I Quit My Job | Landscape Photography | From Amateur to Professional

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Congratulations Chris! I'm really happy for you friend - you're going to do great!

[@TheRileyShot]

Agreed, Chris you will do great

[@earavichandran]

@Markdenny I think he follows your way.

[@heavenscape]

I never encourage people to turn their hobby into a job but I still wish all the best to both of you. Making a living with photography, any type of photography is NOT easy in these days. Professional equipment are getting affordable and are over saturated everywhere. You will have to put in MUCH MORE time and endeavor into your pursuit. I honestly hope both of you will be successful. Good luck!!

[@M.Campbell]

Congratulations! I'm going to share an observation that has held true over many years in the art world. My specialty is painting, but I'm positive it will hold true for photography as well. A mediocre artist, who is good at marketing, will always be more successful than a highly talented artist who doesn’t put as much effort into their marketing. You can’t sell something if people don’t know about it. I'll leave it at that and wish you much success and, more importantly, happiness.

[@BrendanKBuckley]

I'm a pretty decent photographer, yet really crap at marketing. That's why you don't see any of my work on U-Tube, just to prove your point.

[@NigelDanson]

Good luck Chris. You have done the hardest part

[@martinhall2593]

Anyone who takes this step in any profession has my full respect, i am enjoying your videos Chris, they are informative and not to quick or pushy so its all easy to take in. Can see from your past Videos they are improving all the time. One observation in this video though, how many Jackets do you owe mate. ;)

[@richmatlock2396]

Happy day to you Chris. I love your boldness and courage to step out to fully pursue your passion. I applaud you. As I am 58 and getting close to retirement I wish that I too could just go out and be a photographer. I love the photo at 5:47 - I realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, this is just me speaking but I'd shift a tad to the right placing the logs a bit to the left of center... but I still love it, the colors, contrast and the green grass.... awesome! Keep up the great work mate.

[@GregScratchley]

Chris - you're starting with the right mindset! Looking forward to watching your journey.

[@PedroVenancio72]

Hello Chris, the best of luck, i am a new subcriber to help you on this new and amazing journey... i am from Portugal and i have 47 year's old, and i love so much photography and vídeo, dont have start jobs, my difficulty is the gear so expensive... great go in front Chris. Pedro

[@jbairdexp]

Mate, I'm so happy for you. We should all be as brave as you and follow our dreams. 👍😊

[@gerdkuhlmann8154]

How do you soll your photos?

[@gerdkuhlmann8154]

Sell

[@jbairdexp]

@@gerdkuhlmann8154 Sorry is that a question for me or Chris? You replied to my comment so not sure.

[@gerdkuhlmann8154]

@@jbairdexp it is for Chris

[@marcvictoria1414]

Chris, fabulous to hear this. Im 44 and seriously considering not going back to my well paying job and career to pursue a similar path. Definitely will be following and watching all your videos!

[@GlenDomulevicz]

You are as well prepared as one could be, realizing the difficulty but also recognizing your personal ambitions. As you said, now is the time try something you really want to do. Success or not, how could that be a bad decision. Go forward with full vigor. We have all seen your recent progress, you will become a better landscape photographer not matter what. Looking forward to your endeavor .

[@stevemathis4159]

Congratulations Chris! That is awesome news. I really enjoyed watching your video. Can’t wait to get your first book. Looking forward to seeing more videos.

[@AtomicArcherGuy]

I'm going to suggest a few things for you to do to up your game. First, go look up Ted Forbes at The Art of Photography. He's got a series of challenges made to make you a bit more diverse in your work. Second thing, find a mentor. It doesn't have to be one you know personally. I guess you could use the word role model. Choose a photographer with some great work who is successful with their photography, and study what they do. Not just how they take photos, but also their business model. Third thing, stop doing photography alone. Volunteer to be the official photographer for events. Ask to be the photographer for birthdays, weddings for family and friends, company celebrations, etc. Offer to do some photography for Christmas charities. Surround yourself in the physical community rather than in the digital community. Attend craft fairs and peddle your best photos as physical prints, matted and framed, shake hands, and hand out business cards. Stick with it. I know you can make it.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Christopher Rees Great advice

[@weedrunkglasgowman]

Bang on advice!

[@earavichandran]

Valuable advice at right time. I appreciate your motivation.

[@dkyo]

Congratulations Chris, I know this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Enjoy every second of it and learn like there’s no tomorrow.

[@davidprendergast5389]

Good luck Chris. I’m 46 and last year left my role at a tech multinational to pursue a completely different career. Best thing I ever did. Have fun with the adventure of living the best life you want to lead.

[@davidcaldwell9272]

Chris, I only watch a couple of photography You Tubers regularly and you are one of them. There's nothing amateurish about what I've seen and I'm looking forward to watching your success. All the very best.

[@MrPotts44]

You’ve done what many of us dream of...be brave stick at it and I’m sure you’ll be a success. Looking forward to following your story here and seeing more of your great shots of the lakes.

[@geofftrevarthen5991]

Well done Chris! I've been following your channel for quite a while now, and always enjoy your vlogs and photographs. I used to be in a stressful, but well-paid job many years ago too, but since I gave it up I've got my life back! There's more to life than chasing the money. My wife and I are far happier with less money but more time.....good, quality time; and we soon got used to getting by with less money since we found out we didn't really need all the material things we were buying to make us happy anyway. The very best of luck to you - I hereby add my support to the list of all your other friends and followers here. You've done the right thing!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Congratulations on your decision, Chris! Good luck with the project :)

[@mikebrownhill4662]

Good luck to you - I wish you all the best. It's a big decision, but you seem ready for the challenge and in the right frame of mind. I've just found your channel, so I'll follow your journey from now on. I can't tell you how many times I've wished I could summon the courage/self belief/confidence to do exactly what you're doing!

[@Lengarces]

Chris we are rooting for you. You are going to be great and will likely blaze a path for many watching your videos, including myself.

[@michaelberg7201]

Hi Chris, long time follower of your channel here. Just wanted congratulate you on your decision to follow your dreams - a gutsy move, but one which I'm sure you will not regret. Thank you for your very personal videos and for sharing so much about your motivation and how you plan to realize your ideas. I think of all the landscape photographers I follow, you are the most relatable and authentic of the bunch. Some others are more experienced and no doubt better landscape photographers, but have also - and sadly, gained some super inflated egos along with their increasing youtube popularity. Anyway I'm rambling, just wanted to say thanks for sharing your engaging videos and your photos with us all and best of luck to you going forward. You certainly deserve it.

[@bfbaril]

Congratulations on the courageous move! Don't worry too much about improving, your work is already great and salable, you just need to figure out who will buy it.

[@smkelleyphoto]

Congratulations on making the jump! I know that you will do well, Chris. Now, get back to work - there’s a whole world out there waiting for your vision and wit!

[@davebrimson]

Wishing you the best of luck, looking forward to hearing more of your journey!

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Wishing you the very best Chris, I'm sure you'll work hard, driven by determination and passion, and thoroughly enjoy yourself on the journey. What a great idea to document your progress, I'll be watching, and you know I'm always here to help in any way i can 😊👍

[@ashstubbings2603]

Hey Chris. Just wanted to say you have my deepest admiration for even giving it a go! I'm 47 And the thought of doing what you've done, terrifies me! However, it excites me at the same time. I had a stroke 15 months ago having been an artist for 10 years. I now can't even draw properly, but three days (yes three days) before I had the stroke, I 'took up' photography. I'll only ever do it as a hobby, which is enough for me (less pressure), but I have to admire you my friend! Good luck with it all.

[@butterflycam1052]

Its going to be great Chris, because you have 2 essential tools.A passion and a Mrs that supports your passion. The rest will naturally come on its own.All the best, I will follow you through the journey and support you.

[@nelsonclub7722]

"What have I done?" what you have done Chris is the right thing. You have followed your dreams, your passion and your skills into a whole new world. Welcome to the Club. It's a nice one to be in.

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

Even if you feel you don’t the ability yet, you certainly have the heart and professionalism to cut it. I’m sure you will be successful based on your like-ability alone. It’s a lot of people’s dreams to be in your situation and this next year will be very challenging and test you no doubt. It’s important to deal with the hard times. I’m sure you will be fine. All the best Chris👍👍

[@GeoffBeattie]

Good on ya Chris! That's a brave and bold decision, totally with you on going for it and trying! Look forward to following your journey 👍

[@W1CK_PT]

KZbin algoritm send me your video...and i have to say, i see myself in every word you said... I just started doing photography and video and trying to build a portfolio in the last few months. But i also work full-time and have a 3 year old kid and i know how hard it is to make time for everything. I will be looking forward to see your progress with this new carreer :) Greetings from PORTUGAL

[@RickMentore]

Chris you have embarked on a win,win adventure! Even if you don't sell or generate a million you would be doing something you love. I admire your bravery and wish you every success!

[@dlyle2013]

Congratulations on making the leap, Chris! Good luck! Lots of good points in this video. Want to do it myself someday. Will definitely keep watching... and taking notes!

[@tskjesusfreak]

Wow, you have a very supportive wife! You are very blessed!

[@russellabrahams7649]

Wow Chris, big step. Wish you all the luck you may need to make it as a professional photographer. Working for yourself is so rewarding and you can work as many hours as you like. I shall be keeping up with your progress with interest.

[@helstor]

Good luck Chris. Don't worry about you skills as a photographer. You are more than good enough. I read somewhere once that it is (usually :-) not the one who is always searching for perfection who makes it as a pro-photographer, but the one who consistently and on time can deliver results that are good enough to his clients.

[@bloberoonie]

Full of admiration for you Chris, always follow your dreams and start living your life, nothing worse than looking back with regret that you didn’t give it a shot.

[@andrewsgray]

Best of luck Chris, you're doing it for the right reasons and made good preparations for it too so you are on a sound footing. Enjoy that journey of working non stop on your photography, its a magical thing! 😃👍

[@rnspowell]

Good for you! I am retired and love to shoot. I am an intermediate photographer and have thought about selling my pics. The problem is I don't know what to do or where to go. I truly enjoyed your video. The best of luck to you and I can't wait to see more vlogs from you. The photos you show on here are phenomenal. Keep it up.

[@BosePhotography]

Absolutely amazing stuff Chris, this has been so inspiring! Expecially given how hard Hannah and I have been finding things over the past few months, I can completely relate to your story and only wish we had the courage to do the same! Who knows, maybe one day! Your honesty about the difficulies and challenges ahead is what sets you apart, and you deserve for this to be a success. As James mentioned below, you definitely have what it takes to make a success of this and we wish you all the best! Sam.

[@trekster6470]

Well done Chris, very inspirational. Not many chase our dreams and settle for mediocre. Given your mindset and planning, I have no doubt you will succeed.

[@stephenhartphotography5855]

Chris you did something we all wish we could do. Good for you! I wish you great sucess to you and your family. Have fun with your new adventure.

[@reidnorthrup2688]

Good luck Chris. You have a lot of courage to go for your dream. I'd encourage you to learn the business side. As you become successful, having a good foundation will really pay dividends and potentially save you money. It's great your wife is supportive - you'll need that. I look forward to seeing you reach your goals. Best of luck.

[@360highlands3]

Much respect for you and good luck with it. You are very eloquent and certainly a good videographer and film maker. Don’t put yourself down as far as your photography goes I liked what you produced and have subscribed. In a similar position to you but it wasn’t my decision to quit my job, it was someone else’s, I was made redundant. Within a year I had achieved my move north to the highlands of Scotland. I am self employed doing what I did before, training CSI’s, but it’s not what I want to do. I want to use my photography to earn a living but most importantly to be happy and enjoy what I do. I will follow your path with interest.

[@Topsyrm]

Good luck with the new career Chris, just had a week in the lakes with less than spectacular light. Wished I could be able to go out any day when the light is good. Looking forward to seeing your progress.............. Again, good luck.

[@ajreves97]

I think you do rather well on the platform. Keep it up. As long as you’re doing something you’re interested in, you’re successful. In IT when you lost your lust for “success”, you had lost interest, not your ability. Keep on, keeping on and I have no doubt you’ll find yourself right where you want to be.

[@fayainz]

Chris I can’t even begin to imagine what a leap of faith it must be trying to not only become a professional photographer, but also make a sustainable income from it. As someone who also earns a good salary in the IT sector, what you’re doing is something I can only dream of! I wish you well on your new journey, and will I’m excited to follow you and hopefully learn a thing or two. Good luck mate! 👍🏻

[@vild_med_natur]

Hats of to you for having the courage to give it a try ! Best of luck to you!!

[@markhazelton3627]

Congratulations mate on taking your first steps as a professional. You look like you've had a great first week, even if slightly damp. All the best for following your dream.

[@tammyharding3536]

All the very best to your success as a full time landscape photographer. Its not easy but certainly is possible with Passion !!! go for it

[@whp57]

Way to go, you are already a winner. I like your photos already, keep up the good work and enjoy the ride doing what you love with who you love.

[@neillmathieson3861]

Best of luck Chris, don’t sell yourself short, you are well beyond an amateur. An amateur is not going to get out for early morning sunrises and wait for hours for that special moment when the light is just right.

[@tigersunruss]

Chris! I'm doing the same thing you are! I'm 45 and trying to become a pro photographer. Though quitting my job right now isn't feasible until I start selling photos. Good luck mate!

[@travelswith...]

Chris, Big Cajones Needed. All The Best On This Adventure. A Big, Brave, Bold Decision. Here's Hoping It Is A Great Success Love The Vid's & Looking Forward To Following You On Your Photography Journey. Good Luck

[@ChrisWilmshurst]

Thanks KZbin for the recommendation! Love your ambition and story and fully support people chasing their dreams! Good luck and I hope it all works out for you!

[@jamidavis8043]

Congratulations on your decision to go full time and good luck. You're already off to a good start by making this life-changing move in the first place and then getting your affairs in order so your venture is feasible.

[@andrewevans7184]

Good Luck Chris, look forwards to following your progress.

[@ChristianAls]

Truly inspiring, Chris! I really hope all the best for you in this exciting new endeavor. Smash it!

[@davemckenzie6493]

Chris, Just saw this video and it reminded me so much of my choices. 30 years ago I left a high paying corporate job to strike out on my own. I too had enough in savings to last a year with no income. We never touched that reserve and I've never regretted the decision. My reasons were much the same as yours. Better lifestyle and more time with family. The thing that really struck me though was how you said you had to try or you would regret not trying. I expressed the same thought as the fear of trying and failing was not nearly as bad as the regret of not trying at all. Keep with it. I love your videos.

[@lrdphotography]

I've been enjoying your KZbin channel for a while now Chris. Congratulations on making such a brave move! I am not quite as brave as you, but I have recently been thinking that life is passing by and I keep passing up the opportunity to follow my own dreams of taking my photography hobby a little further. Your vlog has inspired me to do that now, by signing up to a local college course to see where that takes me. I wish you the very best of luck for your future and look forward to regular KZbin updates on how it all goes.

[@PatThompsonNL]

Good on you, it's a big step for sure. I believe you'll find that success in any field comes down to a lot of hard work and countless hours of ingenuity. No free ride, even if you're in the Lake District. I'll look forward to seeing what paths you take to establish a revenue stream and maybe, just maybe - I'll follow. Good luck!

[@gordonmelrose57]

All the best Chris. As you know I made the move to self employment 25 years ago and whilst it’s been hard work it’s a move I don’t regret. I’ve no doubt you already have the photography skills and the rest will fall into place. Hopefully we can meet up again soon for chat and catch up

[@LarryManiccia]

Congrats on your decision Chris! Looks like you gave it a lot of thought and planned your transition well. Hope it all works out for the best! Either way I think you will look back on your experience with a lot of great memories.

[@grayburden3524]

Hey Chris first I would say stop beating yourself up! you are a very good photographer with an obvious and infectious passion for what you do. I'm sure that your workshops will do very well since you come across as a really nice easy going bloke with a lot to teach. With all of that and beautiful landscapes on your doorstep how can you fail. Good luck to you mate, I'll buy your calendar, just make sure that you keep the vlogs going. I am so envious!

[@John-Shutterlyphotos]

Best of luck to you Chris! You will do great. 23 years ago I quit my job, actually both my wife and I quit our job on the same day (working in an office) and started selling real estate full time (commission only). The best decision we ever made and have been successful ever since. Your video inspires me because after 23 years I am burned out selling real estate and would love to be a photographer full time, but that may not happen for a few years. Be persistent, have a vision, be different and you will succeed! Looking forward to seeing your future videos and the success you will become.

[@philipprideaux5226]

Good luck Chris! One thing you won’t have to work on is being You. I reckon people will flock to you because of your personality, humility and humour. That matters much more than improving your already strong technical skills. I’m certain success awaits you sir and I can’t wait to follow your journey!

[@Bazzo61]

Good for you Chris. it won't be easy but I know you've got what it takes to succeed. I'm not a professional photographer but I left a relatively well paid job to retire early and spend more time doing what I enjoy - landscape photography. I enjoy life so much more now and, even though I recognise you are starting a business rather than simply indulging a hobby, I guarantee you'll be happier and get greater life satisfaction. Looking forward to your next video.

[@wayneschumacher8451]

Congratulations on your decision, Chris! By your testimony, it sounds like you put a lot of careful thought into this and are doing it for all the right reasons. Having the full support of your spouse is a very positive start to this new venture. I hope to continue to see great work from your landscape outings. Cheers from Oklahoma.

[@gregkiserphotography]

Congratulations on your decision! I'm right there with you. 45, just resigned from a 20 year career to pursue landscape photography. May our paths be straight and true.

[@johnvandenbroek9753]

I wish you well Chris. You sound like the type of guy that will achieve the goals you set for yourself. All the best!

[@Solidslug123]

I applaud your courage Chris, it takes a hell of a lot of balls to do what you have done - I know this because I am in the same position but reluctant to take the leap. I think having that financial buffer is critical to enabling this, which is something I am lacking currently. Good news is, it give me more time the improve my photography further. Good luck Chris, I sincerely hope you can live your dream doing what you love most.

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

A man in his element. Well done Chris. To me it seems like you're walking on air enjoying every second of your first week, evident by the funny bloopers at the end. I can't help but think there are a few people out there in the community who are watching and inching toward the same goal. I'm sure the inspiration of sharing your adventure will help others follow in the same footsteps. Excellent images (saw them on IG) - wonderful job. Cheers.

[@johnpunnett1426]

Been following your vlogs Chris for 6 months or so - liking your style & you are certainly capturing some great images - so keep them coming & good luck with your new venture - I look forward to see how it all evolves over the next year.. John

[@westenbergerstephan5955]

Wow, you've made a big step probably only a view are brave enough to dare! I wish you all the best luck, the right opportunities and the right time and sponsors you'll be needing. Again, all the best for you and your wife and your new profession.

[@duckscrossingtheroad]

Wow well done, what sets this video apart from everyone else is your transparency on how you've set yourself up to be able to live without a salary for a year. I have an interest in landscape but my main passion is motorsport. I'd love to become a pro but there is a lot of competition between pros and amateurs alike so I don't see it becoming a reality. Still I'm looking forward to seeing your journey and I wish you every success.

[@filmboyben]

I am right here with ya buddy!!! Thank you, this is truly motivation! i've been in the same exact mindset for a while now!!! Keep it up!!! I truly want you to succeed with your dream. BRAVO!!! KEEP AT IT!

[@GarethDanks]

Damn proud of you my friend a lot of people will be very jealous of this opportunity that you have created for yourself I am certainly one of them and wish you the very very best of luck. I’m super excited to see how this next 12 months will develop your photography and will be very excited to look back at all your videos showing your progression I’m sure there are lots of exciting things on the horizon. Here’s to your first year mate👍🏻😊📷

[@erikherinek]

I've just discovered your channel today and I gotta admit... there is something special about the way you do your videos, that it brings me to tears. I dunno what it is... but it's darn beautiful ♥ keep it up man! ^^

[@stvsanders]

Happy for you. Chase your dreams. You will never regret trying. The key is to be debt free and keep a small financial footprint so your income does not have to be high. Best of luck. Subscribed.

[@michaelgebauer5235]

Good luck, Chris. Keep my fingers crossed

[@alanstanway6118]

I admire you Chris, and also full marks to your good lady for supporting you! I wish I could say it'll be easy, but we both know it won't be. You have the photographic skills and you live in a superb area, developing and honing the commercial aspects will possibly be the biggest challenge. That was a very open and informative video so congratulations on that, I wish you all the very best and to seeing you update us all over time.

[@simonbarnes7124]

Well done to you. I did the same in the 90’s when I was made redundant from my job and I decided to change career and become a pro. Weddings back then, but here I am again. I have a full time job this time, but the pull to become a full time Fine Art/Landscape Photographer is gaining momentum. One thing you said is that it’s better to have tried and failed, than to never have tried at all and have regrets. You’re in the right location to achieve your goals. If lived in the Lake District I’d be looking to get a shop gallery. Unfortunately for meI live in a very flat location and the beaches are poor. I wish you all the luck in your new venture. I’m sure you will succeed.

[@ScottDavies]

Very best of luck Chris! I thoroughly enjoyed this video and I'm slightly (very) envious 😉👏👍

[@inbetweenutube]

After watching this video I can say that your words and the way you come off on camera has a very powerful impact. Maybe you’ll be a phenomenal landscape photographer and perhaps he will also be a motivational sensation film producer...who knows?

[@neilt]

Lots of luck in this new chapter in your life, Chris, and best wishes to Mrs Sale. Since discovering your channel I've always enjoyed your manner and your images, and find you one of the most personable You Tubers I follow. I spent my entire career in IT, so feel a lot of empathy with you.

[@leniehulse1621]

Wishing you all the best of luck in your new venture. One thing in your favour is your gift of gab! You can always fall back on that if photography doesn’t work and you don’t what to go back to IT! 😀

[@pgtips4240]

You are goung to succeed!! Big time! You are likeable, interesting, humble, honest and you are already a great photographer! There is a really well known youtuber who I watch but I personally don't think they are an outstanding photographer, I think they succeeded because they have persevered through thick and thin. It's about perseverance! You will do it!

[@stephenware7627]

Hi Chris, I just came across your channel today and watched your post with great interest. From what I can tell you have certainly got the passion, attitude and passion to succeed. I'd like to wish you all the best and will look forward to following your story as it develops.

[@martinsarre]

Good luck 🍀 hope you enjoy your new career. Looking forward to seeing how it goes.

[@JeremiahRodriguez]

Congratulations! I'm working towards getting out of IT and into time-lapse and landscape photography professionally. Still got a ways to go before I can quit the day job.

[@iberiantourist]

Just saw your video. I am impress and jealous at the same time. I wish I had your initiative and drive and above all courage. Go for it. I wish you all the best in the world. Best of luck and look forward to more of your videos. Godspeed.

[@rebbel67]

You got this! (And also enough jackets for the first year 😁)

[@nickliveseyphotographingth5050]

Chris, you are one of the nicest men in this game of ours and what's more you are one of the few that are not suffering from delusions of adequacy! I think your honesty, integrity and your desire to make this change work for you will stand you in great stead. You've got it all going for you, the hunger, specialising in the area you live, the time to really get to know it better than anyone else, a magnetic personality and the sheer courage to give it a go. I'm really looking forward to seeing you make a massive success out of it :)

[@kimgrantphotography]

Fantastic news Chris! You've definitely got the mindset and drive to give this you're all. I wish you all the best with your professional landscape photography quest. I very much enjoyed this video 😊

[@usarora]

Congratulations on your daring decision! Wish you good luck. Many of us want to be like you but its really hard to take such decisions. I hope you get success soon.

[@georgerogers5954]

Hi Chris. Discovered you a bit late but completely hooked now so will be following and supporting to the bitter end!! Keep it going.

[@derekmidgley]

Well done on being bold enough to go for it. Will be watching your journey with so much interest. All the best with it. Hard work hard work hard work and I hope it works out for you!

[@grahamjones2759]

Good luck - it will be a fascinating journey to watch. One little word of caution - make sure what you are doing is sustainable - many of your fellow photography youtubers have been burned out by the pressure to produce videos, blogs etc to fixed timescales. True followers of your channel will be happy to watch your content as and when you upload it.

[@paultsworld]

I've been a full-time stock photographer for the last 35 years - the tough bit is the marketing and constantly readjusting to make sure the work goes up the lines from where the money comes. Good luck - it's a great life. You come across really well on camera.

[@joelcomia6879]

I am always been interested in becoming an outdoor photographer but don't know where to start and don't have a plan either. This video gave me some view on becoming a photographer. Thank you, Sir Chris