The CHEAPEST way to IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOS
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Improving your photography is hard, mainly because lots of other photographers give wildly varying advice, based only on their own preferences. I think by far the best way to take more photos YOU like, is to study others you've taken in the past that you're proud of, and work out how to bring those learnings to your future images. That's what I do with my photos in this video :)
Also a huge thank you to Lumix for sponsoring this video. I've been using the G9, G85 and the G90 for a long time now and the stabilisation in them is immense. Find out more here: www.panasonic.....
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Thank you :)
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Cameras:
Panasonic G9: geni.us/g9body
Panasonic G80/G85: geni.us/PanaG85
Lenses:
Panasonic 12-35 2.8 II: geni.us/panason...
Panasonic 35-100 2.8 II: geni.us/Pana35100
Leica 8-18: geni.us/818leica
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42.5 mm Lumix: geni.us/lumix42mm
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Little Tripod: geni.us/Gorilla...
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UV, Polariser, ND8, N81000 combo (46mm): geni.us/Gobekit
ND kit (58mm): geni.us/GobeNDKit
Schott polariser and UV (58mm): geni.us/GobeSchott
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Many people on UA-cam are "photographers", but James is the real deal. Feel like I'm taking a uni class in photography with every one of his videos. Thank you for all the effort and content you put out there.
I could watch hours more of videos like this where you discuss all aspects of a photo. Please keep it coming!
This comment needs to be pinned!
It's because he doesn't go into tedious philosophical monologues about the "craft" of photography, he says it like it is.
He sees a place and his experience tells him what will or won't look good, then he tries it as many times as it takes to get a photo he's happy with. It's what everyone does, but not what everyone admits to. I only like about 10-15% of the photos I take and I don't take a quarter of the amount he must (Really should, I might get more usable photos), though I've only had a DSLR for 6 months.
I'm actually very intrigued by how the birds seem to be stars, but if you get a closer look at the image they turn out to be birds. I feel like it supports the dreamlike feel of the scene, and works into offering more the more you look at the image. You got a fantastic shot there!
You just wanted to show us your best photos didn't you? I know the feeling. I appreciate the tips btw.
Guilty as charged... :)
LOL
hahaha
I have taken your advice and looked over what I thought were my best shots....... I now have come to the conclusion..
I really need to get better🙏
It would be no fun if we didn't.. :)
You and me both. I wound up deleting most of the photos from my Flickr.
@@jonlouis2582 That is one of the exquisitely painful parts as we grow as a photographer. Looking at older shots we were SOOOOO proud of at the time ... and seeing our rotten editing , poor composition and a hundred other mistakes. A friend of mine had a website he used to just upload his best few photos from each shoot ... eventually he had hundreds of photos - he only keeps his best 50 now and it changes weekly - it forces him every week to decide if a new photo he's taken is good enough to knock another out of the fifty- I'm thinking of doing the same with my site ... but for a slightly different reason - I feel we get in a rut and plateau in the standard of our shots ... when you aren't knocking any out of the top 50 anymore it's time to try something that scares you a little to force some progress
I find your insight ridiculously interesting. I think your style is very close to what I want to do, and not as much as other photographers and constantly focusing on light and setting up for hours, taking one picture per trip and so on.
For what it's worth, you really help me being confident in my own skills.
Please don't stop throwing out these vids!
That's awesome to hear! Thanks :)
13:18 that shot is sick, i feel it perfectly shows how big nature is (the ice burg) in comparison to a human, and shows a side of photography you don't really see by adding the large amount of head room above the ice burg as well
Thanks my friend :)
I'm just an enthusiast and getting my feet wet with different lenses and types of photography. I've noticed people are far friendlier about photos on social media or in your personal life. Post to a photography forum, and the "professionals" come out to shred your photos! You can do anything different or with slightly more effort. The main thing is that you're happy in my opinion.
After watching so many photography channels and trying to learn different things I think you are my favorite.
This is what I’ve being doing wrong. Mine are all a bit shit and I’ve been carrying that trait forward.
Glad to know there are others in the same boat. You know how you hear your own voice on a recording, and it makes you cringe? That is the way I feel about every photo I have ever taken. Friends will say- John, can you make a print of that, I'd love to have it on the wall? I am at the point where that person is no longer my friend as I feel they are a GD liar. Yeah, that is where I am at right now, so watching and reading to get out of that mindset. Again.
James, your so right. I spend so much time in my photography trying to get shots other people will like. I need to change that up and get shots I really like...... thanks much.....
Awesome to hear :)
In the beginning of the video i thought i could easily say which image will be my favourite one. But now i adore all of your photos and can't decide. You can be really proud of your work! :)
Thanks so much :)
Awesome shots James, i really enjoy your philosophy of taking photos being second to having good time!
Thanks mate! :)
3:52 is my favorite shot. I've never been to Greenland but looking at the photo I could feel the tension of driving in such sever condition through the driver's eyes. It also adds a layer of mysteriousness to the photo.
The view outside of the windshield is also amazing, l especially like the light around the mountain.
The first photo (dogs) is wonderful...
Thanks Ed :)
@@JamesPopsysPhoto That photo is so good at least for me for 2 reasons .. blue ropes connecting all dogs in to one big "family " and tongues 2 of them
Marek Dzurak definitely the tongues
Could have been improved with a long exposure 😛
@@Handycrabby lmao
Truly appreciate this. From your thought process on evaluating your favorite shots to your philosophy that you won't be held hostage by worrying where you'll be for sunset and the like.
Always fun to go back through old photos. Never thought to do it year by year. My past self has taught me a lot.
Fun thing to do with a beer mate :)
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Had to edit my comment because apparently I've had to many and didn't proofread properly.
Nice to see adventure first photography second make a re emergence 💪 great breakdowns and backing your own work and style. Congrats on the nuptials too.
Cheers mate! :)
I'd been watching some street photography vloggers then this episode brought my heart rate right down, in the best way. I love how your photos are engaging but give room to breathe and experience ... a light touch, very sympatico.
Mate your great presenter & photographer. I am just getting back into photography after 20 years+. Technology has changed in fact a little bewildering, however your videos have been and contour to be a great resource for me. Thank you and keep going.
Cheers
Man, your camera did a great job this year!! Now I have to train my camera to do the same next year😉
The ice berg shot, is my favourite 👍
Thanks mate! It cost me a lot in treats though...
@@JamesPopsysPhoto hahaha....
@@JamesPopsysPhoto I must use this the next time someone says my camera takes nice pictures
Emily is going to love that... "You want me to wear What?!" haha great 2019 collection!
haha! Good point, I'll approach it delicately!
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Good man! haha
I'm so jealous of how diverse your shot locations are. I need to plan more trips and capture some new scenery in 2020. Love your videos, great advise, keep it up please
Oh geez lol. Did you ever get to travel in 2020 with COVID?
Some great images, and I love the way you described the reason for them.
Thanks Charles - much appreciated :)
The way you explained your work was truly a beautiful artwork in itself.
I started this video thinking “I made a nearly identical video”. Except I didn’t. Yours is about learning from your best; mine... wasn’t... excellent video, and great tips. And I wholeheartedly agree with you on subtlety, except that in today’s insta climate (tbh even back when I was posting on Flickr) people often miss the subtlety... glad to see the beard is still there...
Thanks mate :)
oooh that shot of the mountain peak with the birds... magical
Thanks :)
these shots are so lovely!! such a pleasure to start my morning looking at these calming images haha
So great to hear! Thanks for watching :)
I'm really big on subtlety in my photos. It doesn't happen as often as I'd like, but I'm always happy when I'm able to pull that off. Edges to the corner of the frame is something I really like in my photos and I'll even crop to make that happen...or shoot so I can crop. When you show the shot of trees and talk about space in the frame it reminds me of the day when I realized the subject does not always need to be centered in the photo. I love that you are willing to admit that often its just blind luck.
I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. Been a subscriber for a while now. Love your photographic style and candid stories. I’m not able to travel to these destinations you feature, so it is a joy to watch. For me, I’m photographing my garden and places nearby in the meantime.
9ne improvement that I needed to make was in selecting the right lens. Some images I noticed were good images, but the main subject was to far away and that was my fault for using an ultra wide angle lens when I shouldn't have. However, ive also come to understand that art is subjective so what appeals to one person, may not appeal to another. I've also promised myself that I would do what pleases me, not other's or a particular platform.
I think the drone shot is just as valid. Just because you didn't climb the sky on an invisible ladder doesn't mean it took less knowledge, it just took less physical effort. You still found a good subject and framed it properly. I don't look down on drone photography (not that that's what I think you're doing) because, at the end of the day, the composition is done by a person. And good composition is good composition, be it on a drone or a DSLR or a phone or an old Polaroid.
I started looking at everything I've printed and hung up and they all generally have a similar theme that I never realized. Thank!
James, thank you so much for doing these videos. However, as someone who takes a lot of photos (and videos) using a drone, I was frustrated by the comments you made regarding the photo that you took with the drone! It does take a LOT of skill to get a drone photo that good! (Some happen with pure luck, but they are rare) There are so many factors working against you with a drone. The stability of the drone and camera, the weather plays a huge factor, the timing can be very difficult to get just right. Having the eye to know the correct height for the photo, the best placement for your composition, it goes on and on! Plus, it can be very difficult to manipulate the camera and have the settings just right, because you are doing it from a distance using remote controls! I know that you know all of this already, but I would rather see you take the due credit for taking such a beautiful photograph. After all, you were the one at the controls!
You're an inspiration to listen to and to watch. Thank you again for doing these videos. I've been taking photos my whole life, as a hobby and as part of my work and still feel I am an amateur in many ways. Your advice and tips help me improve every time I watch.
If you have not already, you should make a trip to where I live, the beautiful State of Utah here in the United States. We have some of the most incredible scenery you'll ever see, and if you do I'd love to meet you someday to thank you in person! Brian Telford
Some lovely photos.
I struggle to appreciate overly edited images, there's a difference in a the talent of photography vs. the talent of photoshop.
Totally agree!
Thanks Claire :)
Taken this advice in the past James and it's paying dividends. Far more keepers than I used to have. Thinking about position and angles has played a big part in my development. Just been given a Loupedeck for free from a sales director at the company. Friend of a friend etc. Nice one.
Awesome to hear Steve :)
It's interesting what people focus on in a photo. I see your points on the Emily photo, but for me the most striking thing is that you have three items of descending heights in a diagonal row: Emily foreground, the peak midground, then diagonally right of that the far peak. It's almost a kind of philosophical shrinking, if that makes sense, a kind of past-present-future metaphor. Also, I love your Greenland shots, they remind me so much of the natural beauty of Iceland I saw a few years ago (and I/m guessing my trip was more enjoyable than yours, but I was touristing it :) Thanks again for all the wisdom, sir!
the first 45 seconds is so good. don't get me wrong, the rest of the video is good and I'll definitely keep watching, but what you first stated is so good.
Working on the basis of self-improvement makes so much sense.
Nice rundown. Appreciate your different perspective on the art. Rock on!
Thank you :)
This was really, really good - one of your most educational videos I can think of (and I've seen lots, even though not all ;-)). And it shows that you actually don't need more than 20 MP to make impressive photos (and it worked even with zooming in in the video, what I thought would only work well will, say, 40 MP image)!
Thank you - lovely to hear :)
The birds flying over the mountain is wonderful
The iceberg in Greenland is great. For me that space you gave the subjects, gives a sense of isolation to it. I don't feel a part of the image, I feel the loneliness of the two subjects. That it's just the man and the iceberg. That's what it does for me anyway.
One of your best remarks about photography was almost an aphorism: a picture needs to be about, rather than just of, something. As these images show - that's a big part of their success.
Thanks so much mate - and great memory! :)
I've been telling people this as my biggest piece of advice for a while now, so it's cool to hear someone else say the same thing!
Awesome man! :)
That picture you talked about underexposing with is really great. I like to have my pictures dark and moody like that generally. I even severely under explode an image so that I can get the grain out of the camera (only on objects or scenery). Thanks for the tips
18:37 dude sick shot, this is definitely my favorite
Absolutely love that mountain shot with your brother, Emily looking over the mountains and the mountain moon shot. Brilliant stuff mate as always. Very refreshing to watch your videos as I personally think there’s too much snobbishness over photography, framing, use of photoshop etc etc I think a lot of UA-cam channels put way too much pressure on beginning photographers whereas you have a good balance of technical advice and telling people to shoot and edit what they enjoy, not just copy everyone else’s shots and edits. 👌🏼
It's 1:35 at night and I'm laughing way too loud at your reaction to the dogs' tongues and the comparison to their legs. Thanks! 🤣🤣🤣
And not one 🐑 to be seen! Another thought provoking video, you really are a breath of fresh air when it comes to your photography philosophy! Thanks.
Quick question, I could research it but thought I'd ask, what's the best method for exposing for the moon as demonstrated in your Wales photo, thanks pal. 👍
Thanks mate! I expose for the moon but bracket to ensure I get good shadow detail in another frame if needed :)
While I may not always agree with everything you say, I do really appreciate the fact that you are willing to put yourself and your thoughts out there and find it both very interesting and helpful. Thanks 👍
Thanks for watching :)
Thankyou for sharing your favourites of the year James. Would you ever consider running a photography workshop in the UK?
Hey James - definitely. I'm thinking maybe September next year. Will announce it in a newsletter when it's live :)
James Popsys Excellent! Sign me up!
The shelf still lives!!!!!
Truly a miracle!
Great video. Photo-Talks are underrated.
Thanks :)
dude... not just amazing photo quality. also amazing COMPOSITING of your images! Thats why you need always the special eye for taking breathtaking photos :) Thanks for sharing!
Thanks mate! :)
Some fantastic shots that list. It was really insightful to hear the thinking behind what you think works and why you like the shots. The one of the 3 trees with the reflection is my fav, I love the light feel to your shots.
Thanks so much Richard :)
This was great! Thank you James. I like seeing people geek out about their good work.
Great shots mate really memorable, like your eye!
Videos like this are why I enjoy watching you and your work.
Awesome - thank you :)
hi james, could you make a tutorial or tips on how to shoot in bright daylight ? cuz i see your videos very fascinating to watch. thanks.
I see the “lightweight” shelf is becoming a bit cluttered.... hope it’s man enough! 😄
haha, danger is imminent...
@@JamesPopsysPhoto Danger is present, disaster is imminent.
Just from watching a few of your videos, you have quickly become my favourite UA-camr. Awesome stuff and Happy New Year!
And for one before the last you showed us is amazing. and keep safe if you live on the west coast of the UK....I heard it's extremely bad there especially near Wales now
I enjoyed listening to your thoughts on what made these photos your favorites. I always think itbis helpful to understand what "made" the shot for the photographer. Lovely images- thank you for sharing.
Thanks for watching :)
Could we have a video of your Mrs judging her favourites of your photos?
Oooooh nice idea!
This is a great video. Your images are gorgeous and your thoughts on each of them inspirational. It is fascinating to see your very individual style reflected in each image in this collection. Lucky Lumix. You are the best advert ever for their cameras and lenses. Great stuff. Thanks for sharing. (And yes, please feel free to forward this comment to Lumix. I'm so pleased they support your work.)
Thanks so much Wendy - me too :)
Great set of photos James, really enjoying all your content. Many thanks
I love your funny quips and asides!
Great video and wonderful photographs James. Thank you for your words of inspiration, I'm now going to head out with camera in hand and see what I can come up with.
Great video, I've been trying to reflect on my photos as I edit them this year and it's helped me massively I feel. Think I'll have to do a year round up of my best shots like youve done here
Cheers Chris - it's a nice thing to do with a beer :)
Sage advice James, I have found myself doing the same thing looking at the shots I do like and making notes of how I want to do the same with future shots. I do like your comment about giving the subject some “room” in the frame, I will have to do more of that. Merry Christmas to you and Emily my friend
Much appreciated Mark, you too! :)
The light in the Matterhorn shot is exactly what I use for my black and white shots. That'd have been one where I would have taken all of the blue out of the sky, too. (Trying to make it look a LITTLE like 850nm infrared since I don't have an infrared camera yet.)
great shot with the moon. love it!
Please can you do a video explaining how you got the exposure right for the photos at 19:46?
Clearly you had to deal with dark foreground and light background.
Thank you! 👍
Great looking G9 you have in your hand there...Super choice!
Cool video :) Thanks for sharing the stories too.
Great video (as always).
Perhaps it would have been nice to know what mode and settings you used for each photo. And maybe show the original unedited version too?
Seems Montane are sponsoring every photographer on the planet, lol. Interesting vid as always, absolutely love the dog sled photo, it's outstanding in my view! To be fair I think you produce more than a fair share of excellent images, perhaps next year they'll all be **ap, lol. Have a fantastic 2020 with your new wife! Cheers.
Thanks - and no Montane sponsorship for me - just good kit :)
It's rare that the photos I love aren't the most popular photos. Even portraits run this way. I've stopped trying to figure it out. 🥂
Amazing photos mate
3rd! Great advice about reviewing your best photos to takeaway the best of the techniques implemented. Also love that sheep in the background,
Thanks for watching :) And me too :)
Thank you for the inspiring vlog. I wish you a very Happy and Photogenic New Year.
Thanks so much :)
I too love that iceberg image. Your friend somehow reminds me of the poster for the 1982 John Carpenter version of "The Thing". Minimalist and just a little spooky!
I'll have to look that up :) Thanks John!
First minute in, there it is: identify what it is you like about the best photos you take. Do more of that.
He didn't waste any time.
You are a "hell" of a photographer. I like that you don't talk to technical. Sometimes people can be blowhards and nobody understands what that are talking about.
The boat with the lamppost and dogs works for me cos the boat otherwise looks like it could be on/in a patch of sea/ice
Great idea, look at mine best and understand why they worked and how it can be replicated in the future. Great photos and commentary.
Also, I like how you prefer mid-day lighting over 'perfect' lighting as it gives a different feel to the image.
Thanks :)
Excellent content and great advice. Loving your high key images. This would make a good subject for a video.
Thanks Peter, and that's a great idea :)
Keep coming back to Greenland please! Love your shots!
I'd love to! Thanks :)
Use your photography to say something or to express yourself
Yes sir!
That place in the Faroes the name of which you can't remember (starting at 10:10), it's called Gásadalur.
I'm still at work. so I'm just gonna hit like for now and watch the entire video later. This is gonna be good for sure.
Much appreciated my friend! :)
these were amazing photos!!
10:09, it works brilliantly because your using the green and blue look that literally works all the time and is basically teal and orange version 2
:)
This was incredibly helpful and inspiring. Thank you!
First photo with the dogs is brilliant.
Cheers Andrew :)
Some of those pictures I wouldn't have taken, but that's the whole point, isn't it? I'm sure some of my favorite pictures, you wouldn't have taken. I seldom, if ever actually, ask for critique of my photography because I know why I took them and a few of my favorites were pure accidents. Now as for 🐑. I was about to give you a hard time for not having any but the 🐑 on the shelf in the video, but then you came up with the shepherd's hut with Emily in it. Nicely done! 👍🦆
Haha :) That's true mate - I'm always on the fence about critiques, photos are so personal!
I have a photo from a lake, we had a beautiful snap cold that winter where we barely had any snow any all, but then it just became super cold. So cold that it made the lakes solid enough for skating and things. I went out that year and got 2 photos of a lake. and in my opinion they perfect examples of just going out, even when yea might not feel like it.
I had just been getting over a cold, as mentioned it was super chilly out. but I was cooped up too long inside so I got out, and damn the photos are fantastic in my opinion. The water froze in such a way that the water is clear and not cloudy, so you can walk near the shore and see rocks below you. It was super crazy because normally ice that perfect would be thin, an you would fall in OR it would be cloudy cause its a lake with a muddy ground, OR it would be covered in snow. But it was none of these. must have just been a combination of, getting really cold really fast, specifically in a time frame with nearly no wind to make the lake so calm the mud wasn't being stirred up making it clear. And after all of that getting almost no snow making it almost totally un covered.
Anyway I dunno really why I shared that but it was a few photos that remind me so much of something I need to do more of. Get out, explore, enjoy nature, don't worry as much about having the perfect gear 100% of the time because fact is sometimes it doesn't even matter what gear you have. that day I could have had any medium/wide lens and it would have worked perfectly. tripod/no tripod, didn't matter, didn't matter if I had a ND filter. Just mattered that I was out there, and not sitting inside.
Awesome to hear - getting out is the hardest part! :)
Great shots.
Nobody has mentioned the photo of boat street light and dogs which I think is stunning and definitely my favourite. Wonder If Santa wants to bring it to me for Christmas
Cheers Bob - much appreciated! I'm hoping for a Time magazine cover myself... chances?
Thanks for the tip! I'll start to do that.