Transcending the Rules - Shuhari

[@johnvienna3422]

Lukasz, great how you used Memory Lane to demonstrate following the rules/the crowd, then consciously avoiding the cliché, then returning (now as a master of your craft) to execute that craft when, where and how you wish. By the way, when you took my son and me along there last summer, it certainly didn't feel hackneyed to us! We had never seen an alleyway like that. Loved the shots of the guys with the cigarette.

[@EYExplore]

Thanks John! Yeah, you raise a good point. Everyone's perception of a place is unique too. Something has been shot a million times has no bearing on the experience of someone who is seeing it for the first time. I don't remember if I mentioned it but my wife and I have a little boy now. He's still around 5 months old, but growing fast. Already everything is novel and fascinating to him! I think maintaining a 'child mind' is crucial for good, authentic creativity. :)

[@quintonmckimm]

Omg he got a better jacket! 😘

[@EYExplore]

I haven't worn the red jacket in quite a few videos already haha. Also, it's seasonal. The red one is light, so spring/autumn. The black one is for winter only. :)

[@nigeldawson5960]

Lukas is back! Looking forward to an Eyexplore tour in May. See you then, man!

[@EYExplore]

Sounds great!! Looking forward to it! :)

[@RimasMiknev]

What an enjoyable video to watch. I love how well you articulate your message.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! :)

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

Hi, I enjoy your Ricoh GR videos in particular. Given the images you make I think you would appreciate the photography of Jan Staller who takes great shots of the industrial environment.

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! Our next video will feature the GR again. I just find I shoot at night so much and in low light the Nikon is just more practical. But I carry my GR with me every day! The works of Jan Staller are cool! :)

[@orbital2001]

So to simplify the Shuhari concept even more: 1 doing using math, 2 doing using logic and 3 doing by heart

[@EYExplore]

That's a nice way to simplify it! :)

[@Heatcliffsama]

the memory lane bit was a nice little sequence. Good example of how it's actually is, and a couple nice shots in it as well ❤

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! Glad you enjoyed that part! :)

[@peterleary8738]

Just wanted to say I really enjoy your channel. Your delivery is so relaxed and natural. Just got your new book, love it! Shows how important it is to document everyday life, things never stop changing. The pictures and commentary are great!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! I'm glad you enjoy this chill, kinda messy, off-the-cuff style! And thank you so much for getting the book! :)

[@vgchronicle]

The chef of our local ramen restaurant here actually uses Shuhari to create his dishes.

[@EYExplore]

That's great! It applies to anything. :)

[@vgchronicle]

@@EYExplore Yeah, I will pay attention to it in everyday life.

[@laxcdn]

懐かしいだった。新宿にほんとにかっこいいでした。My first two days of Japan were in Shinjuku in that area. Spent probably 6 hours walking and taking photos of everything. This also goes back to our discussion during the workshop on translation and interpretation of language and photography

[@EYExplore]

Yeah that was a great conversation! I ended up mentioning that in a recent video (can't remember which one) or maybe on a subsequent workshop. But anyway, I like that idea! :)

[@Alex-sw6sk]

Thanks for another teriffic video. I really enjoy your content, much more engaging than watching the plethora of gear critics. I look forward to booking a tour with you on my next trip to Tokyo. BTW: I purchased your book. Wonderful images. 🙂🙏

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much for enjoying the channel and buying the book! I look forward to meeting you in Tokyo some day! :)

[@moncilu]

I think I have a crush on this man

[@EYExplore]

Hahah! :)

[@moncilu]

@@EYExplore senpai noticed me

[@EYExplore]

@@monciluhahahaha. I do try to reply to ALL comments though. But this one made me laugh out loud for real. :)

[@moncilu]

@@EYExplore haha mission accomplished

[@andyjames]

So glad you're back! I recently came back from a 2 week trip to Japan and miss Shinjuku so much watching this. I watched all your videos religiously before my trip for inspiration for my photography. Cheers Lukas!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoy our channel! We have a few more videos in the pipeline! :)

[@paulm8157]

Welcome back, Lukasz. Enjoyable and pensive vid, w/theme that comes up from time to time on YT - usually about taking one’s photography “to the next level”. Techniques, composition “rules” and “breaking rules” are often mentioned. Then things get vague. My hunch is that you know you’ve reached the “next level” when others imitate what used to be your own unique style. At that point what was “special” becomes “common”, or (gasp) even a “new rule”. The cycle continues. How much of street photography is truly unique today? The same image tropes appear again and again (e.g., reflections, light traps, proximity shots). Does that make sense? It’s difficult to stay “on top”. Cheers!

[@EYExplore]

See, I guess what I was trying to say and perhaps failed is that there is no next level and more so the levels don't exist. There is just you and your art. That's it. You do it or you don't. I don't believe external cues should influence one's art significantly, but certainly positive feedback from a great community is wonderful! But it cannot be the driving force because such feedback is fickle. This also means that the 'uniqueness' of an image is completely irrelevant to me. Because again, that is an external cue. Only the internal matters when creating authentic art. At so it is my belief. :)

[@Apfelmusmaschine]

20:28 lukaz and Axel Spotted by paparazzi

[@EYExplore]

Haha, right!! I didn't notice that guy until you just mentioned it. So funny! People do sometimes tell me, "oh I saw you filming in Shinjuku" or something haha. :)

[@MykeBatez]

Thanks for the video, Lukasz & Axel! The city looked a lot more full and busy than the last handful of videos -- hopefully that means lots of good workshops for y'all. :) Always look forward to each video from my favorite photo guide(s). Cheers!

[@EYExplore]

Glad you like this one! The business depends on where we go haha. We shot the last few in less busy places and this one is literally in the busiest place on earth haha. :)

[@JanneRanta]

"Comparison is the thief of joy". One of the worst things you can do for your photography is to compare your work to someone elses.

[@EYExplore]

Absolutely! But I think we do that more than we realize when we follow the rules and values of online thinkers. My goal is always to help every one 'free your mind'. :)

[@warricksmith5178]

Welcome back, Lukasz!

[@EYExplore]

Thanks!! The gaps are getting longer, but always more to come! :)

[@phsyckomantis]

It does make a lot of sense.

[@EYExplore]

Glad to hear that! :)

[@vanlee0831]

You always give me a lot courage !!

[@EYExplore]

That's my goal!! So glad to hear that!! I really want people to feel creatively empowered after watching our videos! :)

[@JMatic-xk9vq]

Nikon love!

[@EYExplore]

Been using Nikon since 2010. Love it! :)

[@edwardsnowdenhero3142]

I bought a second hand D4 and found this channel, great!

[@EYExplore]

Awesome! I took my D4 out for a walk a little while ago. It still feels so good to use! Such a great camera! :)

[@JohanKhoo]

Great video - love the philosophical discussion, and loved seeing the spots you took us to last Sunday!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! Yeah, lots of the same spots in this video! :)

[@robertleeimages]

Recognised some images from the live stream editing

[@EYExplore]

Awesome!! It all comes together. :)

[@farisimadifik]

Finally 😂 long overdue

[@EYExplore]

We are slow! But more to come! :)

[@aboutphotography]

Great video, thank you!

[@EYExplore]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@TimS-pg5pv]

Some great insights here Lukasz. So 28mm is the street sweet spot in Tokyo? I'm sold. Will order your book!

[@EYExplore]

Thank you for getting the book! 28mm is the happy place for me, but I like 40mm also, and the last few days (the video was shot like a month ago) I've been using my 24-70 mostly at the long end (over 50mm). So, really everything works, but I do feel 28mm is very 'dynamic'. :)

[@Jiri3333]

Love your and Nikon colours😁

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! Please checked out my editing streams for more info on how I develop my photos. :)

[@Rumplestiltskin7]

👏👏

[@EYExplore]

:)

[@shadowrevival]

Hey saw you on shinjuku at 6P.M today forgot to ask for a selfie with you haha😅

[@EYExplore]

Haha, that's great! Yeah, I was out last night doing a workshop with a few cool dudes. :)

[@shadowrevival]

@@EYExplore haha yea love your videos as a fellow Nikon shooter! So bizzare seeing you irl while travelling as a tourist here haha😂

[@jimmyjazz95]

Great video Lukasz! Really dug your commentary and photos. You get stunning shots with that 28mm 1.4! I have a Nikon 28mm but it’s 2.8, so I really wanna get something faster as I love the focal length. Have you heard anything about the Viltrox 28mm f1.8? They make it for z mount and for the cheap price point it looks pretty great

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! I had a Viltrox 24mm 1.8 and it was pretty good! I'm sure the 28mm is also good, especially at that price point. The Nikon that I have is quite expensive. Actually, the price went up significantly for this lens from when I bought back in like 2018 or something. So, I would bet the Viltrox is a great substitute and better cost performance! :)

[@allen.9]

I’m taking your advice of using wanikani and I find myself looking at some kanji you pass by in these videos to see if I can read them lol.

[@EYExplore]

Awesome!! Yeah, I'm always reading random signs to practice my kanji haha. :)

[@bobk.53755]

Just bought your book on Amazon, can't wait to receive it. Do you have a brother here in Chicago by the name of Bart ?

[@EYExplore]

Thank you!! I do have a brother but his name is not Bart. :)

[@dct124]

Try finding a 35mm f/1.4 AI-S and 50mm f/2 Nikkor Switch up to manual focus. Both of these lenses were workhorses of the 70s and 80s by photojournalist.

[@EYExplore]

I used to shoot with manual Voigtlander 40mm f/2 for years and years. I also owned a few AI-S lenses. I'm well over MF for now. AF is where it's at for me. :)

[@dct124]

@@EYExplore You know you want to come back 😅

[@EYExplore]

@@dct124 Probably some day! Everything runs its course and old things feel new again. :)

[@TungstenOvergaard]

Are you coming back soon with a new camera? 😉

[@EYExplore]

I mean... right now it can't get better than a Z9 (at least for me). I doubt I'll be upgrading in the next few years. :)

[@TungstenOvergaard]

@@EYExplore I wasnt thinking in Z9 😉

[@SatanSupimpa]

I didn't remember the term shuhari, but I remember its concept, from this Vice mini documentary with Horiyoshi III I've watched quite a few years ago. The video still online, if anyone is interested /watch?v=ZOGWaVCrCsA

[@EYExplore]

Cool! I'm sure it's been talked about before, but I only heard about it a few months ago. It was new to me! :)

[@joshunboxing3332]

What camera and lens is being used for the video ??

[@EYExplore]

The video is shot on a Z6II and the 24-70 f/4 for Z mount. :)

[@joshunboxing3332]

wow! the quality is really good in low light and that's the kit lens. You know I really respect you for what you are doing, all the other channels hype up canon and Sony especially those "Peter Mckinnon" channels but you stuck with Nikon and through your videos you prove that Nikon is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a good camera. Personally i am not subscribed to those channels anymore because they are just doing what they do just for the money and views, but channels like yours I can feel the passion and love for the art@@EYExplore

[@easonliu5804]

May I ask which focusing mode you are using?

[@EYExplore]

I always use the 3D Tracking mode. :)

[@easonliu5804]

@@EYExplore Does the Nikon Z6ii have this focusing mode?

[@EYExplore]

@@easonliu5804Not quite. It has a mode called 'Subject Tracking'. It's almost the same but slightly different. But basically you can use it the same way. :)