for good enough, then doing just that.

[@Dr.GeoDave]

Well titled and well worth my time.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, David.

[@InAnInstant]

This is a massive challenge for me, especially with KZbin. I'm trying to relax the reigns but by golly I can't seem to loosen that grip. Great message here and I feel it truly!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers. Glad you connected with this one!

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

Great video. Just how I roll. I have come back to B+W film photography after years in the digital wilderness. I love the grain and the imperfection. I look at all the 'perfect' digital photos created and then reborn in Lightroom and just scream. Most would be very comfortable on a cereal packet they are so bright. Cheers and regards.

[@JTobiason]

Thanks for such wider view of your whole mindset. It's totally relatable to try to do everything and be struggling to hold it together. Well done.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Joe. Thanks for watching.

[@BryanBirks]

Kyle, you are literally my conscience. Everything you say about KZbin I nod my head in agreement. Thoroughly enjoyed the setup and metering process as well. Very peaceful to watch but I know you were probably scrambling the whole time. Haha

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, man. Yeah, I'm sure you can relate to this one! I'm still trying to find the right balance. But I do feel like I'm making a bit of progress.

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

Oh hey, look who’s commenting. Mister shit talker and narcissist

[@BryanBirks]

@@user-ti9zc1xv2b oh.

[@user-ti9zc1xv2b]

@@BryanBirks Why do you talk so much shit about other people you don't even know?

[@BryanBirks]

@@user-ti9zc1xv2b you are literally doing the exact same thing right now. Lmao talking about me, who you don’t know. But you think you know me because you might have watched a couple of KZbin videos I guess. To answer though, I did talk a bunch of shit about people because I was new and a dumb bastard and thought I knew everything. If you watched any of my videos in the last year or so I dramatically reduced the shit talking because it does nothing. Hope that answers your questions.

[@Larpy1933]

You nailed it here, brother. This video is technically imperfect and philosophically RIGHT ON the money. Good luck, Hoser!

[@perenadal1735]

Love new Kyle! Very inspiring, totally agree!

[@paulwhite1109]

I'm liking the style and feel of this video, very real life and I can understand how you're feeling. Perfection isn't how things always work and this style is more personal and engaging and still informative. You always come across well anyway.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Paul. I appreciate that.

[@eddie_g]

I explore this thought process often as a filmmaker/photographer as well. At the end of the day I honestly just find the beauty in the imperfections like you said. It’s why I love the craft in general.

[@willsperkins1662]

Hearing you talk about getting too bogged down in small details and trying to make everything perfect is exactly how I often feel. It's nice to know even someone as creative as yourself suffers from this too. That said, the production value of this more candid video is still thoroughly excellent. Keep up the good work. On a side note, the UK really suites you. I moved away for family reasons but still miss it everyday.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers. Really been enjoying the UK so far. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface here.

[@morepork281]

So pertinent. I literally reached a point where I'd go out for an entire day and never press the shutter release because there was always something about the image that wasn't how I'd want it to be....even stuff I couldn't control. The truth is, you just need to keep making images, even if you're in a rut, or lacking motivation because its the best way to get through it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely. Gotta keep moving forward and embrace experimentation and imperfections.

[@darrelltheriault5793]

Love the honesty presented here. It is in fact in some respects the pursuit of imperfection of film that has drawn me back to that medium. 45MP sensors, auto focus tracking that nails it every time and lenses that can resolve an eyelash from 50 meters are fine but a well executed image shines through the gaps, that for me at least, are evident in manually exposed and focused medium format images. Thanks for making it real. The real world is where we live and the latitude here let’s us take chances and learn and improve.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Darrell. Always trying to just show the entire process on this channel. And for me, throughout my career, it's been one that definitely isn't linear, and many times isn't pretty!

[@brntgudn]

This video makes you more relatable than you think. I appreciate the more you revealed of your process during the video. I find with photography, every small detail does not need to be important. Especially with film photography, I worry about messing up ALL THE TIME. You had a video shot that you said was clipped in the highlights and I didn't notice it till you mentioned it. The brighter highlights gave a pleasing rendering of the sky. Maybe you saved it post, I'm not sure. When it comes to personal work for me: when you get better at your craft, it gives you more space to fail and learn. Your strengths show more than your weaknesses. You made me chuckle a lot in this video so I would appreciate more down-to-earth vids in the future!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Brent. I appreciate that. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@theCameraVille]

You are correct! I always try to leave some happy mistakes in my work.

[@timwatley4793]

I learnt photography on 4x5 doing the Ansel Adams thing trying to make everything perfect. Nowadays I purposely shoot imperfectly which is harder than it sounds.

[@willmccleland2383]

I feel your videos always give really reliable and have a good message this is really encouraging to just relax a little and not be afraid of failing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Will! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@WillemVerb]

first

[@theCameraVille]

Great work Williem~!

[@PulpDogg]

I know the perfectionism problem very well. For me it sort of paralyzes me into doing nothing. Into creating nothing.

[@greenbrightly]

Totally relate to this, ThankYou.

[@Talev777]

Me too. I hate it. Needs to change some how

[@Blizzardmane]

I love and appreciate it when creators show some of their mistakes. It shows a lot of honesty and I think it makes for a better creator. Admitting and learning from mistakes is the only real way to grow.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, David!

[@alanhuntley55]

After 40+ years of LF field photography, I truly don't even understand how you guys make these videos while you're trying to create meaningful work. I guess my mind wouldn't be able to separate my image making from the demands of video production. But, I do so enjoy seeing other photographers working and don't give a hoot about the "polished" quality of the content. Keep you the good work!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Alan. I think the key for me is getting out and making work with the LF outside of KZbin. If I were only doing it in combination with shooting these videos then there would definitely be a compromise. I enjoy making these and documenting the process, but I also need my time of just myself and the camera.

[@scottfarrellfoto]

I couldn’t agree more as the quest for perfection often leads to self-sabotage, if one can’t be perfect they drag their feet or simply don’t do it. Home development of film was something I just picked up and now asking why I chickened out for so long, guess the uncertainty of screwing it up (being less than perfect) kept me from doing it. Cheers Kyle! 🤙

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Scott! I can relate with home developing. Now I feel like I can do it in my sleep. :)

[@barryfisher1783]

What I like about this vid is the background noises, there aren't any. It's so quiet and still. I often get this when I am out and I love it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed this one, Barry.

[@MattWeddis]

I like the more relaxed approach. I actually found it more engaging and relatable.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Matt. Happy to hear that.

[@gregheadley6450]

Having recently spent 10 dedicated photography days in the Lake District-coming away without a single image I’m excited about-I found this video hugely relatable. Thanks Kyle for taking us on your honest and realistic journey 👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Greg. Glad you connected with this one. Sorry to hear about the lack of images during your trip. I’ve definitely been there before!

[@waynesimon7096]

September 30th., 5:00 pm Wales,...good night...lol Well I think we all enjoy your efforts Kyle, so don't get burnt out trying to produce a video every week guy. I have been enjoying your walk and talks since you purchased that Graflex 4x5 Speed Graphic back in Canada. Your videos show the reality of field photography. Your shadow across the image, the late arrivals at interesting locations, sticking shutter cables, broken ground glass. We get to see it all without editing. It's reality, and for those out there who have not tried field photography those are the breaks. No pun intended. So thanks again and kudos because it's not easy being a one man show......Ya, I noticed the sky clipping right off...lol. Cheers from Nova Scotia...

[@KyleMcDougall]

Haha, yeah, forgot that it's not the summer anymore. 5pm was definitely pushing it! Thanks for following along, Wayne!

[@soccerjockey]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏼 would love to see more like this!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Josiah!

[@ShawnPBruce]

I appreciate you sharing the imperfections. I struggle with this myself. I've scraped entire videos because the smallest imperfections. Who knows how many photos I've passed on because of small things. Keep up the great work. I love what you create.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Shawn. 🙏

[@andrewsimpson5436]

As someone who takes photos, that's why I watch you and other YTrs, I watch to see the shot, the process and the story, Some have great cinematography but I'm more interested in the reality. So ease back a bit, the only annoying thing is when people make excuses about lack of B roll, little details, blown highlights, we don't care!

[@doyoudevelop]

Hey man, I loved this video because it describes exactly what stops me from working on more content, especially here and over on Skillshare. There are so many ways to go at it, but my fear has always been that I become too busy with trying to document my process that I forget about the process in the first place. It's kind of a weird spot to be in. I reckon the best way forward is really what you mentioned: to just take it easy and not worry about every single detail. I don't think anyone cares about slightly clipped skies .. after all, all these videos here, what are they for? Apart from the interesting conversations and the element of education, there's also a big entertainment angle .. most people enjoy watching these videos because of their content and the messages that are produced by people like you, I don't think people care so much about all the fine details. In fact the imperfection is what makes it all relatable. How often have we all been in a moment where the light was fading and we wanted to quickly capture something and then it all got very tricky real fast .. Anyways, this comment is much longer than I anticipated it be. Keep up the good work and don't be distracted by your demons!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Jahan, appreciate this thoughtful comment. Thanks. It's very much an ever evolving process, like most things. And for me right now, it's about finding a better balance. Which I think I'm on to, both with my photography by itself, and then also making content here that I feel is helpful. And I agree with you... the imperfections are definitely what makes things relatable. Like I mentioned in the video, I'm starting to notice that I feel a disconnect when things are too polished or perfect. So trying to keep that in mind moving forward, which should help with the process overall!

[@louford1952]

Thank you Kyle for your wonderful videos 🙏

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you like them!

[@CassandraHandongshio]

I really needed to hear this today, thank you :') really enjoyed watching this video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bradleybalsters2078]

thank you for making this, Kyle. I find myself never shooting anymore because I don't want the pictures I take to not be the best thing I've ever done - but obviously that's very hard to do every time you shoot. over the weekend I finally got out and took some photos for the first time in over two months, and it felt so good to just do it!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Bradley. Yeah, definitely important to just get out! There's no way to know when you're going to create your next 'best' image. But it definitely won't come if you sit at home trying to figure out where and when.

[@dunerino892]

For me that's the paradox in photography: you really have to work hard and struggle just to find out that every "good" picture in the end it's given, it's a gift...

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Yes to all of this! I get those blocks when things don't go just right! I'm in that situation now, looking at tomorrow's weather and not liking it. But I'm doing my best to clear that negativity from my mind and I'm going to get out there, shoot some 4x5, 120, and 35mm anyways with a bit of video thrown in and make them the best images I can in the situation!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you could relate, Alex. I feel like a lot of us have the same thoughts and challenges!

[@saml6915]

Love your realism Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Sam!

[@iain9887]

Love these more raw videos from you, Kyle! Amazing work.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed. Cheers!

[@mollyanderson449]

In the past I thought of my self as a perfectionist. I thought it admirable to always be striving to do the very best and it is!!! We should all be doing our best work on any given day, but not all days are equal. Yesterdays best may not be the same as today’s and tomorrow’s will be different still. The key is to embrace the fluctuations and don’t use perfectionism as an excuse to not put yourself out there or not do the work when you’re feeling doubt or want to hide from criticism. Your “best” isn’t static…it will change. Sometimes not for the better and that’s ok.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Agree with that all. Thanks, Molly.

[@alanpods______8260]

Thanks Kyle, you captured something more of your humanity with this less perfect vlog, which was excellent.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@coreyhart1850]

Loved it Kyle! I think something that comes hand in hand with perfectionism is overthinking things. So just don’t waste too much time or energy overthinking. The video was great, maybe not perfect but that is OKAY!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yep, definitely go hand in hand. Cheers, Corey!

[@shouvikahmed1299]

thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts, I got also stuck in the perfectionism thing :")

[@SathyaPeacock]

Another thoughtful video Kyle 👌🏽

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Sathya!

[@phillipP8848]

Great video Kyle. Just returned from a trip to Ireland to France, where I wanted to get a shot of a particular RNLI station. Using my 8x10, réalised that my prefered shutter was faulty, so I reverted to a new, untested and unknown 300mm lense without a shutter. The Time of day was not idéal also, but shot two sheets, which turned out great. I will print later today and make some adjustments at that stage. Some times you just have to take the shot regardless.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Phillip. And yep, I agree. So many times where images that I've not had that much confidence in, end up surprising me.

[@thehealthpotions]

Watching this while being burnt out.

[@philipculbertson55]

You are dead-on track. I watch these for learning moments and inspiration. If the mic has wind noise, I don't care. If the images weren't terrific, I don't care. There is always something I can tuck away from even videos that creators think are failures. I can watch a movie on Netflix if I want perfect production. I'd much rather go along on a ramble and see the attempts, even if they fail because I learn from them or I get promoted to get off my lazy #$@& and go out and try to find a shot. I commend the effort you guys put in and the opportunity to learn from both your success and your efforts that you didn't think met the mark. Well done.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Really appreciate that, and a good reminder to me!

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

Totally agree with everything you said Kyle. Have the exact same feelings when creating both photo & video. It's strange because like you I'm the same when watching other peoples videos, the little imperfections really don't bother me at all. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts and the video, look forward to seeing more that spot looks like it certainly has potential 👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! And yeah, isn't it funny how we can fixate on certain things with our own work, even when we know that as a viewer they don't bother us.

[@paulcrutchley4348]

Inspiring, thank you Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome, Paul. Cheers.

[@NickSmithPhoto]

I always find it hard, to find that balance between trying to capture images for yourself and videoing at the same time during that process. I always say to myself, which aspect of this fleeting moment do I want to record most and is more important, the still image for what might be used in a project later on, or filming something that might be used in a video. As this process is new to me still, it can put a lot of stress on the mind, and it may never get easier. Though it probably means that personal projects stay personal so I don't have that worry.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, it's definitely a balance and a never ending learning experience! It's been really important for me to also do a lot of my photography outside of producing these videos, where I can focus purely on the images.

[@andrewgroom2924]

Kyle - this is one of the best I’ve watched on your channel. We have all been there with the light failing and no time to get it as right as we can make it. My first experiments with MF were full of unexposed film because i got something wrong - buy hey you learn right?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Andrew! Glad you enjoyed this one. And yes, all about the process!

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Interesting topic Kyle, speaking for myself I was always a perfectionist for commissioned work but I'm much more loose when it's for myself nowadays.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, things definitely are different when it's commissioned/client work. There's a pressure to deliver, which is obviously expected. Having that outlet with personal work is important when you're also doing it professionally!

[@andyvan5692]

by the way, that building @ 8:38 is a nice composition, as the stairs act as a leading line for the eye, also, from that video footage, if you took the shot from the other side of the road ( so the road is in the shot!), the resulting zigzag affect will be quite nice, the road slope, and the stairs as foreground and the building as subject; also if you expose a bit more, giving contrast, the grey's of the road gravel and the stair/building bricks would go quite nicely.

[@glaniksvideos]

You did great! Thank you for that video!

[@Havenotats]

YOUR WORK IS GOOD If you don’t believe in yourself.. I do 🤝

[@drainyoo1]

I needed this video. Thanks, dude.

[@KyleMcDougall]

You're welcome. Cheers.

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

Thanks Kyle, I should have learnt this early, I used to try to be perfect but after few years I realised there is no perfoect anyway and I was missing lots of things.. thanks for reminding.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Ryan. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@danienelphoto]

Yup, "Good Enough" is necessary to not go mad.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Indeed!

[@pembridgehouse]

Thanks for this. My channel is anything but perfect but I love creating for it.A lot of people seem to enjoy it in spite of my imperfections.Occasionally I really nail something but mostly it's a mixture.When I was a wedding photographer I was aiming for perfection but not always getting what I wanted.I found that sometimes a blurry lopsided shot still had artistic merit. Even more so when I rendered it in black and white. cheers geoff

[@petermain1211]

If you’re interested, as a data point, I prefer the videos that are a bit more raw and honest. I don’t expect (or want) KZbin to replace TV. And that extends to scheduling. I don’t know much about the KZbin algorithm but would never expect content every week. Enjoyed this video! Thanks.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Peter. Definitely appreciate feedback like this. As mentioned in the vid, as someone who has a long history in video production, it's been a weird and awkward learning experience for me on this platform to find what works best (for me and the audience). Naturally my approach was to try and make things as polished as possible, but starting to learn that maybe that's not the right fit.

[@steveh1273]

What I look for in a video is the feel of the environment, the sense of the location, the photographer's technique and gear used. Video production is really not that important, in fact too polished can turn me off. However, I do like the sound volume to be adequate; very important.

[@clarhettcoalfield3616]

Happenstance is always part of the creative equation, I mean listen to the Rolling stones, and then listen to Rush. When you're in the moment, in that grove perfection has some constrictions that do limit us creatively. So this was a cool video, and the message isn't lost to me, so thanks Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Absolutely! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@santirod9143]

thanks for this video, its really important to have content, that bring you back to the authentic and REAL side of the life, on this "instagram fake beauty " times. You make us feel accompanied , thanks for your videos , again, your content its by far the best i saw on youtube on the film and photography topic. How you make the video, editions, lightening , quality of images, top , top !

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@MrKirezzz]

Hi, Kyle! Try Garry Winogrand's method. Put negatives in the closet for half a year or a year. During this time, perfectionism and impressions of photography will fade away and you will be able to look at the photo with a more objective, unclouded look.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Don't know if I could go that long, but I love the idea, and can relate a little bit just from how I view my older work now. Always seeming to find images that I overlooked in the past.

[@WesleyVerhoevePhotography]

Preach!! so key!

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@adamkencki]

you actually have pretty good and nice light at the end of the video.. finally something that is not shot and lit "as it should be" do more!

[@ThatShaunBoy]

This one hit home for sure! A lot to take away from this video :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Shaun!

[@nick.reuper]

This video came just as I was overall disappointed with my last couple shoots as they didn't produce "something to put on my wall". Realizing I'm trying to do too much on a shoot and complicating it to a point where I'm no longer focused on my subject.

[@jimwlouavl]

Really good point that’s timely for me. I spent a while last weekend with a scene that just didn’t work out. I had to remind myself that it’s okay. Appropriating Wayne Gretzky to our work, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Love the Gretzky reference. 👌

[@AdrianTache]

How crazy is this... Here I am, in Singapore, an amazing city, and I'm struggling with perfectionism, so much so that I don't even want to leave my room with my camera in my hand. And then, I'm searching for a video to maybe help with this feeling and who comes up but Kyle himself, whom I feel is the most perfectionist of all the photographers I follow. Having said that, while this video helped, it wasn't the instant relief I was hoping for. And, having watched a bunch of other videos afterwards, it's clear why: perfectionism has nothing to do with making good photos, but with fear! It's not that I don't know how to make a good photograph (citation needed), but rather that I'm too paralyzed by immense expectations to even try, which in turn makes the photos I take even more rushed, and thus even poorer. And, unsurprisingly, what helps is to just give up. Forget about creating excellence, and just take as much time as I need to breathe everything in, and see what comes out. And then, maybe, one of the photos I spam on instagram will be worth viewing. And if not, hey, there's always next time :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Didn't realise my perfectionism was that apparent! 😅

[@geraldsaved]

HAVE FUN

[@mohammedcohen]

WOW!!!

[@shepi9453]

Nice video! Right on point. keep it up man :)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers! 🙏

[@markgarcia8253]

The problem with perfectionism is that it’s a slippery slope into self-loathing. Whether it major or minor, you have to appreciate yourself and your work even if it’s not up to your standards. It’s all a learning experience and it’s unfair to compare yourself to others especially

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure. Good thoughts here, Mark. Definitely agree with you.

[@mattiashaggstrom2049]

Please continue this path. I liked the video and the content a lot. Interesting to hear you vision with the image. But at the same time feel your struggle with the light fading to fast and not having the time to complete the the image as planed.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Mattias. Definitely some more like this to come in the future.

[@morrisbagnall2690]

Terrific video. I would rather you were out taking images or sharing some insights from home rather than using that time trying to get the perfect video for YT. More of these please Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Morris. More to come!

[@thesavicouple]

Following these with relish but on the subject of being a perfectionist if you want to go native we never use "southern" or "northern" when talking about Wales, just go with North, South or Mid, I have no idea why we abbreviate for this part of the UK but it's just how we roll for Wales.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I'll just call it 'Wales' from now on!

[@thesavicouple]

@@KyleMcDougall Ha, that may work though there is a lot of Rivalry between North and South, my kids are Welsh and frequently point this out to me, plus they have a habit of switching to the language which usually means I am in trouble! ;)

[@SummersSnaps]

Authenticity first, everything else after.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yes yes!

[@andydreadsbmx]

Good exposure and decent composition I feel are good enough for the "out and shooting" style content. If your not getting the shot because the "content of the video" is pulling your light away then definitely focus on the photography and keep the b-roll more simple. Pretty sure we will all be just as satisfied with what you put out :-)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Andrew!

[@carbonejack]

It's real life, man. It ain't perfect. That's good.

[@chrisdowswell]

Shooting film has really helped... its too expensive to blast 20 frames of the same subject with barely noticeable tweaks. I give myself one or two frames and move on. 👍 I don't overthink and I get back to being present.

[@Tom-Humble]

My anxiety was riding high waiting for you to take that first shot as the light was diminishing 😂

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 Next time I'll make sure to put in some suspenseful music!

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

"peoples frigging blogs look like movies" MKBHD just tested a RED V Raptor 8K 120FPS Camera. 😂 love your work since your first videos and that won't change!

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 Don't think I'll be picking one of those up for the channel any time soon!

[@darrylroberts5235]

My process, Mark II Artist's Viewfinder research, then return another day to shoot. It has cut down on wasted film.

[@andyvan5692]

@ 7:46, what do you mean by "HP5, will rate at 320", as for most beginners, ESPECIALLY for FILM beginners, we DON'T know what the asa of HP5 is, assuming by this statement it is NOT 320, but is it lower or higher than this??, and is this a film you would recomend for a beginner, ie; can it take some "trial & error", but mostly error, esp. if you have only or mostly used digital cameras before, and are unsure about exposing it in a LF camera, ie, using the limited shutter speeds (not faster than 1/100 or 1/500th), or way smaller/larger apatures (f9-f64) than one is used to with digital matrix metering systems.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Hey Andy, HP5 is a 400 speed film. And yes, it's extremely flexible, both with overexposure, and also for pushing and pulling. I did an exposure test here on the channel with HP5 if you're interested. You can see how it reacts to different exposures. I'll be doing some tests with it soon with pushing and pulling and will put that on the channel.

[@perin99]

If you're still in Wales and want a cool location try Blaenau Ffestiniog.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Actually drove through there on this day. I'll be going back, for sure.

[@ironmonkey1512]

Caught a great image last week and the next outing was feeling really uninspired, it's a struggle.

[@urbanimage]

The interesting thing I've noticed about my own viewing habits on KZbin blog type video is that if the production values are too high it can become quite distracting and off-putting.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Interesting to hear that. It's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. Especially as cameras become more capable and everyone is trying to make things look 'cinematic' (myself included). I'm finding that the content I enjoy the most for VLOG's is when it's a little rough and real, compared to looking like a movie. Something I'm trying to keep in mind for the future with my work.

[@urbanimage]

@@KyleMcDougall If the content is interesting and the presenter is engaging, all that's really needed is clear sound and reasonable video. I find it a little depressing when the first drone footage appears in a channel - often the footage is lovely and all that, but I sit there and think you really don't need to do that, I've already subscribed

[@glennmcdonnell8375]

Neat video and good to see you getting out with that new camera. A gentle reminder that the area you are in is South Wales not Southern Wales. No reason you should have known that.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Good to know. Cheers!

[@stevenbudd3725]

'Wabi sabi' Kyle-san. The concept of 'perfectionism' is very prevalent and dominant in Western culture. The Japanese in contrast, have a philosophy of 'Wabi sabi' that is founded on the acceptance of three principles - nothing is perfect, everything changes and nothing lasts forever. For example, in the West 'anti-aging' cosmetics abound, as people rail against natural progression. Smooth skin is 'beautiful', wrinkled skin 'ugly'. There are innumerable instances of failing to accept the essential truths of 'Wabi sabi'. In contrast, Japanese potters often bury new works in the ground, so that the elements imprint themselves on the item, which is seen as beautiful and natural. A broken cup is repaired with gold that maps out the event and celebrates it, not seeking to hide the cracks as the West would. My Leica M3 DS has a tiny dent on the top plate among other signs of use, making it 'imperfect' by Western calculations but to me and 'Wabi sabi' they're reflections of a life lived, unique signs of something that is 'living' and not sterile. 'Acceptance' is the root of all happiness. Accept 'what is' but seek to change or influence only what's in your actual power to do so. Wabi sabi and photography should be the two sides of a single coin. I'd like to go back to my cell now nurse...

[@KyleMcDougall]

Love that perspective, Steven. Thanks for sharing!

[@jaimemolina7219]

Do you think it comes from our constant use of social media? We only see the success stories from other artists but never the mistakes or fails. However it is hard as Social media has so much benefit to photographers

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, that's definitely part of it, but it's obviously a lot of things. I've been like this my entire career, before social media was really a thing. But I think it plays out in all sorts of different scenarios, even just with ourselves if we aren't showing our work to anyone. At least that's been my experience.

[@RewDowns]

what scanner have you been using for 4x5?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I have an Epson 4990 which I picked up for cheap.

[@RewDowns]

@@KyleMcDougall Awesome, thanks. I see that video now, great stuff!

[@mohammedcohen]

...was wondering about those 'hills' thought that's what they were...

[@sabirkuliev4228]

In Russia we say , "better is the enemy of good"

[@skylarnace-gerhart4264]

What is the tripod you use or what is a tripod you recommend

[@KyleMcDougall]

This is an old set of Benro 3-stage CF legs that I've had for about ten years. They still make them, but I'm sure they've upgraded the model. Lot's of good brands out there though. Gitzo is probably the best of the best, but will be expensive. There's a company called iFootage that makes some nice tripods for reasonable prices.

[@pwood5733]

All great beauty has a flaw

[@johnsonrich9934]

Rushed but perfect

[@stephenrasmussen8160]

Force yourself to take at least one picture every time out regardless, and also I would look into arch support for your feet, it looks like you are pronating on the left side quite a bit when walking.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Funny you mention that. When I was editing this, I was like, what the hell? Why is my ankle bending, haha. But yes, I have a nice pair of Salomons for hiking. This was an unprepared last minute hike! Blundstones are like a wet noodle when it comes to support.

[@stephenrasmussen8160]

@@KyleMcDougall Good to hear, you can watch your tread wear pattern as well, if you get too much wear on the inner side of the sole it may be an issue. You can get a custom orthotic prescribed and replace whatever is in the Salomons as they may offer little or no arch support as well. Maybe check with a foot doctor, as you don't want to have knee or hip issues longer term due to misalignment.

[@evanmolander8497]

What is better; enjoying the process of photography or creating a "perfect" image? I think I would lose passion for the craft really fast if I wasn't enjoying the process.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah, it's an important question, Evan. The process is so incredibly important.

[@jaredgotcher]

You sound so disappointed in yourself at the end of the video. Hahaha. If it makes your perfectionism feel better, I only listened to the video while working, so it looked great to me. :D

[@KyleMcDougall]

😂 thanks!