Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

I cannot more highly regard, or similarly recommend to you, the YouTube video content provided by one Martijn Doolard. Consider it a parting gift on this final day of 2023 to the newbies, mid-level shooters, and others who engage in some 'for profit' pursuit of photography.

You will not be taught composition, you will not learn what exposure to use, you will not be informed with regard to lens caps or filters or even where to go on your summer vacation. What you might instead "learn" --if you watch with open eyes and an unclosed mind-- may be something that lies closer to the heart of still photography. I want to think of that 'something' as being something more primal, or as something more elemental, or as something more real, but know that none of those things I think quite touch what you might find in Doolard's videos. But I want to believe --that if you watch-- there's a possibility you'll grow in whatever aspect of photography that most interests you.

The comment below will supply a link to a 'recap' of Doolard's 2003 offerings, as uploaded today. I suggest, however, that in quiet moments when you've some time to spend, you search back and begin at the start.

May the New Year that'll begin tomorrow be all you could hope it could be.  

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Bill_R Loc: Southeastern Wisconsin

Yes! I stumbled on his videos about a year and a half ago, but stopped following him after watching just a few. Your post was a great reminder to continue watching them - perhaps with a new, better perspective. Thank you!

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

I must be doing something wrong. All I can find is a guy refurbishing a couple of old stone cabins in remote Italy!?? About 3 hours worth!

Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

You didn't do anything wrong, Cheef. What you accessed is as you described: it's hours and hours of video of a guy refurbishing a couple of old stone cabins in remote Italy.

What you might've missed, though, is a presentation of a masterclass in composition and content and mood and work and spirit and understated awe, 'taught' by one who does by doing, not by saying, and is by being, not by having been in some pretty place. And I haven't even touched on the imagery Doolaard shows, moving as it is rather than still.

So as I mentioned above, you've done nothing wrong. You've seen, in fact, what many might see. The obvious and not much more.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

Well, I guess you have outsmarted me again! I haven't watched the whole thing, But I planned to do so. I was looking specifically for a photographer, not a carpenter.
I'm a woodworker, or will be again when I settle down someplace and get my woodworking shop out of storage and put together again in a shop. I greatly appreciate good, efficient carpenters/woodworkers.
But I freely admit that I often see the obvious, and not much more!

Walkabout08

Martin is a professional graphic designer by former trade if I recall correctly. His YouTube documentaries of his work on renovating two stone cabins in the Italian Alps, originally built for livestock, are cinemagraphically top notch. And for an untrained amateur his construction is quite impressive generally. Plus all of the work he does himself with occasional help from volunteers, kind neighbors and some paid help. Worth watching.

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

Doolard’s U-tube videos are fascinating from several viewpoints. He is modifying some old stone cabins with remarkable ingenuity, amidst some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. As far as I can tell his videos are all from a smartphone, but he plans his shots to show the surroundings as well as his works-in-progress with imagination as well as skill. He understands light and composition.
Not long ago a huge storm destroyed a great deal of his progress, and his resilience amidst the ruins, cold, snow, and wind deserves a salute to an indomitable spirit!
The story is ongoing….
My hat is off to him; the time spent watching is time well spent.

azted Loc: Las Vegas, NV.

I cannot imagine a life like that, but his imagery makes it look appealing, which is what is inspiring to you. I'm not an engineer, but that roof he is putting on looks like it will collapse the cabin below! But again, the use of light, foreground, focus, and placement of area of interest are the work of a true artist!

srg

Oddly enough, my Home Depot does not carry that brand of roofing shingles.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Thanks Cany. This also reminds us that while there are gawdawful offerings on the net, there are also good and useful things to be seen. This should not be surprising. The same thing has been true for magazine racks and book stores. I tend to enjoy the more contemplative approach to some nimwit swinging his camera by the leash, taking pictures of car fenders and corners of buildings all the while calling the viewers "you guys" but not telling them anything worth hearing. Doolard sounds worthwhile. I'll be checking him out. Thanks and Happy New Year back your way.

MJPerini

Thank you for this, I found it mesmerizing.......
If you want a photography education, just look at how he plans his shots, and executes them....he is very good.

While what he is doing is crazy impractical for 99% of his audience, yet he is up to 625,000 subscribers and growing.
As our world gets crazier, it is inspirational and instructive to watch someone doing beautiful work, with great skill in a beautiful place. It is always the doing that really satisfies us.
Thanks again