I have been told my photography sucks for years. It makes it very hard to objectively look at my own work. The criticism wasn't technical (which is where I feel I suck despite the time and money I've invested in classes, workshops, practice) but about subject . Then I found first one and through them more photographers whose style and preference paralleled mine. The real issue was not my photography is wrong, but that it was in front of the wrong people. The best compliment I have ever received was a phone call from an old friend I had lost contact with. She said she was going through a dark time and saw the photo I had given her nearly 20 years ago and it put a smile on her face. That made all of the negative comments from others and my own negative opinions insignificant. Will I ever be a great photographer? Highly unlikely. Am I a happy photographer? Mostly.

@iaincphotography6051

Жыл бұрын

Do you like what you photograph, who are you doing for? I hope first and foremost you do it for yourself. You never stop learning, so learn to enjoy what you do.

Simply one of THE most inspiring videos I've ever watched and so, so true. Thanks you Adam, after nearly 18 months of feeling sorry for myself, feeling worthless on social media, having £1000s worth of gear just sitting there, I think tomorrow, I'm off out to take some pictures!

@jackcooksey9691

9 ай бұрын

these photos aren't going to take themselves! You can't win if you don't play!

"Tell your story and don't apologize" . That is my favorite line. Ever. 😊

Adam, you are the number ONE inspirator on the web. I can't thank you enough for sharing your thoughts with us.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you! Very grateful.

I've been photographing for about forty years, but you still teach me something I overlooked... You inspire me. Your way of talking captivates, and your photographs show craftsmanship and passion. Thanks!

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks John. Really appreciate your comment.

I don't think of myself as a bad photographer or that my photos suck. I'm a photographer who is still and always learning. I take some bad photos but I also take good photos as well. If you like them, then great. If you don't that's okay as well. I once posted a photo I didn't think was all that great to a FB photography group. In fact I almost didn't post it at all. I was blown away by the response. It turned out to be far and away the most liked photo I've ever posted. Second place isn't even close. So, as you say, you have no idea what people are going to like. No one is a bad photographer. We're just photographers at different stages in our journey with different ideas of what make a good photo.

That snow shot @7:20 really did it for me, nicely done. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

With matters of creativity, I learned long ago... Don't give a fig what anyone else thinks of it. If I like, that's all that matters!

Once more I'm obliged to you for reminding me to remind myself that I'm pretty good at the photography thing, that (as my old headmaster used to preach in school assemblys) " You only get out of life what you put in" and " Skilful people just appear to be the luckier ones", and of course, there's no substitute for putting your head above the parapet once in a while. Thanks for your continued inspiration and posting videos that are great to watch on a Sunday morning rather than watching a gaggle of politicians being grilled by Laura Kuenssberg 😂😂🙄🙄

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Ha ha. Thanks

KZread needs a love button Adam because this deserves more than just a like. I am a nature photographer that is more into wildlife than landscapes, but your content is applicable to all photographers and is truly inspirational. Well done you!!

I might be speaking just for myself, but I think that we all have enough insecurities that we really need messages like this from time to time. It's easy to get discouraged when your photography doesn't meet up to what you thought it would, but keeping going is the key.

Adam, you rock. Thank you for being you!

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Ha. thanks Dave. Much appreciated.

Dude, I just love your intensity. Also, how you manage to not let the various ways in which the world sucks to get you down for too long. When I want to get up and punch the world in the face, I watch one of your videos and almost immediately settle tf down. Many thanks for being you!

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Ha that's very reassuring to hear. To be honest i've thrown my fair share of punches at the world recently too. Paying attention to different perspectives always brings me back though.

This video couldn't have come at a better time. I've been editing less and posting less because i think my photos suck and its easier to say to myself ill get to it but never do.

As a begginer photographer I havn't had a lot of negative feedback from friends and family (Except my wife) however I am doing it for me, not them or anyone else. I just want to see how and where my new hobby grows and takes me. It gets me out and about and it may even lead to an adventure or two. This was an inspiring video. Thank you.

Very inspiring. I know that my photography journey has been extremely frustrating because there has seemed to be no real interest of people wanting to purchase my work. I have come to the conclusion that doing it for the fun of it and enjoying myself, as well as sharing my joy with others is my only goal when shooting my shots.

Great advice Adam, being positive is good for body and mind. Good luck for the rest of 2023. Wishing you f16 all the way.

Packed full of hard-earned wisdom, as always. Love your work, Adam. 👍

Great message Adam. We are often our own worst critics and the popularity contest that we so often see on social media platforms can often mislead us into thinking our work isn't good enough

My biggest barrier is time and fitness (health). I love photography of all types. For me a successful photograph is one that inspires a smile. That doesn't need to be an external smile but rather one that gives me that feeling of a smile within. Some of my own photographs that elicit that feeling are far from perfect with poor framing or less than perfect lighting and focus. Many professional photographers would rip them apart in a critique but they give me that smile feeling and I'm sure there must be others out there that would be inspired in the same way by them. I'm enjoying your videos Adam. Keep them coming.

It's interesting that we all go through these phases of "My *** Sucks!" For photography or any other form of activity. I have learned to simply ignore it and do what I want, instead of "always" listening to others. Thanks for making this clear again :-)

This is exactly the message needed for me right now. Uncanny. My recent revelation of not knowing what people like. Photos which look good to me, about which though no one else cares. While other photos seem merely acceptable at best to me, end up being among the most popular. Weird.

Hello Adam, I've been watching your channel forever it seems (water drops). I have always found you to be passionate, sincere and inspirational. I stepped away from photography just because of my life circumstances, including KZread/Social Media. Thanks for a very motivating video that has rekindled the fire to get out there.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Amazing to hear Wesley. Thanks so much and I'm chuffed to hear you're getting back out there.

I've noticed my images I make changed a ton when I shifted my thinking from snapshot to photograph. I've become a lot more intentional. Plus, I've started using film, and one needs to be very intentional with that... unless you have a ton of money. :) Great video.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim. Good things come from the restriction and film is superb for this.

Wonderful words, very much appreciated!

Great content again. I do love having a like minded person to walk besides. You give me that dose.

Right on the money Adam! Thank you!

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Randy

Hey Adam...I just found your channel today and am really enjoying your content....I find that there are soooooo many photography channels that are extremely boring whereas yours is not....I look forward to watching the rest of your vids and your future endeavors 💯💯💯

I love the energy that you had at the end of the video. Your passion really shines through and I have loved learning more than just how to take a photo from you over the years. The pure joy that you have when making the video shines through. Your work is very helpful and thank you for all that you do brother

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

This was a pep talk I needed and enjoyed throughly. Thank you for being an inspiration and an amazing person!!

Brilliant! Couldn't have said it better

Adam Really enjoy the mix of philosophy and photo trips you have combined in your channel. Sometimes that self doubt does get the better of you and I almost sold all my gear because of it. But thankfully that inner voice always comes back and steers you back. Thanks heaps you are truly inspiring. See you out there!

Hi. This video was needed. I haven't received notifications for your video for a while, so I searched for your page and this video popped up. It was actually what I needed. I haven't had the motivation to grab my camera for the last few weeks and thought it might be time to give it all up. But, your video gave me that little push I needed. Great video. Thank you!!!

Thank you, so needed

@Firstmanphotography

11 ай бұрын

You're so welcome!

Fantastic video. Not very long but impactful! Thanks.. something everyone needs a dose of occasionally. ❤😁👍

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Appreciate your time

Wise words and another great watch Adam.

Thank you. Just the boost I needed...

Thank you for this inspiring video, Adam.

Thanks, Adam, I have always enjoyed looking at great photographic images. Years ago I had a Praktica 35mm camera and never really did anything with it, this year I've been having serious mental health issues and after discovering some interesting photography channels on YT. I've recently bought a used 1300D to try and help resolve these issues so thank you for an inspiring video.

Superb again Adam, thank you.

Here's the problem I have - I look back at images I took a few years ago that I thought at the time were brilliant images. As my photography has improved - and it has improved a lot - I now see so many faults and imperfections in them and I no longer love them. I wonder to myself: How could I have thought these images were that great? And then I wonder: What about my images today that I think are brilliant and which I love? Will I think they are rubbish in a couple of years? Do you ever get that, Adam?

That was certainly motivating.. thanks for sharing 🙏🏽

Once again Adam playfully calling me out.. I agree, thanks for the video Adam, it really spoke to me and made me second guess my negativity when it comes to my Photography :D

Great thoughts, Adam. I am inspired.

Well done,Sir, well done.

Another bit of inspiration that I needed today. Your channel is quickly becoming one of my absolute favorites.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks David. That is an honour.

@davidallsup2375

Жыл бұрын

@@Firstmanphotography You’re welcome.

Wow, thank you. I needed that.

Thanks for that insight Adam. Very encouraging. I resonated with much of what you shared.

Utterly wonderful upload again Truly inspiring Thanks for giving me (and countless others watching I'm sure) these helpful encouraging words Adam Nice one

Great video. It's nice to see all the positive energy!😀

Thanks from Ottawa Canada.

I love ❤your pep talks.

Great insights a full of encouragement. Thank you Adam.

You inspire me for sure buddy. Keep it up!

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Will do!

So much in this video Adam, thank you. I created my latest video based on some of the ideas and thoughts you’ve stated here. Brilliant buddy!

A truly inspiring video Adam, thanks for making and sharing it.

Love all your videos and especially this one! You do a excellent job and your videos are a great inspiration! Thank you and keep it up!🤗

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

Yet another great video, and topic. I am one of those who takes pictures for myself. Having said that, I was encouraged to put together a photo book. Probably the toughest thing I have ever done. Not so much the book itself, but choosing what I would be willing to share. With nervous trepidation, I finally shared the book and was amazed at the response from others. It was family and friends who reviewed the book and had no technical comments, but everyone had a memory related to one or more photos in the book. Needless to say, I am freely sharing my images with friends and family more often. I m very thankful that I found your channel. Through your tutorials, and constant encouragement, I believe I am becoming a better photographer. Thanks for all you do for us. Cheers.

Excellent video Adam, with very true points. For me I know I go through them periodically and video’s like yours help my motivation to always go for the action.

Inspiring, as always. Thanks.

This is by far the most important and inspiring video I've seen in a long time, thank you for a lot of new ideas!

Thank you Adam for always being inspiring.

Thank you for one of the best video's i have watched for along time although it covers thing i already know it reminded me i don't think about them as much as i should. I do take a lot of what may be thought of as snap shots, as a Archaeologist living in Brittany i record monuments but i also like to include the monument as part of the physical landscape a place where people lived worked and were buried. some times i forget that a basic record of a big stone in a field can be seen as a work of art just by thinking more about the information in your video. thanks again.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Melvyn. This one felt good.

I can say without a doubt your videos have given me both inspiration and perspective on enjoying just the process of photography. Your videos also helped me through a very challenging health scare. Thank you for what you do Adam. You have touched me and I greatly appreciate you. Keep being you.

A truly inspirational video and thank you for sharing your thoughts. I recently went through a phase where I couldn't be bothered to take my camera out for a wildlife shoot. I thought that my shots were rubbish and didn't want to share them. Then, one day after watching some of your videos in the Raw Room, I went out and took some decent shots and got some nice comments about them. Thank you for your words of wisdom and keep up the good work.

Great honest video Adam , I think photography is a bit like marmite its a love/hate relationship ! Personally i find that as i`ve got older (almost 65) my confidence gets affected far more than 30 years ago . Lately i have put a few photos on a Canon website and have been pleasantly surprised by the constructive comments so i think it can depend were you put your pic`s . As Bill says below we`re all on this journey so keep pressing that shutter and most of all enjoy it !

I have never seen myself as a bad photographer, more of a good one with no imagination. It's like I freeze up when I have a subject or task. I'm good at finding faults when I look back at my older stuff, but I seldom do anything new when I'm under pressure to do the tips and tricks I see and hear from KZreadrs like you, Adam.

Thank you so much for this. I have definitely struggled with this from time to time, and it is good to know that it is not an isolated phenomenon.

Excellent video Adam

Great advice mate! Subscribed!

Thank you Adam! Just what I needed! Just when I'm feeling thoroughly uninspired and thinking, not that my photography sucks exactly, but that it's decidedly average. I really struggle with actually getting to the places to make the photographs in the first place, which makes me feel like I'm just making the same photographs over and over again ad nauseum! So, it was so good to realise that I am doing some things right at least! By the way, that little "Whoop!" at the end of the video made me smile!😁😁

Outstanding!

Thank you❤. helpful.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Great selection of images Adam to make a good number of salient points. I discuss one element of what you said when i deliver photography presentations. My response to people who compare their work to others and subsequently put themselves, is to remind them we are all different points on our respective creative journeys so best to look back from time to time to witness personal progress rather than looking sideways at someone else’s progress

Thanks Adam, I've been having some doubts about my photography lately in that the images are in my opinion are not up to my standard. its great to know that all photographers think like this a lot of the the time. I've just processed some images from the Yorkshire coast which I'm quite pleased with and watched this video. I'm feeling much better and looking forward to the next trip out. thanks again.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear Martin and thanks to you too.

Great video, Adam. I've been struggling lately with customers who want me to alter something about an image I've taken. I'm not going to change anything to please them. But this kind of criticism can really take the wind out of my sails. Thank you for the encouragement and words of wisdom. I'll continue to do what I do. I can't wait for everyone to catch up with me. Cheers!

Adam I photograph for relaxation as it helps with stress relief and like any photographer some are good and some questionable and it helps to review my photos a few months after I took them as I see things I orginally missed when I edited and some pictures I ignored seem to grow on me as I look at them again

Well done, Adam, appreciate your presentation. Speaking for myself, I have developed a ritual to satisfy my love of photography as a working man still. And so, I balance between two realms. Composing a photograph to my liking or grabbing what appeals to me at the moment with no thoughts of lighting, composition, or how to photograph. In short, I'll try anything to get a photograph, day or night, that grabs my attention. On an interesting note, I love to talk to young folks about photography, and the ones that come up to me more often are shooting film and they see me with a film camera I may be using. Lot of bright kids out there.

Some interesting suggestions Adam I’ll take them on board and try and I say try to implement them when I’m next out! There’s so much to consider with photography regarding repeating patterns, negative space, visual weight I struggle at times to think about all this on location but this video is a helpful reminder to keep plugging away, as every time I go out I learn something usually through mistakes, but I’m not afraid of making them. Side note you’re looking very fit mate I saw your comment about lugging less gear up the hill the other day, your time in the gym has paid off mate, as always keep up your inspiring work.

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

I try not to think about them too much in the field and rather go for he "feel" of the shot. I think if you study the elements and principles they begin to become part of your language and often they applied subconsciously in the moment.

“Everyone can write but not everyone is a writer” man I needed to hear that well said this motivated the hell out of me thank you 🙏🏻 such a great video

@oneeyedphotographer

Жыл бұрын

There's writing, and there's writing. In the 1960s I worked for a bank. I was asked to draught a letter to a customer, explaining the condition of the cheque account and the action expected to rectify it. The letter explained the situation excellently, but it lacked tact and diplomacy. I am autistic, in common with very many autistic people I don't do tact or diplomacy. We parted ways soon after this. Today, perhaps the bank would have found a position better suited to my skills and inclinations. Planning perhaps, where my colleagues could be expected to learn to tolerate me - neither they nor I can understand the other. Or IT.

Awesome video man. Hit me at the right time

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks. Glad you liked it.

I rarely know which is my very best work because I'm too close to it. What is best, anyway? The most popular? The image bought most on stock? The image that took most effort yet worked well? The image that means most artistically - irrespective of likes? It's always good to get feedback but not to rely on it entirely. I try to listen to the inner voice that speaks when my creativity chimes with the environment and the subject. The process of capturing and producing an image is reward in itself.

Gonna. Maybe. I’d like to Great video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts to inspire and move me

Nice one Adam, especially about taking action.. Often, before I head out, I enter into a disucssion with myself as to should I head out or not..... I never regret heading out ... even if I end up not using my camera.... so why do i keep having the discussion ......baffling :) you would have thought by now I would have stopped having the pointless dicsusion :)

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Exact same still happens to me. I think there must be something inside us all that instinctively wants to conserve energy. We have to overcome that every single time.

@liftpitcher

Жыл бұрын

@@Firstmanphotography it’s crazy though as it’s something we love…

Very good advice but admittedly it can be tough to do at times. I live in an area where the landscape is far removed from what I instinctively like and want. It's a challenge (to say the least) to find subject matter that satisfies, but I'm at a point where most days that's my only option. So, despite the difficulty I'll keep plugging away ...out of desperation! LOL Occasionally I'll find this or that and end up with a photo that's a little unexpected. I'll take those small victories. 🙂

great video

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Timo. Glad you liked it.

I don't take photographs. I make them, it's an act of thoughtful creation, it relies on time and experience. Taking implies I don't know what I am doing, or even what to think.

I feel I'm competent, my technical skills have improved, my knowledge uas improved... but I look back at me from 35 or 40 years ago and he was a more interesting photographer than I am now. I'm not sure what happened, but it seems somewhere along the line i lost the inspiration as I gained technical proficiency. No idea what to do to rediscover the missing something.

@northstarcreative

Жыл бұрын

Totally relate

Instagram was a huge negative for me. It made me become depressed, lonely and I kept comparing my work to others. I've gotten upset enough where I've deleted my pictures out of rage over the photo not getting enough likes, heck I even smashed my phone once. Even though many people have told me they really love my work, I only focus on the negatives and things that are not in my control, like algorithms. Unfortunately for me it has made me grown to dislike photography and I really don't know if I can ever enjoy photography the way I once did. I got rid of the platforms where I used to share my work and now I'm struggling to even pick up the camera even after months of not shooting. I wish I never joined social media, it was the biggest mistake I ever made and it ruined a perfectly good hobby for me.

@simonfitch265

Жыл бұрын

Don't give up on photography. Next opportunity you get pick up your camera and just go out and don't think of anything else but the image you want to create. And as Adam here has said many a time if you can get your photo printed. It changes how you see your image. And if there's a local coffee shop you visit ask if you can hang it on there wall. Then real people can see and enjoy your work.

Mhh, I'm self effacing but it's more from a not knowing! Yes I've won a few awards etc but I can put out something I love and it bombs, I still love it but it makes me question how bad my taste/photography is. Unlike your Gunner, I can go do it and maybe produce something worthwhile but without any positive feedback how d I know it's worthwhile? It might as well be or maybe it is shit. And that's probably the biggest issue, how unsupportive photographers are, they are the worst at scrolling through until they see something they recognize as by "Name" or style they know. Meanwhile the "Names" like the old Coleman sketch about the classes, don't look at anything beneath them and just live on the praise of those "lower classes" aspiring to get a little something back.

All good stuff Adam (Apart from the f@ipping Squarespace ad that is. I'm so sick of them especially as a YT premium subscriber too)

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

yeah but that is the ad-driven system we’re operating in here. Premium isn’t a substitute for this. It’s why I created the raw room which is based on value for value model funded by donations. There you can watch these same videos without all the stuff you don’t like.

So if I take your advice Adam, and want to be a do'er and get my work 'out there', should I start with a website, and /or a KZread channel?

@Firstmanphotography

Жыл бұрын

If you're serious, it's important to think about the funnel. Where do you want to drive the attention? The simple answer is, do both!

If photographer likes his photo, it doesn't suck. Even if noone else doesn't like it. I take photos for me, nobody else likes it, why care?

Stop scrolling through Instagram would be my top tip. Most of the really out there and incredible scenes are composites and AI created unrealistic creations. You'll also see really shit photos with millions of likes but don't forget you can buy likes and subscribers so don't judge your work against something else. Some of the best photos you'll see created by a genuine photographer won't have tens of thousands of likes most of the time.

A lot of cheating in photography