I would never describe your channel as Average Thomas as the fact you have been up and running for a good number of years and still share amazing and inspirational content is testament to your professionalism. You are the reason my passion for photography has challenged me in a positive way to continually evolve and to embrace everything photography throws my way. I like your approach to using your channel to market yourself and was wondering do you think you would make another tutorial series either by yourself or like you did as part of the F4 crew?
Thanks a lot. I'd love to do another f4 project, but there's nothing in the pipeline 😟 I would do a course by myself, but I still have a lot to learn, so one day.
1. Your channel is not average - it's brill! 2. I've been doing YT for 3 years and it's HARD, but hearing the bit about solid foundations is really reassuring - and not expecting big views overnight...
I tried having a UA-cam channel based around my photography, but it killed my passion for it because I was trying to come up with content instead of just taking great images. I wound with a channel based around stories and writing, with photography added in (and photos being the basis for many stories) and that has worked out a lot better! We all have our own path in this amazing journey and it takes a lot of perseverance, but it's worth it!
great advice, I worked as a pro photographer long before youtube and it killed my passion for photography. It took years to get back to taking photos for the love of it.
Definitely NOT average! In a sea of deeply mediocre photography channels, this one is a shining light of content, production values and sheer relatability. Keep on lifting dem boxes!
This the best openly shared response to the rise of AI I have seen. Not whinging, just a rationale response which makes good sense. AI won’t just not exist because it’s complained about. Always delivering Thomas 👍🏻
The first two points are key. It's so important to first build a genuine audience that find value in your work beyond just the final product. Auto generated images might look nice, but they lack authenticity and a connection to the artist.
Thanks for the encouragement to just start shooting a commentary to get the feel of how to interact with the camera. On my road trip this past week I tried it, not as a potential vlog but just as a diary. To capture those magic little moments that I tend to forget when there is so much input when traveling. I appreciate the wide range of ideas you present on your channel and this one really filled a vaguely felt need.
Well-thought out ideas. I appreciate your emphasis on authenticity. I have noticed that a few photographers I follow on UA-cam apparently have watched one too many tutorials on how to max out their UA-cam channel. Over time, their thumbnails are their wildly surprised faces coupled with breathless clickbait titles like "The Seven Secrets Pros Won't Tell You!" or simply reporting "news" from sites like Canon Rumors like a thousand other channels. How many times have we seen that. Establishing authentic relationships with your audience by sharing yourself, your work, your process without the formulaic, overdone UA-cam baloney is, to me, the key. It's one reason I enjoy this channel.
You absolutely nailed it.... I started my channel as I know that eventually photography alone will not be my primary income... Keep up the fantastic work.... Also, I've put your book on my birthday list so have a word with Michelle will you 😂😂
I have always followed photographers on youtube because I love there images, but I have stayed with them because of their storytelling and the sense of connection with the person, so days when there is no inspiration just honest frustration and no great images but real life experience are as enjoyable as the great films with the journeys and amazing landscapes. So keep up the great work.
532k subscribers. Well certainly not average Thomas. I think you are, if not unique, quite exceptional in the way you articulate ways of earning an income from one's creative endeavours.
Boy did this video come at a great time for me! Such a good one Thomas, I started my UA-cam street photography channel about 6 months ago, it’s doing pretty well for a new channel but I constantly have imposter syndrome and feeling of inadequacy and often think it’s not going to go anywhere so what’s the point. But watching this has just given me that spark to keep on at it and hopefully I’ll reach my dreams and goals through my channel and hard work. Thanks for the great video!🙏🏻
I'd really like a video about self publishing, specifically what software is being used to create the work, followed by turning the result into a tangible printed product.
Concerning AI: the US Copyright Office has just recently stated that AI generated works are NOT eligible for Copyright. Therefore all the AI "creators" will never own their work... huge difference to real photography!
Now you only have to find a way to tell that some image sent to e.g. a marketing agency was indeed created by A.I. and not in Camera & Light Room & Photo Shop - and boom, the agency can use the image for free, and the A.I - creator goes bankrupt due to lack of income. Excellent. One out, only a million to go. IF you find a way to tell the difference, say two years from now...
@@RonK easy! There's forensic software telling if an image is manipulated or generated. And nonetheless the AI generated image (may it look perfect) has no rights whatsoever ☝🏻
"Average" is hardly an adjective I'd use to describe your channel, Thomas. I'm a wildlife guy and yet here I am frequenting a landscape channel. In large part, it's for the story telling. So you are spot on with that comment as well. I'm plugging away at this YT thing and your comments gave me a bit of a much needed kick to the backside. Thank you for that.
I have to be honest here, I started following you because of your early out on your own, up the side of mountain videos, I still love what you do, but also wonder if you enjoy you are doing today compared to your past. You always said that your photography was sort of the side hustle from your enjoyment of the great outdoors. I follow you because of your photography, but enjoyed you at your best, because the photography wasn't your main reason for getting out in the wild. I love photography, but could never make it something I would rely on for my living, that would just take all the pleasure out of it for me. You are still one of my favourite channels, you are a down to earth vlogger, and as well as informative, you are entertaining. Keep up the good work.
Well done! Great advice and well-presented (as usual). One thing about ads…I have a very small hobby channel that is not monetized. But my viewers (my intended audience which is friends and families) still have to watch ads, the revenue from which goes entirely into UA-cam’s pockets. So if you are concerned about ads in your videos, be aware that they cannot be avoided anyway, so take the little money they generate and enjoy it!
This is so inspiring, can't really express how impressive it is to hear this kind of encouragement and honesty. I also think you're spot on about AI. I saw a recent interview with someone in the AI -space, and he noted that after AI beat all the grandmasters at chess, everybody thought chess was done. But if you look around youtube today, it clearly doesn't matter...endless videos of interpersonal games, fast games, slow games etc. It like it's never been more popular. But there's one thing nobody watches: two AIs playing chess against each other. So you're right, we crave the human connection, and the channels that do this best are the ones that are most successful. Kudos to you for leading the way.
I've followed your channel since when you first started out, it inspired me and as a result I recently started my UA-cam channel. I uploaded my 1st narrated tutorial a couple of days ago which was a really big step for me, it was far from perfect but it is just the beginning. I don't think your channel is average, for me it has always been a great source of inspiration, you have produced a really calming atmosphere in all of your content and I thoroughly enjoy watching it. Although my channel isn't focused on photography, the knowledge of photography certainly helps with 3d creative pipelines. By far my favorite activity is nature photography, whether it be landscape, wildlife or macro, it gives me a sense of inner peace, well-being and contentment as I am sure it does with you. Keep up the good work mate, never give up and always keep that shutter open in the search for new and interesting compositions.
Thomas. You are a lot better than Average. I have been flowering you for some time now and love your work. And this video is another example of the great content you are making
Hello Thomas, This couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m (again) frustrated with Facebook, gave up on Instagram, haven’t published on YouPic in a few years. I’m just ready to do my own website, say whatever I’m thinking rather than garnering a few “thumbs up” and no comments from the mass social media sights… You are completely right about telling a story. People will be more interested if they can read about what you were thinking, why you did something one way rather than another. It’s amazing to me the numbers of people that ask questions on social media that seem so simple to answer if they’d just think about the possible outcomes. But in todays world people are wanting instant gratification rather than spend the time researching it themselves… Yes I’m thinking if may be time for a website of my own. Thank you again Thomas.
Long time fan here, love your videos! I recently got laid off from my full time job so I was thinking it's time to see what I can do with youtube myself. This video is some perfectly timed inspiration!
Only Thomas Heaton could make a video while moving cardboard boxes and it be fascinating!! You really have such a personable style and an incredible feel for the B roll. I liked watching from the wobbly camera on top of the boxes! 😀
Solid advice I think. I myself recently gave UA-cam another shot (about 4 months in), giving it a year to see if I can make it work. Much inspired by yours. Big thanks for all the inspiration and the journeys you shared over the years.
Got my pre-ordered copy of book number 2 a few weeks ago after royal mail and canada post took their sweet time getting it to me and I got to say I think it's even better than the first. Beautiful work and I appreciate all the time and energy that you put into making your products!
Great advice Thomas. It has been a slow burn growing my channel but really enjoyed the challenge. Motivational videos like this are a real help. Cheers Keith
I love these behind the scenes videos almost as much as your “on location, here’s what I’m photographing and why, and here are the results” videos. Thanks for sharing. I’d love to get a little more detail on your book self-publishing experience - as much as you care to share, actually. Like what company does the printing, what tools you used to creat the book print files, and if you’re willing to share, how much does it cost to do a book print run. Again, thank you for sharing and for staying genuine/authentic.
Definitely can relate to the part about there being a story behind an image. I’ve got several landscape shots I took, printed out, and framed all over my place. Every time I have somebody over and they ask about where I got the photo or what inspired it, sure feels nice to share my personal experience on that day with them. Nothing beats that feeling and in a way makes you appreciate the image overall so much more. I’ve had friends and family ask for some of my images after hearing those stories. Keep it up good sir! We are watching you and supporting you all along the way.
I am a hobbyist landscape photographer mostly, my work "marketing" is just sharing on social media and with friends (make some prints as gifts or on request). I think about starting to make some video from field content, but where to start. You got some answers on this theme, thank you for it. Now I need to decide what language it would be (my audience), that's a harder task. I can aim at world with "english" (its not that good :D ) or I take the path in my mother tongue "hungarian" but the audience is lot smaller. Your point Thomas, about something to say - story telling behind the photograph could be easier in hungarian for me :) and I think being out in nature always generates a best stories because of things you cannot control (weather, light-conditions, wild animals). I follow your channel a couple of years and I got lot of inspirational photo philosophy from your videos, so please keep up sharing. I think you have big impact on new enthusiast or hobbyist photographers.
@@tuvaaq Your point is actually more valid than you realize. While AI is going to be very disruptive (across all facets of society and corners of the globe), there are myriad very serious problems that come with it, and the pushback has already begun. Italy, for example, just banned ChatGTP outright. The US Copyright Office has declared that images conjured from Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, et al cannot be copyrighted, which means anyone can steal the images...which means they cannot be monetized successfully. Which means major IP holders (like Disney and Warner Bros.) are going to recognize that there is significant risk exposure in utilizing it, because it could come back to bite them on the ass...with no recourse. There are several lawsuits against these AI image generators pending as well, likely with more on the way. The increased flood of fake images are also going to have two more effects: 1. Destabilization of political and democratic systems; 2. A numbing and eventual revulsion on the part of the public, who will soon grow sick of fake everything, and will quickly begin to crave what's real again. Which means authenticity may become the new currency in everything, including photography. And this just the tip of the iceberg as far as the problems AI is going to encounter are concerned. One thousand of the world's top tech and scientific experts just signed a letter demanding there be a minimum six month moratorium on any further progression of AI. Yes, low to mid-range portrait and catalogue photography are going to take a huge hit (that's actually been happening for a few years already now), as is product photography, but scientific, documentary, forensic, event, wedding, photojournalism, etc. will all necessitate real world capture. And people traveling will still want to capture their personal memories and viewpoints as they saw it, not type it into a keyboard later as they remember it, and hope to get some close facsimile. As Tom says, any type of photography that necessitates storytelling isn't going anywhere. As to starting a UA-cam Channel, I think there are very few people who can do this successfully and hope to make anything more than a pittance from it, as they try to establish signal in the noise. And once it gets going, if it gets going, it's a beast that you must continue feeding, whether you want to or not. Also, if you're past a certain age, you're very unlikely to get a lot of traction. So, good for a few, but few will be good. Anyway, I don't think anyone should be eulogizing the state of photography just yet.
As a person not only trying to find his path on what is my photographic style but also trying to find a way to use photography as a way of living I appreciate the inside knowledge and recommendations, thank you.
Thanks to inspiration from you, I took the plunge and started a channel about 6 months ago. So far I’ve managed to get a video out every week. Its lots of work but I’m loving it. It’s all your fault that I’m sitting in a swamp every weekend talking into a camera like a lunatic instead of relaxing at home. 🙂
For me, the simple difference between AI and a human is heart ❤. AI will never have a heart. It won't feel empathy, love, hate, sadness, happiness etc and this is where humans will win every time. Emotions, struggles, dramas can create the story behind the image and this will make it much better and ... more valuable. Thanks for posting this super useful video Thomas.
I attended your presentation in Manassas, Virginia some years ago, and you gave much the same advice. Specifically, you encouraged starting a UA-cam channel for multiple reasons. In July 2020, I finally did it. I recently passed 1K subscribers but I'm not monetized yet because of low watch hours. I'm still sorting out how to get more repeat views. The thing is that I'm having lots of fun, my subscribers like my work, and I've gotten much better at both photography and video. Thanks, Thomas.
I found your channel looking at campervan builds, I know nothing about photography but now really look forward to your videos and watching your journeys. You are very relatable and natural and show your downs as well as ups which I think makes us all want to keep coming back for more. All the best 👍🏻
Yours is defiantly a better than average Channel. You know a Lot & Certainly Love to share it with people. Back in my Day that kind of knowledge was kept a Secret. Other photographers would worry about them stealing there work. Times have changed, Human Communication WINS!
Some sound advice Thomas and lovely of you to encourage others to have a go. There is always the challenge of those that are camera shy and don't see themselves in front of the camera, only behind it. There are other ways to tell your story though and that is the key message. AI will present some challenges for photography for sure but ultimately, human instinct is survival, in all it's forms, so hopefully that will kick in for us to fend off the negative aspects of such technologies! Thanks as always for sharing.
This has really inspired me. I've talked about starting a youtube channel for my photography for years and despite all of my loved ones tell me to, I always thought that my work would be too weird or quirky. I'm an experimental photographer and I guess that it's (or my) quirkiness can be it's superpower. I made the channel and then sat on it. I have half a video recorded but I've scurried away from it. I guess I'll just need to bite the bullet...
A little over a year ago, I watched one of your videos for the first time and I saw a way to combine all of the things that I love, exploring, storytelling, videography, and photography. I started a UA-cam Channel, launched a website, and have set out on a journey that doesn’t matter the path AI takes. I love what I’m doing and that’s due in no small part to your inspiring body of work. I genuinely appreciate what watching that one video has done for my life.
What a fantastic episode Thomas! The advice you give is from a foundation of lots of experience. I love your weekly adventures, even if it's in your garage. You do inspire me even though I'm 68yo and just an old man who loves to create landscape images. My last big trip whas in Feb 2020 to Lofoten, I have 5 prints hanging on my hallway walls & they keep me going forward to the next photo shoot. My last local soot was only a few Kilometers away, but the effort is the same. If it's traveling from Australia to Lofoten or down the coast south of Sydney, I can create. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope it inspires many young photographers to "GIVE IT A GO!"
Good advice, Thomas. I started a channel a few months ago. I'm still learning how to make them look as a professional as yours and others. I'm up to about 10 true fans. Ha! I do think however that the video that has had the most view so far is the one that I named, "Thomas Heaton made me do it." I've been enjoying creating videos but it's very hard to continue to come up with ideas. And you're right about one thing. I did purchase your first book not only because I enjoy your work, but I feel as though I should support you in some small way for all the effort you put into with your videos. Thanks and good luck.
Tom, your channel is not average at best! Personally I think it's the best Landscape Photography channel on UA-cam. I say that simply because I've watched more of your videos than from anyone else, so for me it must be! Really good video as well. Thank you!
Great video Thomas. My 2 favorite UA-cam channels/photographers doing things very differently. Ben Horne and yourself. Patreon vs Sponsors, Ads vs No-ads. Very interesting. There is no one size fits all obviously.
Thank you very much for this Thomas. I'm about to retire and was thinking about ways of generating a little extra income on top of Social Security. My first thought was my photography and to promote my photography with a UA-cam channel. A lot of very timely advice.
Congrats on the DJI microphone kit. I hope it works well for you versus the old Rode setup. I am posting this comment at the one minute mark, where the audio in the van was a little flat with the DJI. I know the Rode rig was problematic for you and many others.
This is exactly it. Well done, Tom. The story behind the image is as important, I'd say, as the image itself and the photographer is the key asset to the photographs. Something you do well with your photography book(s). Cheers.
The relationship/connection is the reason for my subscription. And I can fully understand your argument against community sponsorship. Btw: thanks for using metric units :)
Average at best? You have been an inspiration to me while I've been finally following through with my joy being outside in the wilderness practicing my Landscape photography. I may be average at best but your ability to inspire me to get out there and just do it has been priceless for me!!! Keep it up sir!!! Every week I look forward to watch your next adventure or other humorous UA-cam whimseys.
You don't need to have a million followers, 532K will do the job just fine! But seriously you've managed to keep my attention for an entire video of you loading and unloading boxes. Enjoyed this video a lot, thanks.
Your advice is spot on as always. I started my own UA-cam channel after watching a few of your videos. I have found the most difficult aspect is getting followers. But as you said, the key is to stay the course and stay genuine. Can't wait to see your Arctic adventure coming up.
Thanks for the video Thomas! It is very useful. To be honest these are quite obvious things but for some reason we do not want to notice them and follow them. Best regards, Sergey from Siberia.
Thanks Thomas, you and your channel are definitely not average. I enjoy all the content of your videos. You are a wonderful inspiration for anyone thinking of a career in photography....Alioban, PS big fan here 😊
Thomas, I have been following your channel since your very early videos. You've been a great inspiration to me not only to go out and shoot more often but also start my own UA-cam channel. It's hard to keep the track to upload videos on a regular basis at times especially when I have a full time job as a teacher. But I'm doing my best. And fingers crossed :) Keep inspiring mate, cheers 🙋🏻
Really sound advice, thank you. Also, I believe many of the points are transferable to other content: be authentic, tell a good story, be consistent, etc. Thank you for being real about how difficult it is though and some of the challenges that you have overcome. Great video, great channel!
First I just love your videos and they have brought up so many great talking points between my wife and I. She had been nudging me to make a video and with my son new to photography I’ve had to explain a number of things to to him and how cameras work. So after this video I’m in I’m doing it. My website has been up a bit and now to crack on the videos. Thank you for all your wonderful videos and keep them coming. Plus I just loved your book. Chris @ Heartshot Photo
Great advice Tom, I started 2 years ago and have really enjoyed creating videos for YT whilst getting into landscape photography. It really has been a great motivation for me getting out and exploring the landscape. Although I do find it hard to upload weekly with a full time job and family commitments, I have a lot of respect for you guys who do this full time, it's a lot of hard graft for one guy to do it all 👍
Thanks for sharing these insights Thomas. I love the idea of making a little video to go with each image, even just as a personal reference.And your channel is way above average! The effort you put into each video is enormous and appreciated too.
Great video as usual, some really useful information. I bit the bullet and started my own channel a couple of months ago, still obviously finding my feet as video was completely new to me. Keep up the good work, all the best.
Hi Thomas... I love watching your channel... as a print buyer, please be wary of storing your books in the garage... it will take about a week to start to absorb damp from the atmosphere... I'd hate to hear you had to trash them due to damp (even if individually wrapped in plastic!)... I hope helpful!
Thomas, this was a very nice video. Thank you for sharing. Leslie and I were out shooting some wildlife shots the other day and talking about our channel and other You Tube channels we follow. I mentioned your channel saying you seem like a real decent fellow and I liked your content. I think she was going to look your channel up. I told her she could enjoy it because you don't go deep in the weeds with technical jargon or cryptic camera lingo.
Some great tips there tom, I’ve just recently become monetised and now I feel like I need to up my game and make much better videos with better audience connections. My channel is based around 4x4’s but I’d like it to include a vlog style landscape photography side. Kind of like a learn as I go thing.
Wise words! I started my own channel about 6 months ago. Really enjoying the process but struggling with the consistency especially with working a full time job.
Thomas, it is such a pleasure to follow your channel. Your honesty and truth of self shine through. I learn something new every time and look forward to your next video. I missed the calendar this year but will be keeping my eye out for the next one. It may be time for one of your coffee table books. Signed, a true fan. 🙂
Whoa Tom! What a fantastic video, you may not realise it but you have grown into becoming a great teacher. Your van build series and now this guide to building a business will be so useful to many people. Well done and thanks for your generosity, Del.❤😊
To your points, I think that photography is really about other photographers. We support each other with content, and photographers are the ones going on workshops or buying photography books. Having images to hang on the wall is almost secondary to all of that, to practicing the craft. And AI will never replace that experience we have when going out to shoot, even if we're just in a super local spot.
Some really sound advice there Thomas. I especially resonated with what you said about sponsorship vs donation, I had never thought of it that way. That said, some followers like to show their appreciation for all of your hard work, so maybe there's a middle ground? Though I suppose people could support you by buying your books, which would also help you to get your garage back. Win:win! 😁
I would never describe your channel as Average Thomas as the fact you have been up and running for a good number of years and still share amazing and inspirational content is testament to your professionalism. You are the reason my passion for photography has challenged me in a positive way to continually evolve and to embrace everything photography throws my way. I like your approach to using your channel to market yourself and was wondering do you think you would make another tutorial series either by yourself or like you did as part of the F4 crew?
Thanks a lot. I'd love to do another f4 project, but there's nothing in the pipeline 😟
I would do a course by myself, but I still have a lot to learn, so one day.
I bet AI can't do the F4 project aye! 😂
Well said!!
@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Is F4 still coming to Netflix? If I remember correctly.
He was definitely being modest there!
1. Your channel is not average - it's brill!
2. I've been doing YT for 3 years and it's HARD, but hearing the bit about solid foundations is really reassuring - and not expecting big views overnight...
I tried having a UA-cam channel based around my photography, but it killed my passion for it because I was trying to come up with content instead of just taking great images. I wound with a channel based around stories and writing, with photography added in (and photos being the basis for many stories) and that has worked out a lot better! We all have our own path in this amazing journey and it takes a lot of perseverance, but it's worth it!
great advice, I worked as a pro photographer long before youtube and it killed my passion for photography. It took years to get back to taking photos for the love of it.
Great example of sharing a bit of yourself getting a job done while you deliver the main message.
Definitely NOT average! In a sea of deeply mediocre photography channels, this one is a shining light of content, production values and sheer relatability. Keep on lifting dem boxes!
Do you watch dozens of mediocre channels to know this?
@@johnsmith1474 once!
This the best openly shared response to the rise of AI I have seen. Not whinging, just a rationale response which makes good sense. AI won’t just not exist because it’s complained about. Always delivering Thomas 👍🏻
The first two points are key. It's so important to first build a genuine audience that find value in your work beyond just the final product. Auto generated images might look nice, but they lack authenticity and a connection to the artist.
Enjoy your stories, really like your photos and calendars. But most of all, value your integrity and honesty.
So so much about this that’s great and why I still continue with my UA-cam channel. Spot on Tom! My old saying Graft for your craft. Sithee 😍👍
Just in the process of considering starting my own photography business, the last 2 videos have been invaluable - thank you!
Thanks for the encouragement to just start shooting a commentary to get the feel of how to interact with the camera. On my road trip this past week I tried it, not as a potential vlog but just as a diary. To capture those magic little moments that I tend to forget when there is so much input when traveling. I appreciate the wide range of ideas you present on your channel and this one really filled a vaguely felt need.
Well-thought out ideas. I appreciate your emphasis on authenticity. I have noticed that a few photographers I follow on UA-cam apparently have watched one too many tutorials on how to max out their UA-cam channel. Over time, their thumbnails are their wildly surprised faces coupled with breathless clickbait titles like "The Seven Secrets Pros Won't Tell You!" or simply reporting "news" from sites like Canon Rumors like a thousand other channels. How many times have we seen that. Establishing authentic relationships with your audience by sharing yourself, your work, your process without the formulaic, overdone UA-cam baloney is, to me, the key. It's one reason I enjoy this channel.
You absolutely nailed it.... I started my channel as I know that eventually photography alone will not be my primary income... Keep up the fantastic work.... Also, I've put your book on my birthday list so have a word with Michelle will you 😂😂
I have always followed photographers on youtube because I love there images, but I have stayed with them because of their storytelling and the sense of connection with the person, so days when there is no inspiration just honest frustration and no great images but real life experience are as enjoyable as the great films with the journeys and amazing landscapes. So keep up the great work.
532k subscribers. Well certainly not average Thomas.
I think you are, if not unique, quite exceptional in the way you articulate ways of earning an income from one's creative endeavours.
Boy did this video come at a great time for me! Such a good one Thomas, I started my UA-cam street photography channel about 6 months ago, it’s doing pretty well for a new channel but I constantly have imposter syndrome and feeling of inadequacy and often think it’s not going to go anywhere so what’s the point. But watching this has just given me that spark to keep on at it and hopefully I’ll reach my dreams and goals through my channel and hard work. Thanks for the great video!🙏🏻
I'd really like a video about self publishing, specifically what software is being used to create the work, followed by turning the result into a tangible printed product.
Hi Thomas, Just ordered your 2nd volume book to accompany your other book. Loving your work...
Your honesty is always appreciated. Thank you for all this information.
Concerning AI: the US Copyright Office has just recently stated that AI generated works are NOT eligible for Copyright. Therefore all the AI "creators" will never own their work... huge difference to real photography!
Yeah that is a big difference!
Now you only have to find a way to tell that some image sent to e.g. a marketing agency was indeed created by A.I. and not in Camera & Light Room & Photo Shop - and boom, the agency can use the image for free, and the A.I - creator goes bankrupt due to lack of income. Excellent. One out, only a million to go. IF you find a way to tell the difference, say two years from now...
@@RonK easy! There's forensic software telling if an image is manipulated or generated. And nonetheless the AI generated image (may it look perfect) has no rights whatsoever ☝🏻
@@RonK I’m sure metadata will be handy for this.
Ha, good, no copyright for AI
"Average" is hardly an adjective I'd use to describe your channel, Thomas. I'm a wildlife guy and yet here I am frequenting a landscape channel. In large part, it's for the story telling. So you are spot on with that comment as well. I'm plugging away at this YT thing and your comments gave me a bit of a much needed kick to the backside. Thank you for that.
I have to be honest here, I started following you because of your early out on your own, up the side of mountain videos, I still love what you do, but also wonder if you enjoy you are doing today compared to your past. You always said that your photography was sort of the side hustle from your enjoyment of the great outdoors. I follow you because of your photography, but enjoyed you at your best, because the photography wasn't your main reason for getting out in the wild.
I love photography, but could never make it something I would rely on for my living, that would just take all the pleasure out of it for me.
You are still one of my favourite channels, you are a down to earth vlogger, and as well as informative, you are entertaining. Keep up the good work.
You always (ok….most of the time) share helpful/inspirational videos but I’ll be honest, this was the best of both! Exactly what I needed to hear.
Well done! Great advice and well-presented (as usual). One thing about ads…I have a very small hobby channel that is not monetized. But my viewers (my intended audience which is friends and families) still have to watch ads, the revenue from which goes entirely into UA-cam’s pockets. So if you are concerned about ads in your videos, be aware that they cannot be avoided anyway, so take the little money they generate and enjoy it!
This is so inspiring, can't really express how impressive it is to hear this kind of encouragement and honesty. I also think you're spot on about AI. I saw a recent interview with someone in the AI -space, and he noted that after AI beat all the grandmasters at chess, everybody thought chess was done. But if you look around youtube today, it clearly doesn't matter...endless videos of interpersonal games, fast games, slow games etc. It like it's never been more popular. But there's one thing nobody watches: two AIs playing chess against each other. So you're right, we crave the human connection, and the channels that do this best are the ones that are most successful. Kudos to you for leading the way.
I've followed your channel since when you first started out, it inspired me and as a result I recently started my UA-cam channel. I uploaded my 1st narrated tutorial a couple of days ago which was a really big step for me, it was far from perfect but it is just the beginning. I don't think your channel is average, for me it has always been a great source of inspiration, you have produced a really calming atmosphere in all of your content and I thoroughly enjoy watching it. Although my channel isn't focused on photography, the knowledge of photography certainly helps with 3d creative pipelines. By far my favorite activity is nature photography, whether it be landscape, wildlife or macro, it gives me a sense of inner peace, well-being and contentment as I am sure it does with you. Keep up the good work mate, never give up and always keep that shutter open in the search for new and interesting compositions.
Thomas. You are a lot better than Average. I have been flowering you for some time now and love your work. And this video is another example of the great content you are making
Hello Thomas,
This couldn’t have come at a better time. I’m (again) frustrated with Facebook, gave up on Instagram, haven’t published on YouPic in a few years. I’m just ready to do my own website, say whatever I’m thinking rather than garnering a few “thumbs up” and no comments from the mass social media sights…
You are completely right about telling a story. People will be more interested if they can read about what you were thinking, why you did something one way rather than another. It’s amazing to me the numbers of people that ask questions on social media that seem so simple to answer if they’d just think about the possible outcomes. But in todays world people are wanting instant gratification rather than spend the time researching it themselves…
Yes I’m thinking if may be time for a website of my own.
Thank you again Thomas.
Long time fan here, love your videos! I recently got laid off from my full time job so I was thinking it's time to see what I can do with youtube myself. This video is some perfectly timed inspiration!
Only Thomas Heaton could make a video while moving cardboard boxes and it be fascinating!! You really have such a personable style and an incredible feel for the B roll. I liked watching from the wobbly camera on top of the boxes! 😀
Solid advice I think. I myself recently gave UA-cam another shot (about 4 months in), giving it a year to see if I can make it work. Much inspired by yours.
Big thanks for all the inspiration and the journeys you shared over the years.
Thank you for the advice and all of the videos you post.
Solid advice, Thomas - honest and useful. Cheers. :)
Got my pre-ordered copy of book number 2 a few weeks ago after royal mail and canada post took their sweet time getting it to me and I got to say I think it's even better than the first. Beautiful work and I appreciate all the time and energy that you put into making your products!
Fantastic video Thomas. Great advice and beautifully presented.
Great advice Thomas. It has been a slow burn growing my channel but really enjoyed the challenge. Motivational videos like this are a real help. Cheers Keith
I love these behind the scenes videos almost as much as your “on location, here’s what I’m photographing and why, and here are the results” videos. Thanks for sharing. I’d love to get a little more detail on your book self-publishing experience - as much as you care to share, actually. Like what company does the printing, what tools you used to creat the book print files, and if you’re willing to share, how much does it cost to do a book print run. Again, thank you for sharing and for staying genuine/authentic.
Definitely can relate to the part about there being a story behind an image. I’ve got several landscape shots I took, printed out, and framed all over my place. Every time I have somebody over and they ask about where I got the photo or what inspired it, sure feels nice to share my personal experience on that day with them. Nothing beats that feeling and in a way makes you appreciate the image overall so much more. I’ve had friends and family ask for some of my images after hearing those stories. Keep it up good sir! We are watching you and supporting you all along the way.
I am a hobbyist landscape photographer mostly, my work "marketing" is just sharing on social media and with friends (make some prints as gifts or on request). I think about starting to make some video from field content, but where to start. You got some answers on this theme, thank you for it.
Now I need to decide what language it would be (my audience), that's a harder task. I can aim at world with "english" (its not that good :D ) or I take the path in my mother tongue "hungarian" but the audience is lot smaller. Your point Thomas, about something to say - story telling behind the photograph could be easier in hungarian for me :) and I think being out in nature always generates a best stories because of things you cannot control (weather, light-conditions, wild animals).
I follow your channel a couple of years and I got lot of inspirational photo philosophy from your videos, so please keep up sharing. I think you have big impact on new enthusiast or hobbyist photographers.
Completely agree. With the way Ai is going it’s gonna be very tough/impossible to make any image matter without some sort of connected human story.
Don't worry too much Adam, as soon as AI starts to infringe on Disney and Warner it'll be game over.
@@tuvaaq Your point is actually more valid than you realize. While AI is going to be very disruptive (across all facets of society and corners of the globe), there are myriad very serious problems that come with it, and the pushback has already begun.
Italy, for example, just banned ChatGTP outright. The US Copyright Office has declared that images conjured from Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, et al cannot be copyrighted, which means anyone can steal the images...which means they cannot be monetized successfully. Which means major IP holders (like Disney and Warner Bros.) are going to recognize that there is significant risk exposure in utilizing it, because it could come back to bite them on the ass...with no recourse.
There are several lawsuits against these AI image generators pending as well, likely with more on the way.
The increased flood of fake images are also going to have two more effects: 1. Destabilization of political and democratic systems; 2. A numbing and eventual revulsion on the part of the public, who will soon grow sick of fake everything, and will quickly begin to crave what's real again. Which means authenticity may become the new currency in everything, including photography.
And this just the tip of the iceberg as far as the problems AI is going to encounter are concerned. One thousand of the world's top tech and scientific experts just signed a letter demanding there be a minimum six month moratorium on any further progression of AI.
Yes, low to mid-range portrait and catalogue photography are going to take a huge hit (that's actually been happening for a few years already now), as is product photography, but scientific, documentary, forensic, event, wedding, photojournalism, etc. will all necessitate real world capture. And people traveling will still want to capture their personal memories and viewpoints as they saw it, not type it into a keyboard later as they remember it, and hope to get some close facsimile. As Tom says, any type of photography that necessitates storytelling isn't going anywhere.
As to starting a UA-cam Channel, I think there are very few people who can do this successfully and hope to make anything more than a pittance from it, as they try to establish signal in the noise. And once it gets going, if it gets going, it's a beast that you must continue feeding, whether you want to or not. Also, if you're past a certain age, you're very unlikely to get a lot of traction. So, good for a few, but few will be good.
Anyway, I don't think anyone should be eulogizing the state of photography just yet.
Love this man. I've been dabbling in UA-cam but with regular client work I have a hard time committing to it. Trying this year for sure!
As a person not only trying to find his path on what is my photographic style but also trying to find a way to use photography as a way of living I appreciate the inside knowledge and recommendations, thank you.
Thanks to inspiration from you, I took the plunge and started a channel about 6 months ago. So far I’ve managed to get a video out every week. Its lots of work but I’m loving it. It’s all your fault that I’m sitting in a swamp every weekend talking into a camera like a lunatic instead of relaxing at home. 🙂
Tom, you’re a legend. Thank you for being such a kind, genuine human.
For me, the simple difference between AI and a human is heart ❤. AI will never have a heart. It won't feel empathy, love, hate, sadness, happiness etc and this is where humans will win every time. Emotions, struggles, dramas can create the story behind the image and this will make it much better and ... more valuable. Thanks for posting this super useful video Thomas.
As an ex bookseller.... I feel your backpain! Thanks for the advice.
Inspirational as always, great tips to follow too. Thank you Thomas
I attended your presentation in Manassas, Virginia some years ago, and you gave much the same advice. Specifically, you encouraged starting a UA-cam channel for multiple reasons. In July 2020, I finally did it. I recently passed 1K subscribers but I'm not monetized yet because of low watch hours. I'm still sorting out how to get more repeat views. The thing is that I'm having lots of fun, my subscribers like my work, and I've gotten much better at both photography and video. Thanks, Thomas.
@@mikehomzephoto yes. I'm seriously considering shorts as an option.
@Mike Homze Photo I found a Chrome extension to block shorts. I hate them.
I found your channel looking at campervan builds, I know nothing about photography but now really look forward to your videos and watching your journeys. You are very relatable and natural and show your downs as well as ups which I think makes us all want to keep coming back for more. All the best 👍🏻
Yours is defiantly a better than average Channel. You know a Lot & Certainly Love to share it with people. Back in my Day that kind of knowledge was kept a Secret. Other photographers would worry about them stealing there work. Times have changed, Human Communication WINS!
Appreciate this video Thomas. Very good, down to earth advice. Take care fella.
Great video! 👍 You'd better buy yourself some hygrometers in order to control humidity in the garage. Would be terrible to get mold on the books.
Am I the only one who remembers your lockdown videos from the garage? AI can't touch that! 😂
And you Mr. Heaton, you are a human being doing the work and using your imagination and Human talent to create art.
Some sound advice Thomas and lovely of you to encourage others to have a go. There is always the challenge of those that are camera shy and don't see themselves in front of the camera, only behind it. There are other ways to tell your story though and that is the key message. AI will present some challenges for photography for sure but ultimately, human instinct is survival, in all it's forms, so hopefully that will kick in for us to fend off the negative aspects of such technologies! Thanks as always for sharing.
Totally agree with this video, I’ve been struggling to get these things off the ground.
This has really inspired me. I've talked about starting a youtube channel for my photography for years and despite all of my loved ones tell me to, I always thought that my work would be too weird or quirky. I'm an experimental photographer and I guess that it's (or my) quirkiness can be it's superpower. I made the channel and then sat on it. I have half a video recorded but I've scurried away from it. I guess I'll just need to bite the bullet...
A little over a year ago, I watched one of your videos for the first time and I saw a way to combine all of the things that I love, exploring, storytelling, videography, and photography. I started a UA-cam Channel, launched a website, and have set out on a journey that doesn’t matter the path AI takes. I love what I’m doing and that’s due in no small part to your inspiring body of work. I genuinely appreciate what watching that one video has done for my life.
What a fantastic episode Thomas! The advice you give is from a foundation of lots of experience. I love your weekly adventures, even if it's in your garage. You do inspire me even though I'm 68yo and just an old man who loves to create landscape images. My last big trip whas in Feb 2020 to Lofoten, I have 5 prints hanging on my hallway walls & they keep me going forward to the next photo shoot. My last local soot was only a few Kilometers away, but the effort is the same. If it's traveling from Australia to Lofoten or down the coast south of Sydney, I can create. Thank you so much for sharing. I hope it inspires many young photographers to "GIVE IT A GO!"
Good advice, Thomas. I started a channel a few months ago. I'm still learning how to make them look as a professional as yours and others. I'm up to about 10 true fans. Ha! I do think however that the video that has had the most view so far is the one that I named, "Thomas Heaton made me do it." I've been enjoying creating videos but it's very hard to continue to come up with ideas. And you're right about one thing. I did purchase your first book not only because I enjoy your work, but I feel as though I should support you in some small way for all the effort you put into with your videos. Thanks and good luck.
great information Thomas. Thank you for the straight forward and honest information.
Brilliant commentary, observations, and advice. Thank you!
Tom, your channel is not average at best! Personally I think it's the best Landscape Photography channel on UA-cam. I say that simply because I've watched more of your videos than from anyone else, so for me it must be! Really good video as well. Thank you!
Great video Thomas. My 2 favorite UA-cam channels/photographers doing things very differently. Ben Horne and yourself. Patreon vs Sponsors, Ads vs No-ads. Very interesting. There is no one size fits all obviously.
But poor viewers of Ben have never heard of Square Space 😢😢😢
Thank you very much for this Thomas. I'm about to retire and was thinking about ways of generating a little extra income on top of Social Security. My first thought was my photography and to promote my photography with a UA-cam channel. A lot of very timely advice.
Excellent video Thomas and very good advice for photographers...thank you very much and best wishes
Congrats on the DJI microphone kit. I hope it works well for you versus the old Rode setup. I am posting this comment at the one minute mark, where the audio in the van was a little flat with the DJI. I know the Rode rig was problematic for you and many others.
So helpful. Thanks very much. Watching multiple times.
This is exactly it. Well done, Tom. The story behind the image is as important, I'd say, as the image itself and the photographer is the key asset to the photographs. Something you do well with your photography book(s). Cheers.
I needed this. All of it solid advice. Thank you, Mr. Heaton 🤙🏾
The relationship/connection is the reason for my subscription. And I can fully understand your argument against community sponsorship.
Btw: thanks for using metric units :)
Average at best? You have been an inspiration to me while I've been finally following through with my joy being outside in the wilderness practicing my Landscape photography. I may be average at best but your ability to inspire me to get out there and just do it has been priceless for me!!! Keep it up sir!!! Every week I look forward to watch your next adventure or other humorous UA-cam whimseys.
As they say the best camera is the one you have 🙂 great watch and lovely pics.
You don't need to have a million followers, 532K will do the job just fine! But seriously you've managed to keep my attention for an entire video of you loading and unloading boxes. Enjoyed this video a lot, thanks.
Your advice is spot on as always. I started my own UA-cam channel after watching a few of your videos. I have found the most difficult aspect is getting followers. But as you said, the key is to stay the course and stay genuine. Can't wait to see your Arctic adventure coming up.
Thanks for the video Thomas! It is very useful.
To be honest these are quite obvious things but for some reason we do not want to notice them and follow them.
Best regards, Sergey from Siberia.
Thanks Thomas, you and your channel are definitely not average. I enjoy all the content of your videos. You are a wonderful inspiration for anyone thinking of a career in photography....Alioban, PS big fan here 😊
Thomas, I have been following your channel since your very early videos. You've been a great inspiration to me not only to go out and shoot more often but also start my own UA-cam channel. It's hard to keep the track to upload videos on a regular basis at times especially when I have a full time job as a teacher. But I'm doing my best. And fingers crossed :)
Keep inspiring mate, cheers 🙋🏻
Really sound advice, thank you. Also, I believe many of the points are transferable to other content: be authentic, tell a good story, be consistent, etc.
Thank you for being real about how difficult it is though and some of the challenges that you have overcome.
Great video, great channel!
This is such an informative and precious video. Will rewatch it a few times I guess. Thanks Thomas!
Great video. Really engaging and informative, especially about how to counter the looming tsunami of AI.
Great Video Thomas! Very thought provoking, thanks for sharing
Very insightful video Thomas! I especially liked the last part of the video and the ideas you shared about income and self publishing.
First I just love your videos and they have brought up so many great talking points between my wife and I. She had been nudging me to make a video and with my son new to photography I’ve had to explain a number of things to to him and how cameras work. So after this video I’m in I’m doing it. My website has been up a bit and now to crack on the videos. Thank you for all your wonderful videos and keep them coming. Plus I just loved your book. Chris @ Heartshot Photo
Great and interesting content from start to finish...your photography is brilliant..😊
Great advice Tom, I started 2 years ago and have really enjoyed creating videos for YT whilst getting into landscape photography. It really has been a great motivation for me getting out and exploring the landscape. Although I do find it hard to upload weekly with a full time job and family commitments, I have a lot of respect for you guys who do this full time, it's a lot of hard graft for one guy to do it all 👍
Thanks for sharing these insights Thomas. I love the idea of making a little video to go with each image, even just as a personal reference.And your channel is way above average! The effort you put into each video is enormous and appreciated too.
Great video as usual, some really useful information. I bit the bullet and started my own channel a couple of months ago, still obviously finding my feet as video was completely new to me. Keep up the good work, all the best.
Hi Thomas... I love watching your channel... as a print buyer, please be wary of storing your books in the garage... it will take about a week to start to absorb damp from the atmosphere... I'd hate to hear you had to trash them due to damp (even if individually wrapped in plastic!)... I hope helpful!
Thomas, this was a very nice video. Thank you for sharing. Leslie and I were out shooting some wildlife shots the other day and talking about our channel and other You Tube channels we follow. I mentioned your channel saying you seem like a real decent fellow and I liked your content. I think she was going to look your channel up. I told her she could enjoy it because you don't go deep in the weeds with technical jargon or cryptic camera lingo.
Some great tips there tom, I’ve just recently become monetised and now I feel like I need to up my game and make much better videos with better audience connections. My channel is based around 4x4’s but I’d like it to include a vlog style landscape photography side. Kind of like a learn as I go thing.
Wise words! I started my own channel about 6 months ago. Really enjoying the process but struggling with the consistency especially with working a full time job.
Thomas, it is such a pleasure to follow your channel. Your honesty and truth of self shine through. I learn something new every time and look forward to your next video. I missed the calendar this year but will be keeping my eye out for the next one. It may be time for one of your coffee table books. Signed, a true fan. 🙂
Whoa Tom! What a fantastic video, you may not realise it but you have grown into becoming a great teacher. Your van build series and now this guide to building a business will be so useful to many people. Well done and thanks for your generosity, Del.❤😊
Everything you’re saying makes sense 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Saw all the work you were doing moving those books so I ordered one !
Great content as usual, thanks for sharing your experience
To your points, I think that photography is really about other photographers. We support each other with content, and photographers are the ones going on workshops or buying photography books. Having images to hang on the wall is almost secondary to all of that, to practicing the craft. And AI will never replace that experience we have when going out to shoot, even if we're just in a super local spot.
Some really sound advice there Thomas. I especially resonated with what you said about sponsorship vs donation, I had never thought of it that way. That said, some followers like to show their appreciation for all of your hard work, so maybe there's a middle ground? Though I suppose people could support you by buying your books, which would also help you to get your garage back. Win:win! 😁
Yep good video mate.....another good video would be how you do what you do... like an update from scenes behind the scenes kind of thing. Cheers