Great Photographers Understand THIS

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The best photographers always have an ability to bring their own voice into the photography that they produce. Creating involves a visual language and is a powerful form of communication. So how is this done? What is the secret?!?
Part of this is understanding the concept of interpretation. In this video we see how one subject is taken by 7 different photographers. What makes each one of them unique.
This is going to work into the next photo assignment - you're going to interpret based on what we've started in the previous assignment of still life's by Josef Sudek. In that assignment we copied work. Now is your chance to use your own voice!
Watch more photo assignments: • Moving forward… an update
My Lightroom and Capture One Presets theartofphotography.tv/presets/
Music is from Epidemic Sound goo.gl/v5wWKr
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On my channel you will find videos about photography, cinematography, post processing tutorials for Capture One, Lightroom and Photoshop, photo assignments that YOU can participate in, the Artist Series and more. The Artist Series is an ongoing set of videos I produce as documentaries on living photographers. I am extremely passionate about photography and video and my goal in making these videos is to share my passion and enthusiasm with you! Don’t forget to subscribe and make sure to hit the like button and share this video if you enjoyed it!
Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[@BSLKB]

So glad to hear some discussion about the art of photography....it’s why I started coming here

[@dontpanic783]

Hingeback Tortoise Central Truth.

[@low3242]

It's such a shame that you get so little views whenever you post a video about the artistic side of photography. This gear obsession in photography is cancer. I don't blame you for turning your focus towards gear because KZbin is your job. You have done a lot for photography. Thanks a lot or these videos, Ted.

[@gregmosch]

well said.

[@kellyb2923]

Finally, a video with substance and not a bunch of gear fluff. And an assignment, wow! And it's probably been said but Sudek's bubbles in his glass were a result of letting still water sit for a day or two. We are all in such a hurry so we run to seltzer water but seltzer water has a different character than still water. Anyway, thanks for this vid. I know these are hard to make but I’m so grateful when you craft your “art” vids. These are the reason I subscribe.

[@MaurizioOiziruam]

Kelly B Well, time is not unlimited

[@ocediis]

I stopped watching this channel when you stopped teaching and started selling stuff. I’m glad I gave this video a chance. For crying out loud, more videos like this! You are such a great teacher. So teach!

[@otnol]

I agree!

[@Vo-iDstudio]

I think it is tough for a KZbinr. Gear videos and tech tips are what gets the views and thus are what helps pay the bills. I appreciate that AOP tries to bring his signature thoughtfulness to his gear videos. As fans of his deep dives into the artistic process shouldn’t we be a bit more supportive of how the bills are paid so he can continue to afford to make these videos? And it’s his channel. I’ll stay around and trust he is constantly trying to find the right balance.

[@AntonioPMFerreira]

Ted have bills to pay...

[@M-ski]

A bit of tar in a jar of honey. Circle of life.

[@ChrisBoland]

I believe Ted has said previously that it's a tussle between the art and what gets views and keeps the lights on. I'd recommend putting some money into the channel by joining the channel if you feel that way. It's the same for other channels you might love. Unless the creators happen to be bored millionaires there are only so many hours in the day and they need to spend a chunk of that time actually making a living. I know I'm not in the same league, but I get around £25 a month from ad revenue and it barely pays my phone bill. It's a dilemma.

[@houseofsteezy4119]

Finally some actual “art of photography” talk

[@thethirdman225]

There are photography websites and channels... and there's Ted. The others will be forgotten in time but Ted's stuff will always be worth tuning in to.

[@atlantamx3]

More of this type of content, please.

[@mirza1bac]

This

[@Peekupthecamera]

Yes!!

[@Lysander-Spooner]

Ted, more videos like this! There is enough "gear talk" on YT, we need more art discussion.

[@collectionofsensations]

A new camera makes you happy for a week. Watching the result of all the hard work you put into your craft framed on a wall lasts a lifetime.

[@Joao_Cho]

I'm practicing english to understand your video 90%

[@pest174]

Captions?

[@FvckSignup]

CLASSIC Art of Photography-stuff? Ooooooooh yesss!!!!! Please do more!

[@CanadianArchivist]

Out of all the busy smoke and mirrors of other channels, yours is one of two that stand clear. Art of Photography. Interviewing photographers, showing works, and then challenging your viewers with assignments. You’ve put two videos out in a few days. Been a while since the last ones you did, so it’s nice to see you back. It is a good example of the a Brooklyn Bridge to set your discussion . What makes photographers unique is how they approach the subject. It is also how we record the subject with the choice of equipment, aperture,,and choosing the light. As you said, a perspective. Every time I take a photo, I always question “ is this a snapshot?” Or “ What can I do to make this subject look different than everyone else’s photograph?” What is my voice? What can I do to draw people to my work? No one has a clear answer. It’s just to have a different approach and whether it catches someone’s attention, and depends on the interest in the subject. Hopefully the images I do take, are something people haven’t seen before

[@chadcrotts870]

Content like this is why I subscribed!! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@sprayfe]

I’ve been musician by vocation my entire life and just picked up a camera last year. You speak my language so naturally. I’m grateful to have found you! I’m over here in Arlington and hope I get the opportunity to shake your hand one day. Thanks for the quality work you put out that has helped me excel much more quickly than I would have on my own.

[@irfanchooify]

I am a classical guitarist, used to take some wild bird photo, now also learning to do video , I learn most of the thing from KZbin, lighting, sound recording ,. I watch KZbin many years. This video is one of the best . Thanks for sharing.

[@womansworkproductionco]

The last photo assignment changed my photography. Trying to recreate Sudek's flower in water taught me to bring out the life in every element in the photo. For instance, water with bubbles is more "alive" than water without. An imperfect clay bowl is more "alive" than a plastic bowl. A messy stack of papers is more ?alive" than a neat stack. That sort of thing.

[@KaiMattern]

I completely agree with trying to copy a photo is a great way to learn. Instead of having a recipe, in the journey of figuring out how to achieve the result there is so much knowledge waiting to be found.

[@johndaubney7311]

Not to pile on lol but yea...Ted, hearing from you again on the “art of photography “ again is great. I do enjoy when you chime in on gear as it is a part of the art and you do a great job in that arena but .... you excel in this area and it’s what separates you from the pack. Your great thank you!

[@kate1705]

Love the videos on developing our creative process! I can research the technicals, but ways to strengthen my creativity always feel so elusive.

[@paranoia7582]

Wow. I am blown away by your ability to apply such a great emphasis on individual growth within your "photography lessons". I quote photography lessons because I feel as though your videos are more about growing as an individual, and you just so happen to grow and learn through the lens of your camera. You are not a photography channel, you are a human growth channel through the eyes of your viewfinder. I am very deeply and passionately inspired by your content Ted. Please keep it up! I cannot get enough of these videos. Thanks for all that you're doing.

[@mibophoto]

VISUALANGUAGE. Notice one word. I see it as one word. That's how I work, In a Visualanguage genre. than my style, which is an excuse for immature visual content. Thank you for raising this subject. Keep it up.

[@NatyMidnight]

Yes, I’m so glad you covered this. I use to feel so discouraged because I couldn’t keep up with a consistent aesthetic, particularly when it came to color grading. I’ve come to realize it’s more important for me to continue shooting and learning through the process and sort of let my style unfold without getting into my head. Rather focus on composition and see what I’m more drawn to. I still have to get back to the first photo assignment, actually, before I continue with this one.

[@mattdayphoto]

Absolutely loved this, Ted. Immediately ordered Hiroshi Sugimoto's architecture book.

[@tonywalton1052]

Glad you are back to the art of photography.

[@christopherbarber9351]

Videos of this type are the reason I value your work, Mr. Forbes, I'm grateful to you for doing this!

[@jdalc5024]

Hi Ted, This is the time I’m dropping in a message. I just want to say “thank you!”, for the helpful videos. Gathering the old greats and the modern innovator in photography. Great content for beginners like me and I would imagine a awesome refresher for people who want to get back into photography. Im still discovering my self with the photos i take and in the path to identifying my signature... I know it will take a while to have that realisation. But I will try and continue to work for it. I thoroughly enjoy watching the videos and following you on other social media platforms. Keep up the good work! You are an inspiration. Kind regards JD

[@SWOOPname]

You Can't imagine, how i am happy thanks to video like this. That is the spirit of this channel. No some tech-review of new gopro or some other fancy camera. Just the photography, the essence of it. That is what makes your channel so unique. I was worried some time ago, that you left that spirit behind in the past. Now i'm happy again and glad that i whitstand to the present days. I had to say it. Sorry for my bad english, i'm working on it slowly. Greetings From Czech Republic!

[@lensman5762]

Everyone wants to be a Sudek, Atget, Adams, Weston, Strand, Evans, Porter and so on and on. This can never be. The best thing to do is to study their work and try and understand and replicate their thought process not their photographs. Thanks for a very thought provoking presentation.

[@nemoindc]

I grew up in Brooklyn. The Promenade Park view of my bridge, better known as The Brooklyn & Manhatten Bridges is my favorite spot on earth. Ive been watching you for the 12 years, great work, and educator.

[@PhilKnall]

I love what you've been doing lately, Ted. These are always my favorite videos on your channel.

[@camera55mauromachado23]

Dear Ted, finally back to the Great Art of Photography. Thank you so much for this video,.

[@Pigletsyes]

I'm also really glad to see this kind of content again. It's obvious that gear videos get more views and pay the bills, so I don't fault you for posting more of that type of content recently. Just remember that work like this and the artist series might not get the views, but it means a lot to the few of us who do appreciate it. Just want to say thank you for the countless hours of excellent content you've provided for us over the years.

[@mafe123ish]

This type of videos gives me a sense of belonging. You are a great teacher, Ted! a few years ago, during the summer, I started to learn more about photography in its depth thanks to this channel, and even though I haven't fully committed to this practice yet (since I've been busy with university and figuring out my future, etc.), I still always want to come back to this. Right now I'm going to close my computer and go for a walk with my camera. Thanks for the pep talk!

[@paulhowe2916]

As a musician and photographer I’ve learned that Style is a measure of a mans limitations.

[@davidlogsdon7767]

That's an interesting concept. I think that can often be manifested in self-imposed limitations or restraint in minimalist works.

[@davidstanton8668]

It has often been said that our limits are what compel us to be creative.

[@WMedl]

Maybe the semantijc realm of "style" is broad with fuzzy borders but I recognize a piece of J.S. Bach I habe never heard. As with Mozart and the not more young Beethoven.

[@alexanderpons9246]

And many times the limitations are self inflicted, therefor be open to make mistakes and feel out of it!

[@GrizzlyAt0ms]

I'd argue that genre is a better measure of limitations. Style is about communicating a point of view. And the ability to do so consistently eludes most of us.

[@Buzzregog]

So happy to see a return to what brought me to your channel and not yet another gear video! Excellent

[@mikajulin]

Love seeing this kind of content again! I can get gear, social media, and editing videos from anyone but this kind of content can only come from you :)

[@joesterx]

Ted is incredible, if you like his take on the Art of photography I strongly suggest to visit Jamie Windsor's channel, he is extremely good and insightful regarding photography as an art form.

[@waawaaweewaa2045]

Love this type of content; insightful and educational.

[@rec11fdc]

I live for these videos, they’re amongst what I consider youtube was created for. Thank you for making them

[@johnchilver536]

A breath of fresh air. This video is genuinely useful as the image has to be created every time. We need inspiration and ideas to help some of us develop more creative results. Brilliant.

[@bewarethefuryofapatientman]

10:47 It's my personal WOW moment: imagine watching a random YT video (what I actually never do) and finding your only IG-fellow-photographer featured in it.

[@mihaiul]

Was worth the wait, keep your art series up and running, Ted. Great series.

[@jamielonghurst6373]

Ditto, ditto, ditto. I so enjoyed this tutorial! Thank you, Ted. I truly enjoy your videos and do agree wholeheartedly with the others that you are an awesome teacher. In less than 15 minutes you taught me something, challenged me, and inspired me to go out there with a different point of view. More videos such as this, please! Just great.

[@ginorazon501]

After a loooong while, finally, the "ART" of photography content. This video is the reason why I joined and subscribed. :)

[@klodr]

Love these videos about the art of photography (composition, artist dossiers, reviews, etc.) I follow this channel primarily for these type of videos. The gadgets come and go, the brands change, but the art of composition and the art patterns remain, some extensively explored, others waiting there to be discovered. I learn a lot here.

[@humbertomorales6559]

Thanks, Ted. I love these kind of videos

[@jackmatthews9390]

This is classic Ted! And I appreciate all the hard work he does on photography thoughtfulness. Thank you

[@rgssaurus930]

This is the content that made me stay with Teds channel. Great insights on great photographers. Keep them comming

[@airi6591]

Your channel is outstanding compared to a lot of the KZbin offerings. The passion you have about photography shines through and always encourages me to go out shoot a little more [and think a little harder]. I have been watching your videos for some time but wanted to thank you for making such great content available. I always learn something new and believe this content is timeless and people will still be watching this in 10 to 20 years time.

[@love4watches_pt765]

Ted, we need more videos like this! Awsome content, I honestly can't believe the relation of the videos you make Vs number of following... you should have at least double followers. Keep up the good work 👏

[@darrenrose8263]

Glad to see a video like this again, instead of all the gear videos, Ted. It’s this type of content that got me watching your channel in the first place. It would be great to have more of this along with more interviews with photographers

[@FatToDaCat]

You make a really good point about sort of imitating someone's work in order to build your own work up. I did that with skateboarding. I watched a certain Pro Skateboarder doing this trick called a Front side Flip over and over again. I mimicked the way he popped his board, flicked his foot, and moved his hips. Eventually I was able to do and land that trick 9 out of 10 times and added my own kind of style to it. This could work in many other hobbies or interests

[@hugorojas1452]

Thank You for the conversation, much needed in this pixel peeping world!

[@itsjohnthomas]

Thanks for sharing Ted! Definitely enjoy more than your gear videos; I find myself still doing the previous assignment where we were supposed to document light every hour from a window- I place a random subject there to document it, it’s been a good learning experience to understand how and when I can get the best light

[@michaelwthomas8133]

Loved it! Thank you!

[@DrVishalT]

Loved the Medicine and photography analogy. Right up my alley.! Ha ha ha. Epic work. Always a pleasure watching your videos.

[@Wendy8888]

Double infinity? I'm obsessed now. There were some photographers here I hadn't heard of. Great video!

[@CalumetVideo]

Ted, you make some great points in this video. There are many ways to look at the same object.

[@manny75586]

Great video. It's a problem in visual and musical arts. Too many people believe it's all about natural talent. Learning the technical side is tremendously important. Learning to analyze the work of others and understanding, truly, how it was created and why that process achieved a result that moved you is tremendously important. The fact that you are creating art doesn't preclude the left side of your brain from creeping in and helping a little bit.

[@SeanLamb-I-Am]

When I went back to school for photography, a couple of the lessons centered around photo emulation like the assignment you discuss. For mine I ended up making a print from my snaps of the subject and then scanning it on a sandy/messy scanner bed to emulate the effect in the original.

[@JamieMelvilleTV]

Actually loved this video. You talk so much sense!

[@cameronh338]

Great video, Ted. It's this type of thought provoking content that helped me see photography as more than picture taking. also, this type of content helps to introduce people to the gamut of talented photographers out there.

[@TKSung]

Yeah, nothing that we do ever comes from the void. Here is a verse from the poem Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror: How many people came and stayed a certain time, Uttered light or dark speech that became part of you Like light behind windblown fog and sand, Filtered and influenced by it, until no part Remains that is surely you. Those voices in the dusk Have told you all and still the tale goes on In the form of memories deposited in irregular Clumps of crystals.

[@michaelathybrid3]

Hey Ted - love these video snips of the essential moment with these inspired minds and photogs. Thanks for sharing and I will look for more. Cheers. Michael

[@teddytca861]

Hey man you are the best for real you change the way i look at the world since i started watching you show over 6 years ago.

[@stevenkriemadis1998]

Great video about the Art of photography. Thanks!

[@Anna-pv4tv]

Great show, Ted. Thanks!

[@tomfoord8860]

Ted, just saw this. Really interesting and inspiring. I agree with the comments below about why we subscribe to your channel. It's great to hear your thoughts on the art of this craft. You have a unique ability, extensive knowledge, and authority even, to speak to that. Thanks so much. P.S. Assignments that can be done in the house, as here, are especially appreciated. For myself, I'm having a ball in my garage.

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thank you!

[@chowow.211]

Thanks for this video!

[@hajmanek]

Yesss, finally back to art of photography

[@CristanBoerg]

Thank you very very much for this video! 👍

[@rodrigolev1]

great video . those content going beyond Photo Technic is what interests me the most in the channel. photography for me is what human can do with this machine to interpreted realities and create new possibility !! congrats !

[@paulshappirio]

Great video Ted! Thanks

[@kipmay5101]

Very insightful and helpful concepts. Love the J Jay Hirz bridge image. Very cool.

[@CalumetVideo]

It’s a lot about perspective, even a 1-2” move left or right can give a drastic difference and feel when framing up a shot. It all comes down to the “feel” that you want to convey.

[@gizmophoto3577]

Please, “home in” vs. “hone in.” ;) More to the point, the thoughtful content you provide is outstanding. Thanks for your work! Looking forward to the assignment.

[@madebydbm]

Great video, thank you. Enjoyed the style v visual language take and agree about working out guitar solos too! Have subscribed 👍

[@giordanobruno7943]

great video. i had hit a creative block and this just opened up a whole new world of possibilities thanks.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

I stopped watching your channel when it got gear heavy, but I understand your making a living from this platform so what ever gets the most views and thumbs up , but I'm excited to see a great video about the art of photography for a change :)

[@MatthewOrtizTexas]

Thank you for sharing such valuable info! I am a guitarist as well, and your example really put things into perspective. Always a learning experience with your videos. Thank you!

[@JayJanePhotography]

Glad I found you man! Learned many things already the 1st time I see yah. I made a review of Ansel Adams last week and showcased 25 black and whites. I wonder how these other photographers would interpret the scenes in his picture. Anyway, great work. I'll stick around.

[@MB-or8js]

From the Brooklyn bridge examples, Feininger is my favorite. Actually, I took a very similar shot like his early this year.

[@agnieszkatropilo3263]

Well done!

[@GONZOFAM7]

+100 for learning the art of photography.

[@GolfW4ng]

mahalos for all you do brother. been with you since 15'

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

I liked the interpretations of the Brooklyn bridge by various photographers :)

[@SantiagoBilly]

YESSSS MORE OF THIS!

[@joashmanning]

love these kinds of videos. thanks ted. :)

[@gaurasd]

Nice move. Respect! Thank you for your videos!

[@sailronin]

I enjoyed your spotlighting the single egg on the wooden base. In the last '70s I took 6 semesters of photography at my high school (I transferred to that school for the photography program). For my final semester I had to submit only two photographs for the entire semester; 1) a white egg on a white background 2) a black egg on a black background. Both were done many times to get the final versions which were shot on a Graphic 4x5 rail view camera in the school classroom.

[@BlueskyLouAnn]

Very interesting! I will try it!

[@alexanderpons9246]

Great video Mr. Forbes! Funny you mentioned how when we all start we pay attention to things in order to learn, and sad that we stop doing it once we think we got it. Yes, it will be intersting to see some concepts in color and how they will compare to b&w.

[@jorgegordillosantos5362]

Im just hitting like in all the coments because they all say what i think. More art videos please!

[@pejamane]

the only photography vids I look forward to!

[@mkshffr4936]

Drinking game for Ted's videos. Take a shot every time he says "one of my favorites". 😄

[@NoSuRReNDeR001]

yes WOW thank you... my best shot is also a bit diff but I did use Symmetry in the composition -I appreciate this type of content thank you.

[@namberak]

As an old software guy -- yes. We mimic techniques of others that are successful. Standing on the shoulders of giants. That was Newton I think. A lot of those SW guys were punks. ;-)

[@kkfox7822]

Wow. The comments here are so illuminating. It is Ted’s account dudes. He can do what he likes how he likes. The planet has been under some extreme conditions lately but yes Ted should totally be working to meet your personal expectations.

[@johndonoghue3256]

The Sugimoto photograph reminds me of when I was 15. A teacher gave me a role of film for yearbook work. It was my first role. When we developed the film, my first frame was an out of focus shot of my foot that I made when loading the film. I felt somewhat guilty for waisting a frame and said so much. The teacher told me that it could be deemed great art. "Beyond Infinity"???

[@theuktoday4233]

Back to the interesting format you are so good at. I try to understand the moment these images were taken, like the reflection one. Its wet, probably cold, he doesn't want to wreck the camera, bending down, knees straining holding the camera still, probably wearing a coat which is on the floor getting wet, Hoping those people behind don't get in the shot and ruin it, holding his breath, keep the camera steady, click the shutter... wait.... did I get the shot? Thinking I wish someone invented a flippy screen ~ Rush home, process the negative, look at it and think YES, I got it.

[@EdoHDpro]

Wish you were a video guy by nature, cos your inspiration in photography is amazing, but i learn from you what i can, some artistic aspects are crossing into video. Thank you for great thoughtful content. You have questions via photography that relate to life of an creative person. Great discussion, not too assertive, almost like a modern university online lol