You Shouldn't Edit Your Photography

[@Tadotoka666]

This was absolutely amazing, for the love of god pleaasseee keep on making informative video’s like this. Your out here creating actual artists and helped me a LOT to the journey of becoming good at anything artistic more than only photographs! Thanks for everything

[@Codacolor]

Thank you so much for your comment. I'm glad you think so! We're just getting started here. Plenty more to come. Thanks for being herre!

[@Kylirr]

I've just discovered your channel and I'm slowly working my way through your videos, and I'm absolutely shocked at just how few views you're getting given the phenomenal production value. It's almost criminal.

[@dawnkeyy]

What a beautiful freaking video. Not just visually. I don't know if you know about the channel FortNine. It's about motorcycling, but the way their content is written and their presenter (and writer) Ryan, remind me a lot of you and your channel. There's this certain warmth, lack of judgement, openness, no-bs approach and looking at the wider picture sorta approach (no pun intended). Plus, their cinematography is incredible as well. And I don't even ride a bike. Please never stop making videos.

[@Farah-zz5cb]

This channel is criminally underrated !!!

[@Codacolor]

I'm glad you think so!

[@ally2756]

I love what you said at the end. Sometimes the raw image feels less sentimental because it just did not quite capture all the beautiful aspects of it that made you decide to lift up your camera in the first place and if editing will make that happen then sign me up. Always a pleasure watching your videos!

[@aadithyanjr1382]

Such a masterfully crafted video! And on the subject at hand, I too had this distaste towards manipulation until I learnt that Steve McCurry edits his photos. I remember people turning that into some kind of a scandal but the majority didn't really care. Anyways, thank you Cody for making such amazing videos. You genuinely create art in an ocean of people who create content

[@Magneira]

The problem is not that he edited, is that he lied about, said all his photos are documentary photography etc and them he got caught. If you are a white American going to India and earn thousands of dollars from the photos you take there, you should be at least honest about it. You can do whatever you want with a photo, just don't sell it as a strait photo.

[@RohannvanRensburg]

The issue isn't that Steve edited his photos, it's that he manipulates _situations_ in a way that's detrimental to local cultures for his own selfish gain

[@mmariattheresa]

Your videos always have that photography school kind of feeling with such precise research and creativity. Thank you. So much.

[@Codacolor]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!!

[@elljit]

the production on this is absolutely beautiful, will not be long before the views are coming in the hundreds of thousands

[@elias_martinelli]

this has to be one of the best video essays on the topic of editing out there. outstanding writing and wonderful photographs.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much, Elias!

[@davidroberts6766]

100% agree…. I shoot both digital and film. I, also, try to edit with the thought of transporting the viewer back to my artistic vision upon capture. Have I overcooked in editing? Hell yes…and, you know what, on rainy days its sometimes fun to go back an re-edit old images with a more subtle touch. Non-destructive editing suites….i love you! Great video.

[@kollariklukas9408]

Whenever I feel that photography has lost its meaning for me, I watch your videos. They always inspire me to get up and go take pictures. Thank you for your content, I always learn something new. I really appreciate your work with the video and editing. You have a very interesting visual style and always very nice colors. I'm glad that there are still people who take pictures on film. Thanks to your videos, I much prefer to shoot on film than on digital camera. Sincerely, a huge fan from Slovakia (Europe) Wishing all the best :)

[@Codacolor]

I'm so glad to hear that. Getting people (myself included) outside with a camera is the goal. Honored to play a small part in your journey friend. Thanks a million. ✨

[@tudor14]

Unreal mate, attention to detail is mind blowing. Thanks for sharing and creating!

[@TechStuffWithAlex]

You've done it again pal, totally killing it! Thank you for doing your own thing, and keeping things fresh on KZbin!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much! Appreciate you being here!

[@bydiegoandres]

that photo at second 14:01 is amazing and problably underrated. i had to stare it for a while and notice that my favorite detail was the tree that was centered right behind the door window

[@Codacolor]

I'm so glad you noticed that!

[@AlexandruMusetoiu]

i can only imagine the work that you've put in making this video and your channel, i wish you get more popularity on this platform, you really deserve it

[@Codacolor]

Really appreciate that, Alexandru. Thank you!

[@Usiris23]

You’re such a great speaker. Could listen to you explain photography all day.

[@Codacolor]

Thank you. I really appreciate that!

[@SincerelyBryan]

This is an incredible video. The love that went into this is felt every second. Thank you

[@Codacolor]

Thank you, Brian!

[@Sarah-fx5bd]

This video was phenomenal, just discovered your channel and I can’t wait to check out the rest

[@somnus6179]

Absolutely incredible. I'm so glad you're still here man

[@Codacolor]

Thank you! Not going anywhere anytime soon!

[@DumbAsh00]

HOW DOES THIS ONLY HAVE 9K VIEWS? this is the highest quality video I've ever seen on this site

[@dirkpehrke9909]

Didn’t expect such a great history lesson. Thank you!

[@Codacolor]

No,. thank you, Dirk!

[@teelafia]

Thank you for your raw and honest take on editing. I feel guilty sometimes if I edit my work, but as you have quoted “a thing of beauty is a joy, forever!” That should be my mantra every time I tweak my photographs.

[@Codacolor]

Glad it spoke to you. Thanks, Pearl!

[@usednotuseless]

This deserves sooooo much more attention than it’s getting. Love love love it

[@Codacolor]

Thank you! I'm glad you think so!

[@AyeMinAFS]

Your genuine love an passion for the medium really show in this video. Thank you so much for making this video, felt like I learned a lot!

[@Codacolor]

So glad to hear that. Thank you!

[@Majd3lawneh]

Boy oh boy, i've been going though this for a while now, even though that I came across your channel for the sake of learning film to dismiss editing. but thank god you've uploaded this. Thank you so much for this amazing video!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Majd!

[@ebreevephoto]

you amaze me... please continue to do what you do - you bring some sanity to this art

[@HenkeB515]

By far the best video I've seen on this subject, both by content and style. Thank you!

[@EuanMacLennan]

such an amazing video. so much work was put into this. massively underrated dude!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much, Euan!

[@ChaseBenjaminCollects]

Yesssss. This is so true. Thank you so much for this.

[@KrewNL]

I've actually went on a vacation to Greece and shot 3 rolls of film. Most of the images were a bit out of my tast, which led me to edit the images. This gave me the feeling it was cheating... but here it is. You actually took away that feeling by making a video about editing an image which is a part of the process!! Well done Cody on making yet another awesome video about a thought which probably went through a lot of peoples mind.

[@Codacolor]

Thank you so much!

[@mrepicpant]

Wow this video was insanely good, I subbed after not even 5 minutes. Ridiculous quality for a channel of this size. And btw I would love to see a side by side of your favorite pics part with the edited and unedited ones!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much, Nolan. Welcome! and that's a great idea. I should have put that in the video!

[@jesusalvarado6074]

Love this channel! Cody, you are awesome! Thank you for posting these awesome videos! Got yourself a new subscriber!

[@gustavominikovsky]

bro your content is just perfect. love watching every single one of your vids

[@Codacolor]

I'm honored, Gustavo. Thanks so much for watching. It makes it all worth while!

[@RYANPARKPHOTOGRAPHY]

wow, thanks for the video. this is so awesome! I have been thinking about but you make it really well! always enjoy!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks Ryan!!

[@j.c.m5168]

I love your videos. Just wanted to say that. I'm gonna have to pick up a Mamiya some day to try out. I shoot on a Bronica ETRSi and a Horseman VH-R 6x9.

[@gaugea]

really incredible man. i know everyone else has said it already but this deserves way more views

[@luigisacco3308]

You are great man! I've discovered yesterday your channel and I can't stop watching it. Great contents! I did not see a channel as beautiful as yours from the Nick Carver's one.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Luigi! Glad to have you here!

[@gabriella2186]

Love your story-telling (in both visual and verbal capacities)! You’re the man Cody 🤙

[@Codacolor]

Thank you so much!! 😊

[@Jess-805]

You're very knowledgeable and articulate. I enjoy watching your videos. By the way, I'm a resident of Santa Barbara and love seeing the cool spots you photograph!

[@philiporr1330]

Man this was great! Well done. Your videos are always so well put together.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much, Philip!

[@elisllinares]

I discovered you a few days ago and you are changing my life as a photographer. KID-YOU-NOT!

[@Codacolor]

Honored to be or service. Thank you!

[@DaveFlys]

Thanks so much for this video. I love your style, and the comparison to Ansel Adams brought the whole thing home for me. I’ll keep editing my art.

[@Codacolor]

No, thank you, David! Appreciate you being here!

[@phabio7839]

What an amazing video this is! Many things you said felt like fingers snapping and waking me up. Thank you I look forward to watching more of your videos... what a wonderful journey I'm sure it will be!!

[@Codacolor]

I'm so glad to hear that dude! Best of luck on your future creations

[@enhimmelskdr0g]

Great video with super clear explanations! I just found you and you got yourself a new subscriber :)

[@thesecretlifeofmichal]

I have been doing draft of a script about the similar topic. In Czech language. Now I feel like there is no need and I can link your video instead, haha. As a street photograper I was going for the Fan Ho approach, but I will definitely do it anyway, even though I will not convey my message as well as you did. Amazing video as always Cody, thanks!

[@chisenglam7938]

Another great video Cody! Would love to see your editing process in your future video. I have learnt the basics from your channel and my photos come out quite good. However, I feel like I can do more to those photos to depict my vision or how I can make it to look more like when I was capturing the shot.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Chiseng! I've been toying with the idea of doing a video on it, and almost put a segment on it in this video but that would've made it a bit too long. Know that it's definitely on my mind though!

[@wikiesz6184]

Okeyyy 60 seconds into watching this video and I’m thinking “Wow such amazing narration editing etc.” Then I look at number of subscribers. Can someone explain why someone doing this amazing video has only 22,7 thousand subscribers ?!

[@Codacolor]

The truth? Because I don't post frequently enough.

[@valjdakosta]

the cinematography is undeniably amazing

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much!

[@Ahrik]

Another great video! Really enjoyed this style, and hope you keep producing more.

[@Codacolor]

Thank you! So many more to come!

[@moha2131]

man I love your videos so helpful and also very artistic and enjoyable to watch 🙏🏼❤

[@user-bh6bv8xu3v]

I loved this video man, from start to end ✌🏼 well done :D

[@corentinb3566]

Incredibly useful and cool video ! Thanks Cody

[@Codacolor]

No, thank you!

[@diegorosales2035]

What an amazing video. You really know how to set a mood. 🙌🙌

[@Codacolor]

Thank you so much, Diego!

[@resarfw]

I think it was Ansel Adams who once said, "The negative is the score. The print... the symphony." Since reading that, I've been going at my editing like a conductor going at an orchestra.

[@Hygix_]

I adore your video, i wish i could express more but i dont know how, im just gonna say that this video give me idea on what i want to do, thank you

[@Codacolor]

Sometimes the best feelings are those we can't describe. Honored to have been a positive influence. Wishing you the best of luck!

[@XRNC]

God damn this is beautifully shot and cut together, well done sir

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much, I appreciate it!!

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

Fantastic work, thank you.

[@Synapzze]

Killed it again cody!

[@Codacolor]

thank you!

[@peteb5461]

Another gorgeously presented video, keep it up, always look forward to that little blue dot appearing ;)

[@Codacolor]

Not sure exactly what you mean by three blue dot but thanks regardless! Appreciate you!

[@peteb5461]

@@Codacolor The little one that appears in the you tube subscriptions feed to notify of new content. Makes my day :)

[@mcutler71]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@TheSpectacularRob]

Your photograph at 14:26 is extremely beautiful !

[@iSackPerson]

Wonderful upload! This is kinda random, but have you considered doing a video on trichrome film photography. I recently discovered that you can use trichrome on infrared sensitive B&W film and create some pretty wild images, depending on how you choose to "show" the infrared part of the spectrum (for example showing it as red). It is another example of "editing" being used to create very unique and interesting results.

[@Codacolor]

I have not, just because I've never dabbled in trichrome, but perhaps I'll check it out. Thanks for the idea!

[@AdiusOmega]

It's very seldom I ever take a photo and think it looks perfect SOC. Editing is not only an essential part of crafting a look but it's probably my favorite part of the process. Although it's a double edged sword because some photographers take editing to the extreme and it's simply not tasteful.

[@gurkepatofschki1795]

You are so good at explaining

[@karlnovel]

Loved every second of this video!

[@Codacolor]

Thanks so much, Karl!

[@user-jy9rq8nj7q]

2:52 nice

[@cayloseals]

This looks like Alabama Hill, CA! I live in LA and have wanted to make a trip there for a while.

[@Codacolor]

There's no time like the present!

[@officiallyKage]

This is by far my favourite KZbin channel…. Just only discovered it 🎉

[@Codacolor]

Welcome, friend!

[@camo010154]

Good one, thanks Cody.

[@nicolasguillenc]

so good.

[@Brause_Market]

that was super fun to watch.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks!

[@prophet1193]

Bro out here giving better lectures than my college ong

[@johnflett7228]

Well said all of it. It makes me wonder if some Doofus ever said to Davinci "you must have really good brushes!"

[@randymelton6096]

If you're a photo journalist then by all means, don't edit your photos because they're supposed to show the scene exactly as it is. Otherwise it's up to the individual artist to edit their images the way they like them. Exactly as you said, there probably isn't a photo publicly displayed somewhere that hasn't had some type of editing done to it. Even the purists that have to get everything right in camera and don't do any post processing editing display a processed image if they shot it in jpeg. Whether they want to admit it or not, their camera edited the photo to add sharpening, contrast, noise reduction, etc. So even their "right out of the camera" shot has been edited. Anymore I've gotten to the point where I don't care if someone says my image was edited. In fact I tell them yes it was because that's the way I saw the image and how I wanted it to look. I'm not a photo journalist, I'm a digital artist that happens to use a camera as a tool.

[@Magneira]

Even the most famous cartier bresson photo is cropped. And it probably did some dodge and burn on it too.

[@Ead-123]

Fantastic Vid!

[@Codacolor]

Thank you!

[@RohannvanRensburg]

I think the most difficult things about editing are convenience, access and expertise. The issue isn't edit or don't edit -- we're trying to translate what we see through the imperfect dynamic range and overall medium of a camera that lacks a great deal of things our eyes and brains can do. The issue is to what degree editing falls within the realm of faithful representation, vs the ignorant ham-fisted attempts at making an image simply work, or deceptively transforming it into something it was never meant to be. I've been in both the latter situations many times, and it can be much more "exciting" to chase gear and manipulation than photography basics. The difference with a darkroom is that it takes a serious understanding of light and overall craft to execute edits tastefully, and you are inherently limited by physical photochemistry in how you make your edits. This requires a committed vision beforehand, and it's essential to get everything you need "in camera". For more "outlandish" photos, they still _look_ "real" in a way, but are generally presented in a way that doesn't feel as though they're trying to manipulate you. The Ansel Adams photos and commentary are great examples of that -- honest and authentic. The Salvador Dali photo is a good example of the latter -- obviously surreal, but well executed. We know exactly what the photo is after, and it executes it in a way that veils the disbelief. The issue with the digital world is that all aspects of light and colour can be moved independently, which often violates the physics of light. This can be beautifully used subtly, but it can also leave one with something that feels unintentionally disconnected and surreal in a bad way. The issues are difficult to explain, but our brains know the difference. I've often run across "visually striking" images that I immediately forget, because nothing anchors me to real experience: luminance values all over the place, some colours hypersaturated and others not, obviously comp'd skies. An uncanny-valley photo like this very quickly falls into the "rejected" portion of one's brain as something "not real". This same example is all over Hollywood now -- horrible colour balance, over-reliance on power windows and colour grading over proper lighting and gels, etc, and I often find many new films look atrocious because no vision is committed to beforehand and no basic understanding of craft is applied. It's embarrassing that many 7 and 8 figure films look worse than films looked in the 60s. It's often not obvious what one is supposed to do with the extremely powerful tools before us, and this can be a curse if genuine craft isn't present. On the other hand, photographers like yourself execute artistic vision very tastefully. It's often not obvious where the line is -- a mild patina vs surreal exaggeration, black and white vs hyper-saturated colours and random luminance, etc. The only answer I can come to as to where the line is, apart from detailed technical jargon that changes based on context, is that we generally know craft and honesty when we see it, especially with a modicum of experience in the field. If we want our photography to stand out from the sea of AI nonsense on the internet, those basic "human-faithful" components are more essential than ever.

[@AwesomeJLK]

great video!

[@Codacolor]

Thank you!

[@kuyaspencer2767]

man is litteraly the vsauce of photography

[@samprstn]

wow, so many interesting things to take away from this video. And especially making this not just about ‘don’t edit film photos’

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Samuel. Glad you found some value from it!

[@DA-fn4ss]

TIL green is a primary color

[@Xpuc]

This video is pretty dope. Saved!

[@bydiegoandres]

this is was great, just got a new sub

[@Codacolor]

Thanks, Diego! Welcome!

[@ataboyboyboy8895]

well said.

[@D-Imagine]

There is no way whatsoever that a photograph has not been manipulated in some manner. It's sufficient to just begin with the type of film, plate or digital platform used, all the way through the process of capturing light during exposure, and subsequently in the film or plate development process. This continues until the moment of printing on paper, using different times for dodging or burning the light that passes through the negative onto the paper. The importance of this manipulation is solely related to the artist's way of expressing their viewpoint. It's a different case when we start to manipulate, adding, or removing parts of the image.

[@jefferyargentine4453]

Well, this is either beautiful or brilliant. Wait. Maybe it's both. I cannot tell you how much I cringe when I look back at edited images. Sophomoric would be a kind judgment, but it was butchering and I wish I could go back to all the people I shared them with and show them what I really saw -- what I really meant. My latest rabbit hole involves turning everything into B&W. If you have thoughts concerning these transformations, please, share them. Although you have given me permission to explore. (And BTW, I only edit copies. I can always go back, like a true Frankenstein, and reassemble them.) All the best, and Happy New Year.

[@hollucinations]

Ansel would be damn proud

[@stevebarnett5048]

It’s a bit like saying you aren’t editing the photograph by composing it, in which you remove a large part of the world to concentrate on the bit you like. It’s always been an idiots stance when you get ‘I don’t edit’ comments in camera forums.

[@Irisphotojournal]

Editing has been around forever, however, there are limits to how far I would do myself as you can't polish a turd.

[@Codacolor]

you definitely can't.

[@OswestryGrey]

Back in ye olde days I would print a whole contact sheet, examine this through a small monoscope, print from a frame, cut out masks, spend ages dodg…etc etc. Film cost 50p a roll not £10 though.

[@Codacolor]

oh how the times have changed

[@FredShootsFilm]

Baffling to me how few views these get considering they’re some of the best production quality on the platform and the storytelling & information is sooo well thought out. You’re an inspiration mate!

[@jyemichael]

The blonde one is giving spike. And it’s slaying 😂

[@vn3953]

Красиво поднята актуальная тема.

[@robertmcnamara661]

Ah yes, I know the feeling, and I'm not even a good photographer...but the comment about gear kills me. It's like saying "Wow, your mom has a nice stove, she must be a great cook!!! "

[@maxwmccoy]

That intro made me throw my computer out the window. You owe me a new computer. Or atleast keep making videos. Thank you.

[@Codacolor]

Haha. Love you dude. Thanks for your constant encouragement.

[@TheBanjoShowOfficial]

I think photographers and editors alike carry a responsibility with what they create. And in general I believe that photography is like a historical account and as such it needs to be treated with the due diligence that we would treat other sources and other documents. We would like to think that something we read is true and not false or doctored in someway and I believe that that same rule applies with photography. We have access to forms of editing now that were not available before but as you said in your video there is a great responsibility that comes with access to these tools and they should not be mishandled. Simply because a photograph was taken and manipulated 175 years ago does not mean that I agree with it because ultimately we are changing the perception of history as it occurred in reality. If we change this understanding of history then we have nothing to gain. There is a very fine line between enhancement and modification that is too often crossed in photography especially that which relates to contemporary matters such as in politics. I believe greater artistic orientation yields the privilege to modify images more than say if you were a reporter for the New York Times. As such we should use these tools in order to diminish the subjective nature of camera equipment and hardware instead of try to falsify the reality of something that was or was not there. Without becoming too philosophical on the matter, if there is one truth most of can rely upon, is it the functioning rods and cones in all our human eyes, as truthful as this can be (at minimum we can agree on the standard of human vision). I ultimately believe that this value should be held at a higher priority than the artistic one, even if it means the truth is uglier. Even if it means it’s not as attractive to look at.

[@Codacolor]

Well said

[@bongieger7871]

people that are against editing pictures are against using salt when cooking food. its that simple.

[@Codacolor]

haha, I love that

[@geoffreystone4849]

Now we have AI to make it all the more complex.

[@maxwmccoy]

Bro are you kidding me

[@Dahrenhorst]

I think your opening remark is not correct at all. It's not true that most of the photos of the film era were edited the one or other way. Of the billions or even trillions of photos made in the film era, nearly all of them were developed and printed in industrial labs in the 70s and later, and those were never edited. The only edited pictures were those of professional photographers or serious hobbyists, who worked on their pictures in their own darkrooms - and even most of those also were never edited. I myself learned photography as an apprentice in the 80s. Of course, I learned how to use a darkroom and manipulate photos there. Still, I can say that 99% of my pictures I developed and/or printed myself weren't edited at all. No dodging or burning, no retouching or snipping. Today I almost exclusively make paper positives directly out of one of my large format cameras - those simply can't be edited. Even digitally I don't edit my pictures, I shoot jpegs. I'm an old school photographer who decides what the photo contains and looks like at the moment I press the shutter of the camera, not later at a computer. I am and always will be a photographer, never a digital artist, just like I will never be a painter.

[@Codacolor]

Thanks for sharing your perspective, however, you're arguing a point I never made. I never said most photos of the film era were edited. I said that photo manipulation has existed just about as long as the medium of photography itself and that the vast majority of images out there are edited; meaning the vast majority of _all_ images out there. Not just film. If we took stock of every image we came across for a week and tallied up how many were unedited vs how many were edited, the number of edited images would far outweigh the unedited ones. Your approach to photography is your own, but it is not representative of the whole.

[@Dahrenhorst]

@@Codacolor Strange. "Almost every image you've ever seen has been edited the one way or another!" you said around 2:15. Then you switched to analog and stated, that "the photographs we love and admire aren't straight prints." and set the darkroom equal to lightroom. I stated, that all this is simply not true. Only commercially or artistically used photographs were actually frequently manipulated in the darkroom, the vast majority of all pictures every made were in fact straight prints - and thus the vast majority of all pictures you've seen were never "edited". That's what I want to point out and correct: if you find your family photo albums - no, those pictures weren't edited. And that is true today as well. Of the billions of pictures taken every week nowadays with the plethora of digital photographic devices available to us - only a very, very small fraction of them will ever see the inside of a tool like lightroom or photoshop.

[@VanijaMi]

I completely agree with your comment. @Dahrenhorst