Camera magazines were great in the 80's, all the video stuff was in a supplement in the middle, you could just pull it out and bin it before you started reading
@@OhhhhhhhBugger Re-read what you wrote. If you "could care less" about video features, it means you "do" care. I think you mean "couldn't" care less, no?
There are cameras that are a few hundred dollars, that is how I started learning. I didn't invest in expensive gear until I had more experience. People are still dropping $1,200 bucks for new iPhones every year, we prioritise what's important to us.
I think you missed their point. They are frustrated that people are interested in gear more than in education, while with education they could make better photos than with expensive gear but no education.
I’m personally over seeing endless gear reviews with the (full disclosure) I was sent this free gear your gassing over but I promise my reviews are unbiased….. sure sure they are, (this comment was not sponsored by square space)
Photography feels like a dying art these days, thanks to smartphones and AI. With Instagram oversaturated and losing its charm, it seems like no one truly appreciates photos anymore. You could spend weeks chasing that perfect sunrise shot, but your 12-year-old can create the same thing in seconds with an AI photo generator-and no one can even tell which is real or fake, nor do they seem to care. AI can now add or remove objects, edit photos instantly, and eliminate the need for learning tools like Lightroom or Photoshop. And let’s be real, the days of needing high-megapixel cameras are fading when most photos are only seen on social media where all those pixels don’t even matter. I miss the old days-buying new lenses, upgrading gear, and diving into new camera features. Unfortunately, it feels like those days are behind us.
Im a videographer and a client asked me if I used iphones for my work. I told him nope I have a dedicated rig for the work and he replied with an "you gotta get in with the times or youll stay behind"
@@Asturev that’s funny. I’m a UA-camr and use my iPhone 15 pro max and it does great. But there is a difference between this and a pro rig. It’s funny how the general public doesn’t understand that.
@@BarlasF absolutely. As a UA-camr myself I use my iPhone 15 pro max for all my photos and videos. I haven’t pulled my big cameras out in years and I miss the challenges of using them. It was an art in its self.
also the 12 year old using AI didnt make anything the 12 yeard old ordered like everyone orders hamburguers with or without pickles / mayonaise, then autoproclaims itself as an artist
Perspective from a student who's just started studying a Masters in photography... To say that 'photography is dead' is akin to saying 'painting is dead' or 'writing is dead' - mediums don't really die, they change, and the people who use them change. I think that photography is changing, yes, but that's a far cry from saying it's dying. More photographs are being captured every day as we all know - and not all of them are AI! It's up to us as hobbyists, creators and artists to respond to that change.
That saturation of 'more photographs are being captured every day' is the problem. Nothing is unique. It's like seeing a cute Japanese girl in the U.S. but seeing millions of cute Japanese girls in Japan. I regard photography more personal, taking photos of friends and family and making them unique.
I think more of the same kind of photographs coming from the masses is a direct sign of a lack of awareness or understanding of the situation in seeking a means to tell a story. No creative thought can be made by pushing the camera button without the intention of what is being seen or perceived to be happening.
Personally, I do see your channel as a serious gear review resource. I would love to see more teaching content from you. On the art of photography as well as the technical skills to create good images. I like it when you do photo critiques, so I can try to learn from your comments. Anyone can take a photo, I want to learn how to create good images that evoke emotion! Most channels do gear reviews, which just makes me have gear anxiety. I’m an amateur nature photographer that considers myself a life long learner. So, yes please, more content on teaching and helping us build our skills! Also, thank you for putting out this free content, I appreciate you!
After a 30 year career in professional photography (sold our studio in 2006), the two questions I was asked most often: "What kind of a camera did you use to take that photo?" or "How long did it take to get that shot?" My answer to the first question was: it is the shooter, not the camera... although it does take some knowledge of focal length of the lens, aperture, depth of field, etc. The answer to the second question: "25 years." Whhhhaaatt? "Well 1/60th of a second to press the shutter release and 25 years to gain the knowledge of what went into making that image." Is photography dead? No. But the "art of photography" has changed drastically. There is very little interest in understanding lighting, knowing how to "light a face" to show it off at its best, using angles and the right lens to make a difference in a portrait; controlling depth of field for an architectural design or commercial product. We were early adopters of digital imaging - making that change to get away from darkroom chemicals and retouching on negatives to being able to work in daylight, no chemicals, and retouch in layers with the opportunity to "undo." We used Photoshop back when it took more than "a click" to enhance an image. Unfortunately, when film went away, so did the "value" of each press of the shutter release. And the value that clients (portrait and commercial) put on the talent and expertise of the individual photographer. The photography industry was robust before we retired and moved on, but the demise of that industry came faster than most working photographers expected. This is not to say that great photography is no longer being created - quite the opposite: there is a tidal wave of mediocre imaging, but also a wealth of outstanding imaging... so much so that it is hard to stand out as a professional (and that, to me, means making a good living from photography). As AI becomes more pervasive, I think the industry is in the middle of another massive shake-out. With AI, it is possible to "create an image" without using a camera... that can't be good for the camera manufacturers. The question of "Is Photography Dead" means a lot more to me than what is happening to camera manufacturers. For the last 18 years, I have taken images mostly to support what I do with a long-running blog. I am feeling a new interest in making images for my own pleasure. An early boss that hired me for a studio job in 1974, really drove home the point that "every time you click that shutter, it costs me $1 - don't duplicate and make every shot count." It made me a tighter shooter, but it also took away the joy of making an image for the "art and pleasure" of it. James Bathurst M. Photog Cr., CPP, Internationally Affiliated Juror (retired, Life Member of PPA)
для получения хорошего и результатов они им не нужны. Есть много старых фотоаппаратов которые делают те же прекрасные снимки, что и десять лет назад. Но обилие рекламы во круг новых беззеркальных систем, заставляет людей думать, что те старые зеркальные камеры им уже не подходят
“Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.” I find people fixate on having photos rather than the rewarding experiences and relationships that come through the act of making photos.
Just got back from vacation after enjoying both seeing Europe and practicing my photography skills (film and mirrorless). As I watched many folks taking smart phone snaps, I wondered how many of the photos would end up as 2minute wonders on social media, or forever become a part of the camera roll. For me, taking photographs is definitely about the journey and reviewing the results years later to see how my composition has changed.
You couldn't be more true, just got back from Yellowstone and a certain group of people just take pictures of themselves instead of the gorgeous scenery that surrounded them.
For me what is extremely overlooked and can revive photography is storytelling, social impact, and ...printing. In other words community and real conecction. Two years ago I was photographing a acting class; for me to take the shots, I had to build a relationship with the actors, teacher, the space over a long period of time. I cheerish those photos.
Personally, we believe that there will be a major comeback as regulation catches up with AI companies and "organic" training data becomes hard to come by. It will of course become important to "prove" that it's not AI generated content.
You're in for a big surprise... brands and huge organisations are in the middle of training their own ai models on their OWN copyrighted material. Ai is here to stay it'll be how we use it as a tool such as generative fill. Ai is also so much better for background composites than stock.
It’s an aging crowd. At 40 I’m among the youngest guys using a stand alone digital camera for fun. Most of the time, it’s me and grandfathers who have a dedicated camera. What’s mostly left are pros and a few nerdy dads with a little money to burn and a desire to buy the toy, I’m the latter.
My 15 year old nephew just bought his first camera, a Canon R100. He wants to take photos that his phone can't, mainly photos of tiny critters like toads and salamanders and beetles and slugs and those kinds of things. He's really excited to learn about his new camera and the possibilities that it will open up. Of course, as soon as I found out what camera he bought, I searched your channel for a tutorial, found the one you did on the R100, watched it myself, and then sent him the link to it.
I belong to a Photography Club, and we're NOT seeing any kind of percentage of people wanting to join, so I'm not sure why all these 'young people' Chelsea mentions, are not joining, to hone their craft at least a little? I often wonder if some don't want to deal with the 'editing' process? Many seem to enjoy videography, but in my couple decades of enjoying Photography, I may have taken 3 video's, of which have long been deleted now, with my Nikon. I do have some video's on my iPhone 14 Pro Max, but that was for Christmas or Birthday gatherings! Kudo's, to those willing to learn, and take over for the older photographers that just don't get out there like they use to!
I am on the last leg of a 6 thousand mile trip in Canada and the USA, and from what I have seen, close to 90% of photos are taken with phones. But I agree that only a tiny amount of camera users are just addicted to clicking, and have no interest in understanding photography, that would just take too big an investment in time. My son just invested a few grand in Fuji equipment and that is great to see at 40, I never thought I would see the day and he is invested in learning about the camera, what makes it work, and photography in general. I am no great photographer, even though I started over 50 years ago, but I still love it.
I normally fly my drone, but I very recently just bought a Cannon R8 and started to do photography again. I am starting to learn how to do street photography and i'm loving it. I'm with Chelsea, I don't think its dead at all!
I'll always use my camera instead of my phone. I love to edit. I shoot raw and can't wait to download the thousands of photos and have fun editing. It's a great hobby
I'm just the opposite, I really dislike culling and editing photos, but I love the process of creating the photo, looking at a scene, trying to determine what would make a scene interesting, what kind of story does it tell. I guess that also comes from me starting off in analog film photography, and not really having the tools to post-process, so the image needed to come out as perfect as possible while snapping the shutter.
@@amberhawke i can see where you are coming from. there's an art in getting the perfect image - without the need for post-process work. i used to edit video, back when it was cut n' paste, so the footage had to look great - straight from the camera.
@@amberhawke I'm the same. I always try and get the best shot that I can straight out of camera and keep post processing to a minimum. I suppose that's not really an "artistic" approach but I have a preference for more or less realistic photos vs obviously doctored ones. It's not surprising to me that people have a hard time now distinguishing between heavily edited regular photos and AI generated ones.
I started out on film cameras and my first DSLR was a Canon AE1 and been a great since. Like computers they keep getting better but phone cameras and video special cameras are making better advances than commercial consumer or pro. I've got my eye on the R5 MKII for the next year with a few lenses and an adapter for my EF lenses. You don't have to realize that this weekend at the coast taking pictures I was changing lenses compared to when I took photos with my old Samsung note 9 which fits in my back pocket and I can surf the web and make phone calls. I am more like Tony but like listening to Chelsea and the positivity is wonderful. There are a bunch of us listening and watching. Thank you!
We've had a Sony NEX-5T for years and this year I finally bought myself an a6700 and 5 new lenses for everything from astrophotography to macro. Additionally, because i got rebitten by the photography bug my two young kids got interested and I bought them each a point and shoot. Since January I have watched endless hours of 20 min+ photography videos and, thanks to experts like you, I have improved greatly. Additionally, in utah where I live, there are many portrait photographers and they are all busy, booking out months in advance for family shoots. Like Chelsea, I am optimistic, even in the face of AI and smart phones.
People want shortcuts. The don't want to know the art and science of photography. They want to buy a camera and immediately start making money with it. They figure they will learn as they go. It's that way with almost everything.
Part of the reason younger photographers want a piece of gear rather than understanding the creative process, is the smartphone. Current smartphones do everything for them. They take dozens of photos and combine them to get flawless exposure. They use AI to calculate a style that will look best and then do all the post processing. They take so much of the creativity away from the “photographer” that what artistry is there does not reflect the photographer’s state of mind, but the amalgamation of the photos the AI was trained on.
I feel what is helping to kill photography is the fact that there is so much over processing and manipulation of images that it has become impossible to believe whether the image is "real" or not. "Fake" would be a good term to describe it.
@@flightographist Nothing like what people deal with today. Printing B&W is easy and fun. Working with a program with a million options is not fun. I shot film since 1972 and made hundreds of B&W prints. It's not hard at all. Photography wasn't that complicated. Just had to learn how to expose the negative or positive correctly. And that isn't hard. Most people have no idea the fun we had 40 or 50 years ago. Today, I find it overwhelming to the point I set my digital camera to "P" or "M." I shoot it like I did with my Nikon F2, made in 1979. We overthink the process today.
@@flightographist I agree. I used to work in a processing lab and printed photos using an enlarger. We dodged, burned, warped, blocked, double exposed, all sorts of tricks. True, we didn't have a million options as today but the principles were the same. What you saw in the image was not the same as the film strip. Personally, I like the post processing today. Sure, some is overdone. If so then pan the photo just like one pans other photos that don't register with them. However, how many times do you see something, take a picture, and say "that isn't anything like what it looked like in real life"? That is where post processing is the best.
Well, it has always and will always be fake, since color exists only in our brains and there are several layers of “interpretation” of the waves coming out of an object and the sensation generated in your brain when looking at the picture. Air, optical filters, lenses in the objectives and its coatings, apertures, sensors with their micro lenses and filters, semiconducting light sensitiv cells with their quantum efficiency and pixelation, analog to digital converters, bit depth reduction, compression, and then you have the monitor or the printing / developing process with its own steps. Each steps takes the signal of the previous one and make it go through a transformation function that usually we do not control. If we do control it, does it make it any more or less fake? The real thing will always be just to be there and look.
One of my newest things has been creating a preset to give that soft focus early 70’s romance feel. That has gained me quite a few glamour oriented portrait shoots.
Documenting the world and life will always be needed, no matter how you do it. AI is one thing, but capturing reality cannot be done with AI. We will always need real photographers to capture real moments. Photography will never die!
I think the thing almost all channels miss when discussing this subject is that before cell phones had decent cameras the fact was you had to own a real camera if you wanted decent photos. And before phone cameras of any sort you had, well, cameras. There was no alternative. There were never that many people who loved the so called art of photography. There were people who wanted pictures of their kids before there was such a thing as a cell phone and then there were people who wanted the same thing until they felt their phone camera was good enough. Especially since they never print photos any more. These days you're seeing the numbers of people who actually loved photography versus the number of people who loved snapshots and convenience. When the convenience began to come with good enough quality for the masses they dropped the real cameras. Part of the reason real camera prices can be so high is that these companies know that at this point that other than their vlogging cameras they are generally selling to enthusiasts or pros. Both of whom will pay to play. They know there's no real market to be gained in super low priced camera gear even though my old $400 point and shoot Sony HX-80 will still shoot circles around the latest phone cameras if for no other reason than the actual zoom lens and more than just auto mode built in.
I like photography, but I do it just for me. Not really post anything. I have even very little time to process or organize them. I love to live 5 year behind in technology. For me feels amazing every time I buy a 5 years old piece of equipment. It feels new and is so much cheaper. I recently bought a Canon M50ii, a discontinued mount, to upgrade my 60D. The smaller size, and new features are awesome, but the quality of my pictures are still mediocre because I don’t learn composition. I know everything about DOF and Crop Factor and equivalence though. Things that don’t matter when you are out taking pictures with no comment section to discuss about. There might be a lot of people getting into photography, buying used gear that does not reflect in the statistics. Photography will never die, might shrink, but playing with photons and scenes is so much fun that there will always be a group of people doing it.
I'm really glad I came across your video this evening, as I've watched many of your video's. I studied photography back in my school days, over 25yrs ago, always had filmed cameras until I bought a DSLR roughly 13yrs ago. Though not used consistently, I finally upgraded to a mirrorless this year with the thought of taking my photography to the next level. Hence why I have watched many videos on UA-cam to increase my knowledge of the current mirrorless ideal. I decided to go with the Canon R6mkII as I shot a lot of sport, started wildlife recently as well, but now wanting to move to landscapes and starscapes. I have suffered with high noise on my DSLR and that's my main reason for upgrading, I have still been using the DSLR on the soccer pitch as one of my EF lenses is a larger telephoto so further down the pitch it has been good. I've been contemplating on the R5mkII as another camera in my bag as it would fulfill the landscape and starscape side of my passion, also play a big roll with shooting team photos and be a big upgrade to my dual camera setup. Now that you've stated that it won't make a big difference in anyone's photography has added to my decision making, thank you for being honest. This hasn't put me off the R5mkII but has definitely added to the consideration.
I went to school and got a degree when film photo was ending and digital was beginning. In the old days you shot weddings/portraits or you did media/magazines freelancing. To attend cool stuff they didn't pay. You got a pass and credit if you were lucky. Everybody has a day job in tech. I am now a hobbyist and shoot stuff for fun. Nevermind how everyone says "we already have someone who does that." Or they get mad they actually had to pay you real money and never hire you again. The constant bs was maddening. Don't go to school for this unless you plan to teach at community college.
I take photographs for my own personal enjoyment. If that sounds selfish then please let me explain. Photography has introduced me to Looking at the world around me, and i think it is a pretty damn place to be! I enjoy, say, an amazing walk, take some photos along the way and, later, look at them on my computer screen, maybe sharing with my friends and often zooming in to see things in amazing detail. Yes, phone pictures have their place but, and it’s just my personal opinion, that my camera can get me so much closer to the beauty in this world, I love it! Huge thanks to you Tony and Chelsea, for all your training videos which have been a huge help with all the technology. DOF RULES!!
My opinion is that physics means that cameras will always make better shots than smart phones. I think more people than Tony should be saying that smart phones actually do pretty crappy photos. I use my iPhone a lot but am very aware that its shots are not so good.
I think when we shot on film you had 24 or 36 chances to get it right. Then you had to wait to see your work. So you learned more about how it worked. Now you just push buttons, take 100 pictures and push another button to start over. It makes it too easy to be a professional at it.
For me, photography captures moments in time and has the emotional connection that cannot be replicated with AI. No matter how good iphones get. Always remember, it does one thing really well, its a phone, not a camera, and will never be a camera. It will always show its weakness in some way.
I'm 72 and have used a camera for 50 years, in different phases of my life; landscapes, academic work, urban architecture, military Public Affairs. I've enjoyed learning each advancing technology from film to Kodachrome to DSLR. For the past two years, I've spent a lot of energy on bird and wildlife photography, by far the most challenging. I'm in awe of what mirrorless cameras and their lenses can capture and I'm having a ball using Lightroom and Topaz. Intelligent, knowledge content producers such as yourselves have been an invaluable resource. Amazing stuff that gets more so every year - Photography is most certainly not dead!
Tony, Tony, Tony... 24,000 viewers isn't enough for you??? Sure, your product reviews get many more views, but still -- that's 24,000 people who took the time, and had the patience, to watch a slow, wordy tutorial! I'm reminded of the time a friend of mine, a classical musician, gave a concert in NYC. It wasn't well advertised, and there were other things going on that day... and she got one person in the audience. One older man. So she played her heart out for this fellow, and he had the greatest concert experience of his life. Appreciate what you have, be glad with how many you reach with your useful, practical, excellent teaching!
Sales are down because most are using phones that they keep upgrading year after year and spending thousands of dollars on. But last time I checked if you are doing wildlife photography nobody shows up with an IPhone.
I had just been on holiday to Greece. For the first time, I just took a mobile. I did not see anyone else with a camera, and I left the Fuji XT 3 at home . It's dying slowly
Really.... On Holiday? I take more time packing my Camera gear making sure i dont forget anything than i do anything else. My Camera will always be with me
@JosephBartalisPhotography yes and people are already having to upgrade their smartphones every few years which are expensive and with reasonably good photographic capabilities for average user.
@@GroberWeisenstein Well in your case if you think so, I see many with nice gear out there and photographers, not everyone with cellphones... but that's how you see thing's in your own eye's!
@@GroberWeisenstein My cellphone is a G4 an older one and I have no planes to upgrade but I did upgrade my camera to a Nikon Z8 few months ago! Or maybe photography is not just for everyone because takes more than just a cellphone to unterstand it!
You used to be able to develop your own film. No one “spying” on you. No subscription. Now Adobe has its tentacles in you , you can’t buy it as a product and not connect to the cloud. Can you imagine having your car that had to be connected to your phones data in order to turn on ? It’s ludicrous. Even office 365 , it’s crazy. Why can’t you just buy something and use it until you want to upgrade. Kinda like a camera.
I’m a late bloomer but I’m trying to learn everything I can in depth and channels like yours, and UA-cam as a whole, are amazing educational platforms. Maybe it’s because I’m older, but there are those who still want to learn the art.
Love watching you both. Just anecdotally, have seen a bunch of young people this year with real cameras doing street photography near where I work in London; and have seen young people in person taking great shots (pro level, better than me) with their iphones. Definitely gave me hope for the hobby: real, "what did I know?" moments.
Photography isn't dead. The equipment we use to capture an image has changed. People shoot more photos today than they did 20 years ago. They just use cell phones instead of DSLRs. People shot more pics using DSLRs than with SLRs. More images with SLRs than with Kodak Brownies. We continue to shoot more photos.
I would like to offer you a point, if I may. I have identified a gap between smartphone users and enthusiasts. To enter interchangeable lens realm you need at least 1,000 USD, but price aside, there is nothing anymore in between. Ten years ago camera manufacturers were offering models like Canon G-series, some Fuji X (xf1, x10), Sony RX-series - cameras suited for creativity although with smaller 1” sensors or less. Now we only have Fuji X100 series and Ricoh with APS-C sensors, Sony with 1” sensors, cameras that are hard to come by and they are expensive to the point that you would be better off with a kit. And this is why older 10 years camera are selling now for a premium 50% more than when they were new. For me, I would like to drop my bag of L-lenses and just go with a small compact camera, like G7X Mk III (just as an example). But they key point for such a camera are: dials for aperture, shutter speed, focus ring, and not much more. I think technically you may adjust them in any compact camera, but the functions are buried deep in the menus, and the design enabling this creative mood is therefore largely missing. I think this is exactly why Fuji X100 series are so popular. But for me, I am surely missing other manufacturers engage into this design. I do understand and appreciate computational photography, for what it’s worth, and it’s worth a lot, but the options to have a ‘back-to-basic’ approach I consider it will make more people engage with the art of photography. A subtle difference between a ‘photo’ and a ‘still’. Pricewise I would see this niche being priced at the 500 USD mark, to make it more attractive for young people that are notorious lacking finance. Just to be in line with your comments, that I highly appreciate.
The best way to get people involved in photography is to ask them what medium or what kind of means they are able to use and how much they willing to invest in telling a story? Artists use many different methods and mediums to make their storytelling more appealing. Writers uses words that invoke emotions or ideas that can make the reader react or even make the changes to a reader’s thinking. Photographs tell the story and also relate historical information as documented events that everyone can relate to.😮
The reason the kayak video didn't do well is that people quickly realized it was about wildlife, or more specifically bird photography. that's such a niche, even I who am quite old have no interest in it. Make a video on how to shoot, edit and post HDR vids for UA-cam and it will blow up.
Correct! I agree with this. However, I don’t see a lot of people taking interest in others who are creating content to educate either. Here’s what I think is going on. You have 2 camps in the photography community. You have gear heads and aspiring photographers. The gear heads are the issue. The gear heads what UA-cam videos about gear and inflate the numbers for UA-camrs and UA-camrs think the numbers for their channels are doing well, when in actuality, it’s gear heads who are in the comments section arguing about which brand is the best that inflated the UA-cam numbers for those channels. Photographers aren’t really watching UA-cam that often, and they especially aren’t watching UA-cam videos on which gear is the best from which brand. They go to camera stores and search online, finding the gear that’s going to work best and move on.
Want to add - I didn't watch the video because the title alone told me all I wanted to know about it - sure, get closer = get better photos. It is hard for me to imagine what else I could learn from it : but in fairness I'll go watch it and maybe I'll be surprised.
I am interested in wildlife photography but no way in hell am I bringing my precious gear on a kayak for me to flip or get soaked like the klutz that I am. So I bounced off the video. I love Tony's technical explainer videos though as I love the science and engineering of photography.
I think you hit the nail on the head with the point about a community. I got very interested in photography through Flickr which at one time had a great community. That community really changed as various business decisions were made but also with Instagram. But Instagram isn't really a community and now, while I follow a LOT of photographers on Instagram, I never see photography come through my feed but rather I basically just see ads. While it's great for people to set up their own sites to show their portfolios, that also doesn't drive community and learning and your average person who's getting into photography as a hobby isn't going to set up a site with their own domain until they're much deeper into it. I'd love to see a revitalized Flickr to bring that community back.
If you want to get new people interested in cameras, you need to make videos like Thomas Heaton, Simon d'Entremont, and many others. Get out there, show us what you can do. Make it interesting, have fun and most of all SMILE ;-)
After growing up in the 50s and up with my Dads Leica always in close reach, even on road trips luging around multiple lens, hanging around in his darkroom, going with him to his camera club meetings, I could not get that interested. Today, after trying to master my RX100m4, (not wanting to ever lug around lenses) I just received my first big camera, the RX10iv. That's all I'll will ever want, cause I'll never be a pro, don't need it. Post processing has been has been around for ever but now so much better, no chemicals! My after school job was processing film, (my Dad got me that job). Just now getting deeper in to this. I think I'm beginning to be some kind of an Artist, but I'll never clamed to be one. Just trying to duplicate (and getting closer) to what you guys and other are showing. Thanks, your talking points reminds me of my yesteryears.
I went to a tourist trap in Tucson called Trail Dust Town and was told I could not take pictures (I was shooting buildings, not people - no tripod or lights and I am amateur) with my EOS R because it was a pro camera. Cell phones were okay. The reason was that two portrait studios leased space in the property, and this was crowding their gig. Security were incredibly nice and it was private property. I asked if they wanted me to delete the pictures I took, and they kindly said no. I have no ill will to TDT so don’t throw them shade. I just want to give example that photography is taking hits left and right: restricted areas, crowded areas, telephone lines, Karens that involve themselves on public streets. The list goes on. Then add to this the topics of AI, proliferation of bad shots of the same Antelope Canyon, and you do wonder if photography is dying. Some will say that’s a lazy excuse, and there are plenty of new subjects to shoot and talent will rise to the top. I don’t disagree. I would just observe as a landscape and architectural photographer that I have to travel longer and to quieter towns to get shots which takes some of the fun away.
Yes that makes no sense, I have a Canon 90D and probably would have been told I could not use it while my Samsun Note 9 takes great pictures for a phone.
I went to Oshkosh Wi for a week long air show called EEA. They claim they have rights to all the photos and photographers can't sell them.. Good luck chasing that one.
I know it sucks, everything is off limits now, I cant even take a picture of a rusted old ride at an amusement park. I took a picture of a tree aiming high that happened to be next to a school that was under construction and security crossed the street to ask me "what did I take a picture of?".
I'm a hobbyist photographer, one thing that has helped me is using old, all manual film cameras, once you do the math and realize that after buying film and getting them developed and especially prints made, that each picture has a not insignificant cost, it forces you to slow down and actually think about how to take the photo and you have to learn what each setting does and how it affects it
The main issue that I have seen with how the younger crowd is more about the instant ability to get the shot. Yes the newer gear makes it easier for the end user to get a great shot with the eye AF and tracking. These two features alone make a beginner a good photographer and they don’t allow the person that has been shooting for a long time stand out now. I prefer shooting with older gear so I can actually work on the craft without the camera making the shot so easy. I had a newer mirrorless body and lenses but I was flying through my comps and it felt soul less for me. I was getting the shot but I was getting them so fast that it actually took away from slowing down and making the shot. I have found that shooting with a basic entry level full frame was the ticket for me becasue it truly brought the art aspect into for me.
As an amateur, I bought the camera because I wanted better photo results than the phone. Now, I love the technique behind it and follow tutorials to discover something new on my camera. For me, it's not all about the result. It's also the pleasure of using the technique behind it. And that's amazing!
I’m GenX and photography has always been a hobby. I just picked up cheap studio lighting and modifiers to play with. Got a lens for astrophotography and a lens for wildlife. Everything was used. My new used camera is Sony a900 A-mount. Enough for me to take pics and enjoy.
I actually loved your Kayak video because I have a kayak and have been wanting to take it out and photograph from it. While I can not afford the newer cameras I have a Nikon 5600 currently. I went ahead and bought the Nikon 200 - 500mm lens because I love to photograph wildlife. I currently go on weekend trips to Assateague Island and photograph the wildlife as often as possible. My biggest problem is learning what all the camera can do and at times I get frustrated with figuring out the best setting and all the buttons out, but at the same time I actually want to learn to get better at it. I have bought your books and several others and in time hope to get much better at photography. I find such peace when I have my camera in my hand, and love capturing moments in time that I would otherwise never get to see again.
I told an employer 12 years ago that for younger people a still photo meant to them that the video was buffering. This was one of the largest camera stores in the US. The growth of that company since has vastly been due to video centric sales.
I watched something recently that has me staying off Facebook etc, because the more images we browse the more we dull our brain to them. Which 100% makes sense - like any addiction.
I think the rise of AI might make photography even more attractive, because with the increase of fake I think more people will be reaching for something real and might want to take more photos and get back into the real world
I am 54 years old, never post anything in facebook, rarely on instagram etc, and yet, I just upgraded my nikon D7100 for a Sony A7iv because I love to take pictures of my grandkids and wanted a faster, lighter more capable camera. Some time ago, I dreamed of becoming a pro but didn’t happened, but thaks to people like you I can take some good pictures my Iphone would never be able to achieve. Thank you
I have seldom done without a camera. I used my fathers a few times as a kid. I was10 in 1960 and got to take some pictures during that time. Got my own , first real camera in '71. A Konica Autoreflex T. (still shoot it). My digital is a Nikon D-7200. I also have 16 old film cameras. I love shooting all of them even though, and partly because, they are each different. So, I'm with Chelsea. As long as there are cameras to be had, there will be photographers carrying them, shooting them, and having fun recording the world in front of them. Y'all are my peeps.
I’m part of a personal resurgence in photography after a decade or more on smartphone, now back into the Nikon Z mirrorless system and your channel had a hand in that
I think a lot of careers related to photography and other industries are going to suffer, if not die altogether as ai continues to prove more cost efficient within certain revenue streams. I believe there will always be value within the art of photography that can capture the profound elements of our thinking and life around us with a single image. Those capable of doing this will probably struggle to find the correct audience for this, leading to discouragement and desire for quitting, but that is half the battle for artists of all mediums. The death of the magazine or paper in general and rise of social media has created a super highway with how we absorb our world. This has devalued photography because it cannot be absorbed properly to fully appreciate it. Hence why video is more desired on all current platforms while amazing pictures are designated to at best a “Cool shot” and followed by a finger swipe to the next thing the algorithm is telling us we’ll like. Photography needs a new stage to distinguish itself for its own greatness if it’s going to ever thrive again.
I think it's not how you entice them to like photography through proper exposure composition, etc. It's usually the experience of the process of getting that photo that's what getting them attached to photography.
I just noticed that UA-cam is never recommending your videos in my feed anymore. I actively have to go to my subscription to look for them. Maybe that is because I'm generally not looking at many camera and photography UA-camrs anymore. I also have very little time to take photos myself and if I do, it's often with a smart phone.
That was a fun discussion, thank you! My two-cents - I think the recent "surge" in interest in film touches on a couple of the points you made. In an AI world, where images are becoming more "life-like," film provides a physical record of the original image. Even if it was heavily edited - there is proof that this image is a photograph and not a purely digital creation. Second, perfection is boring - because the digital version of "perfection" can make all images start to look the same. So, if a photographer wants their image to reflect themselves as a creative person - the nature of film can allow a photographer to bring something extra to the image - something that doesn't look like a thousand other images. And especially with older film cameras, the interaction with the camera itself can make a person feel like they didn't just "take" a picture but "made" a picture, even if its just a matter of turning an aperture ring, manual focus or advancing the film.
There are just too many people with cameras, iPhones and professional. Plus everything is looking the same, no originality. Plus the cost of high end lenses and cameras.
The answer to how to get more people interested in the art of photography is actually one of the most common words used in photography, Exposure. By exposing young people, or anyone, to seeing a really cool, interesting, or artistic photo, a certain percentage will naturally want to know how they got that photo and want to learn more.
1. Thank you for making the video about kayak nature photography. Not something I would have sought out, but really enjoy the information you shared. 2. Comparing the performance of that video to a R5 review is, as you said, apples to oranges. You’re always going to have a larger audience to speak to when you’re generally talking about camera gear verse a specific genre of photography that not everyone cares about. 3. I think the gateway drug to photography is actually having experiences worth capturing. Centering the learning process around something that you have a personal connection makes it so much more rewarding. Sure that pictures of the NYC skyline isn’t as good as a postcard I could have bought, but it reminds me of a moment and a memory I want to hang on to. You kind of need to accept that some people are always going to be ok with the good enough photos they get with their phone, and that’s ok.
surprised to hear about boston. Most folks under 30 I know don’t even want to think about the existence of cameras beyond phones, let alone know anything about them.
To answer your question about how to draw people to photography ... I feel you should focus on the enjoyment of it, rather than creating a final product so you can share it or sell it. To me it's not about the final image, but more about learning the process, the relaxation and therapy I get from it, and yes, I do occasionally get an amazing image that is worth sharing. It's about learning how to use the new tools that are available in cameras these days, and how to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Focus on how the photography process is relaxing, and gratifying.
Chelsea is right. I was fine with my iPhone UNTIL I needed pics and videos of our kids lacrosse games. Bought the s5ii and I’m so happy with it. Like Tony said towards the beginning of the video there is no comparison between pics taken with a real camera and an iPhone.
I and my GF are currently fell in love with film photography. We started developing the film ourselves and even got a enlarger from a friend so now we have these things to learn. Its been really lot of fun so far. Analog photography is bit harder and you have to think about the pictures way more than with digital. But then wehen thinks work out as you imagined its a great feeling.
Please keep making the tutorials. I keep a note of what topics are taught and then when I’m in. A position later to learn that thing, I’m really glad it’s been there. Future me needs you to keep making things today, please!
Personally, I do see your channel as a serious gear review resource. I would love to see more teaching content from you. On the art of photography as well as the technical skills to create good images. I like it when you do photo critiques, so I can try to learn from your comments. Anyone can take a photo, I want to learn how to create good images that evoke emotion! Most channels do gear reviews, which just makes me have gear anxiety. I’m an amateur nature photographer that considers myself a life long learner. So, yes please, more content on teaching and helping us build our skills! Also, thank you for putting out this free content, I appreciate you!
You can get great original pictures with your phone and I know a lot of people who are interested in that. I’ve resisted updating my “real” camera for quite a while because the best camera is the one that you have with you at the time and I always have a phone in my pocket. I’ve just updated to an A7RV though because I want to do more and I’d found that I was getting better results from my phone than my old 12Mp APSC DSLR. What I find gets people interested is to show what they are actually able to do with their phone to get better pictures. That prompts them to understand more about what they are doing and that gets them interested in photography. What makes it really hard though is the terrible way that cameras are marketed and sold. I’ve been using an SLR for 50 years and am tech savvy (working in IT) but the models and websites etc are appalling. It took me a month of solid research on top of many months talking to friends - 2 of whom have been professional photographers- to settle on my new camera. Even buying lenses is super confusing- is it a full frame lens, an APS-C or a 4/3? Then so many different mounts. I had gone Nikon for lens choices but since they now have 3 versions they’ve lost me. Even with Sony it’s hard when everyone often just say E and you have to dig in to work out if it’s a FF lens or not. What is really encouraging though are the number of videos and courses coming out for getting the most from a smartphone. Once people understand how to get better pics they will buy a real camera if they can afford it. (I know that as a student in the 80s even the cost of processing the film was prohibitively expensive).
Interesting topic and food for thought. Thanks Tony & Chelsea for shedding light to our passion for photography! The shere thought of something (maybe) dying fuels us with strength to keep the flame alive so to speak 🔥👍
Come on guys... You are Comparing... "Products vs Personal Work"... Views will always go towards "Products".... Tutorials, Workshops... wont get as much views... but you will receive Faithful Fans that you always influence and continue to inspire. Now a days... In The USA... things are kinda Crazy... so most industries that are into "Hobbies, Passions" are in a "Standby"... KEEP UP THE WORK. You are Truly Appreciated. PHOTOGRAPHY... WILL NEVER DIE!
I started taking photos with a Nikon EM back in 1979 and like you Tony it was a single photo that planted the seed of interest, and it was photo of a Timber wolf. So over time technology changes for the good or worse and it's up to us to use it in a way that keeps people interested in the art of photography for instance watching your pod casts is what re-energized my interest and I purchased a used Sony a77 and a sigma 150-500mm telephoto and now I'm looking to get a Sony a7 IV or a7R. and it's because of you and Chelsea and the way you present photography in your pod casts. Tony if I remember correctly, you said it was at 11 when you seen the photo of the Afghan school girl. what I miss is the time in the dark room, but once again watching your pod casts I'M exploring some photo editing programs like Gimp instead of photoshop for new ideas. So photography the art is still there but like All things it has its ups and downs we just have to flex and adjust as we go.
in the next 10-15 years Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, Ari may all merge as small camera company giving camera on demand order only as a nostalgic gear. Their main business will be sports A.I. robot photographers, security surveillance and space. Then ultimately lockheed martin will buy them at the end.
Thank you for your honesty I have been follower for years. We went to Europe last week and we found we are using real camera less and less. May be time to rethink about real camera. May it it is for pros only. Time is changing like everything else.
Tony's long form camera walkthroughs are the best. I still watch the Olympus one from years ago. Ironically the long form will save you time rather than watching some boof head 1 min trick on tiktok
I'm into aviation photography and I'm amazed at the set ups kids (13-17) have now. $2-2.5K body & camera. I'm glad to see my favorite hobby expanding and I'm sure the parents are glad to get them off the computers, except for editing and outside. Most of my friends I've all met at air shows or at my local airport and they're all ages. 18 yr olds to 70's NH State college I shoot sports at stopped paying all their photographers due to budge cuts and now just use students and are happy with "good enough" shots.
I think that it is important to encourage photography enthusiasts to start out working with manual film cameras. It’s not important to develop your own film - just send exposed film to a lab. Film doesn’t lie - it shows the photographer what they did making it possible to develop a personal style and see issues in camera technique and picture composition that need improvement.
Interesting! Very good insight into photography related reality. I have thought a lot about this and the discussion offered here is really good. I have found that this development also applies to some other areas where technological development has stimulated consumption for a long time. Great video!
Retired and returned to photography after 40 years of film. Bought three R5 and R6M2 in March 2024. Just got the R5M2 (already!). And lenses…another $12,xxx. Price/cost is a barrier to entry for everyone. Then the printer (Canon pro-1000). Ink, paper…. I try to only shoot what I am willing to print - not living only in the digital space.
I recently heard a really interesting comment about photography .. in that it is useful to make an image "about something" rather than "of something". Of course the gear you use needs to be of a minimum standard, but its the combination of subject, composition, gear, lighting etc that are the ingredients of the recipe that tells a story in an image. I think the way ahead is to get folk engaged in making interesting images, by whatever means .. and a proportion of them will then want to learn more. As to what constitues an interesting image is another ball game entirely ...
Try going back to film. Slow down, think, shoot. The instant gratification is gone, and you get better, faster. imho. There's only two settings and focus to worry about, and, as a bonus, no fumbling with batteries, screens, and the like. It is what it is. :-) Most oldies (family) will still have their film cameras in a cupboard somewhere, so, they are basically free anyway. Shoot some b&w and play with diy development; it's an ace hobby. :-)
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I think you guys are brilliant will never lose your following (or careers).
A trend I've noticed the past few years is most camera/lens reviews tend to be leaning more towards videography than photography.
Camera magazines were great in the 80's, all the video stuff was in a supplement in the middle, you could just pull it out and bin it before you started reading
Preach!
Canon following suit. A camera being a powerful hybrid monster is important these days, (even though I could care less about video features).
@@OhhhhhhhBugger Re-read what you wrote. If you "could care less" about video features, it means you "do" care. I think you mean "couldn't" care less, no?
Exactly, people prefer video even if its 20 seconds, most people dont have the attention span to look at what a photo has to offer.
Sales are down because people can't lay out 4K-5K for a camera body when they're trying to feed their family.
There are cameras that are a few hundred dollars, that is how I started learning. I didn't invest in expensive gear until I had more experience. People are still dropping $1,200 bucks for new iPhones every year, we prioritise what's important to us.
I think you missed their point. They are frustrated that people are interested in gear more than in education, while with education they could make better photos than with expensive gear but no education.
Ya um this exactly!
Film resurgence… digital fatigue… tictok brain fog…
I’m personally over seeing endless gear reviews with the (full disclosure) I was sent this free gear your gassing over but I promise my reviews are unbiased….. sure sure they are, (this comment was not sponsored by square space)
Photography feels like a dying art these days, thanks to smartphones and AI. With Instagram oversaturated and losing its charm, it seems like no one truly appreciates photos anymore. You could spend weeks chasing that perfect sunrise shot, but your 12-year-old can create the same thing in seconds with an AI photo generator-and no one can even tell which is real or fake, nor do they seem to care. AI can now add or remove objects, edit photos instantly, and eliminate the need for learning tools like Lightroom or Photoshop. And let’s be real, the days of needing high-megapixel cameras are fading when most photos are only seen on social media where all those pixels don’t even matter. I miss the old days-buying new lenses, upgrading gear, and diving into new camera features. Unfortunately, it feels like those days are behind us.
It depends on the definition of photography for some people Phone is a great tool for photography
Im a videographer and a client asked me if I used iphones for my work. I told him nope I have a dedicated rig for the work and he replied with an "you gotta get in with the times or youll stay behind"
@@Asturev that’s funny. I’m a UA-camr and use my iPhone 15 pro max and it does great. But there is a difference between this and a pro rig. It’s funny how the general public doesn’t understand that.
@@BarlasF absolutely. As a UA-camr myself I use my iPhone 15 pro max for all my photos and videos. I haven’t pulled my big cameras out in years and I miss the challenges of using them. It was an art in its self.
also the 12 year old using AI didnt make anything the 12 yeard old ordered like everyone orders hamburguers with or without pickles / mayonaise, then autoproclaims itself as an artist
Perspective from a student who's just started studying a Masters in photography...
To say that 'photography is dead' is akin to saying 'painting is dead' or 'writing is dead' - mediums don't really die, they change, and the people who use them change.
I think that photography is changing, yes, but that's a far cry from saying it's dying. More photographs are being captured every day as we all know - and not all of them are AI!
It's up to us as hobbyists, creators and artists to respond to that change.
That saturation of 'more photographs are being captured every day' is the problem. Nothing is unique. It's like seeing a cute Japanese girl in the U.S. but seeing millions of cute Japanese girls in Japan. I regard photography more personal, taking photos of friends and family and making them unique.
I think more of the same kind of photographs coming from the masses is a direct sign of a lack of awareness or understanding of the situation in seeking a means to tell a story. No creative thought can be made by pushing the camera button without the intention of what is being seen or perceived to be happening.
i actually just started last week and its kind of reshaping how i see the world. really fun.
Personally, I do see your channel as a serious gear review resource. I would love to see more teaching content from you. On the art of photography as well as the technical skills to create good images. I like it when you do photo critiques, so I can try to learn from your comments. Anyone can take a photo, I want to learn how to create good images that evoke emotion! Most channels do gear reviews, which just makes me have gear anxiety. I’m an amateur nature photographer that considers myself a life long learner. So, yes please, more content on teaching and helping us build our skills! Also, thank you for putting out this free content, I appreciate you!
After a 30 year career in professional photography (sold our studio in 2006), the two questions I was asked most often: "What kind of a camera did you use to take that photo?" or "How long did it take to get that shot?" My answer to the first question was: it is the shooter, not the camera... although it does take some knowledge of focal length of the lens, aperture, depth of field, etc. The answer to the second question: "25 years." Whhhhaaatt? "Well 1/60th of a second to press the shutter release and 25 years to gain the knowledge of what went into making that image."
Is photography dead? No. But the "art of photography" has changed drastically. There is very little interest in understanding lighting, knowing how to "light a face" to show it off at its best, using angles and the right lens to make a difference in a portrait; controlling depth of field for an architectural design or commercial product. We were early adopters of digital imaging - making that change to get away from darkroom chemicals and retouching on negatives to being able to work in daylight, no chemicals, and retouch in layers with the opportunity to "undo." We used Photoshop back when it took more than "a click" to enhance an image.
Unfortunately, when film went away, so did the "value" of each press of the shutter release. And the value that clients (portrait and commercial) put on the talent and expertise of the individual photographer. The photography industry was robust before we retired and moved on, but the demise of that industry came faster than most working photographers expected.
This is not to say that great photography is no longer being created - quite the opposite: there is a tidal wave of mediocre imaging, but also a wealth of outstanding imaging... so much so that it is hard to stand out as a professional (and that, to me, means making a good living from photography). As AI becomes more pervasive, I think the industry is in the middle of another massive shake-out. With AI, it is possible to "create an image" without using a camera... that can't be good for the camera manufacturers. The question of "Is Photography Dead" means a lot more to me than what is happening to camera manufacturers.
For the last 18 years, I have taken images mostly to support what I do with a long-running blog. I am feeling a new interest in making images for my own pleasure. An early boss that hired me for a studio job in 1974, really drove home the point that "every time you click that shutter, it costs me $1 - don't duplicate and make every shot count." It made me a tighter shooter, but it also took away the joy of making an image for the "art and pleasure" of it.
James Bathurst
M. Photog Cr., CPP, Internationally Affiliated Juror (retired, Life Member of PPA)
As a photographer, I think that lenses and cameras are just too expensive for most people. Especially mirrorless.
для получения хорошего и результатов они им не нужны. Есть много старых фотоаппаратов которые делают те же прекрасные снимки, что и десять лет назад. Но обилие рекламы во круг новых беззеркальных систем, заставляет людей думать, что те старые зеркальные камеры им уже не подходят
Yep. My new used camera this year is a Sony a900 a-mount to go with cheap Minolta lenses.
@@wongjefx980 Why Sony and not Canon (out of curiosity)?
@@spokoinayano4 So true.
“Its the not the Destination, It's the journey.” I find people fixate on having photos rather than the rewarding experiences and relationships that come through the act of making photos.
Just got back from vacation after enjoying both seeing Europe and practicing my photography skills (film and mirrorless). As I watched many folks taking smart phone snaps, I wondered how many of the photos would end up as 2minute wonders on social media, or forever become a part of the camera roll. For me, taking photographs is definitely about the journey and reviewing the results years later to see how my composition has changed.
You couldn't be more true, just got back from Yellowstone and a certain group of people just take pictures of themselves instead of the gorgeous scenery that surrounded them.
For me what is extremely overlooked and can revive photography is storytelling, social impact, and ...printing. In other words community and real conecction. Two years ago I was photographing a acting class; for me to take the shots, I had to build a relationship with the actors, teacher, the space over a long period of time. I cheerish those photos.
Maybe we photographers have figured out that we don't need to buy a new camera each year... Using the gear we already have.
Personally, we believe that there will be a major comeback as regulation catches up with AI companies and "organic" training data becomes hard to come by.
It will of course become important to "prove" that it's not AI generated content.
You're in for a big surprise... brands and huge organisations are in the middle of training their own ai models on their OWN copyrighted material. Ai is here to stay it'll be how we use it as a tool such as generative fill. Ai is also so much better for background composites than stock.
Film will be the new vinyl
It’s an aging crowd. At 40 I’m among the youngest guys using a stand alone digital camera for fun. Most of the time, it’s me and grandfathers who have a dedicated camera. What’s mostly left are pros and a few nerdy dads with a little money to burn and a desire to buy the toy, I’m the latter.
My 15 year old nephew just bought his first camera, a Canon R100. He wants to take photos that his phone can't, mainly photos of tiny critters like toads and salamanders and beetles and slugs and those kinds of things. He's really excited to learn about his new camera and the possibilities that it will open up. Of course, as soon as I found out what camera he bought, I searched your channel for a tutorial, found the one you did on the R100, watched it myself, and then sent him the link to it.
I belong to a Photography Club, and we're NOT seeing any kind of percentage of people wanting to join, so I'm not sure why all these 'young people' Chelsea mentions, are not joining, to hone their craft at least a little? I often wonder if some don't want to deal with the 'editing' process? Many seem to enjoy videography, but in my couple decades of enjoying Photography, I may have taken 3 video's, of which have long been deleted now, with my Nikon. I do have some video's on my iPhone 14 Pro Max, but that was for Christmas or Birthday gatherings! Kudo's, to those willing to learn, and take over for the older photographers that just don't get out there like they use to!
Can I ask how your club is marketing to potential younger photographers in your area?
Young people don't do ANYTHING in person. Yes, it's an over-generalization. But it's true.
I am on the last leg of a 6 thousand mile trip in Canada and the USA, and from what I have seen, close to 90% of photos are taken with phones. But I agree that only a tiny amount of camera users are just addicted to clicking, and have no interest in understanding photography, that would just take too big an investment in time. My son just invested a few grand in Fuji equipment and that is great to see at 40, I never thought I would see the day and he is invested in learning about the camera, what makes it work, and photography in general. I am no great photographer, even though I started over 50 years ago, but I still love it.
The kayaking wildlife photography video was my favorite since that is exactly what I do, and is the whole reason I bought a real camera!
I loved that video too
I normally fly my drone, but I very recently just bought a Cannon R8 and started to do photography again. I am starting to learn how to do street photography and i'm loving it. I'm with Chelsea, I don't think its dead at all!
I'll always use my camera instead of my phone. I love to edit. I shoot raw and can't wait to download the thousands of photos and have fun editing. It's a great hobby
same!
I'm just the opposite, I really dislike culling and editing photos, but I love the process of creating the photo, looking at a scene, trying to determine what would make a scene interesting, what kind of story does it tell. I guess that also comes from me starting off in analog film photography, and not really having the tools to post-process, so the image needed to come out as perfect as possible while snapping the shutter.
@@amberhawke i can see where you are coming from. there's an art in getting the perfect image - without the need for post-process work. i used to edit video, back when it was cut n' paste, so the footage had to look great - straight from the camera.
@@amberhawke I'm the same. I always try and get the best shot that I can straight out of camera and keep post processing to a minimum. I suppose that's not really an "artistic" approach but I have a preference for more or less realistic photos vs obviously doctored ones. It's not surprising to me that people have a hard time now distinguishing between heavily edited regular photos and AI generated ones.
I started out on film cameras and my first DSLR was a Canon AE1 and been a great since. Like computers they keep getting better but phone cameras and video special cameras are making better advances than commercial consumer or pro. I've got my eye on the R5 MKII for the next year with a few lenses and an adapter for my EF lenses. You don't have to realize that this weekend at the coast taking pictures I was changing lenses compared to when I took photos with my old Samsung note 9 which fits in my back pocket and I can surf the web and make phone calls. I am more like Tony but like listening to Chelsea and the positivity is wonderful. There are a bunch of us listening and watching. Thank you!
We've had a Sony NEX-5T for years and this year I finally bought myself an a6700 and 5 new lenses for everything from astrophotography to macro. Additionally, because i got rebitten by the photography bug my two young kids got interested and I bought them each a point and shoot. Since January I have watched endless hours of 20 min+ photography videos and, thanks to experts like you, I have improved greatly. Additionally, in utah where I live, there are many portrait photographers and they are all busy, booking out months in advance for family shoots. Like Chelsea, I am optimistic, even in the face of AI and smart phones.
People want shortcuts. The don't want to know the art and science of photography. They want to buy a camera and immediately start making money with it. They figure they will learn as they go. It's that way with almost everything.
Part of the reason younger photographers want a piece of gear rather than understanding the creative process, is the smartphone. Current smartphones do everything for them. They take dozens of photos and combine them to get flawless exposure. They use AI to calculate a style that will look best and then do all the post processing. They take so much of the creativity away from the “photographer” that what artistry is there does not reflect the photographer’s state of mind, but the amalgamation of the photos the AI was trained on.
I feel what is helping to kill photography is the fact that there is so much over processing and manipulation of images that it has become impossible to believe whether the image is "real" or not. "Fake" would be a good term to describe it.
As someone who began learning in the traditional film format, a darkroom is every bit as manipulative as an editing suite.
@@flightographist Nothing like what people deal with today. Printing B&W is easy and fun. Working with a program with a million options is not fun. I shot film since 1972 and made hundreds of B&W prints. It's not hard at all. Photography wasn't that complicated. Just had to learn how to expose the negative or positive correctly. And that isn't hard. Most people have no idea the fun we had 40 or 50 years ago. Today, I find it overwhelming to the point I set my digital camera to "P" or "M." I shoot it like I did with my Nikon F2, made in 1979. We overthink the process today.
@@flightographist I agree. I used to work in a processing lab and printed photos using an enlarger. We dodged, burned, warped, blocked, double exposed, all sorts of tricks.
True, we didn't have a million options as today but the principles were the same. What you saw in the image was not the same as the film strip.
Personally, I like the post processing today. Sure, some is overdone. If so then pan the photo just like one pans other photos that don't register with them.
However, how many times do you see something, take a picture, and say "that isn't anything like what it looked like in real life"? That is where post processing is the best.
@@bondgabebond4907 90% of my work is in camera, I shoot log and transform for film but rarely touch a still after exposure.
Well, it has always and will always be fake, since color exists only in our brains and there are several layers of “interpretation” of the waves coming out of an object and the sensation generated in your brain when looking at the picture. Air, optical filters, lenses in the objectives and its coatings, apertures, sensors with their micro lenses and filters, semiconducting light sensitiv cells with their quantum efficiency and pixelation, analog to digital converters, bit depth reduction, compression, and then you have the monitor or the printing / developing process with its own steps. Each steps takes the signal of the previous one and make it go through a transformation function that usually we do not control. If we do control it, does it make it any more or less fake? The real thing will always be just to be there and look.
The lighting and color of this is amazing. Yes I’m still watching the content!
One of my newest things has been creating a preset to give that soft focus early 70’s romance feel. That has gained me quite a few glamour oriented portrait shoots.
Documenting the world and life will always be needed, no matter how you do it. AI is one thing, but capturing reality cannot be done with AI. We will always need real photographers to capture real moments. Photography will never die!
I think the thing almost all channels miss when discussing this subject is that before cell phones had decent cameras the fact was you had to own a real camera if you wanted decent photos. And before phone cameras of any sort you had, well, cameras. There was no alternative. There were never that many people who loved the so called art of photography. There were people who wanted pictures of their kids before there was such a thing as a cell phone and then there were people who wanted the same thing until they felt their phone camera was good enough. Especially since they never print photos any more. These days you're seeing the numbers of people who actually loved photography versus the number of people who loved snapshots and convenience. When the convenience began to come with good enough quality for the masses they dropped the real cameras. Part of the reason real camera prices can be so high is that these companies know that at this point that other than their vlogging cameras they are generally selling to enthusiasts or pros. Both of whom will pay to play. They know there's no real market to be gained in super low priced camera gear even though my old $400 point and shoot Sony HX-80 will still shoot circles around the latest phone cameras if for no other reason than the actual zoom lens and more than just auto mode built in.
I like photography, but I do it just for me. Not really post anything. I have even very little time to process or organize them.
I love to live 5 year behind in technology. For me feels amazing every time I buy a 5 years old piece of equipment. It feels new and is so much cheaper. I recently bought a Canon M50ii, a discontinued mount, to upgrade my 60D. The smaller size, and new features are awesome, but the quality of my pictures are still mediocre because I don’t learn composition. I know everything about DOF and Crop Factor and equivalence though. Things that don’t matter when you are out taking pictures with no comment section to discuss about.
There might be a lot of people getting into photography, buying used gear that does not reflect in the statistics.
Photography will never die, might shrink, but playing with photons and scenes is so much fun that there will always be a group of people doing it.
I'm really glad I came across your video this evening, as I've watched many of your video's. I studied photography back in my school days, over 25yrs ago, always had filmed cameras until I bought a DSLR roughly 13yrs ago. Though not used consistently, I finally upgraded to a mirrorless this year with the thought of taking my photography to the next level. Hence why I have watched many videos on UA-cam to increase my knowledge of the current mirrorless ideal. I decided to go with the Canon R6mkII as I shot a lot of sport, started wildlife recently as well, but now wanting to move to landscapes and starscapes. I have suffered with high noise on my DSLR and that's my main reason for upgrading, I have still been using the DSLR on the soccer pitch as one of my EF lenses is a larger telephoto so further down the pitch it has been good. I've been contemplating on the R5mkII as another camera in my bag as it would fulfill the landscape and starscape side of my passion, also play a big roll with shooting team photos and be a big upgrade to my dual camera setup. Now that you've stated that it won't make a big difference in anyone's photography has added to my decision making, thank you for being honest. This hasn't put me off the R5mkII but has definitely added to the consideration.
I went to school and got a degree when film photo was ending and digital was beginning. In the old days you shot weddings/portraits or you did media/magazines freelancing. To attend cool stuff they didn't pay. You got a pass and credit if you were lucky. Everybody has a day job in tech. I am now a hobbyist and shoot stuff for fun. Nevermind how everyone says "we already have someone who does that." Or they get mad they actually had to pay you real money and never hire you again. The constant bs was maddening. Don't go to school for this unless you plan to teach at community college.
I take photographs for my own personal enjoyment. If that sounds selfish then please let me explain. Photography has introduced me to Looking at the world around me, and i think it is a pretty damn place to be! I enjoy, say, an amazing walk, take some photos along the way and, later, look at them on my computer screen, maybe sharing with my friends and often zooming in to see things in amazing detail. Yes, phone pictures have their place but, and it’s just my personal opinion, that my camera can get me so much closer to the beauty in this world, I love it!
Huge thanks to you Tony and Chelsea, for all your training videos which have been a huge help with all the technology. DOF RULES!!
My opinion is that physics means that cameras will always make better shots than smart phones. I think more people than Tony should be saying that smart phones actually do pretty crappy photos. I use my iPhone a lot but am very aware that its shots are not so good.
I think when we shot on film you had 24 or 36 chances to get it right. Then you had to wait to see your work. So you learned more about how it worked. Now you just push buttons, take 100 pictures and push another button to start over. It makes it too easy to be a professional at it.
I’m a pro photographer and sometimes the joy certainly is dead lol
Make time for personal passion projects.
In what way please? As a photographer I am grateful every day for what I do.
Too many restrictions now.
For me, photography captures moments in time and has the emotional connection that cannot be replicated with AI. No matter how good iphones get. Always remember, it does one thing really well, its a phone, not a camera, and will never be a camera. It will always show its weakness in some way.
Wildlife photography is already pretty niche. Add in a kayaking requirement, and I’m not surprised that the video didn’t get as many views.
I'm 72 and have used a camera for 50 years, in different phases of my life; landscapes, academic work, urban architecture, military Public Affairs. I've enjoyed learning each advancing technology from film to Kodachrome to DSLR. For the past two years, I've spent a lot of energy on bird and wildlife photography, by far the most challenging. I'm in awe of what mirrorless cameras and their lenses can capture and I'm having a ball using Lightroom and Topaz. Intelligent, knowledge content producers such as yourselves have been an invaluable resource. Amazing stuff that gets more so every year - Photography is most certainly not dead!
Tony, Tony, Tony... 24,000 viewers isn't enough for you??? Sure, your product reviews get many more views, but still -- that's 24,000 people who took the time, and had the patience, to watch a slow, wordy tutorial!
I'm reminded of the time a friend of mine, a classical musician, gave a concert in NYC. It wasn't well advertised, and there were other things going on that day... and she got one person in the audience. One older man. So she played her heart out for this fellow, and he had the greatest concert experience of his life.
Appreciate what you have, be glad with how many you reach with your useful, practical, excellent teaching!
Sales are down because most are using phones that they keep upgrading year after year and spending thousands of dollars on. But last time I checked if you are doing wildlife photography nobody shows up with an IPhone.
I had just been on holiday to Greece. For the first time, I just took a mobile. I did not see anyone else with a camera, and I left the Fuji XT 3 at home . It's dying slowly
Really....
On Holiday? I take more time packing my Camera gear making sure i dont forget anything than i do anything else. My Camera will always be with me
Camera sales are only down because there are just too many cameras and new editions without any major improvements.
Probably are to expensive for many, to high cost of living these days everything go's up and up and there is no more money for shopping
@JosephBartalisPhotography yes and people are already having to upgrade their smartphones every few years which are expensive and with reasonably good photographic capabilities for average user.
@@GroberWeisenstein Well in your case if you think so, I see many with nice gear out there and photographers, not everyone with cellphones... but that's how you see thing's in your own eye's!
@@GroberWeisenstein My cellphone is a G4 an older one and I have no planes to upgrade but I did upgrade my camera to a Nikon Z8 few months ago! Or maybe photography is not just for everyone because takes more than just a cellphone to unterstand it!
@@JosephBartalisPhotography try convincing the mass market otherwise.
You used to be able to develop your own film. No one “spying” on you. No subscription. Now Adobe has its tentacles in you , you can’t buy it as a product and not connect to the cloud. Can you imagine having your car that had to be connected to your phones data in order to turn on ? It’s ludicrous. Even office 365 , it’s crazy. Why can’t you just buy something and use it until you want to upgrade. Kinda like a camera.
Shareholders has to be happy...
I’m a late bloomer but I’m trying to learn everything I can in depth and channels like yours, and UA-cam as a whole, are amazing educational platforms. Maybe it’s because I’m older, but there are those who still want to learn the art.
That's amazing! Keep going.
I think most of us really can’t afford all these classes so we try to learn on our own or look at free classes that offered at times!
Love watching you both. Just anecdotally, have seen a bunch of young people this year with real cameras doing street photography near where I work in London; and have seen young people in person taking great shots (pro level, better than me) with their iphones. Definitely gave me hope for the hobby: real, "what did I know?" moments.
Photography isn't dead. The equipment we use to capture an image has changed. People shoot more photos today than they did 20 years ago. They just use cell phones instead of DSLRs.
People shot more pics using DSLRs than with SLRs. More images with SLRs than with Kodak Brownies. We continue to shoot more photos.
I would like to offer you a point, if I may. I have identified a gap between smartphone users and enthusiasts. To enter interchangeable lens realm you need at least 1,000 USD, but price aside, there is nothing anymore in between. Ten years ago camera manufacturers were offering models like Canon G-series, some Fuji X (xf1, x10), Sony RX-series - cameras suited for creativity although with smaller 1” sensors or less. Now we only have Fuji X100 series and Ricoh with APS-C sensors, Sony with 1” sensors, cameras that are hard to come by and they are expensive to the point that you would be better off with a kit. And this is why older 10 years camera are selling now for a premium 50% more than when they were new.
For me, I would like to drop my bag of L-lenses and just go with a small compact camera, like G7X Mk III (just as an example). But they key point for such a camera are: dials for aperture, shutter speed, focus ring, and not much more. I think technically you may adjust them in any compact camera, but the functions are buried deep in the menus, and the design enabling this creative mood is therefore largely missing. I think this is exactly why Fuji X100 series are so popular. But for me, I am surely missing other manufacturers engage into this design. I do understand and appreciate computational photography, for what it’s worth, and it’s worth a lot, but the options to have a ‘back-to-basic’ approach I consider it will make more people engage with the art of photography. A subtle difference between a ‘photo’ and a ‘still’.
Pricewise I would see this niche being priced at the 500 USD mark, to make it more attractive for young people that are notorious lacking finance. Just to be in line with your comments, that I highly appreciate.
The best way to get people involved in photography is to ask them what medium or what kind of means they are able to use and how much they willing to invest in telling a story? Artists use many different methods and mediums to make their storytelling more appealing. Writers uses words that invoke emotions or ideas that can make the reader react or even make the changes to a reader’s thinking. Photographs tell the story and also relate historical information as documented events that everyone can relate to.😮
The reason the kayak video didn't do well is that people quickly realized it was about wildlife, or more specifically bird photography. that's such a niche, even I who am quite old have no interest in it. Make a video on how to shoot, edit and post HDR vids for UA-cam and it will blow up.
Correct! I agree with this. However, I don’t see a lot of people taking interest in others who are creating content to educate either. Here’s what I think is going on. You have 2 camps in the photography community. You have gear heads and aspiring photographers. The gear heads are the issue. The gear heads what UA-cam videos about gear and inflate the numbers for UA-camrs and UA-camrs think the numbers for their channels are doing well, when in actuality, it’s gear heads who are in the comments section arguing about which brand is the best that inflated the UA-cam numbers for those channels. Photographers aren’t really watching UA-cam that often, and they especially aren’t watching UA-cam videos on which gear is the best from which brand. They go to camera stores and search online, finding the gear that’s going to work best and move on.
Want to add - I didn't watch the video because the title alone told me all I wanted to know about it - sure, get closer = get better photos. It is hard for me to imagine what else I could learn from it : but in fairness I'll go watch it and maybe I'll be surprised.
I am interested in wildlife photography but no way in hell am I bringing my precious gear on a kayak for me to flip or get soaked like the klutz that I am. So I bounced off the video. I love Tony's technical explainer videos though as I love the science and engineering of photography.
@@BillwzwThey talked about technique - pros of tandem kayaking with one person shooting, how the non shooter should be strategically steering.
I watched the video but had camera ptsd…I dropped a Contax camera with Zeiss lens into the Pacific paddling a kayak in Costa Rica.
I think you hit the nail on the head with the point about a community. I got very interested in photography through Flickr which at one time had a great community. That community really changed as various business decisions were made but also with Instagram. But Instagram isn't really a community and now, while I follow a LOT of photographers on Instagram, I never see photography come through my feed but rather I basically just see ads. While it's great for people to set up their own sites to show their portfolios, that also doesn't drive community and learning and your average person who's getting into photography as a hobby isn't going to set up a site with their own domain until they're much deeper into it. I'd love to see a revitalized Flickr to bring that community back.
If you want to get new people interested in cameras, you need to make videos like Thomas Heaton, Simon d'Entremont, and many others. Get out there, show us what you can do. Make it interesting, have fun and most of all SMILE ;-)
I just found Thomas from when he went Tornado chasing, pretty good follow
After growing up in the 50s and up with my Dads Leica always in close reach, even on road trips luging around multiple lens, hanging around in his darkroom, going with him to his camera club meetings, I could not get that interested. Today, after trying to master my RX100m4, (not wanting to ever lug around lenses) I just received my first big camera, the RX10iv. That's all I'll will ever want, cause I'll never be a pro, don't need it. Post processing has been has been around for ever but now so much better, no chemicals! My after school job was processing film, (my Dad got me that job). Just now getting deeper in to this. I think I'm beginning to be some kind of an Artist, but I'll never clamed to be one. Just trying to duplicate (and getting closer) to what you guys and other are showing. Thanks, your talking points reminds me of my yesteryears.
I went to a tourist trap in Tucson called Trail Dust Town and was told I could not take pictures (I was shooting buildings, not people - no tripod or lights and I am amateur) with my EOS R because it was a pro camera. Cell phones were okay. The reason was that two portrait studios leased space in the property, and this was crowding their gig. Security were incredibly nice and it was private property. I asked if they wanted me to delete the pictures I took, and they kindly said no. I have no ill will to TDT so don’t throw them shade. I just want to give example that photography is taking hits left and right: restricted areas, crowded areas, telephone lines, Karens that involve themselves on public streets. The list goes on. Then add to this the topics of AI, proliferation of bad shots of the same Antelope Canyon, and you do wonder if photography is dying. Some will say that’s a lazy excuse, and there are plenty of new subjects to shoot and talent will rise to the top. I don’t disagree. I would just observe as a landscape and architectural photographer that I have to travel longer and to quieter towns to get shots which takes some of the fun away.
Yes that makes no sense, I have a Canon 90D and probably would have been told I could not use it while my Samsun Note 9 takes great pictures for a phone.
I went to Oshkosh Wi for a week long air show called EEA. They claim they have rights to all the photos and photographers can't sell them.. Good luck chasing that one.
I know it sucks, everything is off limits now, I cant even take a picture of a rusted old ride at an amusement park. I took a picture of a tree aiming high that happened to be next to a school that was under construction and security crossed the street to ask me "what did I take a picture of?".
I'm a hobbyist photographer, one thing that has helped me is using old, all manual film cameras, once you do the math and realize that after buying film and getting them developed and especially prints made, that each picture has a not insignificant cost, it forces you to slow down and actually think about how to take the photo and you have to learn what each setting does and how it affects it
The main issue that I have seen with how the younger crowd is more about the instant ability to get the shot. Yes the newer gear makes it easier for the end user to get a great shot with the eye AF and tracking. These two features alone make a beginner a good photographer and they don’t allow the person that has been shooting for a long time stand out now. I prefer shooting with older gear so I can actually work on the craft without the camera making the shot so easy. I had a newer mirrorless body and lenses but I was flying through my comps and it felt soul less for me. I was getting the shot but I was getting them so fast that it actually took away from slowing down and making the shot. I have found that shooting with a basic entry level full frame was the ticket for me becasue it truly brought the art aspect into for me.
As an amateur, I bought the camera because I wanted better photo results than the phone. Now, I love the technique behind it and follow tutorials to discover something new on my camera. For me, it's not all about the result. It's also the pleasure of using the technique behind it. And that's amazing!
I’m GenX and photography has always been a hobby. I just picked up cheap studio lighting and modifiers to play with. Got a lens for astrophotography and a lens for wildlife. Everything was used. My new used camera is Sony a900 A-mount. Enough for me to take pics and enjoy.
I actually loved your Kayak video because I have a kayak and have been wanting to take it out and photograph from it. While I can not afford the newer cameras I have a Nikon 5600 currently. I went ahead and bought the Nikon 200 - 500mm lens because I love to photograph wildlife. I currently go on weekend trips to Assateague Island and photograph the wildlife as often as possible. My biggest problem is learning what all the camera can do and at times I get frustrated with figuring out the best setting and all the buttons out, but at the same time I actually want to learn to get better at it. I have bought your books and several others and in time hope to get much better at photography. I find such peace when I have my camera in my hand, and love capturing moments in time that I would otherwise never get to see again.
I told an employer 12 years ago that for younger people a still photo meant to them that the video was buffering. This was one of the largest camera stores in the US. The growth of that company since has vastly been due to video centric sales.
I watched something recently that has me staying off Facebook etc, because the more images we browse the more we dull our brain to them. Which 100% makes sense - like any addiction.
I think the rise of AI might make photography even more attractive, because with the increase of fake I think more people will be reaching for something real and might want to take more photos and get back into the real world
I am 54 years old, never post anything in facebook, rarely on instagram etc, and yet, I just upgraded my nikon D7100 for a Sony A7iv because I love to take pictures of my grandkids and wanted a faster, lighter more capable camera.
Some time ago, I dreamed of becoming a pro but didn’t happened, but thaks to people like you I can take some good pictures my Iphone would never be able to achieve.
Thank you
I have seldom done without a camera. I used my fathers a few times as a kid. I was10 in 1960 and got to take some pictures during that time. Got my own , first real camera in '71. A Konica Autoreflex T. (still shoot it). My digital is a Nikon D-7200. I also have 16 old film cameras. I love shooting all of them even though, and partly because, they are each different. So, I'm with Chelsea. As long as there are cameras to be had, there will be photographers carrying them, shooting them, and having fun recording the world in front of them. Y'all are my peeps.
I’m part of a personal resurgence in photography after a decade or more on smartphone, now back into the Nikon Z mirrorless system and your channel had a hand in that
I think a lot of careers related to photography and other industries are going to suffer, if not die altogether as ai continues to prove more cost efficient within certain revenue streams.
I believe there will always be value within the art of photography that can capture the profound elements of our thinking and life around us with a single image. Those capable of doing this will probably struggle to find the correct audience for this, leading to discouragement and desire for quitting, but that is half the battle for artists of all mediums.
The death of the magazine or paper in general and rise of social media has created a super highway with how we absorb our world. This has devalued photography because it cannot be absorbed properly to fully appreciate it. Hence why video is more desired on all current platforms while amazing pictures are designated to at best a “Cool shot” and followed by a finger swipe to the next thing the algorithm is telling us we’ll like. Photography needs a new stage to distinguish itself for its own greatness if it’s going to ever thrive again.
I think it's not how you entice them to like photography through proper exposure composition, etc. It's usually the experience of the process of getting that photo that's what getting them attached to photography.
Photography will always be alive. Photography captures memories, it's not always about the professional side of things.
I just noticed that UA-cam is never recommending your videos in my feed anymore. I actively have to go to my subscription to look for them. Maybe that is because I'm generally not looking at many camera and photography UA-camrs anymore. I also have very little time to take photos myself and if I do, it's often with a smart phone.
That was a fun discussion, thank you! My two-cents - I think the recent "surge" in interest in film touches on a couple of the points you made. In an AI world, where images are becoming more "life-like," film provides a physical record of the original image. Even if it was heavily edited - there is proof that this image is a photograph and not a purely digital creation. Second, perfection is boring - because the digital version of "perfection" can make all images start to look the same. So, if a photographer wants their image to reflect themselves as a creative person - the nature of film can allow a photographer to bring something extra to the image - something that doesn't look like a thousand other images. And especially with older film cameras, the interaction with the camera itself can make a person feel like they didn't just "take" a picture but "made" a picture, even if its just a matter of turning an aperture ring, manual focus or advancing the film.
Phone photos are average and average has been normalised.
There are just too many people with cameras, iPhones and professional. Plus everything is looking the same, no originality. Plus the cost of high end lenses and cameras.
The answer to how to get more people interested in the art of photography is actually one of the most common words used in photography, Exposure.
By exposing young people, or anyone, to seeing a really cool, interesting, or artistic photo, a certain percentage will naturally want to know how they got that photo and want to learn more.
1. Thank you for making the video about kayak nature photography. Not something I would have sought out, but really enjoy the information you shared.
2. Comparing the performance of that video to a R5 review is, as you said, apples to oranges. You’re always going to have a larger audience to speak to when you’re generally talking about camera gear verse a specific genre of photography that not everyone cares about.
3. I think the gateway drug to photography is actually having experiences worth capturing. Centering the learning process around something that you have a personal connection makes it so much more rewarding. Sure that pictures of the NYC skyline isn’t as good as a postcard I could have bought, but it reminds me of a moment and a memory I want to hang on to. You kind of need to accept that some people are always going to be ok with the good enough photos they get with their phone, and that’s ok.
surprised to hear about boston. Most folks under 30 I know don’t even want to think about the existence of cameras beyond phones, let alone know anything about them.
To answer your question about how to draw people to photography ... I feel you should focus on the enjoyment of it, rather than creating a final product so you can share it or sell it. To me it's not about the final image, but more about learning the process, the relaxation and therapy I get from it, and yes, I do occasionally get an amazing image that is worth sharing. It's about learning how to use the new tools that are available in cameras these days, and how to quickly adapt to changing conditions. Focus on how the photography process is relaxing, and gratifying.
Chelsea is right. I was fine with my iPhone UNTIL I needed pics and videos of our kids lacrosse games. Bought the s5ii and I’m so happy with it. Like Tony said towards the beginning of the video there is no comparison between pics taken with a real camera and an iPhone.
I and my GF are currently fell in love with film photography. We started developing the film ourselves and even got a enlarger from a friend so now we have these things to learn. Its been really lot of fun so far. Analog photography is bit harder and you have to think about the pictures way more than with digital. But then wehen thinks work out as you imagined its a great feeling.
Please keep making the tutorials. I keep a note of what topics are taught and then when I’m in. A position later to learn that thing, I’m really glad it’s been there. Future me needs you to keep making things today, please!
Personally, I do see your channel as a serious gear review resource. I would love to see more teaching content from you. On the art of photography as well as the technical skills to create good images. I like it when you do photo critiques, so I can try to learn from your comments. Anyone can take a photo, I want to learn how to create good images that evoke emotion! Most channels do gear reviews, which just makes me have gear anxiety. I’m an amateur nature photographer that considers myself a life long learner. So, yes please, more content on teaching and helping us build our skills! Also, thank you for putting out this free content, I appreciate you!
You can get great original pictures with your phone and I know a lot of people who are interested in that.
I’ve resisted updating my “real” camera for quite a while because the best camera is the one that you have with you at the time and I always have a phone in my pocket.
I’ve just updated to an A7RV though because I want to do more and I’d found that I was getting better results from my phone than my old 12Mp APSC DSLR.
What I find gets people interested is to show what they are actually able to do with their phone to get better pictures. That prompts them to understand more about what they are doing and that gets them interested in photography.
What makes it really hard though is the terrible way that cameras are marketed and sold. I’ve been using an SLR for 50 years and am tech savvy (working in IT) but the models and websites etc are appalling. It took me a month of solid research on top of many months talking to friends - 2 of whom have been professional photographers- to settle on my new camera.
Even buying lenses is super confusing- is it a full frame lens, an APS-C or a 4/3? Then so many different mounts. I had gone Nikon for lens choices but since they now have 3 versions they’ve lost me. Even with Sony it’s hard when everyone often just say E and you have to dig in to work out if it’s a FF lens or not.
What is really encouraging though are the number of videos and courses coming out for getting the most from a smartphone. Once people understand how to get better pics they will buy a real camera if they can afford it. (I know that as a student in the 80s even the cost of processing the film was prohibitively expensive).
Chelsea is spitting facts! I love her optimism! Don’t find a lot of people like her nowadays.
Interesting topic and food for thought. Thanks Tony & Chelsea for shedding light to our passion for photography!
The shere thought of something (maybe) dying fuels us with strength to keep the flame alive so to speak 🔥👍
I LOVED the kayak photo shoot, I too shoot a lot from the kayak. I learned some new things as well. Enjoy your channel, THX. Keep up the good work
I think the way we get more people into photography is getting outside with people, cameras, teachers like you guys and no cellphones to distract.
Come on guys... You are Comparing... "Products vs Personal Work"...
Views will always go towards "Products"....
Tutorials, Workshops... wont get as much views... but you will receive
Faithful Fans that you always influence and continue to inspire.
Now a days... In The USA... things are kinda Crazy... so most industries that are into "Hobbies, Passions" are in a "Standby"...
KEEP UP THE WORK. You are Truly Appreciated.
PHOTOGRAPHY... WILL NEVER DIE!
I love all your tutorial videos it has helped me learn my camera in so many ways so thank you guys and keep them coming
People don't want to hear about cameras they can not afford when they are having trouble buying food.
I started taking photos with a Nikon EM back in 1979 and like you Tony it was a single photo that planted the seed of interest, and it was photo of a Timber wolf. So over time technology changes for the good or worse and it's up to us to use it in a way that keeps people interested in the art of photography for instance watching your pod casts is what re-energized my interest and I purchased a used Sony a77 and a sigma 150-500mm telephoto and now I'm looking to get a Sony a7 IV or a7R. and it's because of you and Chelsea and the way you present photography in your pod casts. Tony if I remember correctly, you said it was at 11 when you seen the photo of the Afghan school girl. what I miss is the time in the dark room, but once again watching your pod casts I'M exploring some photo editing programs like Gimp instead of photoshop for new ideas. So photography the art is still there but like All things it has its ups and downs we just have to flex and adjust as we go.
If I'm shooting HSS, do all the flashes need to be HSS capable? For example rim lights, background lights etc.
in the next 10-15 years Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Sony, Ari may all merge as small camera company giving camera on demand order only as a nostalgic gear. Their main business will be sports A.I. robot photographers, security surveillance and space. Then ultimately lockheed martin will buy them at the end.
All the real enthusiasts need and love your tutorials so don't stop please !! :)
Thank you for your honesty I have been follower for years. We went to Europe last week and we found we are using real camera less and less.
May be time to rethink about real camera. May it it is for pros only. Time is changing like everything else.
Camera sales peaked in 2010 at 121 million, and dropped down to around 8 million every year since 2020!
Tony's long form camera walkthroughs are the best. I still watch the Olympus one from years ago. Ironically the long form will save you time rather than watching some boof head 1 min trick on tiktok
I'm into aviation photography and I'm amazed at the set ups kids (13-17) have now. $2-2.5K body & camera. I'm glad to see my favorite hobby expanding and I'm sure the parents are glad to get them off the computers, except for editing and outside. Most of my friends I've all met at air shows or at my local airport and they're all ages. 18 yr olds to 70's
NH State college I shoot sports at stopped paying all their photographers due to budge cuts and now just use students and are happy with "good enough" shots.
so all over the world, people now no longer see the difference between a professional and a boy with a camera
@@spokoinayano4 the fact that the school isn't embarrassed with how grainy the shots are that they post says everything...
I think that it is important to encourage photography enthusiasts to start out working with manual film cameras. It’s not important to develop your own film - just send exposed film to a lab.
Film doesn’t lie - it shows the photographer what they did making it possible to develop a personal style and see issues in camera technique and picture composition that need improvement.
Interesting! Very good insight into photography related reality. I have thought a lot about this and the discussion offered here is really good. I have found that this development also applies to some other areas where technological development has stimulated consumption for a long time. Great video!
Retired and returned to photography after 40 years of film. Bought three R5 and R6M2 in March 2024. Just got the R5M2 (already!). And lenses…another $12,xxx. Price/cost is a barrier to entry for everyone. Then the printer (Canon pro-1000). Ink, paper…. I try to only shoot what I am willing to print - not living only in the digital space.
I recently heard a really interesting comment about photography .. in that it is useful to make an image "about something" rather than "of something". Of course the gear you use needs to be of a minimum standard, but its the combination of subject, composition, gear, lighting etc that are the ingredients of the recipe that tells a story in an image. I think the way ahead is to get folk engaged in making interesting images, by whatever means .. and a proportion of them will then want to learn more. As to what constitues an interesting image is another ball game entirely ...
Try going back to film. Slow down, think, shoot. The instant gratification is gone, and you get better, faster. imho. There's only two settings and focus to worry about, and, as a bonus, no fumbling with batteries, screens, and the like. It is what it is. :-) Most oldies (family) will still have their film cameras in a cupboard somewhere, so, they are basically free anyway. Shoot some b&w and play with diy development; it's an ace hobby. :-)