If you like how I talk about photography, sign up for my digital learning book waitlist → www.backdrop.community/street-tools-vol-1 I’m a professional photographer and believe street photography has allowed me to work with some of the biggest brands in the world. I’ve consolidated all the thoughts around what makes a great photo, breaking down why I think a photo works and how to create your style. After analysing, critiquing, and refining these thoughts, I’ve created what I consider the most important, concise,& light-hearted advice that will stay front of mind when you are out shooting. I promise - This isn’t a cash-grab photo book with a few images slapped together. This book will be transformative for any photographer that reads it (Okay, maybe not Joel Meyerowitz or Steve McCurry), and I believe it will stand the test of time as it's focused on the fundamentals and not current trends. If you want to improve your photography, consider buying Street Tools Vol 1. I can guarantee it’ll help you more than purchasing another camera bag. I don’t think you will regret your decision.
I don't usually comment on UA-cam videos but this is good quality content! Such a breath of fresh air compared to other stuff I've seen recently. I love the deeper meaning in a lot of your photos, and the smart compositions. I will try to implement this into my own work, thanks!
This is wonderful. So rich. Very possibly the best travel and photography video I've seen in my 81 years and 56 years as a photographer. So relatable and human, thank you. So alive.
6:45 I have been preaching this to everyone I know since I went! I shed a couple tears when I was inside, it's the most majestic manmade thing on earth. The square is such an iconic place to photograph too.
You are doing well! - X100V or not. Street photography is about passion and love to this world, not about the camera. You have it. And yes, Rome is so fantastic. Lisbon and Rome are my favorites in Europe. The history, the light, the people....
Thank you so much Jan! I agree, Street photography is definitely a wonderful passion that I am so grateful for as its allowed me to pursue so much in photography. I love it. I've heard good things about Lisbon.... maybe I need an impromptu trip over there
This is such a fresh take on a street photography video, feels much more like a conversation about the craft rather than just a presentation of photos like other videos tend to be.
YOOOO - Thank you so much Alex. To hear you say that is honestly so wonderful to hear. Thats exactly the angle that I was going for and I'm glad it landed so well with you
This is absolutely one of the most wonderful video presentations I’ve ever seen. I love the way you organized your content and I hope you plan on doing more city presentations just like this in the future. I’m definitely subscribing.😊
Wow, thank you! That genuinely means so much dude. Plenty more city tours coming in future 😎 Can't wait to share them with you. Thanks for taking the time to comment and support the channel!
I started watching a ton of photography UA-cam videos since I began researching which camera to buy, and I’m so glad I somehow came across your videos. Not only are your photos 🔥, but the videos themselves are full of information and a joy to watch. It just makes a person want to go out and shoot more! You are amazing, thanks for all you do.
Alen - Thank you so much. That fills me up hearing you say that about my content. I am sat here with a smile! THANK YOU for supporting the channel and leaving a comment. It genuinely means a lot to me.
This is the first video of yours I see. You’ve done a majestic work in Rome, really like your tones and composition. And your captions are great too ,nice to ear how you mentally process those pics. Next time you’ll came back to Italy take a trip in my city, Siena.
Thank you so much Nicola - That really means a lot to hear you say that! I'll add Siena on my places to come and visit in Italy! What a wonderful country you live in!
Glad I stumbled across your post in an X100V group a few days ago. Really enjoy this sort of video format following someone exploring a city and trying new ideas with the camera. Would love to suggest Naples and surrounding areas for a long weekend trip if you ever fancy it. Think you'd really enjoy it and come out with some bangers.
Thank you so much dude! glad you like the content I'm creating :) I've heard lots of good things about Naples, my younger brother has just come back from there and said it was Maradona mad (and had better food than Rome). I'll add it to my places to visit!
We need to get you to more cities JP! This content is gold. I really appreciate the mix between street photography, travel guide and educational composition breakdowns. Loved the photos of the forum especially.
Amazing video and photos!! Been all in on the X100V since getting one abroad in March 2020! Never looked back since and fell in love with the art of street photography. Thanks for the tips on Rome!
Thank you so much Paul! Yeah thats the plan next time, to go and actually learn more about the space, rather than doing laps of the city ahaha. Maybe i'll do both
Thats the goal! To get the whole gang out to shoot more bangers! Thank you so much for leaving a comment and supporting the channel :) It means a lot to me
My dude - that is wonderful feedback man! Thank you so much!! I'm gonna have to get your comment printed out and hung on a wall ahahaha
Рік тому+1
Another great video. I’ve learned so much from you. Now that I have the X100V, it’s been nothing but a great joy because your videos make me go out more to explore with my 📸
Dude, these are easily some of the best X100V photos I’ve seen. Making me rethink how I’ve been editing mine. Seriously great job, and thanks for sharing how you’ve been thinking about your photos.
Just found your channel James. Excellent content and quality! Two things about rangefinder camera's is you need a subject with good contrast for the double image to focus on. If you are struggling to focus, move the camera a little to the left or right to find a better contrast portion of the subject. Also if you're shooting in portrait orientation, first focus in landscape orientation then turn the camera to portrait.
Hey Richard - Thanks for the comment. The X100V in this video has auto-focus and so I wasn't using it like a typical range finder, however with my experience with the M11, you are absolutely correct! Big love!
Thank you so much Micha! Glad my videos have helped you find your own motivation to go out and shoot :) Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel
You're unlocking the keys to composition with the 35mm perspective. I haven't yet cracked it myself, but I'm learning to recognize it in others' work. It's an immersive and story-telling view. I'm particularly impressed that you're finding ways to generate large volumes of compelling images in short order. Very excited to see what you'll show us about the world with that strengthening voice. 7:14 is the key example. With the added context that the man in the window is the Pope, the composition directs our eyes, but the 35mm includes the entire story. Without over-emphasizing the layered composition (a bunch of your other images are compelling in their own way), 15:57 also directs our eyes to move through the frame and gives the whole image a rare depth. You're on your way to making timeless images, should you wish to do so. Don't stop.
Your comment means the world to me. Thank you so much dude. I'm definitely very much to have found a focal length that I gel with, especially so early on in my photo journey. It's meant that i've been able to compound my learnings with 35mm and led me to take what I think are more creative shots ahah. I definitely feel filled up with confidence and motivation from your comment. Thank you so much for sharing
awesome video, caught myself smiling as I watched and imagined myself in your experiences. Those street pics plus your storytelling is immaculate. I feel like I was there walking the streets of Rome at dawn taking in the city all to myself, fantasizing about the marvels of the past as if I am time traveling -- before it is full of more people haha! Cheers mate
That is probably my favourite ever comment. It's made me smile reading that. Can't quite believe someone has had that response to one of my videos ahah, wow. Thank you so much. Really appreciate you sharing that with me
Outstanding vision and creativity James! We are going to many of the same locations in Italy in a few weeks. Thank you for the inspiration. Well done, Mate!
This is amazing! A great format! Your commentary reminds me of "How To: With John Wilson", dark but lighthearted, innocent but observational. Love it dude!
I need to get back. I've been to Rome twice and missed the Sistine Chapel both times. One of my favorite shots is the altar in St. Peter's with light rays streaming across it from the cupola. I really need to find the negative so I can scan it.
Dude - I've been in Rome recently and saw that exact shot you are talking about! It is INCREDIBLE. When I saw it I was like OMG NO WAY. Put the video up on my story and need to edit the photos lol. The sistine chapel too, I've never managed to go which is such a shame
Great see you posting a awesome street video again mr Parsons :) As usual a lot of great shoot and some really interesting commentary added into it. I was in Rom just a few week back my self, gorgeous city with so much history!
I couldn't disappear for too long ;) Glad you enjoyed the video! I know right?? Rome is actually incredible. Next time i;m out in Italy I am 10000% coming back to photograph Rome, hopefully in shorts and a T-shirt this time ahah
YES Hermes! Glad you liked the video dude, you've gotta go. Rome is exceptional. Thank you again for supporting me, it means a lot to have the gods on my side!
Another excellent video as per usual , wonderful photography shots you have captured in Rome and must have been so lovely early morning and hardly anyone around and the light looking glorious ,and as for the mobile phone use with everyone so agree ,cannot wait for your next travel vid James .😊
Perfect timing. You are going to LOVE IT. Please send me the photos you take, I'd love to see what you shoot. Sometimes these deep thoughts hit you harder when you are left to your own head for 4 days straight ahaha
10:00 interesting perspective. For me it's almost a source of stress (in a good way) which pushes me to work hard to leave something good behind me when I'm gone. In the end, those Romans are all dead but they left some of the most beautiful buildings in the world and that's why we are still talking about them.
EXACTLY. I wouldn't say its a stress, but a motivation to pursue something that I can really dedicate myself to and pursue at a high level. Looking forward to see what we build :)
Completely agree with your "people on their phones" take and will add... why are people hung up on avoiding having tourists in frame at touristic places? Seems to me we should be capturing the world for what it is as street photographers. Not trying to represent it as something that it isn't.
Agreeeed - If you don't like tourists, why go to tourist locations ahaha. Does seem like a weird take that many photographers have. Thanks for commenting my dude
Loved this! I specifically watched this to get some tips for some photo projects I’ve got coming up for ancient ruined kingdoms in Thailand. Different culture and geography, and I already had a bunch of ideas for shots I wanted to take (including some early morning and late night ‘less people long shadows stuff’), but I picked up some cool new ideas and philosophies from this video. Thanks JP!
stunning photos, such a pleasure to look at! I still can't believe we have the same camera :D and as usual, commentaries are helpful in our own photography growth! it also is very motivational and p o e t i c! And in each video I can see your progress of video production too! Noticed those "zoom/focal length" rolls and how greatly scenes align with a narrative!!!
Thanks for the double comment ;) Glad you like the images so much dude, out on the gram soon! Buzzing to hear the videos make you feel that way, gotta fuel the backdrop gang to GO GET IT. Yeah man, tried something a little different with this video. Felt like it made sense to explain the wider sense of what I was thinking as I was shooting compared to specific photo breakdowns in this one. MORE FUEL FOR THE FIRE LETS GOOOO
I agree with you on the mobile phones thing, street photography being about telling a story from a place and time... what is more iconic as something from our current era than someone too busy reading things on their phone?
Agreeeeeeeed. I'm pretty sure old people complained about newspapers when they were first introduced ahaha. Just wait till we all get brain implants and stare forwards cross eyed ahah
My duuude - Compliment getting 3*s man! I was genuinely a bit gutted when I left as I felt like I didn't have anything stand out ahaha. Dem moving goal posts. Thanks for the love as always my dude
This has put a smile on my face - Means so much to me to hear you say that! Thank you for taking the time to comment and support the channel. You da best
Thank you so much. Just to confirm its a 23mm on a cropped sensor, and so it acts more like a 35mm full frame. Personally, I think 14mm is too wide for street photography. If you are using it on a crop sensor, we multiply the focal length by the crop factor of 1.6, giving us around 22mm full frame equivalent. I would find it hard to get in close enough to get these detail shots when using a 22mm, however, it's GREAT for architectural photography. Thank you for commenting and supporting the channel :)
@James Parsons thanks for the input, I'll be watching your channel for the great content. I will be in Italy and London end of May. You have inspired me
I'm loving your videos James! A great mix of travel, technique and thoughts. It reminds me of Joe McNally and that is high praise! Sub'd and looking forward to your future work!
Thank you so much Yousef - That comment means the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and support the channel :) You are a star
Thank you so much Vince! That means a lot. Although I love my Fuji, I edit all of my photos and have never used a recipe ahaha. I should probably start doing that... If you like the editing style you can download the free preset at the buymeacoffee.com link in description. No need to buy me a coffee, you can download it for free and use as you please :)
Hey JP, I truly loves your photos and your contents. So wonderful. I wonder do you use any film simulations while taking the photos or just shoot it raw ? I appreciate if you can answer my question. Oh yeah, also I've planned to go to Rome next month :)
Thank you so much dude! I shoot all my images RAW and then just apply the preset at my buymeacoffee.com link and warm it up a smidge :) No need to buy me a coffee, download it for freeeeeee :) Enjoy Rome and send me some of your images
Bravo JP … brilliant video! Not sure about fast food in Rome .. haha, but I get your idea about putting in the work. I like that B&W snap of the 911 cabriolet. Well done! PS: It’s coming on spring here in Quebec so I’m looking forward to using my X100V more often.
Thank you so much dude! Ahaha yeah I say fastfood, I really mean pre-made pizza and pastries ahaha. Great eye on the Porsche, I was very pleased when I saw it trundling past me with a slow shutter already locked in ahaha. YES. I've heard good things about the Canadian spring/ summer. What do you usually shoot?
@@JamesParsons1 Mostly landscapes, water, flowers in nature and friends/family. I did use it once for one of my sailing videos but I’m really looking forward to bringing it with me on my road bicycle adventures! And one day I’ll start to travel again so it will come with me on those trips too. Shooting raw plus usually fine B&W and occasionally colour jpeg. Cheers!
Thank you so much Matt! Glad you liked it. I filmed this at the end of January, I am sure the weather is going to be significantly better by the time you go. I'd love to hear what it's like because I want to return ahaha
Thank you so much Grant! Yeah, this one took a bit longer than expected ahaha. Glad you enjoyed it so much and thank you for supporting the channel with a comment :)
I really love how you edit your photos. I live in Rome and you just give me a lot of inspiration. Really! Only a question. Can i ask your setting on x100v for this kind of street photography and which tools/programm use to edit? thank you so much.
You live in a wonderful city my dude!! I'll be completely transparent and say that my settings are not important as all the images are sharp (over 1/160 etc) buuut my edits were all used with the free preset at the buy me a coffee.com link. Download them for free and enjoy them! They work so well on the sandy coloured stone
@@JamesParsons1 first of all, thank you for your fast answer James. I really appreciate it. If you liked my city, you have to go to Napoli/Naples. It's the most exciting city in all Italy for a photographer as you, looking for stories and emotions. Trust me. Come back in Italy and go there. Thank you so much for your advice, hoping to see new videos as soon as possible!
Did you get in trouble shooting for this content? I’m just curious 😅 great content! It doesnt bore me with the storytelling plus great photos! Keep it up! New sub ☺️
Paullaaaaa, come on you KNOW London is my favourite city in the world ;). The blend of history, modernism, multi-cultural districts, photo scenes and opportunity makes London unbeatable in the summer. Winter it's easily beaten by any Southern Hemisphere city ahahah. Thank you for signing up! Buzzing to share it when its ready :)
@@JamesParsons1 Hahaha! Just testing you James. You spoke very fondly of New York and just wanted to be sure you hadn't left your heart on the other side of the Pond.
All this and, yet, no mobile phone snap of the pork bap. What a missed opportunity! 🙃 Otherwise, I think that you have captured the soul of Rome - past and present.
Me too Anton ahaha. I've been so busy shooting for clients that i've not had the brain capacity to think about anything else ahaha. It's been mega though, just a shame so much of it us under NDA that I can't share it. Got like 7 videos in my head that I am like OMG I need to get these out ahaha
Thank you so much Bobby! These are all raw files edited using the free-presets in the buymeacoffee.com link in description (don't feel like you need to buy me a coffee, just DL the presets). If you are looking for recipes, I'd recommend Mike Chudley's as I've heard many good things about it
Shooting towards the sun is fine. Maybe there might be an issue with removing your lens and exposing the sensor to sunlight *whilst its on* miiiight do something, but i've never heard of that. That having been said, don't point a laser at your sensor otherwise you will definitely have problems ahaha. LMK if you have any more questions
Great question! I was using a shutter at like 1/15 and was turning with my whole body at the same time as the bike to get the background blur. I've got an explanation in my ‘street photography techniques in 5 minutes’ and ‘barcelona street photography’ video :) let me know if you have any questions
@@JamesParsons1 Thank you so kindly! The first video I see of you and I had to follow right away. Love your style and the way you explain. really nice! thanks again
All great photos, of course, with 15:11 moment, where nature over man beauty dominates is a wonderful moment. Rome is a wonder. The new Rome is NY, NY, and is interesting in its own ways. I bet you did feel like the luckiest man on earth to visit Rome and the Vatican. Such amazing sights to take-in. All around this globe are so many wonders. The bombing of Dresden was such a shame. Have you ever photographed that city. Looks like some amazing building there. And Paris -- seems like the hub of romance. In regard to smartphones, there are times I just want to help people by grabbing that tyrannic master of their lives, and throwing it in the street or ocean, and letting them know -- they are free at last! I love my smartphone as a tool, but never as my master. -Loren
Yes Loren - glad you liked the images so much :) I was over the moon being able to explore Rome, and in particular St Peter's. That building is unbeatable ahah. I'd love to go to Dresden, and maybe Paris with a camera one day. Although not sure I could hack spending too much time around the French ahaha. Smartphones are definitely a tool, and a dopaminergic one at that.
Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel, let me know if this is what you mean? In camera: What do I want to photograph (quick thought) What do I like about it? What can I do to emphasise this? What can I remove that could be distracting? Post Workflow: Take RAW photos Upload all of them to lightroom Go through and 4* any image that has potential Go through images again and create 5*s that are best from each sequence Edit these Decide which photos I actually like and make them with a red tag (press 6 when in lightroom) Put them into a photoshop carousel and melt my brain trying to work out which photos go best with other photos Get annoyed and do something else come back and finish it off post to IG
@@JamesParsons1 Awesome thanks for this! Yeah exactly what I meant. Since I shoot Raw and Jpeg I can't decide sometimes whether to export straight to my phone or edit the raws in lightroom
Yeah I bet. I think you've got to toss up, do you have a specific idea of what this image COULD be, where you need to edit it, or is it good enough as it is. Maybe you wanna do a big old crop, or change from colour to B&W or create something in photoshop? If so grab the raws, if not just export straight to ya phone :)
Great question - You've got to become discrete with taking photos like that. 99% of people don't mind having their photo taken, as long as you don't make them feel uncomfortable. Holding your camera up to your eye or looking at your cameras screen is an immediate give away what you are doing. Where as bringing up your camera just before the moment you want to take the picture is much more discrete. Would a video on it help?
Thanks for the comment! I didn't actually use a recipe, all the images were edited in Lightroom using the Free Preset I have at the www.buymeacoffee.com link.
If you like how I talk about photography, sign up for my digital learning book waitlist → www.backdrop.community/street-tools-vol-1
I’m a professional photographer and believe street photography has allowed me to work with some of the biggest brands in the world.
I’ve consolidated all the thoughts around what makes a great photo, breaking down why I think a photo works and how to create your style.
After analysing, critiquing, and refining these thoughts, I’ve created what I consider the most important, concise,& light-hearted advice that will stay front of mind when you are out shooting.
I promise - This isn’t a cash-grab photo book with a few images slapped together.
This book will be transformative for any photographer that reads it (Okay, maybe not Joel Meyerowitz or Steve McCurry), and I believe it will stand the test of time as it's focused on the fundamentals and not current trends.
If you want to improve your photography, consider buying Street Tools Vol 1. I can guarantee it’ll help you more than purchasing another camera bag.
I don’t think you will regret your decision.
I don't usually comment on UA-cam videos but this is good quality content! Such a breath of fresh air compared to other stuff I've seen recently. I love the deeper meaning in a lot of your photos, and the smart compositions. I will try to implement this into my own work, thanks!
Now that is a compliment! Thank you so much Rhys. I appreciate you taking time out your day to leave a comment and support the channel
This is wonderful. So rich. Very possibly the best travel and photography video I've seen in my 81 years and 56 years as a photographer. So relatable and human, thank you. So alive.
Wow - Thank you so much! I am so grateful for your comment ❤️ I really appreciate you taking the time to support the channel.
6:45 I have been preaching this to everyone I know since I went! I shed a couple tears when I was inside, it's the most majestic manmade thing on earth. The square is such an iconic place to photograph too.
You are doing well! - X100V or not. Street photography is about passion and love to this world, not about the camera. You have it. And yes, Rome is so fantastic. Lisbon and Rome are my favorites in Europe. The history, the light, the people....
Thank you so much Jan! I agree, Street photography is definitely a wonderful passion that I am so grateful for as its allowed me to pursue so much in photography. I love it. I've heard good things about Lisbon.... maybe I need an impromptu trip over there
This is such a fresh take on a street photography video, feels much more like a conversation about the craft rather than just a presentation of photos like other videos tend to be.
YOOOO - Thank you so much Alex. To hear you say that is honestly so wonderful to hear. Thats exactly the angle that I was going for and I'm glad it landed so well with you
This is absolutely one of the most wonderful video presentations I’ve ever seen. I love the way you organized your content and I hope you plan on doing more city presentations just like this in the future. I’m definitely subscribing.😊
Wow, thank you! That genuinely means so much dude. Plenty more city tours coming in future 😎 Can't wait to share them with you. Thanks for taking the time to comment and support the channel!
I started watching a ton of photography UA-cam videos since I began researching which camera to buy, and I’m so glad I somehow came across your videos. Not only are your photos 🔥, but the videos themselves are full of information and a joy to watch. It just makes a person want to go out and shoot more! You are amazing, thanks for all you do.
Alen - Thank you so much. That fills me up hearing you say that about my content. I am sat here with a smile! THANK YOU for supporting the channel and leaving a comment. It genuinely means a lot to me.
I just returned from Rome. Your images really capture it. I’m a fan of your work. Excellent.
This is the first video of yours I see. You’ve done a majestic work in Rome, really like your tones and composition.
And your captions are great too ,nice to ear how you mentally process those pics.
Next time you’ll came back to Italy take a trip in my city, Siena.
Thank you so much Nicola - That really means a lot to hear you say that! I'll add Siena on my places to come and visit in Italy! What a wonderful country you live in!
Was just in rome a couple weeks ago with my XE4 and really enjoyed your perspective on it.
I bet that was a blast man! I'd love to see the photos you took :) Glad you like the images I created man, Thank you for supporting the channel Ben
Glad I stumbled across your post in an X100V group a few days ago. Really enjoy this sort of video format following someone exploring a city and trying new ideas with the camera.
Would love to suggest Naples and surrounding areas for a long weekend trip if you ever fancy it. Think you'd really enjoy it and come out with some bangers.
Thank you so much dude! glad you like the content I'm creating :) I've heard lots of good things about Naples, my younger brother has just come back from there and said it was Maradona mad (and had better food than Rome). I'll add it to my places to visit!
We need to get you to more cities JP! This content is gold. I really appreciate the mix between street photography, travel guide and educational composition breakdowns. Loved the photos of the forum especially.
Thank you so much my dude
Amazing video and photos!! Been all in on the X100V since getting one abroad in March 2020! Never looked back since and fell in love with the art of street photography. Thanks for the tips on Rome!
Always feel so inspired after watching your videos James, amazing
That puts a smile on my face - Thank you so much for sharing that with me and supporting the channel!
Some beautiful and brilliant images James. My favourite city. Next time go to the top of the wedding cake/monument. Best views of Rome 👍
Thank you so much Paul! Yeah thats the plan next time, to go and actually learn more about the space, rather than doing laps of the city ahaha. Maybe i'll do both
Incredible video, makes me want to go out and shoot with my X100v, it is incredible what it is capable of. 👌🏾
Thats the goal! To get the whole gang out to shoot more bangers! Thank you so much for leaving a comment and supporting the channel :) It means a lot to me
Dude!! This is one of, if not the best X100V photography video that I’ve seen! So many bangers in one video, that light is 🤯
My dude - that is wonderful feedback man! Thank you so much!! I'm gonna have to get your comment printed out and hung on a wall ahahaha
Another great video. I’ve learned so much from you. Now that I have the X100V, it’s been nothing but a great joy because your videos make me go out more to explore with my 📸
Dude, these are easily some of the best X100V photos I’ve seen. Making me rethink how I’ve been editing mine. Seriously great job, and thanks for sharing how you’ve been thinking about your photos.
Daayyumm - thank you so much dude
Dude those seagull shots, random, I know, but you can REALLY see how sharp this camera is. Insane.
Отличный ролик, потрясающий Рим и, о боже, совершенно невероятные снимки, которые ты сделал!!!
Большое спасибо! Благодарен за ваш комментарий. Я не говорю по-русски, так что вот перевод Google!
Just found your channel James. Excellent content and quality! Two things about rangefinder camera's is you need a subject with good contrast for the double image to focus on. If you are struggling to focus, move the camera a little to the left or right to find a better contrast portion of the subject. Also if you're shooting in portrait orientation, first focus in landscape orientation then turn the camera to portrait.
Hey Richard - Thanks for the comment. The X100V in this video has auto-focus and so I wasn't using it like a typical range finder, however with my experience with the M11, you are absolutely correct! Big love!
i love your videos so much. its so motivating and inspiring. thank you! that is, that is gold :)
Thank you so much Micha! Glad my videos have helped you find your own motivation to go out and shoot :) Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel
Just stumbled across your video. Loved the content and your passion. Subscribed within 10seconds.
Now THAT is a testimonial ❤️ thank you dude 🙌
this motivates me to go to Rome again! i brought this camera there and im very happy with how it turned out 😄
Thats so good to hear man! Glad you are enjoying the Lil Fuji Cam so much! Can't wait to see what you shoot in Rome
Good energy and your street photography just gets better and better
YES Randy - Great to hear from you again :) Feels good to have you notice my street photography improvements. It means a lot!
You're unlocking the keys to composition with the 35mm perspective. I haven't yet cracked it myself, but I'm learning to recognize it in others' work. It's an immersive and story-telling view. I'm particularly impressed that you're finding ways to generate large volumes of compelling images in short order. Very excited to see what you'll show us about the world with that strengthening voice.
7:14 is the key example. With the added context that the man in the window is the Pope, the composition directs our eyes, but the 35mm includes the entire story. Without over-emphasizing the layered composition (a bunch of your other images are compelling in their own way), 15:57 also directs our eyes to move through the frame and gives the whole image a rare depth.
You're on your way to making timeless images, should you wish to do so. Don't stop.
Your comment means the world to me. Thank you so much dude. I'm definitely very much to have found a focal length that I gel with, especially so early on in my photo journey. It's meant that i've been able to compound my learnings with 35mm and led me to take what I think are more creative shots ahah.
I definitely feel filled up with confidence and motivation from your comment. Thank you so much for sharing
@@JamesParsons1 :)!
Love your style and editing!
hahaha thank you! Glad you like it. Takes long enough to do ;)
awesome video, caught myself smiling as I watched and imagined myself in your experiences. Those street pics plus your storytelling is immaculate. I feel like I was there walking the streets of Rome at dawn taking in the city all to myself, fantasizing about the marvels of the past as if I am time traveling -- before it is full of more people haha! Cheers mate
That is probably my favourite ever comment. It's made me smile reading that. Can't quite believe someone has had that response to one of my videos ahah, wow. Thank you so much. Really appreciate you sharing that with me
As an Italian, I’m glad that you enjoyed visiting Rome. As usual, awesome pictures and video!
Thank you so much Gabriele! I really appreciate that. I LOVE Rome. I can't wait to come back and do even more tours of the city ahah
Outstanding vision and creativity James! We are going to many of the same locations in Italy in a few weeks. Thank you for the inspiration. Well done, Mate!
Thank you so much! Glad you feel inspired from the video - I hope you have a wonderful time and get some great images!
@@JamesParsons1 Thanks, James!
I think this is just great makes me want to be better at capturing moments this is so refreshing 💖
Buzzing to hear it! You been out and shot anything in the last 10days?
This is amazing! A great format! Your commentary reminds me of "How To: With John Wilson", dark but lighthearted, innocent but observational. Love it dude!
ahaha Thank you Mr Gravy - glad you liked it! Appreciate the love
Yet again another great video...and the photos....sheeeeesh 🙌 as always I look forward to the next one
Myyyy guy!! Thank you so much. Glad you like the photos so much. Thanks for taking the time to comment my dude
I need to get back. I've been to Rome twice and missed the Sistine Chapel both times. One of my favorite shots is the altar in St. Peter's with light rays streaming across it from the cupola. I really need to find the negative so I can scan it.
Dude - I've been in Rome recently and saw that exact shot you are talking about! It is INCREDIBLE. When I saw it I was like OMG NO WAY. Put the video up on my story and need to edit the photos lol.
The sistine chapel too, I've never managed to go which is such a shame
Nice! Really an amazing sight. Guess we both need to go back. @@JamesParsons1
Dude these shots are so sick! Well done and such a great video! I’m currently in Rome now and it’s beautiful!
Thank you so much! Means a lot to hear you say that. Hope you have a great time in Rome and enjoy the city as much as I did
Awesome, i learned so much watching this
Glad you learned a lot from the video! Thank you so much for leaving a comment and supporting the channel
Great see you posting a awesome street video again mr Parsons :)
As usual a lot of great shoot and some really interesting commentary added into it.
I was in Rom just a few week back my self, gorgeous city with so much history!
I couldn't disappear for too long ;) Glad you enjoyed the video! I know right?? Rome is actually incredible. Next time i;m out in Italy I am 10000% coming back to photograph Rome, hopefully in shorts and a T-shirt this time ahah
Amazing video! I so impressed with your presenting skills, enthusiasm and editing. Your channel is sure to become huge I’m certain 👍
Thank you so much Steven! I'd like to think we will get there ;) Give it enough time and i'm sure we will! Thanks for supporting the channel
Great vid James , Rome is on the list to visit and photograph. Some great images , thanks for the tips!
YES Hermes! Glad you liked the video dude, you've gotta go. Rome is exceptional. Thank you again for supporting me, it means a lot to have the gods on my side!
How this channel doesn’t have more subscribers is beyond me
Thank you so much dude! I'm sure we will get there in due time :) Plenty more fun videos on the way
You are so inspirational! Love your personality, your photos and your philosophy. Wonderful content. 😊
Dace - Thank you so much! Reading comments like that fill me up. Thank you for leaving a comment and supporting the channel :) big love
Another excellent video as per usual , wonderful photography shots you have captured in Rome and must have been so lovely early morning and hardly anyone around and the light looking glorious ,and as for the mobile phone use with everyone so agree ,cannot wait for your next travel vid James .😊
Thank you so much Victoria! I'm not going to lie, that was one of the greatest moments of my photography life! Maybe a Berlin one is on the horizon 👀
Happy to come across your video when I'm about to head to Rome! Deep thoughts at 10:00! Wonderful images you created on this trip as always.
Perfect timing. You are going to LOVE IT. Please send me the photos you take, I'd love to see what you shoot. Sometimes these deep thoughts hit you harder when you are left to your own head for 4 days straight ahaha
10:00 interesting perspective. For me it's almost a source of stress (in a good way) which pushes me to work hard to leave something good behind me when I'm gone. In the end, those Romans are all dead but they left some of the most beautiful buildings in the world and that's why we are still talking about them.
EXACTLY. I wouldn't say its a stress, but a motivation to pursue something that I can really dedicate myself to and pursue at a high level. Looking forward to see what we build :)
Completely agree with your "people on their phones" take and will add... why are people hung up on avoiding having tourists in frame at touristic places? Seems to me we should be capturing the world for what it is as street photographers. Not trying to represent it as something that it isn't.
Agreeeed - If you don't like tourists, why go to tourist locations ahaha. Does seem like a weird take that many photographers have. Thanks for commenting my dude
Absolutely brilliant video - great content, amazing images 🔥📸
Glad you enjoyed it Seb! Thanks for taking the time to support the channel and leave a comment
Loved this! I specifically watched this to get some tips for some photo projects I’ve got coming up for ancient ruined kingdoms in Thailand. Different culture and geography, and I already had a bunch of ideas for shots I wanted to take (including some early morning and late night ‘less people long shadows stuff’), but I picked up some cool new ideas and philosophies from this video. Thanks JP!
Good to see you back mate. Another banger
Thank you for your patience my dude! Glad you enjoyed it so much and I appreciate your support
Loving your content, interesting thoughts and great photos. Looking forward to reading and learning more with your book!
My man - Thank you so much! Makes me so happy to hear you say that :) I've got high expectations for the book
Inspiring and great video format
Thank you so much Benjamin! I'm glad you liked the video so much. Plenty more on the way :)
😊James. Mate. Cracking good video. So many aspects, too many to comment on. Most important is I enjoyed it very much. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you so much Geoff! Really appreciate it my man, glad you enjoyed it so much
Really enjoyed this video! Very funny and inspiring. Not to mention excellent photos !
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the video so much. Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel!
stunning photos, such a pleasure to look at! I still can't believe we have the same camera :D and as usual, commentaries are helpful in our own photography growth! it also is very motivational and p o e t i c!
And in each video I can see your progress of video production too! Noticed those "zoom/focal length" rolls and how greatly scenes align with a narrative!!!
Thanks for the double comment ;) Glad you like the images so much dude, out on the gram soon! Buzzing to hear the videos make you feel that way, gotta fuel the backdrop gang to GO GET IT. Yeah man, tried something a little different with this video. Felt like it made sense to explain the wider sense of what I was thinking as I was shooting compared to specific photo breakdowns in this one. MORE FUEL FOR THE FIRE LETS GOOOO
15:58 nice line split, with a protest on the streets in the making. Nice.
I loved playing with that split perspective. Not sure I've shot too many images like that before so I was V happy :)
I agree with you on the mobile phones thing, street photography being about telling a story from a place and time... what is more iconic as something from our current era than someone too busy reading things on their phone?
Agreeeeeeeed. I'm pretty sure old people complained about newspapers when they were first introduced ahaha. Just wait till we all get brain implants and stare forwards cross eyed ahah
Beautiful pictures James. I Love it!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you like them. Thanks for supporting the channel and leaving a comment
always a pleasure to hear your thought process! nice video
This absolutely bangs! Great mix of learnings, 3* images and exploration 👌👌
My duuude - Compliment getting 3*s man! I was genuinely a bit gutted when I left as I felt like I didn't have anything stand out ahaha. Dem moving goal posts. Thanks for the love as always my dude
Enjoyed every minute of this video!! Well done and thank you for the tips.
This has put a smile on my face - Means so much to me to hear you say that! Thank you for taking the time to comment and support the channel. You da best
Extremely inspirational video, thank you
Thank you so much my dude
Wow, awesome work!!
Thank you so much Marcelo! Glad you love the video - Really appreciate your support
Amazing as usual! What a joy it would be if you ever came to photograph my city!
Thank you so much Elias - That means a lot to me. Where are you based?
Stockholm :)
Love the video, the shots you made are fantastic.A great case for 23mm. Do you think 14mm f2.8 would work for combo travel/ street
Thank you so much. Just to confirm its a 23mm on a cropped sensor, and so it acts more like a 35mm full frame. Personally, I think 14mm is too wide for street photography. If you are using it on a crop sensor, we multiply the focal length by the crop factor of 1.6, giving us around 22mm full frame equivalent. I would find it hard to get in close enough to get these detail shots when using a 22mm, however, it's GREAT for architectural photography.
Thank you for commenting and supporting the channel :)
@James Parsons thanks for the input, I'll be watching your channel for the great content. I will be in Italy and London end of May. You have inspired me
Great video man. Great images.
Thank's Mr. Parsons. Great shots
Thank you for leaving a comment and supporting the channel :) It means a lot to me
I'm loving your videos James! A great mix of travel, technique and thoughts. It reminds me of Joe McNally and that is high praise! Sub'd and looking forward to your future work!
Thank you so much dude! Glad you are enjoying the content so much and that you are finding it helpful. Plenty more videos to come ;)
Amazing content. What a bright future you have! ✨
Thank you so much Yousef - That comment means the world to me. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and support the channel :) You are a star
Do you have a favorite film recipe that you were using? Excellent photos and content
This was amazing! Thanks James! 😊
You're so welcome! Thank you so much for leaving a comment and supporting the channel :)
fantastico sei riuscito a far sembrare roma ordinata e pulita! Bellissime foto complimenti
Thank you so much Lorenzo! Glad you like what I was able to capture in Rome :)
Excelent video and GREAT images
BIG UP Steven
Hi James, which recipe do you use? Your photos are stunning!
Thank you so much Vince! That means a lot. Although I love my Fuji, I edit all of my photos and have never used a recipe ahaha. I should probably start doing that... If you like the editing style you can download the free preset at the buymeacoffee.com link in description. No need to buy me a coffee, you can download it for free and use as you please :)
great work!
Thank you so much Lenny! Appreciate you leaving a comment
Hey JP, I truly loves your photos and your contents. So wonderful. I wonder do you use any film simulations while taking the photos or just shoot it raw ? I appreciate if you can answer my question. Oh yeah, also I've planned to go to Rome next month :)
Thank you so much dude! I shoot all my images RAW and then just apply the preset at my buymeacoffee.com link and warm it up a smidge :) No need to buy me a coffee, download it for freeeeeee :) Enjoy Rome and send me some of your images
Amazing photos!!
What lens did you use in this video?
Nice work.
Thank you CT! Appreciate you supporting the channel
Bravo JP … brilliant video! Not sure about fast food in Rome .. haha, but I get your idea about putting in the work. I like that B&W snap of the 911 cabriolet. Well done! PS: It’s coming on spring here in Quebec so I’m looking forward to using my X100V more often.
Thank you so much dude! Ahaha yeah I say fastfood, I really mean pre-made pizza and pastries ahaha. Great eye on the Porsche, I was very pleased when I saw it trundling past me with a slow shutter already locked in ahaha.
YES. I've heard good things about the Canadian spring/ summer. What do you usually shoot?
@@JamesParsons1 Mostly landscapes, water, flowers in nature and friends/family. I did use it once for one of my sailing videos but I’m really looking forward to bringing it with me on my road bicycle adventures! And one day I’ll start to travel again so it will come with me on those trips too. Shooting raw plus usually fine B&W and occasionally colour jpeg. Cheers!
Great video 👍 heading to Rome at the end of the month. Out of interest when did you film this? Just interested in the weather.
Thank you so much Matt! Glad you liked it. I filmed this at the end of January, I am sure the weather is going to be significantly better by the time you go. I'd love to hear what it's like because I want to return ahaha
great video!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel :)
Great video man :) Very well put together - It would of been a lot of effort :) Great Shots and Super Job … Thanks For Sharing - Grant…
Thank you so much Grant! Yeah, this one took a bit longer than expected ahaha. Glad you enjoyed it so much and thank you for supporting the channel with a comment :)
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!
I really love how you edit your photos. I live in Rome and you just give me a lot of inspiration. Really! Only a question. Can i ask your setting on x100v for this kind of street photography and which tools/programm use to edit?
thank you so much.
You live in a wonderful city my dude!! I'll be completely transparent and say that my settings are not important as all the images are sharp (over 1/160 etc) buuut my edits were all used with the free preset at the buy me a coffee.com link. Download them for free and enjoy them! They work so well on the sandy coloured stone
@@JamesParsons1 first of all, thank you for your fast answer James. I really appreciate it. If you liked my city, you have to go to Napoli/Naples. It's the most exciting city in all Italy for a photographer as you, looking for stories and emotions. Trust me. Come back in Italy and go there.
Thank you so much for your advice, hoping to see new videos as soon as possible!
I've got another Rome video that's nearly done ;)
@@JamesParsons1 i can't wait to see
Did you get in trouble shooting for this content? I’m just curious 😅 great content! It doesnt bore me with the storytelling plus great photos! Keep it up! New sub ☺️
Thank you my dude
Fabulous video. You mentioned Rome is your 2nd favourite city, what is your first? 🙂 I've signed up for the Street Tools book - can't wait!
Paullaaaaa, come on you KNOW London is my favourite city in the world ;). The blend of history, modernism, multi-cultural districts, photo scenes and opportunity makes London unbeatable in the summer. Winter it's easily beaten by any Southern Hemisphere city ahahah.
Thank you for signing up! Buzzing to share it when its ready :)
@@JamesParsons1 Hahaha! Just testing you James. You spoke very fondly of New York and just wanted to be sure you hadn't left your heart on the other side of the Pond.
And seriously - London's my fave city too.
Ahaha although New York is cool and i'm sure i'll go back... LDN is everyones winner ;)
such a good video
Thank you so much 🙌 glad you enjoyed it so much
All this and, yet, no mobile phone snap of the pork bap. What a missed opportunity! 🙃 Otherwise, I think that you have captured the soul of Rome - past and present.
ahaha Alan, I messed up. I was midway though eating it before I thought, wait... I should have taken a photo of it. Next time ;)
missed your videos!
Me too Anton ahaha. I've been so busy shooting for clients that i've not had the brain capacity to think about anything else ahaha. It's been mega though, just a shame so much of it us under NDA that I can't share it. Got like 7 videos in my head that I am like OMG I need to get these out ahaha
Great Photos! Are they Jpegs straight out of camera or edited raw files? If Jpegs can you list the film simulation / recipe in the future?
Thank you so much Bobby! These are all raw files edited using the free-presets in the buymeacoffee.com link in description (don't feel like you need to buy me a coffee, just DL the presets). If you are looking for recipes, I'd recommend Mike Chudley's as I've heard many good things about it
Fantastic photos. Did you use any specific recipe?
I edit all of my photos in lightroom using the presets that you can download by joining my newsletter at www.backdrop.community
Nice video! Btw, do you have some kind of protection lens while photographing the sun, or is it fine? Always scared it might damage the sensor.
Shooting towards the sun is fine. Maybe there might be an issue with removing your lens and exposing the sensor to sunlight *whilst its on* miiiight do something, but i've never heard of that. That having been said, don't point a laser at your sensor otherwise you will definitely have problems ahaha. LMK if you have any more questions
@@JamesParsons1 awesome, thanks for the explaination!
James, Hi! what about the motorcycle shot in the intro? how did you take that one?
Great question! I was using a shutter at like 1/15 and was turning with my whole body at the same time as the bike to get the background blur. I've got an explanation in my ‘street photography techniques in 5 minutes’ and ‘barcelona street photography’ video :) let me know if you have any questions
@@JamesParsons1 Thank you so kindly! The first video I see of you and I had to follow right away. Love your style and the way you explain. really nice! thanks again
All great photos, of course, with 15:11 moment, where nature over man beauty dominates is a wonderful moment. Rome is a wonder. The new Rome is NY, NY, and is interesting in its own ways. I bet you did feel like the luckiest man on earth to visit Rome and the Vatican. Such amazing sights to take-in. All around this globe are so many wonders. The bombing of Dresden was such a shame. Have you ever photographed that city. Looks like some amazing building there. And Paris -- seems like the hub of romance. In regard to smartphones, there are times I just want to help people by grabbing that tyrannic master of their lives, and throwing it in the street or ocean, and letting them know -- they are free at last! I love my smartphone as a tool, but never as my master. -Loren
Yes Loren - glad you liked the images so much :) I was over the moon being able to explore Rome, and in particular St Peter's. That building is unbeatable ahah. I'd love to go to Dresden, and maybe Paris with a camera one day. Although not sure I could hack spending too much time around the French ahaha. Smartphones are definitely a tool, and a dopaminergic one at that.
Did you find yourself wanting more often a bit more reach or a bit wider ? Thanks
nice
Thank you so much Filip! Thanks for supporting the channel by leaving a comment
What is your workflow for the x100v? From taking a picture to posting it.
Thanks for leaving a comment and supporting the channel, let me know if this is what you mean?
In camera:
What do I want to photograph (quick thought)
What do I like about it?
What can I do to emphasise this?
What can I remove that could be distracting?
Post Workflow:
Take RAW photos
Upload all of them to lightroom
Go through and 4* any image that has potential
Go through images again and create 5*s that are best from each sequence
Edit these
Decide which photos I actually like and make them with a red tag (press 6 when in lightroom)
Put them into a photoshop carousel and melt my brain trying to work out which photos go best with other photos
Get annoyed and do something else
come back and finish it off
post to IG
@@JamesParsons1 Awesome thanks for this! Yeah exactly what I meant. Since I shoot Raw and Jpeg I can't decide sometimes whether to export straight to my phone or edit the raws in lightroom
Yeah I bet. I think you've got to toss up, do you have a specific idea of what this image COULD be, where you need to edit it, or is it good enough as it is.
Maybe you wanna do a big old crop, or change from colour to B&W or create something in photoshop? If so grab the raws, if not just export straight to ya phone :)
how do u take images like the one in 8:11? eye level? with fuji 23mm, it is quite close to the subject, are they alright with you taking their photos?
Great question - You've got to become discrete with taking photos like that. 99% of people don't mind having their photo taken, as long as you don't make them feel uncomfortable. Holding your camera up to your eye or looking at your cameras screen is an immediate give away what you are doing. Where as bringing up your camera just before the moment you want to take the picture is much more discrete. Would a video on it help?
whats the film recipe you used in rome? share please. Thanks!😊
Thanks for the comment! I didn't actually use a recipe, all the images were edited in Lightroom using the Free Preset I have at the www.buymeacoffee.com link.
@@JamesParsons1 thanks!
so many people in the colosseum , i wouldn't be able to focus on my photo while thinking someone might steal my wallet.