Sam was an instructor of mine at the University of Missouri photojournalism workshop way back in 1989. Watching this video all of his lesson, comments and withering criticism of my work come flooding back. I've internalized so many of his lessons that I have forgotten how much his words had influenced my work everyday. Thank you Sam
When I see all the hyper-realistic, overly edited images of our instagram inspired world...I think about an era when cultivated talent and hard earned knowledge were both respected and sought after. Perhaps software is used to smother the truth that many of us simply don't know how to create an amazing photograph anymore. Watching videos like this is a great first step. Thank you B&H for introducing me to an amazing photographer and a new way entirely of understanding this art form. This mans career happened decades before I was even born and I hope other people of my generation will start to see photography this way, too.
"You see you don't know...you don't know about life or what gift life is going to give you. That's another reason to compose and wait because that is what you are waiting for....a miracle." Sam oh Sam, your are my gift and miracle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This talk gives me life again. In Rome this past fall we were robbed. As we took our seats on the train to Florence, a thief walked off with my bag, the entirety of my camera kit, laptop, hard drives... and wedding rings ($25,000 value) I have pretty much given up on photography since then. Until hearing Sam's story of Ireland.
I will not be using Photoshop again. :) Seriously... now I feel like using software is not the photography. It's being cheated ourselves. :) Thanks Mr Sam Abell for the inspirational lecture and for B&H for sharing it for us who cannot attend live on those great seminars.
The best lecture I’ve seen about photography. Sam Abell is not only a master of photography, but a lecture master. A pleasure and very useful to have found this video. Thanks B & H
An absolute privilege to "experience" ALL the dimensions of photography through your BRILLIANT mind... Deeply grateful to your enormous GENEROSITY, Mr. Abell!!!!!! What does a brillliant mind think, see, feel, decide when composing a "life" photograph... such a great great honor. Thank you so much!!!!!!
Excellent lecture. I've seen so many on UA-cam, from top photographers, where there is a single camera pointed at the speaker and the photo is barely visible. Then the photographer rattles through their work with a "This is on 5th Avenue, this is here, this is there", with no mention of how, why when etc (Bruce Gilden being the worst) This focuses on the photo, shown fullscreen and each is dissected and explained. Thank you.
I have come back to this and watch it yet again. Wisdom in photography here presented by a thoughtful and compassionate photographer. "Compose and wait". I just love that piece of advice by Sam's father.
Compose and wait, take a low angle, keep the sun behind you, head and shoulders above the horizon, slow down time, nothing touches, back to front photography. Setting, expression, gesture. Wait. Wait for what? A blue umbrella?, a dog catching a frisbee? I am Sam, I am from Ohio and I am awesome.
Sam Abell completely fills in all the unknown questions I had as well as the questions I didn't even know to ask. He makes such sense in his vision to making a photo. Such humble experience, strength and heart. Thanks to my friend Jim JJ Keener for knowing me so well to excited call me and turn me on to Sam and his photographic understanding and teaching skills. I am beyond excited to practice patience, thoughtfulness and structure as often as I remember. Thank you Sam Abell for taking the time and having the interest to share what your father and all your years of experience have taught you with us.
This lecture started so slow that I nearly skipped it... i let it play in the background anyway... boy am I happy I didn't skip it! I learned SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! I love his teaching style! he tells you what to avoid and he talks you through his train of thought! I love it! ... and his pictures are amazing!!!
Got no words to describe the feelings and emotions which I went through by watching this video and listening to this guy ! Thank you Sam Abell for sharing your love for photography and life!
Live performances. I did a week workshop with him and he changed my way of shooting forever. This was after a BFA and 10 years as a professional. He is a deeply compelling and dedicated photographer.
Thank you Sam Abell! I am energized and inspired by the wisdom, experience and love of photography in this presentation. I am grateful that B&H has this video in their library.
this is such an inspirational insight into the life of a man who loves photography. I will never forget this video and these words of wisdom from such a true gent.
Both inspiring and humbling, this talk shows you how to make good photographs and, perhaps, create a body of work, as Sam Abell has done, that points to greatness.
Thank you for saying what you did about photoshop. If you love editing, no problem, its just one way to do this. But all these people preaching that you HAVE to edit and know photoshop, and work it in order for your pics to be finished photography is garbage.
wonderful lecture! I am wondering why pares would need to be bought on the black market in Moscow, pares weren't exactly scarce in the soviet union lol
Cartier-Bresson’s most famous image was cropped. Your most famous image was cropped. Why limit your vision to the aspect ratio of your available camera? Pre-visualize your image, then crop to your pre-visualization. It’s really okay.
+amosk24 - I don’t remember this being something directly touched upon in Sam Abell’s presentation. And while I’m not entirely certain of what you mean by ‘genuine’, this would likely be a question best suited for the photographer in question. *Christina* AskPhoto@bhphoto.com
+B and H Sam did. He said there was a notable photographer using Photoshop to clone Zebras, etc in his photographs. Sam said he doesn't know which ones are genuine anymore. Here's an article highlighting photographers beef with Art Wolfe www.washington.edu/alumni/columns/dec98/wolfe4.html
That introduction about canon would have been great if it wasn't for the recent stunt they pulled, restrictring 3rd party lenses on their RF system. I lost so much respect for them and have increasingly been looking at a Sony platform.
To me, this is the most meaningful, intelligent and emotionally moving talk on what photography truly is.
kind of poetry
I agree. I am totally in awe.
Sam was an instructor of mine at the University of Missouri photojournalism workshop way back in 1989. Watching this video all of his lesson, comments and withering criticism of my work come flooding back. I've internalized so many of his lessons that I have forgotten how much his words had influenced my work everyday. Thank you Sam
When I see all the hyper-realistic, overly edited images of our instagram inspired world...I think about an era when cultivated talent and hard earned knowledge were both respected and sought after. Perhaps software is used to smother the truth that many of us simply don't know how to create an amazing photograph anymore. Watching videos like this is a great first step.
Thank you B&H for introducing me to an amazing photographer and a new way entirely of understanding this art form. This mans career happened decades before I was even born and I hope other people of my generation will start to see photography this way, too.
Maybe the greatest training and most significant teacher I’ve ever heard. Oh Lord let me be the student.
"You see you don't know...you don't know about life or what gift life is going to give you. That's another reason to compose and wait because that is what you are waiting for....a miracle." Sam oh Sam, your are my gift and miracle. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This talk gives me life again.
In Rome this past fall we were robbed. As we took our seats on the train to Florence, a thief walked off with my bag, the entirety of my camera kit, laptop, hard drives... and wedding rings ($25,000 value) I have pretty much given up on photography since then.
Until hearing Sam's story of Ireland.
I will not be using Photoshop again. :) Seriously... now I feel like using software is not the photography. It's being cheated ourselves. :) Thanks Mr Sam Abell for the inspirational lecture and for B&H for sharing it for us who cannot attend live on those great seminars.
This is an incredibly brilliant lecutre that I found full of gems. Well worth the time to watch through
The best lecture I’ve seen about photography. Sam Abell is not only a master of photography, but a lecture master. A pleasure and very useful to have found this video. Thanks B & H
Wow. Just wow. One of the most amazing photographer ever show us all the secrets behind his most famous photos. Truly a gem!
An absolute privilege to "experience" ALL the dimensions of photography through your BRILLIANT mind... Deeply grateful to your enormous GENEROSITY, Mr. Abell!!!!!! What does a brillliant mind think, see, feel, decide when composing a "life" photograph... such a great great honor. Thank you so much!!!!!!
Excellent lecture. I've seen so many on UA-cam, from top photographers, where there is a single camera pointed at the speaker and the photo is barely visible. Then the photographer rattles through their work with a "This is on 5th Avenue, this is here, this is there", with no mention of how, why when etc (Bruce Gilden being the worst) This focuses on the photo, shown fullscreen and each is dissected and explained. Thank you.
I have come back to this and watch it yet again. Wisdom in photography here presented by a thoughtful and compassionate photographer. "Compose and wait". I just love that piece of advice by Sam's father.
An absolutely wonderful tutorial which I've watched before, and will watch again. Thank You Sam Abell for the inspiration.
Never been this inspired. This has been the most educational thing Ive watched on photography.
Compose and wait, take a low angle, keep the sun behind you, head and shoulders above the horizon, slow down time, nothing touches, back to front photography. Setting, expression, gesture. Wait. Wait for what? A blue umbrella?, a dog catching a frisbee? I am Sam, I am from Ohio and I am awesome.
👍
Thanks for the notes. Great. Thanks from China
Certainly one of my favorite photography talks!
This man is what the word Photographer is personified!
One of the best lectures on B and H! Thanks for sharing.
Extraordinary lecture. Each random click in this channel has successively exceeded all expectations. Thank you B&H and thank you Sam.
Sam Abell completely fills in all the unknown questions I had as well as the questions I didn't even know to ask. He makes such sense in his vision to making a photo. Such humble experience, strength and heart. Thanks to my friend Jim JJ Keener for knowing me so well to excited call me and turn me on to Sam and his photographic understanding and teaching skills. I am beyond excited to practice patience, thoughtfulness and structure as often as I remember. Thank you Sam Abell for taking the time and having the interest to share what your father and all your years of experience have taught you with us.
This lecture started so slow that I nearly skipped it... i let it play in the background anyway... boy am I happy I didn't skip it! I learned SOOOOO MUCH!!!!! I love his teaching style! he tells you what to avoid and he talks you through his train of thought! I love it! ... and his pictures are amazing!!!
I’m going to watch this once a month. So inspired this lecture, Sam loves photography as it should be.
This is a great presentation. Well worth the almost two hours. I loved it!!
Probably the best photography class I ever had. And the best B&H video.
I've seen many videos about photography, but by watching this I truly understood what it stands for
Got no words to describe the feelings and emotions which I went through by watching this video and listening to this guy ! Thank you Sam Abell for sharing your love for photography and life!
Sam's work is outstanding. He is an awesome photographer and teacher. He is an all around great person.
One of the best talks in the channel. One of the most inspiring and teaching.
Live performances. I did a week workshop with him and he changed my way of shooting forever. This was after a BFA and 10 years as a professional. He is a deeply
compelling and dedicated photographer.
One of the best presentations I've been fortunate enough to see. Thanks to all who enabled this.
Traveling across country when you're just a kid with your family it's priceless.
Brilliant--saw it 3x!! The best video on B&H thus far.
A fantastic talk all aspiring photographers should listen to, and REALLY listen.
Wonderful presentation. Sam Abell is the best. Best presentation at B&H in a long time.
this video had an enormous influence on me. what a fantastic photographer.
Honestly one of the most enlightening talks I've ever seen, so many nuggets of knowledge delivered straight to the point. 👌📸
Absolutely one of the best photography lectures I ever seen. Thanks B&H and Sam Abell!
"My photography is not about perfection it is about goodness", and it is his goodness intent make it perfect...
I listened to this over and over again and still learn more new things each time. Thank you, Sam. :)
The best video I've seen so far on B and H. Thanks
Thank you Sam Abell! I am energized and inspired by the wisdom, experience and love of photography in this presentation. I am grateful that B&H has this video in their library.
just WOW. Absolutly heartfelt and breathtacking. So deep
Really great photography, storytelling, and teaching. Thank you.
this should be the new standard for B&H event space.
this is such an inspirational insight into the life of a man who loves photography. I will never forget this video and these words of wisdom from such a true gent.
Wow 🥺 this was so beautiful, it made me want to think twice about every picture I take from now on.
Both inspiring and humbling, this talk shows you how to make good photographs and, perhaps, create a body of work, as Sam Abell has done, that points to greatness.
A very beautiful talk. Thank you!
One of the best videos about taking photos... great!
Thanks you, I couldn't come with words to describe it. A piece of art on its own.
Outstanding - watch to learn about how to take great photographs; very meaningful.
love this Video. That man is experienced and you can hear through him the voice of his father I guess
This is absolutely amazing
I've just received my early Christmas present. Thank you
one of the finest B&H talk
Wonderful talk.Thanks a lot. What a great photographer!
A man with something to say.........Thanks.
Absolutely fantastic presentation, thank you very much.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Truly inspirational!
Awesome very inspiring and learned alot thanks
I love B&H Event Space Videos. I feel like I learn so much from them. This one is one of the best ones I have seen.
Started off a bit slow and I almost stopped watching. So glad I didn’t! So many great lessons! Once they began there is no way I could stop watching.
Sam’s color slides are beautiful
love the dog & dolphin relationship captured on camera
great video !
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Thank you.
Great lecture! I learned quite a bit of new info.
great talk and lessons learned
Reading the comments, I'm looking forward to hearing this. 😀
Very nice presentation.
Very good! I enjoyed the video!
Amazing. Are these photos in the book (The Life of a Photograph)?
This is so cool!
this guy is my kinda photographer, its how i try to be, before i even knew of him.
Breathtaking stuff...
Fantastic!!
Thank you for saying what you did about photoshop. If you love editing, no problem, its just one way to do this. But all these people preaching that you HAVE to edit and know photoshop, and work it in order for your pics to be finished photography is garbage.
Thank you so much.
Masterclass. The American HCB.
Thanks Sam, Thanks B+H..
wow ! great insight! Mahalo
Photography without all the bull s--t. A true photographer that teaches photography not "How to make my photos look better with Photoshop."
please add english subtitles!
Oh my.
Beautiful, in so many ways.
wonderful lecture!
I am wondering why pares would need to be bought on the black market in Moscow, pares weren't exactly scarce in the soviet union lol
fascinating
Cartier-Bresson’s most famous image was cropped. Your most famous image was cropped. Why limit your vision to the aspect ratio of your available camera? Pre-visualize your image, then crop to your pre-visualization. It’s really okay.
Nice
22 thumbs down? says a lot about our sorry ass species.
WOW
"Which of his", Art Wolf's, "photographs are genuine?"
+amosk24 - I don’t remember this being something directly touched upon in Sam Abell’s presentation. And while I’m not entirely certain of what you mean by ‘genuine’, this would likely be a question best suited for the photographer in question. *Christina* AskPhoto@bhphoto.com
+B and H Sam did. He said there was a notable photographer using Photoshop to clone Zebras, etc in his photographs. Sam said he doesn't know which ones are genuine anymore. Here's an article highlighting photographers beef with Art Wolfe www.washington.edu/alumni/columns/dec98/wolfe4.html
You can see that Canon pay him after his love to them at the start.
Canon likely sponsored the lecture, paying his travel expenses and his fee. Otherwise, B&H would not have been able to afford him.
"You shall not covet your master photographer's income".
Just watch and learn!
That introduction about canon would have been great if it wasn't for the recent stunt they pulled, restrictring 3rd party lenses on their RF system. I lost so much respect for them and have increasingly been looking at a Sony platform.
I can't
Nikon / Sony / Pentax don't make junk ...
No one said they did. Canon likely sponsored the lecture though.
Really good! But what an ego... Damn!