WORK THAT MATTERS

[@rictrexell2118]

You never know how a picture you take will mean something to someone someday. As an example, when my mom was in the local nursing home, I took some pictures of things around the area and had 16X20 enlargements made up. Some were of the local car show. One was of a Model T hot rod with two guys looking at it. A nurse that worked there had a husband that has a car service station. When the nursing home decided to remodel, they sold the pictures and the nurse bought the car photos. One day a guy got a flat tire right outside of the service station. They told him to go into the waiting room and they would fix him up. He came out a few minutes later and asked how they got that picture of that car with the two guys next to it. The owner told him about me and then the guy said that the car was his and one guy was his late father and the other guy was his friend. He said the friend was coming over tonight. So the owner of the repair station gave him the picture. I had a new one made a few weeks ago and gave it to him. So it just goes to show that a picture you take today might mean something to someone you don't even know.

[@clarson2916]

At my current point in life, I have much more distance to look back at my photography, than to look forward. From this vantage point, I found your story so very relevant. The first thing that came to my mind, at the beginning of this video, was that as photographers we can find relevance by being more humble. Most often it’s not our story that is important. The subject of your photo is what matters. As a professional photographer, I tried to improve my photography, in a never ending effort, to give the most compelling images to the people to whom the subject mattered. If the subject is more universal, and the image is more compelling, the photograph matters to more and more people. At some point, a photo can become almost universal. Those are the photos we celebrate universally. But, the importance of the photo of the two guys and the model T hot rod, may be immeasurably important to the person who walked into that service station. Even if that photo is all you ever accomplish as a photographer, your work mattered.

[@Daniel_Zalman]

When you ask 'How do you know when you're are creating work that matters?,' that immediately begs the question "To whom?". To whom implies that you are seeking approval and or comparisons. That is a trap. If you consider photography an art, simply focus on your craft. Whether others think it's beautiful/meaningful or not is irrelevant. Vivian Maiers wasn't concerned with whether her work matters. She was simply happy to work on her craft. Just do the work and if that's not enough, then do something else. The meaning is in the doing.

[@prybin]

[1] Art is about conversation. You have to know what you are saying, what your voice is, what your message is. [2] Cut out everything that is extraneous, everything that interferes with your message. [3] Social paltforms are but a method of presenting your work to the public, of delivering your message to your audience. While views, likes, comments etc are proof that the conversation does actually take place, you should not let these things guide you; what matters is the message itself. Celebrate whatever response you get and stay true to your voice.

[@chubbyemu]

thanks Ted. i work in medicine, photography and youtube videos are a hobby. it's always hard to gauge success of anything i do outside of work-- a video i didnt like performs better than a video that has meaning to me. in medicine, success can be seen.. eg grandma gets out of the hospital and gets to see her granddaughter graduate from college. it's so much more subjective here in art

[@ikaros4203]

I liked seeing you here :) just dont go chugging C-41 development chemicals for tiktok lolllllllllllll

[@abalavam]

never expected to see you here" I think that what a lot of people appreciate from your videos is that you do not care what image of yourself you portray to the outside world. You are just being yourself and showing all your facets and experiences. Keep it up! I enjoy your content a lot.

[@kgardika]

"A photographer who promotes a humanistic agenda on the internet." This is how I just introduced your channel to a friend and hope it is a fair description! I have so much to thank you for.

[@CharlieSill62VO]

OMG TED!!!!! You are nominated by us to give a TED talk! Creating anything takes thought, planning, a vision and having the courage to share it! Brilliant piece here man!

[@mr_mr]

Great idea actually. A fit topic on "work" in general. Not just photography.

[@chrisz7252]

your channel is an example of work that matters. Thank you very much. - Christopher from Sydney, Australia

[@davidrothschild8913]

You're preaching to the choir in my heart Ted. Thanks for the passion.

[@AuthenticSound]

And I love to see your work, David, to show up from time to time in my FB feed, it really stands out !

[@earledeblonville]

As an Australian, it is such a joy to discover such a wise, thoughtful, intelligent, respectful and articulate American. And even more so, a grounded gentleman with such an encyclopaedic knowledge of his craft, and a willingness to engage en pointe, driven by a sincere desire to help others. That is both art and success, in and of itself. Added to Ken Rockwell's vast technological knowledge, you two together are a great gift to photography.

[@ThePosiview]

Ted, I know Saul Leiter through you and I thank you for this. I watched an interview with him. I almost wept with joy. Keep the content PASSIONATE. Thanks.

[@CalHarmer]

For me, work that matters is whatever work satisfies your soul. It's a bit of a pussy way to put it, I know, but I think as an artist there can often be this feeling on dissatisfaction in life, and I believe work that matters is whatever fills that gap for you as an artist. For some people it's shining light in dark places through photojournalism, for others it could be creating incredible portraits or landscapes or whatever. If it satisfies your soul and fills that gap, then it matters.

[@Moodboard39]

Can't be one without you working for the media ...can't access certain places

[@jsal999999]

Does my work matter? Yes, but only to me. I never worry about criticism, nor do I have to seek buyers, nor do I feel any pressure to get out and produce. I shoot what I want, when I want. Having said that, I don't show my photography to anyone, because I do it for my own pleasure. No in my circumstance the money is not good, it's nonexistent. But for me it's not about the money. When a photographer does photography, for the purpose of getting it before as many eyes as possible, isn't that something other than photography?

[@johndonoghue3256]

I was a student of Dave Heath in his final years at Ryerson. I truly believe that he was fed up with the gatekeepers in the art world who care for money more than meaning. Before I headed to Ottawa three years ago to see his retrospective at the National Gallery of Canada, I said to a friend that I was so happy to see him finally get respect but that I could accept that his show would not be promoted in a big way. Walking to the gallery in the midst of a blizzard I saw backlit posters all over the downtown core and then a three story banner, at the gallery, promoting the show. He stayed true to his art and he inspired others...and he impressed those who had the emotional maturity to understand him. So what if more people see the work of the celebrity paparazzi photographer who wore the football helmet? In the end we should ask ourselves is there meaning in adapting or staying true to oneself. Great art comes from those who look for meaning within themselves. Sometimes, just sometimes, the respect comes but that's truly not what's most important.

[@franzsalvatierra]

This is why I love your channel. I've seen(let alone met) few people who have this passion for their work and can embrace with blind faith the idea of creativity.

[@empireshand]

I used to reach photography almost two decades a go. Due to life, i quit photography and became a illustrator and designer. Now i`m coming back to photography as an artist. I true belive that photography is my purest form of art, because I have no interference from anybody. No client to say how i must shot, no subject other than what i chose to. It’s jus me and my projects. And this is some kind of freedom that no other art gives me. Your channel has become one of my favorites. And it’s inspiring me on this return. Thank you.

[@choschiba]

Today I didn´t feel very well. But you were really able to brighten up my day. Please don´t excuse yourself getting off track. It simply happens when you are passionate about what matters to you.

[@mr_mr]

I agree, on the contrary, that talk was completely on track.

[@choschiba]

Mark Roudebush For me too. I could listen to him for hours!

[@JimLi]

Out of all the photography channels/resources/blogs, Ted, you are the most dedicated and inspiring one!

[@PJCampbell100]

This came about at the exact right time for me - applies to all work, not just photography. Love your show Ted, thanks for sharing your heart.

[@studioichiro]

Work that matters in my opinion is work that makes you question or re-examine the benign, the banal, it makes the everyday extraordinary, or even vice versa, and if the work is really great it redefines social paradigms, it changes public opinions. Thank you for your passion and understanding of photography.

[@danieljonesfoto381]

This is why we watch your show. Your raw, passionate feeling for the subject matter and thoughtful insight. You apologize for rambling and getting carried away, but, it's like listening to someone in a coffee shop sat right in front of you talking about the art form we love. Best channel on KZbin for photography.

[@caleblozano2618]

this is great information! I fell like I've been sitting in a slump with my photography lately. but I think about it now and I've been focusing a lot on how I take a photo and what others will think about my photo. I have not been thinking about what this photo means to me and what kind of story I am telling behind it.

[@rejeannantel1185]

I think people are mixed up when talking about work that matters. We have been programmed to categorize just about everything that there is, whether that be in music, films, paintings genres and styles, writings, and photography. Now it seems that someone is waiting for a winning recipe that will guide them straight to that target. They are waiting to be told what they should do and choose. Should they choose fine arts, documentary photography and avoid modeling or advertising photography. The answer to that is ‘Do your own thing, the things you love and that you can identify with’. What’s more important is how you choose to portray what you do. Just like you said Ted, it’s the end results that count and not the way you get there. But like you also say, we all got to work hard at it. When everybody is going ‘mainstream’ people should do just the opposite, as long as what they do represent the values they identify with. I’m sure that everybody has his own personal opinion about the daily news and what’s going on in the world. Some may reflect mainstream visions but others may be more personal views. Maybe we all should focus on what makes us different. The ‘mainstream’ way to photograph babies is to show how beautiful they are but one might choose to represent them in a different manner and personify them in their more vulgar way, one which may tell us more about that baby’s nature and character. What’s important here, is that the photographer is in control, he is the one that will press the shutter at a given time. Whether we like it or not, we all have been program to respond to external stimuli in a similar way. We follow trends and fashion to please people and in doing so, we think we please ourselves. The first path to creativity should be find your own path. Learn to ask questions and answer them Yourselves. Nobody should tell you who you are, you are your own judge. If you are true to yourself and start to please yourself than you just might reach people that think alike, that feels your work. It’s not about the amount of people who likes your work, it’s about reaching people that can identify with what you do, whatever that is. Who knows, you might start a new trend, and be on your way to be a celebrity. While this may seem like an exposé where I know all the answers, nothing is farther than the truth. I’m just sharing part of my personal experience where those things help me grow in that media. Like I said in a previous comment, I photograph to explore who I am - and I think that I’m on the right path. I just got to find a way to show that path in my work (and work hard at it). Very nice video Ted. I love it when you challenge us, for us to ask the right questions.

[@porschepanamera92]

These videos are the reason why I'm subscribed for so many years. You talk about the essence of photography in my opinion. Work that matters is exactly what you talked about, again in my opinion. It can matter to yourself or it can matter to more people close around you or all over the world. I think that 'work that matters' is work that deeply moves people in any kind of way. (not talking about being angry about a certain post processing approach on a picture in a facebook group or so) If your image is able to make someone or yourself laugh, cry or anything else, then I think it's worth it. It evoked an emotion so it mattered in a way to the person who was moved by looking at it.

[@winedemonium]

Never 'calm down' Ted. This is your rallying call for us all to work a bit harder on what matters to us individually, seek supportive constructive criticism, but cut out the noise, and forget about how the world values our creative work. It's a heartfelt and useful message to the community you have built up here.

[@friedricengravy6646]

Im a painter who loves black & white photography. I really enjoy ur channel/content & admit that u have turned me on to many artists/photographers that I now have the joy of experiencing. Thank u! I hope the other viewers catch & appreciate the light in this live shot of u speaking. The contrast emphasizing the glow over ur right shoulder (our left) has to b intentional & what a great image it creates?!?! The composition in general…… Dark w/glow on our left, gray to white on our right. Ur head is even slightly off center to our left (ur right). Perfect-O 👌🏻🥳 The point? In my opinion, this shows the passion u pour into every detail connected to ur work. We can all b inspired by such. Thanks again 📸 🎨

[@danevans9347]

Another great vid.. Perfect explanation of the work of art. When the greats of photography created their work, they didn't worry about how good their work was, They just lost themselves in their art. Art creates art.

[@TaiChiBeMe]

In a way I've come to realize that it's not really important what or how the photograph that I made "looks like." It comes down to how it makes me feel when I look at it. This is especially true when it comes to photographs that I shot myself (for years I made my living as a darkroom tech making photographs for others). If I am honest with myself, a photograph is meaningful only when the print successfully makes me feel the way I felt when I came across the scene. Something makes me stop to make an exposure and many times it is not clear to me why that is. I only notice something special and then I approach the subject and make an exposure. Most of the time the photograph fails, even though I attempt to make a print that works. But sometimes after many attempts I finally make a print that feels right. And then I note that the photograph is meaningful. And that matters.

[@patyeaman]

Every photographer (who takes their own work seriously) sets a personal goal, a reason why they make photos. These reasons are often as diverse as the people who make the images. But if each continues to strive toward his/her own personal goal, then THE WORK MATTERS. Maybe not to the world at large but in their world of that particular photographer and that should be enough.

[@samt73]

Anyone who questions your ethics regarding that "nobody cares about your photography" video clearly hasn't watched enough of your videos to get to know you! Wouldn't take any of that to heart. Keep up the hard work bud.

[@zonghanhong2549]

I used to argue a lot with my friend about how to shoot portraits and post-production(he prefers to do a lot in Photoshop). I'm gonna always do it my way. Stay true to the photography, stay true to our own opinions being carried through the images, capture the real moment. Thank you for this great and inspiring video!

[@miguelgarrido7189]

Ted, we love that fuel you transmit! Don't apologize. You're inspiring thousands of people who see photography as a way to regain the joy of life and creativeness. 'Ars longa, vita brevis'. Hipocrates. This can be rendered into English as 'life is short, the art (craft/skill) long, opportunity fleeting, experiment treacherous, judgement difficult'. Period. That would lead us to interpret the meaning of essence in photography as 'it takes a long time to acquire and perfect one's expertise and one has but a short time in which to do it'. Our pleasure is to hear from you soon. You bright. Greetings from Madrid.

[@RogerFennLPCC]

"Your right is to action alone, but never to its fruit. Let not the fruit of your action, be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction." Bhagavad Gita Verse 2:47 Lord Krishna's advice to Arjuna on the battle field of life. Do what brings you the most Joy in life, act from your heart and you will always be happy and very likely be doing some good as the secondary gain not the primary. To measure what you do by how other's react to it well most likely you will go through life happy one moment and depressed the next, you will be like a yo yo, up and down all the time. I think you are a good example Ted for all us. Like Saul Leiter your work on KZbin has quality, integrity and dignity. I believe you act from your heart and do what you love and as a result you help and inspire others. You may not be the most famous person in the photography world, you may not have the most viewers on KZbin, but you do o'k and do much good. If your goal was to have the most viewers, if you measured everything you did by wanting to attract the most viewers, I do not believe your content would be as good and as inspiring as it is. Thanks for what you do. Peace

[@DoctorCrankysLabRATory]

You are on a great roll with these videos, Ted. Thank you for the bucketfuls of inspiration.

[@thepassionofphotography321]

The name says it all: 'Social' media. It is a media for socializing. Many artists, most artists, are shy, are even introverts. They suck at socializing, therefore, many artists are 'not good' on social media. On the other hand, people know how to kiss @$$, or good at running their mouth, usually blossom on social media. The answer is easy, artists spend time on crafting, others spend time talking. If you are good at both, then you would be discovered at no time and become famous and would be considered that 'your works matter'.

[@philipd.6257]

Passionate, Precise and Inspiring! Excellent Mix! I cannot think of any fine art photographer who ever was preoccupied with the idea in mind regarding its value, historical significance, fame, or public reaction. They see(saw)the world a certain way, respond to it, and form an image of parts of that world. Within this ongoing process what truly matters is increasing skill levels, fine tuning vision, and formulating, clarifying, enhancing, nurturing and building upon those necessary elements that ultimately define your own vision and personal style. This will also steer you to the right photo books, the right images and photographers(not necessarily famous) to be studying, and the valuable resources to tap into, such as this vlog.. This is of course a process that is ever evolving. And to respond to James Harris; Your work matters to me, also. It is import that we inspire each either. We are each others resource. The important thing that you have to offer is what no one else here can provide...your own personal vision.

[@johnmobbs]

Ted, I have been in a hole wondering what to photograh and why. You have just reawakened my desire to take photographs again. Your enthusiasm and passion to follow your own dream rather than someone else's is inspiring. Thank you so much.

[@itsmetonylei2540]

people often relate work that matters to earning a living. Unfortunately they are not mutually exclusive. The best answer I have gotten was from a friend/documentary film maker and photographer. "when you don't produce the work and it feels like you can't breathe, that's when you know you have found your passion. You will fight for every last breath."

[@drewbuckmaster7289]

Great questions and really good comments from Ted. At the end of the day it only matters that you enjoy what you do and are having fun taking pics. If people enjoy what you have taken that is a bonus. One of the best quotes I have heard about measuring success is " achievement without fame is a good life, fame without achievement is no life at all". For me taking pics is all about having fun and pushing myself creatively.

[@paulvreeland6763]

I'm happy this video was posted as a continuation of a discourse that began with the "Nobody Cares" vlog. The discourse may be more important than a diversity of pat answers. There are people in my life that matter, howbeit, some more than others. Some of the work that matters to me is the work that I want to share with them. Two things enable me to be generous: 1) having something of personal value [my photography, my writing, my art] that I want to share and 2) knowing people that matter to me. Add one and the other and you get three, because the capacity to give is yet another gift.

[@MatthiasGarner]

Ted! As a fairly recent subscriber... I'm really loving this and many other recent videos. Your passion for these topics, for work that matters--these bring me inspiration for both my photography and for my [completely unrelated] doctoral studies right now. Thanks so much for everything, brother. I look forward to every upload for the insight and perspective.

[@jlid1]

Personally I like it when you rant about something, it shows you have a true passion for that subject, no matter what it is. That's what drew me into your videos in the first place. you are a man that clearly knows what he is talking about, and doesn't BS you about it. And you don't have a script. As for the 'work that matters' subject, it seems to me that it's really open to interpretation for the most part, and it's not an easy subject to nail down. I guess it comes down to, doing what you like. Taking photographs that speak to you, doing something that you are happy with, but at the same time you feel like you can get better at, and try to get better at, so that you don't get stuck in ruts, and do the 'easy thing'. If it gets out there on social media, or whatever platform wherever and people really like it and you make a name for yourself, that's great. Then you have made work that matters to other people, and not just yourself. Anyway, thanks again for everything!

[@nadiyaa.a.m.m]

Back in 2012 when I was 16, I felt embarrassed for being more interested in the other (not so fancy) side of Dubai during a vacation and never shared most of the pictures I've taken there. It was my first attempt at street photography. I wish I had discovered this more than amazing KZbin channel earlier. It would have definitely changed the way I thought about photography during my teenage years. Your videos are not only inspiring and motivating, they're life changing for me :) Thank you!!!

[@JamesHarr_TGD]

I'm glad you posted this video to clarify "work that matters". I have a small online community that I interact with and we share photos and appreciate and encourage each other. To me that matters. I will make no money, I will have practically zero social impact, but if a friend says, "thanks for sharing that", then I put it in the win column. So thanks for sharing this Ted.

[@Sunrazor]

Oh my... how many photographers would benefit from watching this video. This is the core and essence of photography. But todays society is so focused on stuff that it is hard to see through for many. Excellent video.

[@leonardo747]

I love this. I feel you have, in a few minutes of rambling, gone a long way toward separating "wheat from chaff". You dissected the good bad & ugly of social media. You honestly discuss the fact that it is fine for each of us to be fiercely proud of the work that we do & attach great meaning to it, but that it does not necessarily follow that anyone else will be so moved: and that is okay. I like what I create. I share it in the hope that others might appreciate it. I like getting the "thumbs ups", the "attaboys". Who doesn't? However, if I create JUST for the recognition, then it is just one more ego trip. I thank you for helping me keep my feet on the ground and look forward to your continued commentary on this fascinating subject.

[@miguelangelo_]

"try to create work that makes sense" really sums it up for me. Social Media, although I get it, it's good for promoting your work, I feel that it can many times skew the creative effort if you become a slave of the "Like" feedback. Nothing should be more important than the consistency on making some sort of sense with what you create.

[@indiehorse]

Hi. First up, just a general big thanks for creating the channel. I've only recently happened upon it and subscribed, and your content is exactly what I've been yearning for in a photography channel. Now, on to the subject at hand... I feel fairly confident in convincing myself that I'm creating work that matters - on a very small scale, of course. The focus of my photography is small music shows. Sure, I'm not the only concert photographer out there, but I am heavily entrenched in niche, interconnected music scenes and believe I am building a body of work that documents things that otherwise wouldn't be documented. But I'm not just writing this to pat myself on the back - there's a flip side. This is the photography I'm doing and enjoying and consider worthwhile, and is essentially a project I will keep working on until I go deaf, but I worry that because I'm so content it results in me not pushing myself enough artistically. I guess I need another project, but when I do try something different, that something different is something that doesn't feel meaningful.

[@charlesthompson5264]

Copy the Masters and learn the craft. Find what you want and you've created the box. When you're in a box you must be creative. If you are creative, you know what matters. You will have become the Master. Love what you are doing, shining a light on the path!

[@Nanou197373]

It's very true, in the sense that people always seem to want to expect something back. If you forget about that, and just do what you really feel you want to do, that's the right way of going about it. The feedback is totally irrelevant. If one person likes it, you've been successful, but that's not the point. It's more about at that moment having the desire to communicate something. It's a release in a way. Some people it's pointless to moan on social media...well, constructively speaking, yes, as it's not acting upon changing something, but it's a release. If you bottle it up, it's even more useless. Social media has its flaws, but overall, I've had a similar experience too: I've ended meeting some of my best friends through it, who I later met, and still hang out with to this day. It's just a communication tool. Anyway, good topic, and yes I agree with you Ted. All the best to you & everyone here.

[@paulvreeland6763]

I've read all of the comments posted to date and I think the dialog is work that matters. I especially appreciate the fact that the video has inspired others to share. It has moved people to do something of value.

[@obsoleteoptics]

What is work that matters? It is passionate. It reminds me of a couple of quotes from _House of Leaves_: “Passion has little to do with euphoria and everything to do with patience. It is not about feeling good. It is about endurance. Like patience, passion comes from the same Latin root: pati. It does not mean to flow with exuberance. It means to suffer.” “There are seven incarnations (and six correlates) necessary to becoming an Artist: 1. Explorer (Courage) 2. Surveyor (Vision) 3. Miner (Strength) 4. Refiner (Patience) 5. Designer (Intelligence) 6. Maker (Experience) 7. Artist. First, you must leave the safety of your home and go into the dangers of the world, whether to an actual territory or some unexamined aspect of the psyche. This is what is meant by 'Explorer.' Next, you must have the vision to recognize your destination once you arrive there. Note that a destination may sometimes also be the journey. This is what is meant by 'Surveyor.' Third, you must be strong enough to dig up the facts, follow veins of history, unearth telling details. This is what is meant by 'Miner.' Fourth, you must have the patience to winnow and process your material into something rare. This may take months or even years. And this is what is meant by 'Refiner.' Fifth, you must use your intellect to conceive of your material as something meaning more than its origins. This is what is meant by 'Designer.' Six, you must fashion a work independent of everything that has gone before it including yourself. This is accomplished through experience and is what is meant by 'Maker.' At this stage, the work is acceptable. You will be fortunate to have progressed so far. It is unlikely, however, that you will go any farther. Most do not. But let us assume you are exceptional. Let us assume you are rare. What then does it mean to reach the final incarnation? Only this: at every stage, from 1 thru 6, you will risk more, see more, gather more, process more, fashion more, consider more, love more, suffer more, imagine more and in the end know why less means more and leave what doesn't and keep what implies and create what matters. This is what is meant by 'Artist.”

[@obsoleteoptics]

Side note: there's some pretty amazing work going on over in the Lomography community, and in the interest of shameless self-promotion, I invite you or anyone else reading this to check out my home at www.lomography.com/homes/b2377 Thanks for keeping me inspired, Ted!

[@herrerambp]

This is a great video because you provide valuable insight without claiming to be all knowing. One of the most important points you make and something I believe is important for contemporary artists who want to get noticed is to make art that is concurrent and very much about the time in which you live. Far too often you see photographers who look back at the greats and try to approach work in the same way they did. That is a very short road to failure. Failure doesn't necessarily mean lack of income but it certainly means a lack of presence, aka making work that noone will care about in a year or so. All the points you make are important because there seems to be a fine line (to people that are perhaps uneducated in fine art) between work that looks good and work that will be exhibited.

[@herrerambp]

a second comment I wanted to make is that social media is incredibly powerful now. It has never been easier to get your work out there. as long as you post often enough and of a consistent quality you will find a following of people who want to see your work. Best case scenario: you have thousands of followers who want to buy prints of your work and share it. Worst case scenario: you still have shown your work to people, many who wouldn't have seen it had you just kept it to yourself. There isn't much to lose by putting your work out there.

[@Halfpint71]

My work matters to me and me only. I'm done trying to impress or satisfy other people, be it photographers or anyone else. I use to want my work to be popular, to have people talk about it and like it (not in the social media sense "like"), to be validated in some way. But i realised (fairly quickly) that i only wanted to impress myself. I declined an invitation to a photography club purely because i really didn't care what any of those photographers thought of my work. I still don't. I post my work on social media just for kicks and giggles, if you like it, then cool. If you don't, that's cool too. If you tell me why you don't like it, that's even cooler. Because then i have constructive criticism and from that i can improve my work and THAT'S WHAT MATTERS TO ME :) Good rant, Ted. You're always very passionate about photography and it's infectious.

[@nakata4713]

I think it is a mistake to search for a formula that gives you the answer to this question, I know I was on this route for a long time. Thank you Ted, keep up the good work.

[@2Langdon]

Great, what a relief from endless guff on gear. Really enjoyed this along with the "Nobody cares" video. As a slight aside, isn't that what most of us feel at times - why am I bothering, nobody gives a **&%* ? But, work that matters. Matters in what way and to whom? Thankfully photography is such a huge (and expanding) universe it's doubtful any single one of us can see all its zones and locations, subjects, content and forms. There is room and more for all of us, whatever our ability, equipment or intention. All of us and many times more, can wander within and find a space to suit our own abilities and desire. To explore and communicate all that is possible within photography actually needs, requires all of us to keep doing our piece, whatever it is. And discussion on this level reminds us that there is a point - every click of the button is an attempt to communicate, to capture a visual representation of ourselves and our world and that's vital feedback in an incredible myriad of forms both to ourselves and our society.

[@JPKVan17]

I admit, I have a great deal of difficulty with the topic “work that matters”. I’m never sure about what people are talking about; profit, fame or influence. Most of us will never know if our work matters. If it influences even one person, it matters. It is very likely, that we, the work and the audience will remain relatively unknown. If what “matters” is recognition for our work then that will most likely be more work than the work itself Work never done never matters. Love the fire and brimstone.

[@RocheKnows]

Agree with _everything_ you said! Photography has entered a state of hyper-awareness with resolution, burst rates and megapixels. The world is obsessed with the newest cameras that make last months model seem out of date. Generally speaking, I think pixels have taken over ideas. In a lot of cases (not all) and the importance of telling a story, your own story has taken the back burner in a lot of peoples minds. The wonderful thing about photography is that *everyone has a voice*. It's easy to scroll past someone's image, only taking note of it because of its compositional value, or it's sharpness and forgetting the power of storytelling. That's just my opinion anyway. -Tom

[@rubencr]

Kafka wanted his writings destroyed upon his death and the friend that was going to do it was about to when he read a piece and decided it was too good to destroy, Vermeer wasn't relevant for centuries. Likes on social media are not metering systems of relevance. Only of momentary acceptance. History and chance reveal some of the important ones. Most will remain anonymous and forgotten. We have to decide what is important to us and if what we are doing has a meaning to us. If by luck others agree, splendid. If not it shouldn't be our main objective in the first place. Expression in any artistic way is exactly that: expression from within, the sharing of a view point, of a subjects image. Some will like it, others won't. This is why I rarely share images on social media and tend to shoot film. I do it for myself,to learn, to improve and to find that one angle to capture what I see

[@christoombes7875]

This is a video that matters and never apologize for showing passion about any subject. Big thumbs up and thanks for the inspiration your videos provide.

[@iii-ei5cv]

Know what came before you. Know what the boundaries of the field are. I think these two are all you can use to determine the "worth" of work, but it might be better to think of it as an objective approach to making meaningful work in any medium. There's a concept in literature of the "literary canon", which essentially says there are a group of writers whose work has been studied by everyone, and is generally considered to be important, especially by those that strive to create meaningful work themselves. I think it's instructive to look at literature as an example of "how to become canonical" or "how to make sure your work will be remembered". You start by studying the old masters, copying when possible to learn a particular technique or idea, and changing what you think doesn't work. What you end up having in "canonical" literature is a series of big ideas, or tropes, that are pretty much timeless once you strip away some of the superficial details. I think to me a clear example of this is Sebastiao Salgado vs Richard Mosse. Both worked with Magnum Photos at one point, and I think it's fair to say that while they ostensibly worked in the documentary tradition, both employ a very pronounced aesthetic so that their work borders what you can call "fine art". At the same time, aesthetic wasn't the purpose, but means to an end- both were primarily interested in drawing attention to a region and to problems, particularly in Africa. Salgado came first, and the photos he took in black and white stand out for their deep black tones and heavy contrast. Mosse, on the other hand, took a series of photos during the war in the Eastern Congo using color IR film that creates these really surreal photos where the dark foliage is transformed into striking pinks. Mosse has said on a number of occasions that part of the reason to use such vivid colors was because he recognized that not only has black and white already been done quite often, the resulting photos reinforce the narrative that Africa itself is "dark", and the characters there are really acting in harmony with their environment. His work, on the other hand, draws a stark contrast between the participants in these armed conflicts, their victims, and the environment they are inhabiting. Mosse took what came before him, recognized the power of a pronounced aesthetic in telling a story, and used a different technique in order to expand the photographic canon. If you want to make work that matters in a creative field, you need use the same process that has worked for 95% or more of canonical artists (I doubt it's possible at all to become part of a canon while ignoring what came before, but I suppose the chance of this isn't actually 0). Study the methods of the "old masters", because even what we are told about their methods (eg Ansel Adams' "zone system") is of no use until we apply it and see what the limitations of the method or form actually are. Once you understand the work of the masters, you can begin to tug away at some of their conventions- that is, experiment and push the boundaries. If you are dedicated only to mastering the abilities of the past, you'll be stuck in the past, and not be taken seriously since you're contributing nothing new. If you *reject* past work and past masters, you will either make "period pieces" that cater to the whims of the contemporary public, or you'll go so far as to make it impossible for anyone to see genius in your work instead of as an intelligent evolution of what came before

[@MrJonymacarroni]

I am just writting an essay for university on art nowadays and this video has aported loads to it. Thanks Ted!

[@Lucscaiuoker]

I found you a few months ago... I'm happy I did! You inspire me to go further into photography. To rediscover it... I was stuck seeing it as a Job and I had lost the love I felt when i was a kid. Now i'm coming back to it in it's raw version and you are being part of that process... Thanks again. Keep doing amazing videos.

[@darkendkefka]

This might be your most philosophical video in the years I've followed you, but it's the most inspiring. This should be a lecture on any art form. Love this!!

[@cwalshie]

It's absolutely incredible that this is uncut - you're a very articulate and fluent speaker. THIS is work that matters - thank you for that.

[@michaeljameskerrigan]

Great stuff Ted. Your passion about the subject you love shines through. The views and knowledge you share are both instructional and very entertaining. Reading the many messages sent to you by so many viewers of your channel are testament to the value of your work. These accolades are very much deserving of all your efforts. Looking forward to tuning in to many more episodes to come. MJK.

[@fraumirtanabloggt.8875]

Yes, I have enjoyed that rant. Tremendously. I even smiled. And you were asking for opinions, so I did a little thinking and came up with some thoughts on the matter. I don't know if it counts as opinion but I'm trying to sell it anyway ;-) That thing with social media nearly got me to throwing down my camera and never touching it again. Because I made the big mistake of thinking that all those hearts and likes and thumbs up would say something about the value of what I did with various cameras. I got very disappointed when images that took me a lot of thinking and arranging and composing would fall through in social media. Nearly nobody liked hearted or shared those images. Putting so much effort into something and then people would just scroll on without leaving a kind word or at least a like? What the ...?!? And then I posted some silly sunset picture taken at the beach. Really nothing special, just another meaningless sunset image, a stupid snapshot without any thought behind it. And this thing got likes and hearts and thumbs up and the whole shit. This made me understand something: people like sunsets, no matter how badly they're shot. But they don't care for funny pictures of lovingly arranged and composed vegetables that tell a crime story - for example. They don't care for the work and effort behind a picture. They don't dish out likes and thumps up and whatnot because they gave an image the benefit of some thoughts. They randomly like what they see and that has nothing to do with the work and effort I put into an image. If you're lucky you just tapped into the hot shit that goes around (coffeepot on a white blanket with a newspaper and some perfect shaved legs shot from above, anyone?!). I agree with you on this point. Social media is great to get to know people if you put an effort into it. I'm running a blog for nearly 13 years now and met some great people because of that. It's not the right tool to get real feedback that helps me to improve my skills. If I'm lucky I get something like "Awesome shot!" and honestly? That's nice but doesn't help me in the slightest. So I'm struggling with photography and trying to become better in what I do - on my own. Finding people who are able to critizise without being plain mean and who know how to do that in an encouraging way are hard to come by. Work that matters? To me that's the work I make my family and my friends happy with. I love the thought that some day, when he is all grown up, my nephew (and his yet unborn sibling) will go through all those pictures I've taken and having a good time remembering. Their childhood and things we did as family. I love being the strange and crazy aunt with the camera glued in front of her face. I also love giving photos to friends. That's something very personal for me. To create a picture of a moment spent together, something they can look at and it brings back happy memories. This matters to me. Yes, I'm not creating big art that one day will pay my bills. But hopefully I'm creating something that the people in my life that really matter like to look at. So, this rambling comment got rather long. And I really tried to keep my words on a tight leash, doesn't seem like it has worked, huh? Have a nice sunday :-)

[@markquiram9012]

I am starting my third time through this video. You have had many videos that I have learned so much about past AND present more famous photographers. Your "how to" videos and others were good and informational but this . . . This was amazing! The video, "This got Personal" was fantastic as well. I am only now beginning to understand what you mean by, "Work that matters." I love what you said about not having control over what matters. It was deep, introspective but inspiring and freeing at the same time. These videos truly are - work that matters. Can not wait to see what you have coming in the future. Thank you.

[@cks796]

I love watching your videos, Ted. I stumbled on to your video "No one cares about your photography" recently. This was at a time where I was considering giving up Photography which has been my passion for seven years. I was ready to sell all of my equipment and walk away from it all. Losing your passion for something is never easy and it was killing me inside knowing this. I found the video's title a little...brash. But the message in that video was important to me and made me realize a few things about myself and the fact that I wanted more attention for the photos I was shooting than going out and just enjoying the experience. I watched this video because of the title. I'm trying to get my head wrapped around the message of "Do work that matters" and I think I'm starting to get a good handle on it now. However, my question pertains to Social Media. Social Media to me is killing my desire to get out and shoot. I created a site to showcase my Photography and that too is slowly killing my drive. So I've resolved to not use Social Media as much (or at all) to try to drive me further into being a Photographer. In this video you say that Social Media is important for getting our work out there to the masses but you didn't explain the negative drawbacks to Social Media and the arts and how to help counter act that. I'd be interested to hear what you have to say on that front as every video I've watched so far from your channel is insightful and well said. Thanks! -Chris

[@majopgalli]

wow Ted!! what a mind blowing speech! absolutely loved it!! I found it very inspiring!! I totally agree to everything you said and also I'd like to add that partly at the creative process we need to check in our work if we've been successful at expressing our original intention, otherwise, keep trying and working hard till we finally do it

[@wtr4397]

Ted....good morning. I only recently discovered your videos. Work that matters, or what I refer to as satisfying work, requires a connection to place and time. Having an opportunity to take photos, learn and share makes for an even fuller life. Your work and that you are sharing, matters. Regards....Wayne

[@jaiskreno]

I love your chanel. Im 14 and I want to say THANK YOU for inspiring me to push my boundaries and thank you for making me interested in the art of photography.

[@houseofsteezy4119]

Konstantin Malaev same boat

[@terrybuchanan1]

I have always loved this subject of the history of the artists' lives and theories. please do more occasionally.

[@panchosaula1719]

Dear Ted, Thanks for this video. I see that many of us are lost in the same avenue of what is the next step in order to make a difference. I've only been shooting for 1 year and a half and although I follow my guts I still have not found a personal and unique voice. I enjoy photography right now but It will matter when I reach a level where my body of work has the strength to communicate a message. I love your show. Best, Pancho

[@lukasprochazkaprod]

Ted I love how you got passionate yet stayed very sane and very logical...I can't agree with you more...and thank you for remending me what to strike for...sometimes we compromis or forget what we stand for in order to be more popular, more appealing to others....

[@julesnoelsmith]

another excellent episode. these types of videos are one of the reasons i love the show so much. thanks ted!

[@TedVieira]

Good video, Ted. Nicely done, man!

[@sutirthade]

no words .. i just feel the passion and it makes me want to go out and make an attempt to make work that matters.. thanks for everything you do through this.. God Bless you Ted

[@LeslieSosaphoto]

I've been following your show from the beginning, and I've never seen you get so passionate abut a subject. It's fricking awesome! I'm not trying to blow smoke up your .......... but your program is work that matters. The art of photography has inspired and help thousands of people and in a personal note, I believe it's made me a better photographer. I guess what I'm trying to say is not how well produced it is, it's the content and the effect it has on other people.

[@Boarder5566]

I do theater photography which is not that famous then other type, I only saw Josef Koudelka's photographs. But I love it! because I can show for the people what they will see if they come to watch the performance. And the Theater used my photographs when it was 10th's anniversary so I know that all of my pictures matters for the theater and for my little city where I live!

[@bobcloughjr]

I like all your podcasts but I especially love this episode. Work that matters. I shoot landscape photography and I hope that I am able to convey what I feel when I'm in the moment to the viewer but in the end it doesn't matter because I shoot for myself first. My love and passion for photography is why I do it. Are social media likes and shares nice? Yes but what's important is my art is important to me. I think because of that attitude the viewer is able to feel it and appreciate my art. Again thanks for what you do. It motivates me.

[@patyeaman]

Every photographer who takes his/her art seriously has a reason why they make images. These goals are as individual as the photographers themselves. If they continue working toward whatever ideal they have established then their WORK MATTERS. It may not matter to the world at large or to the "art world" or whatever, but in the world of that particular photographer, the work matters. And that should be enough.

[@MyHeadIsFuIIOfStars]

go way back and watch ted's old video on the rule of thirds, all composed and factual like. now he's up here shouting the real from the rooftops, i love it

[@noooname]

This is exactly what I needed to hear. I've been recently struggling to get back into photography mainly due to self-doubt. I haven't posted anything on my Instagram for over a year now out of fear I'd fall back into this obsession over "likes" and followers. I hope to someday revive my photography passion for myself and without the expectations of others.

[@Moodboard39]

Because is about you lol

[@bradleydahl5191]

You're trying to do something incredibly difficult in this talk. My profession is not photography. Like many people I work hard, and feel I don't get the recognition or success I wish or think I deserve. But maybe what's important is I enjoy it - whether profession or hobby - and hopefully learn to be thankful about that. Like you've pointed out, recognition or popularity seems to be a bit of a game of luck when you're trying to comprehend the whole world of art/ innovation/ popularity/ whatever. Even though I haven't pursued photography for too long I do realize something about many pursuits in life - you need to concentrate on what you are trying to achieve. What is my end goal? The better we can define it, the better we can aim at it. We need to define the practical details. The hard thing is, as artists, we may not realize what this is for a long long time. So-- It takes energy. It takes experience. It takes courage. And then some. And there is still the strong possibility that no one else will appreciate what you do. And that's why I'll always tend to go back to the first thought, like some others here are pointing out -- Am I Enjoying This?

[@77TickTockTime]

Two words: "Hell Yes." You always hit the nail right on the head. Keep up the brilliance!

[@shelleyhoran]

Ted your enthusiasm is bloody contagious. I loved your spiel about the personal joy and happiness derived from a creative gesture. What an elegant way to explain the meaningfulness of art.

[@mr_mr]

Fantastic.. you nailed it Ted. This is one of the best videos and I love so many. From the heart and completely on point to what needs to be said. Thank you On Flickr. I would argue that Flickr is still very much alive and well with photographers. I actually just renewed my paid subscription. If anyone ever has a question about something or wants to share work in a specific community related to the type of work you do or the type of film / gear you shoot, you'll find it on Flickr. We should all embrace what's happening there.

[@alejandrovalencia9500]

Thank you so much! There is always something to learn from your videos.

[@jamesurzykowski4918]

What ever happened to the Artist Series? You said you would show three more Artists by the end of 2016. I can only find the first three. I really enjoy your broadcasts so please keep them coming.

[@howardcurtiss5048]

Ted, you matter. You step up to the plate and keep hitting home runs. Your videos are a pure source of encouragement and education... in between breaths.

[@atifsheikh3190]

Thank you Ted! Your enthusiasm is contagious. 🙂

[@chipfreundnc]

Ted, thank you again for making me think and for inspiring me. For me, work that matters is defined within me, not by others. Yes, I hope other like my work and perhaps even truly touch and inspire someone, but first and foremost, I need to make my art for myself. You have helped me understand this and it helps me put both the accolades and criticism I receive in perspective. Keep on doing what you do so well Ted.

[@DiegoFZ96]

I was about to watch the La Strada video but came back to say that you have stepped up the quality of your content man.

[@jorgeschramm]

Love your passion, it's contagious!

[@daceuro]

I once shot a 10 second video clip - totally by accident. I posted it online, not thinking much of it. 25 million views later ... It's true that you don't have any control over work that matters. Many people made significant travel plans in their life based on that 10 seconds. I just pushed a wrong button, but it was the right time, the right place, the right moment.

[@blankplanet1476]

Now that I think about it, I just realized that I've been so occupied with photography I somehow got oblivious with the ongoing pandemic. So I went out and took about hundreds of shots over the last few months. I mean, when I was out on the street I was aware there's a pandemic going on. But maybe because I've gotten used to this condition it just didn't come to my mind that I wasn't supposed to be out there shooting lol. I'm very new to photography(only 4 months in. Bought my camera just 2 months ago). My shots so far have been nothing but practice shots. However, they're all taken during a pandemic and that kind of add some meaning to them(at least to me it is). Yes there might be hundreds of better photographers made better photographic documents of coronavirus pandemic. But hey, I can still put my photos into a book for my own personal journal that I can later show to my children and grandchildren!

[@placentahelper1]

This is my favorite photographer site - Thank-you!

[@romiemiller7876]

An example I remember that applies here is when (whoever it was) gave a speech, people said, "How well (??) speaks!" When Cesar spoke people said, "Let us follow Cesar!" Many photographers are like Cesar. Their work changes the world, but often people don't know their name. Not too many people remember Carl Mydens, for example.

The more straightforward you get, the more thought-inspiring the show is. THNX!

[@tonypryor8870]

Don't apologise for the passion! really good to see someone thinking so seriously about their art