My mentor was my dear wife who passed away too soon. She was (how I hate to use past tense) an amazing artist who worked in everything from pencil, ink to watercolor, oils, etc. Why she was such a good mentor was not necessarily her skill, but her honesty. I’m currently struggling to get myself going again since she’s been gone (2 years), because I don’t get the feedback. She didn’t fail to tell me when something wasn’t good, but it was so thrilling to when something worked and she liked something. I learned so much from her. The attributes in a mentor is someone who is honest and can “explain” why they feel that way. So you have to be able to verbalize. One final point, she made me stronger and as time passed, I felt I could disagree with her and she could respect that. Thanks so much for sharing this topic, you’ve stirred up some nice memories.

Where I live there are way too many “photographers” who have a know it all mentality that it’s difficult to just talk about photography.

@e-m335

3 жыл бұрын

@@SteveKleinheider nah, I don’t and have never claimed I did.

For this exact reason I’d love for you to bring photo assignments back. I’ve always seen you as a mentor. You might not have had any formal training but your insight into especially the theory and philosophy of photography is second to none.

I’m 72 … I look up to you Ted!

@psoon04286

3 жыл бұрын

I’m also 72 and look up to Ted too👍😊

@robwinklerphoto2189

3 жыл бұрын

I'm 68 and still with Thoreau, whom I first read in college: "You may say the wisest thing you can, old man-you who have lived seventy years, not without honor of a kind-I hear an irresistible voice which invites me away from all that."

@DScott-be7pg

Жыл бұрын

Lemme find out you were born on October 22nd 👀

Finding a mentor is really tough. Online groups generally say "you're great", "you su¢k", or nothing at all. Rare is the comment with specific suggestions for improvement (or at least a different approach) that photographers really need. I joined a camera club, looking for role models and mentors. But most of the feedback there is about how to fix a problem in Photoshop. Next to nothing about composition, subject matter, use of light, etc. that would actually make me a better shooter. I consider myself a pretty good self-teacher and I've gotten a lot better the last few years. But if I had someone really knowledgeable to bounce around ideas about photography with, it would be invaluable.

@larsbunch

3 жыл бұрын

I can really relate to this. The kind of relationship where one can be completely honest and direct about art and the philosophy behind it is rare. It’s often easier to talk about technical issues than the more amorphous aspects of art. I end up writing my thoughts about art in a journal and that helps solidify them to some extent, but I still lack the feed back from other people.

@dianeschuller

3 жыл бұрын

That's my experience as well plus I also relate to what Lars added to these points.

@kmbrco

3 жыл бұрын

I can so relate to your points here. I finally got up the courage to join a local photography group. My first experience was so disappointing. It was very much clique oriented. Very few women. And they spent so much time talking about Photoshop and Lightroom. It's great to learn editing tricks, but I was so disappointed. I could just feel it wasn't the group for me. Then, good ol' covid arrived, so that put an end to it anyway. Maybe I'll try a different group at some point, or I'll just join in with Ted and Ralph. :)

@aeromodeller1

3 жыл бұрын

@@larsbunch Edward Weston. Daybooks.

@the_photarist1845

3 жыл бұрын

Put me in the same category as the others, however i think the problem is that creatives at that level tend to be a bit flaky. The problem is who can teach you what you dont know. The only thing we can look towards is wisdom ie people who have come a long way in their craft, and also really ask ourselves what is the point of our own photography and try to connect the dots. Creative endeavors are filled with problems not found in other disciplines because we have to create something out of nothing.

Ted I've been subbed to you for close to 6 or more years now I think and I have to thank you for the continued work you do. I understand the mentorship relationship you held with greg. I've similarly began to study with an incredibly successful director of photography and its incredible to bounce off eachother about lensing and light speaking for 12 hours or so on the phone sometimes. Thank you for being so vulnerable and open look forward to more of your work!

I have recently begun following your videos. This particular video about mentors really caught me by surprise. Greg Booth was a classmate of mine back in the late 60's into the early 70's at Art Center College of Design. This was when the old Art Center was on 3rd and Highland in Los Angeles. We were good friends and often went out shooting class assignments together. Even back then it was easy to to see Greg was destined to be a great photographer. Nothing seemed to deter him from his vision. If there was such a thing as a Valedictorian, he definitely would have been the one as he graduated with 'Great Distinction'. After graduation, we all went our separate ways and I lost contact with him. I am so sorry to hear he had passed away at so young an age. He always seemed to burn his candle at both ends. I am happy you had the opportunity to call him friend and mentor.

In & around 1976 I was living & going to NW campus of Tarrant County Jr. College & taking a photography class. One of the photography instructors was David Pond-smith. In some fashion David knew Ralph Gibson & arranged for private showing in Dallas Texas. I purchased Ralph Gibson Days At Sea which he signed. In a brief conversation with Mr. Gibson & he was very bright & quick witted about many things & of course to include photography. Needless to say I always admired & attempted to emulate him. I look forward in seeing the future series. I throughly enjoy what you have presented all these years. Thank you.

I'm passionately looking forward to put my all eagerness in those videos and it's going to be a double treat to watch them and grow my fathomless affinity of understanding what it is that means all about photography!! I always appreciate your efforts to uplift the art of photography and you're pretty straight forward to the direction as always!!

I am soooo excited to learn that you and Ralph Gibson will be doing some videos together -- such great news!!! I absolutely have loved his work since the first time I saw one of his books about 30 years ago! I'm really looking forward to learning from both of you! Thank you!

I have been following your channel for a year. You are such an inspiration and i have learnt so much from you! Thanks you so much for everything.

One thing that has helped me is joining local camera clubs / PPA groups and building relationships with photographers that are achieving the goals you aspire to or doing work that's just impressive! Also always have a "student" attitude that theirs someone out their that has something to teach you.

I was going to make some big dramatic drawn-out thank you but sometimes just a simple thanks and a thumbs-up will suffice

You post heartfelt commentary Genuine honest and much valued and loved!! You where an early mentor getting me going!!! Did u have a Gibson book you especially like to recommend??

Since my early 20s I look up to you and to your work Ted! Always loved photography and I have managed to get my first camera early this year. Im in my early 30s now. Thank you for everything you do for this community!

Just did my biggest shoot to date and this video couldn't have come at a better time. Very thankful for all of your efforts over the years

Beautiful story. Thank you for what you're bringing to others. I'm happy that I've found an echo of myself in you.

Ted, you'd be surprised by how many of your subscribers you've helped over the years with your videos. In fact, the reason I bought the Nikon F5 was because of a review you did on the camera some years back. Thank you for your time and informative videos that you've posted over the years to help everyone interested in the art of photography.

Hell yeah! I'm pretty excited for this. I've been into photography for about 3 years and I've got tons to learn. I'd love to learn some real basic stuff that he uses favorite film ,camera,lens, favorite f stop for situations especially night. Just anything. I'd love to see a mentor series continue on. That would be amazing

I am way far from Dallas to be exact i am watching from Portugal the last 5 years... everytime i need to learn or to vizualize a simple image of composition your way simple of explain and shown things make all the sense to my brain... so. You've been a very mentor for me and i will reach you everytime i need to learn anything for the sake of soul.

I was just blown away! I have had many mentors in my life, and some would argue I have had my fair share. Photography is a passion that I brought to real life with a deep dive, starting with your guidance on the Nikon z50 and then on your discussion of settling on a lens view and sticking to it for a while. stick with the 18-50 has been curtailing in some ways but totally challenging in others... Look at the world not as a capturable moment but as moments in time within reach. I love your thoughts on photography and honestly appreciate your take on this art. Thanks So much!

You inspire me....been new to photography I am glad I found your channel. I have learned a lot. Thank you 😊

Thanks Ted. I love what you do (although I admit to only watching about half your gear reviews) I'm about half way through your back catalogue and have learnt so much. Really looking forward to what you have in store for us.

Sounds like you really are back on track in a big way Ted. A fantastic idea and opportunity. The art of photography on the next level. Congratulations !

I recently subscribed to your channel and I have enjoyed your videos very much. This is exciting news on your side, looking forward to it. I live in West Texas and there’s not much to do, as far as street photography goes, you hardly see people walking. I really have to look hard to find interesting things to take a photo of. Thanks to your videos I find the inspiration I need. Photography here is concentrated in weddings, engagements, etc. No street photography. Im going to make it a personal goal to get the most out of the city I live in. Thanks

Greetings from South Africa > been listening and watching your vids for the past 12 years Still learning Keep up the Good Work Stay Safe

Amigo, I just want to say "thank you for you channel and videos!" you are the youtuber that I find in a class of his own! and that is a good thing!! When I see your videos I have to stop everything else, yes you talk way faster then the average man does, BUT it is all good stuff! Thanks !!! and keep t coming with the projects!! I will be waiting!

To tell you the truth I feel you're a great teacher and would make a great mentor. I love these videos you put out that have nothing to do with gear

Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed photography also, I'm also very shy about my work. It's just a great release for me.

I had several short term mentors...my highschool art teacher..then years later i took portrait oil painting..then sculpting with a master sculptor from Japan and worked in a stainglass shop as a youth. Now im in my 50"s and became a Olympic archery coach and mentored young and old on the art of the string and stick. Ive been truly blessed and sharing your story was truly a treat. Thanks so much.

Great video and great content overall. I keep coming back to your channel (e.g. I bought my F3 after watching one of your videos :D). As for having a mentor, I still have a mentor but I ask and receive advice on a really rare occasion. It still means a lot and if my mentor says it's ok then I am happy (or offers criticism and then that's another valuable pointer for future reference). What really strikes me in my relationship with my mentor is that I really didn't receive much advice or seek it very often, but every time I did I was pushed in a new direction which ultimately made me a better photographer. Just a slight gentle push to move on to another level - amazing stuff, I am really happy with my mentor and grateful beyond words.

wow! i can’t wait for this!! super excited!! thank you for putting it together Ted!

Excited for this and for you Ted! Ralph Gibson was one of the first “art” photographers I was exposed to. I was looking through one of his books in the high school library and my photography teacher came in and noticed. He said, “Gibson, huh? What do you think?” I talked about if and he told me to wait, got a spare key to the darkroom and said, “you’re on the list” (to be authorized to be in the school after hours). “Use the room when you want.” Different days then but I learned a lot.

Another great video. Finding a mentor must be hard work and I guess you need to be socially engaged which I think many of us are not; well I'm not I find networking difficult. But your channel Ted helps to fill that gap so thank you. The enterprise with Ralph Gibson is very exciting and looking forward to it already.

Thank you so much for sharing something so personal to both your work, and your development as an individual! It's really something to think about, and it's such an untalked-about side of photography, and the creative arts in general. On a side note... we've GOTTA see that print of yours(a copy I mean) that your mentor ended up purchasing. I'm so curiouis which one he ended up picking out!!

I am coming from a music backround too. Started with piano since I was young and in the end studied classical composition. I would love to hear more about your transition and how you use music elements in photography. I am thinking always that the way you compose music has really much to do with the way you make a movies and not only this. I would love hearing you talking about this subject!

Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I know Greg is very proud of you. Besides I want to thank you for teaching to all of us your knowledge.

Ralph Gibson! These are going to be awesome videos! Glad to see the Real Ted Forbes is back and better than ever!

Great video! I’m super bummed I couldn’t make it to Fort Worth Camera yesterday since I’d heard you’d be hanging out there. Maybe on my next trip up there. Wishing you a happy 4th of July! Best wishes from San Antonio!

We all need someone to talk out what to do next! mentors help alot!

That is great Ted. Just like you I had the opertunity to meet one of the greats in the world of lutherie. It was unexpected but a great meeting. When I told him that I was going to work for the same enterprise, he wanted to know when I was starting. I think I may have found my mentor, just amazing. Don't worry, I still will be following you. Thanks Ted.

Thanks for sharing that. It does help. Can't wait for the Ted & Ralph Show!

Super excited thanks fornece constant flow of inspiration!!

That was really inspiring to watch. P.s. - the photograph with the baby and the guitar player was amazing. It gave me goosebumps. I’m a music producer and I love using photography as one of my creative releases. I’m looking forward to the videos!

@kmbrco

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, the photo with the guitar player and the baby hand was soul-stirring.

At 4.58 your voice tells it all, Greg obviously meant a lot to you. Kudos Ted for being so open.

I learned from my dad in my teens, but since then it was relearing what I forgot when I started shooting again later in life. KZread and books mainly. No mentor at this point, but I do have a couple of photographer friends I shoot with. We actually learn from each other and that encouragement tends to push us to try new things. So no mentoring, but a mutual training/support group. I find this to be very useful.

Huge Ralph Gibson fan - this is incredible!!

I discovered Ralf Gibson in a classy mag back in the 80’s. Collectors was a magazine devoted to the female form and was published by Jeff Dunas.. Some really great work in those pages. Looking forward to more Gibson on your channel Ted . Cheers from Western Canada 🇨🇦

Congratulations Ted. This is a new and exciting adventure and will definitely benefit a lot of your subscribers.

Awesome news and so cool that you still take the steps to keep growing. Through a number of coincidences I met one of the bigger local commercial photographers a number of years ago. I ended up assisting him but I would also do whatever he needed. I was willing to install new toilets in the apartments over his studio because I knew it was a chance to pick his brain about photography and the business while I did it. He is retired now, I’ve bought his building and I was just over at his house the other day installing one of those wall mount TV things. Again - still picking his brain. My advice would be to never pass up any opportunity even if it doesn’t seem directly related to photography. When I met him I had no idea how I could make a living at this - now I run my own studio.

Great advice and I look forward to the things in the future. This sounds awesome!!

VERY COOL!!! Ralph Gibson and you will be amazing! Great news!! I have Chiaroscuro, one of his books and find it very inspiring. I'd love to hear your discussions on training the eye, composition, visualization/developing and the results on the final print, thinks like that. Ah, and stories! Thanks for sharing this experience with us!!

I have been a passion-driven amateur photographer for seventy years. In that time I have accumulated a lot of knowledge and soon it will all be gone. I have never had or been a mentor. Now I w the art going. I would love to share my love for photography with someone who might keep the art going. Most people seem content with snapshots from their cell phone.

@anthonypaladino1006

3 жыл бұрын

SAD but true me 30 years started film days - today NOBODY wants to learn and they ALL believe the iphone is all U need. They will argue that the camera can replicate what U see 100% - though not true, they don't care.

Your becoming my mentor more and more, keep it up... you inspire me.

My photography teacher in high school really helped me build my early foundation and "style". I'm really fortunate I had 2 years with him, he was my biggest influence. I went on to become a full time news photographer for a few years, thanks to his guidance. Very much looking forward to your sessions with Ralph, can't wait! 😎📷

You make some great points! A mentor is important. Here in my region, photography is no more than social media and camera photos on Facebook etc. I am sure there are areas with art communities that are thriving with mentors. Just not in NW Indiana.

Thank you Ted. Excellent observations and advice. Very interesting and thought provoking...as usual. And by the way great idea about Fridays with Ralph, sharing ideas and experiences between the two of you. Mentoring (in a sense) all your viewers and followers and "students". Yes, students, you are a teacher and "inspirer" for many. Me for one. Thanks again.

You inspire me Ted its not often i dont learn or get some inspiration from your words

I’m pretty stoked to see what you have next! Great vid!

so much honest energy straight from the heart , love it .... i'm willing to bet Greg saw something in you and did what he thought was necessary to help you along .... i'm also willing to bet you also helped him as much as he helped you , energy is contagious and 2 people on the same wavelength can create energy exponential to what each puts in ...... which leaves the question , is it a mentor you seek , or someone on the same wavelength able to focus and redirect and add to your thoughts and energy , while you do the same for them ?

Wow, fantastic idea Ted, really look forward to seeing your planned Ralph sessions.

I don’t k ow Ralph Gibson but you’ve made me want to (you have a way of doing that!). Looking forward to the videos.

What a great story....Looking forward to your future for the channel.

You're a thoughtful guy, music and pictures here, as well. Cheers

As someone who has been in a photographic slump for over a year, I'm really looking forward to this. It may be just what I need to get back into it. Thank so much for all that you do Ted.

@YoutubingJason

3 жыл бұрын

I have been as well! I imagine it’s due to just being stuck at home for so long

Great video subject as always. Ive just been backtracking through some of the masters series and tried to get close to some of the styles with my own photos. Some were really hard. I learned such a lot. I have such alot of respect for the amazing bw film photos with rangefinder cameras. Heres me with my mirrorless gadget and all the gear and no idea. Ha ha. Looking forward to the follow up of this video.

Great idea, Looking forward👍

Thank you Ted, for creating this incredible opportunity to learn from one of the most iconic photographer in the world available for everyone🙏✨

When I first moved to Los Angeles I sort out Ken Marcus who was initially the head of the Playboy photography department I went to a birthday party met him and we’ve been friends for many years now, he’s a great photographer very knowledgeable, I have one of his prints of Jimi Hendrix lighting his guitar on fire. Thanks for the video!

Man oh man I'm looking forward to this series!!!!!!!!

Great video. I'm in my 60s. My mentor is the great Howard Simmons who worked with the also great John White at the Chicago Sun-Times and who Howard introduced me to. I'll see Howard this weekend. He's a treasure.

At this moment in my photography journey I needed to hear this! Thank you 👏⭐️💯

This is gold Ted, well done. You honestly have the best ideas. 📸🙏

Oh wow. Thank you so much Ted! I can't wait. :)

AMAZING... thanks so much Ted for offering us this great great opportunity!!! What interest me the most is “la démarche artistique” (more than the technical aspect) :-)

Helpful perspective! Thank you.

I thought this was a timely message! Two things came to mind as you were speaking. 1.) Selflessness 2.) Humility It takes a selfless person to be able to SHARE information and to mentor someone else. It's VERY easy to be selfish and to only do things that benefit us personally. Humility it what someone who is being mentored needs to posses in order for the mentorship to work properly. It's VERY easy to get a big head or become prideful because of social media numbers and followings. Thanks Ted for being both humble and selfless to share your knowledge, insight and time with us! I greatly appreciate it! I wish you the best! Keep up the great work!

As someone who was trained in classical music and composition, this is something that resonates with me very deeply. Maybe your experience learning music has influenced your conclusions on this. I would say most people who've had formal training in music or dance, theatre etc. would agree that we wouldn't be where we are without our mentors. I meet a lot of people who think you can't learn or teach creativity. You can, and THIS is how! Thanks for all your work Ted!

Yikes! Ralph Gibson. That will be amazing. ... I took a workshop with him in Maine in the late 1970s. I was completely taken by his books - Days at Sea and especially The Somnambulist. The workshop was a great few days of immersion in photography. ... For a mix of reasons, I stepped away from photography shortly after that, and now, and am now finding my way back. I'm looking forward to the sessions you're planning together. Many thanks.

Thank you Ted, looking forward to the mentoring!

I have just subscribed to your channel having watched some of your videos. I was a very keen photographer back in the 80's with my chinon CG5. I decided to get back into photography and bought a Nikon D3000 with a 35-80mm 4:5.6. It was the cheapest Nikon I could find on ebay at the time with a lens and all for £117. This was in 2015 and I used it a couple of times and left it in the cupboard as I was put off with the settings and the quality of my images (the lens is pretty awful as I found out later). I have since moved to Spain with my wife and we have an impressive castle literally on our doorstep. I have since learnt to use the D3000 and snap everything from street, landscape to almost astrophotography. I'm looking to buy a D7000 or probably the 7100 for better low light performance when I get some spare cash, somehow. 😕 Thank you and look forward to watching your content.

OMG this is amazing !! Can't for those Fridays with Ralph !

Ok, I know how to set my camera up to take sharp pictures but my eyes can't tell if they really are sharp. I wear bifocals. When I blow them up on my computer they look so out of focus. I normally use back button focus to bring in the subject and fine tune with manual focus. still comes not sharp as they should be. Canon T7I with a 100-400mm lens. Any Help?

Hi Ted. I love your channel. I to love photography. Unfortunately I suffered my 6th stroke late last year but this time one paralyzed in the left side. Is there any equipment or way I can continue with my passion using my right arm. I have resorted to my I Phone to keep me occupied. Keep up with your posts

Ralph Gibson is a legend! Love his thoughts on photo books !

I'm not a pro (although I did darkroom work and shot portraits in the late 70s - I learned a LOT then). My parents gave me my first camera in 1976, and I've been shooting since. My family is all that sees 99.8% of what I do. Besides the structured studio portraits, I've had zero training outside of watching KZread videos from you and quite a few others. Since I'm in my 60s, and work way too much, finding a mentor for my hobby is probably a reach. Thanks for what you do... and what you're about to do.

I look forward to seeing your talks with Ralph! You always seem to bring out the best in people. I never had a mentor in anything so maybe I’m jealous but I willing to bet this will be fun for everyone who watches. Maybe you could invite Hugh Brownstone over as well. The 3 of you would be epic watching! I loved your previous videos with several other artists as well. Thanks!

very interesting video! can wait for your interactions with Ralf Gibson! Thanks for sharing!

Man . Ur amazing ur changing my life . I really watch these all the way through . Man .

I’m so excited for these! Ralph is my favorite!

All the best Ted nice job💚

Online uni course sucks and this saved me. Thank you!

Really excited for the new series!

Wonderful broadcast, Ted. I wanted to mention one of my mentors in photography. Peter Espe (1932-2021) sadly passed away last month in Oxford, UK. We shared many hours together discussing photography, the early cinema, approaches to photography. Peter gave me the much needed encouragement and I vividly remember showing him my album 'Ecosystems' that you so kindly featured on your channel. Peter came to my Ecosystems exhibition at Oxford University and I rolled him in his wheelchair around my exhibition for over an hour. Peter was so interested in every image and was visibly very pleased. In his earlier days, Peter worked at the London College of Printing and one of his most famous students was Michael Kenna, one of my true heroes in photography. Peter photographed Salvador Dali and taught several generations of image makers. It is sad loss.

I have someone I would consider to be a mentor, and I respect his opinion regarding my photography more than just anyone else on the planet. His art is stunning. It's amazing to not only get constructive criticism from him, but also unending support from someone that talented.

Keep inspiring Ted!!!

Great insight, thx!

thank you for sharing Ted. I have a hard time to find a mentor. :( But watching your channel always inspires me to do things differently. So thank you!

Great news. This channel keeps on getting better. There is a lot of pride involved in creative work - swallowing your pride and taking criticism is a tough thing to do for everyone - but in the end we all need it.

That’s really interesting and exciting, look forward to it.