Rodchenko
Olympian
When I've been buying equipment, I've found it useful to look online for information. Sometimes, YouTube has the clearest information about variations between cameras, how to operate etc etc.
But there's quite a range of quality. There's one video about a camera I am particularly interested in where the person talking is absolutely clueless, not knowing what a filter is, calling it a lens etc. It's just cringemaking.
Now, I might need to tread carefully here, as I noticed yesterday that at least one of the videographers I've found interesting, informative and entertaining (even if I don't always agree with him) is a member here. But I thought it might be helpful to reflect on which prolific posters we found most (and, if you dare, least) useful for both gear and technique (which is an area which is a bit dire).
For example, although he's a bit of a clown, and opinionated without the substance to back it up, I like Kai of DigitalRev. He's an entertainer, and, if some actual information creeps into the video, that's a bonus.
I've warmed to Snapchick, who, while focussed on DSLRs, and clearly with a section of her fanbase devoted because she's an attractive woman, actually does discuss intelligently how to approach a wide variety of situations, and, to my surprise, posted a very thoughtful piece recently on the future of the camera business.
I like Blunty for m43 reviews. He has that inimitable Aussie style, and his personality comes across well.
I like pdexposures. He has a sardonic wit that's developed over the course of his videos, but I'd love to see more of him shooting, like in the Rollei 35 vid, where he was overcoming the quirks to find a way of using the camera to best effect.
GAS Station is OK, but I find his videos a bit rambling, and his experience a bit narrow, which shows up when he reviews a camera outside his normal sphere. The Minox review is a good example - he tries to be informative, but doesn't have the in-depth knowledge. Nobody could be an expert on everything, though.
Paolo Moreira has interesting cameras, but is again rather rambling, though, in his long videos, there's a fair bit of interesting detail scattered through.
The John Free videos are entertaining, if only for his grumpy didacticism.
There are many others I can't think of right now.
OK, so who don't I like?
Eric Kim is embarrassing to watch at work. I watched a video the other day of him explaining how to use the M9 for street photography. He'd clearly not prepared for it, and talked all sorts of rubbish, such as asserting that 1.2m (his preferred set distance for zone focussing, so he said) is two arms lengths. Maybe he's a lot smaller than he seems on video.
Particular mention must be made of the interview with a very uncomfortable Alamby of DigitalRev.
Jared Polin (FroKnowsPhotos) just has an irritating style from the start. OK, so he's a character, but I can't let him off the hook for that. I've seen appalling editing vids, and heard him spout all sorts of nonsense. Good if something works for him (and I haven't seen much evidence that convinces me it does), but he is one of those people who 'knows' everything, and isn't open to any other opinions.
Most recently, I saw something by Joel Meyerowitz. I've seen some really good photos by him, so I was surprised how he came across on video as just a bit full of himself, and, filmed in action, seemed a bit of a prat. There, I've said it.
That's my view, so don't flame me. There are other videos which are just poor quality, but I can't remember who they were posted by. On the other hand, I've been impressed by how much can be learned from good videos.
Any other suggestions of videographers to check out or avoid? And who is the biggest clown in the world of photography?
But there's quite a range of quality. There's one video about a camera I am particularly interested in where the person talking is absolutely clueless, not knowing what a filter is, calling it a lens etc. It's just cringemaking.
Now, I might need to tread carefully here, as I noticed yesterday that at least one of the videographers I've found interesting, informative and entertaining (even if I don't always agree with him) is a member here. But I thought it might be helpful to reflect on which prolific posters we found most (and, if you dare, least) useful for both gear and technique (which is an area which is a bit dire).
For example, although he's a bit of a clown, and opinionated without the substance to back it up, I like Kai of DigitalRev. He's an entertainer, and, if some actual information creeps into the video, that's a bonus.
I've warmed to Snapchick, who, while focussed on DSLRs, and clearly with a section of her fanbase devoted because she's an attractive woman, actually does discuss intelligently how to approach a wide variety of situations, and, to my surprise, posted a very thoughtful piece recently on the future of the camera business.
I like Blunty for m43 reviews. He has that inimitable Aussie style, and his personality comes across well.
I like pdexposures. He has a sardonic wit that's developed over the course of his videos, but I'd love to see more of him shooting, like in the Rollei 35 vid, where he was overcoming the quirks to find a way of using the camera to best effect.
GAS Station is OK, but I find his videos a bit rambling, and his experience a bit narrow, which shows up when he reviews a camera outside his normal sphere. The Minox review is a good example - he tries to be informative, but doesn't have the in-depth knowledge. Nobody could be an expert on everything, though.
Paolo Moreira has interesting cameras, but is again rather rambling, though, in his long videos, there's a fair bit of interesting detail scattered through.
The John Free videos are entertaining, if only for his grumpy didacticism.
There are many others I can't think of right now.
OK, so who don't I like?
Eric Kim is embarrassing to watch at work. I watched a video the other day of him explaining how to use the M9 for street photography. He'd clearly not prepared for it, and talked all sorts of rubbish, such as asserting that 1.2m (his preferred set distance for zone focussing, so he said) is two arms lengths. Maybe he's a lot smaller than he seems on video.
Particular mention must be made of the interview with a very uncomfortable Alamby of DigitalRev.Jared Polin (FroKnowsPhotos) just has an irritating style from the start. OK, so he's a character, but I can't let him off the hook for that. I've seen appalling editing vids, and heard him spout all sorts of nonsense. Good if something works for him (and I haven't seen much evidence that convinces me it does), but he is one of those people who 'knows' everything, and isn't open to any other opinions.
Most recently, I saw something by Joel Meyerowitz. I've seen some really good photos by him, so I was surprised how he came across on video as just a bit full of himself, and, filmed in action, seemed a bit of a prat. There, I've said it.
That's my view, so don't flame me. There are other videos which are just poor quality, but I can't remember who they were posted by. On the other hand, I've been impressed by how much can be learned from good videos.
Any other suggestions of videographers to check out or avoid? And who is the biggest clown in the world of photography?
charjohncarter
Veteran
I've been through this too. I would like a more clear title for camera videos; like 'loading my Rolleiflex' and not 'I just got a Rollei.'
Some of the lighting tutorials are really good though, I have learned much from them. I wish I could remember the guys name, maybe it will come to me.
Some of the lighting tutorials are really good though, I have learned much from them. I wish I could remember the guys name, maybe it will come to me.
Rodchenko
Olympian
I could do with some lighting tips. I'm a fair lighting designer for live events, but photographic lighting is a whole different bucket of bananas.
redisburning
Well-known
Ben Horne is really it for high quality work.
TCS is passable, and DigitalRev CAN (sometimes) be funny. Mijonju is good but rarely posts anything and it's a very different kind of thing anyway. Michael Erlewine has some decent videos but isn't nearly in depth enough.
Add to your list of people not to like ThatNikonGuy/Matt Granger. Who doesn't know ****.
TCS is passable, and DigitalRev CAN (sometimes) be funny. Mijonju is good but rarely posts anything and it's a very different kind of thing anyway. Michael Erlewine has some decent videos but isn't nearly in depth enough.
Add to your list of people not to like ThatNikonGuy/Matt Granger. Who doesn't know ****.
BLKRCAT
75% Film
I do have something in the works soon. Something film oriented, with a higher than average production value.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Youtube is great source of wisdom for those who spend all of spare money on GAS, instead of attending good seminars for how to do photography.
I'm one of them.
I have my own youtube video with how dead curtains in Zorki looks and sounds.
Stay tuned for my new video for how to operate frame counter in Bessa 66 without breaking it!
I'm one of them.
I have my own youtube video with how dead curtains in Zorki looks and sounds.
Stay tuned for my new video for how to operate frame counter in Bessa 66 without breaking it!
hepcat
Former PH, USN
redisburning
Well-known
a seminar is as much a waste as new gear.
do you know how to use a camera? great, it's really simple. now go expand your visual library. look at other people's works or make your own new failures.
youtube is good when you're stuck at work/home and want to entertain yourself, that's how I would put the spirit of what you're saying. and with that, I agree.
Mcary
Well-known
Don't finding any of the You tube photography/photographer shows/channels of much value. What I do find of value is all the old PBS, BBC, and other documentaries on photography and photographers that have been and are being added to you tube all the time.
olakiril
Well-known
I feel this thread needs resurrecting. Since 2014 many things have changed and I find YT a great resource for photography and many channels that are far beyond simple gearheadness & GAS.
Here is a list of channels that I visit:
grainydays Film photography / Funny (?)
T. Hopper Photography theory / Photographers
Willem Verbeeck Film photography / Urban landscape
Thomas Heaton Landscape photography
Samuel L. Streetlife Street photography
Mitch Boyer Digital printing
Keith Cooper Digital printing
What is yours?
Here is a list of channels that I visit:
grainydays Film photography / Funny (?)
T. Hopper Photography theory / Photographers
Willem Verbeeck Film photography / Urban landscape
Thomas Heaton Landscape photography
Samuel L. Streetlife Street photography
Mitch Boyer Digital printing
Keith Cooper Digital printing
What is yours?
Yokosuka Mike
Abstract Clarity
I believe that YouTube can be a valuable asset. In a world of new technology an older fellow like myself can feel a little bit lost at times. If I need some help to figure something out I have no problem with doing a search on YouTube for help. The first time I did a search (several years ago) was how to use M-mount lenses on my Sony A7II camera - it was a big help!
If I’m thinking about buying a new lens or something, I’ll check reviews on YouTube… it’s free, so why not.
I don’t follow anyone in particular; I don’t subscribe to anyone at all. Some of the seemingly popular photography related youtubers are a bit full of themselves as far as I’m concerned, I don’t recommend any of them as a full time source of information or entertainment. In other words - I cherry pick.
YouTube is my friend, not my place of worship.
All the best,
Mike
If I’m thinking about buying a new lens or something, I’ll check reviews on YouTube… it’s free, so why not.
I don’t follow anyone in particular; I don’t subscribe to anyone at all. Some of the seemingly popular photography related youtubers are a bit full of themselves as far as I’m concerned, I don’t recommend any of them as a full time source of information or entertainment. In other words - I cherry pick.
YouTube is my friend, not my place of worship.
All the best,
Mike
jarski
Veteran
Sean Tucker, photography and life philosophy. Not watching all his vids but return checking his channel every now and then.
Ben Horne, modern day Ansel Adams using large format usually in Zion and Death Valley parks.
Yes YouTube has become quite a juggernaut. Am not watching traditional main stream anymore.
Ben Horne, modern day Ansel Adams using large format usually in Zion and Death Valley parks.
Yes YouTube has become quite a juggernaut. Am not watching traditional main stream anymore.
Out to Lunch
Ventor
I like Dustin Abbott and DPreview TV. Cheers, OtL
shorelineae
Finder of ranges
Thanks. I've now subscribed to some of these. I like grainydays, he has a capacity to drop a sardonic one-liner in every sentence like a walking version of Heller's Catch-22.
olakiril
Well-known
p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
There is always the good old BBC Master Photographers programme. Some videos here:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFnHr5CMeqHwnJ4Lq7CRn24G15du9hT3m
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFnHr5CMeqHwnJ4Lq7CRn24G15du9hT3m
stoutstuff
Established
Along the same lines... My daughter set me up on her "Master Class" online account and I've been going through Annie Leibovitz's classes. I find it more inspirational than actually learning something new so far. The only other photography class on there is Jimmy Chin Teaches Adventure Photography. I'll take that next.
35photo
Well-known
Nick Carver is a legit photographer.... excellent on technique, metering, pre visualizing, some interesting photographs... Videos are extremely well done... I'd recommend check him out...
Andrea Taurisano
il cimento
It really depends on why we watch them. Enterteinment and camera porn is what the nett is really full of. Both Kai of DigitalRev and Erik Kim are just that, cool and enterteining kids with access to lots of fancy gear.
One I really like and admire is Matt Osborne of MrLeica.com - he seems honest, not too biased and fairly funny too.
One I really like and admire is Matt Osborne of MrLeica.com - he seems honest, not too biased and fairly funny too.
JoeV
Thin Air, Bright Sun
Talking about gear isn’t “talking about photography,” any more than discussing ballpoint pens is discussing literature.