My D5300 “RedVersion” with a Tamron Auto Focus 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD All-In-One Zoom … or sometimes it’s my iPhone 12 Pro Max, if it’s the only one I have with me….I enjoy the results from them, even when I plug them into my Lightroom Catalog and edit them adding character with plugins like DXO’s Nik Collection….
Another Banger Video Adam, this is why I will continue watching your content! I myself am looking to be creative and supplementing my income with my photography…. To Be Continued…;)
Looking forward to an Alaskan Crusie my wife and I are taking in August, can’t wait to snap some images while away on excursions and walking about the port visits….
The best camera I’ve used is the one I currently own, the original Canon eos R. A much maligned camera online and You tube but I think it’s far far better than people give it credit for.
I 100% agree that stories are what's needed, not just to make it as a landscape photographer, but also as a consumer of photography. I get so much more out of watching a youtube video about the entire experience than just seeing photos on instragram etc. Books are great for that too, and I've really enjoyed your book and all the personal stories you share along with the images. Its great to hear you're getting back out for many more on location videos too - they're my favourites!
As always, your honest approach shines through. I think that even though the marketplace is saturated with pro snappers, hard working, dedicated honest people will always make a living. It's a shame that you have given up your workshops, but I understand your reasoning. May you go from strength to strength in the future and I for one will follow your progress all the way. Good luck - Steve.
We are all growing and moving it’s part of life and our journey sometimes takes other roads Whatever your new adventures is taking you I wish you the best
I'm considering doing wedding photography and I'm noticing that the first step in doing that- is to be prepared by having a decent camera with a good lens range. Without that, it's like presenting myself as being available, but having teeth missing.
Not necessarily. As long as you have captured some good images for a portfolio (which can be done with entry level gear), you can easily hire higher end gear for the day, and if possible, build it into the price. Using the deposit to pay for the hire is an option if you have liquidity problems.
Adam, as always, so good. Brilliant delivery, top notch advice and so honest and relatable. For someone just starting their TH-cam journey, this type of video has so much value. Thank you.
As much as I love my R5, I have to say the 5D Mark2 was the best. It didn't have the technology we have today, but provided me a tool I could truly learn and work how to photograph images I could not achieve before. It's still alive too, used by a family member.
Great production man, I love the honesty and I think anyone who has North Yorkshire as their back yard would be mad not to keep fit just by wondering around it. I have essentially two past times, one is photography and the other is walking. Being as The Yorkshire Moors and surrounding area is my back yard, there is no better way of passing the time and I love it. Best of luck with your next move, I will keep an eye open for your future videos and the like.
I like the quote - its not AI that will take your job, its the person who is good at AI. This video actually encourages me on my YT journey. I am aiming at a vlog style talking about the life lessons learned through photography instead of tips and tutorials. I used to write a blog about this in the early 2000s. I figure it will take 100-200 videos to be any good. I have scripts, shot a few videos and am currently working on the channel page and figuring out editing and thumbnails. I'm not expecting to make any money (same as my photography) but for my well being. And possibly someone else will find value.
Becoming a full time professional photographer is something I've thought about but I don't think I will pursue it. Not because of all the work involved or the upcoming AI revolution but because I love photography. I love going out on a hike or a drive looking for compositions and capturing those fleeting images that pop up out of nowhere. I think if I were to try and make my living out of photography it would become work and suck all the enjoyment I get from it. If someone see a photo of mine and wants a print, that would be great and I'd be happy to do it. Otherwise, I just want to enjoy my time outdoors.
There are an incredible amount of your fellow youtubers brushing AI aside and saying "its just like Photoshop was back in the day, it won't hurt me" ... these people are incredibly naive and must stick their heads in the sand for most things, until it's too late. Sometimes you have to get real. I know it goes against the creative grain but as a professional photographer YOU ARE MORE THAN JUST CREATIVE. thanks for your realistic thoughts on AI etc... it was refreshing. And thank christ I just do this as a hobby where the only viewer of my images is just ME.
I agree. Saying Ai is just like any previous disruptive technology is showing a definite lack of understanding of how exponential growth curves work. It’s why so many experts are calling for Ai research to be halted.
@@Firstmanphotography yes. It is INCREDIBLE as to how fast it's evolving e.g. it will replace wedding photography, etc ALSO. And looking through Instagram is useless these days simply because you don't know what is real and what is fake. I can't wait to hear from the guys who have been denying AI when AI starts outputting the EXACT same STYLE as the denyer. They'll be screaming blue murder then, mark my words.
Very true. It's funny because at some weddings, even though the photos themselves are real, the behaviour is completely staged and fake. I have not doubt many people won't care how their images are made. I think we'll get to the point where static 360o cameras are set up around a venue that just capture everything. Ai will then create the images from this data. It will probably be fun too, as the images pop on a screen all throughout the day in real time and have a full set of photographs ready for the couple to look at that night.
A Great insight Adam, personally I'm not too worried about A.I, as for myself it's about the journey to take an image and getting out in the landscape, A.I. will never take that away from you. Good luck in your adventures, and if you ever want a hiking buddy just give me a shout 🙂
Adam, if it helps... I'll forever watch any video you produce! Thanks for "bringing it". I'm a very small channel but luckily I have a lifetime of training in accounting and currently a CFO for a small company that helps support my family and fund my photography passion. Let AI come... It can't have my experiences.
Great video Adam. I was just reading an article on how musicians are having to change the way they generate income streams nowadays just to survive. Lots of parallel between the music industry and photography, and none of it is getting easier. Great thoughts as always, keep pushing forward!
Thanks Paul, Can't remember if I said it in the video but I was talking to a singer/song writer the other day going through many of the same things. Had spent thousands to get an album produced and was getting pennies from streaming services. Gigs and value 4 value were encouraging though.
Thank you Adam, love your passion and perseverance under a changing photography landscape so to speak, keep on pushing forward, from another youtuber, Stuart Marsden. Kind regards Stuart
When I started drumming, many moons ago, the sector was soon swamped with electronic drums. This made acoustic players not needed. But after a few years the limitations of programming electronic drums, limited feel and the sound samples were nothing like the real feel a human drummer can produce, we were brought back. But some of us, even this old rocker, encompassed the bits that were good with electronic drums into our setups and today you see many human drummers with electronics on their kits. What has this to do with AI and photography? Well, I see many people with their hands in their heads saying Ai will kill photography, just like we did back then with drumming, but all that is happening are new tools are being born that we will abuse and stretch to its limits and find the slot for it to coexist with us pressing the shutter button.
Tip: One thing you could do is to take one final shot of your studio, before you completely dismantle it, and use it on a green-screen as a backdrop. That way, when you do your pieces to camera, you could begin to create all sorts of backdrops. But, it would be sad if one, at least, wasn't your old studio. bw.
Hi Adam! I've always struggled with the idea of going pro. On the one hand, I'd love to. I'm not doing anything else and the idea of making money from something I love doing really appeals to me. But on the other hand, I've tried making money from a 'hobby' in the past and it really spoilt the enjoyment of the hobby. So although I feel like my photography isn't really going anywhere at the moment, for the time being I think it's better if I just stick with it as a hobby. In any case it's a lot more than 'just a hobby' to me anyway. It's more of a compulsion! It's something I just HAVE to do. I become very unhappy if I don't take photographs!
Great video as per usual Adam, AI will never be able to replace the experience of getting into the wild and capturing the shot not will it be able to replicate the fulfillment of a project either for the client seeing their bespoked idea made into reality or the creator seeing the joy on their clients faces when they have nailed a brief !! Emotions are what drive us in everything after all !! 👏
Totally agree. But am also mindful that probably less than 1% of fee paying businesses will align to these values (and pay), whereas as in reality business has been evolving into automation that fakes the 'feeling and experience' with a 'good enough' attitude for a while now. Plus of course there is the eternal 'theres no budget'. Sadly over 99% will take the AI shortcut to meet targets, with authentic photography becoming incredibly small and niche, simply the domain of private/personal photographers who source income elsewhere. Only a handful of photographers earn a living on YT, such as the hugely respected Heaton, but of course despite his quality images, people watch for his personality, his next van, how he cooked his breakfast, not the images so much. The books are just souvenirs. This is the human story of course, but very niche and few people making a living.
Dam that was good seeing you move into there but times change as you say, not to mention getting outdoors and fit is a good step forward! Best of luck.
I think the meaning of "professional photographer" in 2023 is "TH-camr" - the world has moved on in a strange direction and it is impossible for people to just use talent and art to make money. You have to sell your soul to some extent to survive. On the flip side, I think it is important to filter out the excellent tuition that TH-cam can provide and I think channels like this one have a valuable place in education and encouraging future "photographers" even if that just means 99% of your income comes from making videos. Music has gone through a similar journey, but manufacturers will keep making guitars and people will always want to learn how to play them and need professional training (sometimes from TH-cam) - the only difference is that you will have a far smaller chance of being a performing musician.We just have to make the most of what we have available to us.
I've never wanted to be defined by the job I do. I get paid for creating a range of content for people, including photographs, and I love that. I actually wouldn't want to be a "traditional" pro photographer anymore. I also still have full ownership of my soul. You're right about the music industry, that is very tough. I actually make a lot of comparisons to music in my next video out on Wednesday.
As always, Adam, I completely agree with your sentiments. As someone who’s written commercially for almost 40 years, I’m starting to invest a lot more energy into writing scripts for my videos, and delivering a carefully crafted story. And like you, I believe the most valuable niche each of us possess is… us. No one can be US. And neither can AI. Focusing on our humanness, and being who we actually are - flaws and all - is the only sustainable path forward. It’s also the most fulfilling way to show up in our work. Take care, old boy.
Well I shouldn't say I told you so, but back there in the depth of you channel I said that you and your live lesson were your biggest asset. I have notice that my follows like a back story. The more dangerous the better, I some times think these blogs could be posted with a photo and they would appreciate them just as much. On AI ,I think pros like your self should not worry too much, photograph like 35mm film cameras will come back into fashion. When it does you'll be charging 10 times the amount for it. The best camera to date The Nikon D500, replaced by a d850 last month and the results from this are getting better daily. Thanks for posting.
My saying for making money at Landscape photography is to shoot more weddings, I think this will be even more so in the coming years, I still think there is a market for workshops, certainly enough being advertised, and a surprising number fully sold out. The studio if it’s not earning it is a luxury, so regrettable but a wise business choice, you can always look to do a pop up gallery, or exhibitions, it might be worth exploring. I wish you every success, and looking forward to your next video
Agreed. Especially on the wedding thing......if it was a choice between weddings or bust, i'd choose weddings. Still gonna be decent money for years to come as long as we don't get locked down again. However, i'm pretty confident some workshops that are "sold out" are not always really "sold out".
Great video Adam, in fact this is the second time I've watched it, as you have so much valuable advice for photographers like myself embarking on this terrifying journey of 'making it' for the first time. I can't speak for everyone but I appreciate it so much, so thank you. I couldn't agree with you more on the sentiment that the future of professional photography and landscape photography in particular is going to be in the storytelling and value a photographer brings. Especially with the rise of AI as this is something that it just cannot provide and I for one value this above all, as the act of or process of landscape photography is what I love the most, not the actual product or outcome at the end. I am scared, as I am under no illusions that this is going to be easy, it will most definitely be the hardest thing I have ever done. Thankyou Adam for being so open and honest with your audience and being the man of dedication and integrity that you are. You have inspired me a lot with your videos and advice over the years, hopefully I can do the same for others in future. All the best mate.
There's no doubt the photography business model will be forced to change due to AI but like yourself Adam , I remain optimistic that it will also create an ever greater desire for a meaningful experience when it comes to photography. The more I have immersed myself into photography the more the emotional and the experiential connections have become central to the enjoyment that photography can offer and see this as a differential point when compared to AI. You have shown yourself to be an individual that can adapt and with you giving up the studio, I'm confident this will release more opportunities for you to continue on your evolutionary journey and wish you continuing success . Nice shout out to Richard too as his work is certainly inspiring
I've been thinking about this a lot since the beta for Adobe's pre-generative fill came out. I do think the human element is something we should speak to more and make our customers aware of, and telling stories is the best way I can see of doing that. That said, what happens when AI can tell the story as well? As a professional writer myself, I can confidently say AI is much farther behind at the moment. Trouble, though, is that if you're not a professional writer and don't have the depth of understanding and knowledge that people like me have about what makes for good writing, that gap becomes much, much less important. Great content as always. Now that I know TH-cam is a big source of your revenue, I will purposefully continue to watch here, ads and all.
I think I’ve gone full circle with Ai. Don’t really feel concerned at all about it now. Apart from anything I don’t think there’s gonna be enough energy available for it to do all the things we fear.
Thank you for another great video. In a way I feel fortunate that I don't rely on photography to provide an income, but purely for my enjoyment. From listening to yourself and other photographers, it appears to be more and more difficult to keep the revenue stream at a level to support a family. I really enjoy your channel, and I have learned a lot from you. Especially the stories that you present. Those have the most value, as I get to experience through your eyes, something that I would personally like to accomplish. Good luck on your next adventures. Cheers.
What an interesting video, full of your experiences with a photography business which some good advise on "does and don'ts". Technology is moving on and the art of taking photos is getting easier. However, there is still the issue of composing a photo and that has to be a human showing an individuals artistic and personal story to be told, well, that is my option! Thanks Adam for a great video..
Another great video Adam, and as ever words and an insight that provoke "the little grey cells" . When I retired from my "proper job" with thoughts that I could turn my hobby and interest into something that generated revenue to supplement the pension I was lucky enough ( right place right time) to ride on the coat tails of a local website design company so I could take the photos their clients needed for their new websites (generally restaurants, B&Bs, Guest houses etc etc). The acceleration in the capability of mobile phone s inevitably meant that these clients began taking and submitting their own snaps, and then this progressed to people building their own websites, so goodbye revenue stream. We're now at the stage, as you have astutely alluded to a number of times, that rather than photoshop/lightroom being tools for photographers to "tidy up" an image the amazing but troubling advance of the technology (AI) means that a composition can be radically altered, and indeed created, that erodes the integrity, realism and applied skill of the photographers craft. I have just watched a number of TH-cam "tutorials" such as that from Unmesh (PIXImperfect) , PTC and Photoshopcafe etc) educating us about the latest (pardon the pun) generation in the Beta edition. Is this really level of artificial the intelligent way forward ? I have been wondering whether photo contests and competitions are going to have to change their terms and conditions of entry. It's been the case that it has been accepted (and even expected) that a submitted entry would have had some "tidying up" (sorry post processing 😉😂🙄), but will the line be drawn at such composites? As for me, I've migrated naturally into more Street Photography (which I found I have really been doing for years) although its a challenge to make this genre of photography pay the gas bill. Good luck Adam on your path and I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I will continue to follow and gain inspiration from you...and I might even be instrumental in a small way of providing some revenue for you..( I watch all you videos and I did buy "Illumination" 😊
I agree with your words ❤ these questions are always in my mind like an echo .. now I got the clear note from you as a thunderstorm. Thank you buddy for your wonderful advice ... ( Advice always free of charge one now a days 😊) sorry Wonderful requests from your bottom of the heart. Wishes from India 🇮🇳 , waiting for your next video 🤩
I am of the ilk that thinks that because of AI, Creative people will flourish. People that want actual things created by an actual person, will pay for it; likely more than they ever have. Art, photography, music, crafts...etc. all will begin to have a Human Price premium attached to it. Well done as usual Adam. PS. you look lean, keep it up!
Alec, I think you are right. More value will be placed on authentic human experiences expressed in ways that people can relate to at an emotional level. Good art has a back story and a context in the real world. The hand of the artist visible in the work is its stamp of authority.
Some good points in there Adam. I understand your perspective on the workshops, but you could run them and charge a premium with the knowledge that you are only likely to sell a few of them each year. There are some very affluent people out there who would pay good money to be on one with you I'm sure.
Interesting video, Adam. I think one of the most important things is to be adaptable and to keep a finger on the pulse. Being able to respond quickly to changing circumstances and trends will prevent being caught flat-footed (inopportune phrase for us ex-coppers!).
It's so bloody hard to turn it into a full time job, but the one thing that is very true is, it's up to you to make it happen. Personally I'm too lazy. I know what I need to do, but I procrastinate 😮😂
AI will have an effect but I think it will not affect areas where real creativity is required, where a real photo conveys the photographer's ideas. It will be used to create images for advertising and the like where no one cares about the image itself. An ares of photography I see dying is stock photography as AI replaces the need for stock photos being used in advertising.
I'm an optimistic chap generally, so i do foresee situations where human photographers will still be needed by businesses. A hotelier, for example, will need images of the hotel, rooms and food. AI is never going to fulfill that requirement. And, of course, we humans can capture genuine images of people and places that computers could only guess at. Sure, the cheapskates eill want to use AI but there seems to be a growing tendency to provide high-quality goods and services that will need real photographers. Good luck with your future plans, Adam.
I think something AI will never be able to provide is authenticity. Especially in the documentary realm like landscape and wildlifephotography or journalism, real photos will become much more valuable as AI becomes more and more prevelant. I think, in the future if you can guarantee that your images are created without the use of AI and are photos of real locations or occurences that could also be a big argument for a professional photographer.
Photographers do still provide value to customers by photographing things - even the AI needs something to work with, and if there's no photo, e.g. for real estate or wedding shots, no generative AI can create an image that fits reality (if this is the goal). AI might be able to "improve" or "beautify" a photograph (so a series of phone snapshots might do it - or not). If reality is not the goal, AI will overtake (especially stock photos, but you already mentioned that this area is dead).
You say advertising and marketing people won't be buying photography in a few years time, because of AI. They haven't been buying photography for many years now, what they are buying are visual ideas to help them communicate something, position their brand, tell a story, create a mood, shift or reinforce an audience mindset etc. You say they won't need to spend a penny. They will. Someone needs to come up with the ideas and have the creative vision to create something. AI is like stock photography, just another resource to help achieve that. *How you become a successful photographer in 2023 is to not sell photography services, but sell ideas and solutions to marketing problems*. For a creative person, there are many exciting ways and opportunities to create a living in the coming years. What you're suggesting are ways to become a photography educator and make money from others wanting to learn photography, rather than a commercial photographer, which is valid too. TH-cam is making that possible for many people like yourself, and that's wonderful. Selling prints and books though, you can't make a full-time living from that, it's a nice side-hustle and vanity project. A book can act as a marketing tool, which can be useful. Maybe we need to drop the word "photographer", and find another term more relevant? All the best to you.
With everything you’re talking about, prices will fall to the marginal cost of production. We’re already at the point with content creation where 1 person can do the job that 5 people used to do. I suspect Ai will accelerate this. There’s no doubt there will be lots of opportunities in future in a commercial environment, but that’s my point, it will be from omni-skilled creators who tell good stories, rather than a photographer. If there’s a new word for this……..then I’m one too.
@@Firstmanphotography The term "photographer" in the commercial sense, is out of date, I believe it has been for a long time. Most photographers, in the past, have been mere commodities, hired by ad agencies or publications/brands to provide the technical skills to create an image that fulfills a communication objective. The ideas / story behind a shoot has typically been created and directed by a Creative Director or marketing Director, and the photographer is there to work the camera and set the lighting etc, according to direction. The successful photographers have always been those who understand this and sell solutions rather than photographs and merely provide a technical service. This applies more than ever with AI in the mix. Yes, 1 person can do the job of 5, and that's great for those wanting to enter the business, and also for clients, because clients who didn't have the budget for a 5-person team to work for them can now afford to hire that 1 person who has the skills required to deliver. Many of us have been doing this for a very long time already, and even this is becoming competitive and requires some smart marketing and positioning. So bottom line, sell solutions and ideas. Don't be a commodity. Sounds like you're on the right track Adam. 😊👍
To me photography is a creative hobby expressing my feeling for subject like landscape and nature as well as travel and recording family and friend’s time. I do not need or even want to make money from it. At times I wonder what sort of long term plans these YTers have. Ask yourself where you want to be in one, five ten years’ time. Can you as a photographer support your family buy house and provide for you retirement? I wish you well Adam.
Thanks. It's funny because I used to have a job with a supposedly secure future plan......... and then the government completely rug pulled us. So I left and took matters into my own hands. I actually worry about the future for people who are still dutifully paying into pensions. There's not enough people coming up behind them to keep ponzi running.
The work full time photographers make suffers because they got bills to pay. It becomes too much about volume and speed. Each image gets very little time compared to what a hobby photographer with a second income can afford to spend on it.
Why the "F" bomb at the end of a perfectly good tutorial. Bit embarrassing with my young daughter, who is interested in photography that's sat along side me.
I went to a working class school in Redcar and was a cop for 14 years, it’s who I am. I’d say sorry but it’s almost certainly gonna happen again. Not often however and the next video is clean.
What's the best camera you have ever used? 📸
My D5300 “RedVersion” with a Tamron Auto Focus 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD All-In-One Zoom … or sometimes it’s my iPhone 12 Pro Max, if it’s the only one I have with me….I enjoy the results from them, even when I plug them into my Lightroom Catalog and edit them adding character with plugins like DXO’s Nik Collection….
Another Banger Video Adam, this is why I will continue watching your content! I myself am looking to be creative and supplementing my income with my photography…. To Be Continued…;)
Looking forward to an Alaskan Crusie my wife and I are taking in August, can’t wait to snap some images while away on excursions and walking about the port visits….
The best camera I’ve used is the one I currently own, the original Canon eos R. A much maligned camera online and You tube but I think it’s far far better than people give it credit for.
Complete nonsense reviews of this camera. It's basically a 5DIV in a mirrorless body ie utterly capable.
Most honest assessment of where making money from photography comes from. Appreciated.
Thanks Gary.
Can only wish you all the best, in what ever direction your photography journey takes.
Thanks for sharing again Adam.
Stay safe 🇦🇺
Thanks John
I 100% agree that stories are what's needed, not just to make it as a landscape photographer, but also as a consumer of photography. I get so much more out of watching a youtube video about the entire experience than just seeing photos on instragram etc. Books are great for that too, and I've really enjoyed your book and all the personal stories you share along with the images. Its great to hear you're getting back out for many more on location videos too - they're my favourites!
Thanks so much Lisa. I appreciate your support.
I enjoy watching your videos, too, Lisa !
@terricarpenter1798 thanks Terri, that's awesome!
As always, your honest approach shines through. I think that even though the marketplace is saturated with pro snappers, hard working, dedicated honest people will always make a living. It's a shame that you have given up your workshops, but I understand your reasoning. May you go from strength to strength in the future and I for one will follow your progress all the way. Good luck - Steve.
Never say never!!
We are all growing and moving it’s part of life and our journey sometimes takes other roads
Whatever your new adventures is taking you I wish you the best
Thanks so much
I'm considering doing wedding photography and I'm noticing that the first step in doing that- is to be prepared by having a decent camera with a good lens range. Without that, it's like presenting myself as being available, but having teeth missing.
Not necessarily. As long as you have captured some good images for a portfolio (which can be done with entry level gear), you can easily hire higher end gear for the day, and if possible, build it into the price. Using the deposit to pay for the hire is an option if you have liquidity problems.
@@Firstmanphotography - Ok... I didn't think of that. Thanks for the tip.
Adam, as always, so good. Brilliant delivery, top notch advice and so honest and relatable. For someone just starting their TH-cam journey, this type of video has so much value. Thank you.
I appreciate that! Thanks. Good luck on your journey.
Great advice, I've just bookmarked the RAW Room and will be taking a look.
As much as I love my R5, I have to say the 5D Mark2 was the best. It didn't have the technology we have today, but provided me a tool I could truly learn and work how to photograph images I could not achieve before. It's still alive too, used by a family member.
Yeah I still have mine too. I think it was one of the most revolutionary cameras ever produced and one of the first to do it all!!
Well, that's a matter of opinions, to me my R5 has topped all of my previous, including my 5D Mark2.
Great production man, I love the honesty and I think anyone who has North Yorkshire as their back yard would be mad not to keep fit just by wondering around it. I have essentially two past times, one is photography and the other is walking. Being as The Yorkshire Moors and surrounding area is my back yard, there is no better way of passing the time and I love it. Best of luck with your next move, I will keep an eye open for your future videos and the like.
I like the quote - its not AI that will take your job, its the person who is good at AI.
This video actually encourages me on my YT journey. I am aiming at a vlog style talking about the life lessons learned through photography instead of tips and tutorials. I used to write a blog about this in the early 2000s. I figure it will take 100-200 videos to be any good. I have scripts, shot a few videos and am currently working on the channel page and figuring out editing and thumbnails. I'm not expecting to make any money (same as my photography) but for my well being. And possibly someone else will find value.
Like I said to you on Twitter, I was terrible when I first started. I'm looking forward to seeing your first video.
Love this and as a photographer of 25 years I can relate 100%. I figure, in the age of AI... keep it HUMAN and keep it SOULFUL.
Becoming a full time professional photographer is something I've thought about but I don't think I will pursue it. Not because of all the work involved or the upcoming AI revolution but because I love photography. I love going out on a hike or a drive looking for compositions and capturing those fleeting images that pop up out of nowhere. I think if I were to try and make my living out of photography it would become work and suck all the enjoyment I get from it. If someone see a photo of mine and wants a print, that would be great and I'd be happy to do it. Otherwise, I just want to enjoy my time outdoors.
Always great to watch your videos and the great attention to detail in your explanation of photography in these current times.
Cheers Simon. Much appreciated.
There are an incredible amount of your fellow youtubers brushing AI aside and saying "its just like Photoshop was back in the day, it won't hurt me" ... these people are incredibly naive and must stick their heads in the sand for most things, until it's too late. Sometimes you have to get real. I know it goes against the creative grain but as a professional photographer YOU ARE MORE THAN JUST CREATIVE. thanks for your realistic thoughts on AI etc... it was refreshing. And thank christ I just do this as a hobby where the only viewer of my images is just ME.
I agree. Saying Ai is just like any previous disruptive technology is showing a definite lack of understanding of how exponential growth curves work. It’s why so many experts are calling for Ai research to be halted.
@@Firstmanphotography yes. It is INCREDIBLE as to how fast it's evolving e.g. it will replace wedding photography, etc ALSO. And looking through Instagram is useless these days simply because you don't know what is real and what is fake. I can't wait to hear from the guys who have been denying AI when AI starts outputting the EXACT same STYLE as the denyer. They'll be screaming blue murder then, mark my words.
Very true. It's funny because at some weddings, even though the photos themselves are real, the behaviour is completely staged and fake. I have not doubt many people won't care how their images are made. I think we'll get to the point where static 360o cameras are set up around a venue that just capture everything. Ai will then create the images from this data. It will probably be fun too, as the images pop on a screen all throughout the day in real time and have a full set of photographs ready for the couple to look at that night.
@@Firstmanphotography EXACTLY. I'm amazed at how many other youtubers have brushed AI aside. Denial much.
Adam, Spot on and we'll said!!!
Thanks Bruce.
Love the “F” Bomb at the end
From Western Australia well said. Great video.
Thanks Jon. Really appreciate it.
A Great insight Adam, personally I'm not too worried about A.I, as for myself it's about the journey to take an image and getting out in the landscape, A.I. will never take that away from you. Good luck in your adventures, and if you ever want a hiking buddy just give me a shout 🙂
Cheers mate.
Great video as always. Best of luck with packing and the move Adam 🙂
Adam, if it helps... I'll forever watch any video you produce! Thanks for "bringing it". I'm a very small channel but luckily I have a lifetime of training in accounting and currently a CFO for a small company that helps support my family and fund my photography passion. Let AI come... It can't have my experiences.
Great video Adam. I was just reading an article on how musicians are having to change the way they generate income streams nowadays just to survive. Lots of parallel between the music industry and photography, and none of it is getting easier. Great thoughts as always, keep pushing forward!
Thanks Paul, Can't remember if I said it in the video but I was talking to a singer/song writer the other day going through many of the same things. Had spent thousands to get an album produced and was getting pennies from streaming services. Gigs and value 4 value were encouraging though.
Another great video Adam, full of deep thoughts on photography with wide words. Good luck on your future adventures, sounds like it's gonna be fun 👍👍
Thanks Paul. Means a lot. Think it's probably too deep for a lot of people.
Thank you Adam, love your passion and perseverance under a changing photography landscape so to speak, keep on pushing forward, from another youtuber, Stuart Marsden. Kind regards Stuart
When I started drumming, many moons ago, the sector was soon swamped with electronic drums. This made acoustic players not needed.
But after a few years the limitations of programming electronic drums, limited feel and the sound samples were nothing like the real feel a human drummer can produce, we were brought back. But some of us, even this old rocker, encompassed the bits that were good with electronic drums into our setups and today you see many human drummers with electronics on their kits.
What has this to do with AI and photography?
Well, I see many people with their hands in their heads saying Ai will kill photography, just like we did back then with drumming, but all that is happening are new tools are being born that we will abuse and stretch to its limits and find the slot for it to coexist with us pressing the shutter button.
Very insightful, as always! Drive and determination are key ingredients once you find you niche! Clearly, you have both! Thanks for taking me along!
Your hard work is an inspiration to me. Never stop, Adam! Love your authentic style.
Thanks Chad. Very kind
Tip: One thing you could do is to take one final shot of your studio, before you completely dismantle it, and use it on a green-screen as a backdrop. That way, when you do your pieces to camera, you could begin to create all sorts of backdrops. But, it would be sad if one, at least, wasn't your old studio. bw.
Hey Adam... We tweeted on Twitter today. I look forward to your continued success. All the best from Ottawa Canada.
Thanks Rick. Appreciate you.
Hi Adam! I've always struggled with the idea of going pro. On the one hand, I'd love to. I'm not doing anything else and the idea of making money from something I love doing really appeals to me. But on the other hand, I've tried making money from a 'hobby' in the past and it really spoilt the enjoyment of the hobby. So although I feel like my photography isn't really going anywhere at the moment, for the time being I think it's better if I just stick with it as a hobby. In any case it's a lot more than 'just a hobby' to me anyway. It's more of a compulsion! It's something I just HAVE to do. I become very unhappy if I don't take photographs!
Adam that was honestly a great honest video and inspiring to get in it 👍🏻 good luck this year
Thanks mate
Thanks for another thought provoking vlog Adam, really good stuff and always inspirational. Cheers mate
Great video as per usual Adam, AI will never be able to replace the experience of getting into the wild and capturing the shot not will it be able to replicate the fulfillment of a project either for the client seeing their bespoked idea made into reality or the creator seeing the joy on their clients faces when they have nailed a brief !! Emotions are what drive us in everything after all !! 👏
Totally agree. But am also mindful that probably less than 1% of fee paying businesses will align to these values (and pay), whereas as in reality business has been evolving into automation that fakes the 'feeling and experience' with a 'good enough' attitude for a while now. Plus of course there is the eternal 'theres no budget'. Sadly over 99% will take the AI shortcut to meet targets, with authentic photography becoming incredibly small and niche, simply the domain of private/personal photographers who source income elsewhere. Only a handful of photographers earn a living on YT, such as the hugely respected Heaton, but of course despite his quality images, people watch for his personality, his next van, how he cooked his breakfast, not the images so much. The books are just souvenirs. This is the human story of course, but very niche and few people making a living.
Dam that was good seeing you move into there but times change as you say, not to mention getting outdoors and fit is a good step forward! Best of luck.
Thank you Andrew.
I wish you all the best Adam.
Thanks Nige
I truly enjoyed this bit of content Adam. Very informative and absolutely helpful. Thanks for your continued work mate. Stay safe and God Bless.
Thanks so much. Greatly appreciate your support.
You continue to be an inspiration Adam. Great content again, really appreciate the work you put in.
Always appreciated. Thanks
Great video Adam. Realistic but inspirational. Love the passion you bring to your craft.
Thanks so much. Really appreciate your comment.
I think the meaning of "professional photographer" in 2023 is "TH-camr" - the world has moved on in a strange direction and it is impossible for people to just use talent and art to make money. You have to sell your soul to some extent to survive. On the flip side, I think it is important to filter out the excellent tuition that TH-cam can provide and I think channels like this one have a valuable place in education and encouraging future "photographers" even if that just means 99% of your income comes from making videos.
Music has gone through a similar journey, but manufacturers will keep making guitars and people will always want to learn how to play them and need professional training (sometimes from TH-cam) - the only difference is that you will have a far smaller chance of being a performing musician.We just have to make the most of what we have available to us.
I've never wanted to be defined by the job I do. I get paid for creating a range of content for people, including photographs, and I love that. I actually wouldn't want to be a "traditional" pro photographer anymore. I also still have full ownership of my soul. You're right about the music industry, that is very tough. I actually make a lot of comparisons to music in my next video out on Wednesday.
Thanks
I would follow your podcast! Not too late my friend!
As always, Adam, I completely agree with your sentiments. As someone who’s written commercially for almost 40 years, I’m starting to invest a lot more energy into writing scripts for my videos, and delivering a carefully crafted story. And like you, I believe the most valuable niche each of us possess is… us. No one can be US. And neither can AI. Focusing on our humanness, and being who we actually are - flaws and all - is the only sustainable path forward. It’s also the most fulfilling way to show up in our work. Take care, old boy.
Well I shouldn't say I told you so, but back there in the depth of you channel I said that you and your live lesson were your biggest asset. I have notice that my follows like a back story. The more dangerous the better, I some times think these blogs could be posted with a photo and they would appreciate them just as much. On AI ,I think pros like your self should not worry too much, photograph like 35mm film cameras will come back into fashion. When it does you'll be charging 10 times the amount for it. The best camera to date The Nikon D500, replaced by a d850 last month and the results from this are getting better daily. Thanks for posting.
Cheers Chris. Appreciate your support.
My saying for making money at Landscape photography is to shoot more weddings, I think this will be even more so in the coming years, I still think there is a market for workshops, certainly enough being advertised, and a surprising number fully sold out. The studio if it’s not earning it is a luxury, so regrettable but a wise business choice, you can always look to do a pop up gallery, or exhibitions, it might be worth exploring. I wish you every success, and looking forward to your next video
Agreed. Especially on the wedding thing......if it was a choice between weddings or bust, i'd choose weddings. Still gonna be decent money for years to come as long as we don't get locked down again. However, i'm pretty confident some workshops that are "sold out" are not always really "sold out".
Great video Adam, in fact this is the second time I've watched it, as you have so much valuable advice for photographers like myself embarking on this terrifying journey of 'making it' for the first time. I can't speak for everyone but I appreciate it so much, so thank you. I couldn't agree with you more on the sentiment that the future of professional photography and landscape photography in particular is going to be in the storytelling and value a photographer brings. Especially with the rise of AI as this is something that it just cannot provide and I for one value this above all, as the act of or process of landscape photography is what I love the most, not the actual product or outcome at the end. I am scared, as I am under no illusions that this is going to be easy, it will most definitely be the hardest thing I have ever done. Thankyou Adam for being so open and honest with your audience and being the man of dedication and integrity that you are. You have inspired me a lot with your videos and advice over the years, hopefully I can do the same for others in future. All the best mate.
Great content here
There's no doubt the photography business model will be forced to change due to AI but like yourself Adam , I remain optimistic that it will also create an ever greater desire for a meaningful experience when it comes to photography. The more I have immersed myself into photography the more the emotional and the experiential connections have become central to the enjoyment that photography can offer and see this as a differential point when compared to AI. You have shown yourself to be an individual that can adapt and with you giving up the studio, I'm confident this will release more opportunities for you to continue on your evolutionary journey and wish you continuing success . Nice shout out to Richard too as his work is certainly inspiring
Thanks Jim. I feel good about the future.
I've been thinking about this a lot since the beta for Adobe's pre-generative fill came out. I do think the human element is something we should speak to more and make our customers aware of, and telling stories is the best way I can see of doing that.
That said, what happens when AI can tell the story as well? As a professional writer myself, I can confidently say AI is much farther behind at the moment. Trouble, though, is that if you're not a professional writer and don't have the depth of understanding and knowledge that people like me have about what makes for good writing, that gap becomes much, much less important.
Great content as always. Now that I know TH-cam is a big source of your revenue, I will purposefully continue to watch here, ads and all.
I think I’ve gone full circle with Ai. Don’t really feel concerned at all about it now. Apart from anything I don’t think there’s gonna be enough energy available for it to do all the things we fear.
Hi Adam, what kind of backpack do you use in your travels?
Shimoda Action X70
Thank you for another great video. In a way I feel fortunate that I don't rely on photography to provide an income, but purely for my enjoyment. From listening to yourself and other photographers, it appears to be more and more difficult to keep the revenue stream at a level to support a family. I really enjoy your channel, and I have learned a lot from you. Especially the stories that you present. Those have the most value, as I get to experience through your eyes, something that I would personally like to accomplish. Good luck on your next adventures. Cheers.
What an interesting video, full of your experiences with a photography business which some good advise on "does and don'ts". Technology is moving on and the art of taking photos is getting easier. However, there is still the issue of composing a photo and that has to be a human showing an individuals artistic and personal story to be told, well, that is my option! Thanks Adam for a great video..
Another great video Adam, and as ever words and an insight that provoke "the little grey cells" . When I retired from my "proper job" with thoughts that I could turn my hobby and interest into something that generated revenue to supplement the pension I was lucky enough ( right place right time) to ride on the coat tails of a local website design company so I could take the photos their clients needed for their new websites (generally restaurants, B&Bs, Guest houses etc etc). The acceleration in the capability of mobile phone s inevitably meant that these clients began taking and submitting their own snaps, and then this progressed to people building their own websites, so goodbye revenue stream. We're now at the stage, as you have astutely alluded to a number of times, that rather than photoshop/lightroom being tools for photographers to "tidy up" an image the amazing but troubling advance of the technology (AI) means that a composition can be radically altered, and indeed created, that erodes the integrity, realism and applied skill of the photographers craft. I have just watched a number of TH-cam "tutorials" such as that from Unmesh (PIXImperfect) , PTC and Photoshopcafe etc) educating us about the latest (pardon the pun) generation in the Beta edition. Is this really level of artificial the intelligent way forward ? I have been wondering whether photo contests and competitions are going to have to change their terms and conditions of entry. It's been the case that it has been accepted (and even expected) that a submitted entry would have had some "tidying up" (sorry post processing 😉😂🙄), but will the line be drawn at such composites? As for me, I've migrated naturally into more Street Photography (which I found I have really been doing for years) although its a challenge to make this genre of photography pay the gas bill. Good luck Adam on your path and I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I will continue to follow and gain inspiration from you...and I might even be instrumental in a small way of providing some revenue for you..( I watch all you videos and I did buy "Illumination" 😊
I agree with your words ❤ these questions are always in my mind like an echo .. now I got the clear note from you as a thunderstorm. Thank you buddy for your wonderful advice ... ( Advice always free of charge one now a days 😊) sorry Wonderful requests from your bottom of the heart. Wishes from India 🇮🇳 , waiting for your next video 🤩
I am of the ilk that thinks that because of AI, Creative people will flourish. People that want actual things created by an actual person, will pay for it; likely more than they ever have. Art, photography, music, crafts...etc. all will begin to have a Human Price premium attached to it. Well done as usual Adam. PS. you look lean, keep it up!
Alec, I think you are right. More value will be placed on authentic human experiences expressed in ways that people can relate to at an emotional level. Good art has a back story and a context in the real world. The hand of the artist visible in the work is its stamp of authority.
Some good points in there Adam. I understand your perspective on the workshops, but you could run them and charge a premium with the knowledge that you are only likely to sell a few of them each year. There are some very affluent people out there who would pay good money to be on one with you I'm sure.
Interesting video, Adam. I think one of the most important things is to be adaptable and to keep a finger on the pulse. Being able to respond quickly to changing circumstances and trends will prevent being caught flat-footed (inopportune phrase for us ex-coppers!).
In this case we would have described it as a "tactical withdrawal". Absolutely nothing wrong with that.
@@Firstmanphotography Indeed. I wasn't directly referring to your studio, Adam. Just the business in general.
Yeah i know. I totally agree with you, I do think this an example of that too. Appreciate your words and support.
@@Firstmanphotography Keep up the good work!
I love your Channel Adam, so Real... How hard is is? 😂
It's so bloody hard to turn it into a full time job, but the one thing that is very true is, it's up to you to make it happen. Personally I'm too lazy. I know what I need to do, but I procrastinate 😮😂
I am inherently lazy. It is a constant battle. One I am experiencing this very second as I try to force myself to go to the gym.
Good video Adam. Some valuable insights and I like your take on AI.
Thanks Mark. To be honest my opinion has developed pretty quickly from total doom to resilient optimism.
Inspirational as always
Thanks David. Really appreciate you taking the time to comment. I love your work too btw.
@@Firstmanphotography Many thanks Adam, much appreciated 😊
Yup you can.
What would be your advise regarding selling prints, callendars etc, is it worth in 2023 (let´s say like second income)?
Prints yes. I've never done calendars because I haven't used one myself since 1998.
@@Firstmanphotography Thanks a lot. 👍
Another idea , if you are in your 20s and not in a serious relationship or mortgage, work as a photog on a cruiseship or holiday camp.
AI will have an effect but I think it will not affect areas where real creativity is required, where a real photo conveys the photographer's ideas. It will be used to create images for advertising and the like where no one cares about the image itself. An ares of photography I see dying is stock photography as AI replaces the need for stock photos being used in advertising.
I'm an optimistic chap generally, so i do foresee situations where human photographers will still be needed by businesses. A hotelier, for example, will need images of the hotel, rooms and food. AI is never going to fulfill that requirement. And, of course, we humans can capture genuine images of people and places that computers could only guess at. Sure, the cheapskates eill want to use AI but there seems to be a growing tendency to provide high-quality goods and services that will need real photographers. Good luck with your future plans, Adam.
I hope you're right.
My Canon 5ds
Many "hipper" companies now hire 35mm photographers to do their commercial.
In ‘Commercial/Industrial photography one of the most important aspects you failed to mention was RELIABILITY.
I think something AI will never be able to provide is authenticity. Especially in the documentary realm like landscape and wildlifephotography or journalism, real photos will become much more valuable as AI becomes more and more prevelant. I think, in the future if you can guarantee that your images are created without the use of AI and are photos of real locations or occurences that could also be a big argument for a professional photographer.
Photographers do still provide value to customers by photographing things - even the AI needs something to work with, and if there's no photo, e.g. for real estate or wedding shots, no generative AI can create an image that fits reality (if this is the goal). AI might be able to "improve" or "beautify" a photograph (so a series of phone snapshots might do it - or not). If reality is not the goal, AI will overtake (especially stock photos, but you already mentioned that this area is dead).
Thats true now, yes.
You say advertising and marketing people won't be buying photography in a few years time, because of AI. They haven't been buying photography for many years now, what they are buying are visual ideas to help them communicate something, position their brand, tell a story, create a mood, shift or reinforce an audience mindset etc. You say they won't need to spend a penny. They will. Someone needs to come up with the ideas and have the creative vision to create something. AI is like stock photography, just another resource to help achieve that. *How you become a successful photographer in 2023 is to not sell photography services, but sell ideas and solutions to marketing problems*. For a creative person, there are many exciting ways and opportunities to create a living in the coming years. What you're suggesting are ways to become a photography educator and make money from others wanting to learn photography, rather than a commercial photographer, which is valid too. TH-cam is making that possible for many people like yourself, and that's wonderful. Selling prints and books though, you can't make a full-time living from that, it's a nice side-hustle and vanity project. A book can act as a marketing tool, which can be useful. Maybe we need to drop the word "photographer", and find another term more relevant? All the best to you.
With everything you’re talking about, prices will fall to the marginal cost of production. We’re already at the point with content creation where 1 person can do the job that 5 people used to do.
I suspect Ai will accelerate this. There’s no doubt there will be lots of opportunities in future in a commercial environment, but that’s my point, it will be from omni-skilled creators who tell good stories, rather than a photographer. If there’s a new word for this……..then I’m one too.
@@Firstmanphotography The term "photographer" in the commercial sense, is out of date, I believe it has been for a long time. Most photographers, in the past, have been mere commodities, hired by ad agencies or publications/brands to provide the technical skills to create an image that fulfills a communication objective. The ideas / story behind a shoot has typically been created and directed by a Creative Director or marketing Director, and the photographer is there to work the camera and set the lighting etc, according to direction. The successful photographers have always been those who understand this and sell solutions rather than photographs and merely provide a technical service. This applies more than ever with AI in the mix. Yes, 1 person can do the job of 5, and that's great for those wanting to enter the business, and also for clients, because clients who didn't have the budget for a 5-person team to work for them can now afford to hire that 1 person who has the skills required to deliver. Many of us have been doing this for a very long time already, and even this is becoming competitive and requires some smart marketing and positioning. So bottom line, sell solutions and ideas. Don't be a commodity. Sounds like you're on the right track Adam. 😊👍
To me photography is a creative hobby expressing my feeling for subject like landscape and nature as well as travel and recording family and friend’s time. I do not need or even want to make money from it. At times I wonder what sort of long term plans these YTers have. Ask yourself where you want to be in one, five ten years’ time. Can you as a photographer support your family buy house and provide for you retirement? I wish you well Adam.
Thanks. It's funny because I used to have a job with a supposedly secure future plan......... and then the government completely rug pulled us. So I left and took matters into my own hands. I actually worry about the future for people who are still dutifully paying into pensions. There's not enough people coming up behind them to keep ponzi running.
The work full time photographers make suffers because they got bills to pay. It becomes too much about volume and speed. Each image gets very little time compared to what a hobby photographer with a second income can afford to spend on it.
1st 😁
Good vibes coming your way!!
AI can create a compelling subject but can't create an honest moment in time.
*yet
Why the "F" bomb at the end of a perfectly good tutorial. Bit embarrassing with my young daughter, who is interested in photography that's sat along side me.
I went to a working class school in Redcar and was a cop for 14 years, it’s who I am. I’d say sorry but it’s almost certainly gonna happen again. Not often however and the next video is clean.
@@Firstmanphotography Then I will watch your next video. Thank you for your reply.
AI. It’s realistic, but not real. People want real.