My Monthly Income & Where to Start a Travel Photography Career

[@BrendanvanSon]

Don't forget to follow on Instagram fam! @brendanvanson And, if you're not yet, sub to this channel: kzbin.info

[@rontz]

Very interesting once again! But: how did you manage to spend over $800 in one month? I'm pretty stunned, honestly :D

[@giacomoflisi]

thanks for the helpful video man! Which are the best sites for stock photography??

[@possessedllama]

"www.brendansaventures.com’s server DNS address could not be found."

[@johnimg]

saw you on Toms Tube and respect both of you, this was a really nice talk, thanks

[@williamhoward9576]

it's brendansadventures.com. You left the 'd' out of adventures

[@Trent255]

If you're in Europe and looking for somewhere to start on a budget, Slovakia and Croatia are both gorgeous and insanely cheap. Poland is another great place that offers nice views and dirt cheap accommodation.

[@kacperwoek6026]

Trent Archer confirmed, as a Pole I approve of the views of my country ;)

[@Adriana.Gabriela]

Croatia cheap? 😂 it heavily depends on where you come from. For us Croatians living here, it's not cheap at all (sometimes it's actually cheaper to go to another country to buy something, or to go on a vacation, and that's travel costs included). To people from some other countries, it also won't be cheap. But if you come from the USA, the UK, Italy, ... or if you compare us to them, then yes, it will be cheap to you. But as you said, there are some beautiful things to see :)

[@davidprendergast5389]

Being so candid about your income levels and streams is extraordinarily generous. Great video. I enjoyed the Lake District trip with Thomas Heaton too. When are you thinking of coming to Ireland?

[@Caracalaba]

can you do an specific video about how did you get started? I appreciate you being so honest about money, very few people do it on youtube

[@BrendanvanSon]

I should do. I'll try to work it in at some point.

[@claygoswick1908]

Thank you for sharing this! My wife and I are full time photographers and have been traveling a lot over the past year to shooting build a portfolio. Its so good and encouraging to hear from others how their income breaks down. Also a quick questions what microphone do you use for your Vlogs? Thanks dude

[@ryantulloch7835]

Hey my name is Ryan, I am homeschooled, and age 18. Last year of high school, and graduating in the spring. I live in Montana and plan on moving to Alaska once I graduate highschool and get started with life. My hobby has always been photography ever since I can remember. I am a HUGE outdoor freak, and love hiking, camping, backpacking, snowboarding, all those outdoor activities. My favorite thing to do is go hiking and exploring while doing photography. I've always loved taking pictures of landscapes and wildlife and sharing them with family, friends, social media, etc. Over the past year, I really began taking this seriously. I've enjoyed this hobby more and more, and now have upgraded my equipment from phone photography to DSLR photography. Started out with a beginner camera, and now I just upgraded to a more professional one. Started taking photography classes as my electives. Started learning a LOT about the technical side of photography, such as how a camera works, how to edit using Lightroom Classic, and how to take better photos using the exposure triangle, composition tricks, etc etc etc. Next semester I am learning about photoshop and premiere pro. Then I bought myself a drone. DJI Mavic Mini. Since that (5 months ago) I have also been taking drone classes: how to operate it safely, how to use the different features and settings, and how to get good cinematic footage. Now armed with a good DSLR camera, tripod, and other gear, and drone, my hiking trips are more fun. I can now do a lot more photography. I have an Instagram account where I upload everything, and it's growing pretty fast, which I am so thankful for. Then I thought...."Hey I could make this a career..." but never knew how. I knew I wanted to do photography, editing, stuff with drones ect as a career but don't know what kind of career that's even called or how to get started. My dream? To become like Chris Hau, Peter McKinnon, etc. Even maybe having my own youtube blog channel. Getting sponsored to travel the world. My favorite genre of photography is landscape photography, which is harder to make money from, compared to wedding or portrait or realtor photography. I would do those if I had to, but wouldn't have as much fun. ANYWAY sorry for the long paragraphs and whatnot, but...does anyone have any tips???? Tips on how to start a youtube channel, tips on how to start making money off of my photography and drone shots, ect. I doubt this comment will even be read that much or even taken seriously, but...I've been YouTubing how to get started on my career for sooooo long that I am getting super confused and distraught that I'll never be good enough to turn this amazing hobby into a career that could support a family and have a high yearly income. Do you need a college degree for doing what I explained??? I'm not planning on going to college. Hope that doesn't affect things. Anyway, dear reader, if you want, go follow my instagram account to see where I'm at so far. It would mean a lot. If you decide to follow me, from reading all this, could you let me know via a DM? It would lift my spirits lol, knowing this comment was at least read. Here it is: @t Thanks so much for your time Invisible fist bump to those who actually read the whole thing.

[@awphotos]

First time watching and I’m going to subscribe! You’re living exactly the lifestyle I’ve been wanting to live. I think being able to travel and experience everything around the world is so fascinating. I cannot wait to get to that point! I’m ready to grind and get there! Thanks man

[@TheGeneralWaldo]

Aspiring Photographer here :) just subscribed to you cause I haven't seen this kind of video yet giving me some insight into stuff I didn't know :) Keep it up bro!

[@amandacoords]

This video is pure gold! Just the info I needed to motivate me, because I was pretty sceptic about taking that leap. Thank you for inspiring me to chase a travel photographer journey 😍

[@denisbelya3079]

You know tbh I can't find too many youtubers as genuine as you are. This vid is incredibly informative also homie! Thank you!

[@hugobertiepickles3372]

Utterly fascinating! Not only entertaining but educative also. Stumbled on you by chance through Thomas heatons vlogs. Loved the collaboration & this episode in particular on so many levels. Chuffed that you are smittened by our country for starts. Then you income breakdown, I’m about to start/plan my travels, photography is a passion but if i could earn a penny along the way, it’d help. So big thanks for sharing and inspiring. Don’t stop keep clicking keep inspiring ta x

[@olayanjutheophilus4222]

This is the most sincere and highly resourceful video I have seen on photography and business this year. Thank you for doing this!🙌🙏

[@ramiahazuria5364]

YOU HELPED SO MUCH! I love you

[@edspencer8113]

Enjoy being at home for a while. I've really enjoyed your blogs in London and seeing the sights I see everyday so come back soon!

[@miaerasmus4130]

I plan to become a traveling photographer and find your tutorial very helpful. Thanks for helping.

[@TiimFJ]

I've just sacked in my 9-5 and moved into a little flat in a new city, time to start chasing the dream - thanks for the endless inspiration and ideas Brendan!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Good luck!

[@TiimFJ]

Thanks dude!

[@fewzz9498]

@@TiimFJ how it been so far

[@RodrigoBelasquem]

Great video, Brandon! First time watching and I'm definitely subscribing. It is great to find a channel like yours, where you can really feel like the person in front of the camera is open and genuine with the viewers. Thanks!

[@farhanalisyed2949]

please make a video about 'How to start a stock photography accounts & which kind of photographs are sell more '

[@BrendanvanSon]

When I get some time, I'll try to do that.

[@jeremysadventures9566]

Brendan van Son what sites do you use for stock photography and how much you sell them for?

[@farhanalisyed2949]

Brendan van Son thanks man 😊

[@OspreyKnight]

Thanks a lot for breaking this down. Right now it's pretty overwhelming and breaking it down like this helps me see the big chunks.

[@TigerLionSquirrel]

"I got over 2 weeks in Canada....... *starts counting off with fingers* ........going to the mountainssss, going to the lakessssss, chasing wildlife a littleeeee, maybe show you my hometownnnnnn........AAAAAND VISIT PETER MCKINNON!!!! SURPRISE!!!!!" I was held in great suspense as you were slowly listing off the things you were going to do in Canada lol. Hoped you were planning another collab with one of my favorite photographers the same as you did with Thomas Heaton. But seriously, you're still the best Brandon. You're the only youtuber I know who shares so much and explains so easily about getting a start in travel photography which is my life goal. Thank you (:

[@BrendanvanSon]

Hahhaha, I'd love to see Peter Mckinnon. Where does that dude live? I should just randomly show up at his door.

[@SS-xc8bw]

Nice videos! I have been watching for a while, you seem very honest and genuine. I love to travel and photography. This is my hobby and I am learning a lot from your videos. Thank you, please keep up the great work. Wish you continuous success.

[@ekredel]

hat down to your honesty. respect!

[@nicolasgilly1452]

Could you make a tutorial on selling stock

[@photographydomhii9515]

Nicolas Gilly yes!

[@alexandrevancalster8620]

Nicolas Gilly YES PLEASE!!!!

[@alexandrumolnar3d]

Yes it would be great!

[@julians.2597]

Yes please

[@CraigskinnerphotographyUk]

Wow, loved this video. So great to see a photographer, or anybody actually, being so open and honest about money. Awesome. So glad I came across your channel and subbed! Really enjoying all your content.

[@BrendanvanSon]

My pleasure Craig. Honesty is what this channel is all about. Glad you enjoyed this.

[@michaelfernandes3620]

Thank you for Brendan for the great video! Your behind the scene breakdown of your income and tips is truly helpful!

[@skateboardscott]

I have just recently started watching your videos and have learned so much from you within a few videos. Thanks so much!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks for watching, glad I could help out!

[@overlandphotography]

Love your honesty and openness in wanting to share. Tks mate, much appreciated

[@BrendanvanSon]

My pleasure!

[@curtis.strange]

Really good explanations and it's cool to hear about your perspective in detail especially on a topic that few (if any) would openly discuss. Keep em coming Brendan!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks for watching man!

[@MrHodophile1031]

love you bro.. great video.. I'm decided to do travel photography as a profession. i love photography 😍

[@annalacher]

This was probably the most motivating video I have seen in a long time! Thanks for that. 📸 You have a new follower now!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ITSHProductions]

"Science".... I have been super sick and this one comment made me laugh out loud for the 1st time in a week. Thank you for that.

[@napertiwi]

it's a vey nice goal. now I want to go out!! Haven't explore my hometown yet, but I will. really soon. I heard that Bali has a lot of things to explore, so yeah, I will :3

[@surrealkefka55]

would love if you made a video on editorial photography, can get my head around how to start getting editorial work. would very much appreciated, keep the good work. thanks for sharing!

[@learningwithrylee4788]

Thank you so much for your encouragement. I am fourteen and I am going to take a photography class and do photography for a living. I want to travel the world and take pictures for my lifestyle. I am going to check out your blog and watch the adds on your videos all the way through.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks Rylee. And welcome to the channel!

[@johngiller1645]

Cracking video. Very honest. Much Appreciated

[@HarleyVlogs]

only just found you but subbed straight away gives me more aim on what I need to do I want to go freelance and this was a massive help

[@carlosvanvegas]

Love these monthly income video's they really give a useful insight, so thank you Brendan, I really hope you'll have time to show us your hood, so many friends are going to Canada atm I want to see this place too, perhaps any tips on where to start?

[@wendynewing8834]

I love this highly informative stuff. Thanks Brendan.

[@myhikingadventures6777]

I've been watching some of your videos and came across this one and this one made me subscribe to your channel due to the honestly, layout and in depth talk about starting out and income. Curious of where about in Canada you are from? I'm from Buffalo NY so I'm a stones throw from Canada. Thanks for sharing this and looking forward to checking out some more of your videos. Be safe, especially on those knife ledges while hiking.

[@kennethconstantino4149]

Mabuhay! Ayos! Greetings from your new fan from the Philippines!

[@shreyasbhosale8501]

Thank you for this video! ❤

[@dimitristsagdis7340]

Which stock agencies do you use? Would you recommend them, if you were to do it again or would you rather go with some other stock agency?

[@DanielMillerlife]

Ty for the info on ur Income and expenses and the thoughts on travel Photography. I am heading to the Philippines in a month plan to settle there and do some shooting .... looking forward to exploring. I have a Canon T6i so not the best but looking forward to turning more about shooting and then getting a better camera and lens when I am good and what I do and making a little money. That you for the encouragement

[@BrendanvanSon]

You're going to love The Philippines. Sooooo good. I can't wait to get back.

[@MonoXxNet]

Thanks for all the work you put into your videos. And for all the information about travel, photography and your income. Please continue this forever!! - And come to Hamburg - Germany! ;)

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks for watching!

[@SMBstan]

Congrats for the great month, btw the most curious thing is that you manage to calculate the food/drinks budget :)

[@BrendanvanSon]

I pay with cash. So, I usually just check my wallet at the end of the night and figure out what I spent. haha. Honestly, sometimes I forget and have to do a bit of guess work. But, it's fairly accurate.

[@anirbanchanda564]

Thank you for the advices. Really want to start the journey of my dreams soon. - a fan from INDIA

[@nunyabusinezz1523]

Brendan, I started watching your channel due to passion for travelling and wanted to improve the quality of my memories of each experience, aka pictures! In a couple of weeks of watching you I've really grown fond of your open personality. This video, sharing your financial situation to the whole world, is amazing. The in-depth vision you share of a travel photographer's life is truly inspiring.

[@djsuss6279]

Hey man I would just like to say decent video💯, but I was thinking could you also make a video on how you would build those different streams of income and like where to start

[@drewpeterson6881]

I will go out and shoot photos and videos because of you, man!!!! Thank you!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks for being a part of the community, Drew!

[@krystalcliman1464]

I think since you have five expenses maybe you need the expense Starfish.

[@RK-sk6vp]

i turned off ad blocker out of support, awesome channel!

[@jaynyanna3932]

I want to do exactly what you do! But sadly i have no expericence in photography but i own a canon t3i with a kit lense and canno't afford any better lenses atm. I really want to make photography my career but don't know if i should spend money on a college degree and learn about photography, or simply watch youtube tutorials and courses and go from there. What would be your honest suggestion?

[@matthewconde9433]

Any advice for breaking into editorial and commercial like travel companies? What type of companies would you approach for that? Super insightful and helpful! Thanks so much bro!

[@MrDangerhere]

Great refreshing video. A video on using filters and polarizers for beginners would be greatly appreciated.

[@BrendanvanSon]

There's one deep back in my channel somewhere. Search Melatsunyane and you'll find it I think.

[@markmealey1018]

I’m studying abroad in Japan next year and i want to become a travel photographer. I’m also wanting to travel to Thailand due to the much lower expanses compared to other countries I thought it’d be another great starting point for independent traveling.

[@jazzydebs]

Really glad that you've had a good month. Interesting to hear when you break It all down & how it all comes together. With stock photography though is there a set guide to pricing & usage limitation? Just interested in how that works? Really looking forward to the vlogs once you're home in Canada :)

[@BrendanvanSon]

Should probably do a video on Stock Photography. I'm always just afraid it's going to get boring talking so much detail. Will work on a way to make it fun, though.

[@aymanhija]

Man you're inspiring, keep it up.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks man!

[@pnarefe4873]

Thank you so much for this video. That's so so helpful :)

[@Elysianplains]

Great Video! Hi Brendan -saw you for the first time on Thomas's videos recently. When/Where are you going to in Scotland?

[@zeballos5757]

Wow this was really great and helpful. Thanks for sharing rather than pretending that all is great and you are this snobby successful photographer. Obviously you are a successful photographer, but not pretentious about it. I have an apartment and my monthly expenses don't come to near as much as yours, but your life is more dynamic so there ya go. Hello from a new subscriber in Vancouver. 🙂

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks Rad! Hope all is well in Van.

[@zeballos5757]

Brendan van Son It is thanks. Only 7mm of rain in the last two months. Hot and Sunny summer. Thanks for the reply :)

[@steveh1273]

Good stuff. You hustle and endure for your money, and most of all, you enjoy it. I enjoy the vlogs, I finally retired from my work and I can say I did not enjoy it at all. But, I did what I felt I had to do for me, rather conservative, too much so.

[@BartRos1980]

As a starting Photographer this was a very interesting an useful video for me Bendon, tnx

[@BrendanvanSon]

My pleasure.

[@AstroHBF]

So informative and love your attitude to everything

[@BrendanvanSon]

Cheers!

[@valentinahernandez1545]

You’re incredible 😍

[@julians.2597]

I would really appreciate if you could make a video on stock photography

[@BrendanvanSon]

Check the homepage of the channel, I posted a video about it 3 days ago.

[@julians.2597]

Brendan van Son just saw it, thanks a lot!

[@jarrodtobeck6196]

Very interesting to here about this, have just discovered you from Thomas's videos, while your in Austria you should pop down to Italy I'm always keen to meet up and shoot with people!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Love shooting Italy. I really do need to spend more time down there.

[@alexandrumolnar3d]

The weather is very very english :)) Good one!

[@tomasjanuskevicius3665]

Hey Brandon, It would be fun i f you show Canada, your native places, home town!:)

[@BrendanvanSon]

Coming right up!

[@RamaSivamani]

Since you have shot weddings in the past I'm surprised you didn't mention doing destination elopements in your start to doing more travel work.

[@botladola]

Hey brendan, first time watcher but i can tell i'll be watching for days to come. Question about travel photography. I have many good pics from my travels and from the country i am living in now, saudi arabia. But all these pics were taken using my cheap nikon (a £150 camera). Would i need to invest more money into a better camera and if so how much would be a good amount?

[@pshearduk]

My first Octopus income roundup Brendan. Very informative :) if you do get to Scotland then please let me know if you are planning a meet up with other folks. I'll be there amigo. atb Paul.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Sounds good Paul! Hope all is well.

[@niiokpotioddoye8657]

Ghana too man. I'll be there anytime

[@ryanbarelli1463]

I'm also very interested in getting assignments. You should do a video on how to get an assignment? Thanks!!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Search a video here called "how to pitch"

[@tangoingthekitchen]

My mom: You should work in a an office ( I work in a childcare and I like that because you are always moving) So last time that my Mom came to bring me some stuff ( I told her that I wanted to open my onw childcare one day), she don't believe that people can make money with photography at least that you are wedding photographer. My real dream: I want to open my own photography business or even better a travel photographer (the second one just come to mind a few days ago). I just started in this new childcare last months and I was in another one where I stayed and was loyal to that job for 2 years, and I was supper attached to that job, but then they kick me in that back, so I promised myself not to get attached to any other job.

[@BrandonWasHerring]

Brendan, really enjoy your videos! Quick question - how do you factor in and handle the various "life expenses" (taxes, health insurance, data coverage, etc.) These things are easy enough for someone stationary as a monthly bill, but how do you deal with taxes as a freelancer getting paid in various currencies? Likewise for health insurance; any global coverage options or advice on this? Assuming short-term data plans are easy enough per country, and you could probably get by jumping between WiFi spots, but sometimes a data connection could be extremely useful (possibly a life saver). Any advice here? Thanks so much for sharing your journey and experience with us. Love the authenticity of your channel! All the best!

[@hollyjade2724]

Another great video!

[@AdatheTraveler]

How many stock photo you need to upload in order to hv significant sale? Let say $100. Besides, how many sites you upload to? Does it worth to upload to so many sites?

[@Australianchessplayer]

The Running Fish Mike Browne has a video on stock photography. Income is a dribble, you need to keep topping up the tank. The more water in the tank, the faster the dribble.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Depends on the type of stock. I think you'll earn $100 a month with ShutterStock if you have 800-1000 images in.

[@MagnitudeReviews]

If anyone needs a great place to start shooting that is within the US, Southern Utah is absolutely gorgeous. Within 5 hour radius you would be able to have access to 20 different national parks and monuments to your own exploration.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Agreed. It's just a bit over-shot, to be honest. But, I agree that there's a lot there. I've spent a lot of time in that area. Just stunning.

[@ryantulloch7835]

thanks so much for this video!!!!!!!!

[@acesofgambit]

Thank you for this video. How to get or start an assignment?

[@Agakubs]

It's actually 30 day cookie window for affiliates :) Awesome video, thanks for sharing!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Not with Amazon, I'm afraid. I think it's 24-48 hours.

[@Agakubs]

Brendan van Son that's frustrating! People usually research and then go back to buy so it takes longer! Meh!

[@willclaxton9373]

Hey Brendan, love these monthly breakdowns. I was wondering though, which expense category would you place things like Visa costs?

[@GrandWalkingTours]

Hey man , Been watching a few vids of yours today , i followed thomas and he linked to you , really enjoy your vidoes and going to try with the microstock and RM , no harm right lol , Keep up the good work , if your ever in Ireland Dublin again let me know we can try shoot in a few locations , Keep the videos coming there great

[@anngeleyes]

How can one start getting assignment projects/how to go about that to get that stream of income going? Thanks for any help you could provide ❤

[@lonniepaulson7031]

Well, Thanks a million. I have been freelancing off and on through my life. I am moving at the end of this month to Arizona from Minneapolis, Minnesota. In Minnesota I sold some local twin city scenes as postcards and sold them as prints too. I want to start a freelance photography business photographing the local Phoenix and the state of Arizona. I also like to write too. I have taken a writing course and have a degree in photography. As of now I am debt free, I got some money in the bank so I want to try it. I will be working a regular job too and I will be getting social security. I will be watching you in the future to learn some things. How do you make money with a travel blog? What do you sell on Amazon?

[@jeremysadventures9566]

How does one get started on an assignment? I'd love to be set a job and head off and smash it! Love your stuff bro, sing out when your in Ireland I can show you a few hidden gems. Cheers

[@BrendanvanSon]

Pitching. Build a cool profile, portfolio and then start pitching your work. It took me a long time for my first assignment, but yeah, they are awesome.

[@jeremysadventures9566]

Brendan van Son cheers bro, think I'll look into this.

[@Juergen_Weginger]

Nice to hear that you come to my country, Austria. Where will you be in that time?

[@BrendanvanSon]

I'll be in the Tirol area, as far as I know. But, I'm not exactly sure where yet. It should be awesome. The scenery looks unreal.

[@Juergen_Weginger]

Brendan van Son Ah, Tirol is amazing you will like it. Great for landscape photography.

[@wolfgangrohringer820]

Hope you have a great time there! I actually grew up near Innsbruck. Hopefully the weather is nice to you, so that you can enjoy your time up in the mountains and get some nice images :-) Also, would be cool if you ended up in Vienna at some point again. I'm sure you have some fellow Austrian subscribers there who would like to join you for a coffee / beer / some photos :-)

[@AronPeters]

That's exactly what I have been doing, starting where I live. Now if anyone here has come across me on IG,FB,or YT you probably know I am currently based in Thailand. WIAT! before you say anything I don't live in the north where there's mountains and I don't live in the south where there's the beautiful beaches. I live in central Thailand just south of Bangkok. Even I need to find great places to photograph close to home. I have taken a little different approach with on of my playlists Tourist Treasures. I decided to shine the spotlight on places that are interesting, but no one really knows about them. So maybe there's interesting places by where you live that you could photograph and/or make videos about too.

[@jamisonjenkins6675]

Any advice for someone attempting to document just begining to make money with photography to getting roughly to where you are at?

[@prashantparashar5210]

Hi sir I want to ask you is Nikon d5300 24mp APSC sensor DSLR is good enough for stock photography? Please suggest some lenses I wanted to start stock photography

[@postcardswithkevan]

Best line ... "Science"

[@DelMarMermaids]

What do you mean by stock photos?

[@obzockyphotography7682]

hi - the link for your website is missing the d in adventures

[@Viewmp]

Hello brendan, Can i ask how much did you get from stock photography in your first month and with how many photos ?

[@ReinhardBiller]

You go to Austria, cool! Where are you going?

[@paultemperton9948]

Hey there, Just curious what app you use to keep track of your budget.

[@poolboyinla]

Greetings from the Philippines.

[@brunomartelli8163]

Hey Brendan, what about paying taxes or health insurance ?

[@bls205]

Hey Brendan, was wondering how you get assignment jobs, do the companies come to you if they are fimilar with your work?

[@monangel2388]

thanks gor the info... i wonder if you can give me some review about my travel picture's. i will like to make a income doing when i love to do. travel photography.

[@nomadephoto]

The best place to begin is probably India! It's visually incredible, there's a lot to see, to explore, and it's at least half cheaper than South America.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Good point. I haven't spent a lot of time there, so I couldn't say. But, you're probably right. Would be a great place to start.