this is making your photography worse

[@bender8783]

do photography for yourself, not for likes.

[@blackhrt62]

💯agreed. Well put.

[@polygoncoco]

5 years into my photography journey and I still don’t post anywhere 😂 I am a professional creative in another field, relatively successful and have had 15 years in that career. I’ve seen first hand how social media and comparison and trends can really suck the joy out of the creative process and finding your own voice that I deliberately took myself out of the equation. Then again I’m doing it because I love it and it’s my main hobby, it would be different if I wanted to be a professional photographer. Great advice in this video!

[@HappyMSI1]

You said professional twice.

[@polygoncoco]

@@HappyMSI1 yes…? sorry if I said something wrong

[@HappyMSI1]

@@polygoncoco Sorry, english is not my first language and I thought you meant you were a professional creative (photographer) in another field (another kind of photography than what we would expect) for 15 years then the last sentence confused me.

[@polygoncoco]

@@HappyMSI1 ohhh no sorry I meant I am a professional creative in a completely different creative field (design)! My bad

[@aag24]

Excellent points in "recognition" and "jealousy". Stop comparing yourself and don't get jealous. You just don't know what troubles people have and what kind of façade they're putting up to give the impression everything they shoot is just brilliant in wonderful locations. Thank you for making those - I must say I am always impressed about your wisdom in matters photographical. 👏

[@jimmywestphoto]

I’m only 6:25 into the video, but the discussion about 'finding your own style' is something I’ve thought about a lot. In my opinion, a photographer’s style is often less about the colors or post-processing choices and more about the way the photo is composed and captured. It’s the approach, the perspective, and the moments you choose to freeze that really define your style. While editing can certainly enhance or refine a shot, the core of a photographer’s identity lies in how they see and interpret a scene through the lens.

[@TomPollardPhotography]

At first I thought you were being followed, then I recalled your mum often comes on your trips and I put two and two together!

[@pjmixer]

I’m glad he mentioned his mum at the end.

[@mikefoster6018]

For me, peace of mind is a huge factor in whether my photos are good or bad. If my mind is elsewhere, it's a mess.

[@snapsbyfox]

Really good point actually!

[@charliethompson7042]

I always looked up to my dad as being the best photographer in the world. Luckily, he showed me how many in this community were WAY better than he was. Then I was able to settle down and actually learn those skills that HE taught me. If there was one thing that his wisdom impressed upon me most, it was to simply get out there and use my camera.....and always try to learn from my mistakes. I enjoy your channel immensely. Oh, & my first camera? An AFGA 126.

[@chrisjwright_]

Great video! I had one of these bad habits happen on my recent Porto trip. I was expecting sunny weather, what I see from most Porto photography, but instead we got torrential rain every day 😂 Luckily after the first day, I managed to shift my mindset and got some photos that I'm really proud of.

[@larsingrain]

The relationship with social media to me is so interesting regarding photography. On the one hand it is the only way to make sure that people actually see your work these days, but the trick is probably to not care whether people actually engage with it a lot (especially if photography is only a 'serious hobby'). The only way to keep developing as a photographer I think is to keep doing what you feel like doing, and if that's something people on social media also like that's a nice bonus

[@snapsbyfox]

Yeah that’s a healthy outlook

[@SumFriesWidDat]

I always enjoy listening to your perspective on photography and content, especially how they all kinda translate to life in a way. Thanks man!

I really photograph because it some kind of mindfulness, and later even years later when I take a look at photos I actually remember how I felt that moment the photo were taken. I personally photograph for peace of mind..

[@markhampshirephotography]

So many points to agree with here. I deleted Social Media back in January this year, best decision I ever made. My KZbin channel has few subscribers and views, but I do it for because I enjoy it, with zero pressure to turn it into anything more.

[@snapsbyfox]

To be honest with you, if I somehow made a ton of money I can invest and live off, I’d disappear from social media too 😂

[@markhampshirephotography]

@@snapsbyfox Lottery?! 😂 I've just subscribed, although I'm sure this alone won't help you make a ton of money 😂

[@manugeee]

Well said. I also closed all my social media accounts and started a KZbin channel a while ago. ( oh no! I looked it up. it’s now more than 2,5 years ago 😮😅) But even if I also had my ups and downs, this is the only platform I enjoy participating for myself and which gives me the usecase I need to play with a lot of vintage gear whenever possible. 😂 And even if I only put KZbin worthy images in my videos, I found out that I shoot a lot more for my family and friends and that is the reason why I got into photography at all.

[@alex_vi_photography]

Very good points and even being guilty of at least half of them, I want to add one more mistake: Forcing yourself to sit on any kind of schedule, regardless of mood. This overlaps with social media because it forces you to and applies not only to photography, but to any kind of hobby.

[@snapsbyfox]

Yes! This is so true especially for anyone who wants to grow their account. This actually impacts me a fair bit tbh

[@quadrupleheart]

Love seeing your mom trailing you in the background

[@mikefoster6018]

What a relief - I thought it was only me who she followed.

[@jamesbrown4107]

Did you mention good days and bad days? I've been out and thought I'd got some great shots only to arrive home and realise they're all terrible. Other times I'm out and not really having an opinion on what I'm shooting and discover when I view them later there's some really excellent ones in there. Another thing I've also recently realised is that sometimes a blurred image or an out-of-focus subject still works and it's just the preconception of what a 'good image' should be that blinds us.

[@snapsbyfox]

Oh yeah happens all the time

[@mickguelen9279]

Honestly was expecting a video of something to typically expect but it was actually really insightful and helpful, especially the part of recognition/comparison! It's so easy to get lost in that when all that matters is doing it for yourself, so much that you forget what you're really working for. Thanks Roman! :)

[@alanwainwright79]

Good advice Roman. Really enjoy your videos. Cheers

[@chrisjones6439]

Great vid as always mate. Two points REALLY resonated with me....theory and expectations. I ingest sooooo much content it's actually made me almost scared to go out, have fun and take photos because I know they won't be as good as what I've seen online. Sounds sad I know, but that's the expectation point you made. Your vid has actually encouraged me to go out and just enjoy it

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Most self-appointed teachers of photography don't understand photography, Ignore them. My Big Thing this year is making bad photos. Point your camera at something, and . Do more of what you like, less of what you don't, and when in doubt, shoot. There is a rule, get the right exposure. It's easy with mirrorless cameras, look at the bright end. Don't lose any of it. If you're then clipping the other end, make another getting the shadow detail. Most software to edit photos can align and blend the two. If you want "dark and moody," start with a well-exposed image. And another, make sure your decisions look deliberate. Dutch Tilt looks good, a degree off level looks terrible.

[@chrisjones6439]

⁠thanks for your comment mate, most appreciated

[@edovephotos]

I am a street photographer who uses a digital camera. One bad habit I am trying to stop is frequently reviewing my photos as I shoot. Clearly, this is not a bad habit of a film photographer. There are days when I am out shooting and feeling good about my results. My confidence level is high. I know from experience that my hit rate improves when I am confident. Frequently reviewing my photos as I shoot might destroy my confidence and negatively affect my day. That's because my photos might be worse than I imagined. Maybe it's best not to know that right away. There is some benefit to reviewing photos now and again making sure the camera settings are correct. However, I want to be careful not to review them too often.

[@MichaelHearn-f8d]

Agree with all the sentiments of the video and @larsingrain points. If it’s just hobby for most of us, as it probably is, there’s really no commercial imperative to develop a particular style and get caught up in niche and genre etc just to develop a following. great video. Thanks.

[@Wheelers_Den_Kyoto]

Amazing to see you walking around the streets of where I often hang out and take photos. Got to walk the back streets of Nara a little more

[@GurpalBhogal]

Great tips, I am in the process of putting together a little portfolio of photo's I've taken throughout my time (as hobby) looking at photo's I took in South Korea 2010 as example. Taken on a compact digital cam and having to lean into the limitations of the photos to bring out something. The lacklustre colours, bad focus and all over the place exposure, I've been shocked at how I've been able to give these photos a new lease of the life, but it isn't for anyone else apart from me which goes to your point about expectations and focusing on things you can control.

[@snapsbyfox]

But those photos will have the biggest memories attached

[@GurpalBhogal]

@@snapsbyfox 💯

[@ernstfrohlich897]

very good photos! thank you for your videos!

[@juliewerner1553]

Thank you, Roman!!!

[@KevinBurke-k6f]

Nice walk-about with useful tips. Thanks.

[@cw7422]

I simply make photographs of things I think are unusual, odd or that I like.

[@lisaharris7445]

Love your work Roman!

[@christianlapointe7796]

I've been on Instagram since 2011. A bit over 500 posts, most in the last 4 years, none of which has reached the 20 likes mark. Somehow I usually have between 65 and 70 followers, and I don't engage with anyone. Abysmal metrics probably, but I'm fine with all this: the main reason I post is as a goal to take the process all the way through. Not stopping at taking the photos, but reviewing them, being critical of my shots, and editing the one worth the time. Posting is the closing step.

[@kasparsm7964]

Probably the truth is somewhere in the middle. Completely agree - too much comparing with others, too much influencing from others could be wrong, but.... You can not progress, if you do not have any professional feed back, if you do not do any benchmarking. How you know - are you making any progress or you are stock and stagnating? At least , because there is no strict, measurable criteria - you need some side opinion to analyze and think about. And, of course - great job, Roman! Thanks for videos! Always worth to look.

[@CMDR_Scorpion]

I think asking yourself "who am i taking these images for" is the most important question you need to ask yourself. when getting into photography :) gr8 video aa usual RF

[@martinhendry]

Thanks Roman, valuable and insightful as always.

[@michaelajoseph6856]

So true. Enjoying the process of photography is all you need.

[@heyamate771]

Do you have a settings guide for the x100vi for purchase?! I saw one for the x100v but not the 6 😟

[@thephotoroad]

good job as always and nice everyday shots of Kyoto

[@washingtonradio]

I find just going out with my camera is often more valuable to my growth than anything else. WHen it's a shelf queen it's only gathering dust as a very expensive paper weight.

[@Ndpurc]

Yes, indeed, too right, Roman! There’s a lot of that stuff about and, thankfully, as a more mature person, I am not even vaguely interested in likes, it’s the getting out there and shooting that I love the best. BTW, just wondering if you are happy with your lens hood for the X100VI, what brand is it and does the Fuji lens cap fit over it? Love your work, Roman 👍

[@rainerliebrecht4271]

you're absolutely right Roman!

[@trentschlamp]

I'd love to know where that clip came from on the x100vi strap! so nice and small, I like it!

[@guusbeeld]

You are every time so right about most of the topics you think and elaborate about... I always think of myself as a singer... it really is the same...I am from The Netherlands...We kind of invented 'The Voice of....XXXX, and then again I think "I am on that stage and hoping for that they turn their seats around for me', and it only happen when you are ready for it. So patience and being humble is the best...but so confronting, love the way you are thinking about photography...and it helps me to go for it, only for yourself and for no one else...and creating photographs where "THEY' turn their seats around, greets for the Netherlands, Guus

[@greger589]

I'm afraid that camera manufacturers will stop making cameras with viewfinders now that more and more people are using the camera as a phone.

[@martingreenberg870]

That is the thought process behind the recently released Fuji XM5 and LUMIX S9. Lack of an EVF is a deal killer for me. Sorry Ricoh. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@Truth_seeker-bl5mi]

I use nikon z30 and it doesn't have evf...I don't think it's that much ofna deal breaker.....

[@petermcginty3636]

Thank you. Great points.

[@labibhaddad]

Very well done, thank you

[@oriolalemanysadurni]

Muchas gracias por los tips que nos has dado!!!! Reflexionare en mi manera de afrontar una sessión de foto de calle. I tambien creo que me inspiras mucho. Un enorme abraso Roman 😘

[@Nkduy11]

Thank you ❤

[@jayse1195]

Yeh some great advice in here. Cheers mate

[@frazerchapman7044]

Sound advice. Great vlog.

[@oOJampisOo]

Loved the video man! Is there any chance you could share your lofi-playlist?

[@snapsbyfox]

Thanks! It’s all from epidemic sounds

[@oOJampisOo]

@@snapsbyfox Oh I see, thanks!

[@yvonnemalaquin9336]

Great advice!!

[@el0blaino]

Photos great, but Video white balance was freaking me out!

[@Pascal1534]

Does it really matters compared to the richness of the subject ? 😁😉

[@orsygodri1155]

Bright-sunny-day-in-Spain edit at 6:14 actually works for me better =)))

[@martingreenberg870]

The difference between a professional and an amateur is the former only share their good work. I only like between 2-5% of my work. The rest of my work makes the 2-5% possible. I seldom look at my work. I don’t download it. Typically I delete the images to make room for other images. I don’t kid myself. I’m OK, at times. I will never be a Vivian Maier. People will never say my work is great or even very good. I take my image because it is fun. It is also my phototherapy .Yes, I’d love to be acknowledged as a good practitioner of the art. I’d also like to win the lottery. Both have about the same odds. Cheers. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@oneeyedphotographer]

An amateur makes photographs for the fun of it, not for a financial reward. Not necessarily a beginner. My photography is as good or better than many professionals, because I shoot a lot and think about it,

[@grahamfield1570]

Easy to get distracted by what other people are photographing, maybe to the extent you go to where they were to see what they were attracted by. Photographibg on your own means you are the only one deciding what to photograph, thus moulding your style.

[@georgevanmeter3179]

Loved the video. To me, living in Iowa, photographing in England would be exotic. The familiar is never as interesting as place X.

[@sicilia71]

I don't want to worry you Roman but you were being followed during this great video lol

[@snapsbyfox]

Not the first time haha

[@rico4.700]

16:50 feel this it sucks seeing people ik irl going to the most breathtaking places in africa asia etc. the main reason i dont open instagram unless im posting lol

[@ruff1draft]

Are you currently in Japan for a month again

[@kiwipics]

I'm me, and I do what I want, and not what a KZbinr tells me .... KZbin, social media and the internet didn't even exist when I started out in photography and I learnt from people that had more real talent in their little finger than most have these days. I started with a basic setup and was the brought up in a creative hot pot assisting many different types of photographers and using every type of analogue camera. My style changes as and when I please.

[@snapsbyfox]

Good for you

[@kiwipics]

​@@snapsbyfox.... Not meant at you, and anyone in particular, but I think KZbin, Instagram and any other source of advice / inspiration / influence shouldn't be followed blindly. I love your series of walks / interviews with other photographers.

[@snapsbyfox]

Oh I know, I didn’t mean it as a snarky reply! I meant good for you for sticking to your own lane / voice. I personally don’t pay attention to other photographers unless they are good mates.

[@RenelFrazer]

Comparison is the thief of joy

[@gashead2]

I failed number one rule, I have no hair to check 🤣🤣

[@janekszwarc8314]

Whats up with the color grading on the last couple videos is it just me or samething is a bit weird about it

[@snapsbyfox]

Agreed! Tried something new and didn’t work. Back to the more natural normal look for next video.

[@backyardjunkie]

Dude, your being followed.

[@ApothecaryDan]

The stalker in the background is not very good at being inconspicuous. 😆

[@mikskinner6431]

Avon Skin so Soft oil spray lotion/cream. Guaranteed to stop the midges.

[@vermis8344]

I've been in photography social media for just over a year, and I'm shocked by how miserable and bitter so many in this hobby are. They're resentful because they think the manufacturers owe them something; the content creators owe them something; their own gear owes them something. It makes you think there's a difference between photographers, and people (rabid consumers) who own camera gear. And the former does not come across as the majority.

[@dan.allen.digital]

Don't forget to print your work.

[@dccoletrain]

I don’t get nearly attacked by bugs now that I’m mostly carnivore w/o sugar. They can sense it. I need to get out more and shoot. I need more life experience than just watching videos.

[@snapsbyfox]

Yeah I’ve been smashing the sugar here. Japanese sweets are something else

[@mikehart5723]

Comparison is the thief of creativity

[@vproven]

I cannot help notice that you are being stalked by a beautiful blond woman. 😊 Nice post.

[@RenelFrazer]

I think that lady is following you 🥸

[@orsygodri1155]

I see your mum taking pictures herself in the background. Does she watch your videos or ever asks you about photography? Or do you ever tell he how she could have improved a picture she took?

[@colingerard7863]

Hi Roman. I am happy to have a camera and lens, happy to be able to get out and about to use them (old man statement), happy to chat with strangers and have interesting conversations, happy to get home and look at the memories of a day out snapping away at stuff. I am that guy, a happy snapper. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[@snapsbyfox]

That’s a great attitude!

[@juancarlosayala4580]

That’s a Hasselblad in the thumbnail

[@stefannilsson5907]

I think its a bad habit to shoot hand held single handed at arms length distance. Hold your camera firmly with both hands at your eye and avoid those blurry pictures.

[@snapsbyfox]

How do you think I will record the video? With my third hand?

[@TungstenOvergaard]

Your mum was taking photos with her phone. Very disappointing! 😉

[@snapsbyfox]

haha she deffo prefers the phone

[@ramey.street]

Best real and honest content out there. I always enjoy your vids, dude!

[@juneluv69]

Why that lady alway in the background?

[@snapsbyfox]

Stalker

[@juneluv69]

@@snapsbyfox lol

[@mariatheresesommar]

Who's the blonde woman in the background though? Looks like the same one in several places in the video 😆Hope you don't have a stalker! / Edited: oh okay, she seems to be your model - * continues to watch this mystery *

[@snapsbyfox]

haha my mum

[@Léon-x3c]

The irony of talking about following trends while in Kyoto of all cities isn’t lost on me.

[@snapsbyfox]

That’s right. My Mums dream was to visit Kyoto and Japan since she was young but she could never afford it. Now we can afford to do this trip and it’s a proud moment as a son. The stupidity of some comments isn’t lost on me either.

[@nicvorton]

@@snapsbyfoxNaughty. But funny.

[@uncledavesplace]

You might need to sort your hair. I need to make sure to wear a hat so the glare doesn't ruin my shots.

[@SpudUna]

Мой корабль на воздушной подушке полон угрей.

[@michaelgravlund9194]

I think a nice lady are following you... 😂

[@alandargie9358]

Great video, thanks! looked like you were boing followed by a lady? 😮

[@seebass7]

Anyone else notice this channel is now geared mainly towards beginners? Literally getting nothing out of these vids anymore but the same recycled and canned lists of do’s and don’ts

[@snapsbyfox]

Thanks for the feedback! What would you like to see that’s geared toward non beginners? I go by KZbin metrics. These videos clearly get views and help grow the channel, which as a business is kinda important. However please let me know what you’d like to see.

[@scyence69]

I personally don’t agree as much, there’s some recycled advice sure but not always. But if I were to give feedback I’d want some more intermediate tips like color grading. Or in general intermediate tips.

[@snapsbyfox]

The issue is many tips like colour grading etc don't get views. I know because I tried them already. Also I covered editing before. As much as it pains me to say, there isn't much point spending hours making a video that only a small fraction of the audience will watch. However this is where blogs / books come in

[@scyence69]

@@snapsbyfox That’s understandable, youtube is a hustle after all! Good thing I read the blog :)

[@Stickybutton]

Unfortunately, everyone wants to be famous like you.

[@mosesp6200]

Ok