Why Good Photos aren’t Great.

James Popsys
9 Nov 202312:19
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this video, landscape photographer James Popsys reflects on why he has become less excited about shooting popular autumn scenes and iconic locations. He explains that he is increasingly drawn to photography that captures the remarkable in unremarkable places, relying on skill rather than dramatic effects. James provides examples of photographers who inspire him with their ability to find surprise, interest, and beauty in everyday settings. He aims to focus more on this kind of work himself, seeking to hone his observational skills rather than visiting honeypot locations. James shares his thoughts on this introspective creative process.

Takeaways
  • 😊 The video is sponsored by Squarespace, which offers website building and hosting services.
  • 🌿 The video shows the last day of autumn in Wales before winter arrives.
  • 📷 The narrator likes photographing scenes with a mix of nature and human-made elements.
  • ☔️ Bad weather cut the photography trip short.
  • 🤔 The narrator reflects on why he is less excited about autumn photography this year.
  • 🔍 He is drawn to photos that make unremarkable places look remarkable through skillful observation.
  • 🎨 The element of surprise makes photos more compelling than just being technically well-executed.
  • 👍 He shares examples of his own good and great photos to illustrate his point.
  • 📬 He has managed to send out two consecutive monthly newsletters thanks to Squarespace.
  • 💡 He recommends Squarespace for building photography websites and online stores.
Q & A

  • What type of photography is James drawn to most nowadays?

    -James is increasingly drawn to photography that makes unremarkable places look remarkable, focusing on incredible skills in observation rather than relying on shallow depth of field, crazy colors, lighting effects etc.

  • Why doesn't James get excited about shooting colorful autumn scenes anymore?

    -James doesn't get surprised or compelled to revisit autumn photos full of color, even though they are nice, because he expects them to look nice.

  • What does James mean when he talks about photographers having a big 'footprint' on their images?

    -James means relying heavily on post-processing effects like shallow depth of field, vivid colors, lighting effects etc. to make the image stand out.

  • Why does James compare watching top athletes compete with viewing remarkable photography of unremarkable places?

    -James says there's no surprise or compelling element in watching extremely skilled athletes win easily against weaker opponents, just as there's no surprise in viewing beautiful scenes that anyone could photograph well.

  • How has doing YouTube videos influenced James's thoughts on photography?

    -Having to think deeply about photography for his videos makes James consider themes and perspectives he wouldn't otherwise, which he enjoys.

  • What is the element of surprise James looks for in his best images?

    -James looks for unexpected or unusual elements that grab the viewer's attention, like the derelict hut in his Greenland photo.

  • Why does James only sell limited edition prints now?

    -James wants to offer something more unique by selling a print for a limited time and then never offering that image as a print again.

  • What makes Squarespace a good platform for photographers?

    -Squarespace offers easy professional website building, templates, online stores, newsletters and more - great tools for photographers.

  • Where is James traveling to next week?

    -The video doesn't specify where James is traveling to next week.

  • What time of year was this video filmed?

    -Based on James mentioning peak autumn colors, it was likely filmed in the fall season.

Outlines
00:00
🎥 Introducing the video sponsor and overview of plans

The first paragraph introduces Squarespace, the sponsor for the video. It also mentions the speaker's plans to make the most of the day for autumn photography in Wales before going away next week.

05:02
🌄 Discussing preference for photos of unremarkable places made remarkable

The second paragraph discusses the speaker's changing photography taste - he is increasingly drawn to photos of unremarkable places made remarkable through the photographer's skills, rather than conventionally beautiful scenes. He shows some examples of such photography and links this preference to seeking surprise/the unexpected in images.

10:05
🎞 Explaining what makes a photo good versus great

The third paragraph elaborates on the distinction between a good photo and a great photo based on the element of surprise. It shows two of the speaker's own photos as examples - one nice but predictable, the other less obviously compelling but more unique.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Autumn
Autumn refers to the season of fall, when leaves change color before falling from trees. The video focuses on the beauty of autumn landscapes, but the narrator feels uninspired by conventional autumn photography this year. He thinks autumn colors are predictable, so photos of beautiful fall foliage don't surprise or compel him anymore.
💡photography style
The narrator reflects on his taste in photography, realizing he is most drawn to photos that find beauty in mundane places. He wants to focus on using skill to make unremarkable scenes look remarkable, with minimal editing.
💡observation skills
The narrator admires photographers who use keen observation, not special equipment or effects, to capture beauty. Their photos rely on seeing potential in ordinary settings. The narrator wants to hone his observation skills to create unique photos.
💡surprise
The element of surprise is key to compelling photos, according to the narrator. If a scene is conventionally beautiful, he is not surprised by a nice photo of it. But photos revealing beauty in unexpected places spark curiosity and interest.
💡travel photography
Though the narrator enjoys travel photography in exotic places like the Arctic, he finds local, everyday scenes more challenging. Capturing something remarkable in a familiar setting requires creativity.
💡introspection
The narrator engages in introspection about why certain photographic styles appeal to him now. Analyzing his taste has led him to value surprise over conventionally pleasing images.
💡human nature
The narrator frequently refers to striking a balance between nature and elements created by humans, which he finds interesting. This fusion relates to his fascination with finding beauty amidst the ordinary.
💡creativity
The narrator wants to develop his creativity, making mundane settings interesting through skillful observation and composition. Finding unique perspectives requires imagination.
💡printing photos
The narrator mentions printing and selling a limited edition photo, indicating financial and creative incentives around showcasing his best work.
💡newsletters
The narrator promotes his email newsletter, which allows direct communication about photographic projects with his audience. Newsletters help build relationships.
Highlights

First significant research finding revealed

Discussion of innovative statistical analysis method

Description of theoretical framework for interpreting results

Analysis of potential real-world impact and applications

Transcripts

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