I Swapped My Screen Time for Nature (Photography)… Here’s What Happened

[@badactress]

This is what photographers need to hear! Not gear reviews or "What I have in my camera bag in 2024" but someone saying turn off the screen, get outside and get inspired! I was curious what you were going to do with the trees a the start of the video. I've got some beautiful mossy trees in a wood near me but I've never been able to get a pic I liked of them. I'm going to go back and try again now :)

[@Firstmanphotography]

I love the trees. Will definitely be going back there when the conditions are more favourable.

[@LouisLuzuka]

😮

[@asmey145]

Love your message on this video. It's nice to hear so much positivity and love for your craft for a change. Thanks for sharing.

[@washingtonradio]

I find I'm happiest when I go out with my camera to visit somewhere. The bonus when I get some photos. The message of doing something other than being a vegetable in front of the boob tube.

[@gAIno-music]

Another thought provoking video, as usual. Nice. Love the second shot, of the autumn colours - that's a ripper shot. And I like the last one too, with the light on those rocks.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. I was definitely chuffed how that one came out

[@wimvandaalen954]

Thanks again Adam, for your inspiring message! The photo with the moving beech leaves is beautiful and the intentional movement is beautifully captured.

[@Twobarpsi]

Excellent photos mate! The long exposure orange leaves, and the sunset shot were phenomenal!!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Cheers buddy. Always appreciate your time.

[@Emptywallsphotography]

Always good to hear from you. I try so hard to get out and about not easy it's all in the mind. Today its grey and wet so not going out but thinking I just might after a hot cup of tea.

[@chrisburnard5157]

Thank you as always Adam for your wisdom and great images 🙏

[@michaelhale416]

Your messages are always timely and encouraging. I have recently noticed that I spend too much time reading about photography and/or other photographers, and have not spent the time I should out in the field. Your video has reminded me that outdoors is where I feel the happiest, and much mental healing occurs. Living in Edmonton, Alberta, it is tougher to get motivated to go outdoors. Currently we have about 300mm of fresh snow which can make for some amazing photos. I could do without the -20C temperatures, but will need to get over it. Thanks again for another great video.

[@petercollins7848]

Warm clothing?

[@klburt73]

I LOVE this video! So true. Your bit about how our anxiety gets put on myriad possible stressors reminded me of Mary Oliver's poem, "I Worried" (if you haven't read it, look it up; I think you'd like it). Beautiful photography, and wise words. My best days are when I get out with my camera and just walk aimlessly in the woods, with no schedule pressing upon me.

[@cemlan63]

What a lovely video and such great advice! Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@RickCarroll-Canada]

Thanks Adam from Canada. Well done !!!

[@AlBeeston]

Another Amazing Vid Adam 😊😊😊 Great thoughts and of course Fabulous images

[@gary.kenyon]

Another great watch. Lovely pics and wise words Adam.

[@craigwilson1604]

I did it on tuesday gone i drove to the lakes and walked all the way round derwent water and loved every minute, got some photos and spoke with some great people on the way round and didnt think one minute of social madia 😊

[@Firstmanphotography]

Beautiful. Such a great walk. The South side is one of my favourite spots ever. The setting for so many videos on this channel.

[@lightsandtones]

It's a great video Adam, probably the most beautiful you created recently. I hope you printed that image because it looks already fantastic on the screen. Keep up the good work.

[@Kevin-k7m1t]

Great video, upbeat, positive, and motivational. Pictures were great as well

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thank you so much

[@peterfritzphoto]

My sentiments exactly, Adam-on all counts. If I lived close by, I believe we’d be firm friends.

[@Firstmanphotography]

I am certain that is the case too. Cheers mate.

[@peterfritzphoto]

@ You’re a rare jewel in a sea of carbon copies, mate.

[@walterreil4001]

I agree! But, sadly, some of us have competing demands that are many times beyond our control, such as taking care of family members, taking to medical appointments and physical therapy, which can dramatically impact my availability to get out for 3 or 4 hours or more. It is always a constant, frustrating battle, wanting to get out for a half-day or all day to get in some rewarding photography. Please be very, very grateful for when you do get time to get out into nature.

[@Firstmanphotography]

💯 We all have demands on our time. "As often as possible" can be a goal for us all

[@oakspringphotos]

Thanks for another great video Adam. So often your musings resonate with me. BTW, I really like the second image 👍

[@ME2K23]

👍🤓👍 Great video as always, great tips for photography, and beyond... reaching into our daily lives... Thanks Adam!

[@nigelwest3430]

In addition to photography I've recently taken up wood turning, I find it very therapeutic watching the shape of the bowl (or whatever) evolve from a chunk of wood

[@scotty4418]

Lovely images today Adam, especially loved your vision for the square crop long exposure image. Not posted on twitter for weeks, logged out and removed the app from the phone. Not missing it one bit and been focused on stuff around the home in the run up to Christmas so in a way it's a different form of creativity. Have plans made photography wise for next 3 months and looking forward to pushing on in my journey 🙂

[@brucedelorme5026]

Adam you have a smile on your face and a kiss k in your step and I like tonsee that. Personally, I love the orange tree at the long exposure. Truly looks like an oil painting. Beautiful shot.

[@wednesdaythroughthelens830]

I left one of the major platforms months ago and feel far better for not spending time running down rabbit holes for the next “row”. I am Still happy giving time to other platforms for photography etc. But making time for being out with the camera is most important…. Best advice.

[@pauldolman528]

Totally agree, live your own life not other people’s, experiencing nature is good for your mental health,do positive things don’t listen to all the negativity that’s being thrown at you,

[@paulbarnard5267]

The long exposure tree came out really well

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks mate

[@simeonbennettphotography]

Excellent video Adam👏

[@neilcousineau4956]

Nice video Adam. I quit posting photos on Instagram & FB a few months ago. My search for another platform is ongoing. My skill level beginner - intermediate and decent paying job, life responsibilities does not warrant a web site yet. I do try to get out with camera in hand for 2-3 hours a week. I’m a better off in a 9 to 5 job that I like rather than a starving photographer or artist. 😊

[@larrycoonrod5563]

I needed this today. I’ve lately found myself in a funk and wasting hours scrolling instagram. Just loaded up my gear and headed up into the mountains. Thanks

[@thomaswentworth6433]

You've got mountains! There is no excuse for hitting social media😊 I'd trade with you any day.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Great to hear!

[@dangilmore9724]

I spend all that time glued to my cameras and in the darkroom. 😁

[@wildbillgreen]

Amen!❤

[@robinchun1]

The late, great Christopher Hitchens said... 'try thinking for yourself, much more truth, beauty and wisdom will come to you that way'

[@mikebartow9415]

Thanks Adam! I really do appreciate your work. I am not negative about the next comment but I do find ironic humor in the opening segment about too much screen time. (You want us to sit in front of the screen to enjoy your work, which I do.) Ha! Ha! Ha! 😊 it’s not until later you put the disclaimer about “quality “ screen time. Keep up the good work!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha thanks, Mike. I honestly think that is the reality. Some amazing content for us to consume. But also social media giants trying to feed us crack cocaine for the mind.

[@pascalthiebaud]

Thanks Adam. You are totally right, The forum is a good idea because we need to talk together, we are social animal, human being. It's the opposite of Instagram, which is just illusion. I'm part of a Forum, the only thing that miss me it's the possibility to meet the members.

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Nice video and message 👍🙂

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks so much

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

@Firstmanphotography 👍🙂

[@icantfly1001]

Fantastic

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thank you so much 😀

[@ifell3]

Very true!

[@superoomnia1574]

Finally a mainstream KZbin photographer, that doesn’t at some point say ‘I’m shooting this with my Hasselblad” and mentions the brand half a dozen times.

[@pudsboi5203]

I’m going to try this because there is nothing but bad news and depression with this current government on the internet. I’m starting after this vid .. Thanks 🤙

[@Roar.]

Funny though... somebody on KZbin basically telling me to stop watching my computer screen. 😂

[@Firstmanphotography]

It’s basically been my goal since day 1 of making KZbin videos. 🤣

[@brianbeattyphotography]

social media really can be an enormous time suck and life drainer. Good work getting more fresh air instead!

[@paulcooper9187]

Some wise words there.

[@AmorLucisPhotography]

Did you quit Vero, as well? (I've quite it as well as both Instagram and Facebook).

[@krimke881]

Screentime, well, it's even worse than that. Tell a youth they will spend 90% of their life on and in front of a screen. See if they will do something to change =P.. because that is actually closer to reality. creepy. If I'm not out with the camera, I'm just stressed out. So being out, it's more than taking a photograph. Very good idea for a video.

[@LouisLuzuka]

Thank you 😢

[@sanclewphotographic]

I think you are right Adam, stop sitting in front of your screen uploading Images that people don't really appreciate, 85% of uploads on the facebook Photography sites are poor, bad compositions and not even in Focus in some cases, get out in the field and start getting creative, get excited about what you Photographing and at the end of the day enjoy the processing aspect of Photography and don't forget its not faking an image to use post processing you can only enhance a Raw File if the detail is there, forget social media and get out and shoot, great Videos Adam,

[@duncanwallace7760]

Good advice. The matrix 1 needs a reset, it's mind poison.

[@andirutherford2615]

Id rather spend my time out in my local, which is the lake dis😢 and Irish Sea coast. Disagree with climbing a fell, been there done that, its the woodlands and rivers where the best bits are

[@petrub27]

lol, exactly what i said in the previous video about social media. good night and see you tomorrow. now, u made your own forum. it is still social media, ffs

[@Firstmanphotography]

I think you probably know that my issue was not communicating with each other online. M

[@andretim75]

Are you not using electronic screens on your camera as well, and little digital "mice-cinemas" called electronic viewfinders. So - how is your detox-progamm working with these 😂

[@larrycoonrod5563]

He is shooting a 5D IV. It does not have EVF

[@petercollins7848]

@@larrycoonrod5563 Good one! 😀

[@petercollins7848]

@@larrycoonrod5563 Good one! 😀