THE MOST IMPORTANT LESSON IN PHOTOGRAPHY

[@immy3432]

this guy deserves such a bigger audience, he is so good at this and his advice actually helps

[@daud7385]

absolutely agree!

[@Stormannormanphotos]

I totally agree!

[@Dunja0712]

yup, he's brilliant! I love his topics, his knowledge and the charisma (you can't deny that's also important for presentation). :) One of my favorites, definitely.

[@pressureworld1]

I agree Ted is intelligent, passionate natural born teacher. It's shameful the audience isn't larger. The best on KZbin by far.

[@elmagnea]

I was watching this and half-way through i went all "this gentleman needs a few million subscribers, right NOW". So honest and passionate.

[@japhetnathanaelpatajo5913]

You made me cry, sir. I'm on a bottle neck moment now and this really gave me courage to proceed and continue. I started photography because I believe that life is beautiful and that everyone should see it, that I will capture this beauty and show it to everyone.

[@TheKold35]

I don't ever comment on videos but I hope you realize how many people you are helping with your advices that are always spot on, thank you for making these videos.

[@popmediainc.1902]

Just found his videos - I totally agree! Making a living in filmmaking is not easy, but it's worth it. Definitely gets you through the tough times!!

[@piperpilot26]

My God. This guy is a true blessing to the creative community. Just honest, stripped down, heartfelt advice. it's hard to convey how much this advice really means to me, as I'm sure it does to others. We love ya Ted! Keep doing your thing!

[@MiladJPanah]

Dear audience and dear 14 year old kid. I had to sacrifice so many different things and work my ass off but I finally made it. NEVER EVER stop dreaming and NEVER STOP believing in your dream. It took my 21 Years until I finally reached my goal I set myself when I was 14 but I made it!

[@rejeannantel1185]

Erin, one word of advice ‘Know not only the art you seek but learn the business around it’. If cinematography is your objective, do not overlook all the trades that surrounds that business. Knowing how to manage a budget or a deadline is as important as the art you do. Do not forget that your reputation does not only depend on the quality work you do but also relies on your marketing and managing expertise. Think of all the great Chefs who open their own restaurant but fail. They do not fail because their cuisine is bad but because they didn’t learn the trades to manage the restaurant. You can say that it’s quite similar in the art world. Many like to think that an artist is independent but those who do forget all the dependencies you need to succeed. Best of luck young man!

[@shotbyalice]

I'm going to write a post-it note on my computer screen saying 'Remember why you started' - loved this video.

[@clarencelaboranti4835]

you've inspired me to do exactly so.

[@martinhall2593]

Have watched hundreds and hundreds of Photography videos in the last few months as at last i am able to do what i have always wanted to do, photography for my hobby ( financially now available :) ). And this video has just inspired me even more, and it does not have a scene, landscape or even a camera in it. Thank you so much. Subscribed.

[@Jack_all]

I just graduated with a fine art photography degree from a major university, and I've honestly learned as much from this channel than 4 years of art school..

[@TheMadaz8]

That is a really interesting feedback! I'm wondering a lot about those schools recently. Do you have any experience to share about photography school? Than!

[@simeonbanner6204]

The courses are about getting as many Chinese students to pay for expensive accommodation and it gives the tutors an easy life. Well in the UK. The art schools have become finishing schools, in London at least. Still keep doing what you are doing.

[@MrMfloor]

Bobby Robertson but remember it’s connections you make with professors when they see your work and exposure. No pun intended

[@bryanrogers6987]

It's no different in the sciences. You'll only ever use 10% of the stuff you learn in class. The problem is everybody will end up using a different 10%, so they still have to teach everything

[@toddlavigne6441]

You won't learn a thing in school about photography in general.

[@PaulAlabama]

this morning I came to work in the worst mood ever, all grumpy. I watched this video and got so uplifted and motivated. Ted, we love you man! Saying hello from Ukraine!

[@rezzab]

A very interesting comment about one reason for doing photography, and I will take it on board, I am now 76 and have been doing photography since I was about 18, many lapses and lack of interest over the years, you are a musician so am I, a jazz musician and still enjoying it, my approach to it is often visualization, imagining I'm a young man in New Orleans playing to the ladies in the 1920's, playing in a swing band in the forties, I could go on, perhaps this approach could be used with photography being somebody famous, this has probably used by countless people in the arts for a long time, copy lots of other peoples ideas etc until they blend into something unique that is you.

[@donwyates]

Thank you sir, you reminded me why I was so taken with photography 40 yrs. ago. I've been what I consider a "struggling amatuer" the entire time. Family, career (and efforts to change), other hobbies, always convinced me to set photography aside. Now that I'm retired, and have a new camera(!), I plan to enjoy it more. I'll never be pro, but that doesn't matter to me. Thank you for the inspiration Ted!

[@omarwynter6289]

One of the best advice I've watched so far. Lots to learn from this but the two main takeaways are: 1) pursue a creative career if that's where your heart is but at the same time don't be afraid to do something more practical like being an accountant or a teacher and 2) go out there and make mistakes and learn from those experiences because that is the time you learn the most. Awesome response! Thanks, Ted.

[@stevebarrett_WF3E]

Ted, I hope you're a dad. That was an excellently thought out and delivered message.

[@normanm11]

Steve Barrett For a moment I thought you said "I hope you're dead"

[@andresgroove]

hahaha

[@njc2o]

WORK THAT MATTERS = The Art of Photography! You're inspiring a lot of folks Ted, young and old alike!

[@tonytfuntek3262]

This guy is all about the what make photography fun. It's not about the camera, lens etc. It's all about freezing the image in your mind to enjoy and share..... Bravo !!!! What I can't understand is why are there (At this time) over 5,000 views and less then 1,000 ( Thumps up.....or down) Have an opinion guys, whether it's good or bad. You don't pay by the mouse click ! Thank you for your hard work in putting these KZbin videos together.

[@vicibox]

Difficulty is always knowing what your dream is, that is often not clear. I always assumed I would be a photographer because my father was one and that kind of gave way to wanting to be a painter in my 20s. Anyway doing my degree as I finished my Art Foundation I was as excited as hell and applied for Fine Art and got it. However as the weeks moved on, I changed my mind and focussed on Physics and Earth Science to help in my career which went all the way to a Doctorate and finally a Fellowship. I always wondered what if, I assumed that I did science as it paid the bills and sacrificed my true desires. Well now retired and looking back I see how stupid that idea was, like when did I ever do something I didnt want to do. Clearly I was massively excited by my work in the nuclear industry and I chose what I really wanted to do and my life has been wildly exciting as a result. Now I do photography again and I have that obsession back that drove me through my foundation year. But now I have a different perspective, my life experience makes me focus on a different approach to others. I dont really expect to change the world, I have already done that in my career, now I have to push myself into new areas of discovery; same old same old will not do ;-)

[@prashanthm4641]

What you said is a life advice ‘Why did you start it in the first place’...I am not enjoying my work since last few years and I had almost forgotten why I needed to do what I do. It was personal so nobody could help me...but your 6 mins took me back in time long time ago. Thank you for the video, Ted!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Your commentary and advice is always spot on. Thank you for making these videos.

[@ccoquet]

Above all lessons learned and watched on KZbin, i think your's is the most important. I remembered that i bought my first DSLR years ago just because i love photography.

[@RolandHaddad]

It's the first time I watch your channel and I must say, your words resonate a lot with my thinking. I have made the decision to leave a $100k /year job to start from the ground in photography. It has always been my itch and now I'm starting to reap. I'm 33 and I believe as you said that you can be whatever you want to be in this life. Thanks for the inspiration

[@fatnarcolepticsquirl]

Well said, get out there, explore, make mistakes, learn, live, create, the rest will figure its self out.

[@joeytranchina8839]

Spot on. I began a photography career at 14, in 1958. That's about the best advice I've ever heard, with the possible addition of Dan Langton's advice to young poet's, which was: "If anyone can talk you out of becoming a poet, let them..." Daniel J. Langton... fine poet & great teacher.

[@MarkRichardsontv]

"Some people don't want you to succeed." So true. I wish I would have learned this sooner. Don't waste time with the complainers, the whiners, the naysayers. The sooner you take a step towards the "impossible" the sooner you will achieve the extraordinary. Love your show.

[@KeithJohnson]

From a fourteen year old going on fifty three .. keep up the great work Ted. You a constant source of inspiration and motivation.

[@FredVasquezBR]

Thanks for such an amazing video!! Above all, do everything with passion!!

[@hgrgrnd1206]

This is exactly why I continue to watch your show Ted. I don't think you could have past on a more inspiring and positive message to our young up and coming talent. Thank you for all that you do. And on behalf of the few that gave this video a thumbs down, I'd like to just go ahead and apologize on there behalf.

[@gillescoutlee2379]

Always be passionate...good days...bad days...but in the end...you will never regret it...because you will have been faithful, honest with yourself...

[@rominahendlin]

Amazing! What a beautiful gift that he wrote you a hand letter and sent you his best photograph. I think your response was so accurate. After very long learning and making photographs for a living it is a challenge to remember why we started in the first place. Great to have found you and be subscribe to your wisdom!! Thank you!!

[@cheesun124]

agree - no email? That's refreshing.

[@rominahendlin]

Hello! I didn't understand your response. Was it entended for me? :)

[@cheesun124]

Yes, I agree with you and liked that he wrote a hand letter opposed to sending an email with jpeg...that's all

[@rominahendlin]

cheesun124 👍🏻😊

[@stephenmorgan5414]

Hope your realise that your advice is the most valid given on our career/hobby. Always positive with intelligent views. Thank you.

[@rasxr3]

Your channel is inspiring. The technical videos (film processing is now a much closer dream to me because of you), the artistic videos (my first print was a BW using treatment technics learned here). But I have to say, what really got me in all those videos is the passion you have when you talk about what we do. I resonate with it, it kinda feels like a connection. And in this video I understood why. You really do care about it, and more, you care about us, about what we feel, about how we see what you do, even though it's so amazing and you are so good at it you still do care about us. I don't know how to explain but I think that maybe this is the true reason why we are all here to see what you have to say next. We need more people that is passionate enough to care. Thank you so much, keep doing what you do and inspiring me and others around the globe in our passion too. PS: Sorry if I spelled anything wrong, English is not the official language here in Brazil ;)

[@jeanberube7168]

Erin... I started photo much later in my life than you! But the most important thing I've learned so far is how to look at things. I don't look only once at things anymore. And I always try to "frame" things, which I was never even tempted to do before. I don't walk the streets the same way, I don't watch shows the same way, I don't appreciate beautiful things the same way... This is my learning at this point in my life. I wish you could tell me what is yours (you already have one I am sure!). Good luck! Good photo!

[@believingdream]

I started taking photographs as a result of curiosity and the need to try something new. I have come to love film and how people around me react to my photos, but I feel like my drive for this hobby is purely based on my incentive to please others. I agree with you Ted, that you should be happy, genuinely, and keep pushing. In some ways, my photos are a means of validation, something I've been struggling with for my whole life. Great video.

[@BOBMAN1980]

If I may. . .my advice for Erin is to just work hard at it. Keep shooting and keep learning--and keep experimenting--as much as you can. Have fun doing it, but also realize there will be times where you have to push yourself, even if it's not your job, to do it even when you don't feel like it. Be disciplined and persistent enough to do it even when you're tired or feel discouraged. Take/make as many opportunities as you can to do things, and disregard 'haters', but keep yourself open receptive to critics who you know have your best interests at heart--those who 'get' you. Try and find a buddy or a collaborator to do it with--to share the time with, for a give&take on ideas, and so on. You'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish, and how fun it can be, when you're not doing it all on your own. . . .Oh, wait. This is my advice for myself!

[@EmmyHucker]

I love how you're _so real_ but stay positive. Hands down brilliant content!

[@gregantikian7424]

I rarely comment though I watch every single video of yours and eagerly anticipate the next one .... you inspired me to start shooting and developing film at home. Quite a few years ago ! Actually, you TAUGHT me to develop film at home. You ve taught me and educated me about composition, colour etc , about seeing things in photography that didn't know I could see them or never thought they were there ... all I had to do is see. Any shoot. And see even more. And shoot again or not ! In other words , I've been following your "advice" or advice (doesn't really matter how anyone interprets it ) and I believe it has affected me in a very positive way. And although I'm not a professional photographer , I enjoy the fact that I believe I can become better at it. Just because ... I just like it ! And well, your advice and thoughts and the things you share can be inspiring in so many ways, regardless of the context , photography, filmmaking, it's irrelevant. So yeah, what you ve shared here and the things you said to that kid are spot on. I really do hope she keeps on following her dreams and watching your videos and sharing her work eventually and becoming a better person cause this will make her a one hell of a photographer too ! And my rambling and the way of writing might not be the best, as English is not my native language but I do hope you get my point ! Thanks for what you create and share with usTed, please keep on doing that with all your heart and soul ! And if you ever for any crazy reason , happen to pass by Greece , please let me know. I have an absolutely amazing 22 months old daughter who has already started picking up my cameras to her eyes and sth tells me that she might one day need all the advice she could get, from someone like you !! God bless you man !

[@jonford4785]

What an excellent video, question, and answer. To be 14 again..... I am in my 30's and have done the whole go to college, get the qualifications, get the career thing in the last few years, and the choices I have made have stunted and prevented me from actually following my desire to make a living from photography, to the point that I rarely go out and take photographs anymore. Instead of becoming a little selfish (which I think you need to be to succeed), I travelled a lot, lived the life I wanted with very little commitment, (by doing what you want to do in life, I think, makes this possible, bills etc are always going to be there but doing what you want to do makes it easier to stomach) life sort of took over, got into a relationship, recently became a dad, and a full time stay at home one at that, and although I don't regret what has happened over the last 5-6 years, I do often find myself asking "what if.....". Take control early on and commit to sacrifices. You may miss out on some things but you will be rewarded (or have a very patient, understanding and committed to the cause partner ;-)

[@BTCAsia]

Excellent response. I especially liked the part about “people trying to prevent you” from following a dream. Most assume we mean out of malice or envy, but far more often their action are unconscious and out of love. Whether the goal is to be a pro basketball player, singer, or flutist (my step sister way back when), those closest to them discourage pursuit of the dream to protect them from disappointment and hardship. Realistically, very, very few will ever play pro ball, sing, or have a paid chair in a symphony orchestra. Just playing the odds, parents and love ones will redirect one to a more practical and viable career path. Much to the consternation of my step-mother, I encouraged my step sister to pursue her dream, but in Texas (SMU) instead of New York. Within 3 semesters she switched to architecture. She realized on her own she didn’t have the same drive and intensity - and was not willing to make the sacrifices - to play flute as a career. She still explored her dreams and now has no regrets. She and her husband have their own small architectural firm. This was a great vid.

[@Crespire]

Ted, you nailed it. I had a tumultuous relationship with my music and it was because I went to music school and lost the fun. My teacher in my later years helped set me right and learn to love music again. I'm a new photographer, but the essence of your message resonated with me a lot. Great advice!

[@jeremybrake6718]

great video ted, I always love your content and it's great to hear you talk about your own experiences, throughout the years your videos have just been getting better and better, thank you for putting them out there, you rock!

[@MahmoudSuleiman]

There are some people out there right now that give such a heartful advice, I'm glad I get to watch and listen to one of them right here. Keep creating mate.

[@dancaffee9654]

Ted, this channel is so great. I've learned so much from these videos. Most of KZbin is drivel and nonsense, but this channel is actually well-produced and educational. High five 🙌🏼

[@Needacreate]

Excellent video, Ted. Wise, honest, heartfelt, modest, sensitive, uplifting, and so helpful. I am saying this as a father of a soon-to-be fourteen-year-old, someone who works with young people, and who shares your tangible passion for photography.

[@leechongseng9419]

Im not exactly a photographer, but i'm actually found your content helpful in pursuing my passion. Keep up with what you do, love your video!!

[@norlmerk]

I saw graffiti on a wall in the middle of New Mexico an has rung in my head and carry into my work. “Passion knows no volume” We can do anything if one has passion! Great topic because I grew up with people and parents warned me from going into the arts....but I raised a family doing what I found I had a passion!

[@tobytee7424]

Thanks Ted! I'm at a point where I'm creatively lost and I've been starting to look back on some of my early works to try to regain that passion and hearing you say " Never Forget what Made it Fun in the Beginning" really struck a chord with me. Going through some of my earlier works made me felt really fortunate that I decided to keep them rather than throw them out because they were bad. Having them as a memento really helped me regain my direction and I find myself revisiting them from time to time.

[@AllenSkiles]

I agree with you Ted, keep it fun. I took a whole year off from photography because it lost its' fun. I had a portrait business for 6 years and I started disliking photography because I was shooting what my clients wanted, not what I wanted. Because I lost the passion it started to affect the quality of my work. Now luckily it was a side business so it was not a big hit to my income the year I did not shoot. After that year I vowed to shoot what makes me happy. The results are my photography got better and I had more fun.

[@shirokuro73]

What a wonderful piece of advice, applicable to just about anything, not just photography. This is a video everyone should watch. I've watched many of your other videos and found them highly enjoyable and informative, I can't believe I've only come across this one now. I hope that Erin continued with photography and is still loving it! Thanks for a beautiful video and a timely reminder!

[@halakaddoura9]

Ted thank you so much for this video. Thanks for reminding us to go back to why we started with photography and film. My whole family were (and still are) against me pursuing photography and film. I totally related to this video. Most people think of creatives as crazy and insane people who won't have a steady work-life balance. Thank you again Ted. I have learned so much from you.

[@ChapMan806]

Ted, your sage opinion on photography is so applicable to a lot of other aspects of life. Thank you for responding to Erin in the manner you have.

[@moabitrockt]

I would argue, being 14 you should follow your passion! Not only will you probably learn a lot quicker if you are following your talent, you will learn so much about yourself in the process that you will inevitably profit of it in every career you might choose or stumble into. Most important and complicated for me ( I am a Musician) would be to find a Teacher/Mentor who you trust, who is honest with you but whose critique motivates you! Every artist struggles with Critique, but it will help you tremendously if you have a positive attitude towards "good" critique. Also never forget, you do not stop to be an artist if you do earn money with other things, but you can very easily stay a working photographer and stop being an artist!

[@ronfya]

Hello Ted, I am really grateful you are doing videos like this one because it really helps people. I was just having a very down moment right now because I made someone feel angry in my last project and that made me feel very bad. I saw your video and I just did what you said : remembering why am I doing filmmaking today and why I love it in the first place. I instantly found back some strength and can happily get back to work and finish that project for tomorrow instead of screwing it up. SO THANK YOU ! IT REALLY HELPS SOME PEOPLE. All the best. Cheers. Ron.

[@andrewness]

Thanks for sharing. It's so refreshing to see a photography vlog that's about more than f stops and speedlights.

[@rayagren]

I loved this episode. It reminded me why I love photography. Thanks Ted!!

[@rbruce63]

Ted a former president of Costa Rica said once "para qué tractores sin violines" which roughly translates to why do we need tractors if we don't have violins. We cannot live without the arts, however, the piece of "never forget what made it fun" is crystal clear! I should remember this oftenly! Cheers from Costa Rica!

[@westenbergerstephan5955]

I am new at your channel and I must admit, I really like your honest statements and your topics. You talk about real things, that move people and you speak from the heart rather than this general and commercial bla bla I see in the media everywhere.

[@ginakitsuse228]

Your a fantastic teacher! Taking the time to really answer Erin's question without rushing through it is wonderful. It's so important with kids in to listen to what they are passionate about and make them feel like they have been heard. :)

[@deepakjhaveri2721]

Hello Ted... Nice piece of advise to a teenager. I'm 45 and have just taken up photography as a hobby and am learning every bit of this creative art & skill. I'm in fact supporting my 13 year old son to take this up as a profession. Your advise couldn't have come at a better time. Success always to you... 👍🏻

[@lightbox617]

My parents were Reform Dutch Lutheran and Irish roman Catholic. Fun is not part of my vocabulary nor was it ever an acceptable part of my "sits en Lieben." I do art because I am driven to do it. Photography is the medium at which I am most adept. I am fortunate in that I don't have to worry what others think of my work or if it sells well; I just have to do it. There were decades when I couldn't work.. Pursuing a career; raising children, paying bills and making money. When I turned 50 and was out of the prime job market, I was happy to trade a little starvation for ink and paper. I tell my students, "just do it and the devil take the hind most." Thanks for your vids, Ted. They are great and I look forward to each new bit.

[@henrygreen19]

One of the best videos I have watched from you. 'Never forget why' sums it up beautifully. I believe it can be applied anywhere, not just the arts. If you are not enjoying it as at the beginning - rethink why you are still doing it very seriously. Best.

[@sbai4319]

Hi Ted, thanks for this video, it touched on a lot of issues for me. I am at the thin end of the hourglass, but I keep myself going by creating when I can, looking after family, the day job etc. I never forget that I am part of a community of people who see the world in a moment, or a flash of light or the click of a shutter. Photography is so important to me that I know that I will always be part of this community and be a much better person for having joined this community of creatives. Thank you all!

[@josephfranklin4610]

Great advice Ted. Although I've been taking photos for 45 years, I'm new to The Art of Photography so I've been on a three-week crash course of AOP videos. Thanks for expressing so eloquently the concepts that all of us, young and old, have pondered as we share our vision of the world with others.

[@stefanostsiminis4113]

Hi Ted, it has been a pleasure to me watching this video, it reminded me of myself many years ago, when I started to take photos, all that fun I had, the enthusiasm, the many times of disappointment, how I struggled to exceed all the bad moments, but most of all, the satisfaction I had when things went good. All I want, for people like you, is to keep up the good work and most of all, to encourage young people who want to deal with the wonderful art of Photography. Best regards, Stefanos

[@richardlopez46]

I would just say that yes, You need to stay passionate about whatever you want to do, and at 14 you have a long life ahead, and life happens. I'm not a pro, but I would say to look at other photographers work and not copy them but be inspired by them, and try to build a style around the type of photography that you like.

[@Life21channel]

thanks, man I've found the key point for me to keep going "the same passion I need to remember again and again " I've recently made a decision to make living out of photography.I really need some motivation from the people like you .I've found the best in youtube you actually teach the art with values than rest of others I really like your channel -with love a poor kid from India :)

[@RoboTheFlyingHobo]

For 9 years now my camera is with me where ever I travel and I love taking photos of the landscapes that I was able to visit and to freeze the moments and experiances that I've made. But I noticed that at the end I bring home a digital file. A photo that I post-edit, print and -- in best case -- find a place for at my wall so I can look at it every day. And when I think back, I remember myself always looking around for a great motive or a scene to capture, but I never took enough time to put the camera in my backback, sit down and just enjoy the moment. To look at the landscapes and just be quiet for a couple of moments to really BE there. I'm not depending on photography to pay my bills so it is easy to say, but for some of you it might be a point to consider in the future ;)

[@nikolamijicdreamchaser2519]

@theartofphotography thanks for yours video. You motivate me about photography. I think we are a making history. This is a photography stay on media or in albums for year's and year's. And sacrifice is on a first place and the first thing what can do for some in life. And nobody cares like you said. But what can we do less to me.. Just hard work and big dreams.

[@DaleRoossien]

Great video, and message. it's like being a musician, you don't work music...you play music. Love all the fresh content, keep it up...I get all tingly when I'm notified you have a fresh vid up.

[@sundawg911]

I love this, it makes me feel better about investing money that I am reluctant to let go, especially into something I hope I can develop but feel like I'll disappoint myself. You can learn photography at any age. I have spent years moaning about how I would love to learn and its taking sometime to finally go for it. Cannot wait till my lens and fuji come in. It is important to remember to keep pushing.

[@terp02Andrew]

Really great video! I stumbled upon this channel looking up RX100 reviews, but ended up staying for the (creative) life advice. Cheers!

[@Von_McKnelly]

Right on Erin....you go out there, and shoot or film something every day. Best of luck and hope to see your work in theaters soon.

[@anewcareerinanewtown]

There is so much superficial stuff < I nearly used another word there, and people on you tube on all aspects of photography, that it's refreshing to get someone with integrity who gets to the real heart of the matter - what it is to be creative and how to deal with what comes with that. Subscribed!

[@NightWLKR1]

I swear it's magic, Everytime I feel I'm in a creative rut one of your inspirational videos comes out and it motivates me to do so much more! Thanks for existing Mr. Forbes!

[@Barzyz01]

when I was 14 I joined my schools photography club. I was awe inspired by the magic of taking a picture, developing the film and then printing the picture. Oh the fist time I watched the image appear on the paper while it was in the developer tray! I made that! I was hooked. The trill of taking pictures for the yearbook and school newspaper, The football games, the school dances. All of it. Even today, I first discovered the Art of Photography when Ted talked about monobath developing. I was hooked all over again. To roll up the film and develop it in my bathroom! I little dramatic I know, but I just love the entire process of creating a memory and a story. I have over 25k pictures in my computer, Some are clear, some are blurry but all of them are a memory and have wonderful stories behind them. Good luck to that 14 year old child who is on his first steps into Photography! w00t!!

[@edc5338]

Awesome points to ponder. For years we take pics and look at other photographs and wish we could be as good as them. Finally, I realized that that isn't the point. I shoot pictures that mean something to ME. I do share my pics online and, like everyone else, I like the compliments. But, in the long run, as long as I am happy with my work, have fun and continue to excel and challenge myself, then theatmakes all the difference.

[@photogirl7205]

I agree. I loved photography since about age 13 and I was good (52 now), but was always told "that's a nice hobby, but you need a career", so I didn't follow through in college with my passion, followed path in accounting and later found out it wasn't for me. Started back in photography in my later years but its much harder. Lesson 2, I should have followed my passion from day one. thanks for the honest information great advice for those young inspiring photographers'. Dream Big, its hard work, but worth doing what you love.

[@paulbroderick8438]

Well stated. I work in photo shop extensively and know what it takes to get through a blank moment and screen!

[@theJaseEdwards]

This video is exactly why I subscribe to not only The Art Of Photography, but in Ted Forbes. I trust him, his opinion, his talent, his heart of a teacher, and his character. I hope one day you return to your Masterclass Live series with new approaches and insightful education.

[@richartedigital]

Videos like this one really cheer me up. It's an excellent reminder why, in recent years, I started falling in love with photography. Keep up the great work Ted. Regards from Costa Rica!

[@ignacymat]

for me it's fun, and it doesn't matter if it's artistic project or commercial one, if you're bored or in hurry, it shows on your photos. there might be bad times with no money but if there's a joy in the pictures they will get bigger audience after all. Technical stuff is quite important (photography as a concept is all about that), but the techniques you develop are much more important. Think, visualise and simply be there. Great photo BTW.

[@JuanFranciscoHernandez-vk7ef]

Ted Forbes is always an inspiration. I can say I continue trying to improve my photography because every video that Ted create make me want to learn more and more. I really like this guy, he is a professional and a really nice person.

[@johnarvinbautista9485]

I don't usually comment on anyone's videos, but that was a great advice. It wasn't the usual advice people give, and it definitely caught my by surprise. Keep up the excellent work, Ted.

[@kingdom777866]

A "Real" letter !! un heard of these days.. see how its more heart felt than just messages ? I say well done son, and to you Ted good stuff !!!

[@major4sydney]

Ted, the wait for the answer to the question was worth it... just like the journey to the reason why you began it. Keep up the great work and keep inspiring all of us from the old and 14yrs old alike

[@isaacmijangos]

“You discovered a talent, developed an ambition, and recognized your passion. When you feel that you can’t fight it, you just go for it. When it comes to the arts, passion should always trump common sense. ” - Robert De Niro - Tisch School of the Arts Commencement Speech 2015

[@alb41ful]

Hello Ted, I am an excited newbie to your channel and looking forward to more of your videos. I appreciate your positive yet constructive approach that you provide. My learning curve is changing thanks to you!

[@DeoCarias]

i subscribed immediately the moment i watched your video.

[@upde]

Just found this video. What a great response to a young person. Impressive.

[@karoloskoutsogiannopoulos9481]

Run into your videos while searching since i am an enthusiast photographer. You are a great guy and you are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.

[@albertoperezpuyal3740]

Great lesson of life!! I completely agree. At least photography or filmmaking prevents many people to go to the phychiatrist.

[@christopherbarber9351]

Excellent, Ted! Thank you for making this video, and for your sincere and heartfelt response to Erin.

[@joeake12]

Thank you Ted..love watching you and we learn from you.

[@ropersix]

She mentioned film making, and a career in the film business isn't all that hard to get into. It's a growth industry, with many, many different types of jobs available. Which I realize is different than being a "filmmaker," but for a 14 y.o, it would be good to learn about the industry and see what it has to offer. From digital effects to the camera department to script writing to art direction, there are many aspects to making a film, and all are very different from one another.

[@Seahawksnumber1]

You once said it doesn't matter what camera you use to take a great photo. You said Ansel Adams and a fellow photographer where challenged to take pictures with cheap cameras from Russia with plastic lens and the photos they took where spectacular. Better equipment doesn't mean better photos !!!!! It take time to learn how to take a great photo .

[@fredrosenberg9013]

... anyway, I got cut off. so there's the end. Your video was so on taeget - I wasn't ready to sacrifice and I'll never know where my passion would have twkwen me. Your adivce was so relevant, and you were most impressive both with your insigts and your ability to community them. Great work, Ted. Fred Rosenberg

[@george-vhs]

Awesome advice, RESPECT !!! I found the hourglass idea absolutely amazing and not only for the field of photography: I am between jobs at the moment and I am trying to figure where I want to head to next and I am looking at what is that drives me in my work (the top part of the hourglass) while balancing it with the daily grind (the middle-bottom part). So I feel the hourglass example can apply to anytime at one's career/work: there are times that inspiration comes easily and it is a joy to work, there are other times that you struggle. It is in the latter times that I find I have to dig deep and remember what it is that inspires me and where I want to head to, maybe also take a little break as you mention, in order to carry on. Thank you !!!

[@dalestephens951]

First time I have watched one of your videos, and how great it was! What a nice guy you are. Thanks for sharing this! 2 years into a pro-career and feeling like I am at the bottle-neck at the moment. So will be constantly reminding myself why I started this path. THANKS SO MUCH!

[@davidrothschild8913]

Great question and photograph Erin. Follow your heart and spirit would be my answer. Great gesture Ted.

[@Eccentripoet]

Great advice! I came to photography very late in life and the enjoyment I get through making pictures is beyond description. I am determined to hold on to that enjoyment. Your channel is great! Thank you.

[@CalumCorby]

I feel like I have three main problems in my career right now. I find it extremely difficult to open a dialogue with other photographers, especially when seeking mentorship or just trying to express my interest in their work. I feel like I need to buy a canon 5D mk2 or 3 so that I've got a much more current camera that'll allow me to do more than just shoot stills. Thirdly I feel like the biggest issue, the greatest challenge is getting over myself and actually just doing what I love. Which is photography in its entirety.