Thank you for the shout out brother. This was actually a very relevant and interesting video. My first year of TH-cam is turning out to be a rollercoaster lesson in similar areas. On a side note, I should watch your channels more than most.... My camera knowledge is appalling 😂 I'll go deep. X
Well said. I only put my photos on Flickr and while they're never going to get massive views, it doesn't mess up your images and the people who look at them tend to appreciate photography. Even then, my target audience is myself, because I realised ages ago that no-one really cares about my photography, but it gives me a great sense of achievement. I deleted my Facebook after the Cambridge Analytica scandal and have not missed it for a second. I don't have Twitter either and never look at instagram. TH-cam I like because of the genuineness of the content creators and how much you can learn from watching their videos.
I get what you say about no-one caring about your photography but surely it’s nice to have some people see your work and to have feedback. What’s the point of it otherwise?
So True. I have done the same. I am enjoying TH-cam videos regarding photography in general not so much the hyped up camera and equipment videos. If I had not watched so many reviews of cameras I would still be using my Nikon DSLR system and could have saved thousands of dollars and my images would still be looking as good as those made with the ML camera and new lenses.
I, too, still post on Flickr. It was great in the past when people also posted texts under the pictures that could be funny, poems, ... . Then, the update of the website so people see almost exclusively pictures and people become saturated with too many pictures without content. Further, the membership cost should be lower so more people may return. Next year, I'm "celebrating" 20 years of Flickr. I hope it will continue so I can review my pictures when I become too old to take them.
Similar with me. I deleted my photos on Instagram when they changed their terms of services regarding AI, and just use it to point to my Flickr account. Much less "social", and more about photos …
I miss the early days of digital photography, with lots of great dedicated c&c websites and forums for photography chat and discussions. That are all killed by social media.
@@Firstmanphotography for me that place is mastodon/pixelfed. No algorithms, just content and you build your feed the way you want it by for example following hashtags (it actually works compared to insta)
I remember joining a few photography forums , they were informative and genuine, one was called Steve’s Digicams, a great community no videos, just chats and great advice. Miss the early internet days.
Another good thing to do is to make a small book your best photos and carry it with you in your backpack or pocketbook, whatever, and engage with people in person, and show them your work and have a face-to-face conversation. On the street or in the coffee shop or when people see you with a camera and want to know what you're doing.
You really hit the nail on the head with this one. I have been so frustrated lately with my edits and not feeling good about the end results. But what I realized was that when I took away the pressure of trying to mold my photos to the social media "constraints"" I actually do feel proud of the photos I've taken and edited. This video reminded me I couldn't care less about the platforms and what I really care about is seeing work I'm happy with, even if that means sharing it with less people.
I could not agree more. I recently moved my portfolio away from Instagram as well, focusing more on my website and TH-cam. It feels like a massive weight off my shoulders, not having to mold my workflow to instagram's terms.
ADAM I couldn’t agree more, I stopped using Facebook 6 years ago because I thought mistakenly that I could stay in touch with friends. I found myself doing the same thing night after night, going down the rabbit hole and achieving nothing especially staying in touch with friends. Rather than social media I believe that it is a form of anti social media, with people who don’t know how to modulate their anger and reasoning. You are a voice that will be listened to, I will continue to follow your journey. Good luck.
Spot on Adam, ì left social media completely almost 3 years ago now and I've never felt better. Not having to check every two minutes to see if anyone has left a like or a message or mentioned me in something has done me the world of good especially when you know that 99.9%of the rubbish on there is lies and exaggerations. Keep up the good work my friend and stay healthy. 👍😎
I now greatly limit my time on social media; essentially just some time in the morning and evening. As you say, 99.9% of it is just lies and exaggerations. So much of social media (and mainstream media, too) is simply an open sewer for your mind.
I know it’s only Halloween tomorrow but this video is spooky!! I’ve spent the past few months going over what your talking about and right now I’m making my squarespace site for the many reasons you talk about! A huge privilege to see my work featured, and our outings pop up, humble and thankful. Sithee soon! 💜
I completely agree with your points raised and how you are feeling. Those platforms are “not deserving of your time or energy” as you say. Spot on! Keep up the great work and keep inspiring. Thanks.
After nearly 40 years as a portrait photographer, I am moving to food photography and I am NOT doing any social media, just a web site, business cards and my feet to get out there. It may fail but I am honestly done with social media.
I am so done with Instagram. It seems to be just a chore and place to go that makes me feel bad about myself. Not the care-free blank slate it was ten years ago that attracted me.
Thanks for sharing, Adam, and congrats for recognizing the realities of social media. Glad to see you prioritizing your energies and time. As a converted landscape to bird photographer during covid I used to post to IG but quit. I do have a website and FB account. I shoot because I love bird photography and it's therapy for me, and I share for one reason. A woman contacted me a few years ago and said, "I can't get outside any more and enjoy nature due to stage 4 cancer, so I live vicariously through your bird photos." That note along with many others like it is the reason I share. I enjoy your thoughts and channel. All the best to your future. With grace, Hal
I've been wanting to quit social media for a while but the one thing stopping me was that it's where I post my photography. You've just given me the motivation I needed to actually do it! Thank you
Completely agree with this, pretty much stopped posting on insta also getting fed up of not seeing the pictures of the people I follow but others they think I should see & follow
With Instagram at least you can turn off suggestions & adds, but it'll not work for stories. Unfortunately you have to do it each time: Click the top left 'for you' and change it to 'followed'.
I did the same back in january and have not looked back. I feel that I have improved more as a photographer in the last year than in the previous 9-10 years. I have fallen in love with photography again and feel a emotional connection to my photography again.
you are absolutely spot on and ironically ive found your YT in my preparation to enter TH-cam to connect with people personally and exile my social media platforms... i would be so happy if i find half as much positivity and energy you found dropping said platforms. i want my hobby back. Billy
First up, a massive thanks for the feature in your video Adam, it really means a lot and Im truly humbled by your very kind inclusion. I figured you had stepped back a bit with the absence of your postings and can't dispute your decision. I find the enthusiasm to post on X to be at an all time low and can see me becoming totally detached from it as your spot on, being on there then diverts valuable time away from the creative end of photography. I still enjoy instagram as I find there is more engagement for me personally and still enjoy the conversations through the messaging side of the app. Creating my website was the best decision I made as not only did it enable me to learn more about website creation but it also motivates me to keep sharing my work and also be creative in other areas such as blogging. I like the sound of the app you mentioned so will definitely have a look at it, as there is a clear need for something that unshackles us from all the constraints you discussed today. Glad to see you remaining on YT as it would be a loss if you decided to hang up your spurs here
So very true and enlightening... the amount of unsolicited notifications and ads and suggestions , when all I want to do is view the work of the people I have chosen to follow... I only use fb and instagram along with threads but I really do need to STOP... thanks for the video Adam. Thought provoking indeed...
You made some very good points Adam and given me some ideas of where to go. X is using far too much of my energy and find myself getting wrapped up in negativity. It does however keep me amused which is helped by my not too serious approach to things. 1st thing for me… give my website renewed energy! Cheers !
You truly inspire me. And you hit all the right spots in this video. Can’t thank you enough for being so genuine, keep it up, we all as a community have to thank you. Hands up! Quick one: how do you feel about Vero?
Completely agree. There was a quiet voice in my head that struggled to articulate what you have set out in your video. My Insta photography account was, a constant source of stress, from being forced into a, square crop, to feeding views. Time to bin the lot. Thank you for posting and for so accurately describing what I intuitively knew, but couldn't put into words.
Glad it wasnt the last video ;) Im in the process of doing the same by taking a break from something that quite honestly just detracts not just from my photography but generally in life... I think mentally we're not 'programmed' to deal with that much continual information in our heads... See how that goes ;)
Great video, it made so much sense, it was something that I needed to hear and act on. Good knowing that I am not the only one. Time to get back to the website, and post my pictures how I like.
Just stumbled across your video and added it to my morning queue... I watch more TH-cam than TV, so I hope you don't give up on TY... Leading into this video coming on the TV, I was rethinking how to use Social Media, or possibly exchanging contact info with a select group of people from FB and leaving social behind all together... Thanks for this video! Cheers
Thank you for your excellent advice! I’m thinking of going off Instagram, everytime I post a photo I just get very few likes. It’s discouraging. Good luck in everything 😊
I apply the 'rule of one' to any situation like this.......if one person likes it, then others definitely will too......after that the numbers are just the numbers.....just keep creating your thing.
Awesome and inspiring thoughts. Precisely my thinking. I have not posted any of my photos on social media, and refuse to ever make use of Twitter or X due to their content. Glad I found your vlog and am subscribing now. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts about photography in general. Great job, great presentation.
Thank you so much for this video! I’m about to start my online journey with photography, and I’ve really been struggling with whether to begin on Instagram or another social media platform. I was hesitant for the same reasons you mentioned in this video and a decrease in mood due to social media use wasn't helping too.. It’s so reassuring to know I’m not the only one who sees things this way. And reading the comments lifted my spirits even more! I also found confirmation that a website in that good old style, with a news feed reminiscent of the early 2000s (maybe not literally), is totally appropriate. One more time thanks!
I truly understand where you’re coming from, I too left social media except for TH-cam. I love watching and listening to great photographers like yourself.
I hear you loud and clear, and you are absolutely right that there has to be a better way forward for photographers. The social media companies make way more money from us than we will using their platforms. Even worse, we are effectively selling our souls. I will be checking out some of the alternatives you suggested. Thank you for stepping out of the box and saying what needs to be said!
I don’t normally comment on videos but in this case I totally agree with you and have done a similar thing by not posting or using social media to post my images which has benefited myself and allowed me to start to focus more on my TH-cam photography channel but you have also reminded me to update my own website.
Thanks for sharing this... It's always been my suspicion that we were being taken for a ride by these platforms..I too have stopped sharing my images on Social media..more power to all of us!
Thanks for this - Apart from Facebook, where I keep in touch with real friends, and watching TH-cam, I stay off social media, too much false garbage on there. I will give Nostar a viewing and currently putting together my website and will hopefully get it finished by next week. Thanks for your honesty and saying it as it is - All the best and thank you.
I really felt what you said, and I realise that I have ignored my website for Instagram. I have been using Facebook more recently with groups that are focussed around the hobby side of my photography, and I have found that much more enjoyable than instagram. Certainly some thinking and soul searching to do on where I want to focus my time. Some of that time will be spent watching more of your videos as you now have a new subscriber!
Fully agree Adam, time is precious, scrolling is addictive and prone to feeling ‘deflated’ afterwards. Very interested to see your frame building video 😊
Yep. I have slowed down and mostly stopped using FB. Never used Twitter anyway and never put much much stead in Instagram. I was addicted to FB though and withdrawal has been a bit difficult, but regaining the lost time is worth the "pain".
This video is class mate. I’ve been close to quitting photography completely, feeling so frustrated and underwhelmed by what’s happening to the world of photography on social media. But then a few significant life happenings caused me to pick up the camera again and remember that it’s for myself and that’s all that matters 👍 i am leaning towards quitting IG and have never bothered with twitter or X! I do like TH-cam but even that can be a little over stimulating sometimes 🤣 anyway… great video mate and keep doing what your doing your photography is gorgeous 👏👏👏
I very much share your views about the way social media has developed over the years. Well said. When I last had a business as a bespoke furniture maker online, the website was King. Social media was in its infancy and pretty innocuous. I was in charge of my own online presence. Even then it was necessary to optimise one's website to get a good presence in the search results and didn't demand compromising one's own website content.
Completely agree with you Instagram for sure is the worst for sharing photos I now print my photos and keep them in a photo album book as I prefer to actually look at a physical copy than online.
I agree Adam. I got of Twitter back when it was still twitter... I too have a square space website and you've encouraged me to go give it a refresh and post more there. Thanks, and Cheers from Texas.
With all the positive things others have said (i am also quitting X now) i would like to point out how nice it is to mark the ad section of your video in the timeline, thus making it easier to skip. Thank you for your honest thoughts! They resonate.
Very nearly scrolled past this, but very glad I didn't!! I totally get where you are coming from. I was posting to X and Instagram and it was slowly driving me mad! Twitter was bad enough but X is simply not worth my time! I'm still on Instagram but I haven't posted to it for ages. I feel you have valid points regarding our own sites, for me I have a website and a Picfair account both of which don't get the attention from me that they should! Serious food for thought in this video so thank you so much for posting it. Video liked and I'm now a subscriber. Keep up the good work.
I truly appreciate this particular video more than I can adequately express. It resonates on so many levels, capturing emotions and insights that feel deeply personal. The way it presents its message-through visuals, storytelling, and gorgeous photography-creates an immersive experience that draws you in and encourages reflection. There’s something incredibly powerful about the themes explored in the video, whether they touch on love, growth, or the beauty of everyday moments. It reminds us of the importance of connection and the shared human experience. Watching it feels like a conversation with a friend, prompting us to think about our own lives and the world around us. I find myself revisiting this video, discovering new nuances each time. It captures feelings that can be hard to articulate, and it’s comforting to know that others may feel the same way. This kind of content can truly inspire and uplift, making us feel more connected to others and reinforcing our own journey. I'm grateful for the creativity and effort that went into producing such a meaningful piece. It’s a reminder of the impact that art and storytelling can have on our lives. Thank you!
You are totally right. I’m almost never sharing my pictures on socials, just because I’m bad at marketing 😂 on Instagram I started viewing different content to have my mind open for my own photography and don’t have those amazing pictures in my head. I also think social media is destroying our creative mind. It’s a world where everyone is going against each other and be the best. I just want to get to know people and make new connections.
So well said. The only reason I even had instagram was so my five boys could see what I was doing but I never really look at it. Might be time to ditch it.
I love this. You vocalise a lot of what the rest of us think about social media and generally just speak common sense. You also know how to use a camera!
Thanks for the advice. I have square space too and I like it. Some social media can be a time suck for sure and many times not with our best interest at hand. Great photos and great video!
Interesting video, thanks. I've gone the opposite way. Since Facebook invited me to monetise my photography page (currently 100.6k followers) in January, I've upped my daily image postings from 2-3 to around 12-15. I never posted videos, but I'm posting them too. I schedule my images in the morning to be spread over 6am to 9pm. I was more of a Twitter poster, but I now concentrate more on FB for obvious reasons.
Totally agree with all that you have said about social media... the one thing you left out for me that is spoiling my enjoyment of YT.... the ads - it has become insane so much so now that unless you pay for the premium account - I used to have one but cannnot no longer afford it - you get ads & more ads.... it interupted you at abt 4.40 mid word.. its ridiculous.
Oh ye.. hguitar building.. so satisfying to watch skilled workers. I watch a friend on you tube who does the same thing M I Tarr guitars... he not just a skilled craftsman but a very fgine photographer too - although he does not show his images on line you can tell by his video production he knows how to.
Very well said, Adam! Social media is a different beast to what it once was. It's all about data farming now and it's shocking how much personal information we're willing to feed it. I'd love to see a surge in local camera clubs where photographers can enjoy genuine interactions and engagement.
Totally agree. I recently went to a story telling at a Native American presentation here in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and they asked everyone to not film or take pictures. The reasoning they gave is that the stories they were going to tell are THEIR stories to tell. You can’t repost them and make them your stories. If you want to hear their stories you have to come hear it from them. I found that really interesting and made me rethink posting my photos ( which I consider my stories) to social media, which I have quit doing. I have adopted their philosophy and now view my photos as my stories to tell. If someone wants to see my photos (hear my stories) they have to come to me. I’m not giving my stories to Instagram or other social media ever again. My photos (stories) may only be seen by friends and family now but I feel better about it that way.
The socials just leave me cold these days. I deleted my Twitter account when it was rebranded and I spend almost no time on Facebook. Printing and updating my website are on my procrastination list and need to move up to the get it done list. And my TH-cam channel needs more attention than pre-work editing. Thank you for the reminders!
I totally agree with you, and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one. I've only kept FB because I have close contacts, twitter is not made for photographers, in my opinion Social medias has made people lazy to go on websites or forums. Like you, I find much more satisfaction with my youtube channel. the audience isn't the same at all. Always a pleasure to follow you, thank you Adam 🙂
Well done that man, I have staunchly refused to get dragged into Instagram and Twitter having seen its effect on my friends and family. Still use two points of social media TH-cam and Facebook, but they are manageable like that. Good reflective piece.
Hi Adam, 100% agree and good for you. I enjoy your videos as it helps me in my own photography and I have learnt a lot from you. Even if your videos were not on TH-cam I would still watch them at your website. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
Definitely hit the nail on the head Adam, it’s all about making rich people richer. Instagram is full of so much advertising, 99.9% of no interest to me. Glad you are still appearing on TH-cam. Much appreciated.
Very well said. Social media is good for a few things, but I think it's also responsible for a degradation of discernment for art, plus eating up far too much of our time. I do still enjoy TH-cam though, but I'll be following your lead with other common platforms. I do find Vero pretty good for photography though. It attracts a very different crowd, and it's got me connected with some interesting DPs and Art directors via stuff I've posted on it.
I agree. Websites are my favorite way to view others work. I especially like seeing all the different designs and layouts. As far as connecting we really need a new way. Something like a group chat but with more organizing and unique interaction abilities.
Such a great video. I actually stopped posting on instagram a few years ago. I'm still learning and trying to figure out the logistics of selling physical prints through the internet. I still have no idea on how to reach people and then how to get them a print if they are far in different countries.
Thank you for this timely video! I also got off all social media except for TH-cam about a month ago, and I haven't looked back. I was worried about losing access to Direct Messaging, but I found that people have just started texting or e-mailing me instead and FOMO hasn't been a problem at all. Also, I'm a film photographer, so I produce maybe 10-20 really good images in a year; that's not nearly prolific enough to make Instagram useful, but it's just perfect for TH-cam! I really also connected with what you said about feeling better; Instagram and TikTok seem to thrive on strong divisive opinions, and getting rid of that energy has allowed me to be more positive and creative. I said I'd be off until the end of the year, but I now think it will be a permanent change. I also updated my website the week after I quit!
Thank you for the shout out brother. This was actually a very relevant and interesting video. My first year of TH-cam is turning out to be a rollercoaster lesson in similar areas. On a side note, I should watch your channels more than most.... My camera knowledge is appalling 😂 I'll go deep. X
Ha! Chuffed to bits to hear from you, mate. I'm pretty sure you're knowledge would benefit me too. Love your channel......lets keep in touch!
@Firstmanphotography absolutely. 👍
Well said. I only put my photos on Flickr and while they're never going to get massive views, it doesn't mess up your images and the people who look at them tend to appreciate photography. Even then, my target audience is myself, because I realised ages ago that no-one really cares about my photography, but it gives me a great sense of achievement. I deleted my Facebook after the Cambridge Analytica scandal and have not missed it for a second. I don't have Twitter either and never look at instagram. TH-cam I like because of the genuineness of the content creators and how much you can learn from watching their videos.
I get what you say about no-one caring about your photography but surely it’s nice to have some people see your work and to have feedback. What’s the point of it otherwise?
So True. I have done the same. I am enjoying TH-cam videos regarding photography in general not so much the hyped up camera and equipment videos. If I had not watched so many reviews of cameras I would still be using my Nikon DSLR system and could have saved thousands of dollars and my images would still be looking as good as those made with the ML camera and new lenses.
I, too, still post on Flickr. It was great in the past when people also posted texts under the pictures that could be funny, poems, ... . Then, the update of the website so people see almost exclusively pictures and people become saturated with too many pictures without content. Further, the membership cost should be lower so more people may return.
Next year, I'm "celebrating" 20 years of Flickr. I hope it will continue so I can review my pictures when I become too old to take them.
@@radharcanna in my case. my photography is for me, not for other people
Similar with me. I deleted my photos on Instagram when they changed their terms of services regarding AI, and just use it to point to my Flickr account. Much less "social", and more about photos …
I miss the early days of digital photography, with lots of great dedicated c&c websites and forums for photography chat and discussions. That are all killed by social media.
Me too. I'm hopeful that can exist again. I'm convinced it was the algos that killed it.
@@Firstmanphotography Greed kills most good things ultimately.
@@sonersabirli8172 we have freedom of choice. We can make it better again.
@@Firstmanphotography for me that place is mastodon/pixelfed. No algorithms, just content and you build your feed the way you want it by for example following hashtags (it actually works compared to insta)
I remember joining a few photography forums , they were informative and genuine, one was called Steve’s Digicams, a great community no videos, just chats and great advice. Miss the early internet days.
Another good thing to do is to make a small book your best photos and carry it with you in your backpack or pocketbook, whatever, and engage with people in person, and show them your work and have a face-to-face conversation. On the street or in the coffee shop or when people see you with a camera and want to know what you're doing.
That's Daniel Milnors tip, which I will follow soon
You really hit the nail on the head with this one. I have been so frustrated lately with my edits and not feeling good about the end results. But what I realized was that when I took away the pressure of trying to mold my photos to the social media "constraints"" I actually do feel proud of the photos I've taken and edited. This video reminded me I couldn't care less about the platforms and what I really care about is seeing work I'm happy with, even if that means sharing it with less people.
The external pressures can certainly detract from our creative process.
When I realized I got more enjoyment from messaging photos to my mom than I got from IG... I knew it was time to take a step back hahah
@@willyonamountain photos taken with love have to be shared and accepted with love by loved persons. Whatever the level of photos..
I could not agree more. I recently moved my portfolio away from Instagram as well, focusing more on my website and TH-cam. It feels like a massive weight off my shoulders, not having to mold my workflow to instagram's terms.
Same. I'm now self hosting a pixelfed instance and interaction is so much better then it ever had been on insta
ADAM I couldn’t agree more, I stopped using Facebook 6 years ago because I thought mistakenly that I could stay in touch with friends. I found myself doing the same thing night after night, going down the rabbit hole and achieving nothing especially staying in touch with friends. Rather than social media I believe that it is a form of anti social media, with people who don’t know how to modulate their anger and reasoning. You are a voice that will be listened to, I will continue to follow your journey. Good luck.
100% agreed.
Spot on Adam, ì left social media completely almost 3 years ago now and I've never felt better. Not having to check every two minutes to see if anyone has left a like or a message or mentioned me in something has done me the world of good especially when you know that 99.9%of the rubbish on there is lies and exaggerations. Keep up the good work my friend and stay healthy. 👍😎
I now greatly limit my time on social media; essentially just some time in the morning and evening. As you say, 99.9% of it is just lies and exaggerations. So much of social media (and mainstream media, too) is simply an open sewer for your mind.
I know it’s only Halloween tomorrow but this video is spooky!! I’ve spent the past few months going over what your talking about and right now I’m making my squarespace site for the many reasons you talk about! A huge privilege to see my work featured, and our outings pop up, humble and thankful. Sithee soon! 💜
If you're reading this....Mali is a legend you should immediately subscribe to his channel.
I completely agree with your points raised and how you are feeling. Those platforms are “not deserving of your time or energy” as you say. Spot on! Keep up the great work and keep inspiring. Thanks.
After nearly 40 years as a portrait photographer, I am moving to food photography and I am NOT doing any social media, just a web site, business cards and my feet to get out there. It may fail but I am honestly done with social media.
@@David-r2j3m I agree with your decision.
I am so done with Instagram. It seems to be just a chore and place to go that makes me feel bad about myself. Not the care-free blank slate it was ten years ago that attracted me.
Thanks for sharing, Adam, and congrats for recognizing the realities of social media. Glad to see you prioritizing your energies and time. As a converted landscape to bird photographer during covid I used to post to IG but quit. I do have a website and FB account. I shoot because I love bird photography and it's therapy for me, and I share for one reason. A woman contacted me a few years ago and said, "I can't get outside any more and enjoy nature due to stage 4 cancer, so I live vicariously through your bird photos." That note along with many others like it is the reason I share. I enjoy your thoughts and channel. All the best to your future.
With grace,
Hal
I've been wanting to quit social media for a while but the one thing stopping me was that it's where I post my photography. You've just given me the motivation I needed to actually do it! Thank you
Completely agree with this, pretty much stopped posting on insta also getting fed up of not seeing the pictures of the people I follow but others they think I should see & follow
With Instagram at least you can turn off suggestions & adds, but it'll not work for stories. Unfortunately you have to do it each time:
Click the top left 'for you' and change it to 'followed'.
Great video. Glad you didn't quit TH-cam 👍
Thanks, mate. Feel like this has pretty much been your tactics all along!!
Appreciate your integrity and dedication to photography and willingness to share your creativity. Thank you.
Appreciate that! I try my best
I did the same back in january and have not looked back. I feel that I have improved more as a photographer in the last year than in the previous 9-10 years. I have fallen in love with photography again and feel a emotional connection to my photography again.
Lovely!!
I've been following you since the very beginning and if you stopped posting I'd really miss it. You have been my inspiration in photography. No joke.
Means a lot, thanks.
you are absolutely spot on and ironically ive found your YT in my preparation to enter TH-cam to connect with people personally and exile my social media platforms... i would be so happy if i find half as much positivity and energy you found dropping said platforms. i want my hobby back. Billy
Great video! You've given some great suggestions that I will follow-up on. Happy new year!
First up, a massive thanks for the feature in your video Adam, it really means a lot and Im truly humbled by your very kind inclusion. I figured you had stepped back a bit with the absence of your postings and can't dispute your decision. I find the enthusiasm to post on X to be at an all time low and can see me becoming totally detached from it as your spot on, being on there then diverts valuable time away from the creative end of photography. I still enjoy instagram as I find there is more engagement for me personally and still enjoy the conversations through the messaging side of the app.
Creating my website was the best decision I made as not only did it enable me to learn more about website creation but it also motivates me to keep sharing my work and also be creative in other areas such as blogging. I like the sound of the app you mentioned so will definitely have a look at it, as there is a clear need for something that unshackles us from all the constraints you discussed today. Glad to see you remaining on YT as it would be a loss if you decided to hang up your spurs here
Cheers Jim. It was a pleasure to share your website....and a very easy choice for me to do so.....your work is exceptional.
I've never used twitter or Instagram and have no intention to. Please stay on here though as I love your channel ❤
So very true and enlightening... the amount of unsolicited notifications and ads and suggestions , when all I want to do is view the work of the people I have chosen to follow... I only use fb and instagram along with threads but I really do need to STOP... thanks for the video Adam. Thought provoking indeed...
Lots of wonderful advice just at the right time in my life. Thank you!
You made some very good points Adam and given me some ideas of where to go. X is using far too much of my energy and find myself getting wrapped up in negativity. It does however keep me amused which is helped by my not too serious approach to things. 1st thing for me… give my website renewed energy! Cheers !
You truly inspire me. And you hit all the right spots in this video. Can’t thank you enough for being so genuine, keep it up, we all as a community have to thank you. Hands up!
Quick one: how do you feel about Vero?
I've dabbled. it's definitely better but it's still centralised and will likely follow the same path if they grow bigger.
Completely agree. There was a quiet voice in my head that struggled to articulate what you have set out in your video. My Insta photography account was, a constant source of stress, from being forced into a, square crop, to feeding views. Time to bin the lot. Thank you for posting and for so accurately describing what I intuitively knew, but couldn't put into words.
Glad it wasnt the last video ;) Im in the process of doing the same by taking a break from something that quite honestly just detracts not just from my photography but generally in life... I think mentally we're not 'programmed' to deal with that much continual information in our heads... See how that goes ;)
Totally agree.....especially if it's opinions.
Great video, it made so much sense, it was something that I needed to hear and act on. Good knowing that I am not the only one.
Time to get back to the website, and post my pictures how I like.
Glad it was helpful!
Just stumbled across your video and added it to my morning queue... I watch more TH-cam than TV, so I hope you don't give up on TY...
Leading into this video coming on the TV, I was rethinking how to use Social Media, or possibly exchanging contact info with a select group of people from FB and leaving social behind all together...
Thanks for this video! Cheers
Good on ya! TH-cam is as far as I go down the rabbit hole.
I absolutely loved this information. It was very informative. Will follow, thank you 🙂
Thank you for your excellent advice! I’m thinking of going off Instagram, everytime I post a photo I just get very few likes. It’s discouraging. Good luck in everything 😊
I apply the 'rule of one' to any situation like this.......if one person likes it, then others definitely will too......after that the numbers are just the numbers.....just keep creating your thing.
Awesome and inspiring thoughts. Precisely my thinking. I have not posted any of my photos on social media, and refuse to ever make use of Twitter or X due to their content. Glad I found your vlog and am subscribing now. Looking forward to hearing more of your thoughts about photography in general. Great job, great presentation.
Brilliant video. I appreciate your new approach to social media.
Thank you so much for this video! I’m about to start my online journey with photography, and I’ve really been struggling with whether to begin on Instagram or another social media platform. I was hesitant for the same reasons you mentioned in this video and a decrease in mood due to social media use wasn't helping too.. It’s so reassuring to know I’m not the only one who sees things this way. And reading the comments lifted my spirits even more! I also found confirmation that a website in that good old style, with a news feed reminiscent of the early 2000s (maybe not literally), is totally appropriate. One more time thanks!
So well put, I've considered leaving Instagram and Facebook for some time now, and I think you just helped me make that final step. Thank you.
I truly understand where you’re coming from, I too left social media except for TH-cam. I love watching and listening to great photographers like yourself.
Thanks so much. I appreciate that
I hear you loud and clear, and you are absolutely right that there has to be a better way forward for photographers. The social media companies make way more money from us than we will using their platforms. Even worse, we are effectively selling our souls. I will be checking out some of the alternatives you suggested. Thank you for stepping out of the box and saying what needs to be said!
Cheers, David.
I don’t normally comment on videos but in this case I totally agree with you and have done a similar thing by not posting or using social media to post my images which has benefited myself and allowed me to start to focus more on my TH-cam photography channel but you have also reminded me to update my own website.
Thanks for sharing this... It's always been my suspicion that we were being taken for a ride by these platforms..I too have stopped sharing my images on Social media..more power to all of us!
This is a great watch and I'm gonna stick around to see .ore of your work. The shots in this video are off the hook insane ❤
Thanks for this - Apart from Facebook, where I keep in touch with real friends, and watching TH-cam, I stay off social media, too much false garbage on there. I will give Nostar a viewing and currently putting together my website and will hopefully get it finished by next week. Thanks for your honesty and saying it as it is - All the best and thank you.
I really felt what you said, and I realise that I have ignored my website for Instagram. I have been using Facebook more recently with groups that are focussed around the hobby side of my photography, and I have found that much more enjoyable than instagram. Certainly some thinking and soul searching to do on where I want to focus my time. Some of that time will be spent watching more of your videos as you now have a new subscriber!
Fully agree Adam, time is precious, scrolling is addictive and prone to feeling ‘deflated’ afterwards. Very interested to see your frame building video 😊
Awesome man, I love your honesty and Integrity as much as your photography. Having values means somethings...Inspiring...
Yep. I have slowed down and mostly stopped using FB. Never used Twitter anyway and never put much much stead in Instagram. I was addicted to FB though and withdrawal has been a bit difficult, but regaining the lost time is worth the "pain".
Definitely sounds like the right move. I sacked off Facey B years ago.
I'm looking forward to the frames videos! I have always wanted to try custom framing.
This video is class mate. I’ve been close to quitting photography completely, feeling so frustrated and underwhelmed by what’s happening to the world of photography on social media. But then a few significant life happenings caused me to pick up the camera again and remember that it’s for myself and that’s all that matters 👍 i am leaning towards quitting IG and have never bothered with twitter or X! I do like TH-cam but even that can be a little over stimulating sometimes 🤣 anyway… great video mate and keep doing what your doing your photography is gorgeous 👏👏👏
I very much share your views about the way social media has developed over the years. Well said. When I last had a business as a bespoke furniture maker online, the website was King. Social media was in its infancy and pretty innocuous. I was in charge of my own online presence. Even then it was necessary to optimise one's website to get a good presence in the search results and didn't demand compromising one's own website content.
To put it simply…. 100% spot on!!
Hello Adam, well said and presented, I fully agree and appreciate your insights.
I needed to hear this, thank you, it's time to start printing 🙏
Completely agree with you Instagram for sure is the worst for sharing photos I now print my photos and keep them in a photo album book as I prefer to actually look at a physical copy than online.
You are such a wonderful man. Thank you very much for all the goodness you bring to us all. Much Loves ….
Stop it!! 😊
@@Firstmanphotography Hah - Nah, go on. Please, go on! LOL. Love you. You are truly the best!
I agree Adam. I got of Twitter back when it was still twitter... I too have a square space website and you've encouraged me to go give it a refresh and post more there. Thanks, and Cheers from Texas.
With all the positive things others have said (i am also quitting X now) i would like to point out how nice it is to mark the ad section of your video in the timeline, thus making it easier to skip.
Thank you for your honest thoughts! They resonate.
Thanks so much
Great video! Very thoughtful. Thanks for posting. Best wishes.
Well said & congratulations with your new avenues .
Very nearly scrolled past this, but very glad I didn't!! I totally get where you are coming from. I was posting to X and Instagram and it was slowly driving me mad! Twitter was bad enough but X is simply not worth my time! I'm still on Instagram but I haven't posted to it for ages. I feel you have valid points regarding our own sites, for me I have a website and a Picfair account both of which don't get the attention from me that they should! Serious food for thought in this video so thank you so much for posting it. Video liked and I'm now a subscriber. Keep up the good work.
Great video Adam. You have really got me thinking about how I use these platforms.
I hope you keep posting videos I love your videos and your photos are gorgeous. Keep it up!
I truly appreciate this particular video more than I can adequately express. It resonates on so many levels, capturing emotions and insights that feel deeply personal. The way it presents its message-through visuals, storytelling, and gorgeous photography-creates an immersive experience that draws you in and encourages reflection.
There’s something incredibly powerful about the themes explored in the video, whether they touch on love, growth, or the beauty of everyday moments. It reminds us of the importance of connection and the shared human experience. Watching it feels like a conversation with a friend, prompting us to think about our own lives and the world around us.
I find myself revisiting this video, discovering new nuances each time. It captures feelings that can be hard to articulate, and it’s comforting to know that others may feel the same way. This kind of content can truly inspire and uplift, making us feel more connected to others and reinforcing our own journey.
I'm grateful for the creativity and effort that went into producing such a meaningful piece. It’s a reminder of the impact that art and storytelling can have on our lives. Thank you!
You are totally right. I’m almost never sharing my pictures on socials, just because I’m bad at marketing 😂 on Instagram I started viewing different content to have my mind open for my own photography and don’t have those amazing pictures in my head. I also think social media is destroying our creative mind. It’s a world where everyone is going against each other and be the best. I just want to get to know people and make new connections.
So well said. The only reason I even had instagram was so my five boys could see what I was doing but I never really look at it. Might be time to ditch it.
Showing my kids my work, is one of my favourite things and they give me excellent feedback.
Thank you for showing the milehouse channel. I will subscribe, I love guitars
Good on you Adam. Re-inspired to just go out and make images. Thanks for you passion and dedication to the art form. D
I love this. You vocalise a lot of what the rest of us think about social media and generally just speak common sense. You also know how to use a camera!
I was recently thinking how much painful IG can be. This clip just reinforced my thinking. Keep up the good work !
Thanks for the advice. I have square space too and I like it. Some social media can be a time suck for sure and many times not with our best interest at hand. Great photos and great video!
Interesting video, thanks. I've gone the opposite way. Since Facebook invited me to monetise my photography page (currently 100.6k followers) in January, I've upped my daily image postings from 2-3 to around 12-15. I never posted videos, but I'm posting them too. I schedule my images in the morning to be spread over 6am to 9pm. I was more of a Twitter poster, but I now concentrate more on FB for obvious reasons.
Big true 👍,well done. We need to enjoy going outside and living us life.
Yes we do
Fantastic video! Thank you for your honesty on the topic.
Thanks so much.
Absolutely loved the video Adam. Couldn't have said it any better. You've hit the nail on the socail head.
Ha! Thanks.
As usual, you are spot on Target! Thanks for the inspiration!
Totally agree with all that you have said about social media... the one thing you left out for me that is spoiling my enjoyment of YT.... the ads - it has become insane so much so now that unless you pay for the premium account - I used to have one but cannnot no longer afford it - you get ads & more ads.... it interupted you at abt 4.40 mid word.. its ridiculous.
Oh ye.. hguitar building.. so satisfying to watch skilled workers. I watch a friend on you tube who does the same thing M I Tarr guitars... he not just a skilled craftsman but a very fgine photographer too - although he does not show his images on line you can tell by his video production he knows how to.
Very well said, Adam! Social media is a different beast to what it once was. It's all about data farming now and it's shocking how much personal information we're willing to feed it. I'd love to see a surge in local camera clubs where photographers can enjoy genuine interactions and engagement.
I've had very mixed experiences with camera clubs. A few really good ones, many out of touch.
Absolutely right, you've made me realize how much time I'm wasting on meaningless stuff.
Have subscribed.
Thank you.
My guy… this was the last straw for me to finally boot X and IG. Great video!
Glad to be of service
A very thought provoking video. Thankyou - much to think about.
Absolutely spot on!
I only post to Vero. It is a non-addictive platform with no algorithm full of passionate and talented photographers.
Yeah i've dabbled.
I tried Vero but found the interface clunky maybe I should give it another try
Excellent, again. Inspiring. I love the process of nature photography. Thank you.
Many thanks!
Totally agree. I recently went to a story telling at a Native American presentation here in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, and they asked everyone to not film or take pictures. The reasoning they gave is that the stories they were going to tell are THEIR stories to tell. You can’t repost them and make them your stories. If you want to hear their stories you have to come hear it from them. I found that really interesting and made me rethink posting my photos ( which I consider my stories) to social media, which I have quit doing. I have adopted their philosophy and now view my photos as my stories to tell. If someone wants to see my photos (hear my stories) they have to come to me. I’m not giving my stories to Instagram or other social media ever again. My photos (stories) may only be seen by friends and family now but I feel better about it that way.
The socials just leave me cold these days. I deleted my Twitter account when it was rebranded and I spend almost no time on Facebook.
Printing and updating my website are on my procrastination list and need to move up to the get it done list.
And my TH-cam channel needs more attention than pre-work editing.
Thank you for the reminders!
I totally agree with you, and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one. I've only kept FB because I have close contacts, twitter is not made for photographers, in my opinion
Social medias has made people lazy to go on websites or forums.
Like you, I find much more satisfaction with my youtube channel. the audience isn't the same at all.
Always a pleasure to follow you, thank you Adam 🙂
Good for you, Adam!! Social media is downright awful!! Feel better, don't you! CHEERS PAL!
Well done that man, I have staunchly refused to get dragged into Instagram and Twitter having seen its effect on my friends and family. Still use two points of social media TH-cam and Facebook, but they are manageable like that. Good reflective piece.
Hi Adam, 100% agree and good for you. I enjoy your videos as it helps me in my own photography and I have learnt a lot from you. Even if your videos were not on TH-cam I would still watch them at your website.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.
Thanks Daniel. I'm incredibly proud of my website and it's a big part of not relying on one platform alone, including TH-cam.
I like what you’re saying. So much, I’m on the Nostr path. But I’m puzzled on finding like-minded people and you.
Definitely hit the nail on the head Adam, it’s all about making rich people richer.
Instagram is full of so much advertising, 99.9% of no interest to me.
Glad you are still appearing on TH-cam. Much appreciated.
Something to think about, and also a spark to set up a website, although I'm not a professional photographer.
Very well said. Social media is good for a few things, but I think it's also responsible for a degradation of discernment for art, plus eating up far too much of our time. I do still enjoy TH-cam though, but I'll be following your lead with other common platforms. I do find Vero pretty good for photography though. It attracts a very different crowd, and it's got me connected with some interesting DPs and Art directors via stuff I've posted on it.
I agree. Websites are my favorite way to view others work. I especially like seeing all the different designs and layouts. As far as connecting we really need a new way. Something like a group chat but with more organizing and unique interaction abilities.
Awesome really needed to hear this. Social media is really addictive and I've tried to kick the habit but its really hard
I massively reduced my time on them just by moving the apps on my home screen to a less prominent position.
I am waiting to watch the frame making video. I too love more things than just photography and woodworking is just one.
Coming soon!
Such a great video.
I actually stopped posting on instagram a few years ago.
I'm still learning and trying to figure out the logistics of selling physical prints through the internet.
I still have no idea on how to reach people and then how to get them a print if they are far in different countries.
Thank you for this timely video! I also got off all social media except for TH-cam about a month ago, and I haven't looked back. I was worried about losing access to Direct Messaging, but I found that people have just started texting or e-mailing me instead and FOMO hasn't been a problem at all. Also, I'm a film photographer, so I produce maybe 10-20 really good images in a year; that's not nearly prolific enough to make Instagram useful, but it's just perfect for TH-cam! I really also connected with what you said about feeling better; Instagram and TikTok seem to thrive on strong divisive opinions, and getting rid of that energy has allowed me to be more positive and creative. I said I'd be off until the end of the year, but I now think it will be a permanent change. I also updated my website the week after I quit!
Wow…. Well said… Beautiful!❤
Very interesting. Thanks 👍🙂
Excellent video Adam👏
Thanks mate