Thank you for sharing your journey with such honesty. It's inspiring to see someone prioritize their passion and mental health. We'll miss your videos, but we completely understand the need for a break. Looking forward to seeing where your photography takes you next. Keep capturing those beautiful moments!
Agreed! 15 yrs in and I have 30 unique viewers 😂. Respect for this video, Tim. I may follow your decision with my own channel. Greetings from another tim.
Hi Tim I’m a fellow photography RUclipsr as well. What I would say to you is that the pressure to upload is totally self imposed. I only really understood that this year but really RUclips doesn’t care too much if you have gaps in your uploads. I took a 6 week break roughly earlier in the year and came back and had one of my best videos ever because I was fresh again. My advice, if it’s worth anything, is just upload when you feel like it with something you want to upload. Rather than feel it’s a race you hop in and out of like that. Anyway I hope this helps you. I subscribed anyway hoping to see you post something you want to post in your own time.
This is the first video I've seen of yours and I applaud you for stepping back. I'm 70 years old. I've worked as a photographer my whole life. I'm now somewhat retired although I always tell people photographers never retire we just take less work. I relate to what you said in this video. I found myself working to satisfy others and that was just a job. I've been in love with photography since I was 9 years old and today I'm having so much fun shooting only to satisfy myself. I spent my time doing street photography and I couldn't be happier. I hope by stepping back you can find the same happiness.
I'm from Brazil, and RUclips randomly suggested this video to me. In other words, it is the first video I’ve watched on the channel, and I have to say: it’ll be one of the best choices you’ll ever make. Regards and love from Brazil. ❤🇧🇷
I just stumbled across this particular video. I’ve never seen your channel before, but I am a photographer myself, and I am starting to struggle with the same thing.
I’m in the same boat as you. I did travel vlogs on RUclips, took a break for several reasons and then I started a photography channel. I consider myself an amateur/hobbyist photographer. I thought it would be less work and to some extent it has been. But like you I am still leaning. The point of my photography channel was to track my progress and share what I’ve learned along the way. Lately, the motivation has waned for similar reasons to yours. I hope that you find your break restful, peaceful and pressure free.
It’s always been said that when a hobby becomes an effort to make money, it’s no longer a hobby. I have been through the exact same process as you, and I finally realized that my efforts in photography should be focused (no pun intended) on an audience of one, me! Since then I’ve found enjoyment and fulfillment in photography once again.
Tim, I will miss this channel pause but completely understand. It was my Saturday morning wake up, grab some coffee and see what Tim explored recently. You have connected me with so many places, new channels and friends across the globe with your 3 channels. One connection and channel is The Sand Scratcher from England. He recently did a video on a book called What to Say When You Talk to Your Self. I purchased the book last week at B & N. It was because of your efforts hooking up with him while in England that I am reading this book and rethinking some things myself. See you on your Newly Retired Me and the Life in Motions Channels!
Leave of absence - I like that thinking. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing. Let your photography passion grow at a pace you are comfortable with. Technology can find all sorts of ways around technical competence issues, but your passion is the one thing you can't fake, and it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks about it, because you know what feels right for you. Take good care of yourself.
First time here and... completely admiring your honesty! It seems that you discovered more about yourself than you could suppose. I also could see how self aware you are. Congratulations for that! Have a wonderful life, full of authenticity no matter what, as you just showed us with this video! Again, my most sincere congratulations! Abraço de Portugal to the brave man!
I love photography and I love your honesty. I’m sorry that I’ve only just stumbled upon your channel at this point. Thank you for your brutal frankness. I pray you will be refreshed and find that love again for the art of photography we all love. I look forward to your next post. God bless.
Hi Tim, we do relate, we too walked away but should return in 2025 after about 4 years away, what happened to us was it brought us in too much work the best part of filming for years prior. The positive was we showed and shared how to fix rebuild and run vintage watchmaker machines and tools that helped others. We also made great friends, and they are new to us, heck we even now call their wife our friends as well. For the record, we are 61 and 58. We are watchmaker's and micro machinists. Have a great Thanksgiving. Lance.
Hi, my Mum used to tell me "The true reward of our work is not what we get for it, but what we become through it". I bellieve in this. Godd luck and enjoy what you do have, do not chase what you do not need.
I definitely understand what you are going through. I had to start using shorts a few months ago to gain ground, but now I'm concerned about the effect on my long form content. Although, I have to say that studying videography has improved my photography.
So well done. And your quality of video and heartfelt, authentic communication is fantastic. You are great in front of the camera too -- that also is a wonderful skill. I look forward to your return to YT in future. Again, thanks for this well done, honest video message.
Sadly, RUclips doesn't seem interested in promoting good, honest, factual content such as yours. It's all about "shorts", clickbait and riding "trends" these days. I had great hopes that RUclips would become mankind's largest store of knowledge and information but those days are gone. It's now turning into a giant cesspool of AI-created dross which only exists to make cash for Alphabet. Such a lost opportunity.
That’s interesting, because this is my first time seeing your videos! All of a sudden now you pop up in my feed! I’m sure you have a lot to share with us that may not necessarily be in photography. Just think deeper share something else you love or very experienced in. Either way we appreciate you !🤜🏽🤛🏽👍🏾🙏🏾❤️
I know how you feel, Tim. I’ve taken several breaks on my channel, and it’s been fine. I once did a stint where I published 20 videos in one month, and it did nothing for my channel growth. All it did was create burnout. Go at your own pace, and create for you. Make *creating* the point, not the response you get from creating.
Good morning Tim, Although I hate to see you take a pause on this endeavor, I'm equally excited to continue watching your other channels. I have found your photography to be really good and inspiring, but also enjoy your more recent endeavors into video and have learned so much by gaining perspectives into a different photographic genre. Your skills in story telling and taking us to new and exciting venues adds so much to your content. It's a lot of hard work and time and energy that most would understand. There's only so much time in a day! Enjoy your hiatus from the chores you'll leave for now. Thank you for all that you do. Enjoy that camera when you have time to take a break once in while. We'll be here. I'll be forever grateful for the filters that I now have thanks to your raffle. They have really helped me to explore more and have fun with.
Let me make a suggestion, during 2025 do one video a quarter and just sit in front of the camera and talk about things. If you have a couple of photos you would like to share do so, but it is not needed. It's the journey that will now be your focus. When it's 2026, one video a month. I know how hard the grind is for a weekly video. I have over 300 videos and I started 11 years after you. Much of the lack of growth could be from YT not treating you honestly. Just because YT is big doesn't mean they know what they are doing. Maybe put a zine together of your best photos and make 100 copies to sell and write a bit about why and how you took the photo. I just came across your channel on 241125. I know how you feel. I never claimed to be an expert on anything. But I know a heck of a lot more than your typical Uncle Bob. I imagine you are the same, too. Do the zine, or have a camera shop commercially print a few photos for sale so you can claim being a professional photographer. So from time to time take us along with us peaking over your shoulder. I think there may be a lot of wisdom stuck between your ears. Be safe.
We look forward to your next adventure after you get your refreshment! We get the stress of YouTubing, and hope the best for you and your joy for Photography!
Enjoyed your honest and transparent assessment of how your RUclips channel has eroded your love of photography. Can identify with your reflections and closing the circle. Good call and best wishes during the pause...back to the future :-)
I can soooo relate to this. Wise words from the heart here. For quite a while I struggled with my failures on RUclips, the rejection, and for a time, even fake subscribers that led me to delete my original channel and try again nearly 2 years later. I'll try to share below a post from my website that deals with some of these issues, although sometimes cut and paste posts will never be seen... anyway, I really do hope that zeroing in on your photography alone will be a lasting positive experience for you. I love photography myself. It can be so very rewarding... I’ve recently watched quite a few videos that are focussed on older folks making good progress on RUclips. That’s ok to a point. But I also see a lot of attention given over to video popularity/success, and I’m convinced that this isn’t a healthy approach for smart seniors.
After all, RUclips is one of Google’s tools designed to strengthen the brand and generate lots and lots of dollars. And it does that very successfully because we, the industrious video-uploaders, are fundamentally a means to an end. (Those who worship the Mighty Dollar can have no heart for the little guy.) With that in mind, I’d rather not think of myself as a RUclipsr. I use RUclips to meet my personal needs. I’m a near-66-year-old who makes videos and puts them online, where they are usually passed by. But that doesn’t bother me, it really doesn’t. It used to, but not now. Like those elderly men who lock themselves away and build complex and very valuable train sets, I make videos as an absorbing hobby that often lifts my mind and is keeping me creative into my old age. It isn’t always easy, but generally it works. Success is nice, but it really doesn't matter. Why should it, unless we’re here hoping to generate cash to help pay our bills. In some contexts I can understand that. There’s so much advice about how to be successful on RUclips that I have to wonder if this overemphasis obscures the fact that ‘success’ can be measured in other ways - better ways. Many computer hours that result in a video we are pleased with IS being successful. I don’t need much more than this. For some, popularity feeds the ego and keeps them motivated. I don't want to be like that. Recognition, likes, hits, subscribers, lots of engaging comments, achieving goals that keep us popular - these are the curse of the social media mindset and can lead to dissatisfaction, disappointment, frustration and even shallowness. Some will stress over stat minutia and use every trick in the book to keep people watching and coming back, assuming of course that most of these viewers are paying lots to RUclips each month so their viewing, and our videos, aren't ruined by crass advertising.
Just subscribed.. you take as long as you need to rejuvenate your passion and your love for creating images. I will drop by from time to time just to see if you are ready to share your reborn enthusiasm. No preasure, your wellbeing is paramount. Catch you on the other side. 😊
Creating content should always start with you. When you focus on doing it for yourself and not just for the audience, it becomes more fulfilling. Sure, it's nice when people appreciate your work, but if you get too caught up in what others will think or number of likes, it can take away the joy of creating. I recently spent over 23 hours editing a video that might only get 100 views, but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve made. It’s about the process and staying true to why you started. Stepping back to reflect on your 'why' can be a game-changer. Keep going, and remember-your journey is worth it. Cheers!
I can't comment on your photography; but social media and RUclips is its own skill. One can be a fantastic photographer and tereible at buildia following, and vis-a-vis.
When I began shooting film again after thirty years of digital I slid down that RUclips slope. Posting videos, etc etc. I started to notice that my energy was distracted. So I stopped making videos. I’m glad to just enjoy photography for the pure joy that it actually is.
I worked for Blacks Photography Stores and we always got test kits from Nikon, Canon, etc. we received the first digital cameras when no one had even heard of the idea. We laughed it off as not gonna amount to anything. The rest is history.
@@djtoman6875 I completely get and appreciate digital. I use it still. However, film has a language all of its own and the grain, well, the grain is the character. The milky smooth mood of the images against tack sharp focus…we have come full circle, I’m sure you agree. So dispense with wasting your time making videos, it was fun while it lasted. So I’ve come to that conclusion as well. We’re here for the love of taking photos, are we not? 😊
@@TheRobertpainter I feel the same way. Film and digital are both tools with various merits and flaws. Even though they are both just technology at different stages of development, there's something more "human" about the inherent flaws in film, and an organic quality to the grain. To me there's a place for the videos. But social media should never dictate how we conduct ourselves in real life. At least that's how I feel as a Gen X'er.
Please do not disappear in this media. We all will wait for your back. Just drop your expectations and come back once you think you are ready to talk to us. Thank you for your work!
I totally understand what you mean, and appreciate your perspective. I actually checked some of your videos just now, and I found that the top comments were always rather positive. Also, I enjoy that your video quality is quite good. Perhaps your content is not the kind that would suck in huge amount of subscribers quick.. there is no crazy scandals, but you shouldn't think that it means lacking quality. I think you have quality content, and really appreciate the calm and peaceful vibes you put out.
I just discovered your channel and, looking through your library of videos, I don't understand why your channel hasn't taken off, it's such great content. I think, to be honest, 99% of photography content creators have the same experience as you. We are just fed a very small minority of the most successful channels and it gives the impression that as long as you make the right content you'll achieve the same success. But photography on youtube is highly saturated and the very top of the pyramid is very narrow indeed, leaving tens of thousands of channels lower down the ladder who struggle to get more than a few hundred views. I think this principal applies across all social media. It's not a reflection on your quality as a presenter or as a photograper. Do whatever is best for your mental well-being and good luck.
Sorry to hear this Tim. But I totally understand. I think it's smart to first, realize it wasn't working for you and second, take action. That's pretty powerful. So mad respect to you, sir. As for your photography, I think you're selling yourself way short. I really like your work. So, enjoy the break and maybe I'll see you out there at some point. I'm going through my own, protracted, photography slump so I'll be out there working to dig my way out.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this channel. I believe when one door closes another one open. As for your photography skills… I think your skills are awesome. I wish I had your skills. Do what you need to do. I’ll still be watching your other channels and anything else you do.
Your channel is awesome. I'm sorry to see you go. As a RUclips creator, I started out knowing I wasn't going to get a lot of views. I don't monetize my channel or ask people to subscribe. I leave it to the viewers. Many people come on RUclips with expectations of making it big. I don't edit my videos, so I have no expectations. What people see is what they get. I do my art or hauls more or less to show those who like me. I've made some great friends on RUclips. I love my art and I post when I feel like it. I do RUclips for fun and maybe you may want to post when you want to and feel pressured to. It makes a big difference. Hope to see you soon. Your decluttering videos were my favorite because you offered wise advice. I enjoyed your channel and your wisdom. Take care 🎉
If I may, I just stumbled on your channel. The headline made me wince. I then watched your video. You touched on a lot of things that I have thought about. I’ve been in the business for years and am at the tail end of my career. Many of the thoughts you feel, are those many of us feel, especially if you’re old school. I love what I do, but I find that there are a number of content creators have sucked the life out of photography. It’s the “look at me!” attitude. The pure love of shooting, creating and bringing our soul the forefront. I wish I would have found you sooner. I look forward to your return. I look forward to sharing, laughing, and inspiring one another. Be well my friend.
one of real problems starts when by influence of others you try to put the Label on your passion. before , your passion was everything you wanted, after interaction with people - you start questioning and doubting yourself, "if i even good for this passion...?"- this is terrible destructive line of though. my humble advice - dont let others go into your head🍻 . you dont have to put yourself into one of THEIR categories to keep doing what you do.
I will miss this channel. I have learned quite a bit from you and appreciate all that you do. For what it's worth, I also think that I have learned how to shoot better videos from watching your Florence and Rome videos (although I didn't really "get it" until it was too late for my own Italian vacation). I look forward to hopefully seeing your photography channel return and will continue to follow you on Life In Motrion and New Retired Me.
I haven’t been able to figure out how to do video without it taking over my photography. I shoot and document things around where I live. There’s not much interest in my photos on various platforms. Video would be a great way to share my photography stories, but the time it takes seems to outweigh any satisfaction.
I will continue to watch your other channels. While I was working and taking snapshots of people and things that interested me, managers saw my pictures and started to tap me for going out to take pictures...for them. It wasn't fun anymore; the pictures were forced. I stopped taking pictures and donated my film cameras to a friend that taught photography. Found your sites thru the NRM videos and ended up getting hooked back on taking photos again because of your site as well as Rons, Phils, Davids and a few others. Thank You for the content that you made on You Tube and best wishes in your pause.
First time watching this channel. I know I missed the whole thing but I respect your view and motives. Nevertheless I think you shouldn´t be so hard on yourself about whether you are qualified or not about showing other people how to take "better" pictures, but how YOU take pictures instead. Photography as every other art form is a subjective thing but I know what you mean, there are some really amazing people, but they're really a minority. The road is personal and I love the fact that you will shoot for you, not for content. I wish you all the best in this amazing and never ending adventure that you are staring as a person who wants to get more excited and satisfied with his own images, Greetings from Mexico City.
Please do not sell yourself short on your photography skills Tim. You have a terrific eye for capturing emotion and evoking thoughtful insights into each photo you take. Remember, Ansel Adams and Clyde Butcher were not born with a camera in their hands!! They worked for YEARS to hone their skills and find their groove. Because you recognize that your "focus" has shifted from photography to video/content creation, there is where you are finding joy - for now.. Embrace the change and always follow what brings your heart, mind and soul that ever elusive feeling of JOY!!!
You are a natural storyteller. You certainly have the skill to take a lot of topics, beyond photography, and make them interesting. I totally get how trying to monetize a passion can kill the passion.
Tim, I just saw before this one your view of the Haukland Parka Pro jacket, and I liked it a lot. The jacket but certainly your way of talking about it as a photography user! Well done! 👍 Take a break, but don't leave YT! 👋😀👍 Thanks!
That's what RUclips has produced unfortunately ( or so it seems)...content creators who need to painfully think about every step by step process of creating and uploading videos. From thumbnail creation to carefully choosing the perfect description and tags, in order to fit into RUclips's Algorithm to obtain the best possible engagement. When in reality, even researching and applying knowledge from all these million hit RUclips SEO Masters still results in poor video performance, resulting in the creator feeling down and inadequate due to lack of continuous video engagement. I've seen videos that contain no description and no tags with a rubbish thumbnail hit thousands of views and get plenty of engagement! In my opinion, these SEO channels get millions of subs and engagement because their audience are creators desperately seeking to build up their channels, so these SEO channels could post anything and their videos would be viewed and commented on instantly. Why did uploading videos need to become an art form and so intensely over-complicated? The joy of simply uploading has gone. All this continously changing algorithms and uploading best practices really means it's just your luck whether RUclips decides to help make your channel popular. So many hours spent recording videos, more hours for editing plus the length of time it takes to go through the upload process can be soul destroying at times when a video you have worked hard on gets only a few hundred views! As a content creator myself who plans to create more channels to accommodate my creative Interests, despite the struggle to make it big on RUclips or just simply obtain respectible engagement numbers on my videos, I'll continue the pursuit of creating and uploading videos simply because most of the time, I enjoy doing it. Just as you said, communicating with like minded individuals related to our interests is the best part of creating a RUclips vlogging channel, but unfortunately if videos don't perform well, that engagement side of things becomes lost and all you're left with is the long hours of hard work gone into making your videos. And let's face it, many people make sacrifices in life like neglecting family, friends etc in the hopes of creating a successful RUclips channel. It's sad but true. If I were you, and I'm no expert, but I noticed you have another channel "The New Retired me" with 50,000+subs! That's a lot, especially if you regularly get viewer engagement there. So why not introduce your hobby of Photography into that channel instead of pursuing Photography as its own focused channel. A retirement channel can involve so many things, so for me, it makes sense to include your Photography stuff there, not so much in an educational kind of way but purely in an enjoyment and fun manner. Just a thought. Anyway, all the best!
Your willingness to try new things and to go beyond the experience and share it with others has always been part of your character. You are truly a gift to all learners and I have loved hearing from you and checking back in from time to time to see what you are up to. Go be free and enjoy it back at the basics... enjoy life in the moment and keep being you. I can't wait to see what you explore next, so we can explore with you!
The problem is the new RUclips algorithm. They don’t recommend videos to the right viewers with whom you can share your passion. TikTok and instagram killed the photography 10 years ago
A lesson as old as time: no one cares about your art as much as you do The trick is to share freely without expectation of any recognition. All you can do is put it out there and if it resonates and is worth anything to anyone, they'll find it. The issue you're having is that you're viewing yourself as a content creator, not a photographer. Flip those around and it becomes easy again. Seeking worth and validity through likes and views is poison to your art.
I may have taken 5 pictures in 2024 if that. I am the opposite, never video, never take a picture unless absolutely necessary. Once they got rid of the cameras with the roll of film and taking it to the pharmacy and waiting a week to get it developed, I was done. ♥
Thank you Tim for sharing with honesty. This clip popped up on my feed today and I applaud your decision to take a break. I have been procrastinating about starting two YT channels, but have no illusions about how hard it is to grow a channel. You are a success to me. 2.75K subscribers. That's awesome. You have a great presence on camera and a great voice. I have subscribed and will now watch your back catalogue. Enjoy your break, know that it is the right decision for you, for now, but be proud of what you have achieved.
I absolutely, 100% understand where you’re coming from. Your emotions in putting out this video were definitely felt by me. You’re reflections were thought provoking and are applicable in many different areas of someone’s life Tim. As a purely selfish reason, it gives me a chance to not feel guilty for trying to keep up with your photography channel out of a sense of loyalty I feel for you. I will continue to be a loyal follower of your other two channels.
No matter what you do, you should always be having fun. The RUclips Grind is a totally different hobby from Photography. It's time to get back to your roots. Find the joy and maybe then you'll find something worth sharing. Maybe it's time for a new direction.
I developed a slump in my photography until I started buying photography books by people like Fred Herzog, Ernst Haas and Lee Friedlander. Now I love going out and doing street/urban photography. And its good to study this genre of photography because it is everyday life photography, and it can translate over to other genre's. Good luck to you.
I think you are overthinking it. Everything that you describe is why I liked watching your channel. It is honest and personal. You have to do what you need to do for you.
I never set out to become a RUclipsr, I just make the videos for me. Reality is… the photography RUclips is utterly saturated. The astronomy one has more leeway.
Interestingly this was suggested in my feed. I know so many people who have quit RUclips including myself. It is so frustrating building an audience on a platform that has no interest in helping creative people and especially a platform where they can delete your account with one click. Years of work and time invested, down the drain. If anyone reads this comment I highly advise putting your time and energy into your own website. That way, you have control. All the best👍
Good for you. Glad you're courageous enough to step back and seek to reconnect with the most important thing... what photography means to you. Best wishes.
I understand completely how you feel, I also have a RUclips channel and it can be hard work and I've sometimes felt like giving up! But the key is to just enjoy what you do, and maybe if you took a break and came back and uploaded less often, and only when you really want to? Your subscribers won't disappear just because you don't upload as much. Good luck with what you do 👍
An artist will release his work when he's ready. The moment it becomes a job, it is no longer art, it's attempted commerce. Take a break, reinvent yourself, create your new cycle. Shave your head, wear sunglasses, wear a black t-shirt that says "stay out of my way", smothered yourself in tattoos and ignore views or subscribers. You'll see what happens with the channel :)
RUclips promotes your to my feed just as you're ready to punch out -- so ironic -- and your title caught my curiosity to view your channel for the first time (sub'd, and just goes to show the importance of a catchy title). I checked out your photos on fine art and you're too humble / modest -- really impressive work. Regardless, if being a RUclips creator is feeling like a chore, then dump it and get your passion back. Life is too short.
I get it! When something isn't fun anymore, it's time to decide if we really need to be doing it. Time is a limited commodity, and at our age we have a lot less of it as we did in our younger years. - People use to ask me why I didn't sell my photos. The answer was simple, I shoot what I like and brings me joy. If you start selling you can easily fall into the trap of trying to shoot what others like. Go out there and have a blast! ❤🍷
So great that you are sharing your thoughts. By the way, there are no guarantees that a 'good' photographer can teach you something. Because she or he must also have the capability to transmit the knowledge. I often just like to watch videos on RUclips, even though I already know what they are taking about. The same story can always be told in a different way. Therefore, content can be relative. Have fun in whatever you do in the future.
I hope that negative comments aren't making you feel this way. I get a lot of positive feedback on my channel but the ones being negative can hurt. What'helps me is to realise their work isn't that much better. I hope we can build each other up and I hope you get that passion back.
No. I don’t get a lot of negative comments. But then, I don’t get a lot of comments. LOL. It’s really just about losing a passion. It will return. It has to.
@@TimChilders I'm glad to hear the first part! And it happens to me from time to time. I had to take some time off to care for my elder parents and while my channel suffered I was able to get back into it. Maybe a walk with the camera will spark that passion again and I hope to see you back. Cheers!
Balancing one's own photography with video content creation is so hard! Many of the things you speak about sound very familiar to me! Enjoy the break from RUclips and enjoy focusing on your own photography. It will probably feel quite refreshing, and who knows, you may come back to YT with some very fresh insight and energy! Good luck on your path!
Whattt???? Well it's been a nice year, enjoyed getting to know you a bit. If it's not fun, don't do it! Enjoy the rest of your life and maybe try actually just being "retired"....you jumped into a full time job but it was a good transition to keep you from being bored, depressed and lost like so many. Relax Tim. :)
Those who succeed in this, do it cause they enjoy it, not for others. The money and subscribers comes unexpectedly. Don't look for perfection, just do it for fun.
I’m right there with you. While I’ve had some success here on RUclips it’s become a mundane task AND pulled me away from my photography. Good luck to you.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Thank you for sharing your journey with such honesty. It's inspiring to see someone prioritize their passion and mental health. We'll miss your videos, but we completely understand the need for a break. Looking forward to seeing where your photography takes you next. Keep capturing those beautiful moments!
Thank you and best of luck going forward in whatever you decide to spend your time on.
Thank you! You too!
You are describing everyone's experience as a RUclips creator.
Can second this.
Agreed! 15 yrs in and I have 30 unique viewers 😂. Respect for this video, Tim. I may follow your decision with my own channel. Greetings from another tim.
You are absolutely correct.
Social media is soul destroying. Take pictures for yourself.
truth
New subscriber here. Keep on going!
Hi Tim I’m a fellow photography RUclipsr as well. What I would say to you is that the pressure to upload is totally self imposed. I only really understood that this year but really RUclips doesn’t care too much if you have gaps in your uploads. I took a 6 week break roughly earlier in the year and came back and had one of my best videos ever because I was fresh again. My advice, if it’s worth anything, is just upload when you feel like it with something you want to upload. Rather than feel it’s a race you hop in and out of like that. Anyway I hope this helps you. I subscribed anyway hoping to see you post something you want to post in your own time.
As a fellow creator, I echo your sentiments. 👍
This is the first video I've seen of yours and I applaud you for stepping back. I'm 70 years old. I've worked as a photographer my whole life. I'm now somewhat retired although I always tell people photographers never retire we just take less work. I relate to what you said in this video. I found myself working to satisfy others and that was just a job. I've been in love with photography since I was 9 years old and today I'm having so much fun shooting only to satisfy myself. I spent my time doing street photography and I couldn't be happier. I hope by stepping back you can find the same happiness.
that is so true. Enjoy photography as much as possible.
We all need a break.
I've felt this multiple times as a creator. Stepping away always helps.
Just discovered your channel 3 weeks ago and you were the catalyst for me start photography again!! thank you!
Wow! Thank you! I’ll be back.
I'm from Brazil, and RUclips randomly suggested this video to me. In other words, it is the first video I’ve watched on the channel, and I have to say: it’ll be one of the best choices you’ll ever make. Regards and love from Brazil. ❤🇧🇷
I just stumbled across this particular video. I’ve never seen your channel before, but I am a photographer myself, and I am starting to struggle with the same thing.
I’m in the same boat as you. I did travel vlogs on RUclips, took a break for several reasons and then I started a photography channel. I consider myself an amateur/hobbyist photographer. I thought it would be less work and to some extent it has been. But like you I am still leaning. The point of my photography channel was to track my progress and share what I’ve learned along the way. Lately, the motivation has waned for similar reasons to yours. I hope that you find your break restful, peaceful and pressure free.
Thanks Tim for all the videos you have made and shared!
It’s always been said that when a hobby becomes an effort to make money, it’s no longer a hobby. I have been through the exact same process as you, and I finally realized that my efforts in photography should be focused (no pun intended) on an audience of one, me! Since then I’ve found enjoyment and fulfillment in photography once again.
One more comment…don’t sell yourself short Tim. You are a very good photographer, and I for one have enjoyed your photos!
Tim, I will miss this channel pause but completely understand. It was my Saturday morning wake up, grab some coffee and see what Tim explored recently. You have connected me with so many places, new channels and friends across the globe with your 3 channels. One connection and channel is The Sand Scratcher from England. He recently did a video on a book called What to Say When You Talk to Your Self. I purchased the book last week at B & N. It was because of your efforts hooking up with him while in England that I am reading this book and rethinking some things myself. See you on your Newly Retired Me and the Life in Motions Channels!
Leave of absence - I like that thinking. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing. Let your photography passion grow at a pace you are comfortable with. Technology can find all sorts of ways around technical competence issues, but your passion is the one thing you can't fake, and it doesn't matter what anybody else thinks about it, because you know what feels right for you. Take good care of yourself.
First time here and... completely admiring your honesty! It seems that you discovered more about yourself than you could suppose. I also could see how self aware you are. Congratulations for that! Have a wonderful life, full of authenticity no matter what, as you just showed us with this video! Again, my most sincere congratulations! Abraço de Portugal to the brave man!
I love photography and I love your honesty. I’m sorry that I’ve only just stumbled upon your channel at this point. Thank you for your brutal frankness. I pray you will be refreshed and find that love again for the art of photography we all love. I look forward to your next post. God bless.
Hi Tim, we do relate, we too walked away but should return in 2025 after about 4 years away, what happened to us was it brought us in too much work the best part of filming for years prior. The positive was we showed and shared how to fix rebuild and run vintage watchmaker machines and tools that helped others. We also made great friends, and they are new to us, heck we even now call their wife our friends as well. For the record, we are 61 and 58. We are watchmaker's and micro machinists.
Have a great Thanksgiving. Lance.
Hi, my Mum used to tell me "The true reward of our work is not what we get for it, but what we become through it". I bellieve in this. Godd luck and enjoy what you do have, do not chase what you do not need.
So very true.
Love that!
I definitely understand what you are going through. I had to start using shorts a few months ago to gain ground, but now I'm concerned about the effect on my long form content. Although, I have to say that studying videography has improved my photography.
So well done. And your quality of video and heartfelt, authentic communication is fantastic. You are great in front of the camera too -- that also is a wonderful skill. I look forward to your return to YT in future. Again, thanks for this well done, honest video message.
Sadly, RUclips doesn't seem interested in promoting good, honest, factual content such as yours. It's all about "shorts", clickbait and riding "trends" these days. I had great hopes that RUclips would become mankind's largest store of knowledge and information but those days are gone. It's now turning into a giant cesspool of AI-created dross which only exists to make cash for Alphabet. Such a lost opportunity.
That’s interesting, because this is my first time seeing your videos! All of a sudden now you pop up in my feed! I’m sure you have a lot to share with us that may not necessarily be in photography. Just think deeper share something else you love or very experienced in.
Either way we appreciate you !🤜🏽🤛🏽👍🏾🙏🏾❤️
Thank you!
I know how you feel, Tim. I’ve taken several breaks on my channel, and it’s been fine. I once did a stint where I published 20 videos in one month, and it did nothing for my channel growth. All it did was create burnout. Go at your own pace, and create for you. Make *creating* the point, not the response you get from creating.
Thank you for this update - it hit home on so many levels!
Good morning Tim, Although I hate to see you take a pause on this endeavor, I'm equally excited to continue watching your other channels.
I have found your photography to be really good and inspiring, but also enjoy your more recent endeavors into video and have learned so much by gaining perspectives into a different photographic genre. Your skills in story telling and taking us to new and exciting venues adds so much to your content. It's a lot of hard work and time and energy that most would understand. There's only so much time in a day! Enjoy your hiatus from the chores you'll leave for now. Thank you for all that you do. Enjoy that camera when you have time to take a break once in while. We'll be here. I'll be forever grateful for the filters that I now have thanks to your raffle. They have really helped me to explore more and have fun with.
Same here 🙏🏽
Let me make a suggestion, during 2025 do one video a quarter and just sit in front of the camera and talk about things. If you have a couple of photos you would like to share do so, but it is not needed. It's the journey that will now be your focus. When it's 2026, one video a month. I know how hard the grind is for a weekly video. I have over 300 videos and I started 11 years after you. Much of the lack of growth could be from YT not treating you honestly. Just because YT is big doesn't mean they know what they are doing. Maybe put a zine together of your best photos and make 100 copies to sell and write a bit about why and how you took the photo. I just came across your channel on 241125. I know how you feel. I never claimed to be an expert on anything. But I know a heck of a lot more than your typical Uncle Bob. I imagine you are the same, too. Do the zine, or have a camera shop commercially print a few photos for sale so you can claim being a professional photographer. So from time to time take us along with us peaking over your shoulder. I think there may be a lot of wisdom stuck between your ears. Be safe.
I like that idea. Thank you!
We look forward to your next adventure after you get your refreshment! We get the stress of YouTubing, and hope the best for you and your joy for Photography!
Oh Tim! Don't worry about having to have a regular posting! Just do what you enjoy - exactly right! Be happy!
Enjoyed your honest and transparent assessment of how your RUclips channel has eroded your love of photography. Can identify with your reflections and closing the circle. Good call and best wishes during the pause...back to the future :-)
I can soooo relate to this. Wise words from the heart here. For quite a while I struggled with my failures on RUclips, the rejection, and for a time, even fake subscribers that led me to delete my original channel and try again nearly 2 years later. I'll try to share below a post from my website that deals with some of these issues, although sometimes cut and paste posts will never be seen...
anyway, I really do hope that zeroing in on your photography alone will be a lasting positive experience for you. I love photography myself. It can be so very rewarding...
I’ve recently watched quite a few videos that are focussed on older folks making good progress on RUclips. That’s ok to a point. But I also see a lot of attention given over to video popularity/success, and I’m convinced that this isn’t a healthy approach for smart seniors.
After all, RUclips is one of Google’s tools designed to strengthen the brand and generate lots and lots of dollars. And it does that very successfully because we, the industrious video-uploaders, are fundamentally a means to an end. (Those who worship the Mighty Dollar can have no heart for the little guy.)
With that in mind, I’d rather not think of myself as a RUclipsr. I use RUclips to meet my personal needs. I’m a near-66-year-old who makes videos and puts them online, where they are usually passed by. But that doesn’t bother me, it really doesn’t. It used to, but not now.
Like those elderly men who lock themselves away and build complex and very valuable train sets, I make videos as an absorbing hobby that often lifts my mind and is keeping me creative into my old age. It isn’t always easy, but generally it works. Success is nice, but it really doesn't matter. Why should it, unless we’re here hoping to generate cash to help pay our bills. In some contexts I can understand that.
There’s so much advice about how to be successful on RUclips that I have to wonder if this overemphasis obscures the fact that ‘success’ can be measured in other ways - better ways. Many computer hours that result in a video we are pleased with IS being successful. I don’t need much more than this. For some, popularity feeds the ego and keeps them motivated. I don't want to be like that.
Recognition, likes, hits, subscribers, lots of engaging comments, achieving goals that keep us popular - these are the curse of the social media mindset and can lead to dissatisfaction, disappointment, frustration and even shallowness.
Some will stress over stat minutia and use every trick in the book to keep people watching and coming back, assuming of course that most of these viewers are paying lots to RUclips each month so their viewing, and our videos, aren't ruined by crass advertising.
Just subscribed.. you take as long as you need to rejuvenate your passion and your love for creating images. I will drop by from time to time just to see if you are ready to share your reborn enthusiasm. No preasure, your wellbeing is paramount. Catch you on the other side. 😊
Thank you so much!
Creating content should always start with you. When you focus on doing it for yourself and not just for the audience, it becomes more fulfilling. Sure, it's nice when people appreciate your work, but if you get too caught up in what others will think or number of likes, it can take away the joy of creating. I recently spent over 23 hours editing a video that might only get 100 views, but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve made. It’s about the process and staying true to why you started. Stepping back to reflect on your 'why' can be a game-changer. Keep going, and remember-your journey is worth it. Cheers!
I can't comment on your photography; but social media and RUclips is its own skill. One can be a fantastic photographer and tereible at buildia following, and vis-a-vis.
Thank you for the video...Blessings to you..
When I began shooting film again after thirty years of digital I slid down that RUclips slope. Posting videos, etc etc. I started to notice that my energy was distracted. So I stopped making videos. I’m glad to just enjoy photography for the pure joy that it actually is.
You've shot digital since at least 1994?
I worked for Blacks Photography Stores and we always got test kits from Nikon, Canon, etc. we received the first digital cameras when no one had even heard of the idea. We laughed it off as not gonna amount to anything. The rest is history.
@@TheRobertpainter That's amazing. Now more photos are taken of people's lunches each day on smartphones than were taken worldwide each month on film.
@@djtoman6875 I completely get and appreciate digital. I use it still. However, film has a language all of its own and the grain, well, the grain is the character. The milky smooth mood of the images against tack sharp focus…we have come full circle, I’m sure you agree. So dispense with wasting your time making videos, it was fun while it lasted. So I’ve come to that conclusion as well. We’re here for the love of taking photos, are we not? 😊
@@TheRobertpainter I feel the same way. Film and digital are both tools with various merits and flaws. Even though they are both just technology at different stages of development, there's something more "human" about the inherent flaws in film, and an organic quality to the grain.
To me there's a place for the videos. But social media should never dictate how we conduct ourselves in real life. At least that's how I feel as a Gen X'er.
Please do not disappear in this media.
We all will wait for your back. Just drop your expectations and come back once you think you are ready to talk to us.
Thank you for your work!
Thank you for the beautiful images you have shared. Thought provoking and inspiring, in my humble opinion. God bless!
I totally understand what you mean, and appreciate your perspective. I actually checked some of your videos just now, and I found that the top comments were always rather positive. Also, I enjoy that your video quality is quite good. Perhaps your content is not the kind that would suck in huge amount of subscribers quick.. there is no crazy scandals, but you shouldn't think that it means lacking quality. I think you have quality content, and really appreciate the calm and peaceful vibes you put out.
I just discovered your channel and, looking through your library of videos, I don't understand why your channel hasn't taken off, it's such great content. I think, to be honest, 99% of photography content creators have the same experience as you. We are just fed a very small minority of the most successful channels and it gives the impression that as long as you make the right content you'll achieve the same success. But photography on youtube is highly saturated and the very top of the pyramid is very narrow indeed, leaving tens of thousands of channels lower down the ladder who struggle to get more than a few hundred views. I think this principal applies across all social media. It's not a reflection on your quality as a presenter or as a photograper. Do whatever is best for your mental well-being and good luck.
Sorry to hear this Tim. But I totally understand. I think it's smart to first, realize it wasn't working for you and second, take action. That's pretty powerful. So mad respect to you, sir. As for your photography, I think you're selling yourself way short. I really like your work. So, enjoy the break and maybe I'll see you out there at some point. I'm going through my own, protracted, photography slump so I'll be out there working to dig my way out.
I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this channel. I believe when one door closes another one open. As for your photography skills… I think your skills are awesome. I wish I had your skills. Do what you need to do. I’ll still be watching your other channels and anything else you do.
You just popped today..I like your work.
Thanks for posting.
Do the things that you really want to do. 😊
Photography has taught me how to see. It is very personal to me. Enjoy your break and your photography again.
Everything feels vapid and vacuous now. Not just photography. Everything!!!
Your channel is awesome. I'm sorry to see you go.
As a RUclips creator, I started out knowing I wasn't going to get a lot of views. I don't monetize my channel or ask people to subscribe.
I leave it to the viewers.
Many people come on RUclips with expectations of making it big. I don't edit my videos, so I have no expectations. What people see is what they get. I do my art or hauls more or less to show those who like me. I've made some great friends on RUclips. I love my art and I post when I feel like it. I do RUclips for fun and maybe you may want to post when you want to and feel pressured to. It makes a big difference. Hope to see you soon. Your decluttering videos were my favorite because you offered wise advice. I enjoyed your channel and your wisdom. Take care 🎉
If I may, I just stumbled on your channel. The headline made me wince. I then watched your video. You touched on a lot of things that I have thought about. I’ve been in the business for years and am at the tail end of my career. Many of the thoughts you feel, are those many of us feel, especially if you’re old school. I love what I do, but I find that there are a number of content creators have sucked the life out of photography. It’s the “look at me!” attitude. The pure love of shooting, creating and bringing our soul the forefront. I wish I would have found you sooner. I look forward to your return. I look forward to sharing, laughing, and inspiring one another. Be well my friend.
Thank you!
one of real problems starts when by influence of others you try to put the Label on your passion. before , your passion was everything you wanted, after interaction with people - you start questioning and doubting yourself, "if i even good for this passion...?"- this is terrible destructive line of though.
my humble advice - dont let others go into your head🍻 . you dont have to put yourself into one of THEIR categories to keep doing what you do.
This video showed up in my feed and I will sub just by this video telling that you take a break 🙂👍
I will miss this channel. I have learned quite a bit from you and appreciate all that you do. For what it's worth, I also think that I have learned how to shoot better videos from watching your Florence and Rome videos (although I didn't really "get it" until it was too late for my own Italian vacation). I look forward to hopefully seeing your photography channel return and will continue to follow you on Life In Motrion and New Retired Me.
I haven’t been able to figure out how to do video without it taking over my photography. I shoot and document things around where I live. There’s not much interest in my photos on various platforms. Video would be a great way to share my photography stories, but the time it takes seems to outweigh any satisfaction.
Bravo & all the best!
Re-set, Re-adjust, Re-start, Re-focus... As many times as you need to. Good luck with everything!👍
Thank you for your photos
I will continue to watch your other channels. While I was working and taking snapshots of people and things that interested me, managers saw my pictures and started to tap me for going out to take pictures...for them. It wasn't fun anymore; the pictures were forced. I stopped taking pictures and donated my film cameras to a friend that taught photography. Found your sites thru the NRM videos and ended up getting hooked back on taking photos again because of your site as well as Rons, Phils, Davids and a few others. Thank You for the content that you made on You Tube and best wishes in your pause.
First time watching this channel. I know I missed the whole thing but I respect your view and motives. Nevertheless I think you shouldn´t be so hard on yourself about whether you are qualified or not about showing other people how to take "better" pictures, but how YOU take pictures instead. Photography as every other art form is a subjective thing but I know what you mean, there are some really amazing people, but they're really a minority. The road is personal and I love the fact that you will shoot for you, not for content. I wish you all the best in this amazing and never ending adventure that you are staring as a person who wants to get more excited and satisfied with his own images, Greetings from Mexico City.
Please do not sell yourself short on your photography skills Tim. You have a terrific eye for capturing emotion and evoking thoughtful insights into each photo you take. Remember, Ansel Adams and Clyde Butcher were not born with a camera in their hands!! They worked for YEARS to hone their skills and find their groove. Because you recognize that your "focus" has shifted from photography to video/content creation, there is where you are finding joy - for now.. Embrace the change and always follow what brings your heart, mind and soul that ever elusive feeling of JOY!!!
Thank you!
Tim, your photo skills are top notch!!! See you on your other channels!
You are a natural storyteller. You certainly have the skill to take a lot of topics, beyond photography, and make them interesting. I totally get how trying to monetize a passion can kill the passion.
Tim, I just saw before this one your view of the Haukland Parka Pro jacket, and I liked it a lot. The jacket but certainly your way of talking about it as a photography user! Well done! 👍 Take a break, but don't leave YT! 👋😀👍 Thanks!
Tim while you're taking a Photography sabbatical, do some singing videos, you have a great voice (based off some of your first videos).
It has crossed my mind.
That's what RUclips has produced unfortunately ( or so it seems)...content creators who need to painfully think about every step by step process of creating and uploading videos. From thumbnail creation to carefully choosing the perfect description and tags, in order to fit into RUclips's Algorithm to obtain the best possible engagement. When in reality, even researching and applying knowledge from all these million hit RUclips SEO Masters still results in poor video performance, resulting in the creator feeling down and inadequate due to lack of continuous video engagement.
I've seen videos that contain no description and no tags with a rubbish thumbnail hit thousands of views and get plenty of engagement! In my opinion, these SEO channels get millions of subs and engagement because their audience are creators desperately seeking to build up their channels, so these SEO channels could post anything and their videos would be viewed and commented on instantly.
Why did uploading videos need to become an art form and so intensely over-complicated? The joy of simply uploading has gone. All this continously changing algorithms and uploading best practices really means it's just your luck whether RUclips decides to help make your channel popular.
So many hours spent recording videos, more hours for editing plus the length of time it takes to go through the upload process can be soul destroying at times when a video you have worked hard on gets only a few hundred views!
As a content creator myself who plans to create more channels to accommodate my creative Interests, despite the struggle to make it big on RUclips or just simply obtain respectible engagement numbers on my videos, I'll continue the pursuit of creating and uploading videos simply because most of the time, I enjoy doing it.
Just as you said, communicating with like minded individuals related to our interests is the best part of creating a RUclips vlogging channel, but unfortunately if videos don't perform well, that engagement side of things becomes lost and all you're left with is the long hours of hard work gone into making your videos. And let's face it, many people make sacrifices in life like neglecting family, friends etc in the hopes of creating a successful RUclips channel. It's sad but true.
If I were you, and I'm no expert, but I noticed you have another channel "The New Retired me" with 50,000+subs! That's a lot, especially if you regularly get viewer engagement there. So why not introduce your hobby of Photography into that channel instead of pursuing Photography as its own focused channel. A retirement channel can involve so many things, so for me, it makes sense to include your Photography stuff there, not so much in an educational kind of way but purely in an enjoyment and fun manner. Just a thought.
Anyway, all the best!
Congrats to you for shedding a medium that you don't enjoy! Wishing you the best in rediscovering your first LOVE!
New subscriber. I'm sorry to hear this. I completely understand and wish you well.
Your willingness to try new things and to go beyond the experience and share it with others has always been part of your character. You are truly a gift to all learners and I have loved hearing from you and checking back in from time to time to see what you are up to. Go be free and enjoy it back at the basics... enjoy life in the moment and keep being you. I can't wait to see what you explore next, so we can explore with you!
Pro photographer here …but I don’t work for free for RUclips or any other platform. I use it as as library for clients to view my work.
Life is full of changes. I know where to find you!
From morocco 🇲🇦 love u love your channel
Continue pursuing photography for the joy it brings you. I look forward to seeing more content from you!
The problem is the new RUclips algorithm. They don’t recommend videos to the right viewers with whom you can share your passion. TikTok and instagram killed the photography 10 years ago
Wishing you all the best and will wait for updates
A lesson as old as time: no one cares about your art as much as you do
The trick is to share freely without expectation of any recognition. All you can do is put it out there and if it resonates and is worth anything to anyone, they'll find it. The issue you're having is that you're viewing yourself as a content creator, not a photographer. Flip those around and it becomes easy again. Seeking worth and validity through likes and views is poison to your art.
I may have taken 5 pictures in 2024 if that. I am the opposite, never video, never take a picture unless absolutely necessary. Once they got rid of the cameras with the roll of film and taking it to the pharmacy and waiting a week to get it developed, I was done. ♥
Thank you Tim for sharing with honesty. This clip popped up on my feed today and I applaud your decision to take a break. I have been procrastinating about starting two YT channels, but have no illusions about how hard it is to grow a channel. You are a success to me. 2.75K subscribers. That's awesome. You have a great presence on camera and a great voice. I have subscribed and will now watch your back catalogue. Enjoy your break, know that it is the right decision for you, for now, but be proud of what you have achieved.
I absolutely, 100% understand where you’re coming from. Your emotions in putting out this video were definitely felt by me. You’re reflections were thought provoking and are applicable in many different areas of someone’s life Tim. As a purely selfish reason, it gives me a chance to not feel guilty for trying to keep up with your photography channel out of a sense of loyalty I feel for you. I will continue to be a loyal follower of your other two channels.
No matter what you do, you should always be having fun. The RUclips Grind is a totally different hobby from Photography. It's time to get back to your roots. Find the joy and maybe then you'll find something worth sharing. Maybe it's time for a new direction.
I developed a slump in my photography until I started buying photography books by people like Fred Herzog, Ernst Haas and Lee Friedlander. Now I love going out and doing street/urban photography. And its good to study this genre of photography because it is everyday life photography, and it can translate over to other genre's. Good luck to you.
Truth! This is the first I’ve seen your videos. You have a great speaking voice and it comes from the heart.
I think you are overthinking it. Everything that you describe is why I liked watching your channel. It is honest and personal. You have to do what you need to do for you.
This hits home very poignantly and might be my favorite video of the year. Cheers!
I never set out to become a RUclipsr, I just make the videos for me. Reality is… the photography RUclips is utterly saturated. The astronomy one has more leeway.
Interestingly this was suggested in my feed. I know so many people who have quit RUclips including myself. It is so frustrating building an audience on a platform that has no interest in helping creative people and especially a platform where they can delete your account with one click. Years of work and time invested, down the drain. If anyone reads this comment I highly advise putting your time and energy into your own website. That way, you have control. All the best👍
I only have 33 subscribers. It takes time. But I understand your view and respect it. Take care, brother.
I understand about taking a break. I will still enjoy your other 2 channels. Love to watch your videos Tim. Take care.
Just discovered you. New Subscriber. I hope the break inspires you to come back periodically to share your perspective and reflections.
I hope so too!
Good for you. Glad you're courageous enough to step back and seek to reconnect with the most important thing... what photography means to you. Best wishes.
I understand completely how you feel, I also have a RUclips channel and it can be hard work and I've sometimes felt like giving up! But the key is to just enjoy what you do, and maybe if you took a break and came back and uploaded less often, and only when you really want to? Your subscribers won't disappear just because you don't upload as much. Good luck with what you do 👍
An artist will release his work when he's ready. The moment it becomes a job, it is no longer art, it's attempted commerce. Take a break, reinvent yourself, create your new cycle. Shave your head, wear sunglasses, wear a black t-shirt that says "stay out of my way", smothered yourself in tattoos and ignore views or subscribers. You'll see what happens with the channel :)
RUclips promotes your to my feed just as you're ready to punch out -- so ironic -- and your title caught my curiosity to view your channel for the first time (sub'd, and just goes to show the importance of a catchy title). I checked out your photos on fine art and you're too humble / modest -- really impressive work. Regardless, if being a RUclips creator is feeling like a chore, then dump it and get your passion back. Life is too short.
I get it! When something isn't fun anymore, it's time to decide if we really need to be doing it. Time is a limited commodity, and at our age we have a lot less of it as we did in our younger years. - People use to ask me why I didn't sell my photos. The answer was simple, I shoot what I like and brings me joy. If you start selling you can easily fall into the trap of trying to shoot what others like. Go out there and have a blast! ❤🍷
Welcome to youtube, mate! sllllloooowwww burner!
Good decision. Joan
So great that you are sharing your thoughts. By the way, there are no guarantees that a 'good' photographer can teach you something. Because she or he must also have the capability to transmit the knowledge. I often just like to watch videos on RUclips, even though I already know what they are taking about. The same story can always be told in a different way. Therefore, content can be relative. Have fun in whatever you do in the future.
I hope that negative comments aren't making you feel this way. I get a lot of positive feedback on my channel but the ones being negative can hurt. What'helps me is to realise their work isn't that much better. I hope we can build each other up and I hope you get that passion back.
No. I don’t get a lot of negative comments. But then, I don’t get a lot of comments. LOL. It’s really just about losing a passion. It will return. It has to.
@@TimChilders I'm glad to hear the first part! And it happens to me from time to time. I had to take some time off to care for my elder parents and while my channel suffered I was able to get back into it. Maybe a walk with the camera will spark that passion again and I hope to see you back. Cheers!
Balancing one's own photography with video content creation is so hard! Many of the things you speak about sound very familiar to me! Enjoy the break from RUclips and enjoy focusing on your own photography. It will probably feel quite refreshing, and who knows, you may come back to YT with some very fresh insight and energy! Good luck on your path!
We all have to ask ourselves: content creator or an artist?
Whattt???? Well it's been a nice year, enjoyed getting to know you a bit. If it's not fun, don't do it! Enjoy the rest of your life and maybe try actually just being "retired"....you jumped into a full time job but it was a good transition to keep you from being bored, depressed and lost like so many. Relax Tim. :)
Those who succeed in this, do it cause they enjoy it, not for others. The money and subscribers comes unexpectedly. Don't look for perfection, just do it for fun.
I’m right there with you. While I’ve had some success here on RUclips it’s become a mundane task AND pulled me away from my photography. Good luck to you.