STOP only shooting sunrise!

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This week I'm talking about perfect Photography, why you might not want to make your photos loud and perfect, and why that's okay.
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[@davidmantripp5312]

The added bonus of photography in “normal light” is not having to get up at Stupid O’Clock, or missing Happy Hour at the bar 😅

[@alanrabinoff8479]

That is EXACTLY what I was thinking!

[@ssgg23]

Yeah I’m too much of a night owl to get sunrise photos at the very least. Sometimes the only time I have is to get mid day or cloudy poor lighting photos, but I think working with what you’ve got around you makes you a stronger photographer. I’m just an amateur though, took a total of one print photography course in college lol

[@peterebel7899]

@@ssgg23 The greatest myth on Earth is the sun ever risen. Isn't it even a lie due to the sun being older than the earth?

[@aubreybeelen4818]

This totally makes sense. Photography should be about capturing moments, not capturing frames according to a rulebook.

[@Ryanide09]

What I see in your images is that you keep them high key and low contrast with more subtle colors than we see in most photos, which tends to make them more serene and 'quiet'.

[@althejazzman]

*Quiet

[@Ryanide09]

@@althejazzman haha oops!

[@althejazzman]

@@Ryanide09 I don't usually wear my grammar police hat on the internet, but I thought it mattered in this case as we're talking about words!

[@robertbarbieri7352]

THANK YOU JAMES! I'm tired of the photo club mentality of calling everything a defect. I'm glad you have brought up this issue.

[@nikkia9506]

They're not imperfections, they're life. Removing too many of those imperfect details can make a scene look sterile and unreal. Carry on, you fantastic little rule-breaker.

[@toasty2324]

"But having the debate with myself, I think has been really beneficial" so important, and why we watch these videos.

[@dangilmore9724]

I solved this conundrum many years ago by applying the wabi-sabi ethos/aesthetic: strive for excellence, not perfection. Perfection is impossible to achieve. Never pass up a good shot for a technially "perfect" shot. Shoot for the perfectly imperfect. Everything is transient, incomplete and imperfect - that is reality and realism. Capture it as it is.

[@joelowthianYT]

To be honest James, it’s ever since I started following your channel and your photography that I’ve noticed myself being drawn towards the “quieter” images as you mention. And I’ve really changed my overall style as a result. I’ve also never really been all that bothered by perfecting every minor detail in my images either and I feel like this new approach is a much healthier way to admire my own work. I no longer strive for “bangers only” but rather I try to make something nice out of the ordinary that’s in front of me. So I totally get where you’re coming from and it’s thanks to you that I’ve been able to grow as a photographer

[@uncledavesplace]

You hit the nail on the head. A good photo meets the photographer's aesthetic, not a text book's. How often are exposure "rules" broken by the masters? How often is composition ignored for some of the most powerful photos of all time?

[@timothysmallwood2367]

I like the comment about photos being taken during “normal daylight”. That’s how most people see the world. The same argument works against extreme wide angle and telephoto shots. That’s not how people see the world.

[@nicerides9224]

Taking photos that mimic how people see the world is usually referred to as snapshots. The more extreme focal lengths can give the same scene more interest. The telephotos are good for isolating more interesting parts of a scene and for genres like wildlife are essential. I think striving for perfection can be overdone but by the same token so can striving for realism over aesthetics. I think a good analogy would be music where a studio album is technically perfect compared to a live performance where there's a different energy and rawness to the music that makes up for any technical imperfections. I generally prefer the live version as long as it meets a certain technical threshold.

[@pixelambience1767]

Different strokes for different folks, or sometimes same folks, different days. Some days I set aperture to 8, on a 35mm, and try and capture things just as I see them. Some days I slap on a 120mm and go wide open and pick out very small details, that become abstracted by the blur in front and behind. Some days I set SS to 50 and move up just as I shoot. All make me happy, and all are valid.

[@landscapesandmotion]

People see the world (people with two working eyes anyway) in stereoscopic vision. That does not translate 1:1 with a single flat camera sensor. So wide angles and telephoto is useful in capturing artistic intent on a 2d viewing medium.

[@bamsemh1]

We are able to see 180 degrees. So if that's not wide, you need to get your eyes checked.

[@SeanNeale]

Each individual perceives the world in a different way. But even if we all did see exactly the same, we’re taking about art and expression so why limit ourselves in this way you’re suggesting.

[@Twobarpsi]

What's funny is I didn't notice any of those distractions until you pointed them out! The photos were so well composed, I only noticed the subject.

[@yuriythebest]

I think in the quest to escape the "Mobile phone AI-Generated Stock-photo" look, photography has come the same route as gardens, where initially the objective was to show off man's dominance over nature (square corners, Victorian neat tidy lawns, etc), whereas now the more laid-back, shabby natural style is preferred

[@allegrakylan]

i love how you put this! so true

[@ChrisDN]

I've been having very similar thoughts recently. As the creator we're in a unique position; whether we choose to crop, heal brush, or clone something out of a photo--aside from someone like yourself on youtube showing the before/after... we're the only one that knows. Often I only feel like something is distracting after I've quite possibly way over-analyzed the image. For example, the tarmac patch in your NY busses photo. I've seen that photo numerous times since you originally posted it. I'd never even noticed that patch until you just pointed it out. It was never distracting.

[@darrenletley8399]

Completely agree with this. I guess, unless something immediately jumps out as a distraction it could probably be left in. If you have to 'hunt' for distractions/imperfections they are most likely not affecting the overall composition. The other point that came to mind about the tarmac patch was that had James cloned it out, we wouldn't have known (like you say) so would the essence of realism have been affected?

[@Cruiserboxer]

I was at a workshop recently, and the speaker said something that hit home very hard for me. He said ' Perfection destroys creativity. " Very much along with what you are saying.

[@shirab868]

This is one of the more thought-provoking photography videos I’ve watched in a long time. Really appreciate the way you question trends and commonly accepted rules in photography. Thanks James!

[@henrysutton5813]

I've always stood by my thinking that there's perfection in imperfection, and I definitely agree that realism is better than a 'perfect' photo!

[@kailback1093]

This video couldn't be timed better 😂 I was literally having this conversation with my girlfriend when we were walking around a market and we saw a lot of photographers art for sale. The art wasn't bad, but we felt the art was boring, every single piece was this perfect sunset or sunrise, and every single artist stand had the same pieces or same kind of piece. Sometimes I feel that the less than perfect or , more real the picture looks the more I enjoy it. I'm glad I saw this video and someone else is out there explaining how I'm feeling in a better way than I could ever explain 😂.

[@fredericbeudot822]

Great reflexion. I was wondering why I loved your images from Patagonia so much more than the images from your fellow travelers, and I think you put it in words very well - you didn't try to shout louder than the others and by doing so, you found something unique to show - while the others tried to out-do the colors and vistas that tens of thousands have photographed before, you found a more nuanced and unique perspective. I especially love the picture with the horses through the window with the barely lit stools in front of it; nobody else shows that and yet that tells me more about the feeling of the place you stayed at than blazing-red mountain peaks.

[@nxmrjake]

That horses window shot instantly became one of my favourite of James’. It’s not “it’s a signpost in the wild, it’s human nature” thing, it’s just a really cool image

[@BrettCarstens]

I think you're ahead of a trend that we'll see as a reaction to Ai's production of "art." We'll be looking for the imperfect and human in our art. 30 years ago when I was making paintings and ink drawings I had a similar attitude, wanting to embrace the sketchiness, imperfections, and thought process in art, because computers could easily clean-up and make "perfect," anything being produced. Thanks for reminding me of this, and creating such wonderful videos. ❤

[@Massey_Fferguson]

Makes sense to me, it’s what makes everyone individually recognised in such a jam packed genre

[@eduardomenezes4924]

It does make perfect sense. I’d add that generally loud pictures don’t look nice when hung on walls.

[@michaelhale416]

Great commentary. For a number of years I felt I was not improving as I invested way to much time following the rules and technical aspects we all hear about. Finally I came to the realization that I would only improve if the images meant something to me. This realization was a game changer. Even friends and family have noticed that my images have changed and rather like the new me versus the postcard me. Keep up the great work. Cheers.

[@susanmeyer8885]

I really relate to this topic. I really quite like your evolving style. Realism in photography is liberating. Less time processing and more time enjoying the craft and the images.

[@danevarkevisser4670]

James, I like your thinking. This is one of the more thoughtful and stimulating videos on photography I have seen in a long time. I know Len Metcalf, another wonderful landscape photographer and thinker, tells his students to embrace imperfection. I love this idea because it means don't believe its wrong just because someone tells you its wrong. Follow your own path. If we don't do this, we don't evolve and all photographs start to look and feel the same. I like your thinking about volume too. It makes sense to me. Great work James.

[@NegativeCompensation]

Great perspective, and “volume” in the context of loudness is the perfect term to make the point.

[@blivieriphoto]

Absolutely makes sense. I’ve heard other photographers refer to an excess of perfect photos, the bangers, if you will, you get visual fatigue. You can only look at so many nuclear skies, so many unblemished landscapes, so many high volume perfect images that a person will become immune to them. I’m definitely going to question my reasons next time I crop or clone something out. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Great video James! Thanks 😊

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Great points James. Personally working for newspapers, shooting in less than perfect light and conditions is par for the course, the editor doesn't give a rats about the light he want's photos to break up the words end of. It makes you work harder to create a decent image. On my own time I'll shoot in any conditions, some shots work some don't. Netflix not a chance for me, i'm you-tube addicted I watch it for news, current events, opinions, citizen journalism, photography related content everything. I haven't owned a TV for last 7 years don't miss it at all I now watch what I want when I want, no being subjected to crap I have zero interest in.

[@viktoriko]

This really hit me! A very good question... This is gonna scramble around in my head for a long time! Reminds me about Wabi Sami philosophy - Nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect.

[@JackieDElia]

I really enjoyed this topic. I tend to feel a photo before taking it, meaning it already has evoked an emotion.. Then while editing, I try to match how I felt while taking the image to see if I’ve captured that essence.

[@artiedoc]

James , through imperfection you’ve discovered perfection 😳😍When it comes to creativity there can be only one rule : there are no rules !!! Best …Art

[@davidskinner274]

Makes a lot of sense to me, James. It's the supple addition to story telling, leaving the dirty marks on the window of the horse image for example.

[@royce3859]

Nicely said. I've never wanted to take perfect photos, I want to take interesting photos.

[@1055n14s]

Really enjoyed your video this morning! Your discussion on a photograph's volume was spot on. Several people have told me that some of my photos are hot, which I didn't fully understand until today's video. Thanks for putting it in perspective. Cheers!!!

[@davidkase6374]

Makes total sense James. Thoroughly enjoyed you addressing the topic. Thanks.

[@juliewerner1553]

This is good to hear, and you make a lot of sense. Many thanks!

[@jimwallar8920]

An excellent perspective on photography. Thanks much for sharing.

[@msingrey14]

Thank you for the explanation of your approach to photography. I think you explained it precisely. I have a better appreciation of your work. Thank you, James.

[@renegomes9038]

The word volume is perfect 👌

[@bradrobertsonimagery9964]

Great Video James. I’ve always loved your work. You are spot on point with what you’ve said. Keep it real and relevant. Love it! Take care!

[@retirewithjames6745]

Very good explanation. I totally agree with your thinking. It really depends on what I am taking a picture of, and what I want to achieve with the image.

[@Alperen_Erdogan]

I absolutely love listening to your photography philosophy man, keep it up please!

[@jasonwines]

Thank you, Squarespace, for sponsoring this content. I love the concept of volume in photography. Its enlightening to see and hear you ponder this. I love heavy metal sometimes and house to concentrate.

[@user-ow5vu4vx7c]

Yes it did make sense! I render images off solidworks, for marketing material, and one tries to set up everything "perfectly" . . . But then it looks like plastic toothpaste squeezed out of a tube. To make it look "real" I set about "scuffing it up" with the lighting - blow out a highlight, send a bit out of focus, cast a classic "old master" shadow to connect bits together. "Scuff it up." It is an intentional act to mimic things you normally can't control in a photo. So a bit of secret sauce. Keep up the good work.

[@AliasJimWirth]

A good subject to address. Much food for thought here. Thank you, James.

[@nicolasguillenc]

I like the idea! You did a great job explaining

[@islandbyfilm]

I loved this video and I especially like this concept of volume. Thanks for sharing.

[@julianheritage6436]

Great video, great subject. I’m more drawn to everyday situations captured in normal light as this normally matches the environment I have to work in when I’m out for my now very limited photo outings. I find I’m drawn to an interesting image at a mundane location in mundane light, far more than a stunning location shot at golden hour

[@markjutsum6187]

All good points James, loud photos give me a visual headache, love subtlety. Joe Cornish in my option is a master of this. MJ

[@oldmanrjm]

Excellent video!!! Your photos spark an interest - they have a certain way of grabbing you. I love your work and appreciate this video - Keeping these thoughts in mind as work with my photos. Please continue to mke this content - it is truly well done!

[@frankbalde1956]

I have been following you for quite sometime now James, and finally I feel I need to comment. I love this video! It is very inspiring, makes me think about my own photography and gets me excited about the art of photography. Normally I am a ‘traditional’ landscape and wildlife photographer, so I usually EXclude manmade elements, but your pictures most of the time have something special, one of the reasons I started following you. So, your video absolutely made sense to me, keep on making videos with these kind of reflections on your art of photography, thank you!

[@suew6307]

Good as always. Thanks for sharing your photos and thoughts on what makes something a distraction. I agree with the earlier comment that the icy area on the bus picture was not distracting until you mentioned it. I also think that the first picture of the wagon was better with the 3rd fence post. Lots of great thoughts in this one.

[@stuartpugh942]

James Thought provoking stuff love it thank you

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Very clearly put and food for thought. My Lady, who is not interested in photography, not only got the message but also agreed with you. Kudos indeed.

[@docwou]

Thanks a lot, James, for sharing your thoughts on this. It makes a lot of sense to me. And I am trying to develop my ability to see the quieter and smaller things and to create beautiful or interesting photos with them.

[@przybylskipawel]

Sidenote: @6:30 I think the position of the subject is actually perfect. Not only beacause it shows how he is about to disappear behind the edge making us wonder what waits him there but also because it tell us a story of him having covered some distance through one environment while what awaits him is yet unknown. Maybe this photo is not about anticipation of something but about the journey itself.

[@MikeChudley]

Absolutely on board with this thinking. Some of my favourite street photographs are interesting because of little imperfections that I would previously have seen as distractions. Those ‘distractions’ actually add context and even add more to the overall story. Also why I love the 35mm look and more recently the 28mm again. Great video mate.

[@hamsterneckliving]

Wonderful insight. Thank you!

[@_dearsharon]

loved your way of framing this! sometimes capturing what's in the moment is just as impactful

[@tracieems616]

Great video. It's given me more confidence to not over analyse. Its always about "that" photo. Nice to meet you on Thursday. We beat the rain!

[@malcrickman4999]

Nice video, thanks, and it does make sense. I have been following your work for about two years and knew something had changed. Now I know what, and understand it. As a newbie, it's another interesting thought when looking through the viewfinder.

[@sandeephmaher]

Thanks James. Photography is a self journey rather than say what X said is worth doing. The expert words matter but after a point in time, you get into your own space, method, so forth doing what drives you. The fence is your own and what lies within is your own photo world, realism or not.

[@colinosullivan]

Great video James and it totally makes sense actually. I am 100% with you on this. My younger self was shooting in a water housing looking for surf photography perfection in pristine light and these days I love the less extreme photos of just every day life. It’s interesting how we change. Loving the photos in this episode 👍☘️

[@aprilbolden7995]

I stumbled on your channel and work from a shoutout from another photographer. And love how you explain photography in a way that it is unique and specific to an individual. How we see the world in its authentic self. Natural. And making it into art. I hope that makes sense. 😊 I aspire to learn and create images that are captivating and inspiring. So thanks. ❤

[@ofthenearfuture]

This was actually a super interesting topic, and it's cool to examine the concept from another art form. I think we went through a period, and are still in it really, where landscape photography has been at a very high volume (or maybe intensity), with golden hour stacks that're highly processed and saturated to create 'perfection'. I think we're coming out the other side though and back to more realistic images, and maybe that has something to do with the growing popularity of film, or of street photography which often leans into the chaos instead of the perfection. I dunno, that probably didn't make sense either haha, but don't worry, your thesis was presented well and made sense!

[@lawrencehorowitz9291]

Yes, this video did make sense. You're extending your message that photos should be about something rather than of something. It seems to me that photos that are about something are photos worth looking at with, perhaps, some "technical" imperfections, or in spite of these imperfections. Keep up the good work!

[@rmgibbs1861]

Really well put. Ty!

[@robertszabo9443]

Fantastic video!!!

[@chrishall6364]

Always thought provoking; thanks James!

[@JustinPaulPictures]

I love this topic, James, and your perspective on it. I think it all makes a ton of sense. Quiet or loud, your images always seek to tell a story and are IMO compelling. I’ve more more thoughts on this Netflix VS KZbin topic too - I’ve been thinking about that for a while now. Anyway, great stuff.

[@petereaton6412]

Thank you, I really appreciate your thoughts. Certainly makes lots of sense. Liberating actually! Again thanks

[@paulbarnard5267]

It’s very interesting to see how your work has evolved over the years. Some of it is inevitable driven by needing to be different to stand out but I do like that throughout your journey I have found images that I really like. Looking forward to the next few years of evolution

[@adam.bilton]

ive never liked your stuff. but now i do. i love you're philosophy and how you explained it. something to consider in the future ❤

[@JERY_D]

Always loved the theory of finding something beautiful through different view points. Great video!

[@chriswhite7107]

I totally agree with you about volume. I might even go further and say it is about volume and frequency combined. The best analogy I can think of is Christmas. I love Christmas, it’s is probably my favourite time of year but if I had to have Christmas every week I would hate it! Love the video and I will think harder about editing my images because of it. ❤

[@michaelj.1121]

It DID make a lot of sense - thanks for sharing

[@zacharywald]

You always have a way of expressing something in words that I've only been able to feel

[@yorkshirephotowalks]

Brilliant. Perfection is definitely overrated. I often find that purposefully looking for imperfections can add far more honesty and meaning to a photograph than always looking for that idealised view.

[@kayteacher2078]

Great topic, great video with nice photo examples. Well done!

[@TKRmagician97]

I really like the idea og volume and your analogy to music and mood. Definitely something I will be thinking about!

[@althejazzman]

I think volume or loudness are good analogies for what you're describing here. We all photos that take you somewhere, and if you can create that in your image then the content works, regardless of anything technical behind that. I have a friend who's very good at composition and the art side of photography, but has never owned a manual camera because she's not interested in learning how to use it.

[@RolandKaufmann]

Thank you for talking about subjects that other photographers don’t. I’ve never really thought about the idea of realism all that much but it’s very interesting to consider. I was editing an image last night and trying to decide whether to clone out some spots. Ultimately left them in and the final image still looks amazing in my opinion. Going to be a little less picky with things like that moving forward. Thanks again for making me think!

[@briankennerley5833]

I couldn’t Agree more James, I’m currently part of a photography club but their emphasis is purely on what is acceptable for competition etc. Life isn’t perfect and to look at some photos sometimes benefits from life’s imperfection’s. Such a good topic and video 👍🏻

[@federicosequino3904]

Totally agree with you about everything you Just said! Anyway love your content, and love your photography expecially because it's totally different to my photography! You are really good!❤

[@rlfisher]

A very thought-full piece. Always engaging to watch your videos.

[@antonywilder2104]

Nice, James. Great observations and valuable brainstorming. Sometimes, we do package commercially.

[@kenschaub4119]

Thanks!

[@ellyelzinga01]

Makes perfect sense and I couldn't agree more!

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

Right on!

[@messinismarios]

what a great showcase of your recent thinking process. thoroughly enjoyed the video, and got inspired as always

[@RobMatthews21]

James, great video, love the reflective style and willingness to find your rendering…..like you I prefer photography to not be focussed on perfection, rules etc, but to convey the interaction of place, equipment and photographer….its an art form and one you are very good at.

[@Mel-95]

Your videos speak loudly to me even though the content is intelligent and nicely modulated. Quite a feat that you pull off regularly. Why I keep coming back. Nicely done.

[@houserhythm]

You can remove the "gold" out of golden hour light, but a photo taken in mid-day sun is also not more real, because our eyes see the dynamic range between the harsh light and dark shadows much better/different than the camera can. I don't use golden hour for the colour of the light (I acutally very often make it colder via WB), I use it for the quality of the light.

[@AA_Dandelion_Days]

Hi James, the video made absolute sense to me, in a JP sort of way, and I actually agree that "volume" was definitely the right word. You also, as you have may times in the past, affirmed me in taking and not over editing images of reality - which I like a lot, but don't fall in to the 'perfect' category. I have to try really hard in lots of areas not to aspire to perfection as personally I don't think it's healthy, well not for me anyway. And finally thank you for your usual humour, always a treat. Andrew

[@nigelwatts8938]

I think I have much the same approach, not liking to massively crop images or clone out "imperfections", even to the point of not worrying about high ISO noise when taking pictures of the local rugby team (they get shrunk and shared online as a low quality image anyway). I had always put this down to my view of myself as a simple amateur and suspected I had low standards, but its the act of taking the picture I enjoy as much as looking at the result. I tend not to like a lot of pictures that are highly edited as they often do not come across as 'real', I think that's why I like the fact you include street signs and telegraph poles in your images.

[@isaacyangss]

The joy I get seeing the notfications for a new James Popsys video 😇

[@louisjamin7195]

Once again, great questions asked here, and once again these go the same way as questions I have been asking myself a lot for a few months.

[@eyewitness4560]

So much sense.

[@MichaelCantwell]

Well stated. I enjoy your videos because many of them make you think, like this one. Thanks for making me think yet again. I think :)

[@jeffreylewis2901]

FWIW, I found this video to make a great deal of sense. I enjoy these reflections about something more than shutter speeds and ISO's. I also agree with much of what you said here. One brief challenge: you made a passing comment that there is no "right or wrong" early in the video. I disagree. There is a right and a wrong, depending on the purpose of the photograph. Sometimes we are too quick to devalue our aesthetic choices. A poor choice of aperture can ruin an image, and so can poor composition or lighting. Some choices better fulfill the purpose of the image, making them more right. Don't be afraid to stick to your convictions.

[@michaelledger602]

Such an interesting video, James. I find that I recoil from the perfectionist style of image where every detail of scene, light and composition has to follow rules and be as close as possible to accepted targets. Not all photographs are meant to be hung on walls, not even all landscape photographs. Thanks for the video.