French photographer Jean-Loup Sieffe has been quoted as saying, "I take pictures for me. If other people like them, then that is too bad." This is how I approach my photography. I create the images that I like and that sum up my own experience. They are personal to me, and regardless of how many Likes or Loves etc I get, if an image puts me back in that moment with all its sights and sounds then it has worked. Simples.
I feel your pain Gary. Saw a talk on YT the other day that made it all make sense. Social platforms sell your attention. They sell your attention so you can be served ads so they make it addictive to keep you engaged. Click bait is a big part of that and that in itself is addictive and drives creators to make it. I made the decision to pull back from all of it and life is so much more peaceful. True the connections with other people and their work have gone but the rewards regarding mental health are worth it to me. Social media is so insidious, it’s just really harmful in so many ways. These days I look at social once or twice a week from a computer but the apps are no longer on my phone.
I think at some point, if you are really serious about photography, you have to build in purpose. Just going out and taking photos will begin feel inconsequential because at a certain point the only way to assess your skills snd push your boundaries is to commit to something that allows you to be deliberate about its outcome. Being connected to a piece of work in that way also does wonders for eliminating outside noise.
Well said. I n this regard, Nick Carve is an excellent channel. He studies a location, then waits for the perfect conditions to align before he takes his photograph.
Spot On. First time here. Headline caught me. Wonder what we did before the digital age. Yes, I ´m old, 1946. Photography has been my bread and butter. To day my pictures is me looking at the world, free from the pressure making a living- what a joy. I have thousands of pictures no one has seen and when I`m gone they are gone. But I have had a great time exploring. 😊
As a fellow photographer I can say I understand. But the truth is nobody has social media bombarding them, everyone chases it. What I am hearing is everything but the elephant in the room, I know because I have been there myself. The photographer that inspired me the most in the beginning to this day, Jay Maisel helped me to understand that getting the shot that inspires me or keeps me going is the only thing that matters. Has what inspires me changed over time? Maybe. He also said I can find it anywhere, "stop looking and start seeing". I had to "change my focus". It took some time but when I concentrated on the only thing that makes a difference, my photography, that was the core of my problem. I have to hand it to you for having the guts to lay it all out there and I see it and feel it as a plea for help from the rest of us photographers that don't have the guts to say it, yeah me too! I hope this helps, thank you for your video.
Hi Gaz, it's a new genre called Blandscape Photography, anyone can do it, just walk around pointing your camera at things spouting with enthusiasm that it is a great shot. Then, because so many of the viewers do not have a mind of their own they will agree with it. If anyone should make a critical comment it will be deleted, so it appears that this particular photographer is the business and therefore more people follow and think that this is the way forward, while lapping up all the shilling for two bob photography. Most yt videos are about the need to make a video and sell stuff that nobody wants, the bit that suffers is the images. Have felt like this for a while, but . . . . just last week found out that you can balance the camera on your knee to take a shot and if you haven't guessed it already . . . . . the corner has been turned (no pun intended). Keep smiling, best wishes.
Eggleston made a fortune shooting the dull, banal, as was some of Winogrand’s work. Sometimes, your creative eye may not be appreciated until you have left this good earth…Vivian Meier comes to mind. Yes, in many cases, your work might never be appreciated by the world at large….welcome to the creative arts.
Gary you say you don't like your photos and I think I know what your problem is. Here is the solution, it's going to cost you money but you need to go to Specsavers cos your photos are excellent, whether it be landscape, woodland, street etc. I follow a lot of photographers and I always look forward to your videos. Keep them coming.👍
His photos are very good. But we are bombarded with the same photos. Can you imagine photography in another 50 years, it will be like the music today. This may sound negative, and it’s definitely not meant to sound that way. And I can relate very well with this video, I have felt the same way many times. But I still love to do it.
TLDR - unless all these TH-cam photographers agree 100% all the time, what they are offering is an opinion based on what works for them - doesn’t mean it is right or will work for you. Great video and you raise some interesting points; firstly, social media is proven to be bad for your mental health. There’s a lot of reasons for this, but the main issue is the one you raise - it puts pressure on you to conform to unrealistic standards and this makes you, consciously or unconsciously, feel inadequate, insecure and anxious. I was taken in for a while by the “you must do this for better photographs” or “learn this hack” or “beginners fall into this trap” and so on. The problem is - there are as many opinions on how to take great photos as there are photographers AND THEY DO NOT ALL AGREE. So when I see the “do it this way” commentary I interpret this as “this works for me.” It’s a natural instinct for people to assume that if it works for me it works for everyone, whereas what they are saying is “my photos are great so if you want photos that look like mine and are therefore great, do this …” It would be great if all the photographers out there would say “this helped me with MY photography” and not go on to say “this is therefore the right and only way to do it,” but that’s how people think. So I now only watch the videos of photographers whose work I enjoy and whose photography style aligns with my own, because then what works for them will likely work for me. Or I watch videos of folk who work in formats that I don’t (or very rarely) use, like large format, pinhole and the like, where I can learn about different ways to look at the world and compose photographs. These TH-camrs are just expressing opinions, and opinions are like noses, everyone has one and they are all different; none of them is “perfect” other than potentially for the face it is on and that doesn’t mean it would be perfect on my face, so don’t tell me my nose is “wrong” and make me feel bad about it! A bit of a laboured metaphor, but the point is, look for the diamonds, the one piece of information in a video that might help your photography and fits with your style; if it’s wrong for you, then it’s wrong, full stop. If it doesn’t help your photography or you don’t like the results, it’s wrong, full stop. If you are not a commercial photographer the only person who needs to be happy with your work is you. As you gain experience your own view of your work will change and mature and as you learn the compositional frameworks that make a photograph “pleasing” your photography will be more pleasing to you and will appeal to more people … but if you approach it from the other end and try to “follow all the rules” in order to please all the people all the time, you will rapidly lose inspiration, confidence and joy in your photography because the “rules” will be a straitjacket rather than helpful foundational tools to use or affirmatively ignore, depending on the situation.
The joy is in the going out, meeting people, exploring interesting places etc. Having great photos is a nice-to-have, but not essential. Experiences are priority for me. No one really cares about our photos anyway. As for the big youtube photographers with the hyperbole and hacks, they're very mediocre photographers, and not worth watching. They're just people desperate to make a few quid from their channel. You don't need social media, and you don't need to be a sheep and fit in. I rarely look at photos on social media these days, to be honest, other than instagram once or twice a week for a few minutes. Taking your own photos in a vacuum is a good idea, IMHO. Always appreciate your honesty in these chat videos, not many people have the guts to share what they really think, so kudos to you mate. 👍
i get it. i have unfollowed so many photography channels i used to really enjoy because they started telling me i'm doing photography wrong and i need to do these 5 things etc. photography is the journey, the output is the bonus.
I agree with most of what you say here, Gary. Personally, however, I don't look at other photographers images as I couldn't be less interested in seeing them. I am also entirely indifferent to other folk's opinion of my images and have been for years. TH-cam is groaning under the strain of photographic fannies that have absolutely nothing to say of any value. That's pretty much why I drifted away from the scene. It is completely vacuous!
Oh man, where to start? Can 100% relate to this 😢 Not being a professional there isn't a livelihood on the line but it does mean my photography has always been for me, which is how it should be. Trouble is, you (well, I) end up in a spiral of it only being for personal enjoyment but I can't be very good if no one is interacting with or liking what I'm producing, so what's the point? Why do it and spend the time and energy if what I'm producing isn't any good? Doesn't change the images at the end of the day but it does change the mental struggle, which then makes the pursuit detrimental to my mental health and overall mood, which then makes it NOT enjoyable. I just end up with an empty "Why bother?" feeling. When it all distills down the desire to produce images that ARE good eats away at the enjoyment of just being out there taking photos and my well being as a whole. No one enjoys cooking if even the dog won't eat it...
I feel you Matey, and also think this time of year and our current weather can get us down. To me, it shows how you're improving your skills, outlook and being self-critical, but don't take it too far mate. Protect your mental health! We all know social media can be a cesspit and difficult to wade through. I enjoy your street work, it's a moment in time that it's unlikely to replicated, unlike landscapes that don't go anywhere. There will always be flutes out there trying to be the next thing, it's obvious you're caring and not, that's why it irritates. Take care and Keep your pecker up mate
It’s a fair shout. SM is over saturated, especially Facebook and Insta. We want recognition and that’s natural. I’ve found that a different approach to the whole photography progress has maintained my motivation. Get yourself a website, get something produced like a zine or sell prints
I completely agree, it’s really easy to think that if you do what other photographers say, you’ll make great images, maybe you will if you like what they do but as an artist it’s up to you to find your own voice, listen to it. Social media’s more about marketing than image quality, the amounts of likes or followers people get is very often nothing to do with image quality but more about their profile.
Gary, you’re making me feel good that I don’t really do much social media. I recently retired so social media is just a “if I feel like it” activity. There is still some good in social media but it is drastically outweighed by the bad, at least in my opinion.
Hi Gary, We all get to this point. I did. A year later the joy and serenity of photography has taken me in all types of new directions. For what it is worth, nothing to see move along. Good luck.
Another great video Gary. I’ve never done Twitter, Instagram or Flickr. Only ever done Facebook - which is just as bad as all the others but at least it prevents overload. I generally look at it a couple of times a month for 5 mins before I’m bored. TH-cam is more interesting but I refuse to watch anything which is click bait, or from people who clearly haven’t got a clue what they’re talking about. It’s all just digital noise, but there is some gold dust in there if you know where to find it. The analogue photographers seem to be far less click baity and most of them actually have something valid to say (without all repeating the same message). This is one of the reasons I’ve given up with digital, as there’s way too much noise. Keep up your videos - always love an honest opinion. (Marcus)
I'm not a TH-camr, I don't have the time and talent for this. My interest in photography cooled down 4-5 years ago. I've tried from time to time to get started. I thought I rehearsed my pictures and compositions. Still, I've had inspiration through friends, I'm elected to the photo association PhotoNatura in southern Sweden. To the point I am also not a traveling photographer with these motifs (everyone shoots) but dig more at home. Around Christmas time last year, the interest woke up again after being out. I have never been a pure landscape photographer, but photographed some animals and birds, even a large part have been more painterly images. But now I think it's great fun with more classic landscapes. A tip is to take a break, or photograph other types of pictures, dare to go out of your way and make pictures that you never usually do. Hope you find your way back. I've even fallen into the trap now and will buy new equipment (mirrorless) Best regards from Sweden
I agree with so much of this Gary. The bit about not fitting in to the latest trend for images... I like to call that emperors new clothes. Its a brave man who posts something different or calls out the latest trend as being a bit crap 🙂 I tend to find I go through peaks and troughs when it comes to liking my own Images and couple that up with some serious imposter syndrome as a photographer and vlogger it means sometimes its a wonder I even pick the camera up!! Anyway, really enjoyed this and actually loved the images in your last video. Keep up the good work. P.S. Didn't know you were on Flickr... That's another follower you've gained.
I went off instagram for over a year now, and it’s been good for my photography. All of the reasons you listed led me to do this. I needed to get away from chasing likes and questioning what I was doing. I don’t think this is a forever decision for me, but I do know that chasing social media can become toxic
Gary This is the first time i have commented on your video. What you have said is definitely a feeling i think lots of photographers get. I am New to videos and 5 years into my photography journey. How i have kept things fresh is doing lots of different types of photography from Landscape to Macro and all in between. I hope you soon get your mojo back mate some fantastic images in your videos. keep smiling
There is a lot of truth to what you say. Frankly, the only social media I have is Flickr and I have a small following which is cool. I look at their work and if I like it I comment, rarely fav something. I enjoy the process of taking an image and post processing along with it. I appreciate it when people comment or like my shots but that's a complement and I like it. I don't expect to get 2500 hits and likes, doesn't bother me that I don't. It amazes me that some of the 'crap' I see gets these hundred of hits - all due to Instagram, Facebook etc, etc. Do some of these people actually look at the image, the composition, light, detail etc? TH-cam has loads of 'professionals' telling you that this camera or this filter and such is best and how to do this and that to get perfection.. I have come to ignore all of that. I have one camera, a few lenses and love taking pictures. If people like my stuff great, it not c'est la guerre.
I enjoy Flickr because it allows me to share what I see and to see other photographer's images. I follow streams that have variety not just one genre. Flickr is the only social media I use.
Please do a Norman's wisdom once a week - its worth it. Yes, totlally get where you are coming from and I haven't got the answer but I am sure someone in the comments will say something worthwhile.
I’ve come off all my social media just recently. Not good for my mental health. Now my photography is a different matter. Flickr is my only outlet now, and I love it.
STOP! It’s not social media it is you. You can’t control SM, algorithms, you tubers or other photographers. You can only control yourself and your reaction to things. You use the word ‘hate’ with such aggression for people you don’t even know. My only advise Is you can solve your issues because they are in you, no-one else, to solve it you need to change something and you probably already know what that is, don’t expect recovery overnight look for the small gains and take pleasure in them. Take care, Toby
The whole reason I go out and take photos is first of all for my own mental health. It distracts me from lifes issues. I can understand your points about not being happy with your most recent work. We all can't be jetting off the the most scenic places on the planet to take those iconic images. There are plenty of opportunities all within a day or two car journey to satisfy my needs. As for getting likes really doesnt interest me. The fact I'm able to share my images to a wider audience is really amazing. The stuff i share is only a drop in the ocean regarding the billions of images out there. Id like to think my images are unique in a sense (never said good)
I think the reality is so many photos, and so little time to look at them. You have to get through the lows and be strong. It will make you a better photographer, and definitely a better person. Get out there and appreciate what’s around you. I find what helps me is stop thinking and be more reactive. I photograph things that I would not have given a second glance at in the past. This was a very useful video, for a lot of photographers. Keep smiling, get out and enjoy . X has been dumped by me, and I feel better. Everyone with any sanity should leave it.
I am sure it can be hard when you are exposed on TH-cam and social media. I have it easy. I enjoy being out and about locally, taking the best photos I am able to. I really like some of my work. I haven't posted on social media for years. I recently entered the Natural Landscape photography contest and wasn't eliminated in the first round, so I guess others think my work is at least ok. I watch TH-cam for fun and certainly learn a few tricks. I enjoy the whole package, but i expect i might start to hate it if i was more exposed to the pressure of likes and comments on social media. Your work is really good. And you are the best judge of that.
Ask your girlfriend, wife,kids, friend if your not too busy on social media to have a real friend if they like your photo as much as you do. Then thank God that you woke up today and are physically able to see the interesting things that you want to photograph and share with the people i mentioned earlier.
As Benn Jordan has put it lately: in the end it's all about enjoying your life as long as you are still here. Everything else doesn't matter. And when it comes down to creative endeavours, for me it's all about finding and expressing my own inner voice. It doesn't make sense to become a copycat of someone else or hunt after the latest trends. This will only silences the "voice" and leads to dissatisfaction, because there is always someone out there who makes "better" photos, "better" music, "better" whatsoever (read: has more time, resources and experience at his hand). So whatever I doing, I'll be quite careful not being constantly bombarded with the work of others. But, yes, that's a balancing act in our modern world ... :)
If you're enjoying going out, then you're not failing. If you're happy then stop worrying about social media. I know easier said than done but learn to get over it. Plus, do you think Ansel Adams took a killer image every time out?
Interesting views, must say I've been feeling exactly the same the past few months, one of the reasons I don't think I've really put any videos out either. I think one solution rather than cutting social media entirely is limiting your social media. Cutting down on the platforms you use, also IG has the option to filter favourites and on Facebook you could limit the groups you follow to maybe one or two.
I like what Art Wolfe once said in a Nick Page podcast, encouraging photographers to take their work into "assisted car living centres" as he called them, where they`re "crying out" for distraction from the sense of end-of-life hopelessness. No over-exposure there for sure. It would mean acquiring a beamer, speakers etc
It is difficult to plough a lone furrow now, or diverge from the social media masses & trends, especially if it affects you. You know from our discussions that finding things that inspire your photography is difficult to do at the moment for some reason and how we insulate ourselves from disliking parts of the process is something I suspect we all need to do at some point. Plus, I'm really glad to see all the empathy in the comment, oh apart from those ones.....
It’s very easy to fall into the trap of using social media to validate the quality of your work. Sadly in my experience most social media seems to run on a likes for likes basis with very little actual valuable engagement. I personally like to share my images and view other peoples work but I’m still very new to photography. I never get too high or low though and just focus on taking images that please me. If others enjoy them it’s just a nice bonus. I also think it’s important not to get too frustrated by what you perceive as lower quality work and other creatives on here going down the route of ‘10 tips’ videos etc. There is clearly an audience for it and if it’s not for you then just move on and don’t stress about it. They’re not for me either but I don’t watch them and very rarely see them recommended to me these days as a result. Enjoyed your video and more people should be open and honest like you. Hope you get your motivation and enthusiasm back soon 👍
Hi Gary, good on you. In my own experience, the things you describe, are I believe, when I grow the most as a person and a photographer. For me, frustration stems from expectations. I control almost nothing in life, not even myself sometimes. There's something to be said for staying focused (sorry) on your own interests. Sharing takes courage. Focus (again) on what for you is the positive; the rest is just crap. It's just an empty boat. I know you can do it, as do you. Cheers.
What killed my photography was Digital. I used to shoot weddings and portraits back in the 1980s, using film and a Hasselblad 500CM medium format camera. As soon as digital cameras began having better resolution, everyone and his dog became a photographer. I refused to go digital, but I have now, but no longer work professsionally.
I know what you mean I have totally lost the urge to take any images and even make the effort to get out, I find myself flicking through and not looking at images as they all blur passed into the same style and morph into a general standard image in my mind. Too many same place, same style shots around that I keep seeing and I have stopped looking at them. I have been looking at artists of old and examining the style and shape of the light they created with the brush, in the hope i can transfer what they created to my images in some way. Looking at great images has to be of more benefit to me than the deluge of medico stuff we are bombarded with.
It's all down to expectations, and social media distorts those expectations beyond all beliefs. When I started doing photography, pretty much no one would see your photos unless they were in a gallery, and even then you wouldn't get the viewership as you get on the socials. Of course you have to ask yourself who are you really trying to please, and I know validation feels good but it's a short lived buzz, but you know this, and you know it's your thoughts on this that have to change. For me, my buzz comes from taking a good printable photo, and my goal is always to create a better picture next time. All the likes and all views are a bonus however high or low they are, but they are meaningless in the end , so with all that in mind it's an expectations thing and that's what needs to change. As for not liking your own photos, I'm there with you, I do it all the time, and I've pretty much given up taking a camera out with me. How do we change this? Who knows?
Same here: still enjoying the process of taking pictures, but struggling with the sharing/consuming bit. So I have decided to limit myself to two platforms (Glass and VSCO, both have no following or liking metrics). Only checking in once every two weeks or so. Embracing the Joy of Missing Out.
I think you make some valid points . Like you I do photography and make videos for me , if others like what I do so much the better. I am not trying to teach mearly document my trips. I know I have much to learn so I try not to compare myself to others , I say try as it's not easy for all the reasons you mentioned. The fact you talk about this shows you are fully aware of the pressures around, how you deal with that I think is an individuals solution , but I take your point !
I've only recently started a channel simply as a free platform for friends and family to easily view my (video) work because the files are too big to use Watsapp or to E mail them. I am just a hobbyist under no illusion whatsoever that any of my work is good as I am a complete beginner using cheap old gear. When I make something I make it primarily for me but even if I think it will benefit others, I am very careful not to pretend that this is anything other than a hobby for me. With the allure of building a passive income, its inevitable that the platform will eventually become swamped with people who hate their 9-5 and don't want to spend their retirement working part time in a supermarket and so will churn out anything they can to build their following. This is inevitable and there is nothing we can do about it other than take it or leave it.
If photography is a main source of income - that´s another story, but I try to not think about the algorithm and all that. I go out to enjoy myself, recharge my batteries. And I document that through my TH-cam videos. Those who see them seem to enjoy them and that´s what matters to me. I make videos of a type that I enjoy watching myself. So do photography FOR YOU.
If you like it (photo/photoghraphy ) why give a shit to what others think. Its obvious you do like ( likes) but why worry about it. I like most of your pictures and the street series.Keep plodding on and dont give up , At my age I dont give a shit, i like going out and taking MY photos. have a good week.catch you on the next Pub Cast. we love you realy LOL😂
We're social animals pre programmed to care what other people think and to form opinions of others. We are hardwired to do this. That's why social media can be so harmful.
First time I think I’ve spotted your channel and feel I should add something positive because this type of conversation tends to lead to navel gazing and gloom. So for anyone who’s getting that Me Too! feeling… Happy content creators don’t waste time looking at social media to see what everyone else is doing. They dump and run, drop an image with a comment designed to promote audience engagement and occasionally they’ll check in to reply to a couple of posts to help foster that engagement. And then they get on with regular life and planning their next shoot/video. Find a couple of photographers whose work you admire and would either like to emulate or use to inspire your work and only follow them. Concentrate on your own journey and forget the comparisons, looking at images by the greats who have mastered their craft leads to dismay and looking at lesser work can lead to stagnation in our own growth. As for not really loving your own photography, this is only normal, we learn and grow and our tastes change. As a result our artistic expression changes and the groove we found ourself so comfortable in suddenly isn’t satisfyingly us any more. This is our mind yearning to grow and continue the journey. Just remember the person you were when you began this journey probably longed to be as great as you are now and, if you keep at it, you tomorrow will be better than you are today. Lots of love people. Going to drop you a sub now 😊
I'm in that kind of rut myself, the realisation is we need social media for support but then also get annoyed when we don't. I don't have the motivation at the moment to go out with the camera, and when I do I tend to enjoy the time out, get back put the raw files on pc, n don't even look at them as I'm fed up with the socials. Social media these days seems to be a tool for aggression, as all you tend to see are shouting, people fighting, breaking stuff, stealing stuff, the world is turning angry getting worse by the day. So I cannot advise other than who are we taking the photos for? For yourself they it shouldn't matter what happens & you don't even need social media, or do you want attention & recognition from others. Adam (First Man) also put a video up re social media & how it's ruining the hobby
I go through this all the time and it seems to just be part of life and not exclusive to photographers or content creators. Part of it is that this is a transition period when you're getting less sunlight and most of the time the world is grey, damp and chilly. I'm sure it'll pass.
I made the decision, a month or so ago, that I'd become almost social media free. Deleted my X account, deleted all my "friends" on Facebook (apart from one), deleted any followers on Flickr etc. I really don't want to know about someone having a meal in a posh restaurant with the usual flurry of naff images. After 10 years of snapping runners in all weathers, LIKE became a hated button. Freezing cold, wet through .... "is LIKE the best you can do? Can't you be arsed to say thanks? So where is my photography going? Nowhere probably. Loving holidays where I take the "memory photos". Snaps of the cafe we went in, the stile with half the rungs missing, the sheepdog with his nose poking out of a barn door, plus the usual landscape stuff. My photos are mine and I enjoy what I do. I take great images and a load of crap ones that don't quite work out as I want them to. My go to vloggers are few and far between. Apart from yourself, I watch Black Crag, James Burns, Jamie Windsor and James Popsys. Can't stand the, "Are your images pin sharp." No, because I don't like pin sharp images. "Seven things the pro photographers keep to themselves!" Not bothered. "Did you know your camera can do this?" If it could make me a cuppa, I'd buy one." In a few weeks time, I'm going to snap runners at a local race, first time for months and months. I'll edit them and probably take days to do it. My photos, my time scale. Sod social media. It can take a back seat.
That was from the heart Gary, proves you don't need script, just saying it as it is .. and that's refreshing.... it's easy for me to say "don't get down mate", but I hear and feel your troubles ...... if I had any worthy advice it would be .... get yourself among friends and have a roaring good get together ... and I'm sure you Will come out the other end Gary I'm sure of it.
That's partly why I don't do X, Insta, Fakebook, etc. Got no time for any of it personally. On youtube I follow a small number of channels and that's it. Maybe take a break from your social media and just take pictures because you enjoy the process, or be radical and buy a film camera and shoot film for a change. Wish you well.
Apart from watching a few bits on TH-cam, I like to use it for some visual learning away from photography, I deleted all other kinds of social media years ago and have zero regrets. I don’t post images anywhere, probably a shame, but I cannot be arsed in all the negative comments like you have mentioned. Art is subjective anyway so why lose sleep because some keyboard warrior dissed your images, or chasing likes for a pic. Posting images is the same as everything else on there people get hooked on the likes, like a drug, it feeds more pressure to post something good again. You do decent content Gaz, create some fantastic images, but the world’s saturated in every aspect nowadays.
No need to feel guilty about other YT channels that use clickbait thumbnails and hacks and the like. I think most genuine photographers feel exactly the same! However, if (as they do) you want to chase subscribers, it seems to be the way to go sadly. For what it's worth I would say enjoy what you do and ignore the annoying stuff, don't worry about 'likes' or hits and just be yourself.
The numbers game is exactly why I stopped using Flickr; views, faves, comments, followers - all lose their value over time as the numbers start to become more important than the image itself. Those numbers can become the prime motivator. It's a ticky balance - whilst you want your images to be seen and appreciated, it's too easy to become reliant on that external validation and to start judging your images based on that (ultimately meaningless) metric. I'm not sure what the answer is; I suppose that ultimately you need to get to a point where you're satisfied with your own images regardless. Try to get back to having fun with photography and not taking it too seriously. Easier said than done.
Hey Gary, Great video, you’re in a slump man and you are right about the abundance of imagery on Social media bombarding your brain and dulling your appreciation of good photos. Sounds like you are really on to many platforms and need to cut back (easier said than done). Not sure this is any help to you, but I only ever upload an image to Insta & Facebook groups when I am trying to promote a new video (insta went to crap a long time ago), X is toxic....leave it! I personally never bothered with Flicker (because its just another social website I have to update). Post your images to your website, TH-cam is really enough focus on that, god knows it takes so much time, don’t know how you have time for all the rest. I'm sure you do this, but if not, take some time out to print your images (even the ones your not sure about), I always find this helps me when I am in the photographic slumps!
Here are the problems with social media - it is starved for interaction and it has no context. Imagine carrying one of your images down to the pub, posting it up on the wall, and hiding in the corner to watch who stops to look at it and if they linger, guess why they might have liked it. It is not a transactional interaction and provides little value to both the viewer and the creator. I've been trying to encourage folks to use social media for what it is, a town square or high street where everyone can gather and shout at the top of their lungs about their product. People see social media as the end to the means and it really should be the means to the end. I've pulled way back on posting images to social media and am starting to use it to drive traffic to my website or SM pages or groups where I can control the experience.
We only have so much head space for images: Instagram or X can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. I find photography books and in-person exhibitions far more satisfying to my "photo soul". I'd also say keep your very best work for your portfolio or book: almost by definition, it will not be appealing on socials. The nuances of colour or composition that make a photo worth spending half an hour looking at, won't give anyone a 5 second dopamine hit.
I get what you're saying and look at the comments and predictably it's full of "Take photos for yourself" blah blah,,,, If only it was that simple, I started taking photos 10 years ago after viewing photography for years. When starting then the whole point was taking and sharing, now everyone is jaded and scrolls on as you say. You also used to get a comment but now it just feels a Like is even a struggle for people. Coming from that background I really think why even continue with photography?! Without any sharing or feedback/validation/recognition what is the point? We are just creating Digital dust, and before anyone mentions Printing, I've been through that and have boxes of unseen prints collecting real dust. There's no difference Other than selling the camera gear and taking up origami I'm not sure there's a solution.
I completely follow you. It is human to look at the work of other humans, what and how they do and create. Photography is foremost a personal activity. Photography is always a vertial representation of a personal perception of reality. My advise is to keep your photography "personal". If images of others do disturb you switch off. The people who realy like your photography you will know eventually. With your photography you present yourself not others. I'am thinking about leaving social media completely and only publish my photographs on my website., my personal space. And please have fun in creating your images. That is the only thing that counts and will make your work special.
Social media, and mainstream media homogenises everything. That's why music all sounds the same today, and a lot of new movies are not really worth watching, and is the reason why images on instagram, and reels, look similar to the next. The algorithm is like a digital groomer, that grooms it's victims into carbon copies who themselves want to be "liked" by other victims of the same grooming process. If you share your images on social media, maybe the thing to do is try to get as low a number of likes as possible!… I know this may sound weird, but it is something I tend to do. 20 or thirty likes is a win in my mind, because it possibly means that the hive-minds, that the algorithm has produced, are rejecting your efforts because they are too individualistic, and different, which to me is a good thing. The only thing I try to concern myself with is if I myself like the images that I have uploaded. If I don't like my own work, then that means the problem is more than likely a growth thing, rather than my work being no good. This happens from time-to-time, and I have my own way of working through that. I may have to work harder to pushing past the plateau that I've reached, or I might just switch lenses, or even sub-genres for a few months. You have been doing what you have been doing for a good while, so it's not that your work is no good… Keep on keeping on.
I think you are very nice person and have healthy way of thinking, you are right social media doing what you say, I see that to but my way of thinking is different, I try don't forget that I can go and take the photos but some people cannot, I m lucky to be able to go to mountains, to the woods with or without camera, I m trying to not be addicted to taking photos but I m addicted to looking for them looking for beauty. I don't know about you but I apparently have some talent with painting and this helps me with photography, and what I discovered when I m sticking to one subject like woodland for example than I feel is drowning me in a way so I mix my photography this is very complex and I understand your struggling. O and by the way I m that guy who took those photos from Ogwen Valley you mentioned. If you want a chat feel free I would love to. 👍
Part of my trouble is that I don't understand social media, I have an Instagram account and a YT one, only views are almost non existent. I have been using Canon professionally for 50 years, but you are bombarded with people saying you need the Sony A1ii and a 600mm f4 lens, it is only £20,000. I retired last year, I was sick of people posting hi-res images free. YT had a six hour motorsport video, maybe 5 camera positions, FREE! I hang of a mountain to get a cracking image of a vulture, no likes, yet someone posting an image of a half eaten sandwich has half a million. Off piste I have written 45 novels, some have been on Amazon since 2016, nobody finds them either. I am clearly too old to overcome the problem, or at least find the solution.
I’ve been proven wrong time again regarding the statement similar to “My town is boring. I can’t take any good pictures here.” There are countless good/great pictures to be had. You just need to change your perspective. Every picture can’t have a magnificent tree, waterfall, pasture, etc. If you pressed the shutter button there is something about the environment that caught your eye. Find out why the photo didn’t capture the feeling you had when you took it. Photography is a lifelong process of small, incremental steps.
Whenever someone has the words 'PRO', 'HACK' or 'SECRET', ''MUST' in the title of their video I skip it.. Some of my favourite shots have come at random times, and at times I didn't even know I had taken them until I was back at my computer. I often come back from trips out with nothing and that's ok to a point but it has taught me 'you wont get a good photo if you dont get out'. Always a challenge :) John Pouw NZ
That is not the SM fault, it is yours because you are on it. Get off it and you will be much happier. Anyway a quote for you. "Nobody cares about your photography, only you". By the way, have you seen any Nat-Geo world-famous (not YT) photographer do YT videos? No, maybe YT photographers making videos about them. Don't worry, some of the YT guys with over 500K subs make worse images than you, they have to take pictures because of the sponsors.
Not sure if its about the photography at all . We are all addicted or affected by social media and often in a bad way. In addition, and much more serious, the politics and sociaties, also going in the same direction, it seems, like in US. Everything is B/w now, so polarized. This affects everything I think, also feelings about photography. It seems so unsignificant when the world and sociaties seem to be in a huge struggle at the same time
Spending less time on social media and more time taking photo's is the best way to enjoy your photography, it's a flooded market in any genre competing against fake AI pictures
If you are allowing social media to kill your photography then you know (or should know) what the answer is. You dont need me or anyone else to tell you. I didn't watch the whole video but on a few points.. You most definitely can get great images locally you just have to shift the mindset. If you are improving as a photographer then your images will also be improving, often ones expectations get ahead of the skills but the skills will catch up if you allow them to.
what yer need Gaz is an E bike, a dog , a token female to laugh at everything and 77 must do tips to improve your photography 😂🤣😂. On a serious note fella, reduce the amount of people you follow, set yerself a project for you. although I've always thought that you and Darren Knight should do a wildlife vlog. Just a thought mate keep shooting.
Blimey. For once I'm actually at a loss for what to say. I reckon a lot of your thoughts and comments are going to resonate with many people who are watching the video. Of course, even though I'll still say it, you are more than aware that a lot of the "this is why your photography is shit" videos are just chasing the algorithm, and the watches/likes (there's that like word again). Let's face it, a lot of those creators are stuck in the 'panic' of needing to churn out videos at least once, possibly twice a week because they are so afraid of losing their engagement. Like quite a few others, I've now binned my X account because the platform has become so toxic. This whole thing is a topic that could be chatted about for hours on end, and we'd still be no nearer to an answer or a resolution. It's such a shame that you feel in a rut about your photography. Perhaps I view your images from a slightly different perspective, in that I'll look at them and often think "why the heck don't I notice compositions & images like that?!!" Jamie hit the nail on the head the other day - you've got a great eye for a composition. I've (kind of) finally gotten into the head space that I'm only an amateur photographer. I'm not doing it to earn money or make a living, if I like my images, then actually that's all that matters at the end of the day. If someone else likes them - bonus! Stick with it mate - you're more than welcome to give me a shout and head down to the Cotswolds at any time - I haven't got a clue where to head out to, but it would be fun exploring and having a bit of banter.
Were all in the same boat, I came off of all platforms bar one, just so I can continue posting something. Likes don't matter, I limit my Following to about 300 people and thus I only get to see that amount of images from them, Im NOT saturated by millions of images as a result. Take pictures for you. NOT other people. Take a brake from viewing, only "go on" every other day say, its not difficult. Read photo mags or books that way you can digest an image and read some text, its a way better experience. I know you know all this. Just enjoy the walk and fresh air.
Hi Gary, an intellgent and thoughtful video. I agree with much of what you say. +3EV isn't a great place to be for anyone. so maybe its time to adjust the social media exposure compensation and most of all please yourself. Much of what we see on social sites is so very average and there's so much of it, that finding the good stuff is next to impossible. So it is hardly surprising that those with real talent such as yourself tend to feel like you're an exception ... you truly are an exception but in the best possible way. Do as much as you want with social media, and publish what you want, those folk that are discerning will apprecaite it. Value isn't in clicks and all that nonsense .. but sadly the algorithm is all about those statistics and not talent or quality. .. and for what it is worth, I really enjoy your work, please continue to be there as a beacon of quality. Popularity is great of course, but if an image is good enough for you, that's the benchmark. If others enjoy it, all the better. Don't follow the herd mate, most of 'em are a bit dim.
Start posting your failures I DO. if you get one like that is a bonus. Social Media can be a killer and some people on there need a check up from the neck up when it comes to photography, I enjoy some of the photography on there and there is some great pictures to see you probably know who the best ones are to watch, there are people who follow others who go time and time again to where all the winners are taken hoping to get the same picture, why I don't understand. Most of my pictures are local and it can be a challenge but I only go out when I feel like taking pictures and I am always happy to do that, soon god willing I shall be on holiday and that's what it will be a holiday I shall take a camera with me and one lens but photography will be on the back burner until I feel like taking a few snaps, and that's what I enjoy doing, if I don't get anything well there is always the telly goons to watch telling me what camera, what filters, what tripod, and what electric bike, yes you must get one of those! I just wish I could get me leg over a bike these days, such is life. I feel so sorry for the Pro's who are trying to make a living out of photography its hard work and social media is not the place to be, or believed the choice is yours. Best wishes and always look on the bright side that's where the best pictures are!
I would say the majority of photographers on TH-cam are presenters first with a passion for photography. Not even sure they have a passion for it as they are driven by fame and % from their videos, there is some terrible stuff on TH-cam especially the ones that go to different countries and act like morons. I would ignore Instagram, X and all the other platforms just enjoy your photography. I went through this problem years ago and decided to start again, tough decision but during lock down I deleted all my digital photos (4yrs work) as I felt what I know now is much better than what went before. I now photograph for me not for the media to judge.
My guess is you're not liking your work because you're thinking about how others will view it (even if you don't think you are). A photographer is never 100% happy, there's always something you think you could have done different/better and I'd say that about all my images even if the images win competitions. The other thing I'd say is leaving some time between the day of the shoot and the editing, you're probably on a high from the day out and you have expectations for what you've taken, leaving time means you'll take them for what they are and not what you want them to be and they are probably decent images.
It sounds to me Gary like you need to take a break from social media, either just post and then leave without browsing or totally leave it for a few months. Give yourself some time away from it and reassess what you get from it. Maybe it’s worth pairing back on how many platforms you frequent? Constant comparison and the compulsion of checking likes and engagement will just play havoc with your mental health. I don’t know if you were looking for advice and feel free to disregard it but just wanted to be a compassionate voice.
I understand that feeling. I'm also torn between making images for myself and the need to share. It's a difficult balance. I started to imitate these photographers until one day I realised that the images that had two likes were the ones I liked best. What a shock. Two choices: the others or me. I chose me. The ultimate orgasm is to make an image, retouch it, look at it and then destroy it. What freedom! Oh no, the ultimate orgasm would be to take images, go home, put the SD card in the computer and format it. That's the solution Gary. W'll never have disappointments again. We'll remember the moments we took them, the little breeze on your childlike face Gary, the smell of the woods, the trees growing without question, the pebble we urinated on. Isn't it beautiful Gary to become a Buddhist ? Isn't it? Sorry Gary, I can't help. Us, artist, we are always alone and suffering to find inspiration, to create something that nobody did before. When I don't like vanilla ice cream any more, I eat chocolate ice cream. I love you because I love people.
Focusing excessively on others' opinions or reactions to your photographs on social media can negatively impact your attitude towards photography. Photography is highly subjective; what resonates with the photographer may not appeal to everyone. This is true for all artistic endeavors. Your video was so protracted that it was hard to discern the nature of your disappointment, and you didn't display any photographs that failed to garner appreciation. Shoot and post your photos without any concern about what others think, which you cannot control. Hope you see the better side of this.
Gary, SM is not killing your photography... You are LETTING SM kill your photography. There are many TH-camrs that you start to follow and after a while, you say, no , this guy's a wanker. Just stop watching that person. End up with those you resonate with on lots of levels, their skill set, their personalities, they are not boring. How many times can you see a zipper opening and closing, a gate being walked through, ... Just get on with the real content, beautiful scenery, good images. Your videos work for me, with little B roll and interesting things to say. I particularly enjoy your A-z street.... Get back to that please. It seems to me you need to delete flicker, X and Instagram. I only use FB, and TH-cam, and I control what comes in. Being in control really works for me. Cheers, mate, hope this helps
You are the problem - it's your fault, not social media's fault. Take and post what YOU think are good (and occasionally great) photos, and ignore the opinions of others. Strength of character might be part of personal success as a photographer. I have nearly 5,000 photos on Flickr, a mix of documentary and artistic shots (all with no post-processing), and I posted these because I thought they were good images. Emotionally, it's nice to get lots of views and faves, but intellectually I don't care what others think - I don't need "validation" from anyone. My 50 years of photo experience (incl. pro sales, print and digital publications) make me think I know what I'm doing in photography.
I had a quick look at your Flickr pages. You have an average of 3,269 views per photo (4.4M views for 1,346 photos), which is a pretty good response. I would say your photos are good, fairly conventional (mainstream) content - suitable for broad appeal.
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Taking pictures for yourself and not others is extremely enlightening
I’m currently in the barbers and only half way through but my first thought is
“Comparison is the thief of Joy”
I’ll carry on when after the haircut 🍺
French photographer Jean-Loup Sieffe has been quoted as saying, "I take pictures for me. If other people like them, then that is too bad." This is how I approach my photography. I create the images that I like and that sum up my own experience. They are personal to me, and regardless of how many Likes or Loves etc I get, if an image puts me back in that moment with all its sights and sounds then it has worked. Simples.
I feel your pain Gary. Saw a talk on YT the other day that made it all make sense. Social platforms sell your attention. They sell your attention so you can be served ads so they make it addictive to keep you engaged. Click bait is a big part of that and that in itself is addictive and drives creators to make it. I made the decision to pull back from all of it and life is so much more peaceful. True the connections with other people and their work have gone but the rewards regarding mental health are worth it to me. Social media is so insidious, it’s just really harmful in so many ways. These days I look at social once or twice a week from a computer but the apps are no longer on my phone.
I think at some point, if you are really serious about photography, you have to build in purpose. Just going out and taking photos will begin feel inconsequential because at a certain point the only way to assess your skills snd push your boundaries is to commit to something that allows you to be deliberate about its outcome. Being connected to a piece of work in that way also does wonders for eliminating outside noise.
Well said. I n this regard, Nick Carve is an excellent channel. He studies a location, then waits for the perfect conditions to align before he takes his photograph.
Spot On. First time here. Headline caught me. Wonder what we did before the digital age. Yes, I ´m old, 1946. Photography has been my bread and butter. To day my pictures is me looking at the world, free from the pressure making a living- what a joy. I have thousands of pictures no one has seen and when I`m gone they are gone. But I have had a great time exploring. 😊
exactly. we have an eye for appreciating so much around us the others miss.
As a fellow photographer I can say I understand. But the truth is nobody has social media bombarding them, everyone chases it. What I am hearing is everything but the elephant in the room, I know because I have been there myself. The photographer that inspired me the most in the beginning to this day, Jay Maisel helped me to understand that getting the shot that inspires me or keeps me going is the only thing that matters. Has what inspires me changed over time? Maybe. He also said I can find it anywhere, "stop looking and start seeing". I had to "change my focus". It took some time but when I concentrated on the only thing that makes a difference, my photography, that was the core of my problem.
I have to hand it to you for having the guts to lay it all out there and I see it and feel it as a plea for help from the rest of us photographers that don't have the guts to say it, yeah me too! I hope this helps, thank you for your video.
Hi Gaz, it's a new genre called Blandscape Photography, anyone can do it, just walk around pointing your camera at things spouting with enthusiasm that it is a great shot. Then, because so many of the viewers do not have a mind of their own they will agree with it. If anyone should make a critical comment it will be deleted, so it appears that this particular photographer is the business and therefore more people follow and think that this is the way forward, while lapping up all the shilling for two bob photography. Most yt videos are about the need to make a video and sell stuff that nobody wants, the bit that suffers is the images. Have felt like this for a while, but . . . . just last week found out that you can balance the camera on your knee to take a shot and if you haven't guessed it already . . . . . the corner has been turned (no pun intended). Keep smiling, best wishes.
Eggleston made a fortune shooting the dull, banal, as was some of Winogrand’s work. Sometimes, your creative eye may not be appreciated until you have left this good earth…Vivian Meier comes to mind. Yes, in many cases, your work might never be appreciated by the world at large….welcome to the creative arts.
Gary you say you don't like your photos and I think I know what your problem is. Here is the solution, it's going to cost you money but you need to go to Specsavers cos your photos are excellent, whether it be landscape, woodland, street etc. I follow a lot of photographers and I always look forward to your videos. Keep them coming.👍
His photos are very good. But we are bombarded with the same photos. Can you imagine photography in another 50 years, it will be like the music today. This may sound negative, and it’s definitely not meant to sound that way. And I can relate very well with this video, I have felt the same way many times. But I still love to do it.
TLDR - unless all these TH-cam photographers agree 100% all the time, what they are offering is an opinion based on what works for them - doesn’t mean it is right or will work for you.
Great video and you raise some interesting points; firstly, social media is proven to be bad for your mental health. There’s a lot of reasons for this, but the main issue is the one you raise - it puts pressure on you to conform to unrealistic standards and this makes you, consciously or unconsciously, feel inadequate, insecure and anxious. I was taken in for a while by the “you must do this for better photographs” or “learn this hack” or “beginners fall into this trap” and so on. The problem is - there are as many opinions on how to take great photos as there are photographers AND THEY DO NOT ALL AGREE. So when I see the “do it this way” commentary I interpret this as “this works for me.” It’s a natural instinct for people to assume that if it works for me it works for everyone, whereas what they are saying is “my photos are great so if you want photos that look like mine and are therefore great, do this …”
It would be great if all the photographers out there would say “this helped me with MY photography” and not go on to say “this is therefore the right and only way to do it,” but that’s how people think.
So I now only watch the videos of photographers whose work I enjoy and whose photography style aligns with my own, because then what works for them will likely work for me. Or I watch videos of folk who work in formats that I don’t (or very rarely) use, like large format, pinhole and the like, where I can learn about different ways to look at the world and compose photographs.
These TH-camrs are just expressing opinions, and opinions are like noses, everyone has one and they are all different; none of them is “perfect” other than potentially for the face it is on and that doesn’t mean it would be perfect on my face, so don’t tell me my nose is “wrong” and make me feel bad about it! A bit of a laboured metaphor, but the point is, look for the diamonds, the one piece of information in a video that might help your photography and fits with your style; if it’s wrong for you, then it’s wrong, full stop. If it doesn’t help your photography or you don’t like the results, it’s wrong, full stop.
If you are not a commercial photographer the only person who needs to be happy with your work is you. As you gain experience your own view of your work will change and mature and as you learn the compositional frameworks that make a photograph “pleasing” your photography will be more pleasing to you and will appeal to more people … but if you approach it from the other end and try to “follow all the rules” in order to please all the people all the time, you will rapidly lose inspiration, confidence and joy in your photography because the “rules” will be a straitjacket rather than helpful foundational tools to use or affirmatively ignore, depending on the situation.
The joy is in the going out, meeting people, exploring interesting places etc. Having great photos is a nice-to-have, but not essential. Experiences are priority for me. No one really cares about our photos anyway. As for the big youtube photographers with the hyperbole and hacks, they're very mediocre photographers, and not worth watching. They're just people desperate to make a few quid from their channel. You don't need social media, and you don't need to be a sheep and fit in. I rarely look at photos on social media these days, to be honest, other than instagram once or twice a week for a few minutes. Taking your own photos in a vacuum is a good idea, IMHO. Always appreciate your honesty in these chat videos, not many people have the guts to share what they really think, so kudos to you mate. 👍
i get it. i have unfollowed so many photography channels i used to really enjoy because they started telling me i'm doing photography wrong and i need to do these 5 things etc. photography is the journey, the output is the bonus.
I agree with most of what you say here, Gary. Personally, however, I don't look at other photographers images as I couldn't be less interested in seeing them. I am also entirely indifferent to other folk's opinion of my images and have been for years. TH-cam is groaning under the strain of photographic fannies that have absolutely nothing to say of any value. That's pretty much why I drifted away from the scene. It is completely vacuous!
It says much that photographers yearn for the approval of others. I find it weird.
Very true. Most are trying to sell you the best camera and sharpest lens. None will help you get a creative eye.
Oh man, where to start? Can 100% relate to this 😢
Not being a professional there isn't a livelihood on the line but it does mean my photography has always been for me, which is how it should be. Trouble is, you (well, I) end up in a spiral of it only being for personal enjoyment but I can't be very good if no one is interacting with or liking what I'm producing, so what's the point? Why do it and spend the time and energy if what I'm producing isn't any good? Doesn't change the images at the end of the day but it does change the mental struggle, which then makes the pursuit detrimental to my mental health and overall mood, which then makes it NOT enjoyable. I just end up with an empty "Why bother?" feeling.
When it all distills down the desire to produce images that ARE good eats away at the enjoyment of just being out there taking photos and my well being as a whole. No one enjoys cooking if even the dog won't eat it...
I feel you Matey, and also think this time of year and our current weather can get us down. To me, it shows how you're improving your skills, outlook and being self-critical, but don't take it too far mate. Protect your mental health!
We all know social media can be a cesspit and difficult to wade through. I enjoy your street work, it's a moment in time that it's unlikely to replicated, unlike landscapes that don't go anywhere.
There will always be flutes out there trying to be the next thing, it's obvious you're caring and not, that's why it irritates.
Take care and Keep your pecker up mate
It’s a fair shout. SM is over saturated, especially Facebook and Insta. We want recognition and that’s natural. I’ve found that a different approach to the whole photography progress has maintained my motivation. Get yourself a website, get something produced like a zine or sell prints
Do we want recognition? Are you sure?
@@andycooper4485I am sure yes or at least the majority of us do
@@JamesRBurnsVLOGFair enough. But that demands a price and is unlikely for said majority.
@@andycooper4485a price for recognition? Not sure I follow?
@@JamesRBurnsVLOG. James, nice to see you here following Gary. Both you guys are on my keep list, and you both inspire my own work.
I completely agree, it’s really easy to think that if you do what other photographers say, you’ll make great images, maybe you will if you like what they do but as an artist it’s up to you to find your own voice, listen to it. Social media’s more about marketing than image quality, the amounts of likes or followers people get is very often nothing to do with image quality but more about their profile.
Gary, you’re making me feel good that I don’t really do much social media. I recently retired so social media is just a “if I feel like it” activity. There is still some good in social media but it is drastically outweighed by the bad, at least in my opinion.
Hi Gary, We all get to this point. I did. A year later the joy and serenity of photography has taken me in all types of new directions. For what it is worth, nothing to see move along. Good luck.
Another great video Gary. I’ve never done Twitter, Instagram or Flickr. Only ever done Facebook - which is just as bad as all the others but at least it prevents overload. I generally look at it a couple of times a month for 5 mins before I’m bored. TH-cam is more interesting but I refuse to watch anything which is click bait, or from people who clearly haven’t got a clue what they’re talking about. It’s all just digital noise, but there is some gold dust in there if you know where to find it. The analogue photographers seem to be far less click baity and most of them actually have something valid to say (without all repeating the same message). This is one of the reasons I’ve given up with digital, as there’s way too much noise. Keep up your videos - always love an honest opinion. (Marcus)
I'm not a TH-camr, I don't have the time and talent for this. My interest in photography cooled down 4-5 years ago. I've tried from time to time to get started. I thought I rehearsed my pictures and compositions. Still, I've had inspiration through friends, I'm elected to the photo association PhotoNatura in southern Sweden. To the point I am also not a traveling photographer with these motifs (everyone shoots) but dig more at home.
Around Christmas time last year, the interest woke up again after being out. I have never been a pure landscape photographer, but photographed some animals and birds, even a large part have been more painterly images. But now I think it's great fun with more classic landscapes.
A tip is to take a break, or photograph other types of pictures, dare to go out of your way and make pictures that you never usually do. Hope you find your way back. I've even fallen into the trap now and will buy new equipment (mirrorless)
Best regards from Sweden
I agree with so much of this Gary. The bit about not fitting in to the latest trend for images... I like to call that emperors new clothes. Its a brave man who posts something different or calls out the latest trend as being a bit crap 🙂
I tend to find I go through peaks and troughs when it comes to liking my own Images and couple that up with some serious imposter syndrome as a photographer and vlogger it means sometimes its a wonder I even pick the camera up!!
Anyway, really enjoyed this and actually loved the images in your last video. Keep up the good work.
P.S. Didn't know you were on Flickr... That's another follower you've gained.
I went off instagram for over a year now, and it’s been good for my photography. All of the reasons you listed led me to do this. I needed to get away from chasing likes and questioning what I was doing. I don’t think this is a forever decision for me, but I do know that chasing social media can become toxic
Gary This is the first time i have commented on your video. What you have said is definitely a feeling i think lots of photographers get. I am New to videos and 5 years into my photography journey. How i have kept things fresh is doing lots of different types of photography from Landscape to Macro and all in between. I hope you soon get your mojo back mate some fantastic images in your videos. keep smiling
There is a lot of truth to what you say. Frankly, the only social media I have is Flickr and I have a small following which is cool. I look at their work and if I like it I comment, rarely fav something.
I enjoy the process of taking an image and post processing along with it. I appreciate it when people comment or like my shots but that's a complement and I like it. I don't expect to get 2500 hits and likes, doesn't bother me that I don't. It amazes me that some of the 'crap' I see gets these hundred of hits - all due to Instagram, Facebook etc, etc. Do some of these people actually look at the image, the composition, light, detail etc? TH-cam has loads of 'professionals' telling you that this camera or this filter and such is best and how to do this and that to get perfection.. I have come to ignore all of that. I have one camera,
a few lenses and love taking pictures. If people like my stuff great, it not c'est la guerre.
I enjoy Flickr because it allows me to share what I see and to see other photographer's images. I follow streams that have variety not just one genre. Flickr is the only social media I use.
Please do a Norman's wisdom once a week - its worth it. Yes, totlally get where you are coming from and I haven't got the answer but I am sure someone in the comments will say something worthwhile.
I’ve come off all my social media just recently. Not good for my mental health. Now my photography is a different matter. Flickr is my only outlet now, and I love it.
STOP! It’s not social media it is you. You can’t control SM, algorithms, you tubers or other photographers. You can only control yourself and your reaction to things. You use the word ‘hate’ with such aggression for people you don’t even know. My only advise Is you can solve your issues because they are in you, no-one else, to solve it you need to change something and you probably already know what that is, don’t expect recovery overnight look for the small gains and take pleasure in them. Take care, Toby
The whole reason I go out and take photos is first of all for my own mental health. It distracts me from lifes issues. I can understand your points about not being happy with your most recent work. We all can't be jetting off the the most scenic places on the planet to take those iconic images. There are plenty of opportunities all within a day or two car journey to satisfy my needs. As for getting likes really doesnt interest me. The fact I'm able to share my images to a wider audience is really amazing. The stuff i share is only a drop in the ocean regarding the billions of images out there. Id like to think my images are unique in a sense (never said good)
I think the reality is so many photos, and so little time to look at them. You have to get through the lows and be strong. It will make you a better photographer, and definitely a better person. Get out there and appreciate what’s around you. I find what helps me is stop thinking and be more reactive. I photograph things that I would not have given a second glance at in the past. This was a very useful video, for a lot of photographers. Keep smiling, get out and enjoy . X has been dumped by me, and I feel better. Everyone with any sanity should leave it.
Thanks for the truth Gary. It's challenging. I'm trying to get to that space where its photos 'for me'
I am sure it can be hard when you are exposed on TH-cam and social media. I have it easy. I enjoy being out and about locally, taking the best photos I am able to. I really like some of my work. I haven't posted on social media for years. I recently entered the Natural Landscape photography contest and wasn't eliminated in the first round, so I guess others think my work is at least ok. I watch TH-cam for fun and certainly learn a few tricks. I enjoy the whole package, but i expect i might start to hate it if i was more exposed to the pressure of likes and comments on social media.
Your work is really good. And you are the best judge of that.
Ask your girlfriend, wife,kids, friend if your not too busy on social media to have a real friend if they like your photo as much as you do. Then thank God that you woke up today and are physically able to see the interesting things that you want to photograph and share with the people i mentioned earlier.
As Benn Jordan has put it lately: in the end it's all about enjoying your life as long as you are still here. Everything else doesn't matter.
And when it comes down to creative endeavours, for me it's all about finding and expressing my own inner voice. It doesn't make sense
to become a copycat of someone else or hunt after the latest trends. This will only silences the "voice" and leads to dissatisfaction, because there is always someone out there who makes "better" photos, "better" music, "better" whatsoever (read: has more time, resources and experience at his hand).
So whatever I doing, I'll be quite careful not being constantly bombarded with the work of others. But, yes, that's a balancing act in our modern world ... :)
If you're enjoying going out, then you're not failing. If you're happy then stop worrying about social media. I know easier said than done but learn to get over it. Plus, do you think Ansel Adams took a killer image every time out?
Interesting views, must say I've been feeling exactly the same the past few months, one of the reasons I don't think I've really put any videos out either. I think one solution rather than cutting social media entirely is limiting your social media. Cutting down on the platforms you use, also IG has the option to filter favourites and on Facebook you could limit the groups you follow to maybe one or two.
I like what Art Wolfe once said in a Nick Page podcast, encouraging photographers to take their work into "assisted car living centres" as he called them, where they`re "crying out" for distraction from the sense of end-of-life hopelessness. No over-exposure there for sure. It would mean acquiring a beamer, speakers etc
It is difficult to plough a lone furrow now, or diverge from the social media masses & trends, especially if it affects you. You know from our discussions that finding things that inspire your photography is difficult to do at the moment for some reason and how we insulate ourselves from disliking parts of the process is something I suspect we all need to do at some point. Plus, I'm really glad to see all the empathy in the comment, oh apart from those ones.....
It’s very easy to fall into the trap of using social media to validate the quality of your work. Sadly in my experience most social media seems to run on a likes for likes basis with very little actual valuable engagement. I personally like to share my images and view other peoples work but I’m still very new to photography. I never get too high or low though and just focus on taking images that please me. If others enjoy them it’s just a nice bonus.
I also think it’s important not to get too frustrated by what you perceive as lower quality work and other creatives on here going down the route of ‘10 tips’ videos etc. There is clearly an audience for it and if it’s not for you then just move on and don’t stress about it. They’re not for me either but I don’t watch them and very rarely see them recommended to me these days as a result.
Enjoyed your video and more people should be open and honest like you. Hope you get your motivation and enthusiasm back soon 👍
Hi Gary, good on you. In my own experience, the things you describe, are I believe, when I grow the most as a person and a photographer. For me, frustration stems from expectations. I control almost nothing in life, not even myself sometimes. There's something to be said for staying focused (sorry) on your own interests. Sharing takes courage. Focus (again) on what for you is the positive; the rest is just crap. It's just an empty boat. I know you can do it, as do you. Cheers.
What killed my photography was Digital. I used to shoot weddings and portraits back in the 1980s, using film and a Hasselblad 500CM medium format camera. As soon as digital cameras began having better resolution, everyone and his dog became a photographer. I refused to go digital, but I have now, but no longer work professsionally.
I know what you mean I have totally lost the urge to take any images and even make the effort to get out, I find myself flicking through and not looking at images as they all blur passed into the same style and morph into a general standard image in my mind. Too many same place, same style shots around that I keep seeing and I have stopped looking at them. I have been looking at artists of old and examining the style and shape of the light they created with the brush, in the hope i can transfer what they created to my images in some way. Looking at great images has to be of more benefit to me than the deluge of medico stuff we are bombarded with.
It's all down to expectations, and social media distorts those expectations beyond all beliefs.
When I started doing photography, pretty much no one would see your photos unless they were in a gallery, and even then you wouldn't get the viewership as you get on the socials.
Of course you have to ask yourself who are you really trying to please, and I know validation feels good but it's a short lived buzz, but you know this, and you know it's your thoughts on this that have to change.
For me, my buzz comes from taking a good printable photo, and my goal is always to create a better picture next time.
All the likes and all views are a bonus however high or low they are, but they are meaningless in the end , so with all that in mind it's an expectations thing and that's what needs to change.
As for not liking your own photos, I'm there with you, I do it all the time, and I've pretty much given up taking a camera out with me. How do we change this? Who knows?
Same here: still enjoying the process of taking pictures, but struggling with the sharing/consuming bit. So I have decided to limit myself to two platforms (Glass and VSCO, both have no following or liking metrics). Only checking in once every two weeks or so. Embracing the Joy of Missing Out.
I think you make some valid points . Like you I do photography and make videos for me , if others like what I do so much the better. I am not trying to teach mearly document my trips. I know I have much to learn so I try not to compare myself to others , I say try as it's not easy for all the reasons you mentioned. The fact you talk about this shows you are fully aware of the pressures around, how you deal with that I think is an individuals solution , but I take your point !
I've only recently started a channel simply as a free platform for friends and family to easily view my (video) work because the files are too big to use Watsapp or to E mail them. I am just a hobbyist under no illusion whatsoever that any of my work is good as I am a complete beginner using cheap old gear.
When I make something I make it primarily for me but even if I think it will benefit others, I am very careful not to pretend that this is anything other than a hobby for me.
With the allure of building a passive income, its inevitable that the platform will eventually become swamped with people who hate their 9-5 and don't want to spend their retirement working part time in a supermarket and so will churn out anything they can to build their following.
This is inevitable and there is nothing we can do about it other than take it or leave it.
If photography is a main source of income - that´s another story, but I try to not think about the algorithm and all that. I go out to enjoy myself, recharge my batteries. And I document that through my TH-cam videos. Those who see them seem to enjoy them and that´s what matters to me. I make videos of a type that I enjoy watching myself. So do photography FOR YOU.
If you like it (photo/photoghraphy ) why give a shit to what others think. Its obvious you do like ( likes) but why worry about it. I like most of your pictures and the street series.Keep plodding on and dont give up , At my age I dont give a shit, i like going out and taking MY photos. have a good week.catch you on the next Pub Cast. we love you realy LOL😂
We're social animals pre programmed to care what other people think and to form opinions of others.
We are hardwired to do this.
That's why social media can be so harmful.
First time I think I’ve spotted your channel and feel I should add something positive because this type of conversation tends to lead to navel gazing and gloom. So for anyone who’s getting that Me Too! feeling…
Happy content creators don’t waste time looking at social media to see what everyone else is doing. They dump and run, drop an image with a comment designed to promote audience engagement and occasionally they’ll check in to reply to a couple of posts to help foster that engagement.
And then they get on with regular life and planning their next shoot/video.
Find a couple of photographers whose work you admire and would either like to emulate or use to inspire your work and only follow them.
Concentrate on your own journey and forget the comparisons, looking at images by the greats who have mastered their craft leads to dismay and looking at lesser work can lead to stagnation in our own growth.
As for not really loving your own photography, this is only normal, we learn and grow and our tastes change. As a result our artistic expression changes and the groove we found ourself so comfortable in suddenly isn’t satisfyingly us any more. This is our mind yearning to grow and continue the journey.
Just remember the person you were when you began this journey probably longed to be as great as you are now and, if you keep at it, you tomorrow will be better than you are today.
Lots of love people.
Going to drop you a sub now 😊
I'm in that kind of rut myself, the realisation is we need social media for support but then also get annoyed when we don't. I don't have the motivation at the moment to go out with the camera, and when I do I tend to enjoy the time out, get back put the raw files on pc, n don't even look at them as I'm fed up with the socials. Social media these days seems to be a tool for aggression, as all you tend to see are shouting, people fighting, breaking stuff, stealing stuff, the world is turning angry getting worse by the day. So I cannot advise other than who are we taking the photos for? For yourself they it shouldn't matter what happens & you don't even need social media, or do you want attention & recognition from others. Adam (First Man) also put a video up re social media & how it's ruining the hobby
I go through this all the time and it seems to just be part of life and not exclusive to photographers or content creators. Part of it is that this is a transition period when you're getting less sunlight and most of the time the world is grey, damp and chilly. I'm sure it'll pass.
Solid stuff, well said, understand your feeling. Thank you for this.
I made the decision, a month or so ago, that I'd become almost social media free. Deleted my X account, deleted all my "friends" on Facebook (apart from one), deleted any followers on Flickr etc. I really don't want to know about someone having a meal in a posh restaurant with the usual flurry of naff images. After 10 years of snapping runners in all weathers, LIKE became a hated button. Freezing cold, wet through .... "is LIKE the best you can do? Can't you be arsed to say thanks? So where is my photography going? Nowhere probably. Loving holidays where I take the "memory photos". Snaps of the cafe we went in, the stile with half the rungs missing, the sheepdog with his nose poking out of a barn door, plus the usual landscape stuff. My photos are mine and I enjoy what I do. I take great images and a load of crap ones that don't quite work out as I want them to. My go to vloggers are few and far between. Apart from yourself, I watch Black Crag, James Burns, Jamie Windsor and James Popsys. Can't stand the, "Are your images pin sharp." No, because I don't like pin sharp images. "Seven things the pro photographers keep to themselves!" Not bothered. "Did you know your camera can do this?" If it could make me a cuppa, I'd buy one." In a few weeks time, I'm going to snap runners at a local race, first time for months and months. I'll edit them and probably take days to do it. My photos, my time scale. Sod social media. It can take a back seat.
That was from the heart Gary, proves you don't need script, just saying it as it is .. and that's refreshing.... it's easy for me to say "don't get down mate", but I hear and feel your troubles ...... if I had any worthy advice it would be .... get yourself among friends and have a roaring good get together ... and I'm sure you Will come out the other end Gary I'm sure of it.
That's partly why I don't do X, Insta, Fakebook, etc. Got no time for any of it personally. On youtube I follow a small number of channels and that's it. Maybe take a break from your social media and just take pictures because you enjoy the process, or be radical and buy a film camera and shoot film for a change. Wish you well.
Yeah, you’re right! I realised this a while ago
Apart from watching a few bits on TH-cam, I like to use it for some visual learning away from photography, I deleted all other kinds of social media years ago and have zero regrets. I don’t post images anywhere, probably a shame, but I cannot be arsed in all the negative comments like you have mentioned. Art is subjective anyway so why lose sleep because some keyboard warrior dissed your images, or chasing likes for a pic. Posting images is the same as everything else on there people get hooked on the likes, like a drug, it feeds more pressure to post something good again.
You do decent content Gaz, create some fantastic images, but the world’s saturated in every aspect nowadays.
@@Gaztography Well said..
No need to feel guilty about other YT channels that use clickbait thumbnails and hacks and the like. I think most genuine photographers feel exactly the same! However, if (as they do) you want to chase subscribers, it seems to be the way to go sadly. For what it's worth I would say enjoy what you do and ignore the annoying stuff, don't worry about 'likes' or hits and just be yourself.
The numbers game is exactly why I stopped using Flickr; views, faves, comments, followers - all lose their value over time as the numbers start to become more important than the image itself. Those numbers can become the prime motivator. It's a ticky balance - whilst you want your images to be seen and appreciated, it's too easy to become reliant on that external validation and to start judging your images based on that (ultimately meaningless) metric.
I'm not sure what the answer is; I suppose that ultimately you need to get to a point where you're satisfied with your own images regardless. Try to get back to having fun with photography and not taking it too seriously. Easier said than done.
Hey Gary, Great video, you’re in a slump man and you are right about the abundance of imagery on Social media bombarding your brain and dulling your appreciation of good photos. Sounds like you are really on to many platforms and need to cut back (easier said than done). Not sure this is any help to you, but I only ever upload an image to Insta & Facebook groups when I am trying to promote a new video (insta went to crap a long time ago), X is toxic....leave it! I personally never bothered with Flicker (because its just another social website I have to update). Post your images to your website, TH-cam is really enough focus on that, god knows it takes so much time, don’t know how you have time for all the rest. I'm sure you do this, but if not, take some time out to print your images (even the ones your not sure about), I always find this helps me when I am in the photographic slumps!
Here are the problems with social media - it is starved for interaction and it has no context. Imagine carrying one of your images down to the pub, posting it up on the wall, and hiding in the corner to watch who stops to look at it and if they linger, guess why they might have liked it. It is not a transactional interaction and provides little value to both the viewer and the creator. I've been trying to encourage folks to use social media for what it is, a town square or high street where everyone can gather and shout at the top of their lungs about their product. People see social media as the end to the means and it really should be the means to the end. I've pulled way back on posting images to social media and am starting to use it to drive traffic to my website or SM pages or groups where I can control the experience.
We only have so much head space for images: Instagram or X can feel like trying to drink from a firehose. I find photography books and in-person exhibitions far more satisfying to my "photo soul". I'd also say keep your very best work for your portfolio or book: almost by definition, it will not be appealing on socials. The nuances of colour or composition that make a photo worth spending half an hour looking at, won't give anyone a 5 second dopamine hit.
I get what you're saying and look at the comments and predictably it's full of "Take photos for yourself" blah blah,,,,
If only it was that simple, I started taking photos 10 years ago after viewing photography for years. When starting then the whole point was taking and sharing, now everyone is jaded and scrolls on as you say. You also used to get a comment but now it just feels a Like is even a struggle for people.
Coming from that background I really think why even continue with photography?!
Without any sharing or feedback/validation/recognition what is the point? We are just creating Digital dust, and before anyone mentions Printing, I've been through that and have boxes of unseen prints collecting real dust. There's no difference
Other than selling the camera gear and taking up origami I'm not sure there's a solution.
I completely follow you. It is human to look at the work of other humans, what and how they do and create. Photography is foremost a personal activity. Photography is always a vertial representation of a personal perception of reality. My advise is to keep your photography "personal". If images of others do disturb you switch off. The people who realy like your photography you will know eventually. With your photography you present yourself not others. I'am thinking about leaving social media completely and only publish my photographs on my website., my personal space. And please have fun in creating your images. That is the only thing that counts and will make your work special.
Social media, and mainstream media homogenises everything. That's why music all sounds the same today, and a lot of new movies are not really worth watching, and is the reason why images on instagram, and reels, look similar to the next. The algorithm is like a digital groomer, that grooms it's victims into carbon copies who themselves want to be "liked" by other victims of the same grooming process. If you share your images on social media, maybe the thing to do is try to get as low a number of likes as possible!… I know this may sound weird, but it is something I tend to do. 20 or thirty likes is a win in my mind, because it possibly means that the hive-minds, that the algorithm has produced, are rejecting your efforts because they are too individualistic, and different, which to me is a good thing. The only thing I try to concern myself with is if I myself like the images that I have uploaded. If I don't like my own work, then that means the problem is more than likely a growth thing, rather than my work being no good. This happens from time-to-time, and I have my own way of working through that. I may have to work harder to pushing past the plateau that I've reached, or I might just switch lenses, or even sub-genres for a few months. You have been doing what you have been doing for a good while, so it's not that your work is no good… Keep on keeping on.
All I can say is I love your images please don't get down over it thank you Burt
I think you are very nice person and have healthy way of thinking, you are right social media doing what you say, I see that to but my way of thinking is different, I try don't forget that I can go and take the photos but some people cannot, I m lucky to be able to go to mountains, to the woods with or without camera, I m trying to not be addicted to taking photos but I m addicted to looking for them looking for beauty. I don't know about you but I apparently have some talent with painting and this helps me with photography, and what I discovered when I m sticking to one subject like woodland for example than I feel is drowning me in a way so I mix my photography this is very complex and I understand your struggling. O and by the way I m that guy who took those photos from Ogwen Valley you mentioned. If you want a chat feel free I would love to. 👍
Where can you upload photos to the internet where comments (even "likes") is not allowed?
Part of my trouble is that I don't understand social media, I have an Instagram account and a YT one, only views are almost non existent. I have been using Canon professionally for 50 years, but you are bombarded with people saying you need the Sony A1ii and a 600mm f4 lens, it is only £20,000. I retired last year, I was sick of people posting hi-res images free. YT had a six hour motorsport video, maybe 5 camera positions, FREE! I hang of a mountain to get a cracking image of a vulture, no likes, yet someone posting an image of a half eaten sandwich has half a million. Off piste I have written 45 novels, some have been on Amazon since 2016, nobody finds them either. I am clearly too old to overcome the problem, or at least find the solution.
I’ve been proven wrong time again regarding the statement similar to “My town is boring. I can’t take any good pictures here.” There are countless good/great pictures to be had. You just need to change your perspective. Every picture can’t have a magnificent tree, waterfall, pasture, etc.
If you pressed the shutter button there is something about the environment that caught your eye. Find out why the photo didn’t capture the feeling you had when you took it. Photography is a lifelong process of small, incremental steps.
Thanks for saying what probably most of is are thinking. I dont do Instagram or X. Thankfully
you will get back to photography, its just a phase :)
Social media means nothing. Full stop. NOTHING.
Whenever someone has the words 'PRO', 'HACK' or 'SECRET', ''MUST' in the title of their video I skip it.. Some of my favourite shots have come at random times, and at times I didn't even know I had taken them until I was back at my computer. I often come back from trips out with nothing and that's ok to a point but it has taught me 'you wont get a good photo if you dont get out'. Always a challenge :) John Pouw NZ
Just say no to social media; yes to photography.
That is not the SM fault, it is yours because you are on it. Get off it and you will be much happier. Anyway a quote for you. "Nobody cares about your photography, only you". By the way, have you seen any Nat-Geo world-famous (not YT) photographer do YT videos? No, maybe YT photographers making videos about them. Don't worry, some of the YT guys with over 500K subs make worse images than you, they have to take pictures because of the sponsors.
Not sure if its about the photography at all . We are all addicted or affected by social media and often in a bad way. In addition, and much more serious, the politics and sociaties, also going in the same direction, it seems, like in US. Everything is B/w now, so polarized. This affects everything I think, also feelings about photography. It seems so unsignificant when the world and sociaties seem to be in a huge struggle at the same time
Ask others if they like photos. If they do its a good photo.
May be exploring some other genre to get inspired.
Spending less time on social media and more time taking photo's is the best way to enjoy your photography, it's a flooded market in any genre competing against fake AI pictures
Gary,is it a case of not seeing the wood for the trees ?
If you are allowing social media to kill your photography then you know (or should know) what the answer is. You dont need me or anyone else to tell you.
I didn't watch the whole video but on a few points.. You most definitely can get great images locally you just have to shift the mindset.
If you are improving as a photographer then your images will also be improving, often ones expectations get ahead of the skills but the skills will catch up if you allow them to.
what yer need Gaz is an E bike, a dog , a token female to laugh at everything and 77 must do tips to improve your photography 😂🤣😂. On a serious note fella, reduce the amount of people you follow, set yerself a project for you. although I've always thought that you and Darren Knight should do a wildlife vlog. Just a thought mate keep shooting.
Change of direction, new project, something you haven't tried!
Blimey. For once I'm actually at a loss for what to say. I reckon a lot of your thoughts and comments are going to resonate with many people who are watching the video. Of course, even though I'll still say it, you are more than aware that a lot of the "this is why your photography is shit" videos are just chasing the algorithm, and the watches/likes (there's that like word again). Let's face it, a lot of those creators are stuck in the 'panic' of needing to churn out videos at least once, possibly twice a week because they are so afraid of losing their engagement. Like quite a few others, I've now binned my X account because the platform has become so toxic. This whole thing is a topic that could be chatted about for hours on end, and we'd still be no nearer to an answer or a resolution. It's such a shame that you feel in a rut about your photography. Perhaps I view your images from a slightly different perspective, in that I'll look at them and often think "why the heck don't I notice compositions & images like that?!!" Jamie hit the nail on the head the other day - you've got a great eye for a composition. I've (kind of) finally gotten into the head space that I'm only an amateur photographer. I'm not doing it to earn money or make a living, if I like my images, then actually that's all that matters at the end of the day. If someone else likes them - bonus! Stick with it mate - you're more than welcome to give me a shout and head down to the Cotswolds at any time - I haven't got a clue where to head out to, but it would be fun exploring and having a bit of banter.
Were all in the same boat, I came off of all platforms bar one, just so I can continue posting something. Likes don't matter, I limit my Following to about 300 people and thus I only get to see that amount of images from them, Im NOT saturated by millions of images as a result.
Take pictures for you. NOT other people.
Take a brake from viewing, only "go on" every other day say, its not difficult.
Read photo mags or books that way you can digest an image and read some text, its a way better experience.
I know you know all this.
Just enjoy the walk and fresh air.
Hi Gary, an intellgent and thoughtful video. I agree with much of what you say. +3EV isn't a great place to be for anyone. so maybe its time to adjust the social media exposure compensation and most of all please yourself. Much of what we see on social sites is so very average and there's so much of it, that finding the good stuff is next to impossible. So it is hardly surprising that those with real talent such as yourself tend to feel like you're an exception ... you truly are an exception but in the best possible way. Do as much as you want with social media, and publish what you want, those folk that are discerning will apprecaite it. Value isn't in clicks and all that nonsense .. but sadly the algorithm is all about those statistics and not talent or quality. .. and for what it is worth, I really enjoy your work, please continue to be there as a beacon of quality. Popularity is great of course, but if an image is good enough for you, that's the benchmark. If others enjoy it, all the better. Don't follow the herd mate, most of 'em are a bit dim.
Start posting your failures I DO. if you get one like that is a bonus. Social Media can be a killer and some people on there need a check up from the neck up when it comes to photography, I enjoy some of the photography on there and there is some great pictures to see you probably know who the best ones are to watch, there are people who follow others who go time and time again to where all the winners are taken hoping to get the same picture, why I don't understand. Most of my pictures are local and it can be a challenge but I only go out when I feel like taking pictures and I am always happy to do that, soon god willing I shall be on holiday and that's what it will be a holiday I shall take a camera with me and one lens but photography will be on the back burner until I feel like taking a few snaps, and that's what I enjoy doing, if I don't get anything well there is always the telly goons to watch telling me what camera, what filters, what tripod, and what electric bike, yes you must get one of those! I just wish I could get me leg over a bike these days, such is life. I feel so sorry for the Pro's who are trying to make a living out of photography its hard work and social media is not the place to be, or believed the choice is yours. Best wishes and always look on the bright side that's where the best pictures are!
I would say the majority of photographers on TH-cam are presenters first with a passion for photography. Not even sure they have a passion for it as they are driven by fame and % from their videos, there is some terrible stuff on TH-cam especially the ones that go to different countries and act like morons. I would ignore Instagram, X and all the other platforms just enjoy your photography. I went through this problem years ago and decided to start again, tough decision but during lock down I deleted all my digital photos (4yrs work) as I felt what I know now is much better than what went before. I now photograph for me not for the media to judge.
My guess is you're not liking your work because you're thinking about how others will view it (even if you don't think you are). A photographer is never 100% happy, there's always something you think you could have done different/better and I'd say that about all my images even if the images win competitions. The other thing I'd say is leaving some time between the day of the shoot and the editing, you're probably on a high from the day out and you have expectations for what you've taken, leaving time means you'll take them for what they are and not what you want them to be and they are probably decent images.
Un-social, anti social social club networks & media is the worst of the worst!
It sounds to me Gary like you need to take a break from social media, either just post and then leave without browsing or totally leave it for a few months. Give yourself some time away from it and reassess what you get from it. Maybe it’s worth pairing back on how many platforms you frequent? Constant comparison and the compulsion of checking likes and engagement will just play havoc with your mental health.
I don’t know if you were looking for advice and feel free to disregard it but just wanted to be a compassionate voice.
I understand that feeling. I'm also torn between making images for myself and the need to share. It's a difficult balance. I started to imitate these photographers until one day I realised that the images that had two likes were the ones I liked best. What a shock. Two choices: the others or me. I chose me. The ultimate orgasm is to make an image, retouch it, look at it and then destroy it. What freedom! Oh no, the ultimate orgasm would be to take images, go home, put the SD card in the computer and format it. That's the solution Gary. W'll never have disappointments again. We'll remember the moments we took them, the little breeze on your childlike face Gary, the smell of the woods, the trees growing without question, the pebble we urinated on. Isn't it beautiful Gary to become a Buddhist ? Isn't it? Sorry Gary, I can't help. Us, artist, we are always alone and suffering to find inspiration, to create something that nobody did before. When I don't like vanilla ice cream any more, I eat chocolate ice cream. I love you because I love people.
Social media sucks the life out of everyone, if you let it. Perhaps try another genre to reignite your passion.
Focusing excessively on others' opinions or reactions to your photographs on social media can negatively impact your attitude towards photography. Photography is highly subjective; what resonates with the photographer may not appeal to everyone. This is true for all artistic endeavors. Your video was so protracted that it was hard to discern the nature of your disappointment, and you didn't display any photographs that failed to garner appreciation. Shoot and post your photos without any concern about what others think, which you cannot control. Hope you see the better side of this.
Gary, SM is not killing your photography... You are LETTING SM kill your photography. There are many TH-camrs that you start to follow and after a while, you say, no , this guy's a wanker. Just stop watching that person. End up with those you resonate with on lots of levels, their skill set, their personalities, they are not boring. How many times can you see a zipper opening and closing, a gate being walked through, ... Just get on with the real content, beautiful scenery, good images. Your videos work for me, with little B roll and interesting things to say. I particularly enjoy your A-z street.... Get back to that please.
It seems to me you need to delete flicker, X and Instagram. I only use FB, and TH-cam, and I control what comes in. Being in control really works for me.
Cheers, mate, hope this helps
Oil painting perhaps? Outdoor weather, and little interest from the online community.....
I don't post. I don't share. I do it for me.
You are the problem - it's your fault, not social media's fault. Take and post what YOU think are good (and occasionally great) photos, and ignore the opinions of others. Strength of character might be part of personal success as a photographer.
I have nearly 5,000 photos on Flickr, a mix of documentary and artistic shots (all with no post-processing), and I posted these because I thought they were good images. Emotionally, it's nice to get lots of views and faves, but intellectually I don't care what others think - I don't need "validation" from anyone. My 50 years of photo experience (incl. pro sales, print and digital publications) make me think I know what I'm doing in photography.
I had a quick look at your Flickr pages. You have an average of 3,269 views per photo (4.4M views for 1,346 photos), which is a pretty good response.
I would say your photos are good, fairly conventional (mainstream) content - suitable for broad appeal.
Living for like's is a poor path to follow, do what makes you happy, enjoy it for what it is, things don't have to be more than they are.