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Great insight. I've been shooting professionally for over 30 years. Street photography became my creative outlet apart from the paid work. I can't stand the "gatekeepers" of street, who try to dictate what you should or should not shoot. Also, while I may watch an occasional POV video, the reality is that they just aren't that interesting, especially with the annoying bounciness of the content as a result of walking with a a camera strapped to your chest. Go out and shoot regularly to develop your own style, and disregard the trends.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! I feel I am a couple of years into my career in reality but feels like a lifetime. Having only really given street photography my creative focus for the last 12 months, it's been a very eye-opening experience. I think getting out and shooting as often as possible will be the difference between repeating others work and finding our own styles

@stevehooker2482

Жыл бұрын

The gatekeepers of mediocracy, as I like to think of them. Yep, I go out there, daily, and yes I march to the beat of my own street photography drum. Always.

@ptellsstories

Жыл бұрын

Gatekeepers in any field of work, usually have no talent and contribute nothing to their field of work all they have is their attempts to tell people their work is no good.

@iaritrasaha

Жыл бұрын

How to you manage to make money with street photography, Stock?

@photographer7

Жыл бұрын

@@iaritrasaha I shoot street photography for myself. However, in doing so, I'm building a collection of images that may eventually become a book or stock archive.

As a uni student who really likes photography, I can say with my experience that what makes your photos better is your eye. The way you look at things, the way you stop to observe what surrounds you. Not replicating trends. Sure, inspiration is a great way to get new ideas but watching other photographers take the same pictures over and over again just narrows down what you will want to photograph in the streets. The most important thing to me is to keep my own personnal way of looking at things, always keeping my camera on in case a bird starts doing something interesting, in case a pedestrian starts running to avoid the stop light going to green... All these things that you wouldn't see if looking for something specific. To me, photography has to be spontanious.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

Good video. I'm a professional photographer and have been since 1986. I was a photojournalist for a while, then ultimately opened my own studio. I delved into street photography doing a documentary series for a book I was hoping to publish, and I still do street photography when business is slow with portraits, models, gr. seniors, etc. My take on street photography "teachers" and their videos on KZread is that almost all of them are bad. No emotion in the photos. Just photos of someone walking into a patch of sunshine casting a shadow on a nearby wall, or a reflection from a puddle, i.e., photo 101. The other thing is many of the KZread certified pros preach that you have to use a certain type of camera and lens. As a former photojournalist I know that to be pure bullshit. Sometimes great shots are lost because all you have is a 28mm or 35mm lens on a rangefinder camera. If using a rangefinder is honestly what you want, and you're not being influenced by these carnival barkers on KZread then by all means use a rangefinder with one fixed lens. On the other hand, if you want to use a full-on larger camera with a zoom lens or an assortment of lenses, by all means do that. All anyone cares about who views your images is how good they are--do they invoke an emotion, do they tell a "meaningful" story, simple things like that. Honestly, I've never had anyone who has seen my images, in a paper or magazine or portfolio or on-line, including hundreds of clients, ever ask me "what kind of camera and/or lens did you use" other than people attending workshops that I teach. Long rant but I'm rather disgusted by what I see regarding street photography on KZread.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing, appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment 🙏

@gainde1137

Жыл бұрын

KZread = paid influencers by the camera industry

@kevinc.3717

Жыл бұрын

You nailed this topic Guy!! Excellent!

I've studied photo history in university, and I find the "social media esthetichs" to photography and especially street photography very interesting. Thing we are focused on now, is is the rush of getting likes, and thinking engagement = I'm a good photographer. In 10-20 years, we're going to learn about this time in the history of photography, and the weird notions we had about photography. Back in the day, people thought colour photography was crap and the only that was "true photography "was shooting black and white.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Yeah I think in years to come this era will hopefully be a bad dream 😅

@TheWutangclan1995

Жыл бұрын

Makes me think of old restaurants that are almost 100 years old and how they have wooden walls with the wood grain, 90s beige panasonic cash registers instead of an iPad, old decorations and picture frames of what they last look like 20-50 years ago, family, etc etc. While all the new restaurants are decked out in technology, have social media and some of them always being on there all the time, following trends and what others do, then close in a couple of years. People think consistency is key but it really should be longevity that matters.

@boryakaufman

Жыл бұрын

Word

I was personally inspired to try analog photography after watching the documentary on Vivian Maier, who seemingly took photos just for herself and for the practice and ceremony of the craft, there was something inspiring about not worrying SO MUCH about what others think of your photos but rather what YOU think of your photos, and while I do listen and learn from professionals far more experienced than me and work to improve myself ultimately I'm my biggest audience. My shots may be basic to some (I love architecture and old cars), my following small (but growing), but as long as I'm enjoying the process I don't mind. Ansel Adams once said that to him a great photo can simply be something that caught his eye, and that catch was worth preserving, and I keep that in mind when I'm out shooting. Occasionally someone else is wowed by my photos, and that makes me smile a little bit more.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I kind of get the perspective of the high volume tiktok production content being a gateway to more, at least for some people. A certain number of people will be inspired, spend the time and find their own groove over time. People are more likely to find initial inspiration from social media these days rather than a magazine, coffee table book or exhibition. If it sparks a flame that sticks and grows for some, that's great. I also like videos like yours that prompts people to think more and try "different". Some of the insta/tiktok narrow focus people will find videos like yours while searching relating to their new interest. I think it's cool that the trend is putting more people with cameras into the street, making it seem like a less weird thing to do. I remember going to Sydney as a kid in the 70s and 80s and being struck by how many people had cameras around their necks and were using them. It's one of the things that made me want a camera of my own.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing and yeah I agree hopefully those shorter form videos are the gateway into books, longer videos, documentaries etc. And yes I love that now I can bump into more people on the street with their cameras, it's great to share the experience with strangers knowing you have this interest in common

Some great ideas, I've recently limited myself to one APS-C camera with a fixed 24mm lens (38mm equiv) and instead of using a zoom all the time, this has been a great test of using a fixed lens.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's a great idea as a set up, I'm doing something similar soon as my run around

As I person who just started street photography this video really helped my inner struggle and questions I had for this trend.

This is a much needed video. I appreciate that you take the approach of reflecting on this issue in a non-judgmental way. There's content creation and popular styles and there's the plethora of historical work, a huge body of work that needs no words, actually because the stories are that compelling within the photos themselves. In our street photography group we do talk a lot about gear but we talk about projects too and try to inspire and help each other to grow. As a genre hopper, my constant involvement in street (especially when shooting film) is what propels me way more than any other. Thank you George.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! That's great to hear and I agree the old work needs no explanation, curiosity in street I think is what keeps me interested and always looking

theres always gonna be silly trends that oversimplify the whole thing the trend is picking out of, but good on you for trying to rectify the narrowness of this trend.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's true and thank you!

The modern, more superficial style of street photography is actually very good for the hobby. Sure it devalues the proposition, but that precisely allows a certain kind of people to appreciate photography that otherwise would’ve never thought Henri Cartier Bresson pictures were good, because for that we require to have a higher sense of the art of photography. All and all I think it’s a positive outcome to have more people shooting.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed more people = more voices!

@toddysurcharge771

Жыл бұрын

Sure I hope the more people that do it the more it devalues the idiots who overcharge people for photography (especially wedding photographers who don't deserve that level of income for a skill so many can learn).

@xmlthegreat

Жыл бұрын

@@toddysurcharge771 I think the money in Wedding Photography comes from having to deal with Bridezillas and the pressure of taking the right shot at the right time while also making the client think their shots are unique. It's a high pressure industry. Don't be a judgy brat.

@kobe3576

Жыл бұрын

With all my respect, but you are wrong. There is no need to swim in a sea of junk to appreciate the beauty of a crystal-clear lake. And there is beauty in the superficial as well as in the deep. There is nothing more shallow than a simple still life painting (fruits and stuff) and nothing deeper than some abstract or concept art, yet both are beautiful in their own way.

@supersingular

Жыл бұрын

@@kobe3576 Thank you for your comment. But I don’t think I’m either wrong or right. Using your own analogy; I do think that the more crystal clear lake’s pictures there are, the more information and angles would exist which will increase the probability of us appreciating said lake from a perspective other than its crystal clear water, given that any given lake’s beauty may come from one or many characteristics. We can’t be the judge of collective consciousness’ taste. It’s all in the eye of the beholder. Has the abundance of popular music killed the existence of elite classic composers?

I am 63 and still learning..but also I am 63 and still have fun taking pictures! Started with 15 year .. only few people had camera's..... thnx for the channel!

All sound advice. Thanks for letting me know about Paulie B. I'm off to check out his content right after this!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear, definitely check him out!

Couldn’t agree more, by stripping away all the technology we have available in digital cameras and just get back to the fundamentals of film speed, aperture and shutter I find it makes you focus more on the actual image. I love digital photography, but what I love about film is it is about the photo, never the technology

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Yes agreed, I'm trying to move my digital set up closer to my film set ups at the moment, I find my film images these days are somehow better than digital almost by default 😂 dangerously close to going old and slow DSLR

The margin between the teacher and student was so spot on. And Paulies series is a gem

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Glad that came across and yes love the walkie talkie series

Good video! I'm just a hobbyist but I first got into photography over 30 years ago. I primarily do nature shots (I'm an avid hiker) but I also enjoy macro and street photography. My current favorite way to shoot street is picking a single focal length and a single JPEG filter and going out with no idea what I want to capture. Sometimes it works, sometimes I get nothing except the learning experience of what I did and didn't do that day. Keep up the the entertaining content, you're putting out some quality stuff.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Zach! That sounds good keep at it!

I've just moved in a uni city. And I must say I finally get the appeal of street photography being able to tell the story of how I see this place and how thats changed over the couple months I've been here has been fascinating.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear, enjoy!

Those PaulieB walkies videos are absolutely fascinating, think I've binged through them multiple times, they're such good advice and conversation.

@Dj.D25

Жыл бұрын

I liked some of them too. Though I would like to see similar videos done for photographers in other major cities.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Love them!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Same here, would love some international cities

@elwick_photo

Жыл бұрын

@@Dj.D25 absolutely, would like to see Paulie in a load of other countries and cities

amazing video, as a person who got into film photography about a month ago, your message resonates with me a lot. i got myself a Pentax K1000 - at the beginning i found it for very limiting, but because of its simplicity and the limited exposures i get, i find myself a lot more thoughtful about each thought than i normally would with my phone ... Thanks

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you, that's great to hear and hope you continue to enjoy it!

I started with film in 2011 and there’s not much influencers and content creators yet before, i just shoot and produce photos that i feel so immersed with and enjoy shooting. Starting with film really makes it different on how i treat shooting using my cam now. I just got back to it now using a digital cam now, and i just really shoot what Im interested in. You’re right that it should be limitless, the important thing is you enjoy what you’re doing and you like what you are shooting. It really does make photography even more fun and immersive.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear, thanks for watching!

I got myself a fuji and a manual focus lens and shooting with a black and white preset for a year now. it has greatly improved my perception.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's a great idea, which lens did you opt for?

This is one of, if not the best, summations and explanations I've watched about street photography. I've been doing very amateurish street photography for years without realizing it was a thing. Over the past month I decided to dig deeper into street photography to get an idea of what others are doing and improve my focus and skills. What I discovered was a lot of repetition of themes and not a lot of quality. Too many people are trying to mimic the work of famous photographers, like Henri Cartier-Bresson, without finding their own unique vision. I realize it's difficult and challenging to stand out from the crowd when everybody has a camera now, myself included, but there's an overwhelming amount of the same tired images. I'm kinda burned out after a month of looking at countless photos of portraits of people with mobile phones, reflections in puddles, candid sneaky shots of women and people on public transit. To be fair, some of the shots are very good, but most are instantly forgettable. If nothing else, watching this video and seeing the work of others has inspired and motivated me to try something different. Artistic challenge breeds inspiration.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks man! Thank you for sharing too, I completely relate to coming back with images that feel forgettable, it's something I'm working on and would love to talk more on in another video down the line

@Dj.D25

Жыл бұрын

I've been reminding myself lately to avoid shooting people using their cell phone because it has been overdone, even though I have done it a few times. The exception may be if the person is dressed in an interesting way or sitting in a certain way using their phone. For example I photographed one man talking on a cell phone while he was sitting on the edge of a public trash container, which I thought was kind of funny since normally no one uses a trash container as a chair. :) Would this be something unique and memorable?

@adamcook6396

Жыл бұрын

@@Dj.D25 yes, because you will remember the way you felt when you took the photo. It may not be memorable to others, but to you it will. Photography is about you, not so much the viewer. (in my opinion)

10:48 that's why i started learning film photography~ so i can appreciate photography more than just point and shoot recklessly great insight!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Great advice, I would add that if you don't want to shoot film but want to be more selective with shots then go out with a low battery.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Great idea! Or a tiny SD card

Watching Kai during his DigitalRev days unironically taught me a lot about street photography.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed! His approach always reminded me out doesn't need to be stressful

I really enjoy your content. I couldn't phrase it better :) not only these "talk videos" are interesting but overall you make great content, thank you!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much, happy to hear you enjoy the videos!

In my opinion it boils down to this: either you’re photographing for yourself as a rewarding personal experience or your shooting for an audience and for clicks. The latter, in my observation, trends to produce an uninspired collection repetitive images.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Great take!

Perfect video! I think this helps me realize the relationship between a photographer and their gear. It's been said that it's not about the gear, it's about the photographer, and I think this helps to bring both into light. Both are dependent on each other. I started out with the simple stuff, only then developing the basics and fundamentals. Now at a point, I feel like I need to upgrade my gear because of the type of photography I'm doing

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's fair! I often think there comes a time when either the photographer or the hear are the bottleneck, one always needs to keep up with the abilities of the other

I don't really follow street photographers online so take my opinion with a grain of salt, but I think it's fine to follow trends, especially if you're starting out. You start by doing what everybody else does, then you'll naturally start pushing towards your own stuff. That's how pretty much any learning works. I get that it's annoying because you end up with a lot of similar-looking shots floating about online, but that's just the nature of consumerism - art does become increasingly packaged and canned to please the largest number of people at the lowest possible cost, like Hollywood movies. But as a process of learning, I don't think it's a fundamentally bad thing. And if you never steer away from the trends, then maybe you just don't have that kind of creativity in you, which is OK too - I often wonder if I do!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

Really really good video mate. Nicely done.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you man, appreciate it 🙏

Great to keep an open mind and keep on learning. Newer cameras allow us to shoot a wider range of images. Along with film and iPhones, this is a good thing. What’s captured in the image and how you feel about it is important.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

Thanks for this video, it's giving me confidence to just shoot the things I find interesting rather than mimicking top images on Instagram. I'm preparing to buy a Canon M50 for travelling in the summer but I (drunkenly) stumbled upon and purchased a Canon AV-1 film camera + 3 lens + accessories for £90 and feel so much more excited about shooting with it and learning film. The M50 will have to wait a few months! Also I loved your video that referenced Danny Ric and his Leica!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! As much as I like the M50 that drunk purchase is deffo a winner, think you'll really enjoy it. Hopefully a 50mm in there! And thanks 😂 that vid didn't get seen much! Hope Danny Ric gets a seat next year

A really well observed video and not only relevant to the street genre. You are very right about stripping photography back to basics. The problem is many of these new fauxtographers are not about the art they are about the likes. And that simply feeds them back into the vicious cycle of fad following homogenous creating rather than genuine, creative image capture.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Jason, I agree I think it even leaks into other art forms like music where new producers create the same beats with the same drums and the same vocal delivery as what's popular. It's a shame but I think it's part of learning then finding ways to put your own spin on it

@JasonRowPhotography

Жыл бұрын

Yes, if you have the motivation to put your own spin on it then you will go on to carve out your own niche. A good newcomer to photography will not only follow the advice but question why that advice is valid and build upon it. The quickest way to becoming a good photographer is to realise likes are not indicative of your ability.

Thanks for correcting the perspective.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

On photography in general, but street photography particularly, a picture should tell a story. I began photographing in the 1970's and this was a rule for those who did it. My problem with what is called street photography nowadays is that pictures rarely tell a story. You see mostly poor ones, some that explore light, colors, forms, composition but very few tell a story. I believe most people go into the new "street photography" because it's easier than rent a studio, create a concept and dive into it. I hope people start realizing this and we see more stories told instead of just "content". Empty "content" is like the calories from candies: worth nothing.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed I think today tricks are the subject rather than a real subject with a story

Yay Street photography and The United Stand crossover.. this is a really useful video, as someone just starting, and also deciding NOT to do social media, im glad for the lack of instant inspiration/copying/comparing. Thank you!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

The biggest problem with street photography in general are the photographers themselves. I see it so often on social media and in cities I travel to. They love the idea of being a street photographer but are often people who just photograph streets. A street photographer in my opinion is someone who is like a ghost, they blend in, un-noticed. The grey man. They get 'the' shot and you would never know they were there. I'm not a fan of the in your face style of Bruce Gilden or his personality. I do however have great respect for street photographers who have captured great works. My personal favourite is Vivian Maier. Someone who was not only technically brilliant with a great eye but also as a person who wasn't looking to be a celebrity / influencer like so many people today.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

This is a great point, thank you! I agree I think it's something I'm constantly aware of, not just photographing the street but finding something in the streets. Love the story of Vivian Maier, not sure she wanted us to know but she did great work without ever being told

@excalibro8365

Жыл бұрын

Come to think of it, Vivian took a lot of photos of children. Imagine doing that in this day and age, you'll make people around you angry, if not immediately getting called the police on, especially if a man does it. It's sad because street photography's world today is like a world without children, even sadder that it's caused by the world getting more dangerous for children now.

@JuganautTimelapse

Жыл бұрын

@@excalibro8365 So true, she did. Today it's really sad as you say as people instantly think everyone with a camera is some sort of weirdo. The times today have certainly changed for the worse.

Right now I’m in a place where I just bought my first nice digital camera and I think the only advantage over film is that I have so much more memory to be able to take photos. I’m not always super happy with my shots but I think it’s good for me to just get more practice shooting lots of new stuff and that just isn’t always feasible for me on film.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Definitely digital is the way to go if you want to get plenty of shots in

Enjoyed the video. So much truth and matches a lot of the thoughts that have rolled around in my head. I started shooting Street back in 2013 after first discovering the genre. You did lose me when you talked about film. As a 77 year old photog, I love the freedom of the digital era. I still have a Pentax ME Super in the closet, but am not interested in resurrecting it. I'm looking forward to more of your videos and thoughts.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear, thanks so much for watching!

Thank you for teaching me not to be influenced with media social. I feel you that streetphotography should be limitless.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed and thanks for watching!

@officialjaerat

Жыл бұрын

I like this!

Your image at 4:04 is actually very fascinating with the angles, the figure behind the bicycle.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

the thing is, i don't gife a dang about any of the trends online, heck, i only watch them for fun ideas and inspiration, but when i really go out there to shoot, i usually stick to my own style and take shots i think look cool, i basically don't care about any trends and other stuff like this, because i do this for fun and i'm not gonna let anything influence that idea

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, good to hear!

good advice Thank you, luckily I can think for myself and I try to create something of my own even if it has already been done somewhere, so I still don't try to copy anyone

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks and great to hear!

We’re all learning no matter where we are. Very refreshing video!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

100% agree about shooting film. I interact more with the world. I even stop the car more often and get out to get this shot I saw. 😊

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed, I was out shooting digital this morning and felt waaaay less in the zone

I like your take on this, man. Great video, thanks.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏

I couldn't have said it better. Some really great advice there. A new sub from me

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much 🙏

Very interesting and apt for me, great video!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

I like letting people do what they want to do and I just do my own thing. Dipping into other types of photography and trying different things - that’s all part of the journey.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's the best way!

Thought provoking video. Very interesting, thanks.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏

Good video mate and I sort of agree your points and appreciate the detail.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Hasan 🙏

AT LAST... You have hit the nail on the head... Thanks 🙏

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

I have never been great at DIY, but this I fluked it

This is a great video. I got into photography because it allows you to show how you view the world. Or at least try your best lol we are all unique and personally I have the most fun shooting things I love.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Always stick to your perspective

Hi, George! I agree with your points about misunderstandings that this fleeting social media trends cause. Mindlessly mimicking composition or trick out of TikTok video will lead to some cool shots but it also will lead to a narrow aesthetic perception. I think that newbies intrested in photography should leave this tricks for later and start from fundamental rules like harmony, contrast, proportions e.t.c. They also need to understand that good art invokes emotions and makes beholder to think about what he see. That`s it, that`s enougth. All they have to do with that knowledge is to go outside and look arond for interesting and beautiful scenes to shoot. And you don`t even have to own a good camera for that because we all already at all times have with us convenient and quite capable smartphone. It`s a shame so many people dismiss cameras that always have been in their hands and in front of their face.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing, cheers!

what I noticed since I started shooting film is, that when I take out my digital camera I only shoot like 30 pics, and only when Im playing around with settings and presets I maybe take 100 pics over the span of like 2-3h. Before I used to go out all the time and would regularly come back with more than 150-200 shots. which also mightve been beneficial since I needed to start somewhere and find myself. so yeah thanks tho for the video. very well narrated and to the point! cheers!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Kevin and thanks for sharing that!

Great video!! I feel lucky that my first proper interaction with street photography was magnum streetwise from which i saw many great examples of street photography of different types and not needing to be things that are more repeatable such as the street portrait trend of street photography. I feel my idea of street photography is more about documenting and taking things that i find interesting, anomalies and oddities are something i enjoy when i spot them and also just everyday mundane stuff can be interesting especially in the city as im not that often there, not as much as id like for my photography anyway. To your point of simplifying or rather putting restrictions on yourself i do enjoy doing that also, i tend to keep my screen blank and for street basically always use 50mm.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's great thank you! Streetwise is definitely a great variety of images to get started with, love the blank screen approach too

@flyon9694

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden i really find that i can just concentrate on whats going on round much better!

i think thats a way to look at. I feel that this is actually a little thing that can get to more and more people and are spreading the photography for far more people. I feel like this is good even if 90% of this is just bad pictures or "trend" photography with expensive cameras.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed the mass reach is great, my point is ensuring that newcomers are made aware of all subgenres rather than the popular forms which could put them off

Thank you for addressing this. Well and calmly said. Thank you

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

You must have inspired "Man Carrying Thing" to make a 4-hour video essay on modern photography

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Wait does that video exist?!

Awesome video. I am not a photographer, but I really got good insight from this video

@GeorgeHolden

10 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

I returned to photography a few years ago. Covid allowed me time to wander and shoot, hone skills and acquired a style, that is still evolving. The issue isn't just street, but photography in general, and this is caused by too many self professed pros waxing lyrical about a skillset which is honed down to one or two aspects of photography. It's also affected by social media algorithms that encourage and promote a very limited set of skills for budding photographers. I totally agree with your surmise, and doff my hat as too few social content creators are honest about this. As you say, go out, shoot, be yourself and find your voice. I'd also suggest building a website and encouraging traffic there. Social media is totally destructive and in time you'll get bored of engagement. As for most engagement is about clicks. If that's all your after then it is what it is, but this will not improve your photography, it merely encourages you to shoot for the algorithm. Great vid. 🙏

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks very much and thanks for sharing!

Im agree with you, people tend to see a good street photography must be a street potraits or still photo this day. I really like cropping and learning some composition technique. I dont mind if people said it "why your photo looks blurry", "why your photo so tilted?" cause for me streets photography its all about shoot what i like to shoot.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I left manual focus in 1987, too late to go back for me 🤓 Yes, no burst shooting. One, and in some cases two, or three, should be more than enough. In regard to film, it is something else which I left and will not be returning to. I did love my SF1 Pentax and Takumar/ Asahi lenses. Those POV street videos nowadays where it is all about the street puddle, reflections and framing using rails or some awful choices as foreground frames, is really a point where you switch them off. The ultra-sharp, wide-open photos of people which do not look interesting, and tell no story is all too prevalent. Good points in your video, take cares, Loren

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Loren! Agree completely, thanks for sharing 😄

Anyone can take a photo but not everyone can produce artful images.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Very true🧠

I approve of the reasoning of bringing the concept of taking photos digitally as if they were staring at a film camera, and that's exactly what I usually do, but because I, like many old men, have started with films and not like many of today who claim to give advice, with digital where you shoot in bursts with all the aids of modern cameras praying for a good photo. At the time you had to be more careful in setting up and wait for the right moment to press the shutter button. Each photo was a cost, It was very easy after a long wait for development to have only a few photos on a roll of 24 or 36 shots or worse at the beginning without even a photo.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! Yeah I think as someone who learnt with digital and autofocus we've been spoiled and actually limiting ourselves may be the way forward

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing! Yeah I think as someone who learnt with digital and autofocus we've been spoiled and actually limiting ourselves may be the way forward

This video reminds me when I was using sony a200 to capture my friend sister wedding. With indoor and horrible lighting, i need to be creative with my, at that time, current equipment. thank you for reminding me

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

@andrasudra6756

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden No prob man !! Btw, is it only me that thinking that the less the camera feature the more fun and stressful it gets 😂😂😂

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

@@andrasudra6756 definitely share that 😂

Excellent upload, with great points as usual. I'm glad that I'm past the beginner stage, and the trend thing. I actually think the photocopier analogy applies to most arts, but for some reason it seems more prevalent in street photography. I guess maybe because sharing our photos on social media is more of a thing than say sharing music or paintings or pottery we've created. I don't even think sharing poor images, or weak trends are solely to blame. I suspect that a lot of the blame rest upon the fact that there is a displayed number of "likes" for an image, or an upload on these sites. People chasing a huge number of "likes", rather than great images, tend to then cut corners and reach for the photocopier on the ones with the highest displayed numbers. I wonder what impact Social media sites like Instagram, facebook, youtube and other would have on our work, if only the person who could see the number of "likes", was the person who uploaded the image?… Maybe it would force viewers to only gravitate to the content they actually liked, as they would not know what content had a high number of "likes", and so they wouldn't know what images to try to photocopy in order to come across like a boss… Keep on keeping on… That poor Nikon camera though!… 🙃

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's a great point re other art forms too, I do think on IG it's possible to disable public likes for similar reasons to what you've mentioned already! For the record, the Nikon was sold as broken already - paid £6 for it! It's not pride and place on my shelf though, fascinating to pull apart 😅

It's great it has problems like this, so many people are just blind followers. So, It's really easy to stand out if you have the courage to not be like everyone else, especially in street photography when most things are the same and not very good.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That's very true, I think it does take a conscious effort to stand out, something I am very far from doing myself

@chumleyk

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden Being aware of it is the first step in helping push the ambitious beyond.

@fredriksvard2603

Жыл бұрын

Another take - i don't think "street photography" has been relevant since the 60s or so no matter how you approach it.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

@@fredriksvard2603 that's interesting, something I do consider as well. I don't think it's pointless today, because in 100 years we'll value the photos of the 2020's

@fredriksvard2603

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden Yes, i just mean that when the pioneers did it it was new and filled a void, now we have it by default with instagram and cameras around us everywhere. There aren't many photos that rise above those snapshots imo, most street photography i see is "man crosses street", "man walks with umbrella" or "person wonder what this photo will be used for".

I feel the same way. Street photography it's not only candid photos and random stuff, it feels like doing snapshots over and over. From over the past few decades street photography it's something to express feeling and create environment in the photo

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Agreed!

Well said! As I heard growing up, “variety is the spice of life”.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Ain't that too he truth!

@JaredTremper

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden sure is…and a willingness to be different from the pack. Then you can be an influencer and start a new trend haha!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

@@JaredTremper hahaha new trends for the win 😅

This is really weird because today I have a film camera with me. And I find myself thinking, this is making me think more, look at the shot, decide on the shot, and then take it. It is a discipline. One camera and one lens. I'm taking more time and consideration with a film that I don't have with digital. The camera cost me, body and lens, £100. Plus two other film cameras were thrown in for free. I'm starting to enjoy the film process again. Canon EOS 650 from 1987. I recommend it.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Steve! It really is a very different approach, one to be enjoyed and with minimum pressure when you're shooting!

exactly what i have also thought these days tiktok full of those reels going out to girls saying i am a street photographer can i take your picture ... Like Why if it's not candid can you call yourself a street photographer .. also I saw people with 85mm lens with bokeh calling it street photography but with no story

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

I agree the 85mm needs to chill

This is impressive video!! Thank you!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching 🙏

Great video about trends in photography and cliches

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Cheers!

Well said. I can't shoot 500 frames a day! 20, 50 max. Maybe because I learned should film. The so-called gatekeepers are stifling creativity. Where is it written that street photography must contain a person? I find the term in and of itself limiting. I have and all ways will call myself a documentary and urban photographer. It's so much more liberating!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

I hear you! Professionally I have shot thousands per day and regretted it 😂 street now sometimes I may only shoot 8 when taking my 35mm camera out with me

Good video love it man

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

I just subscribed, this is a really great video.. I'm about to ride a motorcycle from S.E Asia to Mongolia, Nepal ,India...etc.. Recently dropped my 5D for a Fuji X-T30ii and I'm loving it. Been shooting my whole life. I won't be using Social Media for my shots. I'll be using my YT channel :-) I don't allow outside influencers to play apart in my photography... I have my own style...

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching!

Great Work👌

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks 🔥

Nice video and thoughts!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

The problem is not the trend, but the social media. We had trends all the time, think about Impressionism, Puntillism, Realism, Minimalism etc, etc. The problem is not the trend, but the people who influence others to make them believe that if you don't follow such trend you are worth nothing as a photographer. Most of these "influencers" are just repeating the same thing over and over ad nauseam, because 1) they have no idea what is photography about, 2) they are ignorants who don't know how to think by themselves and 3) narcissism.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing!

I'm not a big fan of these street photography trends and the pictures it produces because it isn't exactly street. I do think it can help encourage someone who is new to go pick up their camera to go shoot, overcome their fears and learn how to communicate. Then eventually leave the trend to learn the actual history, legends who paved the way for street photographers today inspiring them to shoot just like them to document moments of time and history. Just like how hip hop where Biggie, Pac, Nas, Wu Tang, Tribe, Pharrell, Dr Dre, Premier, J Dilla, Busta Rhymes, laid the foundation for newer generations to where we have Metro Boomin, Kanye, Kendrick, J Cole, Joey, Drake, etc who are inspired by the greats to rap or produce like them and define their own style, when they were at one point going with the trends then ditched it to build their own sound. I use to follow the blue and orange trend, but got tired of it and started learning more about street that it helped me continue shooting.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the hip hop reference especially from your username #shimmyshimmyya

Bravo! Brilliant insight! Instagram and tik tok proudly destroying creativity and creating clones since 2016!!!!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Cheers Scott!

I totally get the idea of CONTENT CREATORS vs. Passionate shooters. THERE IS A HUGE DIFFERENCE

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

The difference is giant I feel

@hogg1media627

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden I concur!!! 💯%

What I find really annoying is those professional photographers who say they are street photographers and yet they are obviously using models for their 'wonderful images'. You know the perfect image where the woman looks through the window with a great pose be it on a train/ cafe' out of a car window etc. I can understand that for say magazines and selling fashion but selling it as street photography it's a bit much, if we all had models we would all get the perfect shot. Street photography is about just being in the right place at the right time with the right light, not set up. I wish more people would realise this.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Yes a believe planned candid photography for editorial is great but when posed as street isn't right

Folks get so lost in the weeds trying to discern what they are SUPPOSED to make photos of and what genre 'label' applies. Just learn the Craft of Photography (Composition, juxtaposition, exposure triangle, decisive moment and post production.) Carry a camera that you like to use with you at all times. Make photographs with that camera. Make them images that YOU like. Share those images if you feel like you want to. (Don't care what others think about them...as long as YOU like the work.) That's it. Don't overthink it. Have fun. (and if you are lucky, make a good living.)

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Great and simple words to live by!

Enjoy your videos! I've been thinking similarly lately, but I also don't prevent myself from shooting in a way that may be considered overdone. One "technique" or limitation that I impose on myself is shooting with a b/w viewfinder & display. I do this by shooting RAW+JPEG, turning on b/w effect, and setting lighroom imports to Adobe Default colors. This way I can focus on geometry & dynamic range while shooting & achieve pretty much any colors in post.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! That's so interesting you mention that, that's how I've been shooting on my A7C for a while now as I don't like any of the colours in-camera, so I use black and white to simplify things then use my presets in lightroom 😂

@randomcommenterurl

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden Unconventional tips like that could make a great video! Another setting I use is diag+square lines instead of rule of 3rd. I come up with a random geometry “rule” to use as a theme for an album. Something like using exactly 3 lines to align subjects. Not going over is harder than it sounds in a city 😅

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

@@randomcommenterurl that's interesting I haven't tried that! Funnily enough I do have a whole video on the black and white topic scripted and ready to go, but not sure on a thumbnail yet 😂

Oh well, at the age of 73 I have became completely trendless irrespective of whether its fashion, cars , gadgets or social media. I am immune to the age of the algo, social media, five second timespans. and wanting to please others just to get more likes. My inspiration and gateway into street was the story of the late Vivian Maier. She managed to solder on for nearly fifty years producing what can now be seen and appreciated as great images without apparently receiving any recognition in her lifetime. What greater lesson in self-motivation can there be?

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing Dennis, do you share your work anywhere in particular?

nice vid, but I don't think that people want to be street photographers, then seeing the trend and wanting to become street portraits. It's more likely they see street portraits and "miss understanding" it with street photography. But I got your point with the influence…

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, yes I meant different trends being some newcomers intro to the genre and have a misunderstanding of what it is/could be

As a philosophy, the fact that adult learners are also experts is easy for many photography mentors to miss.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Yes agreed, I'm actually planning a video on the "mentor" factor in online photography soon

good points. yeah i didn't enjoy pov street photo aswell when i tried.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Exactly!

Yup, I‘ve been shooting street for about 2 seconds, it’ll be a year soon that I got a canon rebel. I feel like street photography is more undefined in that it depends on the moment…that might be too naive of me but I can’t just tell strangers to pose for me besides that would be limiting. Great advice about advice!

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Congrats on the first year!

@TheFamedwarrior72

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden thank you. From your videos, I gather you’re in Manchester right? I like having a camera with me. It’s fun to learn

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

@@TheFamedwarrior72 yeah Manchester here! Always got to have a camera on you

@TheFamedwarrior72

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden I lived on Ladybarn lane for a few months back in the 90’s, near Plattfields park. Anyway, I am inspired and my friend who is a great photography mentor to me and I will be gong today to shoot and enjoy some of San Diego. Thanks George and God bless.

The irony of using a Gary Vee quote about being careful on who you get advice from 😮. Not sure if that was on purpose but well done if so.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

I get there skepticism of Gary Vee from things he's promoted, I understand 😂 but that piece of advice in a vacuum I think is worth paying attention to

Honestly, I'd classify most of my photos as "Rural Street Photography", I just find cool shit in the middle of nowhere take photos of it, just today I went to Bridgeton, and I'll be going tomorrow with my Ektar H35 for more shots.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

That sounds cool I like the idea!

for example fujifilm cameras where you can create your own jpeg recipes and then you just stay that, simulate the film well and then insert a 1gb card inside and manual lens .

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Cheers!

In my opinion, street photography is a very personal and intimate experiance. I mean sure, u can watch tutorials about the technique or how to.... But beeing outside on the street, only you with your camera and your eyes, makes it so special. And to be honest all the Instagram tutorial stuff about how to and so on.... I really don´t like it and next to I feel pretty unconfortable to watch them cause it reduces the working process, regarding street photography, from a amazingly tasty dinner to junkfood. So don´t know if I am wrong but that´s how I feel about it. But George I really like your content and what you are talking about. Thumbs up and carry on man!!

@GeorgeHolden

11 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing Alex, I really agree with what you've said - I'm actually doing a video in a couple of weeks exploring that experience a bit more, hard to put into words and images but hopefully I can do an alright job. Thanks for watching!

Super refreshing to watch this video.

@GeorgeHolden

11 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

Couldn’t agree more. Instagram street photography is mostly portraiture outdoors, I wouldn’t even class it as street photography. Maybe I’m a traditionalist

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I think it is still street photography and a great form - like humans of New York does a great job using the format - just they include the context in focus rather than the subjects nose

@aidanduncan8187

Жыл бұрын

@@GeorgeHolden Love Humans of New York. Very different feel from flashy, over edited, soul less Instagram trends tho 🙂

Brilliant ideas! Wheee would u guide a friend wanting to get into their own post processing who isn’t necessarily into computer tech yet but has a MacBook Pro. I might have made them nervous w: Adobe apps. I use Photoshop & LightRoom but I’m new to it myself yet

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

I'd either encourage them to shoot only jpeg with a camera that has good profiles or force them to learn lightroom 😂

I do that choice thing with a regular DSLR. I didn't even know you could just burst shoot the thing until recently. 😅 I always just aim for a certain number of shots (4-6 good ones that I'm happy about) on a walk and that's what decides my journey. I'm not particularly interested in street photography but I do suburban photography if that's even a thing. I guess my limiting factor is distance because I don't own a car. 😂 I guess the reason I limit myself is because DSLRs are loud as hell. No quiet shutter feels like shooting with meaning.

@GeorgeHolden

Жыл бұрын

I hear that! Similar thinking made me consider a DSLR again recently (the countdown begins) and I like the idea of suburban photography, cars in garages and cool open road vibes!

@BugPowderDust

Жыл бұрын

Totally this, I love sub/urban photography but ironically I live very much in the country. Frustrating 😂