Why This BAD Photographer Thought He Was Good

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📚 Book on the WHY of photography I recommend:
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The Mind's Eye: Writings on Photography and Photographers: Henri Cartier-Bresson
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Why People Photograph: Robert Adams
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Peter C. Bunnell | Peter C. Bunnell: Aperture Magazine Anthology: The Minor White Years, 1952-1976
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Photographers on Photography: How the Masters See, Think, and Shoot (History of Photography, Pocket Guide, Art History): Henry Carroll
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Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography: Roland Barthes
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On Photography: Susan Sontag
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Letting Go of the Camera: Essays on Photography and the Creative Life: Brooks Jensen
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Approaching Photography: 'A Seminal Work...Revised and Updated': Paul Hill
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John Berger: Understanding a Photograph: John Berger
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Ways of Seeing: Based on the BBC Television Series (Penguin Books for Art): John Berger
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Whatever You Think, Think the Opposite: Paul Arden
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Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative: Austin Kleon
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It's Not How Good You Are, It's How Good You Want to Be: The world's best selling book: Paul Arden
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Life Library of Photography (Complete 17 Volume Set, Plus Index): Time-Life
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[@brucecouch6971]

I have been a photographer for the past 47 years. The one thing that keeps me excited about photography is knowing how little I know and how much I have to learn

[@andrewdove342]

Respect

[@nickellion3657]

Best comment I've read...It's really inspiring...I wish you well.

[@Pspet]

Always reading these kinds of comments but I can't seem to understand, can you name something you learned in the last year that you didn't know for the other 46 years photographing?

[@RS-Amsterdam]

The more you learn, the more you discover that you don't know everything and that's the motivation you need to stay on the learning path, be modest, and try to be the best of yourself till your last breath.

[@pauloferreira1995]

Wow. Well said :)

[@trainer333]

ZZZZ

[@jahzeditz]

❤

[@albertoperezpuyal3740]

I've been trying to answer that question for years. And I have arrived to a conclusion, my own conclusion of course. Only valid for me. What's being a bad or a good photographer? When I married, the photographer (a friend of mine) took a very interesting picture. I was looking to my wife and she was looking to outside the frame. And the head of my wife was cropped. My mother in law didn't like that picture; she said: "why my head's daughter is cropped?" She thought that the photographer was really bad. But we, my wife and me, think the photographer is really good. Who was right? Both. But my mother in law had some expectations and we had another expectations. The good photographer is who achieves the wanted goals. For himself, for others, it doesn't mind. Some of my pictures achieve my expectations and I only take pictures for myself; so, perhaps I'm not a bad photographer when that goals are satisfied. And I am a bad photographer when they aren't. The people that take very weird pictures or none the less the most formal ones are good photographers if they achieve that goals. Who cares? Only the clients, only the followers or only themselves. Set your aims, your rules and expectations and if you achieve those, you are a good photographer. Thanks for reading this boring comment.

[@briannorwick]

Great comment. Thanks for writing it

[@SanDraaa91]

Thank you for this comment 👏

[@Boues91]

Wow, what a comment. Thank you so much for writing. @thephotographiceye should read it as well. Helped me a lot in my actual process!

[@luzr6613]

I'm a Master at writing boring comments - at least they are surely, in my estimation, boring for others. For me, they permit me to think through and express a thought on a 'page' - worthwhile for me and, i expect, nothing more. However, i appreciated your comment, not least because it suggested to me that my reason(s) for writing comments might just be the same as my reasons for taking photos that nobody will likely ever see. Therefore, my woolly conclusion in all of this is that you and i should, boring or not, just carry on scraping out this modicum of satisfaction regardless. All the best from New Zealand.

[@bemvynapay693]

Not Boring! As a beginning photographer this helps a lot

[@jamiewindsor]

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

They do. Though I doubt this will ever get 2m views ;)

[@ales_krejci]

Lol I KNEW I heard that story about the bank robbery somewhere already :-D

[@streetdenizen]

Jamie also made a video of this same title.

[@JuanSanchez-zz3me]

I was looking for this comment. I love Jamie's video and have watched it probably a dozen times

[@Mister_EL.]

Dear Alex, having watched hundreds & hundreds of YT videos, I find your own not only enjoyable and constructive, but it feels like sitting down with a good friend who you appreciate deeply and taking his advise and wisdom... well done and thank you!!!

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Wow, thank you!

[@EdwardKilner]

About 50 years ago, after first year Engineering, I travelled from Toronto to Montreal for a work term. With a half-frame Olympus Pen D camera, I took a lot of photos. When a friend visited, I proudly showed my slides. He kindly introduced me to topics like placement of the horizon, not putting someone exactly in the centre, and leading lines. I was astounded at my ignorance. It’s been a long journey. Lots of snapshots. Finally, when in my 60’s, I got a work assignment for a year and a half in South Africa, and at least had enough experience and theory to do some justice to that fine country. Still not where I want to be as a photographer, but still moving forward.

[@rayjackson1952]

I got my first camera 62 years ago. My parents said I was talking pictures of the middle of the street. I was playing with perspective, the converging lines of the road leading to the mountain in the back ground. That said, after 62 years of shooting, I learn something or gain a deeper understanding everyday.

[@nevanoconnell3356]

I found that I realised my photos were shit when I painted one, and just hated it. The composition, the colour, just a snapshot of a cool subject. And I honestly had my confidence crushed to a point where I just stopped shooting all together a few weeks later. Then half a year later I started watching videos, getting passionate and then picked up my camera and took what was at the time the best photos I had ever made, they were bad sure, but they were better. And I just kept shooting and improving and a few years later and bam I'm taking photos I like, and can look at without regret.

[@mattchu4273]

Your post got me excited to see some of your content. Post a little collage!!

[@-Reagan]

What a wonderful way of gaining perspective! There seems to be a lot of knowledge (and perseverance) through other forms of art that apply universally. An interesting contemplation. Btw: I love the photo on your pfp. Did you take it? The colors are spectacular. The landscape is so charged with emotion for being as constant as a mountain, land and sky. You’ve done an intuitive exposure. Isn’t nature astonishing?

[@chrispatmore8944]

There’s an old saying, “Hire a teenager while they still know everything”. But I feel that the older I get the less I know, until I hear or read these young experts online, then I realise I maybe have learnt a thing or two since I first picked up a camera over 50 years ago. Although I still look at some of my old photos and they look pretty good, and some even better than I what I take now. Maybe it was the innocence of youth, or I’m now a bit more jaded and aware that it’s all been done before,and usually better (and worse, thankfully).

[@veivoli]

A variant I have seen attributed to Mark Twain[1] was along the lines of "as I grew from 14 to 21 I was amazed how much my father learnt." I predate you by around 10-15 years, and still have some of the photos I took in the 1950s with a Box Brownie. Not all the young (or old!) experts know as much as Alex, but I have learnt to listen to what is said and adopt what works for me. After all, if we weren't learning new things, and still making mistakes, where would the fun be? [1] If you don't know who said something just attribute it to Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, or Winston Churchill.

[@marcinmrzyglocki]

Your feelings to old photos might be padded up by sentiment and that's natural, I'm not going to restrict myself from being nostalgic, sometimes the value is in memories - even memories of "this is my best photo of 1991".

[@nunyabeezwax6758]

That's because the late teen brain is the last time, we as humans are at our learning/neurological apex. Brain starts decaying around 23ish according to some research. Go figure. You DO actually know less, you've just forgotten or don't remember or have to look it up again. I'm not accusing you of senility or anything, just a literal loss of some memories or such yanno? Then again I never thought I knew everything as a teenager either.

[@thomaseriksson6256]

It’s when you realise that you don’t know all things that you are becoming wise

[@liv0003]

​​@@nunyabeezwax6758even if your brain starts to decay after 23 it doesn't mean that at 13 years old you know more things about a subject compared to 20 years later passing studying this subject, it only means eventually that the brain of a 13 years old person is more faster in learning new things compared to a brain of a 30 years old person, but it doesn't mean that a the 13 years old know more stuff and have already learned more about a subject compared to the 30 years old one

[@andyfarries]

I’ve a KZbin subscriptions list of photography channels as long as your arm. But none give me as much inspiration, knowledge, pleasure and perhaps most importantly of all, confidence as yours Alex. Absolutely tremendous work!

[@stevew4691]

I think as a photographer one should never feel "done" with learning or experimenting. Each day can be a new perspective, or new technique (if even by chance or accident), which leads to constant new creative evolvement.

[@denisesavage2382]

Glad I'm not the only one who gets a little tongue tied on words! hahahah. Thanks Alex - I really do enjoy thinking about these underneath things of photography. I know some of your clips have been shared in a facebook group I'm part of with another you tuber and photographer who does workshops and teaching etc. The community of photographers there values the learning journey and seeks to engage helpfully how we might think about our image making and creating with not only technical stuff, but also the content, the emotions, the use of light etc. Many of us have grown because of that openness and learning not only from Mike who set it up, but also each other.

[@australianboy]

another video that I’ll share the link to on my social media. need more of these kind of content rather than “time killing” videos. Great insight as usual. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SS-jt9ex]

Thank you so much for making these videos Alex. I have just started photography and these lessons are invaluable. I would happily pay for the privilege of learning from you so thank you for making them for free to us all.

[@mayakirk1856]

This video has put in words what I have been feeling about my own photography. I started photography last year, and after a bit of practice I got to a point where photography seemed easy. While I still like certain photos taken last year. I have unlocked a new sense of difficulty with photography. I see now, that there is a never ending amount to learn and improve upon. Although I am at a difficult stage in my development, I’m glad that I can see my shortcomings as it allows me to further develop my skills.

[@jimdawson8370]

Always enjoy your videos the information and inspiration you provide are priceless , I'm so glad I found your channel and hope you keep making these videos , you have helped me tremendously and I just wanted to say thank you 😊

[@cliveeariss880]

Home from work and a coffee, your the man who explains and breaks down in easy stages, and a way of pulling us in with you Alex, really enjoyed this, thank you for your time.

[@KrzysztofDziuba----1-2-3]

Great topic - just makes me sad that 20 years ago when I really started into photography I didn't have a true mentor or advisor ;) So basically thank you for being in a some way such a person - even when it's one-way communication only. I have so called 'box of shame' where I keep printed my so called 'best works'. After I watched your this episode, I reviewed them and destroyed four photographs. Actually that are two awesome feelings when one day you think - this is masterpiece, and on the next day you call it a piece of sh*t because it is pure evidence that you have grown :) Printing your works even on cheap home printer is very beneficial. And I feel that first part of Dunning-Kruger effect took lot more time than it was really necessary.

[@phawkinsphoto]

Alex, I've been a working photographer for 37 years and your comments could not be any more on point. I have been photographing the headwaters of the Mississippi River for 30 years this spring. The challenge is how can I keep making new and exciting images every time? I have tried to address this issue in the following piece I wrote a few years back. Some years back, I was having lunch with a photographer acquaintance. During the meal, he said: “We have lived here for many years, and I do not know what to photograph anymore, because I have shot it all.” This statement floored me because, at the time, I had been photographing the Headwaters of the Mississippi River for over twenty years and had grown custom to shooting the same subject over and over and making it seem new and exciting each time. Any location never stays the same for long. Vegetation grows, landscapes erode and change, parts fade, and man changes things. I believe that a photograph is a representation of how the subject looked at the moment in time that the shutter was released. So how do you keep making images interesting of the same subject time after time? We tend to get familiar with a location the more we see it. I like to look for changes that time has caused. I also spend time figuring out angles and techniques to use long before arriving on the scene. Different seasons and weather conditions can significantly change the view. And as we grow older and experience more, our visual interest changes how we look at things. As human beings, our creative juices are like the ocean tides, in that they are in constant ebb and flow. Sometimes the creative juices are high, and other times can be extremely low. When these lows happen, we need to find ways to work through them. One way I do so is to look at a lot of photography and try to figure out how the photographer made them; this quite often will get me recharged. A great way to break the lack of creativity is through self-assignment, pick a subject, and see how many different angles you can find on it. To do this you do not even have to have your camera in hand, just look at it and walk around, sit down, look down or climb a ladder to explore the subject. I know this works well for me, and I would think it would for anyone stuck in a rut. We can and should try to learn something new each and every day. I'm often asked "What is your favorite photograph you have made? My reply is My next image because I am still learning photography."

[@michaelrc6282]

Thank you so much for this advice. It's been really discouraging watching other individuals who are just salesmen/saleswomen, label themselves as professional photographers. It is difficult to stand out as an artist around people like that. Especially knowing the quality of my work is so much better.

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Brilliant video … just what I needed in anticipation of the delivery of my back-ordered Fujifilm X100V. I’ve been taking snaps with film and digital for 50 years and, more recently, video to capture my sailing adventures. Now I’m so very much looking forward to taking still photos with the X100V. Ta very much for your excellent videos! Really appreciate your thoughtful insights into the world of photography!

[@rogerhampton2844]

I've been watching KZbin photographers almost obsessively for the last 18 months. I've learnt a lot, but realise now I've just scratched the surface. I haven't yet taken even a half decent photo. It's a challenge but I'm enjoying it. What I've learned is that the advice given by most photographers on KZbin will only be based on that photographers bias or in camera gear terms due to their affinity to a particular brand or sponsor. As yet I don't need critiquing, I know my images are rubbish, but might come back to you later. I love your videos, they are always helpful and thought provoking. Thank you.

[@carolwatts944]

I heard this video when it first came out. I remember nodding & saying silent “yes’es” then. Today, I’m clocking almost 20 yrs shooting. Your words are even more appropriate to my work than before. Thank you for staying with us; encouraging & pushing us to be better at our craft - continually. Don’t stop. We need you’re wisdom (well - at least I do). 👍🏻

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Awesome, thank you

[@Doing_Life]

Thanks Alex .... you have become a welcome visitor - no, part of the family. My wife & I look forward to having you over for a glass of excellent South African wine and a 'chat' in the evenings ...

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Very thought provoking video Alex. After 45 years of photography I'm still learning, exploring and enjoying photography, it's a journey that's challenging and fulfilling for me.

[@ChrisOh]

Opposite experience for me. No one wants to give me actual constructive feedback and just say “it looks nice.” I’ve asked in different forms and just nothing. Maybe I’m asking the wrong people.

[@bryanforeman4144]

I have the same experience. I took a course on photography and there is a FB group for people who finished the course. I have asked for feedback and get thumbs. Thumbs aren’t helpful, up or down. Maybe they don’t have the ability to step outside of like and dislike, or are afraid that the commentary will be misconstrued as personal.

[@melojuketv318]

Had that happen as well

[@L.Spencer]

I know what you mean. I want critique and I don't often get it. I sometimes love my photos and think "I'm good!" but I'm always open to negative feedback. Sometimes I see other photographers' pictures and think why did they take that? And other times I'm amazed, like how did they see that?

[@error60091]

try ARS BETA

[@BradHolkesvig]

A woman I knew from the past as one of my high school mathematics teacher for a year said this about the photos I share on my Facebook page; "I did not catch who said this, but it is said “photography is what cannot be said in words.” You have captured so much that cannot be said. You have brought me into another place and time!! Thank you!! " I am not at all a professional photographer and have very limited knowledge about what makes a good photographer but I enjoy taking pictures of interesting images I see on my long walks around Barcelona or wherever I am at.

[@MarinosPl]

I am new in photography, and videos like yours are very helpful and mostly so much inspiring!!

[@kirbyma6726]

Alex, you are just like a coach, while we are the players on the field, offering psychological advice in fine-tunning our pre-concepts and most importantly, preserve our positive thinking and passion. Technical aspects of photographical skill are comparatively easy to be applied. Please keep up your constructive work.

[@texaspardners]

Alex, this is good stuff. It's universal to any skill, trade, craft and life itself. Years ago in corporate work I needed to find away to get my employees to take ownership of their career skills. I found the Japanese word & concept of Kaizen (continual improvement or change for the better) and put them to task with first finding the word, and then defining it in their own words. It was a unique word that became a buzzword in the division, and soon they challenged each other and helped each other improve. I use it to this day. I know I can always improve on something in life. What you're saying here crosses into any profession or area in life in which one can improve. Kudos sir. Keep 'em coming.

[@ingabett]

Great topic! I would love to find someone I could trust and who could critique my photography. Unfortunately I have such low self esteem that I don’t know how to handle criticism, or I handle it very badly. But I do try to be self critical when looking at my one photos, asking myself- does this photo work? What doesn’t work? etc. And I guess a good thing about having low self esteem is that I realise easily that I do not know a lot about photography. I feel like I’ve just opened the door to a treasure room and I’m just standing in the doorway looking in at all the photos on the walls. And I follow your tips! The other day I went out and tried to take photos as “how shouldn’t this photo be taken”, it was so difficult! Came home with a bunch of bad photos but a very educative lesson in my baggage. Listening to this channel is like going to a great photo school! Thank you for giving us this opportunity!

[@sbai4319]

Thank you (again) for a great video. I took on Photography to have a craft that will always challenge me to continue to create. The joy is in the learning, the crafting so that we create a beautiful image. Another pleasure is to help others nurture the craft in others. Enjoy the journey and stay humble.

[@waldemarwinkler1344]

I did rewatch your original video on Richard Avedon. I found it just as stimulating as when I watched it the first time. An excellent and very interesting summary of his work. Indeed, I found all of those early videos on the lives and work of famous photographers wonderful, so don’t sell your past work short. Of course you are in a different presentational space and digging deeper. Thank you.

[@jpvvandermerwe87]

I really liked that KROONSTAD road sign image.

[@andreasmotzkus6181]

when I meet with old friends, we are always getting to a point, when we remember the "good old times". We are looking through old photos and we are listening to old recordings of music we made. The more I am embarrassed to share my old "artistic products" to somebody, the more soothed I feel about my development since then. But if you are cheering with your friends "oh, look this old photo... my best shot ever...." oh boy, you should sit down after the party and have a well thought about what happened since then.... When the good old times are not good at all, that is what I call progress. Therefore, I am so happy that I'm just locating myself in the Valley of Despair, since I can become only better from now on 😄

[@TrevorHumphreys-oo5sg]

Hi Alex, great video again as always. I'm a relatively new subscriber and you are definitely one of my favourite channels now. I see your channel more as the psychology of photography. The technical stuff can be learned from any number of sources but clearly great images are created more by the eyes and hands holding the camera than the gear they are using.

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alex: Thanks for creating and sharing this video. I am attracted to your channel as you don't dwell on the technical aspects of camera gear settings and technical issues of creating images but rather the emotional conscious and sub-conscious of this creative endeavour. Before retirement I spent 40-years in Banking and the last 20-years of my careers was on teaching the craft of financial planning and investment advice to new advisors. I will admit that I only began feeling really comfortable in my role after spending 10-years of learning and practice. Keep up the great work that you do for your Community. Cheers, Keith

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you.

[@sharonhaasbroek7464]

That Bloemfontein Kroonstad road sign reminded me of the numerous road trips we took from Centurion to East London. We're now living in Sydney, Australia.

[@dlresearch1]

Another outstanding video! I seem to suffer from the opposite problem. I don’t like much of anything I take, but others seem to like them. I actually have to have a few drinks before I will share any of my shots online. I have been trying to get out of this cycle, this being “ pigeon holed” into a specific style and/or subject. I want to change this because I know that I know nothing. Your talks are helping me take the next step. Thank you!

[@SanDraaa91]

That's exactly how I feel, it's very frustrating.

[@tryingtocrying198]

This advice can be directly applied to artists. Very insightful!

[@cliffterpher]

My favourite of all your videos so far Alex. Consistently insightful words

[@jnrickards]

I got back into photography (I'm 62) a bit more than 5yrs ago. If I look back at the earlier photos, there are many I still like as much as I did then. It may be that my keep/toss rate is higher now and while I know that I know more than I did, I don't know what I don't know or how much I don't know. While that may speak to some degree of self-awareness, it doesn't help me know where I fall on the graph and whether or not I'm qualified to help that young man new to the photography club so generally, I just don't say anything.

[@THSimagery]

This was good man…. I was formally trained in photography and in the dark room, 25 years ago. Geez that felt old to say! And I am still open to a good Critique. I went to through a class recently where the images were torn apart after every assignment! It was good for me. We’re always growing. One thing I have learned is that this generation is missing that aspect of the walk. Some don’t even pick up their camera, unless they have a “client”. No passion, no inner desire to develop.

[@louhautdavid6451]

Talking to someone about your photography is certainly a excellent advice. Maybe because it forces you to make links between what you wanted to express and how you did it ? I still have photographs I'm happy with but I'm incapable to say why. At this time I set them aside until I figure out what it's about. Thanks for this video. You give clues to find out if you're in this situation, which is nothing but obvious...

[@chrisbrown6432]

I went to a talk by a councillor who talked about barriers to communication. He said that by giving advice when it was not wanted was the biggest barrier.He recommended that you ask “can I suggest something that can help you with that ?In this case photography. Then when the person agrees you offer your advice. I hate being given unsolicited advice myself and apparently the councillor stated that most people did no like it. I am in favour of finding a person who you value as a photographer and asking them to mentor you with your own photography. Also l am constantly interested in learning about photography and applying it to my own practice in creating photographs.

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Thank you Alex. I have watched again your first video and loved it. Can you do something like that again for us - going through a book of images and discussing them. I preferred your background there too with the bookcase and orange cat.

[@filmdesigner800]

Thank you for all these videos you post. Im not a pro and I dont show my images anywhere or to anyone but your advice does help me grow as a photographer. I find that the one thing that motivates me the most is how little I know. It pushes me to keep learning. I suppose in the end it may seem like it doesnt matter if Im doing nothing with my pictures but for me its the journey not the destination that interests me. I have many images Ive take that Im happy with , not because I think they are great or even any good but because I see a step forward in my ability and thats encouraging to me. Again, thank you so much.

[@ginaheaton2203]

That is so true. The more I learn the more I realize how much I don’t know. I have lots of photos I go back to and say, “That’s so bad.”

[@teacherofteachers1239]

I started making short films at a late part of life just a couple of years ago, and I don't know if there is a version of this experience for photographers, but I learned so much from watching KZbin videos where folks comment on bad movies - bad as in having lots of problems. These kinds of videos mostly serve entertainment purposes, but some are done by people with film experience. For me it was an efficient way to develop a critical vocabulary and to learn about lights, sound, editing - the works. It helped me to see the multitude of ways my short films can go wrong. I would not have picked a lot of this up if I only watched good movies. I hope it has helped me be philosophical about the problems in my own films.

[@ahmedmatooq1206]

Words of gold. Everything you say is right. After your words, I am proud of myself and my cameras. My performance has improved a lot after watching you on your channel.. Really, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.🙏

[@ThePhotographicEye]

That’s awesome, thank you for watching

[@PaulHeagen]

Certainty is the enemy of curiosity. Everyone should listen to this.

[@MyShyCats]

This is applicable to so many skills and arts…. Thanks for posting.

[@johnpollock6996]

All of my previous life involved critiques after every event or group of events. This workstyle lasted for 41 years. Now that I am a nube to this terribly interesting endeavor, self-critique is constant. The realization that I stink constantly keeps me on YT, learning sites, and out there trying everything. So far, my journey along the D-K curve was a minor blip up the y-axis followed by a nearly direct line to the "Plain" (not Valley) of Despair. I think I have begun gradual positive vector. Thank you for all your great ideas on how to reach some level of competence.

[@bassamtarabay9723]

Probably my favourite photography channel.

[@paulreidphotography]

Hi Alex, In my 20’s I was good and then I got worse because I followed the wrong path with photography. This humbled me I think and then I got better then I ever was. But these days I know I will always be striving to be better. I was featured on the cover on black and white photography this month as well as a 9 page article. Something I never would have achieved if I didn’t get onto the right path. I’m 49 now and it’s taken me this long to start to reach a respectable level. Like you say! World of Tanks!! If I’d know it would have taken this long, would I have carried on?

[@bobkent6075]

I think an important part of showing an image when some feedback will be given, is to also provide the audience with some information on your intention with the image. What was you trying to achieve, what look was you going for etc. I see too many times people commenting that the white balance is off and too cool, for then the image owner to hit back saying that's how he wanted it to look that way. So it starts out on the wrong foot from the get go. As you say feedback is about trust, honesty and getting it from the right people. Or we get what I call the Xfactor moment, when a singing contestant is asked if they are any good and they reply that their family and friends thinks so..... then they start to sing... oh dear!

[@mickl3073]

I am not a photographer but enjoy your videos for the useful compositional advice ( I sketch and paint) and the talks you give on the works of notable photographers. Thank you I very much appreciate the work you do.

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Thank you

[@bhamerlik]

Thanks so much for this very honest video. Great, useful and mind-teasing as usual :-)

[@WEHAVETHISDREAM]

Are you my NEW favorite photographer mentor, or what? THE VIDEOS ARE SO INSPIRING! THANKS SO MUCH!

[@kyawzayya3877]

Holy shit, I've been trying to fight this ego. The graph really gave me relief since it is just natural. Thanks a lot.

[@BenSussmanpro]

I shoot events & portraits for 18 yrs, and my clients are very happy with my product (at least they tell me). I think I’m ok at best, but I enjoy doing it part time. I always am reading & studying techniques & craft from the greats. When shooting on my own time for enjoyment, I know that I suck. But I take pleasure in sucking a little bit less (hopefully) over time. Great video!

[@Vids893]

I've only been shooting for about 4 years doing mostly events and portraits. I've always said that I don't do much. The cameras do a lot of the work. Very few times have I felt that "No this was an amazing shot and I'm good".

[@edgarwroblewski2768]

Thank you for those important words and the inspiration and motivation that follow them.

[@smodjo]

So interesting to hear those thoughts. Will use some of those thoughts in my photographic life. I am not a photo poster, I just love taking photos for myself and my family :)

[@judgerivers7631]

Thank you for your company my friend ....✌🏼🤓☕️

[@KeithHodgkinson]

I've been in a rut for 35years,lol.Great info and channel.Cheers.

[@martins2462]

Excellent video about the psychology of photohraphy skills.

[@jeannedarc1566]

Am an utter beginner and have no sense of being a ‘good photographer’ at all! But I love what you’re saying. I have plans to go on some courses in my city where they take you around the CBD and our main park, showing you how to get what you want out of your camera. Covid is holding that back, but I’m looking forward to taking lots of crappy photos and learning more :)

[@francishwlee]

Nice video, important subject. ...But are those photos you shared the bad ones you were referring to?? If they are, then I feel really bad about myself. 😬

[@anthonykent8139]

Over the years (70 odd) I have taken thousands of photos and in that time I have taken several good ones! I sometimes think some of the earlier ones are better than the current ones. I wonder where that puts me on the learning curve.

[@johnhoward2577]

Nice to know I am not the only one!

[@ciapak6590]

As usual, fantastic advice. Thanks

[@The_Bearded_Wanderer]

I think I encountered someone at the peak of Mount stupid the other day, he told me my photos were rubbish, and photography was easy as he taught himself in less than 3 days 🤣

[@thethirdman225]

A classic example of this is this obsession with ‘bokeh’. The internet is full of discussions - and flame wars - about it, from the one-eyelash-in-focus photograph (mostly to show odd someone’s new f/1.2 lens) to the ‘creamy’ quality of one versus the ‘nervous’ quality of another. It’s somehow become the acme or artistic photography. I don’t care about ‘bokeh’. I get really annoyed when people talk about it in my photographs. I hate the subculture of bokeh because for me it’s subconscious and I don’t really even think about it. But people lecture me about how ‘BeCaUsE lIkE yOu NeEd BoKeH tO sEpArATe ThE sUbJeCt FrOm ThE bAcKgRoUnD, dUdE’ and then comment on how nice the bokeh is in my picture or how I could have used more of it. They shouldn’t be looking at it. They should be looking at the subject! Internet experts are the worst thing that has ever happened to photography. They overestimate their worth. I have no problem with constructive criticism but I do have a problem with slavish adherence to a style that I don’t want and which wasn’t a thing on the days of Arnold Newman or Bill Brandt when deep focus ruled. For me it’s either there or it isn’t but it’s never there for it’s own sake or because someone else thinks it should be.

[@SaneAsylum]

I honestly think the biggest reason photographers fall victim to this is actually quite another effect (though not being able to know how much you don't know is certainly a close second especially among the over-eager. Dilettantes are another matter). It could be labelled intimacy or the avatar effect, but it has to do with mingling our emotions with our efforts and investment and projecting that visually. The same thing happens with people we love or hate. We actually see them as better or worse looking than they are because we project the time we put into our relationships and the way we feel about that/them onto their visage (being the visual creatures we are). Often this effect is what keeps people going in the arts or design and development for that matter. It serves an ultimately useful purpose even self-destructive as it may be, because it keeps us interested and passionate. I always knew I was crap and that was always a hurdle for me (despite receiving a lot of praise) that kept me from taking it beyond a random occasional hobby (that and the cost of fast long lenses). Trust me, seeing things as they are can bring its own set of problems!

[@nikedadoug]

As a photographer, I'm always looking for ways to improve. While I am happy with what I can do in the present, I still wonder/look for ways to grow - and comparing my photos from 2013 to the photos I take nowadays, the difference is really obvious and I love how I've grown.

[@Trinket_Master]

I think that I honestly have the opposite issue with my work. I underestimate myself too much. I use an s21 ultra for photography because I can't afford my dream cam (fuji xt4) yet but I've still managed to become the highest viewed and interacted with photographer on my cities biggest Facebook page with over 30k people following it. I still don't think I'm great, that's all cool but I look at other photographers work and just get astounded with what they have done. It keeps me humble if not feeling a bit thrashed which is crap but I don't know how to change feeling like that. I've had local store owners contact me saying how my work makes them feel so emotional because they see the passion behind it and I still can't bring myself to say I'm as good as any other photographer. All I know is I always keep my old work and look back at where I was every couple of weeks, I know I'm better now than I ever was in the past but I still don't feel content, I'm just gonna have to keep pushing till I can say I'm on par with the people I look up to

[@junalmarines9342]

Thanks for making this video, im professional not-so-good-photographer.. i can just share this to my friends, it saves me time explaining to them the value of critiques..hehe

[@iphoneography]

Out of the 10's of thousands of photos I've taken, the majority are only 'snaps'. There's only one or two photos that I really like and am proud of....I brag about it🤣 With regards to constructive criticism, the problem is, everybody is a critic, but nobody likes to be criticized.

[@tomobagaric3286]

I adore this creator... beautiful to listen to him and learn from him. When he mentioned World of tanks in this video, with me spending 10 years on the game myself I was overwhelmed with excitement. Cheers to my fellow photographer and tanker!

[@dammitcooper]

Have never considered myself great at photography. To the point I say I do some photography but never refer to myself as a photographer cause I have never felt I was good enough. Plenty of times I have shown my improvements when mentioning about upgrading equipment for various reasons that help align me towards the style I want better, I am always met with problems of being told I need to get better before I should even consider buying a new camera. Just get better with the one I have. Also comparing myself to others around me in the same space. Always showing my work to people and meet, they usually say it's alright and then I show them them the actual professionals and how my work is terrible. The pros have much sharper images, with better color grading and better composition. But when I show them when I first started lol its usually really funny for me. I have grown a ton but I wanna go way further. Recently bought a new camer body and I am currently working a but of OT to save up for a lens to match it and my work style. But the video was helpful to never get complacent and keep pushing to get better. I shall keep trying! Thank you!

[@andrewcroft2570]

Great video Alex.

[@markmedlock6985]

Hi Alex so the question I have is, what does make a good photographer? Knowing how to use one’s camera is one thing but for me composition is the key to good photography and these days, thats is closely followed by editing skills. I would be interested in hearing your thoughts though.

[@roadaheadmedia]

Excellent! Many thanks!

[@silvestersze9968]

I love 💕 this video. Thank you 🙏🏻!

[@dafonk1973]

Your video was - as always - not only informative but also highly inspirational. Wouldn't it be a nice idea to collect the worst photos taken by the most respected photographers and put them side by side to the best iconic shot that they've ever taken? Wouldn't it be interesting and soothing for a self-doubting photographer's soul to see the masters' progress on some kind of platform or even in a book? Life's all about learning, making mistakes, improvement - this process will never end until we die. And photography is all about life. Thank you so much for all of your videos. I really appreciate your shared thoughts on photography and on life as an artist.

[@tduke91]

I watched your very first video and was disappointed there was no `Howzit, Howzit' at the beginning.😂😂. I can see what you mean about how we improve over time. I often revisit old digital images with a view to re editing with the knowledge I have gained since the initial shoot. Inspirational as always. Keep up the good work 😀

[@ThePhotographicEye]

Howzit Howzit 😁thanks for your comments.

[@simons_pics]

Great videos. What mic model are you using ?

[@virginiainla8085]

Hanging out with oil painters is educational, humbling and fun

[@PortbyhanMan]

I feel your pain regarding World of Tanks (WoT), I also played it for yonks and made it to tier 10, but...oh boy, what a grind! Good advice regarding photography, as an amateur photographer/film maker, I always welcome help and advice.

[@briancowan528]

I enjoy your honesty. Only those who have the courage to honestly criticize themselves can grow.

[@photographybypetercharles9939]

Some of us have the opposite problem in that we doubt our skills right from the start. Our greatest challenge is to build enough photographic confidence in our images to adequately assess their quality. I look at images from 40 years ago when I started using a lot of 35mm film on my two kids and those images are actually a lot better than I would have judged them at the time. I was and still am, my own worst critic. Even today I'm not comfortable with exhibiting my photos and there's always that moment of doubt before I hit 'Publish' on a KZbin video.

[@coltonreed4488]

I coped with the valley by simply making photos for myself and for my own enjoyment, and after a few years my friends started to notice an improvement in my work. Though it was nice to hear, the joy of making photos was enough for me 😊.

[@pixelrhinophotography6141]

Amazing content. well said

[@ViaOjo]

This is actually true. I look back at some of my “great” photos from years ago and then think “what the heck was I thinking” and then feel embarrassed.

[@gerhardbotha7336]

I certainly learned a lot about photography techniques and processing/editing methods and theory from the interweb. What I struggle with is more with the creative side. I find it is easier to get into creative stuff with “easy” photography . But I like birds and nature in general -and often it is just an achievement getting any shot at all , never mind getting creative with it! Or at least , that is my excuse and I’m sticking with it!

[@joseribeiro9564]

When i look back at my film photos from the early years i indeed see the lack of skills and kind of a aimless style, on the other hand i miss beeing free and look at photography as a experimental process, i really miss that, nowadays i do wildlife photography and astrophotography, dispite the endless possibilities i feel more then ever boxed in these styles

[@jordanh.5182]

Try something new. Try street photography or perhaps portraiture of friends and family :)

[@joseribeiro9564]

@@jordanh.5182 thank you for the advice, pursuing nature photophraphy made me kind of a nature bug but i do miss the portraits of city life for example, i did a bit of that in the film days

[@farrahdizon9859]

I appreciate you 🙏 Thank you for making videos 👏👏👏

[@ThePhotographicEye]

My pleasure!

[@petervanriet5389]

Learning is all about playing and playing is all about not taking yourself too seriously. Having a background in video, not all of my idols are photographers. As a creative genius, there is none greater than Jim Henson (in my opinion) and he made sillyness and playing into an art. He is an extreme example, but one common trait with the great ones is that they can laugh at themselves. That attitude helps with critisism.

[@arcanics1971]

If anybody is interested in learning more about the DK effect, can I suggest that you read the work of Daniel Kahneman- as well as his work with Tversky? It deals with the heuristic thinking that we employ in daily life and how it can lead us astray and is much more accessible the Dunning and Kruger's own work- as well as including a lot more about thinking than just one mental pitfall.

[@wendylorimer5663]

I have read some, fascinating stuff.

[@Jerry10939]

I agree with you on this one. For me, my first camera was a 35mm Mamiya with a 50 mm lens. I bought it at 17 years old when I first joined the army. The only thing I knew about the camera was set the camera to what the TTL meter said to do. I didn’t know reciprocity depth of field, etc. the pictures I got were okay. I wasn’t trying to be a pro at it. I got it then to take picture memories and of places I visited. Snap shots. Basically. I lost that camera and finally an Army buddy who was a pro taught me photography. Bought a used Cannon AL1. He really showed me how to use it. I went to the hobby lab on Post and learned how to develop film. I was hooked. That’s when I started to care about my photography looking good. I was also an artist. I have been drawing and painting since I could scribble on my mom’s walls. My fellow soldiers thought I was crazy for being in the army with my drawing ability. I knew composition. So composing a photo was easy for me. I was good enough to get a position as a photographer for the 3rd Armored Division’s Public Affairs Office. I thought I was a good photographer. But I learned quickly I didn’t know as much as I needed to know. The majority of what we did was photojournalism. And I also worked the darkroom. This was the real education into photography I received. Not only did I develop and print my own work, but those of everyone else’s in the office. There were a few other photographers in the office but the rest were journalists who sometimes took their own photos. They were school trained but their pictures were nothing great. They didn’t care about photography, they were writers. I processed thousands of rolls of film in the few years working there. Dozens of film a week. I saw plenty of great pictures from everyone, but the majority were bad. I would circle the ones I thought were good on the contact sheets and send them up to the office. They would circle a few more and I made the prints. As you know half of photography is in the darkroom. I took those pictures chosen and worked them to get the best image out of them with burning and dodging, using friction from my gloved fingers to create heat to bring out the image faster in a spot that needed it while in the developing tray. Every trick I learned there. I was awarded the Army’s version of the Pulitzer Prize, The Keith L. Ware award. But in order to get that I took lots of bad pictures along with the good ones. After making thousands of prints you know bad pictures. Here’s the kicker. I’m still learning photography. There is a lot I don’t know. Especially with digital. Only because my DSLR is so complicated. I don’t opine about digital. I don’t know enough of the technical aspects of it. And I agree there’s a lot of people doing photography who think they know more than they do. I see on Facebook the bad pictures they post. In a couple of groups who do film most limit themselves to 400 iso film. They use it for everything. Bright sunny days. While 400 is fine for a lot of situations. It’s limited in bright light. Very little reciprocity. Their pictures are all high depth of field, unless they shoot in low light. Then they push it. Even when they don’t need to. When they give advice it’s limited to the little knowledge they do have.they would say use this film or this setting, but not explain why. It’s just what they like to do. None seem to know much about flash photography. Only a few that I have seen. I try to explain why to do something or use a specific lens or film, why the picture is exposed wrong, even composition. But only to those that ask for help with their photography.

[@tom3568]

Nice video as usual. A bit like having an old mate chatting to you. I have only been taking photos for a couple of years and most are are a bit meh but occasionally a keeper is produced.

[@luketannous]

Howzit, Howzit! Love the intro welcome, also love the content!