Shifter: Anatomy of a Project
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- But how did I get there? One of many questions I've received over the past few months. This film is based on a conversation I had with a friend who called me about my Notes on Photography 7 film. I realized there are so many things I take for granted about doing projects. The logistical ladder one must climb to even be in the situation where a story can be completed.
How did I make that picture and what did it take to get in that position? And how about another "typical" project. Where did the idea come from? How did I get access? What was the goal? What were the parameters and ultimately why did it not work?
I am not recommending people do this work. Some might find it worth the effort but if you do choose to go down this long-form road you will be rewarded with things you can't imagine.
The last few minutes of your video (around the time of the prints blowing in the wind) made me realize something - the kind of work you and other serious doc photographers do isn't for an anonymous audience, it isn't for a publication, it isn't even for the photographer, it's for the subjects of the story. Moment of clarity...
Hey, it took me a LONG time to figure that out too. I was always puzzled by doc photographers doing shows in Manhattan and then printing a book that never reached the places where the images were made. It's that odd balance of career vs being human.
I’ve usually used my camera as a way or reason to gain access for me. This method you talking about is the reverse of that. Thanks for the lesson.
In 2018 I was in Oaxaca and was given access to families and locations because of a mutual friends who had developed years of trust with the community. She pretty much introduced me as “friend ours” and was people opened their home and lives to me. It completely changed me and they type of photography I wanted to pursuit. Thank you for your videos and for FWIW because it has reaffirm this feeling.
And in regards to prints, I had a simple Fuji instax printer while there and I would give a simple photo to whoever I interacted with. The level of joy they had while holding that small tiny print was through the roof.
Yes, that is how it works. We all need friends like that. A real connection with people. For me that field work is the juice, the only real reason I still make pictures.
One of my fav videos of yours Dan. I too am a documentary photographer in India and what you said about human connection and how it feels when you have made that connection and you are welcomed in their houses is so true. Indians are friendly anyhow, but to develop that special connection is what makes me go for such projects. Glad that there was an echo here. Many thanks.
I can't wait to come to India. I'm reading ANOTHER India based novel right now!
Thankyou so much for this Dan!
I was privileged to get access to a pro boxing event and was allowed access in the back area where all of the boxers and their trainers were. I literally felt out of place, so I sat in a corner in the room for 15 minutes just watching.
I held onto my fuji x100f in hand and didn't take a shot the whole time..then someone comes up and talks to me about my tiny camera..then developed a connection.
Before I knew it, met one boxer, then another..followed them around being aware not to get in the way..then it happened..
Talk to one person, a photo of one boxer, then another..then being ringside..Before I knew it, I was a part of the scene without being noticed.
Many good opportunities flowed from there..
Thanks again.
That was smart. Sit and take stock, let them come to you. Boom. In.
This was worth listening to. Telling these important stories, respecting and connecting with people and giving back is what it's all about.
Agreed. Thanks for the comment.
I think your channel is the most educational and entertaining photography channel on UA-cam! I want to be a project-oriented photographer and it’s terribly difficult to discover that project. Seems like the best projects I know of started out organically and grew from there. Love your channel!
Thanks Steven, You will find your pot of gold if you keep looking, exploring and learning. If fact, my guess is once you find HOW you come to a story you will find more than you can handle.
Some day I’m going to buy you a Busch Lite (or 10) and talk a photography project with you. This is the most inspiring thing I’ve watched in months.
anyone who approaches the campfire with Busch Lite gets instant access to the VIP area.
Beyond helpful. The discussion alone is worth the price of admission, let alone the information shared.
Glad you like.
Amazing story, especially the part where the guy sees his photo printed. To see the people enjoy so much the prints of the photos you've taken of them must be very rewarding, I think.
Just started what I suppose is becoming a project photographing residents of a nursing home. Displaying images will require signatures of the person with power of attorney, etc. So, photography I can show to others isn't the priority. Once I crossed, in my mind, over to this being foremost an interactive performance with folks deprived of much human contact until recently (Covid), I relaxed. The photography is secondary, almost a pretext. Then the darkroom printing becomes relaxed (I'm new at it). The prints are meaningful even if nobody but the subjects see them. Can't wait to deliver to them!
This film of yours confirmed my outlook (I waver), and gave me much to think about. Here's what i got from your description: it's like the difference between standing back and looking at a window--framing a 2D image with our viewfinder--vs. walking through a door to connect with others deeply. Thanks so much! And having fun...is fun!
Great project. My guess, you will learn a lot from them. I spent time in a retirement center in Florida with my father in law. It was fantastic. Made me realize I need to do more.
Thanks for sharing this, this is what its all about, and the truth is that through this process, the images within your memories mostly, no always outweigh the images you finally capture...and those mental images are never overexposed, anything other than sharp as a razor, and composed just perfectly, in every possible way.
Memories are with me ALL the time. The frames I've made, sometimes, but I agree the mindscape is what remains.
I have come to really enjoy these stories and always wish they are longer
I’ve had a good day today. And this is a big part of it. Thanks.
Good to hear!
Damn, Dam! That was incredibly insightful! My interest is peaked! I’m about to create a book with images that are not on Instagram! I want to practice working in this process and moving in the direction you have described here! I have had some unique experiences and met interesting people! Your in depth perspective really has fine tuned the why and how of something I want to do! Thanks again!
Good, your excitement comes through in your comment. Take it slow, enjoy it.
This is definitely your best video so far. So yes, please, more videos on topics nobody asked for! This is very, very inspiring. Also raises a ton more questions... but asking them would make this comment become book-length (book-length material is good, though ;) ). I guess I better just make some notes, make some plans, go out and start DOING IT. Thank you Dan, for being who you are.
P.S. I love listening to FWIW, too
Yes, at some point you have to just start. Those first few trips might not lead to much but could provide a roadmap of where to go next. Stories can be fluid. I fear at some point soon I'll have to start another....
To Szilvia Virag - I absolutely agreed with your point 'GIVING BACK' which is one of the factors to gain trust from the people living in secluded community described in this type of project. Also the photographer has to be very sensitive to everyone's reaction he is trying to communicate with and he has to treat everyone with utmost respect. Having done all these, then he may likely pass the test for acceptance by the community which in turn makes the shooting natural.
What interests me far more than equipment, f-stops, etc., is what the maker is thinking, the planning, and the process. This was so informative, thanks.
But where's the hip hop soundtrack with the atonal jangly piano?
ohhhh, it's coming. I'm listening to techno now.
Oh what a story! You made my day...thank you
So much useful and inspiring goodness. Thank you for making this.
A lump in my throat and a heart beating way too quickly! Rarely does a (photography) UA-cam video have that effect on me and I'm only a hobbyist!! The way you describe your approach to projects has to be about as purely human centric as can be. Not once did you mention gear, settings and the like. Making (great photos, lasting friendships) not taking (for personal profit and/or chest beating). To my reckoning, both hallmarks of a proper photographer. Cheers (insert preferred beverage...) to you, Daniel.
Nicolino, yes. I'm not much on the gear thing. Would much rather go use it than talk about it but these projects take serious amounts of time so a bit outside my range at the moment. Glad you like.
I recently stumbled upon your youtube channel since I am trying to get a personal project going and I really don't know where to start. Your video really made me reflect on the value and impact of what I'm trying to do. Thanks!
You'll get there and you will figure it out. Just takes time and practice.
Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge !! Just started my first project !
Thanks Daniel ... authenticity
Great story!
Simply brilliant. May this COVID madness end soon for I would love to see your project come to fruition
You and me both. Would be a lot of fun and a lot of work.
Glad you're that kind of guy Daniel.
Couldn't agree more,,'respect is the ultimate currentcy' . I have had similar reactions from people I have given prints to and what amazing people they are!!!!!
It's always fun bringing stuff back.
Damn predicative text, just put my glasses on. My currency is it not made up of currents, as suggested in the last message. Have a good day.
When I do shoots with subjects I like making them a few darkroom prints... always a surprise... can take a month or so but they actually have something to hold. Not just a file in their computer!
Files are most often consumed and discarded. new phone, laptop crashes...gone.
One of the best thing’s I’ve done in regards to photography was going back to an inidgenous community and giving them some prints... I can totally relate to what you say. And also, for them is something more important than having a print as a sacred precious object... it has value on their own terms, and that has more value. Photos never belong to us, they belong to whoever is in front of the lens, and sometimes what they think and make of it is far more important than our own ideas.
Carlos, I think it's a blend but only because of the capitalism aspect. I agree that the image belong to both sides of the lens. But the photographer has to make a living to continue the work. Winning awards, doing shows, etc. all that stuff you have to do to make it. It's a Catch-22 if you will. s
Hi private property is also taken very seriously here in Italy ! I once walked into a private property suddenly I had a Benelli shutgun pointed at me, And the farmer asked me what I am doing here. So I smiled I saidt wauw is that a Benellli and he saidt hey nice camera. You know about weapons yes I have some experience. he saidt no problem just shoot the photos you want. 1 hour later I was having dinner with his whole family. And suddenly he saidt I apologize for pointing my weapon at me. I saidt hey I did not feel threatened you just protect your family. I would do the same. I still talk with them today they live 20 km from here. Very kind family I miss them in these covid times.
Ahhh, a Benelli. I've shot a few of those here in the states. VERY nice guns with some of the best tooling I've ever seen. If you are going to be held at gunpoint that is a beautiful gun to have pointed your way. Glad it worked out.......
@@DANIELMILNOR505 😂😂😂I actually its a honor to be gunpoint with a Benelli he saidt its a honor you shoot photos of my vine production with a Leica 😎😎😎 so we where even. And then after I shoot photos. He suddenly asked you busy ? no way why dont you join my family for dinner oh yess
cheers from brazil! amazing video, pal. your channel is inspiring.
You are 100% on the Dan, some communities being tougher than others and language is very important & lockdowns I feel you man
Language, time and access. Kinda hard to avoid.
Man. I wish I had the courage to get close and talk to people.. great video. Gracias
Just try it. Be nice. Explain yourself. Be prepared to hear "no," then try again.
Thanks to shareing your ideas. It is really great and awesome!
Mayordomo? No need to answer that, it was just my brain spinning. I have produced a lot of friends&family books over the years and am now in the middle of a bigger, more conceptual piece. It has challenged me because there are pearls of interactions with specific people and portraits set against a background of land use and culture. Finding a path through all this is challenging. Thanks for adding fodder to the fire.
We all need fodder. and then time...... I like the conceptual pieces more and more these days. They resonate beyond the photography world.
What a lesson! Thank you!
Definitely align. Having solid values reflected through respect for others has to proceed the image. Which in my opinion bleeds through an awesome photograph. That and a good IPA....c’mon man...we’re out of college now! LOL
Hmmm, IPA....
These are getting really interesting and probably some of the most useful 20-30 minutes of UA-cam time i do a day . Even for someone who just does photography for love of it and as an observational exercise as part of a Buddhist /Taoist practice , your notes on projects and images and even printing and portfolios etc etc are starting to resinate with me .. hopefully many younger ones will find your channel and will listen to your yarns and find benefit in them as much as we older ones do ..
it’s quite interesting listening to you in respect to there is some cross over with some of the books I have read recently like Taoism in photography and conscious photography , just saying there maybe some wisdom in your madman rantings after all !! Keep them comming .. they keep us honest ! Namaste and peace and motherfucking love 😬😬
What a great comment. And a great name. Where on Earth did that come from. I don't know much about Taoism, and only a little about the Buddha. But I'm glad there is something here.
Good stuff, as per usual. The more you invest, the more you get out.
Hey Dan. I have this thing about what goes on in peoples houses. I would LOVE to be allowed in different houses and see and were possible capture how people live and what happens in different rooms. But i know its probably never going to happen because people here (in live in Zambia) are very private about such things. By the way, the only camera i have is a Sony a6000 and a kit lens. I try to make the most of it.
You just have to find the right person and explain WHY you feel it is important. Take your time and you will find someone.......
Yes, I am getting it. Being in the right place at the right time and have all the domino's lined up as the sun goes down, on the 21st of March. Oh and with the right camera and film.
and then.......COVID.
That was a kind of rambling narrative, but with a cohesiveness setting a true course. Got me thinking about how I could apply this long form approach to my local area, and do I need to take Busch Lite?
Oh, and thank you for sharing.
Answer to Busch Lite....YES. CRITICAL.
Great narrative that set the tone for some perceptive and useful comments/replies, thank you.
Very helpful, man. Thank you.
Brilliant stuff! Loved every second of it.
I don't think you mentioned your dongle, though.
I love my dongle.
It around the time of the image of the folks running in the field after those prints where I kinda misted up... Living for those connections is what it all about. If we’re lucky, we get these moments once in awhile.
I will certainly not forget that moment. Or the Busch lite.
Definitely a must see for anyone that's going to approach a documentary project for the first time.
QUESTION: I have an ongoing photo/video project (that now is in standby due to the covid...) about a friar with a very interesting and quite "turbulent" story that now is living in his monastery/villa with just few monks. Do you have some advices or someone's published projects to suggest, that may be of inspiration for a "one closed place" situation like this?
Thanks a lot in advance, hugs from Italy.
Tony O'Brien. Did a book on Christ in the Desert Monastery here in New Mexico. www.barnesandnoble.com/w/light-in-the-desert-tony-obrien/1103625589
@@DANIELMILNOR505 seems great, thanks a lot for the recommendation, I'll dig it!
I think the main take away on long-form project work especially, is to stop thinking about cameras altogether. You need to think of yourself as a story teller, and earn the trust to tell their story. The more gear you're managing, the less you're thinking about storytelling which is why minimal kit works in these scenarios. The weight of the photo is carried by the depth of the story. In really immersive work, you can end up becoming a part of their community, which can be an honor and a privilege.
Any jackass with a mirrorless camera can nail a beautiful photo today, that's not the hard part. Do that over and over with the same subject over a period of days, weeks, or months and now you're getting my attention.
The myth of "disappearing" or becoming "invisible" with a certain camera brand is utter bullshit. Your ability to earn enough of their trust so that they stop thinking of you as a threat is what gives into that - and people don't forget you're there, they just don't see you as a threat and allow those photos.
#opinions #takeemorleaveem
Yes, you are right on. I think different humans take up different mental and physical space. Energy if you will. And someone can practice controlling that in a variety of ways. But how someone would obsess about gear while working on a project doesn't seem possible.
Love it
The good: great, descriptive narrative on building trust. The bad: I can’t unsee your dongle.
It's a fine dongle.
People based
Long term
Reality based
You made my day for few days... thanks a lot
Ha, a long and rambling explanation....typical of me.
But this is really precious !
Photography, photo projects, glasses that don't give a shit, and Dumb and Dumber quotes, this channel has everything
Just wait. I've got all kinds of nonsense planned.
This video is like your Leica Files on steroids. The only thing that would make it better is an image that you could share from this project.
Please make more of these types of videos.
The funny thing is when I read this I couldn't even remember what I spoke about in that film........
Hey Dan! What are your thoughts on point and shoots? Do you own any? And do you like using them? Have a great day!
I have in the past, back in the film era. Digital point and shoots, me no like so much.
LOL… yes! I know that reference.
Thanks to that song, it took years before the guys stopped asking “So, do you like the Bone?!” smfh
I know, I've had my camera taken away and photos deleted taking pictures on the beach in Atlantic City. The people were not friendly I'd say. And it does rattle one for that to happen so unexpectedly. Otherwise I like people too, lol.
Autofocus is the answer, lol.
I've never had anyone take my camera but have had a AK47 pointed at me and was robbed for a dollar. A good trade in my mind. Life for a dollar.
what type of dongle do you use and could you do a video on it (sorry i couldn't resist )
dongle, dongle, dongle.
Great stuff as usual, keep making the things no one asked for because we don't know what we don't know.... speaking of which.......press credentials. Always looked at these with the same mystique as a back stage pass at rock concert. However, over the last few years, especially with regards to the protests, it seems they tend to fall somewhere between a dime a dozen and completely fabricated. I was under the impression, like you said, you had to be vetted or at least vouched for by some reputable organization. Any info on how or where to get them if you are freelancing other than print your own for my-blog-dot-com and hope no one asks.
Yes, like all things there has been a slip in what and how those are acquired. Typically, your city will have specific guidelines on what you have to prove to get one. Those days might be over as well.
Started photography in May 2020 as a Corona-distraction and have been ploughing through UA-cam to find some meaning. I think I found something here. Started to volunteer for a homeless-magazine and done my first little project. Your videos and "one man, one opinion"-talks make sense of all of it...seems this comment is as rambly as the video ;). In summary: thanks! And two questions for possible future Q&A's: (1) Do you know of any other online resource (video/blog/podcast) that has a similar outlook like you on photography? (2) Have you heard of www.photobillofrights.com/ and what are your thoughts on it (e.g. re-consider the usage of the word "shoot")?
Cool, will add them in.
Hi Leo, he's very different to Dan, but Sean Tucker is also very philosophical, true to himself and doesn't talk much about his camera gear. I also like the earlier stuff from Ted Forbes (The Art of Photography) but try to avoid some of his newer videos that are too focused on reviewing gear.
@@SzilviaVirag Hi Szilvia, thanks for the tips. Yes I have seen both of them already, but I will look into the "old" Ted Forbes some more. Any other resources with a more journalistic/documentary background?
I'm not sure sorry. I was mainly into landscape photography before - and just about every other genre just to prove I could - lol. Even things like motorsports despite it not being a big interest of mine. It's only been in the last couple of years that I've slowed down and thought about what sorts of things I really want my photos to say.
Probably not 17x22s, but I'm planning to carry a bigger printer in my next bicycle trip :)
17's would nearly impossible without a trailer but maybe that is what you need?
@@DANIELMILNOR505 a trailer probably won't be the best option for the places where I usually ride... but I started my project dragging a studio strobe & battery in a 35L backpack; so I can probably figure something out for a bigger printer ;)
…and they said: "be a photographer; it's glamorous… all you do is click a button and get paid!…" 🙄🙄🙄
That would be nice.
Quite the dongle you got there
It's small but mighty.
This
We know the vibe
So you’re telling me there’s a chance.
God I love that movie. Like the salmon of capistrano.
1:04 .... 90% of youtube photography community left the chat
enjoy this video like cow
you`re a good fine communicator. But you know that.
I got booted from Burma once for photographing ! Don't get the boot.
Knowing you, probably deserved it. SKETCHY
Not sure if Jesus or Dan
Let me take a guess on what your project was/is about, delete my comment if I am right ... Location: Pueblo, New Mexico. Theme: Matriarchs of the town.
Nope. Close but not quite.
@@DANIELMILNOR505 oh well I was close at least! I have another guess but I rather wait for your project to be released and find out if I am right. How knows, perhaps I get a good idea for a project by trying to guess yours. Best of luck on your project!
Dumb & Dumber?
Bingo!
Dumb and Dumber.... lol!
Great video, btw.