MAKE MONEY with Landscape Photography - Things I Wish I Knew Sooner!!
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- Опубликовано: 11 сен 2024
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In this week’s episode, we discuss how to make money with landscape photography and the things I wish I knew sooner. For those that are new to my channel, about 2 years ago my 17 year career in the corporate world came to an end and at that time I decided to enter into what would be a 1 year experiment into becoming a full-time landscape photographer. Now fast forward an additional 12 months, I'm very happy to report that I'm still a full-time landscape photographer and that feels incredible to say!!
In this video, I'll share with you what worked for me, what didn't work for me, my specific financial results along with the real truth behind becoming a full-time landscape photographer. Looking back on the past 24 months, I don't think I've ever worked harder for something in my entire life and at the same time it's been some of the most exciting times I've ever had as well! Making a career out of photography isn't easy, especially when it comes to landscape photography, but it is possible. Throughout my first two years, I went through a great deal of trial and error and I hope this video will provide some helpful information if you're thinking about whether or not a career in photography is right for you.
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Havent seen any damn person on youtube and in the landscape world who is so open and puts out truth as is. Shoutout and mad respects for the efforts, Mark.
Thanks so much for this! Means a lot - thank ya!!!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto was the total income number you shared after expenses?
Agree. Kudos to Mark!
Exactly
@@DarrellDeRosia if I had to guess, no. Its more likely his gross income. Because he shows 50% of RUclips gross income, not his profit. But that's just my assumption. But also I'm guessing he is making a profit because what would his expenses be over 50k?
One of the few RUclips landscape photographers I actually trust.
🙏🙏
Top of the list for me
Mark, I really appreciate the transparency especially when it comes to more personal things like revenue and income. As someone who is looking to hopefully make a living with landscape photography one day, these kinds of videos really help me come up with a plan for what works and what doesn’t. Thanks again and congratulations with all of the success!
Glad to do it Austin and happy to hear it was helpful!
Mark, for those trying to build a career or maximize their photo life, your openness is so refreshing. Thanks.
Thank you Jerry - very glad to hear it!
At 00:48 is the best advice: "But at least I was giving it a shot, and I wouldn't have to live with the regret of never having given [photography] a chance to work..."
honestly that one line is probably my favorite and what made me click the sub button.
From what I've been seeing from you over time, I could see and feel a lot of discipline and consistancy. I'm not surprised you are successful at what you are doing.
Thanks Emma! I do my best👍👍
You know what I like about you!?? You are quite honest and don't try to fake your feelings. I hope you will grow more in the upcoming years.
Thanks so much!
Interesting video. You’re such a natural communicator you should be able to double your income made in 2019 by 2021 or sooner.
Many thanks Alan - I sure hope so!!
I have discovered about three/four landscape photographers out there that I consider my mentors. You have become one of them. I'm retired and while photography at first became a means of breaking the boredom, it's now morphed into a passion. One day I would like to make this passion pay for itself (and so would my wife) and still keep this fun. Your videos are helping me toward that goal. Thank you very much, Mark.
What a candid and eye-opening video you gave us today, Mark. Thanks for being so open and breaking things down as you did. I'm a hobbyist/amateur photo enthusiast (and retired), and if I were to think about a professional career in photography, today's video would be my first guide in what to do to move my "boat." I've said it before and will repeat it. I follow a few photographers on RUclips and other means, but no one comes close to you as it relates to skill sharing and teaching. You have it in your genes, I believe.
Very kind of you to say - a big thanks for this friend!
You continue to amaze me Mark with your transparency and humility. While I'm not personally looking to become a full time photographer, I sure have enjoyed watching your journey. And you absolutely shine at something I call the H.E.L.P. philosophy: Humanize your message, Encourage conversation, Listen first, Promote less. In other words, putting value first. Kudos.
Thanks for that Kevin! That means a lot!
I believe the big difference between a landscape photography business vs a wedding/portrait business is for the latter the photos are the product. For landscape photographers you are the product yourself, your knowledge and skills as Mark pointed out. I haven’t heard about any landscape photographer that started the business within the last few years that make money from print sales or stock. This is where many landscape photographers starting a business get it wrong. They count on print sales because it’s the most obvious. Not having clarity about the products they are offering and to whom to sell, is probably the biggest challenge. At least it is for me. Great video Mark, you’re an inspiration.
I love how honest you are about everything! I'm a freelance photographer in a small town, and today I've been feeling really down, pondering about wether I should continue doing it or take another path. I don't know what exactly, maybe your positive outlook, but you inspired me to keep the effort and make it work. Thank you for being you!
Awesome to hear! Yes keep going, don’t give up now - things will pick up, they always do👍
Keep going , I think most of us fell this way
Feel
been doing photography for 25+ years, made about $1000 give or take total. ive always wanted it to be a full time career, its my passion. could use s boost to get back again fully. i depend on social media to much, i need a good website like you and need to get my chan going. I appreciate your straight forward attitude and honesty, i really need to focus on my creations a lot more.
Mark I have watched many videos on this topic and nobody has gone into this much detail. I appreciate you sharing especially with a new photographer like myself. Great video!!
Thank you Dan! Glad you enjoyed it👍
I don't know how you are able to post videos superrelevant for me all the time but I'm SO grateful for it! I'm about to make my own business so this is so valuable. Thanks and congratz to your success (once again)
Much appreciated - thank you!
You are so refreshing. I get the feeling that you are one of those artists who revel in the success of others as much or more than in your own success. There can never be too many artists. The more the merrier!
I more than appreciate everything you said in this video, enough to pause to at least subscribe to your channel, then watch the rest. This may be the first time that I ever searched for anything on the internet and find the answer to my questions in the first video that I watched AND it was just the straight truth, through your transparency, which is exactly what I always want when searching for the answers to the important questions I have. I currently do mainly night time landscape photography, that sometimes borders on and includes at times, astrophotography. Thank you.
One thing I personally understood from this video is that you Sir are A worker very dedicated top structured person.
This is why you have achieved what you did so far and will achieve much more ! Gratz for getting out of the corporate and to become a freelance self made !! Best thing happened to you when you lost that job that was slowing you in you creativity keep it up more great ideas will come !!
I want to be a landscape photographer and I've been doubting it because I'm afraid it isn't going to pay much money, but it is also a passion I love to do. Your video has made me see landscape photography in a better picture and that there are other ways to get work put out there, thank you.
Mark, I wasn't going to watch this as I have no interest in making a business out of my photography. However, the auto play ran it whilst I was looking at emails and I am glad it did. You did a great job of highlighting how difficult it can be to be successful in this game. I think you are the first RUclipsr I have seen actually say how much they ear from their channel. Many congratulations and keep doing what you do - always interesting content.
Thanks a million Steve - glad you enjoyed it!
What a genuine upfront person who truly deserves the success he has earned.
It is certainly the most complicated discipline to obtain benefits, but also one of the most rewarding. I hope that the next years are going to get better and that we can continue enjoying your quality content
Thanks so much for this!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto it's a pleasure
Mark you have some of the best landscape photography videos out there. There is a reason why you are growing. It is well earned. I am glad that I found your channel and have learned, and relearned a lot from your videos.
Thanks so much for this - made my day!
Thanks for your honesty. Your are a youtuber, not a landscape photographer (money wise, your artistic work is amazing), but these prove me that I’m in the right direction building a solid income working as a freelancer (not photography related) to have more time for my photography; but not to dream living from it. Being a youtuber is not an option for me.
I found it super interesting that most of your revenue wasn't really from the landscapd photography work you're doing, but rather the knowledge you've aquired from working on improving your landscape photography! No matter how you make it work, I'm proud of you for taking matters into your own hands and doing what you love!
I'm commenting on this video in hope that it bumps it back into the limelight! It's fantastic, I subscribed to your channel a month ago, binged your videos but have only just come across this one. It's great, it's what we all need to hear. I've never watched a video like this before that is so open, gets down to the nitty gritty of numbers and percentages (kudos for that) and inspires us all that it can be done if you keep pushing.
Thankyou and keep going!
You are an amazing person Mark. You not only give hints, tips and your knowledge in photography itself but also you give us ideas on how to make OUR photography work for each of us. Yet again another awesome video mate. HUGE respect to you for your time, thoughts and ideas in EVERY aspect in photography 👍 Hope you and your family are all doing well.
I’d say you’re pretty amazing yourself Shane! Always appreciate your support man - it really means a great deal🙏
I am going down a similar path as you, trying to make a living doing something you love. And you are right, landscape photography is probably the most difficult genre for photographers.
Not only as you said about no one calling to order your services, but also from a time stand point. The amount of work and effort that goes into capturing just a single image.. A lot of people don't get it.
I have family all the time telling me to just go get a different job and do landscape photography on the side, until it takes off. But there is no time to spare with the traveling involved, the editing, sharing and promoting.
Glad to see it's really progressing for you and I hope to join you in that soon! Have a great day 😁
Yes the time aspect as you mentioned is something I didn't bring up but your 100% right - takes tons of time for just a single image. It's a tough way to make a living but it's certainly possible and it's loads of fun as well:)
Landscape is hard. But wildlife is the hardest to make money from. You basically have to become a glorified safari guide.
I'm greatly thankful that you take the time to make these videos and give free lectures on composition and post editing. I've learned a lot about lightroom from your videos.
This is great to hear - thank you!
So basically, there's no way to make really good money anymore outside of convincing other people that you have the secret that will help them make more money.
That’s the general modus operandi of RUclipsrs. My suggestion is to not spend as much time listening to what you see on social media and RUclips and make your own path. There’s a MILLION videos just like this one and you could spend your whole life in paralysis trying to figure out who’s opinion to follow. You don’t have to be an entertainer to be a photographer- but if you spend your time on RUclips and become overwhelmed with the amount of people with no real jobs telling you how to make money-its easy to get sucked in to the idea that YOU TOO have to be an entertainer and “content creator” to be successful and that’s just not the case. It’s not easy for sure but if you become an expert at your craft, be humble, never stop learning and networking and you’ll get noticed. And Don’t waste your time with Instagram.
@@dmac8247 Instagram is one of the biggest outlets you can definitely build a following off your work. That’s not a very smart statement
@@dwllers he has a point though… Instagram is dead as far as genuine interest in photography is concerned. Unless you want to be a TikTok success or join the millions of other iphone ‘photographers’ trying to be different, the best bet would be to get yourself ready for whatever comes next to replace Instagram and be one of the first wave of users to make use of the newer platform. There is something in the pipeline apprently?
Right lol
Thanks for sharing. I think your education and intelligence, your corporate experience and above all, your passion, drive, communication skills and creativity will allow you to grow your success. Good luck. I've been following you for quite a while.
Thanks so much for following along - it means a lot👍👍
Talk about creating value - you do it in spades, Mark! You are so transparent and helpful.
Thanks a million for this Paula - means a lot!
Your way of explaining is very easy to understand . Every words gets into the mind and your gap intervals give enough time to interpret the information
Very cool that you provide actual numbers for your income so people understand what's involved. Thanks, Mark!
Thanks for checking it out Stephen!
Even for someone that has no intentions of doing landscape photos for a living this was and extremely interesting video. I just love how you were up front and honest and actually gave out real numbers. Your delivery of content is always excellent as well and you've surely made many of us better photographers.
The pen tool is probably the best tool (although slow) for cutting out the sky with ultimate precision and then using the gradient tool to introduce a new one.
Love the video Mark. I'm also someone who is very forward with this kind of thing so it was nice to see someone actually talk about it. What I think you should have mentioned is that the only way to make a living being a landscape photographer is by actually being a bunch of other stuff. Realistically you make your money doing a lot of things that aren't landscape photography, they are just about landscape photography. I always find that really amusing.
regardless of the facts that you've mentioned here, one fact I've concluded, "No shortcuts, Work for it" you're a hard worker 👏
Mark, it's not possible not feel your solid business background. Firmly believe, that system approach helped you find out your photography path. You combine inside yourself technical skills with art perception. That's great anyway and corresponds to photography as it is. It's a pleasure to follow your photorgaphy trip. Keep it up!
Thanks so much for this!
Look at you! I remember watching a similar video 1 year ago. Glad you’re happy with the success you’ve had so far. No regrets!
I think the main thing you have going for you is your persona. A pleasant appearance and a calming voice, and of course a good base of knowledge.
We all dream of a landscape photography career. However, few of us are willing to do what it takes to make it. A big part of making it is to stay in the game. Mark, I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you for your time, effort and expertise.
I will challenge anyone who doubts your commitment to try it for six months and let us know how easy it was to be a “pure” landscape photographer, while making a living at it.
Most pure landscape photographers seeing photography just as a hobby and a part-time job; they're already have one main job that pays enough for all the gears lol
You can't put a price on the knowledge we learn from your videos, thank you so much for your efforts!
Congratulations! On your first two years! Keep growing.
Thanks Dylan!
I very much like your open way telling your subscribers the real facts. I hope your channel continues to grow at this speed (or even faster) and I wish you all the best for the future.
Mark, your videos are always excellent. I always learn a ton with every one. Your content varies and is always on point. That and your soothing voice make a great combination. I am glad you reviewed the new ball head with us, although you seemed hesitant. Colorado tripods is an up and coming entity and deserves a mention, I have been watching you for about a year and know that I trust everything you say to be true. Keep up the great work!
Nice to hear that you are getting decent amounts of income. You are only photographer that I have continued to follow, probably because your videos and personality are just so open and honest + calm. As calm person my self it is kind of annoying to watch those that spam every emotion in every minute, so it is relaxing to know that at least one tuber just talks and tells stuff without any drama. Kind of surprising that instagram gives even to you nothing directly, but as landscape hobbyist I have already come into conclusion that that platform is mainly profitable for pretty girls (and maybe cute cats :D) And it is kind of reassuring to see how difficult platform that is for us landscapers. Every follower feels like a hard work, while "pretty girls" can gain same amount in a day which took me 3 years. Good luck for the 3rd year! 5x income for that too, lets hope.
Thanks so much Jake! Great to hear you enjoy my channel!
Love your balance between business and passion. Congratulations... please do not stop.
I like the information you give about revenue streams. It illuminated several things. My takeaway from this is if you want to make money as a landscape photographer, first you become a videographer, then start a RUclips channel about landscape photography. Nothing wrong with that.
So glad I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. I've found tremendous value in all the videos I've watched so far. Thank you and keep up the great work.
Thanks for the honesty and truth of how things are working for you. Now not to through a wet towel on everything but you are not actually making money off your photography. You are making money off of talking about landscape photography. Which is interesting. So glad it is working for you. And the quality of your work both in both images and video content is great!!
As per usual, a great clear review. Mark, it seems that there has been a huge shift for landscape photograpers in the last decade or two - from one of actually selling your art as prints or stock to the general public - to selling good advice to other photographers. That's what landscape photography utube seems to be mostly about. - to give advice to other photographers. While many of us see that market growing, many would love to have most of their income selling their art to clients who want to put it on their walls. They want their art to have value on its own. So many photographers I bump into here in the Rockies are striving to do that, a challenge that may not work out for them unless they have outstanding work and are good marketers.
I just started watching your videos. I have become a fan! It is time to get serious about photography after reading your post. I am curious if you do not mind answering 5 questions.
1. Prior to 2018, how long have you done photography?
2. 2018 how much expenses went out?
3. How valuable is equipment when someone is on a limited budget?
4. Did you actually layout a physical goal and daily plan?
5. How much time is spent on photography vs business?
Thanks so much for being so honest in your video. Maybe you should start a mentoring program. I will be your beta tester lol!
So glad to hear you are doing well. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much Trish!
Mark, your honesty and openness are rare and much appreciated. I really respect your ability as a communicator and teacher as well. I wish you much continued success.
The way you have explained for us and the people your situation and experience with full transparency will help a lot of people , i wish all the best and success in your next year as a full time landscape photographer , keep it on and we are always supporting you , who knows maybe i could visit you one day at your beautiful country in one of my photography trips , by the way nice T-Shirt
Man!! You are humbled and down to earth!! Love you Mark!!
Thanks for being honest and laying out so simply. I appreciate this.
OK, and not to denigrate your work, but it really looks as if "becoming a Landscape Photographer" is like studying philosophy: The best way to make any money at it is to teach others about it.
Looking at your numbers, only a very small minority of your income comes from time spent actually taking landscape photographs. Whereas almost all of your income comes from TALKING about landscape photography. Assuming about half of what you call "Partnership Content" is actually taking the photos, while the other half is writing and putting together the tutorials, it looks as if you only make 6.5% from actual photography. I'm not counting the time you spend taking photos for RUclips videos because I consider that more like generating examples for you to talk about. Whereas, in the "Partnership Content" someone else paid you for the photos to be in THEIR content. Any way you slice it, it still comes out to the vast majority of your income coming from talking/explaining rather than photographing.
Quite frankly, this seems to be the case for most RUclips photography people. The Northrups have their book and RUclips plus some stock photography. James Popsys seems to get most of his income from his sponsorship. Jared Polin seems to make more of his money through actual photography. In the end, there seems to be three ways to make money in photography: First, what I call "factory photography," in which you just keep taking the same photos over and over, just with different objects in front of the lens. Things like weddings, portraits, commercial, and most stock photography. People hire you to take photographs, and you work that job, Second, "Art Photography," where you take photographs because you think they will be beautiful and people will want to look at them. That's your 1.5% for print sales. Plus a small portion of stock photography. Third, there is TALKING about photography. Books, blogs, RUclips, training (and that includes all the ways to earn income through those: affiliate links, ad revenue, sponsorships).
Again, not to degenerate your niche. But I think it's appropriate to recognize that you are in the third group, not the first or second. Hey, it's a good niche. Especially for a field such as photography where a vast majority of the "practitioners" are just hobbyists, such as myself. Heck, I wouldn't be any where near as good (tolerable) as I am now if it weren't for all those John Hedgecoe Photography books I read way back when.
And I honestly think only a very rare minority can make it in the second niche. It's like the NBA of photography. Far more people earn their meager livings working in stadiums and manufacturing basketballs than playing the game. Just think of all those art photographers sitting in booths in art fairs all over the country (before Covid-19), barely getting by. Or setting up thousands of web sites hoping beyond hope that people will find the site and buy a print. Are they getting by? Yes. But are they all really doing well? I doubt it.
And, for me, working in that first niche would be a slow death. Turning something I enjoy into drudgery is not my cup of tea. But I'm sure many people find a way to enjoy it. I'm also guessing the vast majority of people who actually earn a decent living in photography are in that first niche.
What's the point of all this rambling. Facing reality. I think if you face the reality that you earn your living through talking about photography, you can focus on your strengths in that area. Can you make more money if you work on learning how to write better, rather than pretending that is a side project? Can you up your public speaking skills? Can you sign up to teach classes in your local community education program? You said yourself that focusing on your web site is what really allowed things to take off. Focus on that even more. Do A/B testing to see what content or page formats on your site get longer page views. Take a course from someone else about search engine optimization. Someone with better SEO skills is eventually going to come along and knock you out of that top spot on Google. What will you do then?
Wonderful and thoughtful post - thank you !!
Good points and perspective. The revenue streams ( "oars" as Mark calls it) don't seem to be directly related to taking photos. However, it's worth stating the obvious which is that a landscape photographer can't talk, teach, write etc unless you are a subject matter expert and take a lot of photos. The nice thing about "the third" model as you call it, is that you can choose to specialize in whatever style of photography you like.... and probably have better odds at remaining enthusiastic about taking those photos.
I'm a computer programmer. Been doing it for 20 years. It's not hard for me to find a new employer, but the reasons are not why you might think. It's not because I have mad coding skills. On the contrary, it's because I can run a meeting, organize people to carry out projects against a timeline etc etc... all those accessory tasks that "add value" to what is actually being accomplished by programmers. My point being that it's not uncommon to indirectly earn your living around a core skill. But you still have to practice what you preach or nobody will listen to you. It's why I always make sure that any job I take has at least 50% of my time allocated to writing software. Otherwise I'll lose my ability over time to teach/manage others.
I think this is probably true of many artistic areas: music, art, etc. It's easier to make money in the 'commercial' world of music -- making trailers, etc. It's exceedingly difficult to make it in the "artistic", true to vision world. But teaching is doable for a lot of people, thought only a handful can do it really well.
Wow, Mark, I honstely and deeply applaud you for this video. Not only one has to have the balls to showcase the revenues and numbers fully open, but also you have additionally provided very valuable information. So this very video literally underlines your concept: giving value. No bells and whistels, no brushing up reality, no fancy pseudo-joking about things not having worked out - just plain down to earth content. You don't only shoot RAW - you also reflect on decisions and results in a RAW, unwrapped, free of sugar, way. Again, I pull my hat - excellent content! All the best for the upcoming 12 months - it'll be well deserved.
Most legit, honest and informative video I've been wanting to see for landscaping photography! Thanks man!
I love it Mark. Congrats, and frankly, very jealous! You had the balls to do what most of us dream of. And thanks for the transparency. But the question is... are you a full time RUclipsr, or a full time landscape photographer?
Thanks Sebastien! I think about that question all the time as well🤔
Mark Denney pfff either way. Congrats!
Hello Mark! Just literally came across your channel yesterday; became a subscriber after the 1st youtube segment that I watched! I am semi-retired, and am dedicating more of my time toward improving my photographic skills. I enjoy landscape/wildlife photography the most; much of the success I am looking for will come from the satisfaction of taking that photo that makes people feel something special....I am looking forward to more of your videos! Thanks much for providing such great insight and expertise! All the Best! Lou
Learning that tourism boards are a big nothing is really good advice. Also with the stock photography. Super helpful.
You are a great teacher I've got to say. Worked myself as a teacher so I know how hard it is. Keep up the excellent work and thank you.
I'm with you on the stock photography front - I spent a lot of effort on multiple platforms only to make almost nothing. It isn't like the industry used to be - now you are lucky to get 25 cents per sale, for the most part.
hey Mark, I have been watching you since last few months. My simple reaction to your story is "path less travelled". Especially, with genre of landscape photography, it was really a courage to take this path. Congratulations and wish you all the very best.
Thanks so much - that means a lot to me!
Very nice video Mark, I really love your focus on creating value for others (which ultimately creates value for yourself). One thing that may not be apparent to you, at least from where I sit, is likeability. There is so much content and choices out there, I find myself watching the photographers that I just like their style and seem like a nice down to earth person. Congrats on year two! Keep it going!!!
What a video! Simply amazing. Hands down one of my favorite channels to watch regularly.
appreciate the transparency into the numbers. I'm not surprised that the YT ad revenue is such a large portion, but your overall revenue is more diversified than I expected. As someone who would never make the jump that you did, this is fascinating stuff!
Thanks Dan - glad to hear you enjoyed it!
Hi Mark
I'm a landscape photographer for my hobby, and remain with my work in the IT industry.
This is the best video I've seen talking about how to make income from doing landscape work.
And no dought you have the best RUclips channel from all photographers I'm following.
Keep on the great work.
Sorry for my broken English
Avi
That's very kind of you Avi - thank you!
Open and honest. This is just the thing that keeps me from "going pro". As a "photographer" you make the least money from your actual photographs. Great for you that your diverse hustle is working great, but the attraction for me is not there. The 1,5% would not even be there without your other hard work.
You are more a personality / entrpreneur with photography as "niche" or "hook" or having photographers as an audience.
Why do people dislike videos like this 🤔 thank you for your honesty and showing your evolution so transparently!
Glad to do it friend!
Great video! I love your transparency and honesty and I wish more youtubers did the same. Very refreshing and I hope you keep us updated every year. Keep it up!
Thank you Mark for the generosity with which you share your information. I had a crack at making a living from landscape photography about 10 years ago and found it, as you say, very difficult, and ultimately disheartening. In retrospect, I gave up too easily and realise I needed more commitment for the long term and belief in myself that I could actually succeed (amongst various other things). I've recently started a RUclips channel and I think the information you've provided will help in my direction. The tip about focusing on the value for others is absolute gold, and your focus on this certainly shows through all your videos. With much appreciation!
Thanks so much Lisa! It’s certainly not easy but it’s absolutely doable! You’ll make it work as well - best wishes to you!
That’s Mark for your refreshing honesty.
Always happy to do it!
Hi Mark - I found this video super useful. I am about 3/4 of my way through my first year as a full-time landscape photographer and a lot of my experiences have been the same as yours (I don't sell many prints either). More than half of my income has come from 1-2-1 sessions with photographers here in the Lake District, either teaching or acting as a location guide. You have given me a lot to think about and I will no doubt make some changes to my business model off of the back of this video. I am so pleased to hear that your second year has been such a success. Congratulations mate, I am made up for you. :)
Thanks so much Chris! Really appreciate ya checking out the video as well. Hope you’re doing well friend.
It was nice to get an update to this series. Thanks for sharing, it was very interesting to hear the details about what has been working for you.
Glad you enjoyed it John - it was super informative for me as well just making the video to pin point what I need to focus on moving forward.
I really appreciate your thoughts on your business progress. Few photographers ever seem comfortable sharing real-world figures. I imagine that nature photography on a whole may follow a similar trend as landscape photography from a business perspective?
I just came across your stream, and I have to raise my eyebrow at someone putting on seminars and workshops and tutorials around landscape photography that has 1-2 years professional experience!? Crazy. I do admire your photography, and the moxy you are employing to make your second career a success. However, far too many youtuber's are self-announcing themselves as industry experts, when they still have so much to learn.
Very helpful and informative. The takeaway for me is that we must provide multiple ways to reach out and connect with other people. Business has always been this way, it's just that some of the channels for doing so are different in today's online world.
My compliments for always being so down to earth. I really like watching your videos.
Thanks so much - really appreciate that!
Great video. You are a great teacher and mentor. Thanks for everything you have given to us.
Thanks so much!
Really enjoyed the video Mark. Great advice and it resonated with me. Much appreciated. Keep up the inspiring work.
Many thanks Conor!
Really appreciate the video, Mark. Super honest and transparent. The only thing that bums me out is you are making almost 0 money actually selling your photography work.
Well deserved Mark. Very happy for your currently and continued success!!!
Literally the only person that makes a video about how much they make and how they make it and is actually honest about the actual dollar amount. Cudos
What an interesting video. I've been rooting for your success, I sure hope it continues to grow.
Thanks so much Berry!
Thanks man, I've been a landscape photog for about 20 years now and got a lot out of it. The process you describe rings true to me.
This has been super interesting for me, and thank you for being so open. For me there is only one other Photographer on YT that has been so open and that is Chris Sale. Your'e a rare breed Mr Denney. 🖖🏻
Thanks Tony - glad it was helpful! Chris is true gem, such a great human!
this is the best video i've seen talking about how to actually make your income from doing landscape work. it added up pretty much how i thought, kinda thought workshops would be higher. curious how long you were doing landscape work before you started this project? as someone whos only started doing landscape work two years ago and who doesnt make much money in my day job, i'm half way through a three year financial plan to afford all the camera equipment, backpacking equipment, finish paying off my car and debt. i'm still able to do two or three trips a year, i'm fortunate my job lets me take off whenever i want. looking to start a youtube channel explaining trip prep, how to pack a backpack, and just general videos on backpacking to try and build more of a following. i'd like to see a video on how to really build a following, as its pretty hard to get views on instagram or 500px etc when you dont have a following already, and not just views but finding people who are genuinely interested in following. i've recently experimented with buying ads and while it garners a lot of likes, it results in basically no new follows. i enjoy the content you create, keep it up.
Probably the single-most helpful RUclips I have watched concerning photography. Thank you so much for being so open with all the rest of us, Mark. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and you definitely add value to everyone with your knowledge and willingness to share. Thanks so much.
Congrats Mark, I always enjoy your video content and I always learn something so I appreciate your efforts, Thanks
Thank you Craig - very happy to hear this!
Thanks for your honesty. I am Really glad you're doing well. You deserve it. Keep up the great work!!!
Mark this video is highly appreciated. You are so open and genuine. thanks!
Although I use photography as part of my hobby - growing orchids, I rely totally on my RUclips channel for my additional income (retired). I know the way RUclips works, when I reach 10K subs (getting close now), my channel will grow faster even if I do nothing different. You must have seen your rate of increase with views etc. as RUclips pushes your channel harder once you reached 100K. Some just don't realise, subs are mainly what RUclips uses as it creates bands, but it's the views that really count - each view is a potential Ad. watched and each Ad. watched is revenue. We all have to play the RUclips 'game' but the bottom line is all about content and retention. I follow this channel as I have failed miserably at Landscape but can still apply your principals to my type of photography.
Yes I noticed a big jump in my channel when I reached 10k subs - you'll be there before you know it, the 2nd 10K comes much quicker than the first! Glad to hear the channel has helped you!
I would like to congratulate you for being honest and sharing all this information with your subscribers, it tells a lot about you, and this really ADDS value to your channel. Good luck for your third year, I'll be here, as always, learning from you!
Much appreciated - that means a lot!
Fascinating. I make 100% of my income from print sales which pays for the business rent, home mortgage and a bunch of other fixed costs. Then again, my gallery is 400 yrs old in a medieval viilage 1/2 hr from Edinburgh so we have a unique selling proposition even though there's only 380 people who live here. Can't reveal what our revenues are but it's many, many times more than we could ever earn from RUclips, workshops & & affiliate links, so well done on making your income streams work.
By the way, we have never sent out a single email to anyone other than to send them a shipping tracking number & we've never produced video content. I know how much work it is to make these videos so again, congratulations and thanks for your openness. It is interesting to see how others scratch a living in a tough market segment.
Probably the most honest video I have seen about revenue from a landscape photographer / youtuber!
Thanks so much!