This is the same advice that I give other writers. Don't write to be liked, write to be read and then be grateful for any kind of emotional reaction because then you know that they really read it.
The perfect analogy: social media is an echo chamber. I once had a comment expressing surprise that I had relatively few Likes, by someone who believed the quality of my work deserved more. That kind complement led me to say that I wasn't concerned about the number of likes because I was motivated by an innate love of photography. This remains the case and your channel helps me stay in that zone.
I am reminded of this quote by David Bowie: "Never play to the gallery… Always remember that the reason that you initially started working is that there was something inside yourself that you felt that if you could manifest in some way, you would understand more about yourself and how you coexist with the rest of society. I think it’s terribly dangerous for an artist to fulfill other people’s expectations - they generally produce their worst work when they do that... If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth, and when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting."
Back in college John Tuska was one of my professors for sculpture. He told me "There is nothing new under the sun, it's all been done. All that remains is your interpretation." I remember how much this bothered me when he said it, but the older I get I realize he was right. That said, there are infinite possibilities for other interpretations.
I wish I've had someone to tell me this! Was a painful process until realize that the reason why I take my photos and for whom! Thank you once again for these important questions every photographer must answer...
"You should put a vignette on it to emphasize the subject." "That would look better as a black and white." "Maybe emphasize the building by changing the background to black and white. Get a color pop." If you do 'what people like' you'll have some of the best liked garbage on the Internets.
I might give advice akin to that, couched as "Have you tried ...." A suggested alternative, but saying nothing about the photograph under consideration. I sometimes create alternatives of my own photography.
I'm not photographing for 100 years just about 50 (I'm 54). I really love your video's, they're not here to teach us your way but to find our way to improve. When I was in 4th grade we did some clay work, and 1 girl decided to give points, when she looked at mine she said she doesn't like it it's not nice, I took my fist and smashed my work (if the teacher would still be alive I'm sure she would remember it, she was shocked). Later that year we went to visit the house of a sculpteur painter and we played in his work place, I came to him showing what I did asking if he liked it, his answer was: ''if you are showing it to me it means YOU like it but it might take the world to appreciate it '' .
Wow...that was straight from the heart!! Very emotive and you really came across deeply believing your subject. A joy to watch and so much common sense. This is why I love watching your videos (I gave it a like...... hope you don't mind!! LOL)
Hi Alex, I came across your channel just a little while ago and I can't stop watching it. Listening to you gives me so much courage and new knowledge as well as different perspectives on various topics. Thank you for being here for us. You are wonderful. - Kiki
Thank you for making this video. I've been stuck in the loop of seeking recognition of my work through social media for a long time and when my images that I find most striking receive relatively little recognition I find it very demoralising. I have now started doing photography for myself again, the way I used to 20 years ago and the way I used to produce work before social media and it feels like waking up! I'm a lot happier about my work now but it's good to know that it's not just me that has felt more and more disheartened as the social machine takes hold.
Yes! This is what it boils down to if you feel you have anything to say to the world, as a photographer. What I struggle with is how to make meaningful work and still pay the bills. More difficult to do that with the personal projects I really care about, so I'm inclined to keep those separate from my commercial work. Doesn't feel right though...
I tried to make it (as my only source of income) as a photographer and did real estate photography for a friend's company. It gave some reward, but became too repetitive. It wasn't satisfying either. I thought about weddings, but had zero desire to do that. I decided to go back to work unrelated to photography. It leaves me free to photograph whatever moves me.I carry a small camera always and bring out the big guns when It's the scheduled time to make photos, and I keep those appointments. I shoot at night a lot, which I didn't use to do very often. I work during the day, so it happened by necessity. Now night photography has become a passion. At some point I stopped worrying about selling my work and decided I just do it for me. It's my escape and meditation. I've been told my images are better. I may sell a few.
100% true. Being spontanious in choosing what to shoot, not trying and not overthinking gave me the best comments. Not the most, but comments that showed that the image did something.
You bring such passion to your presentations. That in itself is inspiring. I recall an early photography class where each student was instructed to photograph an egg, and bring their slide/print to class the following session. Such a simple subject provoked 20 very different solutions. The class, though not the teacher, was completely astonished. We all see the same things, though with our own individual filters. Discovering, then developing, those filters is indeed the name of the game.
Aaaah, as always your videos are a breath of fresh air. I find myself well on my way of achieving exactly what you are talking about. Less stress - more Zen:)
You just make me speechless... How could you speak what our inner soul speaks... Mesmerizing... Nothing is enough to congratulate you. 'm really speechless with joy. So kind of you. Love 💝
This is a powerful "call to arms"... i love creating a photograph, and i do need to remember they are for me first and foremost. such a great inspired passionate video. thank you :)
Found your channel few hours ago. I've watched photography UA-cam for 2 years now and I think your channel is one of my favorite already. I absolutely love your videos, how you're plain honest and actually give out so much value in them. Thank you!
@The Photographic Eye it's a happy accident to stumble on this video....definitely needed the motivation in this video to continue....I've been enjoying photography ever since I took a class in high school when I was 15 years old & learned on an old 35mm & dark room....a few years ago I started trying to sell my photos at little craft fairs & farmers markets....got quite a few compliments but unfortunately heard from too many people that I needed to digitally enhance my work cus everyone else was doing it & the "computerized HD fake look" was all the rage but I like the raw unfiltered look & rarely do anything other than crop or subtle saturation plus I was told I should only do certain subject matter in order to sell to this particular market demographic....I stopped selling cus I started to see photography as work instead of my passion like I had in the beginning....I recently started posting on Instagram solely for me to enjoy all my lost works of art again....thank you
Exactly the reason why I am not an social media with my photography. I don’t want to be influenced into following the current trends. Having said that, one never truly escapes them.
It didn't even feel like I was watching a video, more like I was on a video call! I'm just starting, getting my first gear that isn't a phone or a point-and-shoot, and I think this is a very good advice for somebody who's just starting.
With every week that passes it feels like social media is a poison that kills my enthusiasm and creativity more and more. Every time i post a photo im happy with my result, but then i get like.. No reach, no likes and eventually i end up feelings, sad and anxious, and sometimes depressed. With all that outta the way i want to thank Sir Alex for these incredible words, your sir are speaking facts and after watching the video and understanding your point i can now rest assured that it's no about the crowd, it's about ourselves. 🙏🏻
Years ago I took a photography class at a local community college. The instructor was critiquing some of my photos and came across one he didn't like. "This one does nothing for me", he said. I replied, " I like it.". To which he concluded, "That's all that matters.". That statement shifted my whole paradigm.
Really needed this video, with my anxiety and depression I enjoy photography as therapy, I am trying to educate my mind that I am doing the photography for myself and to be brave and not for anyone else or for adulation. I will keep that thought in the video "If you don't like it jog on". Thank you.
This is what a culture of “likes” is doing with many creative minds out there: writers, photographers, artists. The rush for being liked is more important, than for being understood. Social media are obsolete without the content, that people are bringing in. And people are bringing content to be liked by others. Endless race full of “social media fuel”.
Totaly agreed🥇 but at the same time SOME is here to stay. We have to find a way to work around it without getting like you said to «obsessed» with only likes😊
This video (among others) spoke to me .. I do not get many likes; but I get comments . Getting someone to take time to write and express in words what they like is a wonderful compliments ... and that is very encouraging ... how boring would it be if we all liked and hated the same things?
Really enjoying your channel. Sound advice. I think people trying to please and looking for validation through likes on Instagram does nothing but instil impostor syndrome. ...and nothing makes you realise Instagram isn't the place for validation than seeing that the most liked picture on there is a photo of an egg.
thanks ! Most inspiring. One idea I have is to take my camera and just walk around in my house and photograph the most common things I see every day, and take them into a new perspective. I once did this, 15 years ago, in my bathroom, and I need to pick this up again.
Please keep doing more and more and more videos! I love listening to you while sitting at the computer while editing. Such a breath of fresh air in photography theory!
Really needed this today. After having won second prize for photo collection of the year at my local photo club two years in a row, I yesterday found out that none of my collections were accepted, let alone awarded. It was a good reminder to simply make photos for myself, not to please others. A million thanks for this wonderful video, off to go shooting now!
Absolutely right! People don't have to like your photographs. Likes and preferences are very personal things. IMO, the more standard, common or uniform the response the less valuable it is, because it probably didn't come from a very deep or personal place. Regardless of what the reaction is I think we should value a genuine one. Like you said, even if they hate it, it means that it touched them somewhere deeply. Now, as to what's in that deep place, where they were touched, it's their personal business (unless they care to share, and you can always ask why).
your videos inspire me so freaking much! you are amazing, thank you so much for it all!! I`d love to have a conversation about photography with you, cause you got a huge knowledge in photography and talks so passionately. Cheers from Brazil!
I stumbled upon your Channel just a few weeks ago and I've been binge watching like crazy. I have been wanting content like yours and Ted Forbes for a while. I love how you share your thoughts on the thought processes of great and not so great photographers. You have encouraged me to think more about my process and the story I want to tell, even if it's a very minimalistic photo. Plus, I love hearing your voice in the background. Thank you and please keep doing what you do!
I wish I met you in 1987 saying these words. Sometimes I look at my old prints made in my darkroom, not appropriate, not in line with what's "modern" but I remember exactly the time, feelings and even music I was listening to. Most precious things theat I still remember so positively. Thank you for doing this today :-)
I really connected with what you were saying. My interest is landscape photography, I don’t do social media, and have always tried to take ‘my’ photographs simply for my pleasure. Whilst I believe I try to follow your philosophy, I wondered how you dealt with the constant challenge to ones self-confidence which, being my own worst critic, I constantly experience?
This is brilliant advice and speaks loudly to the importance of seeking critique from trusted sources. Having the opinion of one or two people you know and respect is far more valuable than the opinion of a faceless multitude on the Internet.
This is so Perfect. Photography is a return journey to yourself, your source, your being. When it actually starts, you start making Images which you can sit and enjoy and feel peace in an unending Slideshow...Thanks for making such great videos...
I'm a new subscriber and am greatly enjoying your videos. I like that you discuss the theory of photography and not so much the technical aspects of it. The things you talk about are helping me grow as a professional and an artist, expand my work, and figure out why I do it and what I want to say with it, which are things I never gave much thought to before. Thank you for helping me learn the language of photography--it made my love of photography more real somehow.
Another great video. I have been sharing your videos on both of my newsletters. I provide the same kind of advice all the time. Especially in my workshops. Bravo!
Your video could not have been created in a more timely moment. Earlier today, I experienced everything you talked about when I created a set of self-portrait for me. Your words resonated so much, I savor the moments, the setup, the waiting for the light to be properly in it's location to the minimal post-processing. Your words validate every click of my camera today, Thank You Sir!
Incredible intuitive insight that photography can actually hold universal truths conscious and unconscious and finds what personally resonates as primal yet everlasting in the heart of you. Leave the masses behind with their popular fads and imitative repetitive photography, avoiding risk but living hollow.
I really needed to hear this today, after a long weekend of waffling about the "direction" I want to take my photos in. All the competing ideas in my head come down to comparing my work with what I see online and worrying about how my photos will be received. And I always come back to this idea that my best photos are the ones that make ME feel the type of unique connections that you're talking about. Thanks for the pep talk. :)
Brave words. As a photographer starting his journey, I’m just past the copying stage but am still influenced by others. To step out on your own is a scary journey. MJ
Great message! When I was young I read Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. The protagonist was Howard Roark a young Architect who was partly inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Roark really embodied this message. Being fearless in the face of distractors and creating for himself. I'm bored with my own photography. Going to try readopting this principle. Thank you!
I only came across your channel a few weeks ago, it’s brilliant. I’m 75 years old, and I have always loved photographs.I’ve been a snapper for a long time but never taken photographs before until about 5 or 6 years ago, just getting to grips with a decent camera was hard enough,but I’m getting there. So your words of wisdom are much appreciate. Thank you.
I’ve been shooting for over 40 years. Almost without exception, it is the images I am proudest of that get a “blank stare” kind of reaction. People don’t seem to know what to think of them. Maybe they are just uninteresting. Or maybe, as I like to think, they are pursuing a way of seeing that is unique to me and requires some time spent with them to understand. I accept that whatever audience I have is quite small, but to chase “likes” would take me away from the fascination I have with seeing the world in this particular way.
I am my biggest fan. The reason I love my photos so much is exactly because I hate them so much. I know I can do more and I can do better. I'm perfecting the technical parts of the pictures and suppressing the compositional / artistic side of the work. Every time I finish a session, I see the heaviness in the framing and feel the leash I place upon it. In spite of myself then, my expression is still coming through. Well, only a few more of these "zeroing in" assignments before I I am able to unleash the first squirts of the ol' creative juices.
The more I watch your videos, the more I enjoy them, plus you remind me of my photography instructor back in the mid 70’s (yes, I’m older than you, haha). Be well and stay safe.
Hello Alex, have to admit I was one of those people some time ago, but now I do my photography, with love and passion, and from the heart, and this was so interesting and bang on, always interesting to listen to you, have a great weekend.
my god Alex you have been busy with these videos so many coming out in such a short time fantastic really makes my day seeing another one, you sir are a star!
Very inspirational. Thank you. I have been an amateur for decades. Occasionally getting a striking image. At this very late stage, I am finally realizing the difference between taking a photo and creating an picture. You are helping me to change my direction.
I completely agree. If photography is important for you, then you need to feel what you're creating is worth, connects in a way or another to your taste, your values. For me, photographing is like looking for hidden worlds inside the prosaic reality, unfolding it to open unexpected dimensions. I know it's just a mental view, but I can't help thinking it's real. By the way, a thought is real... as a thought. A vision is real too. If not, I wouldn't have seen it... Sorry, I have to go. I have an appointment with my genie and I need to rub my camera.
Good point,s, I shoot mainly landscape,s, if someone else likes the shot, great but not arsed if they don,t. The exception is portrait work, then your expected to get result,s that please the client, bit of LR work hides a lot of sin,s.
I agree with the intent of the video completely. That said - the statement that you are doing something different, or good, or making people think if they say they don't like your work/image is a little erroneous. What I mean by that is a lot of "bad" or "not good" work by new photographers that don't know the basics, don't know their camera, and don't know how to create. Those photographers don't need a useless pat on the back or an "everybody gets a trophy" treatment. Feedback on what/how they can improve is what's needed. Note that I'm not disagreeing with you - just pointing out that there are exceptions to think about here.
JisLike it A lot! Thanks Alex for your frankness and photographic musings - really inspiring and encouraging. Your videos are coming out fast and furiously which is good for the dopamine rush as we ponder all your angles and takes on photography - refreshing and challenging too. (Buy a Donkey)
I always photograph for my self Enjoy being out with your camera Thank God you have another day to live and enjoy what you do What does anyone’s opinion have to do with your joy
To find more inspiration for your photography:
ua-cam.com/video/k56U3th2zo8/v-deo.html
This is the same advice that I give other writers. Don't write to be liked, write to be read and then be grateful for any kind of emotional reaction because then you know that they really read it.
The perfect analogy: social media is an echo chamber. I once had a comment expressing surprise that I had relatively few Likes, by someone who believed the quality of my work deserved more. That kind complement led me to say that I wasn't concerned about the number of likes because I was motivated by an innate love of photography. This remains the case and your channel helps me stay in that zone.
I am reminded of this quote by David Bowie:
"Never play to the gallery… Always remember that the reason that you initially started working is that there was something inside yourself that you felt that if you could manifest in some way, you would understand more about yourself and how you coexist with the rest of society. I think it’s terribly dangerous for an artist to fulfill other people’s expectations - they generally produce their worst work when they do that...
If you feel safe in the area that you’re working in, you’re not working in the right area. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re capable of being in. Go a little bit out of your depth, and when you don’t feel that your feet are quite touching the bottom, you’re just about in the right place to do something exciting."
Back in college John Tuska was one of my professors for sculpture. He told me "There is nothing new under the sun, it's all been done. All that remains is your interpretation." I remember how much this bothered me when he said it, but the older I get I realize he was right. That said, there are infinite possibilities for other interpretations.
This is a HUGELY important message, and it sometimes requires someone like you to remind us. Thank you.
You're a natural teacher and an excellent communicator. Your passion is infectious. Well done, and thanks.
I wish I've had someone to tell me this! Was a painful process until realize that the reason why I take my photos and for whom! Thank you once again for these important questions every photographer must answer...
Well at least you know now it’s at least have to worry too much going forward
"You should put a vignette on it to emphasize the subject." "That would look better as a black and white." "Maybe emphasize the building by changing the background to black and white. Get a color pop." If you do 'what people like' you'll have some of the best liked garbage on the Internets.
....this ☝🏻
I might give advice akin to that, couched as "Have you tried ...." A suggested alternative, but saying nothing about the photograph under consideration. I sometimes create alternatives of my own photography.
I'm not photographing for 100 years just about 50 (I'm 54).
I really love your video's, they're not here to teach us your way but to find our way to improve.
When I was in 4th grade we did some clay work, and 1 girl decided to give points, when she looked at mine she said she doesn't like it it's not nice, I took my fist and smashed my work (if the teacher would still be alive I'm sure she would remember it, she was shocked). Later that year we went to visit the house of a sculpteur painter and we played in his work place, I came to him showing what I did asking if he liked it, his answer was: ''if you are showing it to me it means YOU like it but it might take the world to appreciate it '' .
Thank you Alex. You hit the spot there. Just what I needed. Had a bad day today, no mojo, and then you lift me up. Wonderful. 🙏😁😁😁😁
Wow...that was straight from the heart!! Very emotive and you really came across deeply believing your subject. A joy to watch and so much common sense. This is why I love watching your videos (I gave it a like...... hope you don't mind!! LOL)
Hi Alex, I came across your channel just a little while ago and I can't stop watching it. Listening to you gives me so much courage and new knowledge as well as different perspectives on various topics. Thank you for being here for us. You are wonderful. - Kiki
Thank you for making this video. I've been stuck in the loop of seeking recognition of my work through social media for a long time and when my images that I find most striking receive relatively little recognition I find it very demoralising. I have now started doing photography for myself again, the way I used to 20 years ago and the way I used to produce work before social media and it feels like waking up! I'm a lot happier about my work now but it's good to know that it's not just me that has felt more and more disheartened as the social machine takes hold.
This is a must-watch for every photographer who is sharing images on the web. Like "must-watch" in "must watch once per month". It is that true.
Yes! This is what it boils down to if you feel you have anything to say to the world, as a photographer. What I struggle with is how to make meaningful work and still pay the bills. More difficult to do that with the personal projects I really care about, so I'm inclined to keep those separate from my commercial work. Doesn't feel right though...
I tried to make it (as my only source of income) as a photographer and did real estate photography for a friend's company. It gave some reward, but became too repetitive. It wasn't satisfying either. I thought about weddings, but had zero desire to do that. I decided to go back to work unrelated to photography. It leaves me free to photograph whatever moves me.I carry a small camera always and bring out the big guns when It's the scheduled time to make photos, and I keep those appointments. I shoot at night a lot, which I didn't use to do very often. I work during the day, so it happened by necessity. Now night photography has become a passion.
At some point I stopped worrying about selling my work and decided I just do it for me. It's my escape and meditation. I've been told my images are better. I may sell a few.
100% true. Being spontanious in choosing what to shoot, not trying and not overthinking gave me the best comments. Not the most, but comments that showed that the image did something.
You bring such passion to your presentations. That in itself is inspiring. I recall an early photography class where each student was instructed to photograph an egg, and bring their slide/print to class the following session. Such a simple subject provoked 20 very different solutions. The class, though not the teacher, was completely astonished. We all see the same things, though with our own individual filters. Discovering, then developing, those filters is indeed the name of the game.
Aaaah, as always your videos are a breath of fresh air. I find myself well on my way of achieving exactly what you are talking about. Less stress - more Zen:)
You just make me speechless... How could you speak what our inner soul speaks... Mesmerizing... Nothing is enough to congratulate you. 'm really speechless with joy. So kind of you. Love 💝
This is a powerful "call to arms"... i love creating a photograph, and i do need to remember they are for me first and foremost. such a great inspired passionate video. thank you :)
Found your channel few hours ago.
I've watched photography UA-cam for 2 years now and I think your channel is one of my favorite already. I absolutely love your videos, how you're plain honest and actually give out so much value in them. Thank you!
This is so spot on that everyone should again watch this, and maybe every now and then. The goal is The Artistic Freedom.
@The Photographic Eye it's a happy accident to stumble on this video....definitely needed the motivation in this video to continue....I've been enjoying photography ever since I took a class in high school when I was 15 years old & learned on an old 35mm & dark room....a few years ago I started trying to sell my photos at little craft fairs & farmers markets....got quite a few compliments but unfortunately heard from too many people that I needed to digitally enhance my work cus everyone else was doing it & the "computerized HD fake look" was all the rage but I like the raw unfiltered look & rarely do anything other than crop or subtle saturation plus I was told I should only do certain subject matter in order to sell to this particular market demographic....I stopped selling cus I started to see photography as work instead of my passion like I had in the beginning....I recently started posting on Instagram solely for me to enjoy all my lost works of art again....thank you
Exactly the reason why I am not an social media with my photography. I don’t want to be influenced into following the current trends. Having said that, one never truly escapes them.
It didn't even feel like I was watching a video, more like I was on a video call! I'm just starting, getting my first gear that isn't a phone or a point-and-shoot, and I think this is a very good advice for somebody who's just starting.
With every week that passes it feels like social media is a poison that kills my enthusiasm and creativity more and more.
Every time i post a photo im happy with my result, but then i get like.. No reach, no likes and eventually i end up feelings, sad and anxious, and sometimes depressed. With all that outta the way i want to thank Sir Alex for these incredible words, your sir are speaking facts and after watching the video and understanding your point i can now rest assured that it's no about the crowd, it's about ourselves. 🙏🏻
I truly feel that some of my best photos are the ones that I took before I got into photography. There is a very personal side to these shots.
Years ago I took a photography class at a local community college. The instructor was critiquing some of my photos and came across one he didn't like. "This one does nothing for me", he said. I replied, " I like it.". To which he concluded, "That's all that matters.". That statement shifted my whole paradigm.
Really needed this video, with my anxiety and depression I enjoy photography as therapy, I am trying to educate my mind that I am doing the photography for myself and to be brave and not for anyone else or for adulation. I will keep that thought in the video "If you don't like it jog on". Thank you.
This is what a culture of “likes” is doing with many creative minds out there: writers, photographers, artists. The rush for being liked is more important, than for being understood. Social media are obsolete without the content, that people are bringing in. And people are bringing content to be liked by others. Endless race full of “social media fuel”.
Totaly agreed🥇 but at the same time SOME is here to stay. We have to find a way to work around it without getting like you said to «obsessed» with only likes😊
And music that is passed through an algorithm to screen it for the popular, proven style
This video (among others) spoke to me .. I do not get many likes; but I get comments . Getting someone to take time to write and express in words what they like is a wonderful compliments ... and that is very encouraging ... how boring would it be if we all liked and hated the same things?
Once again, brilliant advice. You’re amazing and I always look forward to your videos. You’ve inspired me to be a better photographer - thank you.
Really enjoying your channel. Sound advice.
I think people trying to please and looking for validation through likes on Instagram does nothing but instil impostor syndrome. ...and nothing makes you realise Instagram isn't the place for validation than seeing that the most liked picture on there is a photo of an egg.
thanks ! Most inspiring. One idea I have is to take my camera and just walk around in my house and photograph the most common things I see every day, and take them into a new perspective. I once did this, 15 years ago, in my bathroom, and I need to pick this up again.
Please keep doing more and more and more videos! I love listening to you while sitting at the computer while editing. Such a breath of fresh air in photography theory!
This couldn’t have been more timely. Thanks! I know these videos are hard work, but I am glad for them.
Really needed this today. After having won second prize for photo collection of the year at my local photo club two years in a row, I yesterday found out that none of my collections were accepted, let alone awarded. It was a good reminder to simply make photos for myself, not to please others. A million thanks for this wonderful video, off to go shooting now!
Absolutely right! People don't have to like your photographs. Likes and preferences are very personal things. IMO, the more standard, common or uniform the response the less valuable it is, because it probably didn't come from a very deep or personal place. Regardless of what the reaction is I think we should value a genuine one. Like you said, even if they hate it, it means that it touched them somewhere deeply. Now, as to what's in that deep place, where they were touched, it's their personal business (unless they care to share, and you can always ask why).
your videos inspire me so freaking much! you are amazing, thank you so much for it all!! I`d love to have a conversation about photography with you, cause you got a huge knowledge in photography and talks so passionately. Cheers from Brazil!
Oh my gosh I needed to watch this! Thank you so much! I am inspired to to be more of myself, to be authentic, to be bold and genuine.
I stumbled upon your Channel just a few weeks ago and I've been binge watching like crazy. I have been wanting content like yours and Ted Forbes for a while. I love how you share your thoughts on the thought processes of great and not so great photographers. You have encouraged me to think more about my process and the story I want to tell, even if it's a very minimalistic photo. Plus, I love hearing your voice in the background. Thank you and please keep doing what you do!
I wish I met you in 1987 saying these words. Sometimes I look at my old prints made in my darkroom, not appropriate, not in line with what's "modern" but I remember exactly the time, feelings and even music I was listening to. Most precious things theat I still remember so positively. Thank you for doing this today :-)
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! Your thoughts always give me new strength. 🙏🙏
I really connected with what you were saying. My interest is landscape photography, I don’t do social media, and have always tried to take ‘my’ photographs simply for my pleasure. Whilst I believe I try to follow your philosophy, I wondered how you dealt with the constant challenge to ones self-confidence which, being my own worst critic, I constantly experience?
I HATE THIS! Joking .... once again you say it straight and brings the message home. Refocus ... thanks for sharing
This is brilliant advice and speaks loudly to the importance of seeking critique from trusted sources. Having the opinion of one or two people you know and respect is far more valuable than the opinion of a faceless multitude on the Internet.
This is so Perfect. Photography is a return journey to yourself, your source, your being. When it actually starts, you start making Images which you can sit and enjoy and feel peace in an unending Slideshow...Thanks for making such great videos...
YES YES YES!!!!!!! Thank you so much... i share my work but i am looking for the ones who like my work , i Create i love to create all mediums
I'm a new subscriber and am greatly enjoying your videos. I like that you discuss the theory of photography and not so much the technical aspects of it. The things you talk about are helping me grow as a professional and an artist, expand my work, and figure out why I do it and what I want to say with it, which are things I never gave much thought to before. Thank you for helping me learn the language of photography--it made my love of photography more real somehow.
Another great video. I have been sharing your videos on both of my newsletters. I provide the same kind of advice all the time. Especially in my workshops. Bravo!
I love watching Alex get passionate over a subject. :-)
Your video could not have been created in a more timely moment. Earlier today, I experienced everything you talked about when I created a set of self-portrait for me. Your words resonated so much, I savor the moments, the setup, the waiting for the light to be properly in it's location to the minimal post-processing. Your words validate every click of my camera today, Thank You Sir!
Incredible intuitive insight that photography can actually hold universal truths conscious and unconscious
and finds what personally resonates as primal yet everlasting in the heart of you. Leave the masses behind with their popular fads and imitative repetitive photography, avoiding risk but living hollow.
I'm happy as an amatuer who creates for an audience of one. He's quite critical but appreciative.
I haven't seen the video yet, and I've already gave you the thumbs up!
If I ever travel to your part of England i do have to meet you! By far one of the best motivator! Greetings from Norway!
I really needed to hear this today, after a long weekend of waffling about the "direction" I want to take my photos in. All the competing ideas in my head come down to comparing my work with what I see online and worrying about how my photos will be received. And I always come back to this idea that my best photos are the ones that make ME feel the type of unique connections that you're talking about. Thanks for the pep talk. :)
Brave words. As a photographer starting his journey, I’m just past the copying stage but am still influenced by others. To step out on your own is a scary journey. MJ
Makes total sense. You can never be everything to everyone at once .. .. ..
I just started my photography journey. I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed your videos, and have learned so much. Thank you!
Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for those videos. Lots of photographers need to hear that.
Thank you, as always: 100% agree
I have been moved, I am inspired!! Jim Shaw
Great message! When I was young I read Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. The protagonist was Howard Roark a young Architect who was partly inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright. Roark really embodied this message. Being fearless in the face of distractors and creating for himself. I'm bored with my own photography. Going to try readopting this principle. Thank you!
I needed to revisit this one.
Thanks again, Alex
A little late to the game, and a few years short of the 100 you mentioned, but this is my 75th year. Still learning from your great posts. Thank you!
I only came across your channel a few weeks ago, it’s brilliant. I’m 75 years old, and I have always loved photographs.I’ve been a snapper for a long time but never taken photographs before until about 5 or 6 years ago, just getting to grips with a decent camera was hard enough,but I’m getting there. So your words of wisdom are much appreciate. Thank you.
That was very refreshing. Thank you.
Yep ; I am in the right place, I like very muched the passion of your conviction in teaching.
Tony Australia
I’ve been shooting for over 40 years. Almost without exception, it is the images I am proudest of that get a “blank stare” kind of reaction. People don’t seem to know what to think of them. Maybe they are just uninteresting. Or maybe, as I like to think, they are pursuing a way of seeing that is unique to me and requires some time spent with them to understand. I accept that whatever audience I have is quite small, but to chase “likes” would take me away from the fascination I have with seeing the world in this particular way.
I am my biggest fan. The reason I love my photos so much is exactly because I hate them so much. I know I can do more and I can do better. I'm perfecting the technical parts of the pictures and suppressing the compositional / artistic side of the work. Every time I finish a session, I see the heaviness in the framing and feel the leash I place upon it. In spite of myself then, my expression is still coming through. Well, only a few more of these "zeroing in" assignments before I I am able to unleash the first squirts of the ol' creative juices.
The more I watch your videos, the more I enjoy them, plus you remind me of my photography instructor back in the mid 70’s (yes, I’m older than you, haha). Be well and stay safe.
“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not.”
André Gide
Very true
Thank You for this Word!
Thanks Alex. You are a good man.
Love your enthusiasm.
Hello Alex, have to admit I was one of those people some time ago, but now I do my photography, with love and passion,
and from the heart, and this was so interesting and bang on, always interesting to listen to you, have a great weekend.
Thank you! I appreciate your perspective so much!
my god Alex you have been busy with these videos so many coming out in such a short time fantastic really makes my day seeing another one, you sir are a star!
Very inspirational. Thank you. I have been an amateur for decades. Occasionally getting a striking image. At this very late stage, I am finally realizing the difference between taking a photo and creating an picture. You are helping me to change my direction.
You are lovely to listen to.😍
I completely agree. If photography is important for you, then you need to feel what you're creating is worth, connects in a way or another to your taste, your values. For me, photographing is like looking for hidden worlds inside the prosaic reality, unfolding it to open unexpected dimensions. I know it's just a mental view, but I can't help thinking it's real. By the way, a thought is real... as a thought. A vision is real too. If not, I wouldn't have seen it... Sorry, I have to go. I have an appointment with my genie and I need to rub my camera.
Thank you so much for doing videos like this.
I needed this !!! thank you soooo much
Thank you very much 🙂
Such a great video thank you so much!
Words of wisdom here. Sun's up my IG career 🤣 but happy to plough on. Thanks 👍
Danke!
Sorry, it's the first time I used this feature :-D Just wanted to say Thank You for all your inspirational videos! THANK YOU :-)
Thanks so much Christian!
Hello. I came across your video and it was very inspiring. Thank you very much
Another effort that is spot on. I really hope a few people, especially young people, believe it.
Thank you for this video, it was very freeing.
I'm still trying to figure out how to use these contraptions we call cameras.😊 Gary Gough inspirers me to continue mastering this art.
Good point,s, I shoot mainly landscape,s, if someone else likes the shot, great but not arsed if they don,t. The exception is portrait work, then your expected to get result,s that please the client, bit of LR work hides a lot of sin,s.
I agree with the intent of the video completely. That said - the statement that you are doing something different, or good, or making people think if they say they don't like your work/image is a little erroneous. What I mean by that is a lot of "bad" or "not good" work by new photographers that don't know the basics, don't know their camera, and don't know how to create. Those photographers don't need a useless pat on the back or an "everybody gets a trophy" treatment. Feedback on what/how they can improve is what's needed. Note that I'm not disagreeing with you - just pointing out that there are exceptions to think about here.
Thank you for this video!
JisLike it A lot! Thanks Alex for your frankness and photographic musings - really inspiring and encouraging. Your videos are coming out fast and furiously which is good for the dopamine rush as we ponder all your angles and takes on photography - refreshing and challenging too. (Buy a Donkey)
Everything you said is true, BRAVO, this will help all young photographers, SUPER ...
Also us old ones, photographing for 60 years now.
Needed to hear this today! Another great video, thanks mate
I always photograph for my self
Enjoy being out with your camera
Thank God you have another day to live and enjoy what you do
What does anyone’s opinion have to do with your joy