I've been back in Sydney, Australia for a bit and decided to create this video. The topic of natural light is very important but often misunderstood, in my opinion. I'd love to get everyone's thoughts on the ideas I share here. Or, maybe you have an interesting approach to natural light in photography yourself.
Very good video. Pointing out that changing your mind about the light allows you to take photos is so important. I do a lot of indoor late night party photos using flash, and multiple, often moving, light sources so changing my mind about light and rules regarding it is the only way I can get interesting photos. It's part of our job as photographers to work the light and not let it work us.
Hi Mitchell, I stumbled upon your channel and the last two videos were fantastic, I subscribed and I'll definitely take inspiration from your videos to use in my own photography. BTW pictures you've shown in your videos were beautiful and I loved how you explained about composition and such. Can't wait to see what else you will bring! Take care and have safe trips!
Completely changed my mindset...I always believed that pictures are meant to please eyes..but there is so much beyond that! It is not always about the happy brighter side but also about the darker and not so happy side of life...all those pictures of the deserted land tells u so much about a life where there is no comfort but still so much to admire!!
Makes one think more, instead of being a tourist/ photographer. Such a beautiful thing is all natural light. We just need to embrace it within our images by thinking just that little bit more. Thank you for this video.
I don’t have the right words to describe how inspiring I find your teaching. I already have the natural light course and a some of your books and they are incredible. Your photographs are so impactful and I wish I could someday produce something as beautiful
What a fantastic thing this video is. It makes you want to get up, take the camera and go out taking pictures. Thank you very much for raising an unusual subject like this. Really if only we photograph when the light conditions are great we will be missing a fantastic world.
Exactly right....I always told my students..."A good photographer is able to create a good image under any type of light and any given time of the day!" (One has to know and master his camera perfectly.) Plus...in post-production, you are able to change up to 85% of all images to the exact mood you desire. It is a steep learning curve though, but in photography, like in any other profession, constant education and never-ending improvement are the secret of success and will set you apart from the (unsuccessful) rest. (Purchasing an expansive camera will make you as much a photographer as buying a real sharp knife would make you a surgeon.) Photojournalists, Wedding Photographers, and Travel Photographers have one thing in common..very often, they have only one chance to take the image! Right there and right then. Only a very well trained professional will be able to handle that, all the time and under all circumstances despite the stress that most are under.
This is an excellent lesson on how to use - and even to benefit from hard and seemingly photographically-bad natural light. Basically, what you teach us is, that there is no bad natural light for photography; just use the existing light as is, to your purposes and benefits. A lot of thanks, Mitchell!
Wow, I don't normally comment on videos but you're an amazing story teller through your photos and actually story telling. Love your work and learning from watching/listening.
I like this. And sometimes the situation also is such that we either shoot in harsh, midday light or we do not shoot at all. It helps if we can be flexible, I think, and try to make the best of whatever situation we are presented with. Sometimes we just cannot control it.
Inspiring video! Thank you for helping me out of my creative rut. A nice reminder that this also gives us more than 2hrs a day to make photographs. My Family will appreciate that I no longer have to disappear at dinner time for that Golden hour!
Thankyou for many amazing thoughts & photos you shared . One of my most ever favourite photos, I'd seen somewhere before, the child with little nose pushed against the glass while raining outside, little pink lips, pondering eyes & yellow top & it's yours !!!!. Thanks again for all you are willing to contribute to photographic community much appreciated .
Hi Mitchell, honestly speaking one of the best photographic UA-cam videos EVER! I live in the UAE and I always make excuses about the hard light , you just changed my perspective the way I should look at light. Like you say" Their is no good or bad light, it's the way you approach it" Keep the videos coming, I am certainly going to check out your course. Regards Tony
Now, this is a video that can help me grow in my photographic journey, watching youtube videos can be a beneficial exercise, but videos like this are beyond beneficial as they not only teach me how to look at things from a different perspective and with a new outlook but they challenge me to step up my game. Thank you, Mitchell, for this awesome teaching video
Thank you. Although I am not a specific travel photographer, but a wildlife, equine and pet photographer I come across the same kinds of natural light and hearing from somebody else always helps to improve my photography. You never know everything.
For sure. Agreed. The stuff I say does apply to other types of photography, I just talk from the perspective I know and understand. Thanks for watching. :)
You must have been the son of an Australian diplomat. I'd love to hear your story. These are incredible videos, so glad I stumbled on them. In two weeks, I'm heading out to spend two years on the road in the US and Mexico.
I think I just learnt the most important lesson in photography: “adapt to the lighting”! Thanks, Mitch! Enrolling in your “Behind the scenes” course soon!
Thank you very much! And yes - we have to adapt, because as far as natural light goes - that's all we can do. 🙂 We can't change it without carrying more gear.
Hi Mitchell, first of all you have a fantastic body of work that I constantly find inspiration in! The fact that you also take the time and effort to share your approach to photography is wonderful. I really enjoyed the video and look forward to the next! Keep up the great work and many thanks!
Hi Mitchell, the photos you are using to make your point, the explanations you are giving and the tone of your speech, all together with the subject make your videos captivating. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Great video. The most honest, practical and informative material from any pro photographer I follow. I’ve read all of Mitchell’s ebooks and watched his other videos and they are all just as inspiring. Please keep the videos coming.
I agree with you. After shooting in my projects for few years I realized that for the meaning of this I had to avoid the blue sky. Beautiful light and colours are good for your photos , but this light could take you out of the meaning of the object on itself that are you taking the photoof. So, yes all dependece of the meaning of your photo.
This is my favorite photography video I've ever seen. Out of hundreds. I'd love to see more. In the meantime, I'm forced to watch this one over and over again. Happily, of course.
Well done, someone needed to say this. Shared to someone who is well known you only understands "blue" & "golden" hours. Thanks for you efforts and sharing your photos.
As I'm always traveling on other projects, I mostly shoot in the light that is presented with some surprising and unexpected results. Although I do wait for certain lighting when I can. This gives more food for thought as I'm upping the photography more and more. PS arrived at Uluru in the rain! The following morning overcast, mist etc, created a beautiful difference of colours.
Great video, full of lots of common sense, sometimes all we have is the light we are given. I shoot a lot of wildlife here in the U.K., but because of my disabilities I usually have to visit managed reserves with hides (blinds), these often don’t open until 9.00 am which can be several hours after sunrise. Then the more interesting birds etc seem to choose the worst light possible to hang around in. Your images are outstanding even in comparison to your peers in the world of the professional travel photographer. There is an Australian portrait/fashion photographer on UA-cam, called Julia Trotti, who is amazing at using all light including harsh. I don’t shoot people at all but love watching her channel for how she manages her light, or her photography in relation to the light, and then how she manipulates her very distinctive style of editing. A beautifully presented video, very enjoyable indeed, subscribed.
I'm a macro photographer practising four years from nowadays I personally like to photograph portrait too after watching You're documentation & presentation Of each scene is upgrading Each days is setting my mind that just do it on different photographs from different regions
Thank you, Michell. I've used to upset when travelling and got a bad light, overcast, raining. Somehow, just like you've shared in the video, I have changed my mindset. I love taking photos with natural light. Your video has got a useful information. I love it.
Thank you Mitchell for sharing! At least one known photographer on UA-cam who speaks out the truth about natural light in photography and not only the standard sentence all over again.
First time I hear a prof photographer come up with a statement like this and I like it! Being a travel person myself I always wondered how it is possible/sensable to apply the "rules" that every photographer spells you out.... "only early morning or sunset time is appropriate for good photo's". So I like your point of view Mitchell, and the way you present it!
What?. The goats wouldn’t wait for golden hour? I love the idea of learning to use the light you have to work with. IMHO that’s a sign of a REAL photographer. Your images really inspire me to get out with my camera and capture the world around me.
This video might actually change the way I photograph. Using and understanding light to create deep and powerful photographs the way you explained here was kinda eye opening! Thanks!
I really like your video and how you make your points. Photography is not only about beautiful light. Conveying a message, a mood, a sensation is not inseparably paired with "nice" light. I always felt it would be wrong to not touch the camera outside of golden and blue hours (as some suggest). But I could never have explained it so well. Looking at the "good" photos on the internet I'd even say that "nice" light is used to the point of getting boring. I hope that many photographers take your advice and explore the possibilities of other lighting situations.
This video is absolutely one of the best videos I’ve watched. You’ve made me think about photography in a new light. Everything doesn’t have to be beautiful but still have a big impact. I enjoy your videos. Immensely.
You just remembered my about a think that I believe in, don't find excuses, work everything with what you have and make it the best", and now I see that can be applied in photography as well. Thank you Mitchell for this great and inspiring video!
I have only just recently subscribed to your channel but I must say it is without doubt one of, if not the best photography channel I've used. Excellent content and very well presented. Top Mark's on making the content and the educational value in it.
I've never thought of using natural light for setting mood in the way you conveyed as I tend to use off camera flash(es) and modifiers to control and set mood when shooting portraiture outdoors as I and most people like to be in control. You shed light on the fact for you as a travel photographer you have to roll with the punches and use whatever natural light that is provided in that moment to convey story and mood. Something I've done unknowingly and never given thought to and usually I tend to hold back or shy away from doing portraiture when weather is not what I envisioned or anticipated. And you Sir have given me food for thought. Thank you!
I really enjoyed this video. I am a portrait photographer most of the time. I would love to get out of town and photograph landscape and people more as they go about their daily lives. This video gave me an insight into doing just that. It also debunked the golden hour myth. I never thought of harsh light telling a story. But now it makes sense.
Thanks for posting this video. Personally I've always shot in whatever light out of necessity especially when travelling. It's nice to hear someone else confirm what I've been doing all along. 😆
Hello Mitchell. I find your voice and the pace of your delivery to be very calming and informative. I never had the urge to scroll along on the timeline to see how much time was remaining on the video. Your mastery of delivering a message, along with the injection of text graphics help nicely to keep my attention and not feel like a lecture, but more like a "mentoring conversation". As a former corporate video producer, I know how much work goes into a production like yours, and for this I say, "keep up the good work", you are making a difference!!!!
I’ve always wanted to start pursuing my passion for photography but I always back out because I feel overwhelmed with the videos that I watch. Thank God I was brought here in your page. You help me understand in a simple way. Hope you can add more videos. 👏
Thank you. Your style is exactly what I am attracted to in photography...especially the light interacting with dust, fog, etc. I studied photography many years ago and am just now returning to it as a hobby. We are taking a trip to India next month to visit my husbands parents and expect to have many photo opportunities. Planning to take your course as well
Superb! I’m new to photography. I found this video to be an amazing source of information. The photography was exquisite and certainly illustrated your point. However, equally brilliant was how clearly you articulated your ideas and how to use them; how to assess the light and adapt the art to the light. Thank you. I look forward to more of your videos.
Watching this video months later and still finding it packed with info gems. Light surrounds us always and it's up to us to understand and work with it. Our popularized preconceptions work against us. Thanks for busting that bubble.
Mitchell - your videos are thoughtful and original. Your vision is clear and this comes across in the points you make and also the photos you take. Most of all your photos show a life well lived and someone following his vision. Makes me want to travel but also makes me a little jealous, keep them coming please!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, John! A few more videos are already up and there's gonna be a looong one, but, I think the most interesting one so far. 🙂
Hi- I have always loved natural light and its FREE as a posed to using flash. Your video highlights some very good info. is really logical and all makes perfect sense to me. I have become a bit lax over latter years eg. not going out in the rain to photograph. You have inspired me, thank you.
Finally what I have been waiting for. I love shooting in different light and atmosphere to get something different. Nice and easy to listen to. Thank you so much.
Great video! I'm happy that i could find a great travel/documentary photographer. All the little nuances explained in a understandable way, great teacher. Thanks, Mitchell.
Yes, thanks Mitchell. I’m new to the world of photograph, and have Had a very limited mindset of it too. Your videos I have watched are changing that. To me it looks like You somehow include your life perspective into taking photos. Purpose, mindset etc all things in living a superior fulfilling life. At least for me it is. Thanks again, hope to do your coarse one day.
This is sensational and fully agree with all the bits you mentioned. i am like you when i travel, ie i shoot regardless of lighting conditions and see what i can make out of the situation at present. great stuff!
Hi Mitchell, I have recently subscribed to your Full Package and I am totally enthralled by your excellent presentation and the way that you demonstrate your ideas. If this is one of your early UA-cam Videos, all I can add is keep up this excellent standard, I'm already hooked and waiting for more. Thanks, John
You come across as a lovely person who takes amazing photographs. Thank you for your contribution. If I could take one photo as good as one of yours I would be happy forever :)
Superb. How many people share such practical and lovely advice freely? Not many. Thank you Mitchel. The photographs are inspiring, almost to the point of making me pick up camera and go out now and shoot in harsh light! Keep inspiring and keep showing us those lovely images and vistas. Wish you the very best.
Thank you for the inspiration....... I am just learning photography and I was trying to stick to the 'rules of lighting', however in Ohio over 200 of our days are overcast, which greatly limited my times to take photos. Then one day I thought "I don't care, am going to go out and shot, clouds and all". The photos I took that day are my best to date. Once again the information you shared is invaluable!
Thanks for watching. And yes, that's how it was in Belarus, the place where I was born. In fact, I think that many Belarusians live in Cleveland, from what I've heard. Maybe they're attracted to the cloudy weather. :)
This was really inspiring. Great photos and a very well presented video. I don't recall you talking about equipment which is refreshing. You reminded me that the essence of photography is in the meaning of the word 'photography' - writing with light. Many thanks.
Thank you so much. This is my first visit but not the last. I love the incredible photography, so inspiring and I hope to learn from your clear and well paced presentation. I am so pleased I found your videos.Kind regards
it's the first video of yours that I watch and seriously, I think you've just changed the game and raised the bar up high for all the other youtubers in the field of photography!
thank you so much for this video. normally i would wait for the perfect light conditions to happen... the perfect sunrise or sunset , now you have inspired me to just go shoot regardless of light and wheather conditions!! i absolutely loved the photos with the fog and the mist on them, it creates a type of mood that is different, it adds some mistery to the scene you´re capturing. awsome pictures. my best regards from Portugal!!
Thank you very much for the wonderful video explaining the most powerful tool. I has landed on my consciousness as a transformative principal. You are very kind and generous with your knowledge. Good journeys.
This was actually the first time seeing a video about using light Outdoors and it was awesome. Thank u for makeing such good Content. Every one is always talking about "photographing is painting with light", but Nobody ever showed so many aspects how to use it. rly appreciate it.
I'm a outdoor event photographer and this video has been super relevant too me, really hit some interesting thoughts with me, I'm guilty of always waiting for the 'right moment' Thanks Mitchell. Subscribed
Really appreciated this video, am so tired of other photographers going on about golden hours. Your approach is realistic and pragmatic. Images can be taken under any lighting conditions, its about being creative and mindful - appreciating the moment. Thank you
I have that series of lessons. Very informative and molded my own sense of the work that I want to do in photography. Also, your stories were exciting and more than just a passing fancy. THANK YOU!
Hey Mitchell - awesome video. Just like Steve Mccurry, I have always struggled with the harsh midday sun and avoid it like the plague. However, you have given a different perspective here and much to think about. When I am on my trips, I hate wasting time sitting around waiting for 'better' light. I think now I will just get out and shoot. My favourite light is actually cloudy days - no harsh shadows or highlights, just very even light and easy for metering. Keep up the great work and I eagerly await the next video. Philip
I have always avoided taking photographs at midday. This video helps open up new possibilities in my mind for using a different kind of light. Thank you!
Hi Mitchell, I just came back from a 3-month, 18,000 km motorcycle trip to South America -- starting in Columbia and ending at the end of Ruta 3 in Ushuaia, Argentia -- the bottom city of the earth. In any event, I own a Sony A7RII with all the normal lenses but before the trip I worried about carrying around heavy lenses and the bodies weight so I sold the lenses, kept the body, but bought a Fuji X-T2. Best decision. I bought some lenses, 35, 50 and 24 equiv. I ended up using only the 35 F2 WR (weatherproof). Traveling so far and so much, its hard to change lenses on the fly so a 35 is wide enough, has a depth of field in portrait -- if you put the lens in the face of the subject which never proved to be an issue with a happy and respectful demeanor -- and I learned to crop tons in Raw 50mb files -- no choice. I wish I could carry a heavy body and lens, but this trip taught this dog a new trick -- which I will repeat into the future.
I've been back in Sydney, Australia for a bit and decided to create this video. The topic of natural light is very important but often misunderstood, in my opinion. I'd love to get everyone's thoughts on the ideas I share here. Or, maybe you have an interesting approach to natural light in photography yourself.
Very good video. Pointing out that changing your mind about the light allows you to take photos is so important. I do a lot of indoor late night party photos using flash, and multiple, often moving, light sources so changing my mind about light and rules regarding it is the only way I can get interesting photos. It's part of our job as photographers to work the light and not let it work us.
Absolutely!
that kind of videos its the reason why you tube's cool
Thank you
Hi Mitchell, I stumbled upon your channel and the last two videos were fantastic, I subscribed and I'll definitely take inspiration from your videos to use in my own photography. BTW pictures you've shown in your videos were beautiful and I loved how you explained about composition and such. Can't wait to see what else you will bring! Take care and have safe trips!
YOU ARE WONDERFULL. YOU AROE AMOND FEW WHO DISCUSS PHOTOGRAPHY NOT EQUIPMENT. YOU ARE REAL EDUCATOR.
Completely changed my mindset...I always believed that pictures are meant to please eyes..but there is so much beyond that! It is not always about the happy brighter side but also about the darker and not so happy side of life...all those pictures of the deserted land tells u so much about a life where there is no comfort but still so much to admire!!
Photography is about everything. Documentary photography is about life.
Makes one think more, instead of being a tourist/ photographer. Such a beautiful thing is all natural light. We just need to embrace it within our images by thinking just that little bit more. Thank you for this video.
Thanks for watching and yeh, that's the point. Embrace it and take advantage of what's actually there.
I don’t have the right words to describe how inspiring I find your teaching. I already have the natural light course and a some of your books and they are incredible. Your photographs are so impactful and I wish I could someday produce something as beautiful
What a fantastic thing this video is. It makes you want to get up, take the camera and go out taking pictures. Thank you very much for raising an unusual subject like this. Really if only we photograph when the light conditions are great we will be missing a fantastic world.
Well, again "great" is relative. :) Everything can be great for the purpose, just have to think of what we actually want to communicate.
Exactly right....I always told my students..."A good photographer is able to create a good image under any type of light and any given time of the day!" (One has to know and master his camera perfectly.) Plus...in post-production, you are able to change up to 85% of all images to the exact mood you desire. It is a steep learning curve though, but in photography, like in any other profession, constant education and never-ending improvement are the secret of success and will set you apart from the (unsuccessful) rest. (Purchasing an expansive camera will make you as much a photographer as buying a real sharp knife would make you a surgeon.) Photojournalists, Wedding Photographers, and Travel Photographers have one thing in common..very often, they have only one chance to take the image! Right there and right then. Only a very well trained professional will be able to handle that, all the time and under all circumstances despite the stress that most are under.
This is an excellent lesson on how to use - and even to benefit from hard and seemingly photographically-bad natural light. Basically, what you teach us is, that there is no bad natural light for photography; just use the existing light as is, to your purposes and benefits. A lot of thanks, Mitchell!
Wow, I don't normally comment on videos but you're an amazing story teller through your photos and actually story telling. Love your work and learning from watching/listening.
Thank you very much.
How do you not have a few million followers/subscribers? You're pure awesomeness. LOVE your content. Thank you.
Haha. Thanks. Just started, I hope there will be a few more. :)
I like this. And sometimes the situation also is such that we either shoot in harsh, midday light or we do not shoot at all. It helps if we can be flexible, I think, and try to make the best of whatever situation we are presented with. Sometimes we just cannot control it.
Inspiring video! Thank you for helping me out of my creative rut. A nice reminder that this also gives us more than 2hrs a day to make photographs. My Family will appreciate that I no longer have to disappear at dinner time for that Golden hour!
Haha! I still would disappear, but for the day! :)
Thank you for championing shooting throughout the day, and not just golden, or blue hour!
Haha, cheers.
Thankyou for many amazing thoughts & photos you shared . One of my most ever favourite photos, I'd seen somewhere before, the child with little nose pushed against the glass while raining outside, little pink lips, pondering eyes & yellow top & it's yours !!!!. Thanks again for all you are willing to contribute to photographic community much appreciated .
Haha. Thanks. That's my nephew. :)
Hi Mitchell, honestly speaking one of the best photographic UA-cam videos EVER! I live in the UAE and I always make excuses about the hard light , you just changed my perspective the way I should look at light. Like you say" Their is no good or bad light, it's the way you approach it" Keep the videos coming, I am certainly going to check out your course. Regards Tony
Thanks a lot, Tony, appreciate it.
Now, this is a video that can help me grow in my photographic journey, watching youtube videos can be a beneficial exercise, but videos like this are beyond beneficial as they not only teach me how to look at things from a different perspective and with a new outlook but they challenge me to step up my game.
Thank you, Mitchell, for this awesome teaching video
Great introduction to how natural light can be used to make compelling photographs, even when you don't think the light is just right. An inspiration!
Thank you. Although I am not a specific travel photographer, but a wildlife, equine and pet photographer I come across the same kinds of natural light and hearing from somebody else always helps to improve my photography. You never know everything.
For sure. Agreed. The stuff I say does apply to other types of photography, I just talk from the perspective I know and understand. Thanks for watching. :)
You must have been the son of an Australian diplomat. I'd love to hear your story. These are incredible videos, so glad I stumbled on them. In two weeks, I'm heading out to spend two years on the road in the US and Mexico.
Haha, that would have been interesting, but not at all. My family is Belarusian/Russian/Polish and probably some other mixes somewhere.
I think I just learnt the most important lesson in photography: “adapt to the lighting”!
Thanks, Mitch! Enrolling in your “Behind the scenes” course soon!
Thank you very much! And yes - we have to adapt, because as far as natural light goes - that's all we can do. 🙂 We can't change it without carrying more gear.
Hi Mitchell, first of all you have a fantastic body of work that I constantly find inspiration in! The fact that you also take the time and effort to share your approach to photography is wonderful.
I really enjoyed the video and look forward to the next!
Keep up the great work and many thanks!
finally someone talking about the most important thing in photography....light. thank you very much for this !!youve got a new subscriber
Hi Mitchell, the photos you are using to make your point, the explanations you are giving and the tone of your speech, all together with the subject make your videos captivating. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
Thanks very much. Appreciate it.
I really like music and the sound effects a pair with Mitchell voice makes me want to get my camera and go out to take some pictures
I think I forgot to blink during the whole video. Thanks, you are an inspiration.
This is a great video that describes how to shoot throughout the day. Very helpful and insightful. Thank you!
Through this video, I have learned how to mould light and how to use it from dawn to dusk.
Great video. The most honest, practical and informative material from any pro photographer I follow. I’ve read all of Mitchell’s ebooks and watched his other videos and they are all just as inspiring. Please keep the videos coming.
Thanks very much. :)
I loved it. I know most of this intuitively, but having it laid out like this helps me logically make better decisions
I agree with you. After shooting in my projects for few years I realized that for the meaning of this I had to avoid the blue sky. Beautiful light and colours are good for your photos , but this light could take you out of the meaning of the object on itself that are you taking the photoof. So, yes all dependece of the meaning of your photo.
This is my favorite photography video I've ever seen. Out of hundreds. I'd love to see more. In the meantime, I'm forced to watch this one over and over again. Happily, of course.
Thank you very much for the kind words. I do have other videos already. So, feel free to watch those, if you like. :)
Well done, someone needed to say this. Shared to someone who is well known you only understands "blue" & "golden" hours. Thanks for you efforts and sharing your photos.
As I'm always traveling on other projects, I mostly shoot in the light that is presented with some surprising and unexpected results. Although I do wait for certain lighting when I can.
This gives more food for thought as I'm upping the photography more and more.
PS arrived at Uluru in the rain! The following morning overcast, mist etc, created a beautiful difference of colours.
Great video, full of lots of common sense, sometimes all we have is the light we are given. I shoot a lot of wildlife here in the U.K., but because of my disabilities I usually have to visit managed reserves with hides (blinds), these often don’t open until 9.00 am which can be several hours after sunrise. Then the more interesting birds etc seem to choose the worst light possible to hang around in. Your images are outstanding even in comparison to your peers in the world of the professional travel photographer.
There is an Australian portrait/fashion photographer on UA-cam, called Julia Trotti, who is amazing at using all light including harsh. I don’t shoot people at all but love watching her channel for how she manages her light, or her photography in relation to the light, and then how she manipulates her very distinctive style of editing.
A beautifully presented video, very enjoyable indeed, subscribed.
I'm a macro photographer practising four years from nowadays I personally like to photograph portrait too after watching You're documentation & presentation Of each scene is upgrading Each days is setting my mind that just do it on different photographs from different regions
Some of your photos are so beautiful that they make me cry...
That is an outstanding video and presentation. Very much appreciated. I watched it twice.
Thank you, Michell. I've used to upset when travelling and got a bad light, overcast, raining. Somehow, just like you've shared in the video, I have changed my mindset. I love taking photos with natural light. Your video has got a useful information. I love it.
Thank you Mitchell for sharing! At least one known photographer on UA-cam who speaks out the truth about natural light in photography and not only the standard sentence all over again.
Thanks. That's the idea. Don't want to recycle the same info over and over.
You're a keen observer and a great educator. Keep posting!
Thank you. Will do! :)
Your right! We talk a lot about this at work. Some of my colleagues think all has to be photographed in golden and blue hour.
More great info and inspiration. Your simple and straightforward presentations are always so helpful. Thanks for being so generous.
Glad to be useful. :)
First time I hear a prof photographer come up with a statement like this and I like it! Being a travel person myself I always wondered how it is possible/sensable to apply the "rules" that every photographer spells you out.... "only early morning or sunset time is appropriate for good photo's". So I like your point of view Mitchell, and the way you present it!
Thanks. I think that perhaps people often mistake most beautiful with "best". But it would be silly not to shoot through so many different situations.
Your videos are marvelous, the best I've seen on UA-cam. You make the narrative connect with the wonderful images. Inspirational!
Thanks so much.
What?. The goats wouldn’t wait for golden hour? I love the idea of learning to use the light you have to work with. IMHO that’s a sign of a REAL photographer. Your images really inspire me to get out with my camera and capture the world around me.
This video might actually change the way I photograph. Using and understanding light to create deep and powerful photographs the way you explained here was kinda eye opening! Thanks!
That's for watching. That's the idea. :)
Thank you! You helped me escape this "good light" vs "bad light" mental trap. And your video and pictures inspired me.
I really like your video and how you make your points. Photography is not only about beautiful light. Conveying a message, a mood, a sensation is not inseparably paired with "nice" light. I always felt it would be wrong to not touch the camera outside of golden and blue hours (as some suggest). But I could never have explained it so well. Looking at the "good" photos on the internet I'd even say that "nice" light is used to the point of getting boring. I hope that many photographers take your advice and explore the possibilities of other lighting situations.
Beautiful work and quite enlightening about the subject of light. Much food for thought.
I am not really one for commenting on UA-cam, but your video is just so amazing that I have to. Thanks for the great video!
Thanks, I do appreciate your words. 🙂
This video is absolutely one of the best videos I’ve watched. You’ve made me think about photography in a new light. Everything doesn’t have to be beautiful but still have a big impact. I enjoy your videos. Immensely.
You just remembered my about a think that I believe in, don't find excuses, work everything with what you have and make it the best", and now I see that can be applied in photography as well. Thank you Mitchell for this great and inspiring video!
Headed to Europe in 3 weeks, was afraid of having bad weather. Now I’m looking forward to it.
Beautiful work as usual. Beautiful doesn't always mean pretty. I agree, since you can't change the weather, why not change your mind!
Exactly. :)
I have only just recently subscribed to your channel but I must say it is without doubt one of, if not the best photography channel I've used. Excellent content and very well presented. Top Mark's on making the content and the educational value in it.
I've never thought of using natural light for setting mood in the way you conveyed as I tend to use off camera flash(es) and modifiers to control and set mood when shooting portraiture outdoors as I and most people like to be in control. You shed light on the fact for you as a travel photographer you have to roll with the punches and use whatever natural light that is provided in that moment to convey story and mood. Something I've done unknowingly and never given thought to and usually I tend to hold back or shy away from doing portraiture when weather is not what I envisioned or anticipated. And you Sir have given me food for thought. Thank you!
Great - food for thought is always good. One of the purposes of this video. :)
I really enjoyed this video. I am a portrait photographer most of the time. I would love to get out of town and photograph landscape and people more as they go about their daily lives. This video gave me an insight into doing just that. It also debunked the golden hour myth. I never thought of harsh light telling a story. But now it makes sense.
Thanks for posting this video. Personally I've always shot in whatever light out of necessity especially when travelling. It's nice to hear someone else confirm what I've been doing all along. 😆
You've been doing well. :)
Thank you and God bless.
Great inspiration this AM as I gear up to go out with local fishermen in Cozumel for the day. Gonna have plenty of that harsh sunlight!
Hello Mitchell. I find your voice and the pace of your delivery to be very calming and informative. I never had the urge to scroll along on the timeline to see how much time was remaining on the video. Your mastery of delivering a message, along with the injection of text graphics help nicely to keep my attention and not feel like a lecture, but more like a "mentoring conversation".
As a former corporate video producer, I know how much work goes into a production like yours, and for this I say, "keep up the good work", you are making a difference!!!!
Thanks very much. Appreciate the feedback. What you mention was what I was aiming for, so, I guess I am on the right path. :)
The best tutorial video on internet today.... Thank you sir for this beautiful video 🙌❤️ love from INDIA
I’ve always wanted to start pursuing my passion for photography but I always back out because I feel overwhelmed with the videos that I watch. Thank God I was brought here in your page. You help me understand in a simple way. Hope you can add more videos. 👏
Aa Vin Ha! Awesome to hear that. :)
Thank you. Your style is exactly what I am attracted to in photography...especially the light interacting with dust, fog, etc. I studied photography many years ago and am just now returning to it as a hobby. We are taking a trip to India next month to visit my husbands parents and expect to have many photo opportunities. Planning to take your course as well
Thanks for your comment. India... yes... photographic paradise. Have a great one!
Superb! I’m new to photography. I found this video to be an amazing source of information. The photography was exquisite and certainly illustrated your point. However, equally brilliant was how clearly you articulated your ideas and how to use them; how to assess the light and adapt the art to the light. Thank you. I look forward to more of your videos.
Watching this video months later and still finding it packed with info gems.
Light surrounds us always and it's up to us to understand and work with it.
Our popularized preconceptions work against us.
Thanks for busting that bubble.
Mitchell - your videos are thoughtful and original. Your vision is clear and this comes across in the points you make and also the photos you take. Most of all your photos show a life well lived and someone following his vision. Makes me want to travel but also makes me a little jealous, keep them coming please!
Thanks for your thoughtful comment, John! A few more videos are already up and there's gonna be a looong one, but, I think the most interesting one so far. 🙂
Hi- I have always loved natural light and its FREE as a posed to using flash.
Your video highlights some very good info. is really logical and all makes perfect sense to me.
I have become a bit lax over latter years eg. not going out in the rain to photograph.
You have inspired me, thank you.
Lots of ideas on using whatever natural light is there. Thoroughly enjoyed it
Finally what I have been waiting for. I love shooting in different light and atmosphere to get something different. Nice and easy to listen to. Thank you so much.
You are so simple to understand like your guidance for travel photography
I think i found my favourite photographer!!! How you approached this topic is just sooooo different from the rest.
Thank you and your photographs are absolutely beautiful as they are powerful.
Thanks :)
Great video! I'm happy that i could find a great travel/documentary photographer. All the little nuances explained in a understandable way, great teacher. Thanks, Mitchell.
Yes, thanks Mitchell. I’m new to the world of photograph, and have Had a very limited mindset of it too. Your videos I have watched are changing that. To me it looks like You somehow include your life perspective into taking photos. Purpose, mindset etc all things in living a superior fulfilling life. At least for me it is.
Thanks again, hope to do your coarse one day.
This is sensational and fully agree with all the bits you mentioned. i am like you when i travel, ie i shoot regardless of lighting conditions and see what i can make out of the situation at present. great stuff!
Thanks for watching. :)
Thank you for your insights. Valuable contribution and inspiring.
Hi Mitchell, I have recently subscribed to your Full Package and I am totally enthralled by your excellent presentation and the way that you demonstrate your ideas. If this is one of your early UA-cam Videos, all I can add is keep up this excellent standard, I'm already hooked and waiting for more. Thanks, John
Thanks very much. Yeh, still early goings. Let's see where it all goes. :)
Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your valuable experience.
You come across as a lovely person who takes amazing photographs. Thank you for your contribution. If I could take one photo as good as one of yours I would be happy forever :)
simon daniels haha. Thanks so much for that. :)
Brilliant video. Changed my perspective about when to shoot. It's anytime!
Indeed!
Прекрасный урок. Михаил, конечно, замечательный фотограф. Учиться у него одно удовольствие.
Thanks, но , если по русски то я Митя/Дмирий а не Михаил :)
Буду знать :)
Beautifully inspiring and very well explained. Loved it 👌🏻😃
Superb. How many people share such practical and lovely advice freely? Not many. Thank you Mitchel. The photographs are inspiring, almost to the point of making me pick up camera and go out now and shoot in harsh light! Keep inspiring and keep showing us those lovely images and vistas. Wish you the very best.
Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it. :)
from Saudi Arabia.. thank you.
Thanks for watching :)
Thank you for the inspiration....... I am just learning photography and I was trying to stick to the 'rules of lighting', however in Ohio over 200 of our days are overcast, which greatly limited my times to take photos. Then one day I thought "I don't care, am going to go out and shot, clouds and all". The photos I took that day are my best to date. Once again the information you shared is invaluable!
Thanks for watching. And yes, that's how it was in Belarus, the place where I was born. In fact, I think that many Belarusians live in Cleveland, from what I've heard. Maybe they're attracted to the cloudy weather. :)
This was really inspiring. Great photos and a very well presented video. I don't recall you talking about equipment which is refreshing. You reminded me that the essence of photography is in the meaning of the word 'photography' - writing with light. Many thanks.
Thanks, Paul. There's room for equipment in videos for sure, but that's not what this channel is or will be about predominantly.
Thank you so much. This is my first visit but not the last. I love the incredible photography, so inspiring and I hope to learn from your clear and well paced presentation. I am so pleased I found your videos.Kind regards
it's the first video of yours that I watch and seriously, I think you've just changed the game and raised the bar up high for all the other youtubers in the field of photography!
Haha, appreciate that :)
thank you so much for this video. normally i would wait for the perfect light conditions to happen... the perfect sunrise or sunset , now you have inspired me to just go shoot regardless of light and wheather conditions!! i absolutely loved the photos with the fog and the mist on them, it creates a type of mood that is different, it adds some mistery to the scene you´re capturing. awsome pictures. my best regards from Portugal!!
Thank you very much for the wonderful video explaining the most powerful tool. I has landed on my consciousness as a transformative principal. You are very kind and generous with your knowledge. Good journeys.
Thanks and enjoy. 🙂
This was actually the first time seeing a video about using light Outdoors and it was awesome. Thank u for makeing such good Content. Every one is always talking about "photographing is painting with light", but Nobody ever showed so many aspects how to use it. rly appreciate it.
I'm a outdoor event photographer and this video has been super relevant too me, really hit some interesting thoughts with me, I'm guilty of always waiting for the 'right moment'
Thanks Mitchell. Subscribed
Mitchell you have the Best content video in photography on youtube 👍👏👌🏆🏆🏆 superb , bravo excellent!
Thank you for that.
Really appreciated this video, am so tired of other photographers going on about golden hours. Your approach is realistic and pragmatic. Images can be taken under any lighting conditions, its about being creative and mindful - appreciating the moment. Thank you
Absolutely. Life "happens" in all types of light. Not just during the golden hours. :)
I have that series of lessons. Very informative and molded my own sense of the work that I want to do in photography. Also, your stories were exciting and more than just a passing fancy. THANK YOU!
Thank you! 🙂
Hey Mitchell - awesome video. Just like Steve Mccurry, I have always struggled with the harsh midday sun and avoid it like the plague. However, you have given a different perspective here and much to think about. When I am on my trips, I hate wasting time sitting around waiting for 'better' light. I think now I will just get out and shoot. My favourite light is actually cloudy days - no harsh shadows or highlights, just very even light and easy for metering. Keep up the great work and I eagerly await the next video. Philip
Thanks Phillip! Yeh, I think it's definitely a waste to just sit and wait for "better light". Haha. :)
I have always avoided taking photographs at midday. This video helps open up new possibilities in my mind for using a different kind of light. Thank you!
All about new/different possibilities. Silly to limit ourselves.
Fantastic Video! I love the way you present stuff, and the photos are unbelievable
Thanks for watching.
Hi Mitchell, I just came back from a 3-month, 18,000 km motorcycle trip to South America -- starting in Columbia and ending at the end of Ruta 3 in Ushuaia, Argentia -- the bottom city of the earth. In any event, I own a Sony A7RII with all the normal lenses but before the trip I worried about carrying around heavy lenses and the bodies weight so I sold the lenses, kept the body, but bought a Fuji X-T2. Best decision. I bought some lenses, 35, 50 and 24 equiv. I ended up using only the 35 F2 WR (weatherproof). Traveling so far and so much, its hard to change lenses on the fly so a 35 is wide enough, has a depth of field in portrait -- if you put the lens in the face of the subject which never proved to be an issue with a happy and respectful demeanor -- and I learned to crop tons in Raw 50mb files -- no choice. I wish I could carry a heavy body and lens, but this trip taught this dog a new trick -- which I will repeat into the future.
Cold Gecko sounds like an awesome journey. Got a link to the images?
instagram: epicjai. Some images. I really had little time to work with images -- was always on the move. Just got back a few days ago.