@Nationofshen , very much agree... but wanted to add that it's best to get one good lens than to get two kit or sub par lenses. Along the same vein of number 4 runs the lie that you have to have a different type of lens for every different situation. That may be true in some instances, and with specialty lenses, but for the most part a good lens will do you well for a lot of different situations. A lens is an investment, but only if you know that you will be needing that lens... and you have to be in photography long enough to know what you want to do with your camera and what you want to shoot. A well used kit lens and going out and shooting will teach you what you need if you are patient and put the work in. I fell for that that lie , aka as advice, when I first started, and found myself with lenses I didn't need. That is an expensive lesson because of a lie. Now, if people ask me my opinion on lenses, I tell them to get a nice kit zoom lens and a 50mm prime (or a 35mm prime if they are shooting with a crop sensor). With the zoom lens you can learn from shooting at the same mm for a day or week at a time, what mm you enjoy more. With a good basic prime, you have a fast lens without breaking the bank. Put experience under your belt and it will tell you what you need.
That professional photography (heck, photography as a whole sometimes), is a cut -throat competitive business. There is no such thing as a simple love of the craft and other craftsmen. Sad, and not true... and doesn't have to be true.
Biggest lie I told to myself: people still care about taking quality pictures with a good photographer enough not to use their smartphones instead and pay for them
You've got to take lots of photos! -Big lie. My first model says she's used to hearing the machine-gun like clicks of "pros" and I just guessed she was thrown "off rhythm" by my 3 fps rebel. Kachank! 1,2,3 Kachank! Haha!
What I’ve heard a lot is when someone has shown some of my work to others, either photographers, or non photographers is, Oh, you must have a great camera!
Especially non photographers, They taught I get a good image because of what I use... Photography is all about the story, composition and lighting... Another lie is, It doesn't mean you are a photographer because you have a dslr...
Or showing work from your phone, getting the "what phone is that? It takes really good photos!" Only to explain it was not done with the phone and took days working with a mood board, collaboration with client, (plus hair, makeup and wardrobe if you had it), scouting a location, deciding on lighting and scheduling it all...finally adding the processing.
I agree with everything you said. The mantra that guides me is this: "I am responsible 100% of what is inside my frame." I think a lot of the issues you mention, and this is because I've gone through all of them, spawn from the thought of "I just want to do this real quick, 'and get out'", as if it were just about pressing a button and obtaining a result. It's not. It's about the energy, the effort, the spirit you put into it. You want to create something that did not exist before, so you need to take ownership of it, and it's not like you can't screw up - you can. But admit it and be open about it. It's a positive thing, and it doesn't mean that "you don't know". It means you're learning, experimenting, getting better. In other words: you're living. Those are my two cents.
Great video Miguel. Your point about nude models is well taken. I know some photographers who take only boudoir and nude photography and it doesn't always work. To add insult to injury they then post on Instagram and two thirds of the image is pixelated!!! What's the point? My other pet peeve is that an image has to be full of tricks and crazy lighting gimmicks to be considered legitimate. A well dressed model in natural light or minimal lighting can't be beat. The working relationship between the model and the photographer is the key to a good image. Good communication comes through in the photo. Cheers for this conversation, it's a good one. Stay safe!!
So very true. I have been in photography for 35 years back from the film days. Your point no 5 is so true. In the film days, we get it right without post production. Most portraits were shot at f/8.0. Lighting and understanding of light make or break a great photo. Always control the shoot and tell the model how to pose the way you want it. You don't need the latest Mirrorless camera.. You can still get an excellent portrait shooting with a 40 years old camera.
Yes, one more, perhaps the most impprtant is to capture the right moment or expression. No camera can do that for you. The photographer determine that.
Had a conversation with a guy on a Facebook forum. I said I occasionally stop down my 85mm lens to F2.8-4 whilst taking portraits he and basically ridiculed me saying ‘Why buy an F1.4lens and not shoot at 1.4?’ Tried to explain I wanted slightly more depth of field and not just eyes in focus but he wasn’t having it.
I like how you sound so comforting, making those insecurities go away... Most people are like “you must do that, because the other way is wrong” you’re just the homie...
Wu-Tang!!!! Love the shirt! One major self defeating lie I see all the time is "I'll never be good enough compared to xyz photographer". Newcomers shouldn't be comparing themselves to those who have multiple years of constant shooting and experience. We all started not knowing anything. And we grew from there. It saddens me when I see these self defeating posts on various photography groups and forums. It's the worst lie to me because they're doing it to themselves.
Also I heard people go. Oh his stuff was not that good ten years. You get better and that is hard to explain to client or beginner. Some people get it. They will say wow that guy or gal is high caliber.
High noise can add a dreamy effect as well. A thin layer of Vaseline on an UV filter makes a great soft focus filter. Honestly, I prefer creating analog effects rather than digital ones when it's practical. Post editing software has improved quite a bit over the last decade or two. Still, I'd rather be behind the camera than in front of a computer screen.
Of all places I was shamed about my gear while trying to buy a mattress. While we were running pur credit the guy made small talk and brought up his daughter being a photgrapher. As I went to pull out my business cards with my work on them, he asked what camera I had. I told him I had a rebel t7 and under his breath (though plenty loud for me to hear) he scoffed at me. I dropped my cards back into bag and shrunk back into my chair while he continued to brag about his daughters business. It sucked, but I have to keep reminding myself I'm still new, I've made some good images, and everyone starts sonewhere.
It's the photographer, not the the tool, that creates the masterpiece. Your camera is perfect for portraiture. Learn your camera inside and out. Most people who buy the most expensive equipment never fully learn all the functions. They just want to push a button and walk away. A very helpful trick for your camera is learn how to set "back button focus" which is taking the auto-focus off the shutter button so your camera doesn't refocus every time you press the shutter. You can focus with your thumb on a back button then shoot with your index finger. You can re-focus as you choose. Manual shooting is a great way to learn your camera and hone your niche. My niche is shooting left of perfect exposure to better shape the light and shadows and results in less post production.
@@ebiasaf Exactly. It was frustrating too, because he didn't ask what lenses I used. Since I know my glass will outlast my body, I opted to put a fair bit into some middle-end lenses (Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art, Canon 70-300mm f4.5-6) so when I upgraded bodies eventually, my lenses could still perform. I just don't get why people feel the impulse to automatically put strangers down (especially when they are your customer!!!). Especially after I responded enthusiastically to the cool niche of his daughter's business (I think it was customized cake toppers with the bride/groom's image).
Had something similar happen to me when I went to buy a new car. Needed to check that i could get my lighting, backdrop and other gear into the boot. The salesman kept going on about his wifes photography business and I got p1ssed off with him. Told him I was going somewhere else to get a car and that he had blown his sale and commission.
@@LIBICU812 That's an interesting idea. Something I learned recently, that I really like is zone focusing. I.e. Using a fairly wide lens, setting a smallish aperture and then using a depth of field chart to figure out my zone of focus after focusing on a certain distance, then simply taking pictures of people in that range. It's dramatically increased my ability to time my shots..
From the "World of Canon".. Folks on some of the FB "EOS R" forums are killing me. The "newbie's" post goes something like this. New to photography. The R, R6 or R5 is my first real camera. What RF lenses should I get for portrait photography? They are usually asking about the RF 28-70 f/2, RF 85 f/1.2, RF 50 f/1.2 RF 24-70 f/2.8, RF 70-200 f/2.8 and sometimes the RF 15-35 f/2.8. When I can, I reply back that they should pick up a few used Canon EF-L lenses and/or also Tamron SP/G2, Sigma-Art and Samyang lenses to get started. I also suggest that they rent a $2,200-$3,000 lens before they buy it.
Yep. All the gear and no idea. I hate the obsession with bokeh and sharpness, I use Nikon Z and I’m more than happy with the F1.8 primes and you always get people on forums saying they NEED f1.2 or 1.4! Wish they’d concentrate on technical skills instead.
Oh I agree with you 100%! I joined two photo groups on FB (unfollowed a week later) and let me tell ya, the moment people saw a nipple it had hundreds or thousands of likes no matter how shitty the pic was. In the mean time the very few excellent photos got may 2dz.
Those transitions are Apple-Keynote-Style 😆 "now back to Miquel" You have some good points! Totally agree. The magic always happens between the photographer and the model.
I agree with you 100%.... I tell my daughter that taking a photo off the cutting room floor and resurrecting it in Post Processing is UNPROFESSIONAL! Your clients deserve you best work, Period
When I was first learning, I was told by a wedding photographer to shoot wide open for dreamy bokeh. I’ve been learning that, while I like it a lot in some instances, I don’t like to sacrifice sharp and crisp pictures just for bokeh.
I heard the same thing starting out, and my images suffered for a long time. Shooting with a DSLR in those days, I would often have portraits where the face and eyes were out of focus and just didn't have that pro quality look I would see in high-end fashion magazines. Then I worked with some of those photographers who were regularly published and realized they rarely shoot wide open. It was a game-changer for me!
Hey Miguel, great vid love the topic. One is full frame is better than crop sensor. You have to shoot portraits with full frame etc. I've taken plenty with both and by looking at the prints you couldn't tell the dofference. I remember meeting this girl at a some function and she was shooting with a rebel. We exchanged IG and she gave me her card. I peeped her work and I was really impressed with her portfolio. This was less than 5 yrs ago. She currently has several rental studios here in LA. And btw your homie's shirt tho 🙌
Misconceptions that I've personally dealt with 1. "Photographers get paid to do whatever they want". (Not saying they don't exist, but there's a very very small percentage that can do that) No, generally photographers get paid to do what the clients want them to produce 2. "Clients are stupid." First off, if you can't respect your clients, find another job. Second, it's not your client's job to know all about the industry. Be ready to share information and let them know 3. "The photographer is the boss and everyone else is just there" don't disrespect your team cause they contribute more than new photographers may realize
Newbies (including me years ago) always ask about the brand of the camera used in great shots when the differences have very little to do with the images they make.
You upgrade when you outgrow..... there are not that many things that you can't take with one model and only with another... a lot depends on the lens when that happens... but there are times when you find that your "old" camera doesn't have what you need to allow you to shoot in a situation that you encounter more and more, like NOISE and HIGH ISO. Unless you continually hit a brick wall in a situation, chances are you don't need that newer model. Just my opinion. 90% of the time, brand has nothing to do with it either. I say this as someone who shoots with Nikon and with Olympus. There are times that I full well know that my Olympus is not going to shoot a situation and/or condition like my Nikon.
Im now 2 years into Photography but still learning i often look at cameras lense Info to get an Idea and inspiration. And maybe be able to start a conversation.
Uhhh depends on the theme of the shoot agreed upon and does a smile make sense. Smile can also distract from the photo if the focus is on something else. Also, it goes over better if you're funny and actually make models laugh instead of telling them to smile.
Little hint, find a way to make someone smile, it will be more natural and will look a lot better :) make em laugh , be silly. Most of the time the in between shots will always turn out better
Heard all of these a long with the ones people have posted in the comments. I've also noticed a lot of the times the people promoting these misconceptions are the ones that really don't understand photography to begin with. They care more about a cameras specs than they do the composition or lighting of a shot. A camera is a tool. Understanding how to use that tool properly is how you get the job done correctly and efficiently.
One I hear, is you have to have a set style. Personally I shoot in a style from either the feeling or almost a mood, I get from the person, or location.
Loved how you explained these 5 lies...simple and honest 😎👍. .I hear all the time if you don't use a DSLR you are not a real photographer ....this really bothers me!!!
Back in the mid-90s when the Glamour Shots craze was on I was the photographer on a travelling glamour team. We shot on 70mm long roll cameras with a video proofing system. One thing I found was that some people you thought would look awesome were just good when the review image came up. Others would surprise you. I had a lady bring in her tomboy granddaughter because she wanted a nice, lady like photo of her. The girl was long and slim with a kind of horsey face. I thought to myself, "Oh man, this is going to be tough." Even with the hair and makeup done by our stylists I was not so sure. I took the first shot and when the review image came up on the monitor it was, "Wow! Stunning!" In person, not so much, but the camera loved her. When shooting other types of photos for a living I actually made my living with simpler gear and decent lenses. I had and used my Nikon F4 and Hasselblad at times when I was only shooting for pleasure. It seemed the jobs came along when I only had the Nikon FM and an old Canon AE1 or similar and I had sold my higher end gear. I miss that old FM.
The biggest one I hear is about needing expensive equipment to take good photos. During one of my workshops I run I was challenged on this, that the only reason I have a lot of followers and get a lot of work is because of my equipment. I did the entire workshop using the camera I learnt photography on. I shot on a Nikon D3100 and a 50mm 1.8 lens to prove its about the knowledge of the photographer and not the equipment. I let him use my pro equipment and then put the photos up on our site to compare which ones people liked more. My photos on the cheap camera was selected by everyone as the better images. The guy never came back to my workshops.
It's kinda sad coz I've had friends who said to me that they don't look "good" so they were shy to pose. I think that mentality also spreads to some models thinking they aren't good enough.
Great video! 👍🏻 And also i like the fact that you are a Dragon Ball and Naruto fan, my two favorite anime ever. Keep up the good work! Cheers from Romania 👋
As a photographer and a model, there is no beautiful or ordinary person. There is perfect make up, contouring, and at least two layers covering face skin flaws with perfect lighting, any one can turn drop dead gorgeous.
Does f/1.4 and 1.2 glass have better optic? Is that a reason to spend the extra $? I find that I usually shoot between f/2.8 -f/11 to get the sharpest use of the lens. Higher F stops for landscapes.
Generally speaking yes. They often have more lens elements, better lens coatings, better/faster motors which helps with autofocus speed and accuracy, just to name a few.
For a long time, I was stuck on the notion that I needed an expensive (or inexpensive) lighting setup to get great portraits. I have taken plenty of pretty good portraits in natural light so that is a lie as well. I am not sure where I heard that or if it was just my own self consciousness about it.
I’m afraid that is actually true... Not because the photos would be necessarily better, but because social media is all about bikinis lately. Few people will look at a picture and evaluate it based on the technique/story/effort etc, they just want the half naked girls
I think that gear doesnt matter untill a certain point. I always shot on a lower end dslr and had so much fun with night shoots. But the images were so grainy bc of low fstop lens and a cropped censor. Now when i shoot with my current gear im allowed to go and shoot in the dark with no grain. But for the most part i agree with you!
I agree, until a certain point. While a better camera might give you less grain, it doesn't automatically make the photo better. Funny enough, I actually add grain to a lot of my photos. Sometimes grain gives an image a more filmic and organic look. 😁✌️
A lie or misnomer-- a beautiful person makes a beautiful image. As a long time pro shooting models for clients and/or model portfolios, glamour, boudoir, fine art nude and graduating seniors I will say this: Not every persons looks will ensure you a great image. Some models I've shot were drop dead gorgeous walking down the street but they were not photogenic. That's when your skills at posing and lighting are put to the test. Other models, are less than average looking walking down the street and after some hair and makeup are extremely photogenic. I've talked about this phenomenon with other model/glamour shooters over the years and every one has encountered it but no one knows why some people are so photogenic and some are not. I will say this too: Skinny models are much harder to photograph then curvier models when your objective is to create a sensual or even well posed photograph. Your posing options of very skinny models and/or very large models is limited---automatically some poses are no longer in your tool box. So there's a limit to skinny and heavy--I prefer slightly heavy to skinny any day and I prefer more mature models than younger if I want more persona to show through, more character and more sensuality. When I'm hired by a client I often have to work with the model(s) they provide but you adjust to the situation. Now having said all that I'll paraphrase a (now deceased) model/glamour photographer named Art Ketchum, whom I knew well who is also the author of two books on the subject: he said regardless of who you shoot only put the prettiest and best shot photos in your portfolio because if you put less than pretty women/models in your portfolio you will be seen as not being a good enough photographer to attract beautiful models. This is a competitive area of photography.
Great advice. My only issue is that it would've really hit home if you had shown examples for comparison to support your comments. I guess I'm nitpicking
you are right. all you need is a Pro camera and 5 primes. you dont need multiple camera's and zooms. :-) grin. you learn that it is about skill and not about gear when you grow your skill as a photographer. if you cant take a good image with the current camera you have you have other problems then gear problems.
Nice, informative video. On the first lie about Photoshop or post-production you're exactly right. But criticism of Photoshop and digital editing in general is more complicated and based of a fundamental misunderstanding of photography itself, and the mistaken idea that there can be such a thing as "pure" photography. Just my 2 cents worth here... Photography is the definition of the manipulation of light, and it requires a great many decisions from a myriad of choices to actually produce an image. And the production of nearly all great photography over the last 150 or so years has included cropping, often dodging and burning in the darkroom, and not infrequently a spot of retouching. Pre-digital photography with film requires, apart from hardware, material and settings decisions, a whole lot of developing and printing decisions that determine the appearance of the final image. The majority of photographers (amateur and professional) didn't do their own darkroom work, and still don't, especially colour developing and printing. Many professional colleagues of mine had darkroom technicians to do that, or employed outside laboratories. The sad fact is that, for both film and digital photography, most of those crucial decisions aren't made by the majority of non-professionals. And even some professionals rely on others to make some of them. In the old days the average amateur photographer and snapper sent their film off to a laboratory, where the d&p decisions were made according to the requirements of the mass retail industry. Or they were done in a shop with an automatic machine. Reprints and enlargements were also automated because hand printing could be very expensive. Today, if the photos are jpegs from a digital camera then the end result depends to a large extent on the camera manufacturer's own algorithms. Photoshop (or other image editing software) is our digital darkroom where we work on our digital "film" and (just like Niccolò Machiavelli) it is unfairly targeted and blamed for the dreadful handiwork of others. We shouldn't be timid about defending Photoshop or its alternatives as we would defend an old fashioned wet darkroom, because they are crucial to producing the result we envisage when we press the shutter (always assuming the photographer isn't just clicking and hoping for a happy accident). Also we shouldn't be timid about pointing out the dreadful, mangled results many users manage to cobble together in Photoshop.
Without a top MUA, you'll have serious touch up work. Also try working with a completely new model, see how you get them to pose that looks natural/relaxed. The beautiful person thing is true, plenty of sh1tty images of good looking people still get plenty of attention/likes etc. Using the best of everything (gear,lighting,model,MUA.hairstylists,stylists) makes life a helluva lot easier, the more you have of these the better chance of a great shot.
Hi Miguel,,, That was spot on,,, But I think we have all been guilty at some point of being duped into thinking these things when learning the skill. neverless its good advice for beginers,,,maybe they should just follow there own path,,, do there own thing,,, and maybe oneday they be as famous as you.
I heard you portrait guys get all the girls!… Don't know if it's a lie!… (Asking for a friend) Was thinking about switching from Street!… ✊🏿Love that WuTang Shirt
So true and when ppl say damn good picture what did you take that one with? Oh that one my favorite sunrise photo? Yes! Oh that was with my samsung s7 and ppl ok was oki so for me is the best camera is the one you have with you. Like your video good voice and good content so +1 following, cheers from Sweden 👍👍
I wouldn't call these lies but rather half truths my man. Another big lie is that you have to follow all the basic rules of composition everytime in order to get a great image.
Post processing does enhance an image.. but Im just making an already awesome image better. I love shallow depth-of-field.. but sometimes I love the background too.. I rarely shoot wide open.. Also.. you can stop down a telephoto lens a bit and still have Decent background blur. When I was new.. Having a model that knew her stuff helped me a bit.. As a photographer gets better they learn what they want better and how to communicate it to the model so they know what you mean. You can get great pics with nearly any camera & lens.. But there is validity to why we invest in expensive lenses etc.. There are some absolutely gorgeous people that just don't look right in front of the camera.. And some average looking people that really rock a shoot with next level greatness. I see some ppl that have been shooting a decade and still shoot those weird awkward location awkward pose nude shots.. and I know the model wasn't paid and she's not going to even have any usable images.
Maybe not a lie but more a requirement: communication. I've so many tech nerds that produce crap cause they are all about their gear and settings. It's the trust between model and photographer that creates something that is more than a snapshot. I know it comes all down to personal taste but for me, the eyes will tell if there was trust or not. If you don't have any or are lacking social/communication skills then maybe it is better to photograph flowers.
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well to first lie i would say: Yes and no ... i have seen tutorials where the source picture was not cool but the result was coverpage worthy ... i think it is a skill to know what you can do in post and what you need to get right on set ... check out Felix Rachor works or Photolgend. Photolegend does amazing composings, adds hair backgrounds and so on and felix rachor is simply amazing
I use the Sony FX9 for the talking head portions with the Sony 35mm f/1.4GM lens. For any of the moving shots, I either use my FX9 or the FX3. Hope that helps!
@@MiguelQuilesJr Thank you so much for your prompt reply, Miguel. If I could bother you with one more question -- what are the most common settings you use for the talking head & walking portions for days & backgrounds such as in this video? Thank you!
My pleasure! Settings will vary based on the situation. In studio for talking head stuff I'm usually at f/1.4, 1/48 shutter and whatever iso that gives me the right exposure (usually 200-400).
More mega pixels = better photo's. It helps if you want to crop down or print billboards but it doesn't make a better photo. One of my favourite camera's is a 10 mega pixel CCD sensor camera (Ricoh GR Digital 4) and the image quality still blows me away. Another lie that angers me, "super sharp lenses are the best lenses"; Tell that to Leica, They know there is a balance between sharpness, colour and contrast/micro-contrast. There is a silly trend with people thinking sharp is the best, there are trade offs with super sharp lenses. Super sharp lenses on a high mega pixel camera aren't exactly flattering for woman's face, all that time smoothing skin in photoshop when you could have used a less sharper lens which looks more flattering and will make the image more consistent. Just my opinion.
Agree...mostly. A lot of people included myself got wrapped up in I need a higher pixel rating to get better photos. I started learning though what really effects what we call pixels. It mainly has to do with sensor size, photosite micron level, pixel pitch, and pixel density. And then it just builds from there. Camera sensor build, camera logic algorithms, exposure, and lens quality. My point is that Higher MP can give better results but it will vary based on a variety of factors including good lighting. While a lower MP camera usually always does better for low light. I do use two camera bodies Sony A7III (low light scenarios), Sony A7RIII (about everything else). Would I ever go to the A7RIV...NO. The photosite micron level, pixel pitch and pixel density are not that much better so the results while are better it's very slight. You sure could crop the heck out of the image though without losing quality. I would rather go to a Medium Format at that point though.
That's what I was sort of saying. I'm assuming this video is more geared towards portrait photography as apposed to street, landscape etc. With portrait photography, it's a controlled environment (usually). Speed lights, catch lights, hair lights etc. When the environment is controlled and framed well in real time with in the camera, a 24 megapixel crop sensor can do just as well as 50 megapixel full frame sensor. Lets be honest, only photographers pixel peep, the customer/general public does not. I agree the size of the sensor makes a difference in low light situations but the megapixels has nothing to do with it (which you mentioned).
More instagram followers means better photographer. Working with popular people like singers and things like that, means you are at the top level. Something like that :D
There is no way to tell whether an image was taken by the latest and greatest new camera by viewing the image and I have not seen an image that could not have been done with any camera made in the last 15 years regardless of price class. The assumption that one needs the latest update or changing whole brand investments in bodies, lenses, and software is a major, expensive, and destructive lie pushed by UA-cam photography channels for a large profit. The most influential influencers with millions of dollars in annual income from it, are not even photographers by skill or profession, and their whole income stream is based on getting customers to upgrade prematurely. Right now, the key trait that concentrates on is the minor difference in Eye AF, which was never a problem or an issue with photography before. During a 500 frame studio session with 11 fashion outfits, a dozen styling changes, finding even one shot out of focus would have been hard even in the all manual cameras in the film era. Almost any developing photographer would progress faster if they stuck with one camera and mastered its controls so they were not a distraction, and improving skills in posing, lighting, and concept. I have friends who keep updating every model on the 2 year cycle or switch brands based on a single minor difference in feature set and never master the camera they have in hand. For those thousands of dollars wasted, they could have gotten great lighting set up plus attended a few workshops and been producing better images if they just stuck with what they had and learned. That is the biggest lie they believe repeated by their favorite influencers, who have gotten rich solely on their ability to get people to spend money foolishly. Also, they buy too many lenses so never learn what each perspective can do for them if they had just become very familiar with the "look" of the world through any one focal length. Keeping their old camera and using just one lens for 6 months will change how they see the world as expressed by their images. Posing is the one skill that requires people skills and is hard for the majority of photographers. There is one case that a professional skilled model can be helpful. An amateur who wishes to learn posing would do well to skip the new news or latest body update and invest a couple hundred dollars in hiring a skilled model. When first approaching them, the photographer should talk to several, telling them of the intent of the sessions. The intent is learning how to communicate and give posing instructions. Many models will pass, but some, thinking they will develop a new income stream in the future if you learn well, will be eager to help in your education by her telling you what she is doing and how to communicate with other models. A few hours would be very useful so you learn how to get the poses that amateur or pro models you need from them. That also includes a chat before the session or the beginning explaining the intent and look you need, before even introducing the camera. Photographers who can't express their goals are frustrating to work with. Once you become comfortable in communicating and making adjustments, then one can start working with amateur clients with professional results. It is not the fault of your camera if an image is not as wished, stop wasting money on things that are not causing your images to be unsuccessful.
I'm a newbie, so I'm sure you know a lot more about this business than me, but, for the newbie, one of the greatest challenges is getting good models to shoot. You downplay the importance of Photoshop. Eventually I want to take great photos, but, in the meantime, I'll settle for getting good models to work with. About a year ago, another UA-camr, Manny Ortiz, photographer from Chicago, posted a video on How to Find Models on Social Media. His wife, Diana, also a model, had the most interesting comments. She said that when she is DM'd about a shoot, first thing she does is check out the photographer's portfolio. She wants to know how good your retouching skills are. She thinks these new "highly sensitive" cameras can make her look 20 years older, and doesn't want a lot of images out there showing her cracks, pimples, crevices, for the whole world to see. I think there are probably a lot of Diana's out there on IG.
That depends on what the model is looking for. (I have experience as model) Generally I prefer photographers to actually be good at shooting, minimal photoshop. Other times I want skilled photoshop skills ex cyber punk effects. The model you mentioned has a specific look she wants, I wouldn't say that's the same for most models
@@GaiyaYushin I think Diana Ortiz' main complaint is that high megapixel cameras show all her cracks and crevices, and therefore make her look 20 years older. No woman wants to look 20 years older! Age is a big factor: younger models probably don't worry about looking older, or, if they have flawless complexion, you probably couldn't make them look older if you tried. I think the "specific look" Mrs. Ortiz (and mosdt models) wants is: "Make me look younger!" Hope this doesn't sound too sexist.
Number 5 is not true..... Good looking people are easier to photograph. Sooooo much easier. The photos look more intresting, more pleasing and they get more likes. Its a fact that I honestly dont like, because Im trying to make my photography about more than just pretty people or the ego. But even I admit that they simply have that unfair advantage in the visual aspect. Just like a person with an amazing voice will sound better in a recording than a regular joe´s voice.
You’re absolutely right. The first thing you notice in an image is the content. If that content is more attractive to more people it’s considered a better portrait. Try shooting uggos and see how far you get. This is akin to saying a lousy singer can somehow be massaged into competing with Adele
You guys are discussing something totally different than the point I made. I never said anything about the ease of taking a portrait of a beautiful person. I said that a beautiful person alone doesn't make for a great portrait. You still have to do the right things (lighting, composition, posing, etc) to make them look their best. The same is true of an average person. You can make anyone look good (or really bad) depending on how you approach it.
There's a difference between "good looking" and "the camera loves them". Some of the most sought after professional models look downright average in person, but they have that special look to a camera.
Saw one of those pics as late as this evening. The train track with a nude girl on the track, trying to look comfy...yeah, good luck with that 🙈😅.. This photographer thought himself to be a pro. 🙄
Friends and family give horrible and unobjective photography critiques. (Unless one happens to be a professional photographer, which in this case makes them meanies.)
Your first point is pretty good about getting better shots up front and not using post as a handicap. But you kind of went overboard and really diminished the impact of post for photos. You distorted a good arguement by over emphasizing the point. Secondly, a huge lie that almost no one talks about is that every picture must be tack-sharp. Everyone strives for it, but some shots really accel when they are slightly soft. I don't mean out of focus, just sometimes not surgically sharp.
What are some lies that you've commonly heard in the world of portrait photography? Might make a part 2 if you leave some good ones!
@Nationofshen , very much agree... but wanted to add that it's best to get one good lens than to get two kit or sub par lenses. Along the same vein of number 4 runs the lie that you have to have a different type of lens for every different situation. That may be true in some instances, and with specialty lenses, but for the most part a good lens will do you well for a lot of different situations. A lens is an investment, but only if you know that you will be needing that lens... and you have to be in photography long enough to know what you want to do with your camera and what you want to shoot. A well used kit lens and going out and shooting will teach you what you need if you are patient and put the work in.
I fell for that that lie , aka as advice, when I first started, and found myself with lenses I didn't need. That is an expensive lesson because of a lie. Now, if people ask me my opinion on lenses, I tell them to get a nice kit zoom lens and a 50mm prime (or a 35mm prime if they are shooting with a crop sensor). With the zoom lens you can learn from shooting at the same mm for a day or week at a time, what mm you enjoy more. With a good basic prime, you have a fast lens without breaking the bank. Put experience under your belt and it will tell you what you need.
That professional photography (heck, photography as a whole sometimes), is a cut -throat competitive business. There is no such thing as a simple love of the craft and other craftsmen. Sad, and not true... and doesn't have to be true.
Biggest lie I told to myself: people still care about taking quality pictures with a good photographer enough not to use their smartphones instead and pay for them
Biggest Lie from Newbies... If only I watched more UA-cam videos and believed whatever they told me.
You've got to take lots of photos! -Big lie. My first model says she's used to hearing the machine-gun like clicks of "pros" and I just guessed she was thrown "off rhythm" by my 3 fps rebel. Kachank! 1,2,3 Kachank! Haha!
The biggest one I hear is “the more Instagram followers you have, the better photographer you are.” - can’t tell you how much this annoys me.
That's definitely a big one that I've heard over the years. Definitely adding that one to the next list!
What is more valuable? A million amature likes or one master craftsman 👍 ?
Agreed
@@LIBICU812 i want likes 😂😂😂😂
What I’ve heard a lot is when someone has shown some of my work to others, either photographers, or non photographers is, Oh, you must have a great camera!
Especially non photographers, They taught I get a good image because of what I use... Photography is all about the story, composition and lighting... Another lie is, It doesn't mean you are a photographer because you have a dslr...
Or showing work from your phone, getting the "what phone is that? It takes really good photos!"
Only to explain it was not done with the phone and took days working with a mood board, collaboration with client, (plus hair, makeup and wardrobe if you had it), scouting a location, deciding on lighting and scheduling it all...finally adding the processing.
I agree entirely Lorraine and I always remark that the equipment used is only as good as the photographer using it.😊
I agree with everything you said. The mantra that guides me is this: "I am responsible 100% of what is inside my frame."
I think a lot of the issues you mention, and this is because I've gone through all of them, spawn from the thought of "I just want to do this real quick, 'and get out'", as if it were just about pressing a button and obtaining a result. It's not. It's about the energy, the effort, the spirit you put into it. You want to create something that did not exist before, so you need to take ownership of it, and it's not like you can't screw up - you can. But admit it and be open about it. It's a positive thing, and it doesn't mean that "you don't know". It means you're learning, experimenting, getting better.
In other words: you're living.
Those are my two cents.
Great video Miguel. Your point about nude models is well taken. I know some photographers who take only boudoir and nude photography and it doesn't always work. To add insult to injury they then post on Instagram and two thirds of the image is pixelated!!! What's the point? My other pet peeve is that an image has to be full of tricks and crazy lighting gimmicks to be considered legitimate. A well dressed model in natural light or minimal lighting can't be beat. The working relationship between the model and the photographer is the key to a good image. Good communication comes through in the photo. Cheers for this conversation, it's a good one. Stay safe!!
Very well said 👏
So very true. I have been in photography for 35 years back from the film days. Your point no 5 is so true. In the film days, we get it right without post production. Most portraits were shot at f/8.0. Lighting and understanding of light make or break a great photo. Always control the shoot and tell the model how to pose the way you want it. You don't need the latest Mirrorless camera.. You can still get an excellent portrait shooting with a 40 years old camera.
Yes, one more, perhaps the most impprtant is to capture the right moment or expression. No camera can do that for you. The photographer determine that.
Had a conversation with a guy on a Facebook forum. I said I occasionally stop down my 85mm lens to F2.8-4 whilst taking portraits he and basically ridiculed me saying ‘Why buy an F1.4lens and not shoot at 1.4?’ Tried to explain I wanted slightly more depth of field and not just eyes in focus but he wasn’t having it.
related to wu-tang?
I like how you sound so comforting, making those insecurities go away... Most people are like “you must do that, because the other way is wrong” you’re just the homie...
I try! Haha Glad it resonates with you 😁✌️
Wu-Tang!!!! Love the shirt! One major self defeating lie I see all the time is "I'll never be good enough compared to xyz photographer". Newcomers shouldn't be comparing themselves to those who have multiple years of constant shooting and experience. We all started not knowing anything. And we grew from there. It saddens me when I see these self defeating posts on various photography groups and forums. It's the worst lie to me because they're doing it to themselves.
Also I heard people go. Oh his stuff was not that good ten years. You get better and that is hard to explain to client or beginner.
Some people get it. They will say wow that guy or gal is high caliber.
I see people being obsessed with razor sharp photos where I think in some instances the mood of the scene and portrait allow for some "imperfections"
High noise can add a dreamy effect as well. A thin layer of Vaseline on an UV filter makes a great soft focus filter. Honestly, I prefer creating analog effects rather than digital ones when it's practical. Post editing software has improved quite a bit over the last decade or two. Still, I'd rather be behind the camera than in front of a computer screen.
Of all places I was shamed about my gear while trying to buy a mattress. While we were running pur credit the guy made small talk and brought up his daughter being a photgrapher. As I went to pull out my business cards with my work on them, he asked what camera I had. I told him I had a rebel t7 and under his breath (though plenty loud for me to hear) he scoffed at me. I dropped my cards back into bag and shrunk back into my chair while he continued to brag about his daughters business. It sucked, but I have to keep reminding myself I'm still new, I've made some good images, and everyone starts sonewhere.
It's the photographer, not the the tool, that creates the masterpiece. Your camera is perfect for portraiture. Learn your camera inside and out. Most people who buy the most expensive equipment never fully learn all the functions. They just want to push a button and walk away. A very helpful trick for your camera is learn how to set "back button focus" which is taking the auto-focus off the shutter button so your camera doesn't refocus every time you press the shutter. You can focus with your thumb on a back button then shoot with your index finger. You can re-focus as you choose. Manual shooting is a great way to learn your camera and hone your niche. My niche is shooting left of perfect exposure to better shape the light and shadows and results in less post production.
Man i started with a cheap cam and technique beats money
@@ebiasaf Exactly. It was frustrating too, because he didn't ask what lenses I used. Since I know my glass will outlast my body, I opted to put a fair bit into some middle-end lenses (Sigma 35mm f1.4 Art, Canon 70-300mm f4.5-6) so when I upgraded bodies eventually, my lenses could still perform. I just don't get why people feel the impulse to automatically put strangers down (especially when they are your customer!!!). Especially after I responded enthusiastically to the cool niche of his daughter's business (I think it was customized cake toppers with the bride/groom's image).
Had something similar happen to me when I went to buy a new car. Needed to check that i could get my lighting, backdrop and other gear into the boot. The salesman kept going on about his wifes photography business and I got p1ssed off with him. Told him I was going somewhere else to get a car and that he had blown his sale and commission.
@@LIBICU812 That's an interesting idea. Something I learned recently, that I really like is zone focusing. I.e. Using a fairly wide lens, setting a smallish aperture and then using a depth of field chart to figure out my zone of focus after focusing on a certain distance, then simply taking pictures of people in that range. It's dramatically increased my ability to time my shots..
From the "World of Canon".. Folks on some of the FB "EOS R" forums are killing me. The "newbie's" post goes something like this. New to photography. The R, R6 or R5 is my first real camera. What RF lenses should I get for portrait photography? They are usually asking about the RF 28-70 f/2, RF 85 f/1.2, RF 50 f/1.2 RF 24-70 f/2.8, RF 70-200 f/2.8 and sometimes the RF 15-35 f/2.8.
When I can, I reply back that they should pick up a few used Canon EF-L lenses and/or also Tamron SP/G2, Sigma-Art and Samyang lenses to get started. I also suggest that they rent a $2,200-$3,000 lens before they buy it.
Yep. All the gear and no idea. I hate the obsession with bokeh and sharpness, I use Nikon Z and I’m more than happy with the F1.8 primes and you always get people on forums saying they NEED f1.2 or 1.4! Wish they’d concentrate on technical skills instead.
Just reply they should get the DS version of the 85 😂
If one does not know which lens to choose, either begin with a 18-55 or a 50 1.8 😅
You are absolutely right, there so much more in the background to take a great portrait.
There is nothing worse than a "cheap" nude portrait...
Oh I agree with you 100%! I joined two photo groups on FB (unfollowed a week later) and let me tell ya, the moment people saw a nipple it had hundreds or thousands of likes no matter how shitty the pic was. In the mean time the very few excellent photos got may 2dz.
Those transitions are Apple-Keynote-Style 😆
"now back to Miquel"
You have some good points! Totally agree.
The magic always happens between the photographer and the model.
I agree with you 100%.... I tell my daughter that taking a photo off the cutting room floor and resurrecting it in Post Processing is UNPROFESSIONAL! Your clients deserve you best work, Period
Nice, refresh, you got it almost all, except $$$, newbies believe they will make an easy living from just taking pictures and nothing else!
True talk.. Another is having shadows is a bad thing.
Stop blaming models!…”Pictures are made, not taken!"
PREACH!! 🙌🙌🙌
Unless your model is the elephant man.
I'm just kidding. Please don't kill me. 😂
I'm pretty confident I could take a badass portrait of the elephant man 🐘😂📸
If you polish a toad, it’s still a toad.
When I was first learning, I was told by a wedding photographer to shoot wide open for dreamy bokeh. I’ve been learning that, while I like it a lot in some instances, I don’t like to sacrifice sharp and crisp pictures just for bokeh.
I heard the same thing starting out, and my images suffered for a long time. Shooting with a DSLR in those days, I would often have portraits where the face and eyes were out of focus and just didn't have that pro quality look I would see in high-end fashion magazines. Then I worked with some of those photographers who were regularly published and realized they rarely shoot wide open. It was a game-changer for me!
Great information as ALWAYS !! With Q as the assist man on this! Lol looking forward to much Miguel. Thank you 🙏🏽
Hey Miguel, great vid love the topic. One is full frame is better than crop sensor. You have to shoot portraits with full frame etc. I've taken plenty with both and by looking at the prints you couldn't tell the dofference.
I remember meeting this girl at a some function and she was shooting with a rebel. We exchanged IG and she gave me her card. I peeped her work and I was really impressed with her portfolio. This was less than 5 yrs ago. She currently has several rental studios here in LA.
And btw your homie's shirt tho 🙌
Also, “beauty" is subjective!
Couldn't agree more!
Speaking truth! Subscribed. Props to the camera man (shooting and walking backwards)
Misconceptions that I've personally dealt with
1. "Photographers get paid to do whatever they want". (Not saying they don't exist, but there's a very very small percentage that can do that) No, generally photographers get paid to do what the clients want them to produce
2. "Clients are stupid." First off, if you can't respect your clients, find another job. Second, it's not your client's job to know all about the industry. Be ready to share information and let them know
3. "The photographer is the boss and everyone else is just there" don't disrespect your team cause they contribute more than new photographers may realize
There are only three rules in any photography.
1. There are no rules
3. F8 Be there.
Correct, no rules but a good understanding of how light works and you need to know how to use your tools
For rule 2 see 1
Newbies (including me years ago) always ask about the brand of the camera used in great shots when the differences have very little to do with the images they make.
Amen to this! I'll have to share the story one day of when I realized this was gospel. ✌️
You upgrade when you outgrow..... there are not that many things that you can't take with one model and only with another... a lot depends on the lens when that happens... but there are times when you find that your "old" camera doesn't have what you need to allow you to shoot in a situation that you encounter more and more, like NOISE and HIGH ISO. Unless you continually hit a brick wall in a situation, chances are you don't need that newer model. Just my opinion. 90% of the time, brand has nothing to do with it either. I say this as someone who shoots with Nikon and with Olympus. There are times that I full well know that my Olympus is not going to shoot a situation and/or condition like my Nikon.
Im now 2 years into Photography but still learning i often look at cameras lense Info to get an Idea and inspiration. And maybe be able to start a conversation.
Some models never smile, what’s up with that? I’m always telling them please smile 😊.
Uhhh depends on the theme of the shoot agreed upon and does a smile make sense. Smile can also distract from the photo if the focus is on something else. Also, it goes over better if you're funny and actually make models laugh instead of telling them to smile.
Little hint, find a way to make someone smile, it will be more natural and will look a lot better :) make em laugh , be silly. Most of the time the in between shots will always turn out better
Great material, nice to watch 😁 And I must mention - your T-shirts are great!
Thank you! Got a bunch of new ones that I'll be sporting in my next few vids 😁✌️
Heard all of these a long with the ones people have posted in the comments. I've also noticed a lot of the times the people promoting these misconceptions are the ones that really don't understand photography to begin with. They care more about a cameras specs than they do the composition or lighting of a shot. A camera is a tool. Understanding how to use that tool properly is how you get the job done correctly and efficiently.
Agree with all of your points.
5th one was a new one n relaxing one.
One I hear, is you have to have a set style. Personally I shoot in a style from either the feeling or almost a mood, I get from the person, or location.
Loved how you explained these 5 lies...simple and honest 😎👍. .I hear all the time if you don't use a DSLR you are not a real photographer ....this really bothers me!!!
Great video. Down to earth and really easy to comprehend. Thanks 🙏🏽
Great vid! Love this so much I subscribed!!!!!
Awesome, thank you for that! If there is ever any content you'd like to see me speak about don't hesitate to leave a comment on any of my vids ✌️
Back in the mid-90s when the Glamour Shots craze was on I was the photographer on a travelling glamour team. We shot on 70mm long roll cameras with a video proofing system. One thing I found was that some people you thought would look awesome were just good when the review image came up. Others would surprise you. I had a lady bring in her tomboy granddaughter because she wanted a nice, lady like photo of her. The girl was long and slim with a kind of horsey face. I thought to myself, "Oh man, this is going to be tough." Even with the hair and makeup done by our stylists I was not so sure. I took the first shot and when the review image came up on the monitor it was, "Wow! Stunning!" In person, not so much, but the camera loved her. When shooting other types of photos for a living I actually made my living with simpler gear and decent lenses. I had and used my Nikon F4 and Hasselblad at times when I was only shooting for pleasure. It seemed the jobs came along when I only had the Nikon FM and an old Canon AE1 or similar and I had sold my higher end gear. I miss that old FM.
That Itcahi Shirt Bro FIREEEEEEEEE , great video as usual
#3 I hear a lot and I agree with you 💯!
Im a Videographer, but i think this applies. You can take a good image in almost any location.
Great Advice. I'm a working pro (30 years) and maybe 3% of my work has EVER been shot wide open..
Look at Steichen’s portraits of Georgia O’Keefe. Do that. (Great light, great subject, great composition. You can shoot it with a pinhole camera.)
The biggest one I hear is about needing expensive equipment to take good photos. During one of my workshops I run I was challenged on this, that the only reason I have a lot of followers and get a lot of work is because of my equipment. I did the entire workshop using the camera I learnt photography on. I shot on a Nikon D3100 and a 50mm 1.8 lens to prove its about the knowledge of the photographer and not the equipment. I let him use my pro equipment and then put the photos up on our site to compare which ones people liked more. My photos on the cheap camera was selected by everyone as the better images. The guy never came back to my workshops.
Thank you so much for the great tips!👍👍
It's kinda sad coz I've had friends who said to me that they don't look "good" so they were shy to pose. I think that mentality also spreads to some models thinking they aren't good enough.
Great video! 👍🏻 And also i like the fact that you are a Dragon Ball and Naruto fan, my two favorite anime ever. Keep up the good work! Cheers from Romania 👋
You broke the Genjutsu and revealed the truths 👍
As a photographer and a model, there is no beautiful or ordinary person. There is perfect make up, contouring, and at least two layers covering face skin flaws with perfect lighting, any one can turn drop dead gorgeous.
Does f/1.4 and 1.2 glass have better optic? Is that a reason to spend the extra $? I find that I usually shoot between f/2.8 -f/11 to get the sharpest use of the lens. Higher F stops for landscapes.
Generally speaking yes. They often have more lens elements, better lens coatings, better/faster motors which helps with autofocus speed and accuracy, just to name a few.
For a long time, I was stuck on the notion that I needed an expensive (or inexpensive) lighting setup to get great portraits. I have taken plenty of pretty good portraits in natural light so that is a lie as well. I am not sure where I heard that or if it was just my own self consciousness about it.
I constantly hear that if I took more shots of girls in bikinis I'd get more followers.
I’m afraid that is actually true... Not because the photos would be necessarily better, but because social media is all about bikinis lately. Few people will look at a picture and evaluate it based on the technique/story/effort etc, they just want the half naked girls
I think that gear doesnt matter untill a certain point.
I always shot on a lower end dslr and had so much fun with night shoots. But the images were so grainy bc of low fstop lens and a cropped censor.
Now when i shoot with my current gear im allowed to go and shoot in the dark with no grain.
But for the most part i agree with you!
I agree, until a certain point.
While a better camera might give you less grain, it doesn't automatically make the photo better. Funny enough, I actually add grain to a lot of my photos. Sometimes grain gives an image a more filmic and organic look. 😁✌️
Subscribing because of great photography info...and the Saske Akatsuki shirt
i go by what Henri Cartier once said, a photo you have to post edit, is a bad photo.
A lie or misnomer-- a beautiful person makes a beautiful image. As a long time pro shooting models for clients and/or model portfolios, glamour, boudoir, fine art nude and graduating seniors I will say this: Not every persons looks will ensure you a great image. Some models I've shot were drop dead gorgeous walking down the street but they were not photogenic. That's when your skills at posing and lighting are put to the test. Other models, are less than average looking walking down the street and after some hair and makeup are extremely photogenic. I've talked about this phenomenon with other model/glamour shooters over the years and every one has encountered it but no one knows why some people are so photogenic and some are not. I will say this too: Skinny models are much harder to photograph then curvier models when your objective is to create a sensual or even well posed photograph. Your posing options of very skinny models and/or very large models is limited---automatically some poses are no longer in your tool box. So there's a limit to skinny and heavy--I prefer slightly heavy to skinny any day and I prefer more mature models than younger if I want more persona to show through, more character and more sensuality. When I'm hired by a client I often have to work with the model(s) they provide but you adjust to the situation. Now having said all that I'll paraphrase a (now deceased) model/glamour photographer named Art Ketchum, whom I knew well who is also the author of two books on the subject: he said regardless of who you shoot only put the prettiest and best shot photos in your portfolio because if you put less than pretty women/models in your portfolio you will be seen as not being a good enough photographer to attract beautiful models. This is a competitive area of photography.
Great advice. My only issue is that it would've really hit home if you had shown examples for comparison to support your comments. I guess I'm nitpicking
Well said, well done👍
thank you for #5 🙌
Great tips, especially the bonus tip from Q.
Thank you! Q bringing the best tip for last as always! haha :)
I'm already sold on that Itachi t-shirt
Sadly, Naruto is no more
you are right. all you need is a Pro camera and 5 primes. you dont need multiple camera's and zooms.
:-) grin. you learn that it is about skill and not about gear when you grow your skill as a photographer. if you cant take a good image with the current camera you have you have other problems then gear problems.
Nice, informative video. On the first lie about Photoshop or post-production you're exactly right. But criticism of Photoshop and digital editing in general is more complicated and based of a fundamental misunderstanding of photography itself, and the mistaken idea that there can be such a thing as "pure" photography.
Just my 2 cents worth here...
Photography is the definition of the manipulation of light, and it requires a great many decisions from a myriad of choices to actually produce an image. And the production of nearly all great photography over the last 150 or so years has included cropping, often dodging and burning in the darkroom, and not infrequently a spot of retouching.
Pre-digital photography with film requires, apart from hardware, material and settings decisions, a whole lot of developing and printing decisions that determine the appearance of the final image. The majority of photographers (amateur and professional) didn't do their own darkroom work, and still don't, especially colour developing and printing. Many professional colleagues of mine had darkroom technicians to do that, or employed outside laboratories.
The sad fact is that, for both film and digital photography, most of those crucial decisions aren't made by the majority of non-professionals. And even some professionals rely on others to make some of them.
In the old days the average amateur photographer and snapper sent their film off to a laboratory, where the d&p decisions were made according to the requirements of the mass retail industry. Or they were done in a shop with an automatic machine. Reprints and enlargements were also automated because hand printing could be very expensive.
Today, if the photos are jpegs from a digital camera then the end result depends to a large extent on the camera manufacturer's own algorithms.
Photoshop (or other image editing software) is our digital darkroom where we work on our digital "film" and (just like Niccolò Machiavelli) it is unfairly targeted and blamed for the dreadful handiwork of others.
We shouldn't be timid about defending Photoshop or its alternatives as we would defend an old fashioned wet darkroom, because they are crucial to producing the result we envisage when we press the shutter (always assuming the photographer isn't just clicking and hoping for a happy accident). Also we shouldn't be timid about pointing out the dreadful, mangled results many users manage to cobble together in Photoshop.
Good points. Thanks.
Without a top MUA, you'll have serious touch up work. Also try working with a completely new model, see how you get them to pose that looks natural/relaxed. The beautiful person thing is true, plenty of sh1tty images of good looking people still get plenty of attention/likes etc. Using the best of everything (gear,lighting,model,MUA.hairstylists,stylists) makes life a helluva lot easier, the more you have of these the better chance of a great shot.
It’s like making music; a good musician can make a toy-instrument sound awsome, and vice versa.
Having a top of the line camera makes you better. Aint that right, Tory?
Great video! Love the hat with 悟 BTW. Means "conceive" in Chinese 😁
Great lighting can made mediocre gear turn out great portraits, bad lighting makes every portrait look like 🤮
Hi Miguel,,, That was spot on,,, But I think we have all been guilty at some point of being duped into thinking these things when learning the skill. neverless its good advice for beginers,,,maybe they should just follow there own path,,, do there own thing,,, and maybe oneday they be as famous as you.
I started just taking pictures of Friends so i had to learn how to Model to tell them what to do XD
I heard you portrait guys get all the girls!… Don't know if it's a lie!… (Asking for a friend) Was thinking about switching from Street!… ✊🏿Love that WuTang Shirt
Legend has it that Miguel used to be a Konoha Jounin photographer...
Trying to become the Bokehkahe 😅
So true and when ppl say damn good picture what did you take that one with? Oh that one my favorite sunrise photo? Yes! Oh that was with my samsung s7 and ppl ok was oki so for me is the best camera is the one you have with you.
Like your video good voice and good content so +1 following, cheers from Sweden 👍👍
Thank you for sharing. Very informative
My pleasure! Thanks for watching :)
Great info, Even better advise. Photos without context are not good to me.@8:30 love the vid.
Thank you, and that's totally true!
Glad someone is talking about nudity!!! That's the trend among a lot of photographers these days! You don't have to be nude to look beautiful!!!
Amen to that!
@@MiguelQuilesJr thank you, Lord have mercy!!1😄😄
I wouldn't call these lies but rather half truths my man.
Another big lie is that you have to follow all the basic rules of composition everytime in order to get a great image.
Great video. What would you say to newbies who are afraid to use flash/speed lights?
Thank you! To your question, I'd say that flash/speedlite photography is actually easier than natural light once you know what you're doing!
great!! and thank you
Post processing does enhance an image.. but Im just making an already awesome image better.
I love shallow depth-of-field.. but sometimes I love the background too..
I rarely shoot wide open.. Also.. you can stop down a telephoto lens a bit and still have Decent background blur.
When I was new.. Having a model that knew her stuff helped me a bit.. As a photographer gets better they learn what they want better and how to communicate it to the model so they know what you mean.
You can get great pics with nearly any camera & lens..
But there is validity to why we invest in expensive lenses etc..
There are some absolutely gorgeous people that just don't look right in front of the camera..
And some average looking people that really rock a shoot with next level greatness.
I see some ppl that have been shooting a decade and still shoot those weird awkward location awkward pose nude shots.. and I know the model wasn't paid and she's not going to even have any usable images.
Maybe not a lie but more a
requirement: communication. I've so many tech nerds that produce crap cause they are all about their gear and settings. It's the trust between model and photographer that creates something that is more than a snapshot. I know it comes all down to personal taste but for me, the eyes will tell if there was trust or not. If you don't have any or are lacking social/communication skills then maybe it is better to photograph flowers.
well to first lie i would say: Yes and no ... i have seen tutorials where the source picture was not cool but the result was coverpage worthy ... i think it is a skill to know what you can do in post and what you need to get right on set ... check out Felix Rachor works or Photolgend. Photolegend does amazing composings, adds hair backgrounds and so on and felix rachor is simply amazing
What camera & lens did you use to shoot this video? Thank you!
I use the Sony FX9 for the talking head portions with the Sony 35mm f/1.4GM lens. For any of the moving shots, I either use my FX9 or the FX3. Hope that helps!
@@MiguelQuilesJr Thank you so much for your prompt reply, Miguel. If I could bother you with one more question -- what are the most common settings you use for the talking head & walking portions for days & backgrounds such as in this video? Thank you!
My pleasure! Settings will vary based on the situation. In studio for talking head stuff I'm usually at f/1.4, 1/48 shutter and whatever iso that gives me the right exposure (usually 200-400).
@@MiguelQuilesJr Thank you! Your footage always looks so great!
Thanks! I might make a video about this setup. 😀👍
Yay! Wu-Tang fan!!
That shirt looks dope! #ripItachi
He's alive in memory! 🔥
Tell'em 🙏🏿🙏🏿
More mega pixels = better photo's. It helps if you want to crop down or print billboards but it doesn't make a better photo. One of my favourite camera's is a 10 mega pixel CCD sensor camera (Ricoh GR Digital 4) and the image quality still blows me away. Another lie that angers me, "super sharp lenses are the best lenses"; Tell that to Leica, They know there is a balance between sharpness, colour and contrast/micro-contrast. There is a silly trend with people thinking sharp is the best, there are trade offs with super sharp lenses. Super sharp lenses on a high mega pixel camera aren't exactly flattering for woman's face, all that time smoothing skin in photoshop when you could have used a less sharper lens which looks more flattering and will make the image more consistent. Just my opinion.
Agree...mostly. A lot of people included myself got wrapped up in I need a higher pixel rating to get better photos. I started learning though what really effects what we call pixels. It mainly has to do with sensor size, photosite micron level, pixel pitch, and pixel density. And then it just builds from there. Camera sensor build, camera logic algorithms, exposure, and lens quality.
My point is that Higher MP can give better results but it will vary based on a variety of factors including good lighting. While a lower MP camera usually always does better for low light. I do use two camera bodies Sony A7III (low light scenarios), Sony A7RIII (about everything else). Would I ever go to the A7RIV...NO. The photosite micron level, pixel pitch and pixel density are not that much better so the results while are better it's very slight. You sure could crop the heck out of the image though without losing quality. I would rather go to a Medium Format at that point though.
That's what I was sort of saying. I'm assuming this video is more geared towards portrait photography as apposed to street, landscape etc. With portrait photography, it's a controlled environment (usually). Speed lights, catch lights, hair lights etc. When the environment is controlled and framed well in real time with in the camera, a 24 megapixel crop sensor can do just as well as 50 megapixel full frame sensor. Lets be honest, only photographers pixel peep, the customer/general public does not. I agree the size of the sensor makes a difference in low light situations but the megapixels has nothing to do with it (which you mentioned).
More instagram followers means better photographer.
Working with popular people like singers and things like that, means you are at the top level.
Something like that :D
Oh man, this is one I have definitely seen and heard! If only they knew how cheap it is to buy followers and likes these days :)
Great point. The body of work is the measure, not the number of followers.
Can we PLEASE talk about his dbz hat and Naruto shirt? 🤓
Newbies think they should be getting paid what the big photographers are getting paid. And newbies think they should never work for free.
Another lie: with a 28mm lens one cannot take portraits....
oh man. i think i just graduated from being a newbie.
Woohoo!!
There is no way to tell whether an image was taken by the latest and greatest new camera by viewing the image and I have not seen an image that could not have been done with any camera made in the last 15 years regardless of price class. The assumption that one needs the latest update or changing whole brand investments in bodies, lenses, and software is a major, expensive, and destructive lie pushed by UA-cam photography channels for a large profit. The most influential influencers with millions of dollars in annual income from it, are not even photographers by skill or profession, and their whole income stream is based on getting customers to upgrade prematurely. Right now, the key trait that concentrates on is the minor difference in Eye AF, which was never a problem or an issue with photography before. During a 500 frame studio session with 11 fashion outfits, a dozen styling changes, finding even one shot out of focus would have been hard even in the all manual cameras in the film era.
Almost any developing photographer would progress faster if they stuck with one camera and mastered its controls so they were not a distraction, and improving skills in posing, lighting, and concept. I have friends who keep updating every model on the 2 year cycle or switch brands based on a single minor difference in feature set and never master the camera they have in hand. For those thousands of dollars wasted, they could have gotten great lighting set up plus attended a few workshops and been producing better images if they just stuck with what they had and learned.
That is the biggest lie they believe repeated by their favorite influencers, who have gotten rich solely on their ability to get people to spend money foolishly. Also, they buy too many lenses so never learn what each perspective can do for them if they had just become very familiar with the "look" of the world through any one focal length. Keeping their old camera and using just one lens for 6 months will change how they see the world as expressed by their images.
Posing is the one skill that requires people skills and is hard for the majority of photographers. There is one case that a professional skilled model can be helpful. An amateur who wishes to learn posing would do well to skip the new news or latest body update and invest a couple hundred dollars in hiring a skilled model. When first approaching them, the photographer should talk to several, telling them of the intent of the sessions. The intent is learning how to communicate and give posing instructions. Many models will pass, but some, thinking they will develop a new income stream in the future if you learn well, will be eager to help in your education by her telling you what she is doing and how to communicate with other models. A few hours would be very useful so you learn how to get the poses that amateur or pro models you need from them. That also includes a chat before the session or the beginning explaining the intent and look you need, before even introducing the camera. Photographers who can't express their goals are frustrating to work with. Once you become comfortable in communicating and making adjustments, then one can start working with amateur clients with professional results.
It is not the fault of your camera if an image is not as wished, stop wasting money on things that are not causing your images to be unsuccessful.
But those 5 lies help a lot 🤣
I'm a newbie, so I'm sure you know a lot more about this business than me, but, for the newbie, one of the greatest challenges is getting good models to shoot. You downplay the importance of Photoshop. Eventually I want to take great photos, but, in the meantime, I'll settle for getting good models to work with. About a year ago, another UA-camr, Manny Ortiz, photographer from Chicago, posted a video on How to Find Models on Social Media. His wife, Diana, also a model, had the most interesting comments. She said that when she is DM'd about a shoot, first thing she does is check out the photographer's portfolio. She wants to know how good your retouching skills are. She thinks these new "highly sensitive" cameras can make her look 20 years older, and doesn't want a lot of images out there showing her cracks, pimples, crevices, for the whole world to see. I think there are probably a lot of Diana's out there on IG.
That depends on what the model is looking for. (I have experience as model) Generally I prefer photographers to actually be good at shooting, minimal photoshop. Other times I want skilled photoshop skills ex cyber punk effects. The model you mentioned has a specific look she wants, I wouldn't say that's the same for most models
@@GaiyaYushin I think Diana Ortiz' main complaint is that high megapixel cameras show all her cracks and crevices, and therefore make her look 20 years older. No woman wants to look 20 years older! Age is a big factor: younger models probably don't worry about looking older, or, if they have flawless complexion, you probably couldn't make them look older if you tried. I think the "specific look" Mrs. Ortiz (and mosdt models) wants is: "Make me look younger!" Hope this doesn't sound too sexist.
Number 5 is not true..... Good looking people are easier to photograph. Sooooo much easier. The photos look more intresting, more pleasing and they get more likes. Its a fact that I honestly dont like, because Im trying to make my photography about more than just pretty people or the ego. But even I admit that they simply have that unfair advantage in the visual aspect. Just like a person with an amazing voice will sound better in a recording than a regular joe´s voice.
You’re absolutely right. The first thing you notice in an image is the content. If that content is more attractive to more people it’s considered a better portrait. Try shooting uggos and see how far you get. This is akin to saying a lousy singer can somehow be massaged into competing with Adele
You guys are discussing something totally different than the point I made. I never said anything about the ease of taking a portrait of a beautiful person. I said that a beautiful person alone doesn't make for a great portrait. You still have to do the right things (lighting, composition, posing, etc) to make them look their best. The same is true of an average person. You can make anyone look good (or really bad) depending on how you approach it.
There's a difference between "good looking" and "the camera loves them". Some of the most sought after professional models look downright average in person, but they have that special look to a camera.
Saw one of those pics as late as this evening. The train track with a nude girl on the track, trying to look comfy...yeah, good luck with that 🙈😅.. This photographer thought himself to be a pro. 🙄
🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Friends and family give horrible and unobjective photography critiques. (Unless one happens to be a professional photographer, which in this case makes them meanies.)
Your first point is pretty good about getting better shots up front and not using post as a handicap. But you kind of went overboard and really diminished the impact of post for photos. You distorted a good arguement by over emphasizing the point.
Secondly, a huge lie that almost no one talks about is that every picture must be tack-sharp. Everyone strives for it, but some shots really accel when they are slightly soft. I don't mean out of focus, just sometimes not surgically sharp.
Preset Bundles.
There are not lies, just not important