This was a fascinating discussion, Ewen. I like the distinction between ‘original’ vs ‘unique’. Some of the earliest advice I received from my first real mentor (an art director who helped me get my break with Syme Magazines) was this: “Study the old greats. Learn what made their images so special. Emulate them; copy them on occasion if you need to; because out of that will emerge your own style. And one day you’ll realise your images, while inspired by those who came before, are now truly your own.”
Thank you so much for your perspective and offering your knowledge so freely. Your S9 settings video was amazing and really helped me set up my first new camera in almost a decade. You’re definitely a gem here.
My neighbor has painted 8 of my pictures. I’m happy to give her my prints. One of her paintings hangs in a country club restaurant. I always smile when I see the painting on the wall. I see the paintings as truly her work and not mine.
Hi , Ewen. Nice to see you on this platform. You won't remember me, it was a few years ago my wife and I went on one of your workshops with Ian Rolf to Flinders Ranges. I am stil loving photography as well as a Camera Club judge ... Oh dear, I hear you say. 😂.I continually tell club members to take photos for them, what they like, what gives them joy, not for other people. if you can learn something to help you or not from the judge, that is purely up to you. Nice to see you are working on a workshop with Ian again. so good to see he s doing well. I am enjoying your words of wisdom (again).
Great to see you here David :) That was a really marvellous journey and maybe we need to do one again soon. We're lucky to have visited some lovely places in our time, but even more lucky to have had such great companions.
The US Copyright Office needs to start selling copyright registration numbers that photographers can add into the cameras meta data, so every photo taken has a registered copyright that has a statutory damage amount mandated by law instead of having to send your photos to the US Copyright Office to have the copyright registered.
I like that idea. Globally the copyright laws vary so much that there are problems with any blanket solution. In Australia, for example, the copyright of any photo taken on or of Crown Land technically belongs to the federal government. And of course there is an issue with how laws are policed - they tend to favour large companies and not individuals.
I’m dealing with the same situation at the moment. Luckily for me, it did not come down to affecting my money since I am generally a hobbyist. But it definitely gives unsettling thoughts about future work. So, I can brush it off with the saying ‘imitation is the best kind of flattery,’ but like you showed in the video, it can lead to a tricky place. Let’s just say I’m always trying to document it when it happens, just for future-proofing and protecting my image if it becomes necessary. One thing working for me as that the copycat cant nail down my edits.
Great discussion, I started my photography in the late 80's early 90's it was a different time then darkrooms and all. Its inevitable that people will steel your work and ideas , I usec to watermark everything but I gave up long time ago . Trying to fend off that destroyed my enjoyment, but i understand that a person such as yourself who is earning a living from it would be understandably frustrated when this happens, but from a workshop point of view they are likely to fail due to a lack of understanding about the foundations and background work required 😊
This was a fascinating discussion, Ewen. I like the distinction between ‘original’ vs ‘unique’. Some of the earliest advice I received from my first real mentor (an art director who helped me get my break with Syme Magazines) was this: “Study the old greats. Learn what made their images so special. Emulate them; copy them on occasion if you need to; because out of that will emerge your own style. And one day you’ll realise your images, while inspired by those who came before, are now truly your own.”
I love that! Thanks Peter :)
If someone steals my photo. I take it as a sign that it was a good shot. I know the journey I took to take it and to me that’s all that matters.
Thank you so much for your perspective and offering your knowledge so freely. Your S9 settings video was amazing and really helped me set up my first new camera in almost a decade.
You’re definitely a gem here.
Awwwww thanks! Appreciate your taking the time to drop me a comment. Have a great day.
My neighbor has painted 8 of my pictures. I’m happy to give her my prints. One of her paintings hangs in a country club restaurant. I always smile when I see the painting on the wall. I see the paintings as truly her work and not mine.
I admire folks who can paint. The reason I chose photography is because my painting skills are so dreadful:)
Hi , Ewen. Nice to see you on this platform. You won't remember me, it was a few years ago my wife and I went on one of your workshops with Ian Rolf to Flinders Ranges. I am stil loving photography as well as a Camera Club judge ... Oh dear, I hear you say. 😂.I continually tell club members to take photos for them, what they like, what gives them joy, not for other people. if you can learn something to help you or not from the judge, that is purely up to you. Nice to see you are working on a workshop with Ian again. so good to see he s doing well. I am enjoying your words of wisdom (again).
Great to see you here David :) That was a really marvellous journey and maybe we need to do one again soon. We're lucky to have visited some lovely places in our time, but even more lucky to have had such great companions.
Excellent video Ewen, informative and well done! I will be recommending your channel to fellow photographers.
Thankyou David :)
Great video Ewen, love the way you look at life and how that translates through your images :)
Thanks so much for the kind words :) Wasn't sure how this video would get received, most folks on UA-cam just wanna hear about camera gear it seems!
The US Copyright Office needs to start selling copyright registration numbers that photographers can add into the cameras meta data, so every photo taken has a registered copyright that has a statutory damage amount mandated by law instead of having to send your photos to the US Copyright Office to have the copyright registered.
I like that idea. Globally the copyright laws vary so much that there are problems with any blanket solution. In Australia, for example, the copyright of any photo taken on or of Crown Land technically belongs to the federal government. And of course there is an issue with how laws are policed - they tend to favour large companies and not individuals.
Great work Ewen - many thanks
Cheers Alex :)
I’m dealing with the same situation at the moment.
Luckily for me, it did not come down to affecting my money since I am generally a hobbyist. But it definitely gives unsettling thoughts about future work. So, I can brush it off with the saying ‘imitation is the best kind of flattery,’ but like you showed in the video, it can lead to a tricky place. Let’s just say I’m always trying to document it when it happens, just for future-proofing and protecting my image if it becomes necessary. One thing working for me as that the copycat cant nail down my edits.
Yeah it's a hard one to swallow at times. Hard to let it go. Gotta focus on your work though, and your creativity. Good luck with your journey!
Great discussion, I started my photography in the late 80's early 90's it was a different time then darkrooms and all. Its inevitable that people will steel your work and ideas , I usec to watermark everything but I gave up long time ago . Trying to fend off that destroyed my enjoyment, but i understand that a person such as yourself who is earning a living from it would be understandably frustrated when this happens, but from a workshop point of view they are likely to fail due to a lack of understanding about the foundations and background work required 😊
Luckily not everything is so readily copied :)
Such a good message, Ewen!
Thanks Grace :) Hope you recognized a few locations in that video too!
@@EwenBell yesss 🙌
An interesting vlog and some truly beautiful images, the soundtrack was very nice too and complemented rather than shouted over top of your content.
Thanks Sue! Good music makes a real difference to any video doesn't it.
I remember having a copycat years ago, right down to the fork placement!
Ps, cool stuff from Japan 😍
Yeah that lady can fork off!
Someone special planned all that for me!