Hi all - how about avoiding the biased views of the "influencers" whose own ego's are bigger than the subject -- by viewing and supporting small channels on YouTube - where working pros provide great education and honest reviews and opinions.
Remember this is free to you content and a like and subscribe is nothing to you but key to them and their willingness to deliver great content for our entertainment and education.
I need to start with perhaps the most inspirational of all: KLAUS TIEDGE - "After the unfortunate news of cancer [Klaus] set off on a mission to make a film to document [his] work and share the experience with [his] family. Join [Klaus] on [his] journey to Kenya as [he] spent a month in Amboseli and the Masai Mara on what must be the "Safari of my Life"." by Klaus https://www.klaustiedge.com/
My top picks for photographers on YouTube, where life is more than Birds in Flight, include -- this is a selection in no particular order:
A little more established, but still relatively small channels, and small BIF/wildlife focussed channels:
Please add your favourite new channels on YouTube in the comments. Here are a few suggestions from the comments below:
Here are a few I follow - even though they do not post that frequently:
AND the most daunting of all "post-production". Post-production or assembly, cutting/editing, effects/transitions, color grading, audio and delivery (to paraphrase the modules in DaVince Resolve 18 -- the FREE one and also Studio) -- is the single most challenging for me at least.
Just capturing a few videos -- like I did on Saturday night when I recorded a Guy Fawkes Fireworks display both in 4k RAW and on my iPhone -- proved to me that it is simple to get "what one wants/needs" when one is just posting online using an iPhone than to process and grade RAW footage -- only 200GB in this case. Matching to the gear and settings you need to use to what you plan to use the vid for is vital when working with video.
As a predominantly stills shooter, I tend to go capturing images with the best tools I have at hand about how it will be used -- I know, while I may post some output on line, the files also need to be read to be printed for 40" x 32" as a fine art or a healthy crop to isolate subjects etc...
But video has to be either entirely spontaneous/unplanned or much more thought through in advance. AND heaven help you if you expect high quality audio on your vids if you plan to use in-camera pre-amps and recording -- most folk use some form of timecode sync'd 32-floating bit field recorder(s) and professional microphones as well as suitable camera, lenses and supports. It is really easy to clip in-camera audio -- fireworks, loud vehicles etc.. -- and loose any dialogue if mic's are not correctly located and isolated from environmental noise. There are a couple of really GREAT CINE audio posters -- my favourite BY FAR is Curtis Judd
AND then you need to learn your software -- I happen to currently use DVR18 (which is the only accessible app that allows me to process Nikon RAW 12-bit NEV files), but have used final cut and premiere pro -- these are daunting at first glance, but like all such tools there can be as easy or complex to use as you need and once you learn the basic well it becomes your choice. Most vendors have their own education resources and there are a lot of folk posting "how to" on line. Vlogging and livestreaming have their own challenges -- from the basics and then how one takes a live stream and restreams it -- I am absolutely no expert and choose not t do this -- but again there are many posts and searching "how to....." will give you many choices.
I am running a blog entry with all the suggestions and comments. It can be found HERE
-- hide signature --
areallygrumpyoldsod
Remember this is free to you content and a like and subscribe is nothing to you but key to them and their willingness to deliver great content for our entertainment and education.
I need to start with perhaps the most inspirational of all: KLAUS TIEDGE - "After the unfortunate news of cancer [Klaus] set off on a mission to make a film to document [his] work and share the experience with [his] family. Join [Klaus] on [his] journey to Kenya as [he] spent a month in Amboseli and the Masai Mara on what must be the "Safari of my Life"." by Klaus https://www.klaustiedge.com/
My top picks for photographers on YouTube, where life is more than Birds in Flight, include -- this is a selection in no particular order:
- Steve Perry – the one and only. Tons of great tips and tricks for nature photographers! PLUS, check out some of his crazy photography trips too!
- Ricci Talks - Primarily Nikon - a Photographer and photography trainer for over 12 years Ricci currently teaches photography at the Nikon school in the UK. This is a Personal YouTube Channel. He covers all things photography but mainly Cameras, Lenses, photography equipment reviews, tips and tricks And anything else he happens to find interesting.
- Seth Miranda AKA Last Witness. He is not alone but a fantastic example to the rest of us -- great quality and fair/balanced -- one of the best on studio lighting and portrait shooting I have seen. Seth also can be seen on Adorama's channel as a key contributor.
- Matt Irwin Photography - the nicest shooter in Melbourne - Packed full of lessons, tips, tutorials and behind the scenes- this is your masterclass in photography from one of Melbourne’s best known streetscape and commercial photographers. I’m Matt Irwin. I’ve been photographing Australia for more than 30 years. I’ll be taking my Nikon D850 and my Hasselblad and getting amongst it. Join me at work on commercial shoots as well as chasing the fog on early winter mornings. Along the way I’ll be talking about the business of being a photographer- from the basics for beginners to the state of the industry. Think copyright and composition, gear and gadgets, street and studio. It is all here.
- mathphotographer - lots of high end gear reviews and guidance and wonderful locations in Switzerland -- a guy who has access to some of the best gear and knows how to use it.
- Hudson Henry Photography - the calmest/coolest guy on YouTube - great Astro, landscape and wildlife shooters
- Peter Coulson - primarily a studio based H and Leica shooter who does great work from his studio in Melbourne - has regular posts and podcasts with Becks.
- Christopher Leggett Photography - if you really want to see how to shoot interiors for real estate (oh with very good gear -- i mean really good a proponent of Double Axis Shift Shooting and stacking for interior / RE work)
- AP Studios - just sit down by the fireside and enjoy the chat -- Wednesday and Saturday -- join in if you have something to say -- all are welcome - but be civil and no cussing - and the livestreams go on until folk have nothing more to say.
- Teamwork Digital -- ultra high end MF vendor - with great insights and guidance
- Keith Cooper - the Tilt and Shift professor and also a master printer
- fototripper -- OK so you want to listen to and understand "northern" (an english accent from this great guy who is living in Canada and shooting primarily landscape -- AND yes he is self deprecating and sarcastic)
- Mali Davies Photography - all accents, attitude and grit -- just what one expects from a hard northern bloke (Yorkshire/Lancashire) who goes tramping about in the damp - Glossary of Mali Photography words" include: Tawreet: ‘Hello’; Sithee: ‘Goodbye’ or ‘See you soon’; Spondecking: ‘Wonderful’ or ‘Very exciting’; and Tell thee what: ‘Example’ or “To show you how’
- Cliff Hands - UK landscape shooter - if it is cold and inaccessible Cliff has been there, sleeped there and got up to take that shot.
- Raymond Parker - wonderful informative guy who also shoots videos more than just for fun
- Riviera Macro -- truly awesome macro and close-up
- Justin Mott -- working hard to make a living
- Mark Kerton - one of the best UK freelance photographers based in Lincolnshire. Shoots - Landscapes, Seascapes, Woodlands and Sport -- Association Football, Racing (Bikes+) and lots more. Look at his vids on setting up for agency/bureau shooting at matches and critique/edits of our photos.
- Jack Beasley - US based pro-sports shooter
- Paul Reiffer - Capture One all day long
- Andrea Livieri Photo - Landscape and Capture One
- Nick Carver - medium and large format landscape shooter
- Todd Korol - one of a few ultimate large format landscape shooters generating content today
- Digital Transitions - Phase One and Heritage
- Micael Widell - Macro and more
- Mark Denney - Landscape post every Wednesday
- Sean Cameron Photographic - a "Dog Show" specialist
- Linhof Studio - the UK importer and specialist retailer of Large Format Digital and Analogue solutions. They import High Resolution Optics from Rodenstock to complement our camera platforms from Linhof, ALPA, Cambo, Silvestri and Lotus View. We also stock Hasselblad medium format cameras such as the X1D II and the 907X 50C. Our other brands are: Bergger for Fine Art Black and White Photography Hensel for Studio and Location Lighting Compagnon Camera bags B&W Outdoor Cases
- Mali Davies Photography - Photographer, YouTube film maker, podcaster and graphic designer.
- Paul Reiffer - Landscape, cityscape and commercial photographer. Exploring the world around us, with fine art limited edition prints, photography workshops and commercial photo shoots. Subscribe for live editing sessions and in-depth Pro Tips guides to Capture One.
- Photography Life - a macro and landscape photographer based in Denver, who posts videos on the ins and outs of photography so you can take the pictures you've always wanted.
- Jeff Vogan Photography - a commercial, sports and portrait photographer and educator
A little more established, but still relatively small channels, and small BIF/wildlife focussed channels:
- Behind The Shot - if you want to learn how some of the best images were taken
- The Art of Photography -- so much to teach and learn
- The Photographic Eye - Art History/Theory and Photography
- Moose Peterson - still leading the way in Aviation and Wildlife shooting
- Kym Illman -- Formula 1 (professional) and wildlife
- Morten Hilmer -- Nordic Wildlife shooter who spends a lot of time in the v.Cold
- Mark Smith - yes BIF (osprey) shooter
- Roie Galitz - yes an extreme wildlife shooter
- Jeffrey Wu - one of the best of the photographers resident in the Masai Mara
- Tom Mason - wildlife on location
- Knights and Weekends - great wildlife
- Selective Imagery - Jeff does a great job bringing wildlife (mainly BIF) shooting to life
- DMootz Photography - great younger BIF and wildlife shooter
- Passe-moi les jumelles - Contre la tyrannie du quotidien, bien loin de l’agitation effrénée de la Toile, Paju se contente de prendre l’air du temps. Et quel luxe ! Se recentrer sur l’essentiel, privilégier la rencontre, prendre le pouls de la nature et du silence, pour renouer avec les délices de la lenteur ! Comme une sorte d'antidote à la frénésie du monde moderne... Passe-moi les jumelles est une émission de la Radio Télévision Suisse.
- Andrea Livieri - a Venice-based professional photographer, educator, musician, and spirited adventurer. He started exploring the photography medium by capturing images of fellow musicians, their families, and other friends and acquaintances in the music industry, who merged his love for photography and exploring the outdoors, enabling me to amass lots of photographic work of delightful scenery, rugged mountainscapes, and exhilarating terrain.
- Karolina Norée - Born and raised in Sweden, now living in South Africa pursuing the dream of wildlife photography. Follow Karolina as she take us with her on various trips in the bush, traveling to different places in Africa, and showing you tips and tricks along the way!
- Walk on the Wildside - Scott Walker (Walks) - all aspects of nature photography - wildlife, macro, woodland, landscapes and more.
- Bayou Josh - Channel about the challenges of wildlife photography
- Duade Paton - G'day, a nature photographer based in rural Australia, who has a passion for photography and wildlife. He shares plenty of photography related tips and tricks as he goes along.
- Jan Wegener - wonderful Australia based wildlife shooter
- Wildlife photography by Mike Lane FRPS - Wildlife, photography, travel and computers
- Manns Woodland Perspective -- a backwoods shooter who is often found shooting from a Kayak
- Andy Miller - your host's infrequent feeble attempts
Please add your favourite new channels on YouTube in the comments. Here are a few suggestions from the comments below:
- Jimmy Breitenstein great videos on wildlife photography in remote areas (his Grizzly videos in the middle of nowhere Alaska are a must see)
- Duade Paton Wildlife - down to earth bird photography and gear testing
- Brent Hall wildlife and landscape in New Mexico - he's a bit crazy but very real
- Steve Mattheis wildlife in the Tetons. A bit long winded monologues and he has slowed down his releases quite a bit lately so not sure he is as committed to video as he was.
- Photoshop Cafe the absolute reference in my view for small, practical tricks on how to use Photoshop
- Whistling Wings for Canon shooters primarily- great Florida bird photography
- Mark Galer talented Sony ambassador so 100% biased but if you shoot Sony (like I do) one of the best no-nonsense references out there.
- Gerald Undone, best technical discussion on mostly equipment, occasionally technique
- Danny Gevirtz, mostly technique, some equipment
- Photography Life - great guidance and shots
- Mike Lane - Wildlife photography by Mike Lane FRPS
- Photography Online Show - made by a pro team - new content drops on the 2nd and final Sunday of each month at 4pm (UK time).
- Jimmy Breitenstein great videos on wildlife photography in remote areas (his Grizzly videos in the middle of nowhere Alaska are a must see)
- Nigel Danson, Landscape photographer-Great YouTube videos every Sunday morning
- Simon Booth on landscape and macro - great on light, composition and seeing art in nature
- Sean Tucker
- Pangolin Wildlife can be interesting for their photo safari info and some basic photography advice
- Expressive Photography - Alister Been - A landscape shooter
- Trond Westby Nikon wildlife photographer
- Espen Helland - wildlife photographer = primarily OM Systems
- Simon Eardley Ex Nikon now Olympus wildlife photographer
- Sparky Stensaas - lots of content from Sax Zim Bog
- Jeff and Leslie Wildlife & Nature Photography
- Simon d’Entremont - professional nature, astrophotography and wildlife photographer living in Nova Scotia, Canada
- Will Goodlet - this is the behind the scenes story of how Will gets some of his shots. It's not easy to juggle between stills and video and he does not always capture video footage of the wildlife, a usable still and a piece-to-camera explaining the shot.
- Walks on the Wild Side - Scott Walker (Walks) and this is Walks On The Wild Side: the channel where he helps folk capture the beauty of nature through your camera lens. Scott takes all aspects of nature photography - wildlife, macro, woodland, landscapes and more.
- Anthony Morganti - ridiculous detailed post processing guidance.
- Blake Rudis - Photoshop and Photography education.
- Evergreen Wilderness - Evergreen Wilderness explores the diverse ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest: Puget Sound, Cascade Range, Columbia River Basin, Olympic Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean. Experience the wild side of Washington State USA.
- Alister Been at Expressive Photography -
- Henry Turner Photo - a most genuine landscape photographer whose enthusiasm and straightforward character are appealing. He’s out in all weathers, mainly in his local English Lake District with occasional trips to the Scottish Highlands. Ya gotta love him!
- Mark Dumbleton: landscape and wildlife, who's often in Namibia
- Muji aka Mujahid Ur Rehman: landscape and filmmaker
- Evergreen Wilderness - simple 5 minute clips of wildlife mostly in the PNW
- For post processing and software tips/reviews/comparisons there is also
- Anthony Morganti - post processing and software tips/reviews/comparisons
- Blake Rudis - post processing and software tips/reviews/comparisons
- Toma Bonciu aka Photo Tom - an outstanding photographic art analyst, foggy forest master, and landscape photog out of Romania
- [add more in the comments and I will keep adding and editing from time to time]
Here are a few I follow - even though they do not post that frequently:
- Annie Leibovitz - Anna-Lou "Annie" Leibovitz is an American portrait photographer. She is best known for her engaging portraits—particularly of celebrities—which often feature subjects in intimate settings and poses. She photographed John Lennon on the day he was murdered, and her work has been used on numerous album covers and magazines. She became the first woman to hold an exhibition at Washington's National Portrait Gallery in 1991. Most often one sees Annies work when Vogue and others post behind the scenes vids.
- Karl Taylor - Karl has been a professional photographer for more than 20 years. His work is published internationally and he regularly works for some of the world's leading companies. Karl became involved in the photography training market ten years ago after hosting lectures in photography and finding he had a knack for explaining the subject in an entertaining and understandable way. Since then Karl has become very passionate about his Training Series and is keen to demonstrate professional but achievable photography techniques in the simplest way possible. Karl is also a global ambassador to Hasselblad, Broncolor and Manfrotto and has consulted on photography techniques for Adobe and the BBC.
- On Sports Photography with Peter Read Miller - Join Peter Read Miller as he discusses some of the tips and tricks, the business and tutorials for shooting sports photography. Peter utilizes more than 40 years experience, including as a staff photographer for Sports Illustrated for more than 35 years. He has shot for Time, Life, People, Money, AP, Playboy, Runner's World, Newsweek, USA Today and The New York Times, as well as having shot 9 Olympic Games, 40 Super Bowls, 14 NBA Finals, the Stanley Cup Finals, World Series , Kentucky Derby and NCAA Final Four. He has shot over 150 Sports Illustrated Covers and is the author of Peter Read Miller on Sports Photography. His ad clients have included Canon, Nike, Microsoft, TD Ameritrade, Western Digital, Visa, Adidas, Coca-Cola, and the NFL, among others. Peter teaches photography and offers workshops around the country.
- Art Morris - Birds as Art - Art is one of the original BIF shooters from days of yaw to a Sony Mirrorless today and still going. For those who like to read -- Art posts almost every day on his blog -- Art is a freelance nature photographer, writer, educator, and trip leader specializing in birds. He is widely recognized as the world’s premier bird photographer and as one of the top nature photography educators of his time. In his books and on his web site and blog, his record of sharing his photographic and avian knowledge is unmatched.
- StudioBinder -- is one of the best, whether you want to buy their products or not - who layout the whole process call sheets, shot lists, shooting schedules, breakdowns, storyboards, moodboards and more. I have watched their "The Shot List" playlist many times
- Raymond Parker - listed above -- does a good job introducing technology and how to shoot videos with hybrid systems.
AND the most daunting of all "post-production". Post-production or assembly, cutting/editing, effects/transitions, color grading, audio and delivery (to paraphrase the modules in DaVince Resolve 18 -- the FREE one and also Studio) -- is the single most challenging for me at least.
Just capturing a few videos -- like I did on Saturday night when I recorded a Guy Fawkes Fireworks display both in 4k RAW and on my iPhone -- proved to me that it is simple to get "what one wants/needs" when one is just posting online using an iPhone than to process and grade RAW footage -- only 200GB in this case. Matching to the gear and settings you need to use to what you plan to use the vid for is vital when working with video.
As a predominantly stills shooter, I tend to go capturing images with the best tools I have at hand about how it will be used -- I know, while I may post some output on line, the files also need to be read to be printed for 40" x 32" as a fine art or a healthy crop to isolate subjects etc...
But video has to be either entirely spontaneous/unplanned or much more thought through in advance. AND heaven help you if you expect high quality audio on your vids if you plan to use in-camera pre-amps and recording -- most folk use some form of timecode sync'd 32-floating bit field recorder(s) and professional microphones as well as suitable camera, lenses and supports. It is really easy to clip in-camera audio -- fireworks, loud vehicles etc.. -- and loose any dialogue if mic's are not correctly located and isolated from environmental noise. There are a couple of really GREAT CINE audio posters -- my favourite BY FAR is Curtis Judd
AND then you need to learn your software -- I happen to currently use DVR18 (which is the only accessible app that allows me to process Nikon RAW 12-bit NEV files), but have used final cut and premiere pro -- these are daunting at first glance, but like all such tools there can be as easy or complex to use as you need and once you learn the basic well it becomes your choice. Most vendors have their own education resources and there are a lot of folk posting "how to" on line. Vlogging and livestreaming have their own challenges -- from the basics and then how one takes a live stream and restreams it -- I am absolutely no expert and choose not t do this -- but again there are many posts and searching "how to....." will give you many choices.
I am running a blog entry with all the suggestions and comments. It can be found HERE
-- hide signature --
areallygrumpyoldsod
Last edited:
