WATCH THE ENTIRE VIDEO SERIES - www.davemorrowphotography.com/landscape-photography-journals HOW I MAKE MONEY & AFFORD MY LIFESTYLE - READ BELOW: At least 10 of you asked in the comments, so here's a short overview. Let me know by commenting on this post, if you want to learn more about this aspect of photography. It's a really interesting topic that I'd be happy to teach about, at least what I know, thus far:) HOW I BUILD MY BUSINESS & MAKE MONEY - THE SUPER SHORT OVERVIEW My goal is to teach people all aspects of landscape photography, while I learn at the same time, and refine my craft. It's a never ending learning / teaching project. I want to do it in a way that scales & can reach the most brains possible. It's a long term project. I love creating all this free stuff, because it allows me to refine my ideas and teaching skills, while getting real time feedback from you all, on what you want to learn or don't want to learn, the methods you find helpful or don't. So thank you for that! I run online passive (automated) income streams selling digital learning products, such as you see on youtube, but at a way higher level of teaching. In short, I sell the top 1% of my knowledge and give the other 99% away for free, in the form of videos & ebooks. This way people can see my free stuff and determine if they want to learn from me before buying anything. It's not about quick sells, but long term relationships, and producing stuff that I think will help others! If someone isn't happy with a course they purchase from me, it's 100% refund for life. Money is not something I'd ever want to make enemies or ruin relationships over. It's just not worth it. By charging for that top 1% I can devote 2-3 months to building the learning product, ensuring that it will be really well done, when finished. In turn, it saves the student time, by condensing a topic it may have taken them years to learn on their own, into a few months of hard practice, with a specific goal in mind. It's a win win for both parties, if the product is inline with the students goals. Everything (free & paid) is created and built through my website. I come up with the ideas, engineer the design, build it all out in automations and webpages, then launch the idea to the world. I enjoy coding and building systems, almost as much as photography & outdoors. This was all stuff I taught myself to do, without college, over the past 6 years. No prints, no freelance, no sponsors, no partners, no advertising, no social media. Every second goes into creating and building my vision for the future of myself and my business. I also run 2-3 landscape photography tours a year. It's fun to get out there and show other photographers some of my favorite places to shoot. I enjoy this aspect of teaching as well. You can find more info on those here: www.davemorrowphotography.com/p/under-stars-photography-workshops.html By doing it this way, I control the entire system, and the foundations and knowledge within that system. I never have to worry about another company changing their policies, advertising, or payment methods, and hurting my company. If I fail, everything is on me. If I succeed, everything is on me. This drives me to work hard, create constantly, and never make excuses. But I try to put all my work, always on my website, into things that 1) can scale without having to hire any employees, and 2) automatically sell / produce income, without me having to be around, for at least 2-3 months at a time. 3) Are evergreen, aka they will provide as much value now, as in 10 years, unlike camera and gear reviews, for specific items. 4) help people at the free & paid learning levels. It's systems engineering, but for a photography website:) I like the idea / process of building out a system, that produces a result, then building it from the ground up. The result in this case, free time, funding to travel & shoot. DO I ACTUALLY MAKE ANY MONEY? First off, I don't really care that much about money. I live in my vehicle 9 months of the year, and live at my house North of Seattle, the other 3 months. I save heavily, 70% of my income, 35% which goes into index funds, for long term growth, the remaining 35%, into a savings account. The most investment of time and money goes back into my business. I also like to donate to foundations which protect any of the wilderness which we have left. They can do more with my money, than I could ever imagine doing on my own. I You could give me a million dollars a year and I'd live exactly the same as I do now. Everything I own, besides a bed and desk, you saw in the video above. This includes clothes. They all fit in that green bag! I'm going to go over the income part, not for my benefit, but so others can see that it's not only possible to support yourself, but you don't have to be a "broke photographer". The goal is to show the path, not brag about the results. Back to the money part. The first 4 years I barely made any money, but year 5, I matched my Boeing Aerospace engineering salary, which was 6 figures, USD. From year 5 out, after quitting my engineering job, I have doubled my business revenue each year, in turn having to pay myself, the CEO of that business, half of the total revenue that the business brought in each year, due to US Tax Laws. Revenue for me, is a good indicator of how well I designed my business for the current year, and how many people I could reach / help. People that want to buy learning products, are usually very interested in the topic and want to learn at a high level. My goal is to provide them with something I'm proud of creating and that will help them, long term. If I fail at that, then I fail myself & my business model. The other goal is long term learners, which will like the first learning experience, and come back for more, in turn getting better at their craft. For any business geeks, my company is an LLC, S-Corporation. This protects my personal assets, and allows me to pay myself a salary, which helps to reduce tax liability, overall. The great part about building online businesses, which you own and design, is that you no longer trade time for money. I work my ass off for 3 months a year, building my website and updating things for the coming year. After those three months, I travel & take photos for the other 9 months. Usually, 3 months travel, 1 month work my ass off, 3 months travel, repeat. The company revenue doesn't change when I take those 3 months off at a time. It keeps rolling while I sleep, while I travel, so on and so forth. It only fluctuates when I make good or bad long term creative and business decisions. That's how I like it! The other upside of building your own company, based on knowledge or any other intellectual property (IP), is you're making money, yearly, but also growing equity in a long term business which you own and built from the ground up. My goal is never short term payoffs, it's always long term growth, in efficient business models, that work for me, when I'm not working. I'd rather lose money short term, and bet on myself to create great ideas, for long term success. My real goal overall, is to have as much free time to travel and take photos as possible, forever. I never want to stop doing this. It drives me to create everyday, and I love seeing others pick up the skills and build their lives, to turn out as they want them to as well. It's a long term process, composed of thousands and thousand of tiny little steps. Climb those steps each day and you can do anything you want. The hard part is getting up and climbing everyday. That's what very few do, but nearly all of us have the choice / chance. That being said, I'm still scared , everyday, that something will go wrong & I will fail. This fear drives me to get up and work hard everyday. It's been my best friend over the past 8 years of my life! Here's what I learned... It applies to me at least:) Don't let fear control you. Make it work for you! Humans exists because fear exists, but in 99% of cases it's an outdated program running in your brain. Most of us no longer live in the jungle and there are probably not any lions going to eat you. Step back and watch your fears, see which directions they try to lead you or stop you from going towards. This may be a great indicator of the direction in which you're supposed to go! Use this knowledge to your advantage, but never fear control you. Just some thoughts. You all are awesome. Especially if you read this whole thing! Enjoy the day. Headed to the mountains. See you next Tuesday! Dave
Dave Morrow thanks for posting that, most youtubers keep the business plan under wraps so to see yours in such detail was very interesting to me as ive also thought about creating education content around what i do. Apart from the educational content you sell do you sell stock?
You're welcome Jeff. I don't make any money on youtube. I'd never want to depends on them for my income. All ads are off for that reason:) I don't sell any stock. If it doesn't interest me or drive me daily, then I'll give up money, not to do it, in turn, creating more in the long run, from doing things I love.
Interesting story. Thanks for sharing. I still don't understand what you're selling. The only thing I see on you site is several workshops in this year. Everything else seems to be for free?
You're welcome Marc. Gotta have a plan, unless you want to be part of someone else's:) I agree with you & will put out some videos on this topic! Appreciate the input
You're welcome. I don't sell on the front end via a store, currently. Only to members of my email list, after they have been on there for a while;) No one likes to be sold to by someone they don't know... at least I dont/
This is a truly amazing video. Most people do not give up the comfort a good paying job brings to pursue their passion. You did it with no regrets in order to share your knowledge about photography via your videos. I have a lot of respect for what you do and I will keep watching. Thanks.
Wow. What a great video packed full of useful information. I can see by your explanations that you have thought about just what you pack into the vehicle and more importantly why. Hope you keep on for many years yet. Look forward to these video reports and helping me learn as well. Many thanks.
Amazing content!!! I lived in a truck in Alaska, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado and it was an amazing experience. I was never able to decide what drives me more, outdoors or photography. I used Toyota 4runner 4WD and it worked out pretty good, almost same size as Xterra.
Wow, wow, wow -- incredible story, adventurous spirit, and a true conqueror, if you will. I'm awed by your courageous resolve to become the great photographer that you are while being at one with mother nature, in spite of the challenges of being alone so much of the time and having to brave the elements. As a subtle tribute, I'm going to wake up at the crack of dawn, albeit only on weekends, mind you, to take photos too.
Thanks for all the sharing. I have an apartment in Ouray, CO but spend a lot of time on the road for photography. Friends think I'm crazy and worry about me, but, I love the life and the exploring. I learned a lot from your video and now will add some more items. Trading in my GMC for a 4Runner soon so I have more ground clearance and better 4WD. Once you've experienced this lifestyle, there's no going back. I've recommended your site to friends and we all agree, you're one of the best out there. Take care, be safe.
You're welcome Barbara. Ouray is so nice. It would be a great place to live! Was just there a few weeks before recording this video:) Glad you found the video helpful. You're right, once you start, there is no going back. It's awesome to know that you're out there doing it too! Thanks for sharing & your kind words. I really appreciate it! PS: You'll love the 4runner
First time watching your vlog. Really impressed with the setup, i admire your courage to give up the 9-5 living and set out doing something like this. Keep the videos coming Dave. All the best.
Dave, I am so happy I found your online presence, such a wealth of information. I hope to get into one of your Rainier workshops at some point. Hope you have also read "The Dharma Bums." Best wishes and thanks so much for all this!
Hi Very inspiring to watch. I worked in Aerospace for a good few years, decided to Quit get a van & travel the UK until lockdown hit. But hopefully on the road soon Thanks for your enthusiasm & your willingness to share your knowledge.
Very well thought out, Dave. Your attention to detail shows in your living arrangements as much as it does in your photography. Kudos to you. Looking forward to more videos.
Fist time watching one of your vids. Great that you followed your heart, you can look back and look forward to where you will be going, and say you have done it. I have Grown up kids and Grandchildren. I learn so much about photography, you have a new follower. Look forward to seeing where you are off to next. Take some Baby wipes they are great, x hopefully they will not dry out x
Great video, I picked up some additional tips for my very similar setup, a 2005 Suburban. I didn't go solar yet, but I have a second battery so I can leave things charging while out without fear of coming back to a dead vehicle. Happy shooting.
Dave, Really enjoyed this video...almost think this could have been video one or two. I've had two Xterras, the true definition of utility vehicle. Got behind on the series so playing catch up...keep 'em coming. Love what you do!
I've just found your chanel. I loved it , Im planning my first big aventure into the wild. I surprised a lot when you said you liked Edward Abey , he is one of my favourite writers and i love his ideology. Hope you have a good travelling
Only just found you today Dave, been watching You tube vids for months now, learning my very average photography skills and must say from now on progress will be quicker AND more enjoyable!!! You are such a clever BRAVE man, all the best on you journeys..... As the saying goes... You only live once... make the most of it!!!! You've took that journey and i for one have great admiration for you....
Thanks Robert. If you like the vids, you'll probably enjoy my website as well. There are way more written guides and videos there: www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html Thanks for the kind words & enjoy, Dave
Hey Dave, that was great vid and truly enjoyed the overview of your business and will look fwd to future. Congrats on the hard work to design your freedom and passion to create and travel out in nature. Safe journeys I'll be watching.
You mentioned Jack Kerouac, I have just finished off Darhma Bums and On the Road, two excellent books, I have started on Tom Wolfe's Electric Kool Aid Acid Test, great read.
Great video! Looks like you have things quite under control! I spent a year or so living like that about 35 years ago....not doing photography, but just trying to survive! LOL I lived in my '74 Plymouth Duster! ,Campin gear in the back seat, shotgun for food, and a mini autoparts store and tools in the trunk! Now a days I have a little van and occasionally do the lone wolf off grid camp out in these mountains here (w/camera gear) for a weekend or so when things get slow at work. Keep the videos coming! They are awesome!
So very generous of you to share your methods Dave. I enjoyed watching your meticulous planning and learned a few things about cutting out unnecessary items for my camping trips. I'm impressed you only have one spoon, and possibly no knife? Each of your video is an inspiration and I share them constantly with my friends.
Thanks Harlan. Also, love old school metallica;) Do you like metal? I used to go see this band all the time growing up. So many hours in the pit ---> ua-cam.com/video/9I_z2VRi5vE/v-deo.html . Their studio albums are really good.
Very good setup, Dave. Seems to work for your continuing photography adventures. Anyone who have done those off-road & hiking know how tough the conditions are. Best of luck for your continuing trips & thanks for those amazing videos...👍
I dont know the year of your Xterra, mine is a 2006. The front passenger seat also lays flat. There is a button/lever on the side, or youtube it to see how to do it, I learned this a few months ago. that can be very handy!
Dave, really admire you...I've learned a lot from your videos they are a pleasure to watch...thank you for sharing your life, and your knowledge with us.
Thanks Vincent. I really appreciate that! There are more videos here: www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html Enjoy buddy, Dave
Dave, im so happy you found your passion and adventure in life! These journals make it really easy to follow your journey while us engineers work in our cubicles building airplanes and planning vacations!
I don't think I saw this mentioned in the comments or in Dave's video, but Dave also runs photo workshops which are first rate. I took his night sky photography workshop a few years ago and it was great. I learned a whole new aspect of photography and a minimalist approach which was a revelation after almost forty years of picture-taking. Take one of his workshops if you can!
Hello Dave! Just want to say that you have an incredible way of teaching and explaining photography fundamentals and how you do things. Awesome work! If possible, I would really love to watch a video about how you sell and divulge your photos.
That's great Billy. Love to hear it! There is alot more content on my website www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html Enjoy , Dave
@@DaveMorrow , thank you ! If you ever get near Western NC give me a holler - we have the only county in the country with an entire mountain range within it's borders (Saura Mountains)
Dave, Great videos. as a scout and scout master, I appreciate your minimalist camping style and what appears to be a leave no trace methodology. Everything has a purpose and nothing is extraneous. What kind of training or experience in outdoorsmanship prior to starting on this envious lifestyle. Living vicariously through your videos!
Hi Dave, just watched this, and I'm so happy you found a lifestyle you love. Your level of preparation, planning, and efficiency is super impressive, all by itself. ;) I'm grateful that you're so open and share all this with us, we can live a little vicariously through your adventures. Cheers.
Dave, thanks for the answer to the income question. As I previously said you are a very organized and thoughtful person that operates on the courage to live your life the way you want to live it. I admire those qualities in a person. This information will make your videos all the more enjoyable. Wishing you well in the future. Gregg
Dave, I know you don't like drones and prefer to explore on your own, but they can be invaluable in an emergency. Plus you can get the lay of the land very quickly if needed. Something like a DJI Mavic Air would fit in your bins easily. Also, get a small solar panel (the flexible type) just in case your car's engine has trouble. Pulling down lead acid batteries to 50% every night will deteriorate the battery pretty fast. You could also buy a secondary stinger battery (the kind kids use in subwoofer systems), to keep the load off the lead acid battery.
As a Xterra owner myself, consider a bit more gas. They are guzzlers! Also, consider along with fix a flat, a tire plug kit which is a lot less messy than fix a flat. All you need to do is pull off the tire, locate the puncture, ream out the hole, then insert the plug. Works awesome. You probably don't get stuck that often, but also look at maxtrax traction mats. You can stick them on your roof, out of the way. A Raingler net system inside your setup would be awesome too.
I've been traveling like this for 8 years, nonstop, with 2 xterras & never had any problems navigating the lower 48 & Alaska with what I have. 49 states traveled, mostly forest roads, yet to drive through Hawaii. Range 550 miles, with current setup. High lift jack & branches, logs, rocks, shovel, with get you out of nearly any situation. Plugs are nice to have along. Depends on situation, though for clearance issues in installing vs the fix a flat. Both work well situation depending. I found plugs not to work as well or install as easy in -30 F below. Just some thoughts... In general I feel less is better, depend on problem solving intuition and less equipment.
Do you have a modified gas tank? 550 miles per tank seems like a lot. Gen2 Xterras have 21 gallon tank, and at 550 miles per tank, that's 26 miles per gallon. I'm assuming you then use your 5 gallon tank as well for that 550, so that pushes it to around 21 MPG, which seems more reasonable if you are doing more highway then off road. I only warn you to carry more tools because you don't want to be stuck in a situation where you are helpless and have to depend on others to bail you out. I know that's what your PLB is for, but I just come from the school of thought of independence and self-reliance. Also, tire shops hate fix a flat shit because it gums up all over the inside of your tires. It is, however, probably better a better product if you cut your tire on a jagged rock that a plug won't be able to seal.
Very cool Dave. Congrats on the lifestyle you have created for yourself! As you already know it was not an easy thing to do. However the payoff is awesome; being able to get up everyday and do what you love!
That's solid though. The new ones are too big and way too much $ for what you get. That thing should run a long time. Before this I had a 2004 xterra, with 240K on it, which finally died. Good luck on your travels man! Read Ed Abbey! It'll get you pumped up for traveling. Linked some books in the vid descript.
Dave Morrow yessss! My friend has a Toyota Land Cruiser with 289k! Im selling prints and that’s how I make money to travel! I’m a D1 soccer player so I have 6 weeks off in summer that I’m gone for about 5 weeks of. Hopefully we cross paths and I recognize you in the future. Keep up the videos
Thanks so much, Dave, for taking us with you on your trips..........places I'll never get to visit. How do you cash flow your operations? Are you selling your landscapes during the couple of months that you are not on the road?
This is so awesome Dave! Cool to see how you do it. I noticed that you had some sort of ICU. Is that what you use to pack your camera gear inside your backpacking pack?
Thank you very much for dividing your experience with the world! I have plan to do similar in Norway. So I wonder how you adopt your gear to winter and rainy conditions? It could be fantastic if you are willing to show your hiking part of photo trips. If I understood right your backpacking tours to wild photo destinations take 2-5days from car?
I'm a recent follower of your channel and really. really enjoy your videos! You live quite a life! I'm wondering how you find these 'out of the way' places? Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jeff. Nice to meet you! I study topographic maps & google earth, endlessly. That's it. Never google search or photos of the places. I'm going to put a video out on that topic in the near future. Not on the actual places, but some of my thoughts & methods.
Totally bad ass Dave! I love it. My old idea of "camping" was a fully loaded RV. LOL But I did buy some camping gear after the holidays, a real tent and sleeping bag, etc. Your video has inspired me to actually use them. I'll never go out and hike miles in the mountains alone, I'm too old, too broke, and too lazy to be honest, but you've inspired me to go further than I have previously. Inspired me to get out there rough-it on the road myself, even if it's just for a long weekend. One thing you didn't mention, although you did show us your TP supply and toothpaste bin in the truck, but how do you complete your daily regimen? Its not National Geographic worthy, but how do you clean up and relive yourself when you're gone for so long? And is 15 gallons of water enough for 2 weeks? As active as you are you must have to drink lots of water. Just curious. Thanks so much for taking us on your journeys with you. Can't wait for the next one. Honestly, I actually look forward to Tuesday's so I can see the next episode. Keep up the great work!
Hi Dave, I am another new subscriber and really enjoy your videos. Perhaps, the only "complain" I could have (or the advise) is regarding your accent. I am from Argentina (but living in Spain) therefore english is not my native language and some times it is a little bit difficult to understand when you talk. Speaking a little bit slowly will make you more easy to understand and perhaps allow you to get more foreigners subscribers: Regarding your travels, a lot of times I dreamed to do what you did, I am really tired of the IT world, but I recognise myself as an urban guy, I could not live without city comfort and benefits so, the idea to throw out my IT job and go to travel the European roads was discarded. :) . Nevertheless, I use to move out here in Catalunya every weekend following your advises to enjoy shooting landscapes, castles and old medieval little towns.. It was enough for me so far. Waiting your next vide, I remain... C U Javier
WATCH THE ENTIRE VIDEO SERIES - www.davemorrowphotography.com/landscape-photography-journals
HOW I MAKE MONEY & AFFORD MY LIFESTYLE - READ BELOW:
At least 10 of you asked in the comments, so here's a short overview.
Let me know by commenting on this post, if you want to learn more about this aspect of photography. It's a really interesting topic that I'd be happy to teach about, at least what I know, thus far:)
HOW I BUILD MY BUSINESS & MAKE MONEY - THE SUPER SHORT OVERVIEW
My goal is to teach people all aspects of landscape photography, while I learn at the same time, and refine my craft. It's a never ending learning / teaching project. I want to do it in a way that scales & can reach the most brains possible. It's a long term project.
I love creating all this free stuff, because it allows me to refine my ideas and teaching skills, while getting real time feedback from you all, on what you want to learn or don't want to learn, the methods you find helpful or don't. So thank you for that!
I run online passive (automated) income streams selling digital learning products, such as you see on youtube, but at a way higher level of teaching. In short, I sell the top 1% of my knowledge and give the other 99% away for free, in the form of videos & ebooks. This way people can see my free stuff and determine if they want to learn from me before buying anything. It's not about quick sells, but long term relationships, and producing stuff that I think will help others! If someone isn't happy with a course they purchase from me, it's 100% refund for life. Money is not something I'd ever want to make enemies or ruin relationships over. It's just not worth it.
By charging for that top 1% I can devote 2-3 months to building the learning product, ensuring that it will be really well done, when finished. In turn, it saves the student time, by condensing a topic it may have taken them years to learn on their own, into a few months of hard practice, with a specific goal in mind. It's a win win for both parties, if the product is inline with the students goals.
Everything (free & paid) is created and built through my website. I come up with the ideas, engineer the design, build it all out in automations and webpages, then launch the idea to the world.
I enjoy coding and building systems, almost as much as photography & outdoors. This was all stuff I taught myself to do, without college, over the past 6 years.
No prints, no freelance, no sponsors, no partners, no advertising, no social media. Every second goes into creating and building my vision for the future of myself and my business.
I also run 2-3 landscape photography tours a year. It's fun to get out there and show other photographers some of my favorite places to shoot. I enjoy this aspect of teaching as well. You can find more info on those here: www.davemorrowphotography.com/p/under-stars-photography-workshops.html
By doing it this way, I control the entire system, and the foundations and knowledge within that system. I never have to worry about another company changing their policies, advertising, or payment methods, and hurting my company.
If I fail, everything is on me. If I succeed, everything is on me. This drives me to work hard, create constantly, and never make excuses.
But I try to put all my work, always on my website, into things that 1) can scale without having to hire any employees, and 2) automatically sell / produce income, without me having to be around, for at least 2-3 months at a time. 3) Are evergreen, aka they will provide as much value now, as in 10 years, unlike camera and gear reviews, for specific items. 4) help people at the free & paid learning levels.
It's systems engineering, but for a photography website:) I like the idea / process of building out a system, that produces a result, then building it from the ground up. The result in this case, free time, funding to travel & shoot.
DO I ACTUALLY MAKE ANY MONEY?
First off, I don't really care that much about money. I live in my vehicle 9 months of the year, and live at my house North of Seattle, the other 3 months. I save heavily, 70% of my income, 35% which goes into index funds, for long term growth, the remaining 35%, into a savings account. The most investment of time and money goes back into my business.
I also like to donate to foundations which protect any of the wilderness which we have left. They can do more with my money, than I could ever imagine doing on my own. I
You could give me a million dollars a year and I'd live exactly the same as I do now.
Everything I own, besides a bed and desk, you saw in the video above. This includes clothes. They all fit in that green bag!
I'm going to go over the income part, not for my benefit, but so others can see that it's not only possible to support yourself, but you don't have to be a "broke photographer". The goal is to show the path, not brag about the results.
Back to the money part. The first 4 years I barely made any money, but year 5, I matched my Boeing Aerospace engineering salary, which was 6 figures, USD. From year 5 out, after quitting my engineering job, I have doubled my business revenue each year, in turn having to pay myself, the CEO of that business, half of the total revenue that the business brought in each year, due to US Tax Laws. Revenue for me, is a good indicator of how well I designed my business for the current year, and how many people I could reach / help. People that want to buy learning products, are usually very interested in the topic and want to learn at a high level. My goal is to provide them with something I'm proud of creating and that will help them, long term. If I fail at that, then I fail myself & my business model. The other goal is long term learners, which will like the first learning experience, and come back for more, in turn getting better at their craft.
For any business geeks, my company is an LLC, S-Corporation. This protects my personal assets, and allows me to pay myself a salary, which helps to reduce tax liability, overall.
The great part about building online businesses, which you own and design, is that you no longer trade time for money. I work my ass off for 3 months a year, building my website and updating things for the coming year. After those three months, I travel & take photos for the other 9 months. Usually, 3 months travel, 1 month work my ass off, 3 months travel, repeat.
The company revenue doesn't change when I take those 3 months off at a time. It keeps rolling while I sleep, while I travel, so on and so forth. It only fluctuates when I make good or bad long term creative and business decisions. That's how I like it!
The other upside of building your own company, based on knowledge or any other intellectual property (IP), is you're making money, yearly, but also growing equity in a long term business which you own and built from the ground up.
My goal is never short term payoffs, it's always long term growth, in efficient business models, that work for me, when I'm not working. I'd rather lose money short term, and bet on myself to create great ideas, for long term success.
My real goal overall, is to have as much free time to travel and take photos as possible, forever. I never want to stop doing this. It drives me to create everyday, and I love seeing others pick up the skills and build their lives, to turn out as they want them to as well.
It's a long term process, composed of thousands and thousand of tiny little steps. Climb those steps each day and you can do anything you want. The hard part is getting up and climbing everyday. That's what very few do, but nearly all of us have the choice / chance.
That being said, I'm still scared , everyday, that something will go wrong & I will fail. This fear drives me to get up and work hard everyday. It's been my best friend over the past 8 years of my life!
Here's what I learned... It applies to me at least:)
Don't let fear control you. Make it work for you! Humans exists because fear exists, but in 99% of cases it's an outdated program running in your brain. Most of us no longer live in the jungle and there are probably not any lions going to eat you.
Step back and watch your fears, see which directions they try to lead you or stop you from going towards. This may be a great indicator of the direction in which you're supposed to go! Use this knowledge to your advantage, but never fear control you.
Just some thoughts. You all are awesome. Especially if you read this whole thing!
Enjoy the day. Headed to the mountains. See you next Tuesday!
Dave
Dave Morrow thanks for posting that, most youtubers keep the business plan under wraps so to see yours in such detail was very interesting to me as ive also thought about creating education content around what i do. Apart from the educational content you sell do you sell stock?
You're welcome Jeff. I don't make any money on youtube. I'd never want to depends on them for my income. All ads are off for that reason:)
I don't sell any stock. If it doesn't interest me or drive me daily, then I'll give up money, not to do it, in turn, creating more in the long run, from doing things I love.
Interesting story. Thanks for sharing.
I still don't understand what you're selling. The only thing I see on you site is several workshops in this year. Everything else seems to be for free?
You're welcome Marc. Gotta have a plan, unless you want to be part of someone else's:) I agree with you & will put out some videos on this topic! Appreciate the input
You're welcome. I don't sell on the front end via a store, currently. Only to members of my email list, after they have been on there for a while;) No one likes to be sold to by someone they don't know... at least I dont/
I’m not sure I’ll ever give a 👍🏼 to another mundane ‘what’s in my bag’ vlog ever again. This is raising the bar Dave Morrow. Superb
Thanks Tony. The what's in my camera bag video would be funny. 1 camera body, 2 lenses. DONE.
This is a truly amazing video. Most people do not give up the comfort a good paying job brings to pursue their passion. You did it with no regrets in order to share your knowledge about photography via your videos. I have a lot of respect for what you do and I will keep watching. Thanks.
This is like a "what's in my bag" on steroids! Super motivating for doing what you love. Thanks for sharing.
Wow. What a great video packed full of useful information. I can see by your explanations that you have thought about just what you pack into the vehicle and more importantly why. Hope you keep on for many years yet. Look forward to these video reports and helping me learn as well. Many thanks.
Wow, Dave I hope you are going to write a book... I just love your commitment to your way of life. Thanks for sharing
Amazing content!!! I lived in a truck in Alaska, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado and it was an amazing experience. I was never able to decide what drives me more, outdoors or photography. I used Toyota 4runner 4WD and it worked out pretty good, almost same size as Xterra.
Wow, wow, wow -- incredible story, adventurous spirit, and a true conqueror, if you will. I'm awed by your courageous resolve to become the great photographer that you are while being at one with mother nature, in spite of the challenges of being alone so much of the time and having to brave the elements. As a subtle tribute, I'm going to wake up at the crack of dawn, albeit only on weekends, mind you, to take photos too.
Great vid. Looks like some very common sense materials and some learned through trial and error. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for all the sharing. I have an apartment in Ouray, CO but spend a lot of time on the road for photography. Friends think I'm crazy and worry about me, but, I love the life and the exploring. I learned a lot from your video and now will add some more items. Trading in my GMC for a 4Runner soon so I have more ground clearance and better 4WD. Once you've experienced this lifestyle, there's no going back. I've recommended your site to friends and we all agree, you're one of the best out there. Take care, be safe.
You're welcome Barbara. Ouray is so nice. It would be a great place to live! Was just there a few weeks before recording this video:) Glad you found the video helpful. You're right, once you start, there is no going back. It's awesome to know that you're out there doing it too! Thanks for sharing & your kind words. I really appreciate it! PS: You'll love the 4runner
Because of your presentation, and adventure I subscribed. 👍
Very impressive Dave! For flat tires you might also carry tire plugs. Cheap and small and we have used them on 18 wheeler tires at 110 psi.
You are on hell of an organized focused and industrious individual Dave!!!
First time watching your vlog. Really impressed with the setup, i admire your courage to give up the 9-5 living and set out doing something like this. Keep the videos coming Dave. All the best.
Do it!!
Thanks for sharing your packing method and supplies. It's nice to have a vehicle with back seats that fold completely flat.
Dave, I am so happy I found your online presence, such a wealth of information. I hope to get into one of your Rainier workshops at some point. Hope you have also read "The Dharma Bums." Best wishes and thanks so much for all this!
Hi Very inspiring to watch. I worked in Aerospace for a good few years, decided to Quit get a van & travel the UK until lockdown hit. But hopefully on the road soon Thanks for your enthusiasm & your willingness to share your knowledge.
Wow! That's a man on mission. Prepared! Focused! That's dedicated! Thanks for doing what you do, Dave.
Very well thought out, Dave. Your attention to detail shows in your living arrangements as much as it does in your photography. Kudos to you. Looking forward to more videos.
Fist time watching one of your vids. Great that you followed your heart, you can look back and look forward to where you will be going, and say you have done it. I have Grown up kids and Grandchildren. I learn so much about photography, you have a new follower. Look forward to seeing where you are off to next. Take some Baby wipes they are great, x hopefully they will not dry out x
Great video, I picked up some additional tips for my very similar setup, a 2005 Suburban. I didn't go solar yet, but I have a second battery so I can leave things charging while out without fear of coming back to a dead vehicle. Happy shooting.
You are by far one of my favorite photographers on youtube. Good to see that you are living the life!
We almost have the same package. Love all of your videos!
Thanks Dave for this video. Lot of information and great organization. I will need to watch this several times.
Dave,
Really enjoyed this video...almost think this could have been video one or two. I've had two Xterras, the true definition of utility vehicle. Got behind on the series so playing catch up...keep 'em coming. Love what you do!
I've just found your chanel. I loved it , Im planning my first big aventure into the wild. I surprised a lot when you said you liked Edward Abey , he is one of my favourite writers and i love his ideology. Hope you have a good travelling
Ed is one of the best. Wish he would have lived longer. Good luck on your trip. Soon you'll be addicted. Enjoy! Dave
Only just found you today Dave, been watching You tube vids for months now, learning my very average photography skills and must say from now on progress will be quicker AND more enjoyable!!!
You are such a clever BRAVE man, all the best on you journeys..... As the saying goes... You only live once... make the most of it!!!! You've took that journey and i for one have great admiration for you....
Thanks Robert. If you like the vids, you'll probably enjoy my website as well. There are way more written guides and videos there: www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html
Thanks for the kind words & enjoy,
Dave
Hey Dave, that was great vid and truly enjoyed the overview of your business and will look fwd to future. Congrats on the hard work to design your freedom and passion to create and travel out in nature. Safe journeys I'll be watching.
You mentioned Jack Kerouac, I have just finished off Darhma Bums and On the Road, two excellent books, I have started on Tom Wolfe's Electric Kool Aid Acid Test, great read.
Just love the journals Dave!Keep on truck'in.
Great video on this topic. You are very organized and gave us some new ideas. Thanks for sharing, drive safe!
Thanks! Glad you found it useful:) Will do!
Excellent video. I need to add a few things to my gear list. Thanks!
Great video! Looks like you have things quite under control!
I spent a year or so living like that about 35 years ago....not doing photography, but just trying to survive! LOL I lived in my '74 Plymouth Duster! ,Campin gear in the back seat, shotgun for food, and a mini autoparts store and tools in the trunk!
Now a days I have a little van and occasionally do the lone wolf off grid camp out in these mountains here (w/camera gear) for a weekend or so when things get slow at work.
Keep the videos coming! They are awesome!
Great video. I always camp when I'm in the states and always a camp fire. Had some fine milky way skies in NM and this year will head to Texas. Thanks
So very generous of you to share your methods Dave. I enjoyed watching your meticulous planning and learned a few things about cutting out unnecessary items for my camping trips. I'm impressed you only have one spoon, and possibly no knife? Each of your video is an inspiration and I share them constantly with my friends.
Thanks for sharing:) 1 spoon, a few sharp knives in my foodbox and cutting board.
Thanks Dave! Happy camping and looking forward to the next one.
Great video Dave, chocked full of great tips, loads of safety items which many often overlook, once again my respect for your lifestyle increases.
Thanks Harlan. Also, love old school metallica;) Do you like metal? I used to go see this band all the time growing up. So many hours in the pit ---> ua-cam.com/video/9I_z2VRi5vE/v-deo.html . Their studio albums are really good.
I love all good music but metal is my favourite, the heavy stuff is tough but if you want to listen to something to motivate you metal works.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing your setup!!
Very good setup, Dave. Seems to work for your continuing photography adventures. Anyone who have done those off-road & hiking know how tough the conditions are. Best of luck for your continuing trips & thanks for those amazing videos...👍
Thanks Vu! Appreciate it buddy! Have a great week:)
Such a fascinating video. Love a well thought out system!
I dont know the year of your Xterra, mine is a 2006. The front passenger seat also lays flat. There is a button/lever on the side, or youtube it to see how to do it, I learned this a few months ago. that can be very handy!
Inspirational stuff. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and approach to life ! safe travels..
You're welcome, Matt. Good to hear from you man. Enjoy the day. Dave
very informative and good video, as always, Dave! keep going
Dave, really admire you...I've learned a lot from your videos they are a pleasure to watch...thank you for sharing your life, and your knowledge with us.
Thanks Vincent. I really appreciate that! There are more videos here: www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html
Enjoy buddy,
Dave
fantastic guide to self sufficient living in all sense of the term... well done.
Thanks Bill!
Dave, im so happy you found your passion and adventure in life! These journals make it really easy to follow your journey while us engineers work in our cubicles building airplanes and planning vacations!
Simply astonishing! Thanks for the inspiration Dave!
Glad you liked it!
Dave - Would love to hear more of your story, how you got started in this lifestyle and how you maintain it. Thanks for sharing!
I pinned a comment below the video, with some details. I'll do a future video on the topic as well:) Thanks for letting me know!
Great video, Dave; you are definitely living the dream ! Jack Kerouac would be proud, maybe even jealous.
Thanks Mike. I'd love to have a drink with Jack in his day. Too many drinks ended up killing him, unfortunately.
Great video full of good advice. Thanks Dave.
Very nice video Dave. nice to meet you bro... from Ecuador.....Greetings !!!
Nice to meet you too!
Whoa, I plan to travel across country as an artist and this gives me some awesome insights into preparations I’ll need to consider. Thank you!
I'd say you don't need most of the stuff I have. Depends what you're getting into:)
I found my peace at Kelso dunes as well. Cool place.
I don't think I saw this mentioned in the comments or in Dave's video, but Dave also runs photo workshops which are first rate. I took his night sky photography workshop a few years ago and it was great. I learned a whole new aspect of photography and a minimalist approach which was a revelation after almost forty years of picture-taking. Take one of his workshops if you can!
Thanks so much Karl! I had a great time with you:) We had a really good week of shooting too.
How can we find out about your workshops?
You can find them on his website:
www.davemorrowphotography.com/p/under-stars-photography-workshops.html
Thank you so much!
wow Dave👍. The best camping, backpacking video ever seen. I love to do this kind of living. Quit the 9 to 5 grind. Salute you Sir!
Thanks! Make a plan & do it:)
You are a terrific teacher - thorough and friendly. Love the way you give your knowledge to the world!
Thanks!
Hello Dave! Just want to say that you have an incredible way of teaching and explaining photography fundamentals and how you do things. Awesome work!
If possible, I would really love to watch a video about how you sell and divulge your photos.
Hows it going! I left a long post in my pinned comment at the top of the page on this subject. Lots of you asked:)
You're the man. Love your videos and have been watching your stuff for a few years now. I'm impressed with how far you've come... keep it up!
Really appreciate that Scott. Thanks:)
Excellent ! I had got to the point I felt my work was getting stale - you have pumped new life into an old passion . Thank you Dave .
That's great Billy. Love to hear it! There is alot more content on my website www.davemorrowphotography.com/2013/01/tutorials-photography-post-processing.html Enjoy , Dave
@@DaveMorrow , thank you ! If you ever get near Western NC give me a holler - we have the only county in the country with an entire mountain range within it's borders (Saura Mountains)
Cool vid, thanks for sharing your set-up...safe travels
I recently resigned from my career job to pursue landscape photography as well. Way to go living the dream, man! Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Very well thought out I love your system
Thanks!
love how you're living life.
Nice setup, thanks for sharing, keep up the great work!!!
Awesome Dave, I commend you on your efforts and thank you for sharing your journey.
Thanks James!
Dave, Great videos. as a scout and scout master, I appreciate your minimalist camping style and what appears to be a leave no trace methodology. Everything has a purpose and nothing is extraneous. What kind of training or experience in outdoorsmanship prior to starting on this envious lifestyle. Living vicariously through your videos!
So much great info in this one. Highly motivating. Thanks for doing this :)
Glad you liked it. It actually motivates me to make these videos, so win win! Enjoy dude
This is so inspirational. Thanks man.
You're welcome. Really glad you liked it!
This has seriously inspired me, great stuff.
Might be time for me to begin my adventure.
That's great man! Have fun out there.
Nice one, Dave. I picked up a few tips for my own adventure vehicle.
Thanks Casey. Long time no talk. How you been?
That was awesome. I am positively green with envy
Thanks for showing us around your home. Stay safe :)
Anytime Kelvin, thanks for watching buddy:) Will do
Hi Dave, just watched this, and I'm so happy you found a lifestyle you love. Your level of preparation, planning, and efficiency is super impressive, all by itself. ;) I'm grateful that you're so open and share all this with us, we can live a little vicariously through your adventures. Cheers.
Thanks Michael! Really appreciate that buddy:) Hope you are doing great!
Absolutely brilliant. Inspiring stuff
Thanks Herb!
This was awesome , including your pinned comment. Fascinating & Liberating. Best of Luck on all your endeavours..
Thanks!
You travel by yourself, Dave? Take care, bud. Great video. No detail is missing? You have a lot of things to do and organize for each travel.
Dave, thanks for the answer to the income question. As I previously said you are a very organized and thoughtful person that operates on the courage to live your life the way you want to live it. I admire those qualities in a person. This information will make your videos all the more enjoyable. Wishing you well in the future. Gregg
Thanks Gregg. I appreciate that buddy! I admire those qualities too, although I'm usually angry at myself;) haha
Thank you for your videos. Your story is really inspiring. Cheers!
Thanks Renato. Cheers!
Great video as always.
Dave, I know you don't like drones and prefer to explore on your own, but they can be invaluable in an emergency. Plus you can get the lay of the land very quickly if needed. Something like a DJI Mavic Air would fit in your bins easily. Also, get a small solar panel (the flexible type) just in case your car's engine has trouble. Pulling down lead acid batteries to 50% every night will deteriorate the battery pretty fast. You could also buy a secondary stinger battery (the kind kids use in subwoofer systems), to keep the load off the lead acid battery.
Dave Morrow - great photograoher, great man. My honor to know you Dave
As a Xterra owner myself, consider a bit more gas. They are guzzlers! Also, consider along with fix a flat, a tire plug kit which is a lot less messy than fix a flat. All you need to do is pull off the tire, locate the puncture, ream out the hole, then insert the plug. Works awesome. You probably don't get stuck that often, but also look at maxtrax traction mats. You can stick them on your roof, out of the way. A Raingler net system inside your setup would be awesome too.
I've been traveling like this for 8 years, nonstop, with 2 xterras & never had any problems navigating the lower 48 & Alaska with what I have. 49 states traveled, mostly forest roads, yet to drive through Hawaii. Range 550 miles, with current setup. High lift jack & branches, logs, rocks, shovel, with get you out of nearly any situation. Plugs are nice to have along. Depends on situation, though for clearance issues in installing vs the fix a flat. Both work well situation depending. I found plugs not to work as well or install as easy in -30 F below. Just some thoughts... In general I feel less is better, depend on problem solving intuition and less equipment.
Do you have a modified gas tank? 550 miles per tank seems like a lot. Gen2 Xterras have 21 gallon tank, and at 550 miles per tank, that's 26 miles per gallon. I'm assuming you then use your 5 gallon tank as well for that 550, so that pushes it to around 21 MPG, which seems more reasonable if you are doing more highway then off road. I only warn you to carry more tools because you don't want to be stuck in a situation where you are helpless and have to depend on others to bail you out.
I know that's what your PLB is for, but I just come from the school of thought of independence and self-reliance. Also, tire shops hate fix a flat shit because it gums up all over the inside of your tires. It is, however, probably better a better product if you cut your tire on a jagged rock that a plug won't be able to seal.
wahouuuu ! very good !
It was good to see the video. I enjoy driving and natural travel in Korea. I introduce many beautiful places in Korea.
cool set up man, might try taking my bottom seats out as with them in it doesnt lay fully flat
Thanks. That's the move on that line of xterras. Gives alot more room for gear in the back seats that way as well.
Your courage to venture out all alone to the far valleys scares me. Much respect to you and subscribed ! :)
Awesome! Thank you!
Very cool Dave. Congrats on the lifestyle you have created for yourself! As you already know it was not an easy thing to do. However the payoff is awesome; being able to get up everyday and do what you love!
Thanks Larry:) No complaints on this end, so far!
Amazing video!! I am a junior in college and have a Nissan pathfinder that I plan on doing the same thing once I graduate. Keep making these man 🤙🏼
HELL YEA - GOOD CALL! Pathfinders are great. What year do you have?
Dave Morrow she’s old... 2002. She runs and gets you from point A to point B so you can’t complain!
That's solid though. The new ones are too big and way too much $ for what you get. That thing should run a long time. Before this I had a 2004 xterra, with 240K on it, which finally died. Good luck on your travels man! Read Ed Abbey! It'll get you pumped up for traveling. Linked some books in the vid descript.
Dave Morrow yessss! My friend has a Toyota Land Cruiser with 289k! Im selling prints and that’s how I make money to travel! I’m a D1 soccer player so I have 6 weeks off in summer that I’m gone for about 5 weeks of. Hopefully we cross paths and I recognize you in the future. Keep up the videos
I totally love your videos... Thanks for you effort...
Thanks so much, Dave, for taking us with you on your trips..........places I'll never get to visit. How do you cash flow your operations? Are you selling your landscapes during the couple of months that you are not on the road?
Hows it going! I left a long post in my pinned comment at the top of the page on this subject. Lots of you asked:)
This is so awesome Dave! Cool to see how you do it. I noticed that you had some sort of ICU. Is that what you use to pack your camera gear inside your backpacking pack?
Thank you very much for dividing your experience with the world! I have plan to do similar in Norway. So I wonder how you adopt your gear to winter and rainy conditions? It could be fantastic if you are willing to show your hiking part of photo trips. If I understood right your backpacking tours to wild photo destinations take 2-5days from car?
Amazing video! Dave, Thank for your sharing video. 👌👏👍
You're welcome.
I'm a recent follower of your channel and really. really enjoy your videos! You live quite a life! I'm wondering how you find these 'out of the way' places? Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jeff. Nice to meet you! I study topographic maps & google earth, endlessly. That's it. Never google search or photos of the places. I'm going to put a video out on that topic in the near future. Not on the actual places, but some of my thoughts & methods.
VERY much looking forward to this :)
Thank you so much for all these! But I would like to ask you how do you go about party during your trip.
whisky is light weight and effective
Oh to be young again... may I get a do over? Wish you the best... going to live vicariously through you :) Blue Skies!!!
Appreciate that Roger:) I've got some good summer trips lined up for you! Might be some rafting and mountain climbing include
Such a cool way to live your life!!
Take out the back seat cushions easy or no? Great idea.
yeah, on that rig it is. One latch, takes 1 min.
Incredibly inspirational. I've been turning digital nomad the last few years working towards something like this one day 😊
Totally bad ass Dave! I love it. My old idea of "camping" was a fully loaded RV. LOL But I did buy some camping gear after the holidays, a real tent and sleeping bag, etc. Your video has inspired me to actually use them. I'll never go out and hike miles in the mountains alone, I'm too old, too broke, and too lazy to be honest, but you've inspired me to go further than I have previously. Inspired me to get out there rough-it on the road myself, even if it's just for a long weekend.
One thing you didn't mention, although you did show us your TP supply and toothpaste bin in the truck, but how do you complete your daily regimen? Its not National Geographic worthy, but how do you clean up and relive yourself when you're gone for so long? And is 15 gallons of water enough for 2 weeks? As active as you are you must have to drink lots of water. Just curious.
Thanks so much for taking us on your journeys with you. Can't wait for the next one. Honestly, I actually look forward to Tuesday's so I can see the next episode. Keep up the great work!
awesome that it inspired you. Thanks for letting me know! Any amount of time outside doing stuff you like is a win!
Hi Dave, I am another new subscriber and really enjoy your videos. Perhaps, the only "complain" I could have (or the advise) is regarding your accent. I am from Argentina (but living in Spain) therefore english is not my native language and some times it is a little bit difficult to understand when you talk. Speaking a little bit slowly will make you more easy to understand and perhaps allow you to get more foreigners subscribers:
Regarding your travels, a lot of times I dreamed to do what you did, I am really tired of the IT world, but I recognise myself as an urban guy, I could not live without city comfort and benefits so, the idea to throw out my IT job and go to travel the European roads was discarded. :) . Nevertheless, I use to move out here in Catalunya every weekend following your advises to enjoy shooting landscapes, castles and old medieval little towns.. It was enough for me so far.
Waiting your next vide, I remain... C U
Javier