Watch me shoot the beautiful Tea in this super sick behind the scenes Natural Light Masterclass. ua-cam.com/video/DczfvXIs-fY/v-deo.htmlsi=cwLhY4ahE6BmN50c
Here's my take at 67, 43yr as a commercial advertising shooter, degreed in applied/technical and commercial photography, and still slogging away in the trenches: Talent ISN'T enough. TENACITY, grit, perseverance, patience- and yes SKILL....are occupational requirements. Having a "look", style is over-rated; that only works IF your subject matter is limited. The camera, camera brand, etc. DOES NOT matter; the most important piece of equipment is between your two ears. Always buy (used) photo gear from amateurs; they're sleeping 40hr+, working 40hr+= gear not used much. Be your own #1 Fan; and worst/harshest critic. If my career was a pizza pie, the smallest slice of the "pizza" is the actual photography, the creative stuff. MOST of my efforts are spent marketing, creating opportunities, networking, portfolio representation, editing, ETC. It ISN'T spent behind a camera. Lastly, treat your passion like a BUSINESS first and foremost; invest in competent legal and financial advice/stewardship; COPYRIGHT and register your work. ENFORCE your copyright and all Licensing ventures.
Well Tommy, that's such great advice, maybe launch it on Your channel and make some money! I'm here because the same principles apply to musicians. I'm not good enough to think about the things you advise. But, if I were, I'd follow. Thanks for sharing your experience. ✌️ ~ 🌺
Exactly why I'll always keep it a hobby, no matter how advanced. All the other slices of the pie don't interest me in the least, and in fact would stifle all the joy/passion I have for photography.
The bit about "taking 30 more" is gold. I've found the same thing to be true with my photography. I often have to take a bunch of photos of someone before I really hone in on the right combination of camera settings, flash settings, pose, expression, etc, and that's when the magic STARTS. Some clients will say they're happy and we can be done, and it's my job to coax them into trying a couple more things, because I know as a professional that this will probably lead to better results. I also love the bit about "Anyone can take pictures of beautiful people in beautiful settings with perfect hair and makeup...it takes a real photographer to shoot the rest of us." This is what makes photography so special. It's amazing to see the reactions from people when they truly great pictures of themselves for the first time, and all the more so when they expected to not like how they look.
Hey A Stage, I appreciate you taking the time to write this. I’m so glad it resonated with you. I put a lot into this one and I’ve wanted to make it for a while. More like this to come. What did you think of the format of how I delivered the advice? I was trying a new style here. So far my best performance as far as retention!
I find it true. Just hope people don’t misunderstand and think think they just need to take 200 photos and it’ll be great lol. Sometimes you also gotta know when to stop as well. Or when something isn’t really working don’t be afraid to change it up instead of holding onto the thing that isn’t working.
I'm just starting out in photography as a hobby. When you said " take 30, 40, 50 more" you made something clicked in me , i used to just wait for the " perfect shot' thinking that was it . But what you said make perfect sense, its digital so we can keep on shooting .You are 1,0000% correct. Yeah man thanks for the video. You gained a new subscriber😊
Yes!! I never thought of it the way he stated, but it's so true. I'm finally starting to take my photography seriously. I've always wanted to take photos of people and babies/kids. I've had my cameras for a while. I've been practicing taking photos of my niece, and just today, we took over 200 photos in an hour, and i only liked about half of them 😅 but i saw that the more i took the better they looked. It's a good learning experience. I sometimes go on shoots with a photographer friend and shoot along with him . I've picked a lot of tips and pointers but am still trying to find my "style."
@@fredat8237 Don't try to find your style. It will come organically. Style is overrated anyhow but if you really want your own "style," don't go looking for it, it will find YOU. After some time you'll know what you gravitate to shooting more than other things and the looks you like. Just keep trying things and your style will develop naturally. One day you'll realize that exactly how and what you shoot is your style. Don't force it.
one thing i love most, is to post my best works and my supposed friends/colleagues not saying nothing or like it... its the sign I'm doing great! Their silence is the best thing!
I'm not even here for the photography; I fell for the title. As someone with absolutely nothing to do with the photography space, I love the video and the vibe! Thank you for having such standards......
I am a cinematographer in my country, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 West Africa. But I have learnt plenty of good advice from you, sir. And we learn every day by discovery.
It's always a pleasure to see another photographer pushing the rest of us to the limits mentally. I feel like it's not enough of us guiding people to the right path. some people dint really know what their niche is. Thank you for this awesome inspirational video.
I agree, as a viewer I never felt bored or offended. Sometimes while watching any advice stories, makes you feel someone tries to make you work just the way he wants or you totally lose time because someone made a click bit vid. I like your style, congrats on the long career ;) Thumbs up and sub, hear you soon!
Some of the BEST advices on UA-cam I’ve seen! Genuine tips for those who wants to go beyond the Instagram fame and truly wants to become a photographer. Keep making these videos. I believe the photo community at large lacks QUALITY
Being a street photographer, given I am a young photographer meaning I am just 6 years into this journey, capturing everything is apart of being street photographer. Walking around cities capturing what I see, everything I see is apart of being street photographer. I think by removing the idea of not shooting everyone and everything is a bad advice to beginners. They will never find actually what they like doing. It’s a long process that can change over time.
Nailed it. The first two ones are the most important I would say. Like Peter Coulson or Alex Kilbee say: If you want to develop a style you have to switch off social Media. They only follow Trends. Beeing Trend doesn't mean beeing good. Thanks for the video, Steve.
You Americans just can't get enough of this sort of thing eh? I bet the second comment is going to have t "be your own harshest critic" and "just work harder". I'm genuinely amazed that it never gets old to you guys. Not to say there's no thruth in any of those things at all but if you take a hard look at American society it must hurt that none of the 1% seems to have to work for anything and all of the 99% still think that an 25 hour workday can be productive and will also leave enough time to read another hyped self help book by that guy who's a succes because he sells books about it. Or wears a shirt with PRO on it. That's the photovlogger equivalent of the I'm Alpha shirt for fitness gorillas.
Good advice. I haven't been in school since 1970. So I don't know if photography or even photojournalism is available in high school, but if available in college, take a course. It will teach you more about how to take pictures that you will take with you no matter your specialty. I love the news/newspaper side of photography. That is one area you can hit so many specialties and still be specialized in news. I somewhat disagree of being specialized. Be specialized in what you hope to be your money maker, but enjoy the thrill of taking pictures no matter what and no matter where. I do not limit myself, I love to be a jack of all trades and great in one or two of them.
First of your videos I’ve seen. Good style, smooth delivery, informative, all the jumps between scenes were unified, almost unnoticeable. Subscribed within first third of video. I’ve never done that before. Looking forward to binge-watching your list tomorrow.
That generalist comment just made inspired me. Why would i wanna be a specialist. When I could be the first generalist to be famous in photography. Most people hear that and conform. There’s a select few that have made it there whole life doing things the way people said they couldn’t and they wouldn’t. you get used to knocking down there barriers. You can’t wait for the next challenge. A creative finds a way. Great video. Thanks 🙏🏽
Your style of giving information and making this video was amazing. It wasn’t a typical sit in your office and list off pieces of advice video you see a million times. It was engaging and entertaining. Made me as the viewer feel like I was riding my bike with you around the park while you gave advice
0:30 once a man and twice a child, everything is only for a while mindblown. i just realized what the first part meant. you're a child twice bc you're helpless when you;re a child and you're also helpless when you're an old elder. sad to put that into perspective.
I've never been good at self-promotion; it is by far the most difficult thing for me. Thanks for shining a light on that, and thanks for the encouraging words.
it's not self promotion. it's called marketing. treat your business like you would someone elses. stop treating yourself like a charity. think of yourself as a creative machine. value yourself and value your creativity and work. most of the best shooters suck at marketing. i'm here to help. just hang out with us. join my discord and start typing.
Being retired, I am able to view You-Tube channels on photography whenever I feel like doing it. There are a lot of channels that have 50,000-150,000 subscribers, but their content is not that meaningful. On the other hand, I've found a small group of channels with under 15,000 subscribers, who have fewer videos ,but provide more substance. Your channel, Steve, is one of the latter group. I enjoyed this video greatly. Several pieces of advice you presented are concepts that I considered during my 20+ years as a professional photographer. I wish you good luck with your channel and look forward to seeing some of your older videos as well as future ones.
New photographer here (well sort of, I am 55 and was once on a yearbook and school newspaper photo team, but that was 35 years ago) and I was scrolling and saw your sign in your thumbnail and decided I better not skip this one so I am watching now. Here we go!
Steve, this was a wonderful video. You revealed yourself, your expertise, and your story in an easy to understand and digest forum. You deserve gold stars and high fives my friend!
You just popped up on my UA-cam feed. I am glad I washed this video and I wholeheartedly agree with your message. Thanks for sharing your voice and wisdom.
You have changed my out look in photography. I've only been taking 3 or 5 at time then come home to deleting them.. still new at trying to get better.. Thankyou
i shoot with a Nikon D3200. im a year in and i love it and already get hired. I get hired for my style more so than my gear of formal education. its all a VIBE!
Even as an amateur, I find specializing helps my photography have a focus even if it's a broad niche. I occasionally will shoot in other genres more to expand my knowledge and skill (and to have some fun doing something else) but I always come back to my niche when I'm being more serious.
I discovered a photographer who specialises in low key bird photography this year. As I scrolled through his photos, it was obvious that he’s extremely talented. By the 10th bird pic though, I was like ok, that’s probably enough now. Specialisation is understandable, especially if monetisation is the goal, however it’s also the quickest way for me to get bored. Having said that, if I was to try and focus on a genre or two, it would probably be abstract and fine art photography. There’s a lot of flexibility within these genres, it’s endless what you can come up with. It just depends on what your photography goals are, and what resonates with you.
mastery comes from doing one thing well over time. your bird photographers interest is in birds. it's his speciality. you got bored but he's not shooting for you. he's trying to master something. sorry it bored you but that has nothing at all to do with him as the creator. he is working on mastery. respect that.
@@stevecarty I appreciate the photographers hard work and did point out that I’d acknowledge his talent. I don’t think having become bored as I scrolled through his work constitutes a lack of respect. Everyone’s tolerance for repetition is different, and a lot of creatives have become quite desensitised these days, as a result of looking at photos all day long. I loved all your points in your video and appreciate the concept of mastery as well. The point I was trying to make is, I wouldn't have the patience to shoot and edit photographs that end up looking so similar, in order of mastering this process. I'm definitely not expecting any master to be shooting for me however, all creatives sharing their craft online publicly are, to some extent shooting for others. This is just a natural consequence of showcasing one’s work, and possibly connecting with perusers on some level.
That part about specializing is something I really need to take on board, I quite literally shoot everything because all niches are so fun to shoot but trying to choose one is extremely difficult 😫
Getting bored is a bigger enemy of creativity than any of the above, so something else to consider. We're artists, so being inspired can't be something forced (I'm sure you know this lol).
You can shoot everything for your own education and pleasure, but specialize in the work space. If you have to have to IG accounts, one for bidnez and one for fun, do that- keep them at arm's length!
Composition and backgrounds are the toughest to get right for me. I did a shoot for a band and eventhough the subject, mood, environment was great I didnt even think about my background. There was always something weirdly cut in the corners or obstructed or just some colored light that took my photos from being next level. After a few more shoots I still find this to be difficult and especially my own positioning. Every shoot was an amazing learning experience anyway.
scanning your backgrounds and choosing non distracting areas to shoot has to be your main focus. don't get wrapped up in the moment. they are coming to you for your expertise. part of that is choosing locations. open shade, non distracting. i'll be making some content on this soon.
Hello! Have been doing Selfportrait for 7 years and this special tips I never heard previously I am grateful that I stumbled upon your vlog thank you very much and will be sharing it with my friends who are new into photography ❤
I love this so much!! Thank you!! I got my studio in February and I wanted to shoot all types. This last month, I focused on what I truly love- boudoir and my bookings have picked up significantly since making the change! People feel the love and passion we feel for our art !
Steve, first time viewer, but you have my sub. I've been in photography for over 30 years, 6 as a working pro. I love this video and how it was delivered. Much better than a talking head video. You should do more video like this, but break them down by topic. Example: Best advice on composition. My advice would be: Find your own way to break the rules.
Straight facts!!! I'm impressed and will refer to this video going forward. You've blessed me my fellow Photographer! Keep this up!! There are riches in niches!!! Etc...etc.
Appreciate all of this advice. The only thing I have a gripe with is the specializing bit. I know it’s important to have cohesion across your work as a professional photographer, but I think the best photographers can achieve a cohesive body with all types of subject matter, and arguably that makes you even more valuable, and opens up your creative eye to all sorts of possibilities. Of course it’s all a matter of opinion and I really appreciate this video 🫡 thank you sir.
I prolly have some decades on ya. But thanks for your thoughts! Just lyk the best advice I was given. Take whatever away that you like. Just know everything I said here is relevant.
I think most photographers do many things, but they tend to monetize one or have maximum 2. Like Irving Penn doing fashion and portraits mostly, and some still life at the end.
Absolutely spot on about being timeless and not following trends. And about being pleasant and professional on a set and when delivering a service. Complaint I hear from art directors and producers these days is that a lot of young people are hard to deal with, so they often have to reshoot it with older heads who have proven they can deliver. These brands tend to fall for the flavor of the day-the new popular kid on the block who is shooting for Dazed, iD and Self-Service. Great video, great advice. Only thing I would disagree with is that not anyone can shoot good photos of beautiful people with top-notch hair, makeup and styling. There are “local” guys who make everything look overly commercial, surgical, lifeless, and the models plastic. Instagram is saturated with it. They have nothing to say. It’s the pretty picture syndrome, which fools many into believing they’re doing great work. The computer is partly the blame for that. You see photos with the backlight, which make colors look dazzling, for the most part. But print it and put it on a wall, and it all breaks down.
While I'd agree that most of "the greats" are known primarily for one genre, even Ansel (arguably the most famous and respected photographer ever) shot a lot more than iconic landscapes in the western US. He also created some masterful architectural images, the occasional portrait, and what he called "extract" photography. Most would refer to the latter as "abstract" (which happens to be my wheelhouse). Every image you contemplate/expose/process/print can help improve your "core" images, just as can taking inspiration from other artforms. One can definitely get "too" specialized (which can lead to boredom/burnout). I never raced road bikes, but they helped build my aerobic and anerobic capacity for mountain bike racing (too dangerous to ride on the road these days and I don't miss intervals!). The point is, "cross-training" helps improve performance in any sport (or artform).
I think Mr.Carty was talking about marketing yourself and your work. Niche ing down. Since you mentioned Ansel. He didn't have to market his work because he didn't have to sell it to make a living. Ansel was from a wealthy family and did have work at all. He took photos of nature scenes because he thought everyone needed to what he was seeing.
Reminds me of what my mentor said, "when you have ego in photography its like trying to make a race out of walking, when we all have our own pace". Thanks again for some great words on photography and makes me feel like I've been going in a good direction in terms of improvement, and I will continue to to!
Thank you so much for your time, effort, patience, money, will, and knowledge into creating this video. I truly appreciate your advice, thank you again!!!
After just about 13 years of shooting, shooting, and shooting some more, I'm finally starting my own photography business. As it's happening, I came across this video... I wish I would've seen this years ago. Because not only it's informational but inspirational. Thanks for this content. God bless!
This is Great Advice for Musicians Too! Especially playing through it. No two takes are exactly the same. That's what makes it so frustratingly Fun! ✌️ ~ 🌺
You're absolutely right, all the biggies specialized. I think, for those struggling to commit to a stream, try street photography; you can play with people, architecture, and culture and immerse yourself. You might start to see something emerging in your perspective that really cranks you up! Have a look at Eggleston and others.
Love the bike! Also, good holistic advice on photography. And the business standpoint: Great advice on having a specialization. Photographers can take lots of pics for fun, but it's tough to advertise that.
i'm a hobbyist for last 15 years or so. personally, i don't try to monetize the things i enjoy though. because if it becomes work, it becomes a chore for me, and i stop enjoying that thing. when i was doing my master's, one of professors asked me why i chose civil engineering and i told that i chose it because civil engineering wasn't something i enjoy, but it also wasn't something i hate. it was in between. thus, i chose it so that when it became work, i wouldn't have anything to lose because i wasn't enjoying it before, and because it wasn't something i specifically hate, it would be tolerable and sustainable enough for me to go on with that.
my passion is photography. make your passion the way you make money and you'll never work a day in your life and you can do that work forever. that's me. i started when i was 14. i'm 53. same passion. i've made money from my camera and my creativity exclusively since i was 19 years old. i'll never stop.
@@stevecarty i respect the people who feel that way. but be that as it may, if i was a professional, i'd be shooting the subjects commissioned by people who hired me, there'd be a schedule, i couldn't do what i want to do whenever and however i like to etc. so "work" and "the thing i enjoy" cannot be the same for me because i hate the concept of "working". so everything that's labeled as work automatically becomes agonizing.
My journey as a photographer is Bourne out of the pain of finding pictures I need when I design for brands. Coming from a design background I approach Photography with a nice balance of structure and beauty. Copy others and copy right. When you know the rules enough, feel free to break them
You just turned up on my feed and after this video I knew I wanted to subscribe. So I did. But I also wanted to suggest you rethink your music, which I found a bit intrusive. If the music is too loud or too repetitive, it can take attention away from you, and in this case I think it does. Maybe look at it like movies do, have a bit of music when you’re transitioning scenes but not when you’re talking. Many people just ignore the music but many others can’t turn their attention off it That’s why you need to be careful with it. Thanks for reading this. I’m off to find more of your videos.
First comment out of 100+ mentioning my music choice and volume. This is a preference. It’s my top performing video ever so for this point your in the minority. I watch my music choice and volume closely. I think this one works but may have been too much for you in particular. I appreciate that insight for sure. I tried both with music and without for my narration and with music for sure worked better. Stopped it only for effect near the end. This was very very thought out and the views tell me it worked. I have to go on majority rule for this one.
Wouldn't really agree with a need to focus on one category of photography. That quote, jack of all trades master of none, (by Shakespeare) is often cut short. - but oftentimes better than a master of one. Having a focus is fine but photographer's are more capable when they have well rounded experiences and portfolios. There's a way to build a portfolio of car, portrait, landscape and product shots that can work. Playing around in styles that are outside of your norm is a great way to learn, grow and improve a focus you're most passionate about. Keep snapping! 📷😁
The saying is: "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one". People usually forget about the second part. I disagree with this advice but I can't agree more if you know what I'm saying 😅. Thanks for the video 👏
mastery comes from doing one thing amazingly well. that can't ever come from the thin spread on everything that generalizing does. don't be the guy with the camera that shoots everything. be the master that puts all their eggs in a basket that has a market and an audience.
Such a great video with great advice. I love how you told a story of what that specific day looked like for you while stopping to give advice was attention grabbing. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing incredible insights in the world of photography!
I really liked the way you constructed this video, it take a more personal approach with the viewers. I have to admit that it is taking me a real effort to specialize, I really like more than one photography style (even when I do portraits) not everything is moody or bright, I’m starting in this business and I need to learn how to monetize my creativity and… so on. I made a “career” change and I’m doing finally what I always wanted to do and I really hope is not to late with all the new technology and fact that, now everyone have a camera now 😅 thank you.
I've watched a good handful (1000s realistically) of photography related videos and this one really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your insights with us Steve.
@@stevecarty It takes a real photographer to shoot the rest of us. Classic and timeless last forever. Deliver exceptional service. I'm glad that I found your UA-cam page, Steve.
Great content. “…take 20, 30, 40, 50 more…”. That was not possible in film days and that’s the foundation of my training and work. I’m still contemplating that one. There’s definitely a different technique and dynamic with technological advancement
some of my best work early was film days in 12 frames.. today my work is at another level. 3 decades of experience and seeing the work as i do it? talent and tools make it so.
👍🏾 I started in ‘76 with a rangefinder. Got my first SLR in 1980. Shot professionally for a while working for a studio. Been on my own for a while now.
Watch me shoot the beautiful Tea in this super sick behind the scenes Natural Light Masterclass. ua-cam.com/video/DczfvXIs-fY/v-deo.htmlsi=cwLhY4ahE6BmN50c
Here's my take at 67, 43yr as a commercial advertising shooter, degreed in applied/technical and commercial photography, and still slogging away in the trenches: Talent ISN'T enough. TENACITY, grit, perseverance, patience- and yes SKILL....are occupational requirements. Having a "look", style is over-rated; that only works IF your subject matter is limited. The camera, camera brand, etc. DOES NOT matter; the most important piece of equipment is between your two ears. Always buy (used) photo gear from amateurs; they're sleeping 40hr+, working 40hr+= gear not used much. Be your own #1 Fan; and worst/harshest critic. If my career was a pizza pie, the smallest slice of the "pizza" is the actual photography, the creative stuff. MOST of my efforts are spent marketing, creating opportunities, networking, portfolio representation, editing, ETC. It ISN'T spent behind a camera. Lastly, treat your passion like a BUSINESS first and foremost; invest in competent legal and financial advice/stewardship; COPYRIGHT and register your work. ENFORCE your copyright and all Licensing ventures.
Great advice, thanks !
Well Tommy, that's such great advice, maybe launch it on Your channel and make some money! I'm here because the same principles apply to musicians. I'm not good enough to think about the things you advise. But, if I were, I'd follow. Thanks for sharing your experience. ✌️
~ 🌺
Exactly why I'll always keep it a hobby, no matter how advanced. All the other slices of the pie don't interest me in the least, and in fact would stifle all the joy/passion I have for photography.
@marcogea1974 right on 🌺
Good bragging.
@ 0:21 "SHUT UP LEGS" nice reminder! Great video, thanks for posting.
A man that notices details.
”Our photography is our voice. What are you going to say?”
That one hit a homerun. 🤙🏻
Thanks so much for watching Timo. I took in many of your videos last night.
Not only is this a valuable set of wisdom for photography, it applies well to the rest of a person’s life.
thanks so much Snappy !!!!
The bit about "taking 30 more" is gold. I've found the same thing to be true with my photography. I often have to take a bunch of photos of someone before I really hone in on the right combination of camera settings, flash settings, pose, expression, etc, and that's when the magic STARTS. Some clients will say they're happy and we can be done, and it's my job to coax them into trying a couple more things, because I know as a professional that this will probably lead to better results.
I also love the bit about "Anyone can take pictures of beautiful people in beautiful settings with perfect hair and makeup...it takes a real photographer to shoot the rest of us." This is what makes photography so special. It's amazing to see the reactions from people when they truly great pictures of themselves for the first time, and all the more so when they expected to not like how they look.
Hey A Stage, I appreciate you taking the time to write this. I’m so glad it resonated with you. I put a lot into this one and I’ve wanted to make it for a while. More like this to come. What did you think of the format of how I delivered the advice? I was trying a new style here. So far my best performance as far as retention!
Loved the format!@@stevecarty
@@AStageForTheKingdom amazing. More videos in the pipe. Shot an amazing girl yesterday. Can’t wait to share this next video
I find it true. Just hope people don’t misunderstand and think think they just need to take 200 photos and it’ll be great lol. Sometimes you also gotta know when to stop as well. Or when something isn’t really working don’t be afraid to change it up instead of holding onto the thing that isn’t working.
@@papiramen5915 exactly ma experience, too :)
I'm just starting out in photography as a hobby. When you said " take 30, 40, 50 more" you made something clicked in me , i used to just wait for the " perfect shot' thinking that was it . But what you said make perfect sense, its digital so we can keep on shooting .You are 1,0000% correct. Yeah man thanks for the video. You gained a new subscriber😊
Yes!! I never thought of it the way he stated, but it's so true. I'm finally starting to take my photography seriously. I've always wanted to take photos of people and babies/kids. I've had my cameras for a while. I've been practicing taking photos of my niece, and just today, we took over 200 photos in an hour, and i only liked about half of them 😅 but i saw that the more i took the better they looked. It's a good learning experience. I sometimes go on shoots with a photographer friend and shoot along with him . I've picked a lot of tips and pointers but am still trying to find my "style."
@@fredat8237 Don't try to find your style. It will come organically. Style is overrated anyhow but if you really want your own "style," don't go looking for it, it will find YOU. After some time you'll know what you gravitate to shooting more than other things and the looks you like. Just keep trying things and your style will develop naturally. One day you'll realize that exactly how and what you shoot is your style. Don't force it.
one thing i love most, is to post my best works and my supposed friends/colleagues not saying nothing or like it... its the sign I'm doing great! Their silence is the best thing!
I'm not even here for the photography; I fell for the title. As someone with absolutely nothing to do with the photography space, I love the video and the vibe! Thank you for having such standards......
appreciate you.
I am a cinematographer in my country, Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 West Africa. But I have learnt plenty of good advice from you, sir. And we learn every day by discovery.
Welcome. Glad you found me.
I think most - if not all of this advice - applies to us illustrators and oil painters and writers too!
Thx Jodie! Maybe I need to change my niche?? I’m so glad you found me!!!!
WOW! Once you drop that FIRE Bob Marley quote in that excellent intro, I had to hit the SUB button. 👏👏🔥🔥
Bob is tattooed on my right shoulder. The lion of Judah on the left.
I’m a nature/bird photog who has experienced moderate success. I find your aesthetic & energy refreshing. Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
It's always a pleasure to see another photographer pushing the rest of us to the limits mentally. I feel like it's not enough of us guiding people to the right path. some people dint really know what their niche is. Thank you for this awesome inspirational video.
Lots of You Tube videos with good information but not new. Yours was a breath of fresh air and inspirational.
Jesus Christ you just got pinned.
I agree, as a viewer I never felt bored or offended. Sometimes while watching any advice stories, makes you feel someone tries to make you work just the way he wants or you totally lose time because someone made a click bit vid.
I like your style, congrats on the long career ;)
Thumbs up and sub, hear you soon!
Some of the BEST advices on UA-cam I’ve seen! Genuine tips for those who wants to go beyond the Instagram fame and truly wants to become a photographer. Keep making these videos. I believe the photo community at large lacks QUALITY
thanks gabe. thanks so much for finding me.
@@stevecarty Gladly subscribed because of great content! (Was suggested by YT)
You're the GOAT of photo advice. No bull straight to the point.
Thx anth.
Being a street photographer, given I am a young photographer meaning I am just 6 years into this journey, capturing everything is apart of being street photographer. Walking around cities capturing what I see, everything I see is apart of being street photographer. I think by removing the idea of not shooting everyone and everything is a bad advice to beginners. They will never find actually what they like doing. It’s a long process that can change over time.
Shooting through the photo is such a great advice. You'll feel that picture dragging you even more anyway.
Nailed it. The first two ones are the most important I would say. Like Peter Coulson or Alex Kilbee say: If you want to develop a style you have to switch off social Media. They only follow Trends. Beeing Trend doesn't mean beeing good. Thanks for the video, Steve.
That was one of the best videos on photography that I've seen on UA-cam.👍🏾
Wow, thanks! Jesus. Now I’m giddy.
💯
All the damn videos on tech and equipment, THIS is what it's really all about. This.
@@jack002tuber and I almost fell for that years ago. Thinking that the gear is the most important thing when it comes to photography.
You Americans just can't get enough of this sort of thing eh? I bet the second comment is going to have t "be your own harshest critic" and "just work harder". I'm genuinely amazed that it never gets old to you guys. Not to say there's no thruth in any of those things at all but if you take a hard look at American society it must hurt that none of the 1% seems to have to work for anything and all of the 99% still think that an 25 hour workday can be productive and will also leave enough time to read another hyped self help book by that guy who's a succes because he sells books about it. Or wears a shirt with PRO on it. That's the photovlogger equivalent of the I'm Alpha shirt for fitness gorillas.
Good advice. I haven't been in school since 1970. So I don't know if photography or even photojournalism is available in high school, but if available in college, take a course. It will teach you more about how to take pictures that you will take with you no matter your specialty. I love the news/newspaper side of photography. That is one area you can hit so many specialties and still be specialized in news. I somewhat disagree of being specialized. Be specialized in what you hope to be your money maker, but enjoy the thrill of taking pictures no matter what and no matter where. I do not limit myself, I love to be a jack of all trades and great in one or two of them.
First of your videos I’ve seen. Good style, smooth delivery, informative, all the jumps between scenes were unified, almost unnoticeable. Subscribed within first third of video. I’ve never done that before. Looking forward to binge-watching your list tomorrow.
Welcome aboard!.. appreciate you david.
That generalist comment just made inspired me. Why would i wanna be a specialist. When I could be the first generalist to be famous in photography. Most people hear that and conform. There’s a select few that have made it there whole life doing things the way people said they couldn’t and they wouldn’t. you get used to knocking down there barriers. You can’t wait for the next challenge. A creative finds a way. Great video. Thanks 🙏🏽
there's a reason to specialize. it's my next video.
Your style of giving information and making this video was amazing. It wasn’t a typical sit in your office and list off pieces of advice video you see a million times. It was engaging and entertaining. Made me as the viewer feel like I was riding my bike with you around the park while you gave advice
i took a risk.. i'm glad it worked.. thanks so much for watching.
0:30 once a man and twice a child, everything is only for a while
mindblown. i just realized what the first part meant. you're a child twice bc you're helpless when you;re a child and you're also helpless when you're an old elder. sad to put that into perspective.
yes... it is that exactly.
You are an inspiration.I never plan to be a pro again, but you words ring truth.
Classic and timeless is what I say too. They will last beyond your lifetime and passed down through generations.
preach. appreciate you dawn.
I've never been good at self-promotion; it is by far the most difficult thing for me. Thanks for shining a light on that, and thanks for the encouraging words.
it's not self promotion. it's called marketing. treat your business like you would someone elses. stop treating yourself like a charity. think of yourself as a creative machine. value yourself and value your creativity and work. most of the best shooters suck at marketing. i'm here to help. just hang out with us. join my discord and start typing.
Being retired, I am able to view You-Tube channels on photography whenever I feel like doing it. There are a lot of channels that have 50,000-150,000 subscribers, but their content is not that meaningful. On the other hand, I've found a small group of channels with under 15,000 subscribers, who have fewer videos ,but provide more substance. Your channel, Steve, is one of the latter group. I enjoyed this video greatly. Several pieces of advice you presented are concepts that I considered during my 20+ years as a professional photographer. I wish you good luck with your channel and look forward to seeing some of your older videos as well as future ones.
this is so nice. thank you so fucking much.
Amazing video. That story and point of view was what I needed thank you.
Glad it was helpful! thanks so much for finding me.
I'm a serious hobbyist, not a working pro. But everything you said, yup, resonates with me. Love the way you presented it too. Thanks, Steve.
I appreciate that!
I appreciate your encouraging words I like the natural look and smiles. I Love “capturing the real you!”
Is my specialty when taking pictures
Thx Joyce.
Sir that message was HEART sent and we thank you!!!!
Appreciate you
New photographer here (well sort of, I am 55 and was once on a yearbook and school newspaper photo team, but that was 35 years ago) and I was scrolling and saw your sign in your thumbnail and decided I better not skip this one so I am watching now. Here we go!
And it was a banger! I needed to hear a lot of this!
Steve, this was a wonderful video. You revealed yourself, your expertise, and your story in an easy to understand and digest forum. You deserve gold stars and high fives my friend!
You just popped up on my UA-cam feed. I am glad I washed this video and I wholeheartedly agree with your message. Thanks for sharing your voice and wisdom.
Great comment. Thank you
You have changed my out look in photography. I've only been taking 3 or 5 at time then come home to deleting them.. still new at trying to get better.. Thankyou
Appreciate you
i shoot with a Nikon D3200. im a year in and i love it and already get hired. I get hired for my style more so than my gear of formal education. its all a VIBE!
You have to be a pleasure to be around....Best life advice ever....
indeed it is.
Even as an amateur, I find specializing helps my photography have a focus even if it's a broad niche. I occasionally will shoot in other genres more to expand my knowledge and skill (and to have some fun doing something else) but I always come back to my niche when I'm being more serious.
wow, Steve mastered the game of light, the very last scene where the pinkish-purplish light glows on the side of his face is epic
zula notices the details. light and relight and check and relight again
I discovered a photographer who specialises in low key bird photography this year. As I scrolled through his photos, it was obvious that he’s extremely talented. By the 10th bird pic though, I was like ok, that’s probably enough now. Specialisation is understandable, especially if monetisation is the goal, however it’s also the quickest way for me to get bored.
Having said that, if I was to try and focus on a genre or two, it would probably be abstract and fine art photography. There’s a lot of flexibility within these genres, it’s endless what you can come up with. It just depends on what your photography goals are, and what resonates with you.
mastery comes from doing one thing well over time. your bird photographers interest is in birds. it's his speciality. you got bored but he's not shooting for you. he's trying to master something. sorry it bored you but that has nothing at all to do with him as the creator. he is working on mastery. respect that.
@@stevecarty I appreciate the photographers hard work and did point out that I’d acknowledge his talent. I don’t think having become bored as I scrolled through his work constitutes a lack of respect. Everyone’s tolerance for repetition is different, and a lot of creatives have become quite desensitised these days, as a result of looking at photos all day long. I loved all your points in your video and appreciate the concept of mastery as well. The point I was trying to make is, I wouldn't have the patience to shoot and edit photographs that end up looking so similar, in order of mastering this process. I'm definitely not expecting any master to be shooting for me however, all creatives sharing their craft online publicly are, to some extent shooting for others. This is just a natural consequence of showcasing one’s work, and possibly connecting with perusers on some level.
That part about specializing is something I really need to take on board, I quite literally shoot everything because all niches are so fun to shoot but trying to choose one is extremely difficult 😫
I’m so glad. I go live 3x a week. Today at 2pm I’m on. I’d love to see you
I say it's a good thing to shoot everything to master the skill of finding your niche, if that makes sense
Getting bored is a bigger enemy of creativity than any of the above, so something else to consider. We're artists, so being inspired can't be something forced (I'm sure you know this lol).
You can shoot everything for your own education and pleasure, but specialize in the work space. If you have to have to IG accounts, one for bidnez and one for fun, do that- keep them at arm's length!
@@invader_viv Agreed. Shoot anything and everything until you find what you love. Then the decision is practically made for you.
Composition and backgrounds are the toughest to get right for me. I did a shoot for a band and eventhough the subject, mood, environment was great I didnt even think about my background. There was always something weirdly cut in the corners or obstructed or just some colored light that took my photos from being next level. After a few more shoots I still find this to be difficult and especially my own positioning. Every shoot was an amazing learning experience anyway.
scanning your backgrounds and choosing non distracting areas to shoot has to be your main focus. don't get wrapped up in the moment. they are coming to you for your expertise. part of that is choosing locations. open shade, non distracting. i'll be making some content on this soon.
Hello! Have been doing Selfportrait for 7 years and this special tips I never heard previously I am grateful that I stumbled upon your vlog thank you very much and will be sharing it with my friends who are new into photography ❤
Check out Fiona Lark for self portraits.
I love this so much!! Thank you!! I got my studio in February and I wanted to shoot all types. This last month, I focused on what I truly love- boudoir and my bookings have picked up significantly since making the change! People feel the love and passion we feel for our art !
Steve, first time viewer, but you have my sub. I've been in photography for over 30 years, 6 as a working pro. I love this video and how it was delivered. Much better than a talking head video. You should do more video like this, but break them down by topic. Example: Best advice on composition. My advice would be: Find your own way to break the rules.
Appreciate you
Straight facts!!! I'm impressed and will refer to this video going forward. You've blessed me my fellow Photographer! Keep this up!! There are riches in niches!!! Etc...etc.
Best advice I've heard in a long time. And your kicking ass at 67 💪🏼
lol 53. 67 is hilarious though.
@stevecarty oh shit wait, sorry about that. Wow, not sure how I mixed that up
Well said sir.. Thank you... Love the message on the stem of your bike "Shut Up Legs"...
You notice details. Which is why we’ll get along just fine. I see everything. Congrats for the first commenter noticing that decal.
This is a literally GREAT video, audio, everything.
Wow, thanks!
Appreciate all of this advice. The only thing I have a gripe with is the specializing bit. I know it’s important to have cohesion across your work as a professional photographer, but I think the best photographers can achieve a cohesive body with all types of subject matter, and arguably that makes you even more valuable, and opens up your creative eye to all sorts of possibilities. Of course it’s all a matter of opinion and I really appreciate this video 🫡 thank you sir.
I prolly have some decades on ya. But thanks for your thoughts! Just lyk the best advice I was given. Take whatever away that you like. Just know everything I said here is relevant.
I think most photographers do many things, but they tend to monetize one or have maximum 2. Like Irving Penn doing fashion and portraits mostly, and some still life at the end.
Preach Brother Steve! Preach! Thanks for this. I needed it today. One luv☮✌
Glad to help
Absolutely spot on about being timeless and not following trends. And about being pleasant and professional on a set and when delivering a service. Complaint I hear from art directors and producers these days is that a lot of young people are hard to deal with, so they often have to reshoot it with older heads who have proven they can deliver. These brands tend to fall for the flavor of the day-the new popular kid on the block who is shooting for Dazed, iD and Self-Service.
Great video, great advice.
Only thing I would disagree with is that not anyone can shoot good photos of beautiful people with top-notch hair, makeup and styling. There are “local” guys who make everything look overly commercial, surgical, lifeless, and the models plastic. Instagram is saturated with it. They have nothing to say. It’s the pretty picture syndrome, which fools many into believing they’re doing great work. The computer is partly the blame for that. You see photos with the backlight, which make colors look dazzling, for the most part. But print it and put it on a wall, and it all breaks down.
While I'd agree that most of "the greats" are known primarily for one genre, even Ansel (arguably the most famous and respected photographer ever) shot a lot more than iconic landscapes in the western US. He also created some masterful architectural images, the occasional portrait, and what he called "extract" photography. Most would refer to the latter as "abstract" (which happens to be my wheelhouse). Every image you contemplate/expose/process/print can help improve your "core" images, just as can taking inspiration from other artforms. One can definitely get "too" specialized (which can lead to boredom/burnout). I never raced road bikes, but they helped build my aerobic and anerobic capacity for mountain bike racing (too dangerous to ride on the road these days and I don't miss intervals!). The point is, "cross-training" helps improve performance in any sport (or artform).
I think Mr.Carty was talking about marketing yourself and your work. Niche ing down. Since you mentioned Ansel. He didn't have to market his work because he didn't have to sell it to make a living. Ansel was from a wealthy family and did have work at all. He took photos of nature scenes because he thought everyone needed to what he was seeing.
Solid advice. I appreciate you taking the time to make this, Steve. 👏🏾👏🏾
I’m 72. Just found your channel. Subscribed after hearing your opening comment.
Reminds me of what my mentor said, "when you have ego in photography its like trying to make a race out of walking, when we all have our own pace".
Thanks again for some great words on photography and makes me feel like I've been going in a good direction in terms of improvement, and I will continue to to!
let's go mcccal.. glad we found eachother.
Thank you so much for your time, effort, patience, money, will, and knowledge into creating this video. I truly appreciate your advice, thank you again!!!
Larry. You’re a king. Thx a bunch.
Great to hear the advise! Sending you bumps for when your inertia lags
And $5!? Thank you truly. Made my evening.
Great advice for every artist, no matter if you re a photographer, musician, painter, actor! thx 4 sharing
thanx nelson
After just about 13 years of shooting, shooting, and shooting some more, I'm finally starting my own photography business. As it's happening, I came across this video... I wish I would've seen this years ago. Because not only it's informational but inspirational. Thanks for this content. God bless!
Thx Dennis
This is Great Advice for Musicians Too! Especially playing through it. No two takes are exactly the same. That's what makes it so frustratingly Fun! ✌️
~ 🌺
Thank you so much ❤ My name is Raymond & im a photographer here based in Southern California ! i will take your advice into my journey! 🙏🏻
Wonderful!
Pen and ink is my thing, photography less so. There are so many good things to think about in this video, and now for decisions AND action. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! thanks so much for finding me.
Amazing video dude, love the work you put into these!
Best video about photography "tips" so far I have seen, for a while. Great job. Thanks for doing what you do!
Wow, thanks!
This was all great advice! Thanks for taking the time to create and share with us!
You're absolutely right, all the biggies specialized. I think, for those struggling to commit to a stream, try street photography; you can play with people, architecture, and culture and immerse yourself. You might start to see something emerging in your perspective that really cranks you up! Have a look at Eggleston and others.
Bro... GREAT VIDEO !!!!! Not only great content, but super inspirational too!!!
appreciate you.
Love the bike! Also, good holistic advice on photography. And the business standpoint: Great advice on having a specialization. Photographers can take lots of pics for fun, but it's tough to advertise that.
Totally agree!
Im waking up and watching this video every day for the next 90 days....just to see what happens. BIG GRATITUDE.
Thank you! It would be great if you shared what you do over the next 90 days.
i'm a hobbyist for last 15 years or so. personally, i don't try to monetize the things i enjoy though. because if it becomes work, it becomes a chore for me, and i stop enjoying that thing.
when i was doing my master's, one of professors asked me why i chose civil engineering and i told that i chose it because civil engineering wasn't something i enjoy, but it also wasn't something i hate. it was in between. thus, i chose it so that when it became work, i wouldn't have anything to lose because i wasn't enjoying it before, and because it wasn't something i specifically hate, it would be tolerable and sustainable enough for me to go on with that.
my passion is photography. make your passion the way you make money and you'll never work a day in your life and you can do that work forever. that's me. i started when i was 14. i'm 53. same passion. i've made money from my camera and my creativity exclusively since i was 19 years old. i'll never stop.
@@stevecarty i respect the people who feel that way. but be that as it may, if i was a professional, i'd be shooting the subjects commissioned by people who hired me, there'd be a schedule, i couldn't do what i want to do whenever and however i like to etc. so "work" and "the thing i enjoy" cannot be the same for me because i hate the concept of "working". so everything that's labeled as work automatically becomes agonizing.
Hey I loved your video thanks. I was thinking about the subject you covered today so I really appreciate it. Ray
WOW!!! Some of the most relavent and grounding word about photography that I really need to hear at this very moment. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Title had me skeptical, but this video completely delivered. Great advice throughout.
Appreciate you. ✊🏾
My journey as a photographer is Bourne out of the pain of finding pictures I need when I design for brands. Coming from a design background I approach Photography with a nice balance of structure and beauty.
Copy others and copy right. When you know the rules enough, feel free to break them
I love this video. What a gentle reminder to stay unique and be creative in your own way. Thank you so much, we all need a little bump here and there.
You are so welcome!
You just turned up on my feed and after this video I knew I wanted to subscribe. So I did. But I also wanted to suggest you rethink your music, which I found a bit intrusive. If the music is too loud or too repetitive, it can take attention away from you, and in this case I think it does. Maybe look at it like movies do, have a bit of music when you’re transitioning scenes but not when you’re talking. Many people just ignore the music but many others can’t turn their attention off it That’s why you need to be careful with it. Thanks for reading this. I’m off to find more of your videos.
First comment out of 100+ mentioning my music choice and volume. This is a preference. It’s my top performing video ever so for this point your in the minority. I watch my music choice and volume closely. I think this one works but may have been too much for you in particular. I appreciate that insight for sure. I tried both with music and without for my narration and with music for sure worked better. Stopped it only for effect near the end. This was very very thought out and the views tell me it worked. I have to go on majority rule for this one.
Wouldn't really agree with a need to focus on one category of photography. That quote, jack of all trades master of none, (by Shakespeare) is often cut short. - but oftentimes better than a master of one.
Having a focus is fine but photographer's are more capable when they have well rounded experiences and portfolios. There's a way to build a portfolio of car, portrait, landscape and product shots that can work. Playing around in styles that are outside of your norm is a great way to learn, grow and improve a focus you're most passionate about.
Keep snapping! 📷😁
Well done well said. I picked up photography 2 years ago and this is hands down sone of the best advice I’ve heard. You have a new subscriber
Glad it was helpful! thanks so much for finding me.
Great video with a lot of good advice. It was also great to see Toronto as a backdrop 👍🏼🇨🇦
A fellow torontonian! 💜 so glad I found you. I love how you shoot your videos; cinematography is stunning 👌🏼
lets go steph. thanks so much for finding me.
The saying is: "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one". People usually forget about the second part. I disagree with this advice but I can't agree more if you know what I'm saying 😅. Thanks for the video 👏
mastery comes from doing one thing amazingly well. that can't ever come from the thin spread on everything that generalizing does. don't be the guy with the camera that shoots everything. be the master that puts all their eggs in a basket that has a market and an audience.
@@stevecarty thanks i appreciate the reply 😉
@@stevecartyI've watched some more of your content and I have to apologize for what I've said. Now I understand. Thanks for making those videos 😉
I listened Steve...and I will again, and again..great advice
Beautifully made. Thank you for your work and message.
thanks so much for finding me.
What an inspirational video. I really enjoyed this. Thank you for uploading it.
The timeless quote was what got me
Such a great video with great advice. I love how you told a story of what that specific day looked like for you while stopping to give advice was attention grabbing. I really enjoyed your video. Thank you for sharing incredible insights in the world of photography!
Glad it was helpful! thanks so much for finding me.
I really liked the way you constructed this video, it take a more personal approach with the viewers. I have to admit that it is taking me a real effort to specialize, I really like more than one photography style (even when I do portraits) not everything is moody or bright, I’m starting in this business and I need to learn how to monetize my creativity and… so on. I made a “career” change and I’m doing finally what I always wanted to do and I really hope is not to late with all the new technology and fact that, now everyone have a camera now 😅 thank you.
Thanks so I’m h for this comment. The specializing part is causing a rift!!!
I've watched a good handful (1000s realistically) of photography related videos and this one really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing your insights with us Steve.
Best comment today.
Excellent advice and encouragement! Thanks for sharing.
that's why i'm here.
Some of the best advice. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing these gems, Steve. I love photography!
What was the hardest hitting point for you?
@@stevecarty It takes a real photographer to shoot the rest of us. Classic and timeless last forever. Deliver exceptional service. I'm glad that I found your UA-cam page, Steve.
Great content. “…take 20, 30, 40, 50 more…”. That was not possible in film days and that’s the foundation of my training and work. I’m still contemplating that one. There’s definitely a different technique and dynamic with technological advancement
some of my best work early was film days in 12 frames.. today my work is at another level. 3 decades of experience and seeing the work as i do it? talent and tools make it so.
👍🏾 I started in ‘76 with a rangefinder. Got my first SLR in 1980. Shot professionally for a while working for a studio. Been on my own for a while now.
1:32 seconds into this video and I've already been humbled and questioning everything
So many truth bombs! 🙌🏾
Thank you, Steve! Your advice is spot on.❤
You are so welcome. I’m here. Come back again. We’re trying to build something here. Watch a live or one of my podcasts. 🖤✊🏾
For sure!
You got me at Classic and timeless....last forever. Thanks for sharing :)
Thanks for listening