The truth about photography YouTube channels that no-one tells you
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 16 июл 2023
- No-one talks about the truth behind running a photography RUclips channel, and how you're pushed by the algorithm and view counts to making videos you really don't want to. In this video I talk about how my channel became something I didn't want it to, and how I'm now changing it.
The music I use is from Epidemic Sound (30 days for free!) My favourite royalty free music platform with a huge selection of music. share.epidemicsound.com/5k8uma
Photography mentoring: beautyinthewild.click/collect...
FREE resource for photographers: photographymadesimple.uk
Join my Patreon Channel: / chrisorange
Instagram: / chris_orange_photography
Website: www.chrisorangephotography.com
ORDER one of my books or presets: beautyinthewild.click/
My Camera gear:
Leica Q camera
Leica SL camera
Leica 50mm Summicron-SL f2.0 ASPH lens
Leica 75mm APO f2 lens: amzn.to/3NNnq9P
iPad Pro M1:
US: amzn.to/3sq7a5w
UK: amzn.to/327WWfz
Peak Design Everyday backpack V2:
UK: amzn.to/43Cpqc8
USA: amzn.to/41sYbPo
K&F Concept backpack:
www.kentfaith.com/KF13.087AV6... backpack-15.6-inch-all-black?tracking=61924a5cc360a
Pro Filter system: www.kentfaith.co.uk/SKU.1877?...
Magnetic Filter set: www.kentfaith.co.uk/SKU.1622?...
Lee Filters
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3tRIGRz
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3nuJ4UI
Hollyland radio Headsets:
USA:amzn.to/3AF2JrE
UK: amzn.to/3AAxI8j
Neewer Motorised Slider here:
USA: amzn.to/3zAlTy6
UK: amzn.to/3viwPxz
Tripod
Amazon UK: amzn.to/3nvqMCJ
Amazon USA: amzn.to/3AbRxQj
Trail camera: www.kentfaith.co.uk/KF35.038?...
Lacie External Hard Drive:
UK: amzn.to/3HmNTGj
US: amzn.to/32D02bx
Hollyland Cosmo
US: amzn.to/3zfcWbI
UK: amzn.to/3JtDD0Tk 
Кино
I've been getting messages from people advising me to ask people to consider clicking the notification bell, otherwise the algorithm apparently won't show my videos in the feed. If that's something you're able to do, thanks! 😊
Well said, don't do it for the money or algorithms, go where your heart is!
if you're good we will find you....F the rhythm
Just did, looking forward to being out with you in nature!
The algorithm is working, 144k views ant YT has suggested you to me.
I don't watch gear reviews unless they relate to a potential purchase. I don't care that you think Leica is better than Olympus, I know you're wrong.
I'll see what you're going to do into the future.
BTW I do subscribe, I do not do bellicons. I have a regular schedule for viewing videos.
Never saw your channel, but you ended up in my feed, so this video did something right.
Maybe people just want the truth.
The algorithm just showed me this video and your channel. Do what you love. I just subscribed and look forward to checking out your channel.
The fact that the algo pushed a small-ish photography channel to a huge music channel surely means that at least it's doing _something_ right!
I experienced the same
same here
I didn't expect one of my favorites musician and youtuber to comment on a small channel out of nowhere. That is truly the power of RUclips. I have a great respect for you Rick and it shows on your channel that you do what you love. Thanks for everything ! 🤝
Same here. Do what you ❤.
In the MBA world, this is what's known as firing your customers. Everyone who makes something, whether a product or service, with the intent of someone else consuming it, has a perfect customer. Only the smartest providers realize that providing an ever expanding menu of stuff to customers who are not your perfect customer, actually drains your business and creative energy. Good for you for realizing this. I think this will probably net out positively for you in all aspects.
Yeah, I tried to do that too, even though I was capable of the extraneous work, it ended up taking the joy/fun out of my creative process. I realize not everyone has the choice, but I”d rather work from a place of inspiration and joy than anywhere else.
Bravo. I have subscribed and will watch regularly. Bravo
100% 👍🏼
It's not just photography. I'm a musician and watch a lot of guitar related channels. Most of the big ones have a lot of gear reviews etc. My faves tend to be the ones similar to your vision, ie people just sharing things they love, or giving lessons etc. Just sharing knowledge and helping people.
This is the first video of yours that came up on my feed. It's earned you a subscription.
Thanks, and keep on doing what you love.
Same here. The other day I saw a cool video by a guitarist and thought let's subscribe, went to check out his more recent videos and everything was gear reviews. Gear is all well and good but I haven't been in the buying gear market for 20 years and don't expect to buy anything beyond strings.
Count me in also. Cheers
Same for me. ❤
Same here ! I’m fed up of RUclipsShopping channels… most of them sponsored by the manufacturer.
Yep. Reviewing gear helps push product, its basically like advertising for the product that is being showcased and so it in turn helps out youtube. Its all much about chasing that revenue stream, getting sponsors and sell, sell, sell.
The algorithm doesn't care about people's passion or just sharing knowledge.
I just confirmed this “RUclipsrs disease” in different channels and people that I like to watch. No matter if it is about photography, music, travel, all of them have changed and became more and more driven by money, losing the real essence of the communication for the sake of share or teach and moving into marketing/sales interests. Well done. Don’t change and do what you really want. You’ll get my subscription and my likes. Wish you good luck and great new videos!
Sabbatical has been the same since his first video.
I like this comment. Stay true to yourself!
I’m definitely sticking around! We need more photography channels that are about actual photography and not shilling gear.
RUclips is nothing but a sloppy Advert for all kinds of garbage.
My god, I got stuck in the perpetual gear shilling in the beginning of watching these photography channels, I snapped out of it when I got the Sony A7 Riii.. I haven't bought a new camera since and I don't care what's really out there currently, because in the end new gear wont improve my fundamental skills of a photographer.
they always start out as passionate photographers but quickly find out it doesnt pay the bills so they need to shill for sponsors.. its just how it is
Nah, there are to many people making videos. People watch them and don´t spend time taking actual photographs.
HONESTY. I dream with a different YT, full of creators like you, chasing after their own beliefs and not others. I support you mate. We can’t just quit what we like and try to fit into the mass of the algorithms. Stand for what brings you joy. That’s life. The rest are consequences. Keep it up!
It's not really "the algorithm" that's to blame. The algorithms are based on viewer activity. Most people don't click videos that don't heavily lean towards gear. It's not just a photography problem, I've noticed it with music channels as well.
@@orphanuprising Of course. The algorithms are based on the ML which is fed by user behavior. But then there is a circle.. like media selling content that the audience wanna consume, for instance if there was a hurricane, then the media will show hurricanes from all over the world, almost everyday.. turns to be a manipulated reality, also based on the human input. The only way to stop it starts with human behaviors like this, being honest to ourselves and to others.. algorithms are just math, but respond to a data source being populated by us.
Subscribed! We completely agree.
There are different platforms to use for that. Problem is that they are censored by the EU and USA. The creativity has been censored in west, but commercial is promoted.
@@orphanuprising 100% an issue with the music maker side of RUclips, too... wholly agree
It's so nice to see other youtubers deciding to tell the viewers to choose whether to support their youtubers by watching their videos OR just unsubscribe and let the youtubers know those number of subs left are there for the content they want to make.
Hello Chris, fortunately for me, the algorithm just suggested your video to me and I really like your style and delivery. You also come off as a genuine person who likes what he does.
I personally prefer watching smaller, more focused channels. Regardless of the subject.
Keep doing what you love and soon enough you'll be surrounded by a community that shares your love and passion for photography.
thank you so much for the comment and the sub!! by the way, please do consider clicking the notification bell otherwise my new films may not appear in your feed. thanks!!
If I discover a channel I like, Fwo0OoO0O0o0Ok the ffing YooTooB algorithm... I personally have a collection of channels (or links to channels) (or names of channels) which I have accumulated so the algorithm can go to Hell.
I have my own personal list or collection of channels which I watch (it's just a text file in an order makes sense to me) and *EVERYBODY ELSE SHOULD DO THAT TOO* . Don't be lazy ... don't just eat what YT gives you. Also, I can specifically search for topics I like. Don't rely on YT ... there are many search engines which can give you ideas on your favorite topics.
Hey Chris, I’m not a Landscape Photographer, but I am a photographer who enjoys watching people create what they love. Good for you for going back to what you started out to do. Wishing you all the best for the future, I look forward to seeing your future content. Cheers.
I couldn't say it better than Alan. I just subscribed, because I like watching all sorts of photographers. I might learn something.
You are quite right, we cannot forget that this platform is a business, and most of the large channels end up becoming exhibitors for brands where they find a place to expose their products to a very centralized type of public, a very defined target. It's almost scary how a new product comes out and in pre-release it's already in the hands of these channels. I would like to think that there will still be channels where there is room for creativity, but as you say, the algorithm will never reward them if it does not become a sales channel. Thank you very much for your honesty.
Paid mouthpieces those "photographers" are.
@@dorfschmidt4833 I have come to believe they not only make more income from the gear related viewers on you tube but also they probably are making a pretty penny on the gear purchase links. Another thing I have noticed over the last couple of years is a you tuber will cry hardship for illness or something similar (asking if you don't mind helping by my presets or photo courses, book, etc) & next thing you know they swapped & have a new camera set up switching brands or show a video of traveled to another country which cost a pretty good dollar from where I stand. Power to them if they can do it. I watch gear related vids as I think about moving from my 9 year old DSLR gear to a mirrorless system with the eco system & features I would like.
Yes, shills abound.
That’s what capitalism does to everyone in every aspect of our lives.
Good on you for making the change. It's a real problem that so many RUclipsrs end up chasing the algorithm so much that the quality (and often reliability) of their content suffers. Hopefully most of your subscribers will stick with you for your photography, and you can make more general videos when the mood takes you. All the best.
I applaud you - social media can become so soul sucking and we can so easily lose our passion to it. I completely understand and I think you are on the right path.
Cool. I've seen so many photo channels drift from their little niche into becoming camera review behemoths. It's actually refreshing to see someone stick with what they actually love.
It's so hilarious that people get angry about the brand of camera you choose to use. At the end of the day you've got to create what you love. To some degree I do love the gear but there's only so much of that I want to talk about. I much prefer to just document the joy of going on an adventure and take the audience along for the ride. No matter what you do you'll get haters but sticking to what you love is always the right path. Good luck.
There isn't much to talk about a camera that doesn't perform on your birthday haha. 😂
I'm just getting into browsing photography videos as I plan to buy a camera, and I find it mind-boggling to see all the comments hurling criticism and abuse based on what brand a person uses. It reminds me of the game console wars - when we were _children._ To see grown adults carry on like that is just tragic.
First time watcher, and subscribed exactly because you’re honouring what you love doing and letting the rest go!!
Good on you Chris.
I’m excited to see what you get up to!! 🎉
Super amazing to see you take this step man. In this Era of algorithm and when art seems to be commoditised more and more every day, I feel we as artists really need to look inwards at what we are at what we love and let that guide us
Totally agree. More and more it seems this world is suffocating artistry, and humanity itself, in favor of the industrial machine.
Yes, this is EXACTLY what happens. I'm super excited about your new direction! I would love some behind the scenes, about how anyone makes a living taking landscape photos. Not your specific situation, but generally, just out of curiosity.
This video popped up on my feed and I was curious enough to click on it. Im very happy I did!
I love hearing the story and seeing that you are returning to the original idea you fell in love with to make videos.
I just began as a landscape/wildlife photographer 3 years ago and now can’t imagine doing anything else really. I’ve been wanted to make videos myself pretty similar to what you described: about how I capture my images, places I go, editing etc etc. The beasts that are social media algorithms are what make me hesitant. But people like you give me a lot of hope for trying it out and seeing where it ends up!
Thank you! Also, new subscriber 🙌
Same here, happy, but idea why the algorythm threw us a bone. There is no photography at all in my feed, but this one. Clearly this video tickled something in the algorythm. Subbed and commented for that algorythm. And new here. :)
This video appeared on my feed a few days ago and stayed there until I watched it this morning. Looking forward to see more of your work. 🙂
Hi Chris, I’ve felt like this for years. It’s actually hard to find content that isn’t reviewing gear of some sort. I went down that wormhole myself and gave it a massive break. I’m just having a studio built and may restart my channel focussing on portraits and landscapes at some point but like you it will only be what I want to create, no matter how few views the videos get. Good luck, I’ll be sticking around.
Thank you Chris for your honesty! I'll admit, you introduced me to Fujifilm and I'm so glad you did. It revived a dormant hobby. You also highlighted the value in their older cameras which I have come to appreciate tons! As a hobbyist there is so much used gear from lots of great brands to be enjoyed without spending tons of money. Your tone and love of sharing your craft are the best.
Here's a fun fact; these types of videos ("we need to talk", "I'm done", "It's over", "goodbye", etc) is part of the youtube algorithm playbook. Making videos like this, or engaging with videos like this (which unfortunately I am now) only makes the problem worse.
I guess thats true if you use that tactic on a regular basis , in this case it just seem an honest shakedown for subscribers to either go or stay. What I hate more is the proliferation of click bait thumbnails. Give the number of “reviews” that come out on the same day for the same product from photography channels I find myself viewing these with a high degree of scepticism as to the neutrality of the review.
Yes agree, best avoid click bait titles this one.
@@Chris-NZ Reviewers get given products to review and get told by the company when the review can be released to the their followers. That's why you get the big landslide when the review embargo is lifted. They're victims of the system. And if they don't release the review at the same time as everyone else, then nobody watches the review.
Well😂 I fell into this click bait. It worked.
I admire the statement nevertheless
It worked 😂 this got recommended to me I don’t even know him 😂
This just popped up in my feed, I know exactly how you feel, Great message and I wish you all the very best. I will be watching.
How refreshing to see an actual photographer talk. Most "photography" channels are in fact run by youtubers who know nearly nothing about photography but are still able to attract enough audience.
It really is hard being a photography RUclipsr. It seems like all of the larger channels (I do understand that I'm past the "small" channel stage) that do well all just focus on gear. I really think sticking to your craft and to the people who love that craft really goes a long way. Luckily it's been working for me so far so it's great to hear that you're going back to your original passion. Keep up the great work with your content!!
There are exceptions, like "The Photographic Eye" (Alex Kilbee). Granted, it's educational content (which seems to do well on YT), but there's often something to ponder even for more seasoned (amateur) photographers.
There's no need for anyone to unsubscribe Chris, you have a fantastic back catalogue of content which i regularly view as i love the cameras, locations and your presentation. I like the sound of the new direction as your location shoots are the highlight.
So agree with this! As an illustrator that's what I want my channel to be about, sharing the things I find interesting with the people who love the same things! 💛
I had just stumbled across this vid - and wanted to say how refreshing this. I’m looking forwards to seeing your landscape shots very soon.
Hey, Chris, I don't know you but this video came across my suggested videos and I'm so glad I clicked! I'm in the phase of just starting out but I've already felt this. It's tough because one video will do really well, but it's not really what you want to me making and it kinda messes everything up. I'm proud of you for not chasing views and also agree with your philosophy on focusing on the art. All cameras are capable of taking incredible shots and RUclips hates that since so many photographers are just toxic and can only think of the gear wars. So this was inspiring to me, and I am now subbed :) Great choice, brother. Follow your passions!
Strangely enough, I've been watching your videos for a while now but never subscribed… until THIS video.
I started my channel for a similar reason, I just wanted to document my own learning path into photography and to try and show others also starting that they are not alone. This video, from a well established and respected creator showing that is not all about the views, the subs and the algorithm… it's about what MOVES us, what we're PASSIONATE about.
Thank you, will TOTALLY stick around and be waiting for the next adventures wishing I was there with you.
Good for you! I just came across this video and subscribed! Looking forward to seeing what you upload.
I’m a RUclipsr but have virtually no time outside of my hectic project management day job. So I have a really random selection on my ch with no real direction and massive gaps between uploads. But I did what I wanted at the time and only when I had the time, so I stand by that.
I really respect you for putting your creative values first. The great thing about RUclips is that there is still always an audience even if it may be smaller. Who cares?! You’re sharing your authentic self and that to me is way more important. ✊
Just stumbled across your channel and subbed as I appreciate someone who sticks to what they love.
Chris mate, from one passionate landscape photographer to another I for one really appreciate the hard work you've put into this channel of yours. No doubt you've burnt litres and LITRES of midnight oil in the planning & production of your YT content and for that the photographic community celebrates and emplores you. I cannot imagine the time and effort it takes so thank you very much. This Aussie appreciates a Pom's dedication to his craft. On ya' cobber!
Yes I am a Fujifilm shooter and yes I loved your content on the X series gear you reviewed but just do what brings YOU joy on YOUR channel and bugger anyone that gives you any grief about what YOU decide to put on YOUR channel. I'll still be watching and supporting you regardless of what gear you use to do what you love.
Your a trooper mate, just get out there and shoot god's country in the Northern hemisphere and showcase your talents, I envy you and you inspire me to get out there myself and shoot my god's country down under in the southern hemisphere. For that I cannot thank you enough.
I love your comment 👏👏👏 thank you - one day I’ll get out to Australia and capture your beautiful landscapes!
Honestly, I am feeling EXACTLY the way you are feeling right now so this TRULY hits home! It's actually pretty sad that people who have a passion for things get hindered by the platform they use to express themselves!
I applaud you for NOT GIVING UP but instead choosing NOT to play the RUclips game. I am reminded by a quote from the movie Wargames, "The only winning move is not to play!"
I wish you NOTHING but the BEST! 👍🏾
I just subscribed because personal passion is contagious. I am aligned with your vision. Glad you are going with your heart my brother!
I found this video pretty inspirational. What a great point to make and I think your approach will pay off. Keep up the good work! :)
I love this message. I’m a filmmaker who comes mainly from theater. If I am working in a place like the Public Theatre in NYC, or a place like Steppenwolf in Chicago, and I see 300 or 400 people in the audience, that’s a beautiful and amazing thing. Something to never take for granted. That’s how I look at RUclips. For a while I was very interested in growing a huge YT audience, but simply to get monetized. It doesn’t work that way. In any case, I agree with you 100%, and I only share RUclips videos now when I’m in the mood to do so, and without any thoughts toward making “the algorithm” happy. The only thing on my mind is to share something meaningful and to be grateful and appreciative of those people who have decided to come see my work, and how kind they are to have done that. Whether it be here or in a live, in-person, sacred performance space. Any amount of people choosing to watch and listen to you is a gift.
I wish all creators would do what you’re doing. We need more of what RUclips used to be! Thank you for your candor.
Good for you!!! So happy that you are sticking to your passion!!!
I got here when you were doing the Fuji stuff, but stayed for the content. Can’t wait what else you will create and share!
Big respect to you for making this decision Chris. Follow your heart and your passion first and foremost. Wishing you all the best!
You know you’ve become a real photographer when you finally realize that blind brand loyalty holds you back. I’ve mostly been a Nikon shooter, but around 2011 or so, I discovered the Olympus PEN cameras. I got a couple of first generation bodies at a closeout price, and a friend of mine turned me on to cheap C Mount CCTV lenses. They mount easily on the PENs with a $5 adapter. Never had so much fun with a camera and lens. I’m a Leica owner now too, and while I adore my SL2s, there’s still nothing quite like shooting the old PEN cameras with a quirky little $30 lens.
Keep going Chris. Do what you love. I’ll be along for the ride.
Glad to hear you are following your heart and doing what you love. Happy to watch it one way or another. Love your energy and photography. Granted I really liked your FujiFilm reviews. Got my X20 because of you. And your comment on using different camera's/lenses as brushes really got me thinking and shooting differently. So thank you for that one! I hope to see you more often now. I will put you on my list. Apparantly that is now needed in this new RUclips world. All my favorit channels are disappearing from my view.
This video just popped up on my home page and I’m so glad! I’m looking forward to you taking us on your adventures! I subscribed! Please keep doing what you love! All the best!
I had a small "mostly" photography channel a few years back. However, I also talked about a lot of other things too. People advised me that I had to stick to just photography to have it grow. I didn't want to do that, as the channel was never a money-making venture. I just wanted to share ideas, techniques, and knowledge with others. RUclips automatically monetized my channel (I never received. a penny), and they are now changing the rules again. If I choose, I'll still make a rare video, but it makes no sense for me to spend many hours a week making videos and then have RUclips profit from it.
That's right! I decided to add guitar to my channel as well. It's another part of me.
Shocking...thanks you have saved me wasting time building a u tube pic channel.
What did yourube change? I'm not being mean, I'm asking genuinely.
As it happens Chris, this is the first of your videos I have seen and you nailed RUclips on the head there. I had something of the opposite to you happen when I switched to Olympus. My channel kind of took off a little. But I soon knocked the “micro four thirds” centric content on the head and went back to what I enjoyed. Always make the video you want to, don’t please an algorithm, keep it fun and keep it for you! I found more enjoyment doing this than chasing the views. New sub here 🤘🏻
Good on you, brother.
I’m mainly a candid/event photographer I love just seeing the genuine smiles I can bring to peoples faces
This is my introduction to your channel, and as someone who is also embracing making stuff I want to make and not trying to appease an algorithm, I’m elated to see this video.
All the best to you and your future work. Life is too short to sell your soul to the whims of social media and the tech that powers it. ❤
Well done Chris it must have been a difficult decision to make but I’m glad you did.
You can really tell when creators start chasing the algorithm and producing content to feed it. The quality of the work and relevance goes downhill.
I like Sean Tuckers approach of producing one(ish) video a month but making it different and engaging.
I really don’t need to see another , this is the “best/favorite” “camera/lens/ dodah” since the last one I did 3 days ago!
I’m really looking forward to what you will be producing over the next few months. And really jealous of your adventures!!
You can’t please everyone all of the time, but if you’re able to please yourself - who cares? It’s a shame that so many videos on YT about “photography” actually aren’t… More power to you! 🤙🏼
Great video and well said. Just literally found your channel. Subscribed, I can't wait to see what you get up to in your job mate.
I support your cause and love that you are staying true to yourself. This is my first time seeing your videos and you have my respect! God bless.
If you run it like a SoMe channel, and not a business. You will be disappointed. It's designed to lead you down the path you didn't know you would go. I'm really glad you're epiphany did come to you. You're absolutely doing it right. It's hard not being led away from what you actually love showing. You're passion is our joy! let's do this! =)
Hi Chris, I'm shocked that people get upset and get abusive over camera brands. I watch your channel for the content, tips and ideas. I also watch it because you're a down to earth guy who speaks honestly. I moved from Nikon to Fuji to Leica and will probably keep doing that. The brands aren't important it's the enjoyment I get from watching. Keep going mate, I'm staying put ❤
Really appreciate your honesty. So many folks are just trying to sell stuff, with any educational value being secondary. Thanks for sharing the type of photography that makes you happy. You have integrity! It is appreciated.
Bravo!!! I just subscribed and look forward to seeing all the places you love to shoot! Love landscapes of the world and places I will probably never see with my own eyes, so i thank you for doing continuing on with what you love!
I'm delighted you are not letting the corporate algorithm dictate what you create. I'm happy to stick around and see what you have to say about nature photography.
He is letting it dictate what he creates to where he doesn't want to create anymore because he's not getting the attention he thinks he deserves which is not owed to him. This is a free posting platform, you can search out anything, the home page just offers suggestions on popular videos, it doesn't hold your head in a toilet and make you watch
Good for you Chris, I hope many others follow your integrity and
what photography does for the soul, not the algorithm
Good for you!! Appreciate your inspiration and passion, more importantly, appreciate your discussion on the RUclips algorithm and the impact on a channel and what you the creator want to achieve.
I just stumbled upon this vid. And your declaration to return to your roots was so compelling that I just subscribed. Now I’ll go watch your Iceland vid. Nice work -staying true to your roots!!
Cheers. Coming to a similar place on my end. A lot of weather/storm chasing content creators are really being drawn down the algorithm chasing hole and I've recently had to pull myself out of it. I don't want to force myself to think of what cool weather videos I could create, I just want to create when a storm compels me to do so and share it with the tiny few who will enjoy it. Anyway, felt like I was listening to myself here and appreciate your honesty. I don't think you're alone with algorithm burn-out.
Your content is good but dangerous. Stay safe man!! 🫶
didn't know of the channel up until now and I am subbing just because of it. good for you sir. here for it.
Good for you, and you’ve just gained another subscriber. I want to see videos that inspire me to go out and take pictures, not leaving me feeling inadequate because I don’t have the latest kit.
It's funny how when you don't try to game the algorithm, the algorithm works in your favor. RUclips recommended me this video, and now you've got a new subscriber. Looking forward to landscape photos. Something I would love to see in the future is what are the compositional techniques you take into consideration to really give a sense of scale across different focal lengths.
Hi Chris. These days, we tend to be all victims of the algorithm. We search for content that confirms a purchase, suggests a purchase or predicts a direction in which to search. Stepping back from that is a wise move. Do what makes you happy. Share what you want to share not what others expect you to. Being out in nature or in a city with a camera in hand, is my happy place/state. Enjoying what surrounds us and being able to share that joy is what makes your channel worth watching. My Instagram account grew thanks to a sadly departed, good friend promoting my photography. I doubled my reach overnight without changing what I wanted to take photos of. Your photography has been and remains inspirational to many of us and seeing you enjoy doing that, is inspiring in itself.
I’ve never heard of you before, and now I’m going to watch all your stuff. You worked that out well, I think I learned something important today.
Hi Chris: I have just found your channel and your new/revised direction for your channel is exactly what I am looking for. I am new to you channel but I am excited to see some of your previous video and your new future content. Cheers, Keith (Canada)
YT is a weird beast. I had a stint as a reviewer, but as I'm not here to be "internet famous," I decided there was nothing new I could add to the space. So I'm sticking to my travel photography videos, also not chasing views. I'm doing the videos to share the beauty of the places and people I experience while traveling to fascinating places. And sometimes those videos get millions of views, sometimes like 30. I just stopped worrying about it, and will just make the videos I want to make, for myself. Being sincere is the most important thing, so kudus.
It’s hard to be a creator today on YT. It tries to stick its claws into you in order to force you to make content that benefits them financially, not what fulfills us creatively. Looking forward to more.
In actuality many, many viewers of photography videos are watching the content to find out if something they have their eyes on is worth purchasing. That is the reson the algorithm pushes towards gear reviews.
- It's the minority, and always has been, that is watching videos about photography itself. I'm saying this, since it's somewhat annoying to me that youtube is the spitting bucket of everyone, while it's clear it pushes to things that are popular and thus in demand. RUclipsrs from different fields also act very entitled to have their content pushed by the algorithm no matter what they do with their channel (this channel and this video doesn't, but lots do). I might ask why that is?
One point of view to this is also, that one cannot get big without compromising the content. It's true for every field, like movies, music, art in general and even science - the more popular something is, the simpler it gets for people who like things to be really good and specific. That's because the more you get audience, the more audience's expertise level and demand for spesific stuff goes down on average - general stuff for general audience.
You can't have it both ways, and this channel understood it. If you want to follow your passion, then there most likely will be a price to pay.
This video came to me pushed by the algorithm, and I guess that's because I don't watch super popular channels, but seek out the stuff I like. The algorithm sees my pattern of behaviour and sees what I like and acts accordingly. The algorithm doesn't push these kinds of channels to general audiences though, since the general audience is not interested. The general audience is interested in general things - in general 🤷
RUclips doesn't owe anyone anything, they push what people are searching, most of the time people are new to photography or want to buy something and look up a piece of gear.
Bravo! This randomly came up in my recommendations, so I watched it and have to say that I fully agree with your sentiments. I gladly subscribed and look forward to following your landscape photography content. All the best to you.
Just earned another subscriber for your honesty. I just love watching people do what they do best. I get more watching a master at work than being told how to be a master.
It was SOOO refreshing to have you lay it out as it really is and give the algorithm the proverbial middle finger and just do what you love and not care about what the big tech giants want us to do, be, or strive towards! I've seen way too many seemingly good photographers slide down that rabbit hole and ruin their channels, and their public brand perception as a result, and I truly wish more of them took your approach and just do it for the love of the photography and not the algorithms! Subscribed, and looking forward to seeing what you come out with!
thanks so much for the comment - really kind of you!
Huge respect man, I love Landscape photography started in 2017 but hard to get out as much these days as my partner is disabled and we have young kids so channels like keep me inspired for when I can make it out to gets some shots
The honesty is beautiful. you deserve to be YOU and to vibe with YOU and create the things that YOU want to create. Proud of you
reaaaaally appreciate this honesty. i’m in the early stages of growth on my channel, and have already experienced some burnout from the unboxing/review/tutorial type videos. my latest video was a short film passion project, and i was on fire the whole time i was creating it. it was awesome. i’m starting to care less and less about a “niche” and more about enjoying myself and creating content that fulfills me. i’ve lived and survived this long without being a full time content creator… i can keep trucking until i do it my way
Good for you. Not sure how you popped up on my feed, but good to see you had a moment of clarity.
Just found your channel and look forward to seeing your beautiful photography. Stay true to yourself--much respect to you for doing so.
Well, I just got suggested your channel, this video specifically, and subscribed because of this message. So seems you're doing something right. I look forward to seeing your videos in my feed.
Never saw your channel before but this popped up on my recommendations and I think I'll stick around.
I hadn’t seen your channel until it popped up in my feed today, but I’ve already subscribed after watching this video. I think it’s great you will be concentrating on what you love, sounds like exactly the type of video I’d enjoy. I’m not much of a photographer, but look forward to seeing some of the places you’ll visit and maybe learn something on the way. It was the inundation of gear reviews and “here’s another new guitar I just bought/ was given” that put me off a lot of guitar channels lately, so to find someone going against that trend to do their own thing is truly refreshing! 👍
Thanks for making this video! I look forward to seeing your landscape photos!
This is exactly how I feel right now as a RUclipsr. Subscribed and look forward to following your journey.
YT just popped this video up from nowhere. Honest video. New sub and wish you all the best.
I just subscribed after watching this video. We photographers need that type of content focused on photography and not about constantly showing ads, reviews, etc. Keep good work and I definitely will check your current uploaded videos and new ones.
Good for you Chris. I wish you the best, and I've just subscribed to your channel
Hi Chris, I just found you, this video somehow came up on my feed today and I liked what I saw, so I just subscribed.
As a fellow professional photographer, I am keen to see some of your stuff and more importantly your passion, Bravo mate a big thumbs up 👍
This is such and honest video! I watched your reviews and I loved them but I’ll be so happy to watch things you love and want to share!!!
Awesome, man. I’m not a follower of yours and not even particularly interested in landscape photography but had this video in my recommends. All power to you - it’s amazing you’re returning to being authentic and making videos about things important to you, rather than thinking about monetising yourself 24/7. You’ll be successful no matter what, enjoy your life!
Great message Chris. We also took a break from YT for some of the same reasons. Looking forward to seeing what's in store for your channel :)
Funnily enough, until this video, your channel has never been in my feed.
What you’re describing is exactly the kind of videos that I like to watch, so I’ll be subscribing and watching.
Cheers!
that's amazing - thanks! By the way, I've been getting messages from people advising me to ask people to consider clicking the notification bell, otherwise the algorithm apparently won't show my videos in the feed. If that's something you're able to do, thanks!
Good on you! It a damn shame that algorithms are dictating far too much about what we watch, read and sometimes do. These algorithms are indirectly limiting both the content creators and the audience. Big respect!
I don’t know why I’ve never come across your channel before, you’ve made a very good first impression! You have a new subscriber here 😊
YES! Thank you for sharing this perspective! This is the first video I’ve seen of yours and it earned my Sub. I’m looking forward to going back and see your work and future work.
Bravo! What I appreciate about your video is how you’re trying to do exactly what you want, and how the algorithm is not making that easy for you but is trying to push you into making advertisements for RUclips.
Thank you for becoming fed up with being manipulated.
I don't know why RUclips recommended this video, but there it was at the top of my screen! Kudos to you, I'm subscribing from cold 😊
You’ve got a new subscriber here mate, as that’s exactly what we’re interested in. I hate soo much that passion channels like this one end up becoming commercials for products (cough cough Peter McKinnon). This is quite literally what’s stopped me from caring about building a YT presence, as the photo/video world seems to care more about what you’re shooting on, than what you’re actually shooting. We much prefer seeing the adventure then being told what to buy, so keep going ol’ boy, we’ll be around to watch. Cheers then!!!
Ironically the the algorithm plopped this on my feed. You have a new subscriber, can’t wait to see some actual photography content on RUclips.
You are doing a great job! I am enjoying every minute of your videos.
Wishing you good luck.
This is the first video I see from you. And I’m all in for what you stand for! So you gained one more subscriber!