Rescuing my Passion for Photography

SCOTLAND (TORRIDON) WORKSHOP OCTOBER WEEK 2: Sorry but cancelled due to the current Covid-19 rules.
It happens to us all, but it just shows that we care about our photography and our profession. Having that feeling that you're losing the passion for something that has brought you so much joy is a dreadful experience and can initially put your mind in a place that makes it difficult to see the answers. Peaks and troughs are par for the course but this particular trough felt more dangerous - thankfully I was able to nip it in the bud. I decided to share a brief overview as perhaps you've also had a similar experience recently. I found it was best not to fight it too hard, but allow myself some time to reconnect with what's fundamentally important in my work. I figured that a quick fix might result in a short-term solution, so allow yourself the time that you need to figure out the root cause and what might need to change or how you need to adapt. I try to look at these testing times as an opportunity to emerge stronger.
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[@edwardlee4032]

Simon, I returned to view this video for the third time as I wish to make comment. I. Love all your videos. 2. Your honesty and "talking thru" your feeling and capturing the images are beyond words. As someone at the 84 and wishing I could carry the backpack and walk thru the woods you transport me into your world, a world of beautiful environment and wonder. Meg also helps. Keep positive, your images make many a person happy. Will follow Meg as well. Ed

[@isaacholden3200]

i dont mean to be so offtopic but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my login password. I appreciate any assistance you can offer me!

[@jamesmarshall7359]

@Isaac Holden instablaster ;)

[@isaacholden3200]

@James Marshall i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@isaacholden3200]

@James Marshall It worked and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out :D

[@jamesmarshall7359]

@Isaac Holden you are welcome xD

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thanks for watching! Hope you stayed tune for Meg going bonkers :-P Have you had any experiences like this? How did you get past it?

[@PeteHappyFeet]

I´ve had an urge to stop photographing on many occasions, mostly because of self doubt, blaming Denmark for being too boring to photograph, not having enough time to do it, next to the job, house, wife etc. But watching videos like yours, Adam Gibbs´ and Mads Peter Iversen. Makes you get that urge going every single time, makes you want to get up at 4AM, and chase that amazing morning light. So I am grateful for the content you provide, and the boost it gives me :)

[@TonyGouge]

Always good to see a video of yours Simon! Yeah, the whole pandemic lockdown has been depressing on a lot of levels. It's certainly gotten me down since I've not been able to get out of the area to do my normal seasonal landscape shoots. As things have returned to a bit more 'normal', I've been able to do a few 'people shoots' and trying a few Milky Way shoots, closer into town. But I'm chomping at the bits to get out a bit more. Hoping for a trip to the mountains and the Outer Banks in the fall. Wish I could make it over for your Scotland workshop this fall. I fear you all won't be letting us Yanks into the country by then. :-(

[@malcbawn.photos]

Going through one now 😐. The staycation brigade are putting me off exploring, I've developed an acid reflux conditions since May so I'm stressing about my health with nhs phone calls only, not helping and it's late summer my least favourite for photography. Hoping your vlog helps they usually do, glad You've found your mojo Simon I'm sure mine is just round the corner. First photo sooo much depth, lovely.

[@karlratcliff1205]

Awesome video ! It's always a pleasure and very motivating experience watching your videos ! That's a big help to me.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

@@PeteHappyFeet Many thanks, Peter. I'm so pleased that my content helps with your motivation.

[@stevenbridge]

Thanks Simon, I watch your videos not only for the woodland tips (of which I have had many), but also for the peaceful feeling I get when I see my homeland woods again, not to mention Megs antics. I'm glad you have your mojo working again, keep up the great work.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's great to know and much appreciated. Thanks, Steven!

[@rickbrowne519]

When you're feeling uninspired, just watch how much fun Meg has being in the great outdoors with her best friend! I have to believe you'll be inspired by the same things as Meg is!

[@GaryTischer]

Thank you Simon for your honesty. Please continue talking about the emotion and feeling your photographs. Totally thoroughly enjoyable videos. Yesterday I headed out on a 19km hike in search of rainforest waterfalls. The main falls I was wanting to photograph turned out a bit ordinary, so I headed further into the forest in search of magic. My favourite photo of the day was an unnamed waterfall, but the light was beautiful and the capture made the tough hike completely worthwhile. I've also gone local and found a very special image after heavy rain, in a patch of small forest bordered be a main road, hospital and even a sewage works. Sometimes beauty is close at hand in the ordinary and sometimes it is hard fought.

[@ivormorgan9030]

So true. My local woodland is split into 4 by the M25 and the A3 (think interstate and freeway), nowhere is the constant roar of traffic out of hearing or more than 300 metres away. I’ve followed Simon’s advice and revisited different locations at different times of day and the year and worked the area and found so many wonderful scenes.

[@qkamoen]

I love your dog Meg, because it remains me of my journey with photography with my dog. Unfortunately he is now to old to go with me, so I go alone and since than I lost my passion for photography. But you and Thomas Heaton bring it back and learn so much for my photography. So many thanks to you and your lovely dog Meg

[@CarloDidier]

Good to see Meg and you in top mental and physical shape again! I too had my photographic depressions. They mostly came when I was looking too much on other peoples work and comparing it with my little talents. Now I tend to just do as I like without thinking too much if anyone else may like my pictures. And I go out more to just enjoy the outdoors, without that self made pressure to get great pictures. Good images have become a welcome bonus, not a necessity. And I'm not disappointed anymore if I come back home without having taken a single picture.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Hi Carlo. Hope you are keeping well and thank you for your kind comment. I'm also in the camp of preferring not to consume the work of others too much. Even when I feel like my own work is going particularly well, I feel it's best to not muddy the waters by running the risk of comparison. It's perfectly normal to take a cynical view of your own work and that view can sometimes be healthy in the right dose.

[@NickPage]

I hear and feel you on this Simon.. I have been very very much going through the same things

[@krysiabamford1624]

I love this. None of us are perfect and that is the beauty. We wouldn’t want all trees to be perfect. How boring. So glad you are more open to sharing your imperfections. Makes me feel normal ha ha ha!

[@timscanlanphotography]

Hi Simon. Really glad you're over the slump. Regarding your question, I think we all have similar experiences. I lacked motivation post-lockdown but a couple of trips to the Forest of Dean really got me back in the saddle. Love the tip using a wide open setting to focus. I'll definitely be using that tomorrow ! Please keep inspiring us Simon. Many thanks for sharing.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

My pleasure and many thanks for your comment, Tim!

[@lilybogaards5089]

Just recently walking through some woodland, I realised that I look at it differently after watching your video. I am much more aware of the individual trees within the landscape. It was as if an extra layer is added. Thank you! 💕

[@Qigate]

Simon, that you have 'slumps' only tells you that you are an artist... we all experience them in our own ways. I find for me that the way back to the passion, as you say, is to follow the beauty. The beauty is what brought us to these places and it is the beauty that had us pick up the camera. Your 'eye' is so brilliant. I enjoy your vision of your beauty each and every time. We don't want your perfection... we watch because we all know that you see the beauty.

[@marcelspalinger2558]

Hi Simon, welcome back on the track! I missed you. Your videos and how you describe your photos exude a great calm and show your enthusiasm for photography and nature. I really appreciate your work and can learn a lot. I wish you lots of joy and success - stay true to your motto "without enthusiasm everything is nothing".

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your kind words, Marcel. Much appreciated :)

[@bernadettebecher5668]

So grateful that you have created beautiful videos/images for those of us who photograph for pleasure but are trying to improve skills.

[@chrisr.1803]

So very well spoken and very timely! Due to the pandemic I didn’t go out to my favorite spots for photography. Now that things have opened up, I have ventured out to the Oregon Coast, but now my favorite beaches are full of people. That keeps me away as well, but just as I write this it has occurred to me that maybe (as much as I don’t like the crowds) I should be documenting this! Also as I stayed at home, I discovered a new hobby...wood carving. This has triggered arthritis and is very painful...feeding even more into inactivity. My takeaway from all of this is that we need to find the joy, no matter what our circumstances! Thank you so much for the video and your honesty!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your thoughts, Chris! I was going to say that wood carving sounds great but I've sorry that you find it painful. I took to doing some DY recently and that didn't me any good. As you say, we should always find a way forward.

[@robertstephens1868]

Good to see you back in action, Simon. You are in a lusciously green environment. Where I am much of our bush has been burnt out. But where I live borders on the Royal National Park which unexpectedly missed the fires. The flora in the burnt out areas is starting to revive, but our fauna have been severely affected; many would still be hospitalised. I appreciate your words.

[@gavinjmcgrath6983]

Thanks for your honesty and integrity. Both much appreciated in these painful and bizarre days!

[@Exercises10]

Simon, you are one of my favorite woodland photographers on KZbin. You are an inspiration to me when my passion takes a dip. You are right this is a terrible time for the whole world; so hard to believe we are all enduring this world-wide challenge. Stay strong, my friend, together we all will get through this. PS: I liked all of Meg’s images on Instagram; together you are an amazing team!!

[@peterbiggin7193]

A very timely video I think Simon a lot of people must be struggling with it at the moment. I hadn't picked my camera up for nearly a year but recently I decided it was time again to get out there. I've just bought a mirror less camera to lessen the weight these old legs have to carry, changed my editing software and having the learning curve of both of these has brought the excitement back

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Peter! Great to hear that you're excited again. Hope you enjoy the switch to mirrorless too!

[@robertpierson6149]

Simon, please do more. This video is peace to me and my soul grows strength from it.

[@raomudasir6490]

Absolutely adored your approach towards your passion and believe it applies to all things of life.. No point of doing things without integrity and that fire within... Thanks for the wonderful share

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's very kind, thank you 😊

[@JohnPaul-ii]

It struck me right from the beginning of the vlog as how vibrant the greens are throughout this footage. Definitely “ A green and pleasant land.” Thanks Simon for sharing this wonderful place with the world.

[@jasonenglisch2547]

Thanks so much, Simon and Meg! I used to enjoy photography, mainly landscape and nature, and have also been in a lousy, grumpy mood for a while now. This video just popped up in my suggestion list so it was a very happy accident. Listening to you talk about rediscovering your passion as well as being realistic about the day to day, etc. was refreshing. And just witnessing you being so *into* what you are doing, I was smiling and laughing along with both you and Meg. So thank you so much for sharing this, both as a fellow photographer and a fellow human.

[@Alister_Benn]

A lot of honesty in this video Simon. Lots of things that resonate with me. It’s been a very challenging year, and I am pleased to see your passion and mojo recharging.

[@lindefraser9148]

I was touched by the poetry analogy as that's what I always seem to be looking for. So many times lately I have come home with my camera and knew without opening the chip, I hadn't found the poetry. But then one day recently I arrived at the river early in the morning where the wildlife had lined up along the bank, doing their morning preening before diving in. The sun peeked around a cloud and entered the scene sideways revealing the poetry I had been waiting for. Thank you for reminding me that this doesn't happen everyday.! All the best and so glad you are feeling the moments with renewed enthusiasm!.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you, Linde! I'm glad you like that analogy too :)

[@tjaardpijning]

Glad you found your way back Simon ! Wouldn't want to miss your videos. I loved the moment at the first location where Meg was coming up to sit next to you, like he was enjoying the scene together with you. I do hope times will get easier soon. Keep up the good work !

[@wallyjones2826]

Thank you, Simon, for a great start to my morning! It is wonderful to see your passion. I continue to struggle with "chaotic" woodland composition and your vision always helps me "see" better.

[@adamvanderpool]

Lots of important conversations from Simon this week and I always admire his thoughtful responses. On this topic here, I've heard it mentioned how artists can often associate their productivity with their work being good or not, or worthwhile, and how it's okay to step back and regroup occasionally. Passion seems to be largely based in a dedication to something personal that can be explored and experimented with, even in a playful way. As work inevitably comes under review of others though, and then their expectations, it's easy to sometimes be distracted or go off-course. I think that's why this topic comes up every so often, because maybe one of the best things a person can do in response is probably to talk about it with other people and get that perspective that this is something common and is shared.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for sharing your considered thoughts, Adam. You make some great points! Thanks for following the Instagram Q&A too.

[@tedsimonett431]

Terrific vid top to bottom Simon. I don't often comment, but I feel compelled to support your integrity and honesty by simply saying thank you for sharing.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Every comments helps and is much appreciated. Thank you!

[@christinewarner6475]

Absolutely wonderful. Great to see you and Meg back ❤

[@DavidJacksonThai]

I was thinking about this the other day, its so hard to stay motivated when everyone on KZbin gets amazing images once a week, every single time, when I struggle to get anything once a month. I am excited to see your process even when it doesn't work out. Thanks for sharing, looking forward to future videos.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, David! Please never lose motivation over what you see on KZbin. It might sometimes feel like that everyone is creating amazing images every week but I'm sure that won't be the case. As Ansel Adams used to say - 12 month significant photographs in anyone 1 year is a good crop.

[@enricooldoino1967]

I appreciate your sincerity and I'm happy that the old flame is burning again as demonstrated by the two beautiful photos .And remember that you have a rare talent and you have to help us to develop our ( you do this every time you post a video and this is another talent for me at least ). Thanks

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, Enrico. Thank you!

[@frankottopedersen8241]

Thanks for your honesty, Simon. That makes me like your work and channel even more.

[@Bazzo61]

That's more like the Simon I used to see. It's clear the passion is back. Loved those photos. Always amazes me how you manage to find such inspiring compositions among all that chaos :-)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much, Barry :)

[@alanmoulsdale6172]

I really enjoy watching you and the adorable Meg. I think every photographer goes through the same lows. I do a similar thing, put the camera away and walk. Enjoy woodland without looking for compositions. Keep going Mate. You are a great inspiration to me.

[@howardrankin7119]

Such honesty and sincerity is reflective of your photographic integrity. Fine images and very helpful guidance. Good luck Simon

[@jerryhutchinson2543]

I have 2 rules for every day. First, learn something new. Secondly, have a good belly laugh. This vlog delivered on my 2 rules in spades! Excellent stuff. You are an inspiration for my woodland photography. Thank you!

[@phurbadukpa4375]

Man with many talents is back....love to see your photograph bro👍👍👍

[@neilcole3406]

I like the fact that Meg is showing you where to go, and your not telling us! Clever dog you have there!

[@craigallenphotography]

Fantastic video Simon, I've been pretty inspired lately to get out and take pictures but I've been suffering from lack of motivation when I get home and go to edit. I've only edited one image from my last 4 outings. I guess it's a good thing I have the images so when my "funk" is over I'll be able to have images to work on, but it is frustrating to sit in front of the computer and not be able to "see" a finished image. Oh well, this too shall pass. I'm so glad you found your passion again and I look forward to seeing where it takes you. Take care

[@fionafernz]

The greens in this video is sight of vibrancy and positivity in this pandemic

[@anujasharma9677]

Simon, your passion is contagious and the images you create are so inspiring. The way your eyes see, I wish if I can even learn 5% of that, I will feel blessed. Love your work and Meg on the play looked so cute. Thank you for creating very entertaining and rich content always.

[@filmismorefun]

Weird that this popped up in my feed, I've been feeling a lack of passion to shoot as well. Totally agree with you on the exploration, such an exciting part. Cheers. 🙂

[@tompetersphotography]

Beautiful video Simon, I just love the way your videos feel the feel of your shots! I hope you keep well and keep churning out the content👍🏻

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks! Always appreciated :)

[@rolfbecker3812]

Another wonderful video! I like your kind of photography and your thoughts as well!

[@terencebaker4269]

Great to see you back on track, love the video's, they have helped me to see woodland scenes i would never have been able to see before.

[@susanfirth2279]

Nice to see you and Meg out again Simon. I have found it difficult to get motivated to get out since COVID hit and having to stay home, conservation parks been closed. Even as the restrictions are lifting more and more, it makes me feel very anxious. I need to get over that and get on with it. Just followed Meg on Instagram. She is such a treat to watch in your videos. Her energy and joy at been out with her human is great to witness.

[@Russellhawker]

Another excellent video Simon. So glad you found a way to reset and revaluate everything and get the passion back. Phew! Watched you from day one, relied upon yourself, Tom and Adam Gibbs to get me through the lows. Be a catastrophe if you stopped.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks, Russell. The positivity in the comments is always a great boost :)

[@endtimeimages3284]

Really admire that you can self analyze so well and then draw the right conclusions! All the best!

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

I hope i keep my channel real this is why I shoot what I find on the day rather that all the polished images I show all. Your work is always amazing and I did like your older videos more. Hope you don't mind me saying.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

No, I don't mind. It's impossible to please everyone all the time. I personally believe that my videos still have the same vibe and I've never strayed from my core message. The vast majority of my videos continue to include photos that aren't published elsewhere. More importantly though, my photography has improved/matured overall since my earlier videos. Cheers Paul.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography dont get me wrong love all your videos, and yes you have defo improved as you say, but i like the rougher videos style maybe because its all i am good at hahaha you are one of the only people still doing just what you do, and not getting into all the other naff none photography bits... so thumbs up

[@Colin-ut4qf]

Great video Simon, it’s the bumps in the road that make the journey worthwhile. A calm and relaxing video and then Meg appears totally bonkers love it haha 😂👍

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Haha, I quite enjoy the contrast of tempos - it's a great energy to have around when shooting :-D

[@MikeChesworthPhotography]

It’s nice to see the honest side of photography vlogging and the fact that sometimes everything doesn’t go to plan. Loved the end sequence of Meg, it looks like she was having a great time. 👍

[@edecsiki]

Absolutely love the first image!!! You are one of the photographers, who inspires me again and again to grab my camera and go out...big thanks for that!!!

[@crowtheri]

Glad to see you back with your mojo refreshed, Simon! Wicked video. What I like most is how you tackle the why questions rather than just the technical as most vloggers do. It is hard to articulate this stuff without opening yourself and your inner minds-eye up to the audience. This is very much appreciated and what, for me, is how you differentiate your creativity from others, and again for me, takes your films to the next level. Not sure if this something your willing to discuss, but do you speak to yourself when wandering through the forest, perhaps as you would to your audience, thinking through ideas, compositions, light and what makes things work, which then makes it easier to discuss emotion and personal perspective when creating video - like you have already practiced in a way? Great work :)

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Thank you very much for your kind words - much appreciated :) I don't talk to myself but I do talk to Meg. I even ask her questions haha. It's just a bit of fun which keeps Meg engaged too :)

[@craigmorris8322]

Great as always. Thank you for your honesty. Grass around the alders as Alder is a nitrogen fixing tree. This means it has a symbiotic relationship with a friendly bacterium called Frankia alni. The bacteria are hosted by the Alder's root system, forming large knots on root nodules, and then they go about converting airborne nitrogen in to soil-based nitrates, which nourish the Alder.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

That's fascinating, thanks for sharing! I have much to learn :)

[@jerryalt6486]

Simply put..... thanks. Thanks for the experience of watching your videos.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

My pleasure! :)

[@simonhaywardphoto]

Great video Simon. I’ve been feeling exactly the same but seeing this and reading some of the comments has made me realise there are a lot of us struggling. Thank you, you’ve made me want to get out there again. Best wishes

[@valk-photography]

Love this video Simon, you are a big inspiration for me ! In the area i live there's another huge wave of the virus, there's a curfew and many rules .... it drains the motivation. Trying to stay positive, but it's hard. Meg lifted my mood and put a smile on my face !

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks but sorry to read of the added restrictions. Hope you soon have more safe freedom!

[@jarr1520]

Certainly great to see you back in good spirits with a fresh resolve...Covid has sure played "head games" with many....loved the video!

[@christian.irmler]

Hi Simon, interesting insights to your thoughts about passion and emotions. I started a YT channel about landscape photography last year and I have to say, that I absolutely underestimated the huge effort which goes into producing videos and the impact of emotions of life to the videos. I think it is normal, that we have phases in our life, where our motivation goes down, where we don't have fun with the things we usually love so much - but when we break it down, passion and enthusiasm is it, what drives us to go on anyway. What helped me as a photographer for many years is to break out of my comfort zone multiple times, always but especially when I feel unmotivated - trying different things, other sujects inside landscape photography. Simon, I know you are specialised to woodland photography, what I find fantastic and I have to say that I absolutely admire your amazing work as a photographer. But may I ask you, if you never shoot other things like vistas, waterfalls etc. - private, outside of your channel to get a kind of refreshment from your woodland photography, to boost your creativity and to enhance your enthusiasm? By the way: When I feel not motivated, I often go into woodland photography, because this is not my special area for landscape photography :) Were interested to hear from you. Nice greetings from Austria, Christian

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your thoughts and kind words, Christian. I do sometimes shoot the vistas behind the scenes - perhaps even the coast but that's rare. I guess my needs go beyond the creative as I still require the physical and mental therapy that woodland offers. Other genres help too but not to the same extent. I'll probably be shooting in more open spaces soon but it will still involve trees ;-)

[@KarlVaughan]

Having now watched your video I can now understand how you feel. Sometimes a break is needed. It's been months since I did any nature photography and now I'm itching to get out again in the countryside. Butterflies are my thing at the moment as I don't need to travel far to find them. I've been going to a spot on the edge of town but this week I'll be getting on a train for the first time since lockdown and will visit a local nature reserve which is about 5 miles away. Have a great week, Simon. I hope the weather will be good. It's going to get hot down here in Bucks!

[@grahamallen3941]

Great insight Simon, many thanks for that. Loving Meg as well!! Love woodlands but like you say it’s hard when you lose that enthusiasm and you are trying to regain it. Take care and be safe .Graham🐾🐾📷📷

[@sueiversen4916]

Simon wonderful video. I especially appreciated the first shot and your explanation of how and where you you focused (using focus peaking) and set your settings. Thank you not everyone does that. I love Meg she is a Joy.

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Wonderful video and shots Simon, that little break really did the trick for you.

[@HeathBarbierPhoto]

I wish I could like this twice. Really wonderful Simon, thank you for making this.

[@timothylinn]

Great video, Simon. I'm glad you shared it. That first image-the 16x9 one-is amazing. Well seen!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Much appreciated, Timothy :)

[@rockychocbill]

Good stuff Simon. Like others have stated, we all go through periods like this. We're not all trying to make it as Pros though which makes a difference for sure. Stay true to yourself as the saying goes. Glad to see that you and Sean connected. I really like Sean's channel as well.

[@stevemozzie6497]

With Meg around, you can't fail to be positive about life.

[@juanitakelly3082]

I watch landscape videos for the camera work of course, but even more for the joy of the details in nature that you lovingly share.

[@alanhumbard8298]

I found your explanation of the highs and lows of landscape photography interesting. I enjoyed the way you showed us the back of your camera of the first image. That’s very helpful to me. The one thing that I can’t figure out is how is it that your forests don’t have dead branches and trees. Where I live (Oregon) we have an abundant of fallen dead stuff. In fact it’s almost impossible to walk through unless there’s a path.

[@vincelerie4857]

Hi Simon, I feel your creative pain. I had to start doing real estate photography for a living, which has taken all the creativeness and fun out of my passion of landscape photography. Now I am trying to figure out to get the time to do what I like and regain that creativity. Hopefully one day I will get it back.

[@matthewhenry6281]

Thanks for your openness and honesty. It is something that all us landscape photographers need to remember is that we don’t normally walk away with a portfolio quality image. Sometimes the conditions just aren’t in our favour and other times sometimes our heart or eyes just aren’t with it. Sadly I’m one of the international workshop participants that can’t make it this year. I do hope you can fill the spots. I’ll have to make do learning from afar until next year. 👍

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

My pleasure, Matthew. I'm really sorry that you can't make it :-( I'll be in touch with you soon about next year.

[@ChrisHunterLive]

What an honest and refreshing video, incredibly relevant today but will be equally important in the years to come as a wave of new photographers hit this lull, even in a healthier world. Good on ya

[@gregtee1693]

It really is a stressful time for many people, and we all need to look after ourselves and one another. Hope to see you next year when we are all revitalized. Best wishes Greg T.

[@adamnedojedly8225]

Hi Simon, Another motivational video for me ! I’ve recently move from England back to Czech Republic after 10 years where I’ll hate to start from scratch again, so I’m a bit worried how’s that going to affect my photography! No car atm, no location ideas, but I’ll uses it as a motivation to explore . We have lots of nice woodlands around and some very nice national parks so I’ll definitely focus more on woodland photography and expand my photography portfolio! Thank you very much for your inspiration!

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Hi Ken, your video has been an inspiration for me to do woodland photography today. The leaves will be changing soon and fall will be approaching.

[@ianaustin3942]

Great vlog, Simon. Like you and many others, I struggled during lockdown and, despite several failed attempts to get back out there, have recently found the enthusiasm again. It took some time to overcome the negative thoughts - there was always an 'excuse' for not picking up the camera and, for me, it was watching vlogs such as yours that inspired me to make the effort. Thank you for that and keep these vlogs coming.

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Glad you found you way again and I'm delighted my videos helped. Many thanks :)

[@philwilliams899]

I have missed you, and thanks for your down-to-earth honesty.

[@brentjones571]

Wonderful Si , love your thoughts within the woods and your passion

[@ChristopherCina]

I like your point about finding scenes that are aesthetically pleasing yet may not make for a good image. I struggle with differentiating between them. I think I have something good and get home to see it’s far from pleasing as a photo. Good video!

[@fafnorcal]

Simon - Thank you for your incredible candor in this video. These are trying times for all of us, all the more so for those whose livelihood is substantially affected by the virus. You are doing the right things to help sustain your motivation for your photography. Honesty with oneself and others is a key ingredient to integrity; you've got it right and please do not ever give up on honesty. BTW, this was an excellent instructional video also. Best wishes to you and please steer well clear of this nasty virus. Frank

[@nomopomogiligooloo]

Though I did'nt but I almost moved into tears when i examined the two "mediocre" images of this shooting. The situation here in HK is much worst than a pandemic and lucky that I saw your empathetic video that revives and drives the same passion-within myself for catpturing great sceneries of this still beautiful world around us. Thank you!

[@joanneoconnor247]

I find this very encouraging video sometimes when you watch KZbin videos all you see is the stunning images and footage and when you are learning the art of photography it’s good to see both sides ,thank you and take care

[@FlyFishVideo]

Glad to see you’re feeling the passion again. I agree that not every outing must result in a portfolio quality image (although your 2nds would be my portfolio images). I enjoy you sharing your visits to the woodlands whether you get an image or not. I especially enjoy your sharing what about a scene caught your eye and why you composed it as you did. Keep up the good work! By the way, do you ever get home and find a bug got in front of the lens ruining the shot? There seem to be a lot of them flying about!

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks - glad you enjoyed it :) I don't think I've ever had that problem but there was a lot of flies around that day :-o

[@tjsinva]

Always nice to hear your processing of a scene. Rock on!

[@nevcartledge]

Can so relate to your sentiments there Simon, these times are testing to say the least. But that first image is beautiful and look forward to future videos and photographs.

[@TheWindyBurrow]

I can relate, I kind of quit photography some... years ago, lacking motivation. But the passion is slowly coming back, the mere pleasure of being in nature, seeing and photographing beautiful things. Nice video, thanks

[@AdrenalinePitStop]

Brilliant, very helpful and informative. Nice images too

[@andrewroland]

This has happened to me too, haven’t picked up my camera for a couple of months and I’ve been taking images every week for decades.

[@henkpeter1755]

It's good to see you so positive Simon, stay safe!

[@cmanstaines]

Simon hi... Just to say, you are not the only one going through this.. I, as a photographer and a large number of my photo colleagues are experiencing that same lack of motivation.. the past 3-4 months have been restrictive not only on the physical side but also on the creative.. Best Wishes.

[@ellyelzinga01]

Glad to see that you're getting your passion back! I loved this video and also the pictures you took! 😊

[@giselesmith7795]

Your videos are always a pleasure to watch. Been enjoying Meg's IG page too!

[@heguiluz]

Great to have you back!

[@WelshPhotographer]

Hey Simon, thought you'd be quiet lately. I know that photographic slump, been there myself, probably still there but coming through it. It's hard when that negatively bites and you lose the feeling but I know it'll come back, life is all about ups and downs and sometimes you have to hit that low point to assess, regroup and grow. Love the end with Mog. I have a 18 month old large cockapoo that's very bouncy still and I shoot more seascapes. You can imagine the "fun" I've had, jumping up soaking me in sea water, running into a composition mid exposure, running over the dry rocks in my composition after a jump in the sea leaving wet dog puddles everywhere, and that's not before he's taken an interest in the tripod that looks like 3 sticks to fetch all stacked up for him! I now try and shoot without him!!

[@hartleygabolinscy3152]

Hey little yorkshire lad... you’re doing a good thing. If you want, you can come to nz and stare out my window at the rain and I’ll take your lovely girl out for a woodland jaunt with your camera. I can tell you which idea you would like best, lol. Always keeping up with your sincerity and thats one of the main events of your show. Love everything and love those woodlands. We dont have those things over here for starters. If we do you can’t walk underneath them thats for sure. 👍👍👍

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks for your kind words, Hartley :) Funnily enough, New Zealand has always been on my wish list :P

[@hartleygabolinscy3152]

Simon Baxter seriously Simon... got the kettle on and can put you up for your Rotorua visit. ❤️. Yorkshire tea, porridge and a touch of sunshine.

[@mikelutge]

Thank you so much for this, it was exactly what I needed to hear and see today. Literally walking out the door now for a week of fall shooting in the high desert. Cheers mate!

[@lensman5762]

Very good topic of discussion. Making photographs that have merits is an art. For it to work the person behind the camera must be inspired to make a statement. Inspiration is not something that is on tap. You can not turn it on and off at will. Photographs must say something worthwhile, this is the essence of the drive behind good photography. When photography becomes a procession of pretty scenes, models, genre etc or business, like pop music, soon inspiration and drive gives way to chore and masses of contrived mundane photographs are the result. This is happened to me a few times during the fifty odd years that I have been photographing. Once I just sold everything that I had for a song. Just looking at the equipment that was sitting there doing nothing was driving me crazy and I was well out of inspiration for photography. We need to take a good break every once in a while and reexamine our motives and the message we want to send with our photography. Ansel Adams once said ' twelve photographs that matter in a year, is a good score for any photographer '. Compare that with the hundreds of frames that each one of us takes when we take the DSLR out of the bag each day.

[@dyneindash]

Hi Simon, great photos and video. How do you deal with all the bugs in the woodland, especially ticks?

[@SimonBaxterPhotography]

Many thanks! I carry a tick remover but, surprisingly, I've only ever suffered one tick. Ticks are the only real danger here (maybe the odd adder too), so it's more important that I keep checking Meg for ticks. For midges I use a spray called Smidge.

[@dyneindash]

@@SimonBaxterPhotography haha, yeah I can imagine Meg being a tick magnet. Thanks for the tips!

[@jeffpotter7958]

Anyone who takes photography seriously has been through a slump, glad to see you pushed through. Might want to consider changing the name of your KZbin channel to "Meg in the Woods, with guest appearances by Simon Baxter."