(why) I STOPPED Vlogging?

[@rvbdordrecht]

We're still here! Great to hear you being so honest about your life, your goals, your new energy. Can't wait to see your travel vlogs!

[@alnwill]

Brendan, we all LOVE your vlogs. You're a great storyteller, and your self -honesty is refreshing, so it doesn't HAVE to be about photography. Your life is about adventure, and we loved your settling in Portugal and the coffee shop. You are totally right, you don't need to take great photos, it's more about the content and the adventure. We are really looking forward to watching a lot more vlogs from you.

[@scottman895]

Thanks for the update! I remember several years ago in your videos how you emphasized the fact that your true love was travel and not photography, and photography was just the medium which allowed you to travel. Even though you love photography, travel was what brought you the most joy. I could definitely tell the disconnect with that fact in recent years. This could even be a reason why you have made the decision to stop going to Patagonia moving forward. It was becoming more of a second home which you became more familiar with (and had less and less fun surprises with each new trip there) instead of an exciting new travel destination with cool, new surprises. I'm excited to see you go back to your roots with the travel content and making some cool pictures along the way!

[@welshlad6427]

Great to see you’re still going Brendan. Haven’t watched you in years. Loved your Norway and Iceland back in the day, but for me your journey through Africa will to this day always be your my favourite work even if the camera work wasn’t the greatest. The one thing you can say is your journey has given you a great life.

[@christinewalliss456]

Enjoyed your video, your honesty is very refreshing. I have just come back from Southern Africa and had a similar conversation with my fellow travelers. I was asked, you must get great photos with that camera gear. My answer was- getting great photos is great but my trip was to enjoy the whole experience, the countryside, the animals, the people, the food, the culture. Taking photos of the beautiful animals has many challenges - usually the animals are far in the distance, and or moving, you are in a moving vehicle, boat, or canoe, other travelers get in your shot, you are on the wrong side of the vehicle, you would like more time, etc. If you want the perfect animal photo, visit a zoo. Finally, keep traveling, enjoy your experiences and your photography will be the winner.

[@VisitPlacesOfficial005]

Hey Brendon! I really liked to see you expressed your views honestly and emotionally with your followers. I hope you achieve your KZbin goals and we get to see the old Brendon van son again.

[@R.Hogarth]

I think that is a very accurate analysis. What first drew me to your KZbin was your enthusiasm and the fun you had. The images that you shared (both good and bad) would inspire me to either "I really want to go there!" or "Well, I can take that one off my list." For me, your excitement was contagious. When you lost that, I lost interest. Now that you are getting it back, I look forward to your videos. As an example in which a video was memorable, but I can't think of a single picture in the video, I will never forget a video that you made while home in Alberta in which, it seems every few seconds you had to loudly proclaim "Hey Bear!" I can't remember a single image you took during that video, but I will remember the fun you obviously had making it. You don't need to be the best photographer, you just need to be the best "BvS". Even an image that is less than ideal might be one that makes us think "Yep, I would have make exactly the same mistakes, now how and what can we learn from this?". Looking forward to seeing your new enthusiastic content. Welcome back.

[@olechristian9356]

It's good to hear that the Namibia trip helped you find your style again. I have been watching all of your videos ever since the final episodes of your africa scooter trip. I always loved it for both of my passions, which are: photography and a hunger for traveling. Unfortunately I can't travel as freely as a full time worker - but I always loved to watch your videos and wondering, where would I want to go next. I never ever watched your videos just to see the perfect photo, that's never been my intent. I like the failures as well. And I always liked the vlogging part, the daily stuf, the traveling things, tips about where to go and what not do do... Stay with what you love and keep doing what you do best! - Chris

[@TaavP]

We are here for you! The old schoolers don't leave ahah Well, the end makes sense. You started with travelling and writing, then photography came attached to it. I think everything has it's time and phase. You probably got tired, changed a bit, than changed again and again and again, and then you looked at yourself and you feel that you don't like the place you are at and you start questioning and anxiety kicks in and so on... It's good to take a step beck and do some self reflection, stop, breath, take some time for the self and then continue our way when we are ready. Looking forward for the next adventures! 10:50 omg that one is epic!!

[@davidwalker2402]

Great job Brendan . Enjoying the moments is really important “good luck” “Struggle is not a bad word. Accomplishment is impossible without it.”

[@TMORAN1140]

Brendon,you have found the way to sort out the cart and the horse.Very well done,welcxom back !!

[@joycady8325]

I started watching during covid and felt so inspired by your work. I appreciated the way you shared the details on how you created a photo, that means so much. You were always a teacher in my eyes. Thank you for that. Looking forward to your new vlogs and please know that this fan will always click the like button.

[@SamuelLetecheur]

Insightful video. After watching, I realise I actually miss your travel blogs from years ago, showing your daily life as a travel photographer. Looking forward to watching your new videos.

[@karthikkosm]

Hi Brendan. You have been an inspiration for me with respect to Travel and Photography. The two absolute best things I like doing in my free time. I have been following your channel for a long time. Please keep going and inspiring us as Your videos are top notch.

[@digi7878]

I watch quite a few different photography youtubers and have probably learnt the most from you. Keep up the good work.

[@RClackett]

Loving the positivity and self discovery for you. ‘You do you’ man. All the best !

[@bobcunningham9469]

Brendan, I wish you nothing but success on your new, or perhaps old, adventures. I'll happily follow along, even if all you manage to photograph is one flower. Let's get going!

[@chrismhall72]

I would love to have you back on KZbin! I got back into photography during the pandemic. I found your channel and bingewatched all of it! Loved it! Living in Arizona, where you did quite a few vlogs, I've been able to experience those places. You, as a you tuber, have made me want to travel more. And I have! At least as much as I can, with two weeks vacation a year. My wife wanted to go to Antigua in August. So we did, even adopted a donkey! Good luck, whatever you do. I wish you the best. Find your happiness again, and that's what's important. If it isn't KZbin, you're still supported here!

[@agentsilverfox7495]

Pleasing to hear this. I love travelling for the experience. Any photos are just a bonus 💯

[@gAIno-music]

It’s funny (not at all in an amusing way) that covid was actually what led me to KZbin and I only started watching in 2020 to escape the twilight zone hysteria. Yours was one of very few, if not possibly the only channel, where I went back to the very start and watched every video from day one. And I came into youtube as a photographer, otherwise primarily watching other photography channels, but for whatever reason, even if you were just travelling without the photos, your channel stood out to me and I’ll even admit I missed your videos in recent years, but always smile when I see you drop a new one in my subscriptions list. Good luck with whatever comes next, and I know there’ll be plenty out there like me that’ll follow the journey regardless of the direction you head in.

[@AmorLucisPhotography]

I'm glad you opened up about all this, Brendan. It's something that a lot of us face in various ways - how to balance or even combine (if we are fortunate enough to have the option) the things that bring us joy and the things that pay the rent. If my photography was what paid the rent, firstly, I'd probably be homeless within a month, and secondlly, the joy I get from from photography would diminish even if my photography got better, by some standard of public approval or accountancy. I think most people need to make more room in their lives to play. And play is done simply for the joy it brings us, whether it is photography or shooting a basketball into a hoop. Your vlogs are at their best in my view, Brendan, when you're having fun doing whatever it is you're doing. In the first video of yours that I recall viewing you were cowering under a rock in a lightening storm. You seemed genuinely rather frightened, I think, but in all that I think you were having fun - of a scary sort. And watching people have fun is fun. I know you won't be offended if i say that It wasn't your photography that drew me to subscribe. Like the rest of us, sometimes your photography is fantastic, and most of the time, it isn't. In my case that's not a problem because I love the process and I'm not trying to pay the rent from it, so I have no pressure, financial or personal, to produce bangers - for me, it is all play. Playing with light and composition. Playing with the world around me. You're a traveler who photographs, Brendan. I'm a photographer who travels. I usually enjoy travel, but even if (or when) it is not enjoyable, I'd still do it - because travel, for me, is what you have to do to get to where the photographs are.

[@MarkHaddlesey]

Brendan, my take as a workshop participant and when I look back on photos I have taken ... it's the story behind the photo, not the photo. Yes awesome location and light in Iceland, but it's the story of how the tourist checking in walks up to the front desk and asks if that is the aurora outside, we scramble to gather our equipment, locking ourselves out of our room, and how I get back in through a window that I remember. Or, on the Oregon Coast when Art needs help climbing down a slippery rock and Nick Page catches him and the photo of both of them in each others arms that I took explodes on social media. We will always be here to watch your vlogs. Concentrate on the TRVL story and the viewers will return. Tell the story behind the photos.

[@kkuehne45]

You are on the right track with pursuing the path where your enthusiasm takes you. Not to make it all about KZbin, but I have been watching less and less photography KZbin and more "The journey is the destination" type videos lately, so I'm interested in what is coming from you down the road.

[@issy-colin]

So great to see your passion shining through Brendan, loved your raw vlogging, taking us with you and showing the world as you experience it around you. I started following you when you were daily vlogging across the USA and loved those raw videos. No need to be ultra polished, just excited with what you are experiencing.

[@amitbaransen4959]

I watch you from India. It is probably you inspired me to see vlogs of many photographers from different parts of the world. Gradually many things opend up though your videos. Last few videos may be from Japan tour I was feeling your low energy in content creation. But no matter, I believe, you know how to manage everything simultaneously in life. So will await as always for your upcoming videos.

[@JasonLorette]

Half the reason I watched your channel in the first place (and part of what I try to do on my own channel) is not ‘just’ the photography but seeing the unique places you go too and the experience of being there, I love that part…the photography is the cherry on top! I would have watched you photo ‘Brad the bird’…or any of the experiences. “Journey before destination” is one of my favourite quotes…life is about experience. Look forward to what comes next!📸😎

[@randyschwager84]

Glad you are back! Keep it coming!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thank you Randy! Hope you're enjoying the videos 😊

[@valeriehoffman8180]

Thanks for sharing your heart. I always loved your travel vlogs and look forward to that return. I wish you peace and continued success with your other businesses

[@svanteandreasson6874]

I love to see that the spark has ignited. I was in it for the travel from the start and just like you the photography was just the bonus.

[@kimgrantphotography]

This is great, Brendan! It's great to see you have reconnected with your calling. Enjoy the travel! 😁✨️✈️

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks Kim!!

[@Bokeh_Grande]

In my opinion, you are the best storyteller on KZbin. Your videos about travel, and life while traveling helped me stay positive during the lockdown. I binged all of your content and was able to be part of your adventures when i couldn't have my own. It is sad to hear that during the same time you were helping me, you were hurting. Maybe travel someplace totally new and take us with you, or dont you owe us nothing. Wishing the best for your future whatever it may be. Thanks

[@eiremic]

One of the first videos I saw you in, you were in Asia somewhere hanging out of a train. It has been fun seeing the world through your vlogs. Even during the pandemic you were working hard to keep busy, photographing local wildlife. I am happy to see that you are figuring some things out. Nothing is static and life would be boring if it were that repetitive and there are times where you just have to regroup. I always look forward to watching your vlog when I get the notice.

[@phynx2006]

Well, you had me glued to this video from beginning to end, you are if nothing else a great story teller and thank you for sharing some of things that are going on in your life. When you said that you realized you are an adventure traveler that enjoys photography 💥 you hit the nail on head. IMO you have captured some amazing images, and I feel part of the adventure is never knowing when the next great image is going to reveal itself, it's possible you may never find that award winning image that your looking for but the best part are the steps and adventures you take along the way looking for the golden egg🥚, I enjoy your photography trips I feel they have a good mix of travel and adventure and now you have great roasted coffee beans ☕. The Luis Anibal Calderon Colombia Coffee beans I brought home from Madeira were so good 😋👍👍. Always enjoy your vlogs.

[@jcben]

This sunrise in Fanal Forrest was one of my favorites even if fog didn't come as we hoped.

[@CosmicConsciousness594]

can't wait for the vlogs! It offers me a chance to live life through your life and eyes as well as mine.

[@Brenda-xc7sq]

I will to continue to enjoy your work whatever you do and I am glad you have again found your true love of travel and I look forward to following your vlogs.

[@filermusicuk]

I always enjoyed seeing where you would be next. The travelling. The rush to get a sunset picture when you've just arrived somewhere new. I liked the income octopus! I don't need perfect B roll or drone shots. I'd rather have more content over polished videos. It was your life that was exciting when most of us are stuck at home waiting for that one holiday a year when the camera gets used.

[@karlthetrader]

It is really interesting to hear those honest words out of your heart, thats a gift!

[@oliverhummell]

Cheers man, you're so right. I know the struggle a bit, always in the "need" to take the best possible picture. Glad you found the solution for you 🙂

[@WaltNicholson]

Fellow 🇨🇦 here - and long time watcher, first time commenter. I’ve been watching your work for nearly a decade and can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve shared. I hope to get on a workshop and get to say “thanks” in person sometime soon. My take is that “Banger Culture” kills creativity - the search for the epic photo that stops traffic - and the sense that anything less is a failure. I’ve had a similar journey with my photography - I started taking pics to enhance my stories. But I got sucked into Banger Culture and stopped sharing pics that were less than something you, Thomas or Peter would create (If you know who I’m talking about - you’re also a KZbin photography addict. :)) The end result is that I stopped sharing stories because the pics weren’t good enough. Ugh. I think the world of Bangers will be overrun by AI. Ai isn’t limited by light, time of year or that frustrating tourist who won’t get out of the way of our epic pic. But what AI can’t do is tell your story or share the insights your experience created. Thank you for your authenticity, and know that there are a ton of us who have seen that drop in views and don’t care. We’re here for your stories. And will be for as long as you enjoy telling them (a few foundational reminders on how to take a decent pic might also be nice - but that’s another story. :)) Thanks for everything.

[@clintwoosley9512]

Bring it!!!! Looking forward to the adventure!

[@TheTravellersCookeBook]

A very honest vlog … thanks for sharing .. and looking forward to your travel stories up and coming …

[@Sandppy]

Getting lost in the daily is always the enemy to the dream. I went to journalism school when I was young because I enjoyed writing, never wrote again, but I did fall in love with black and white film (it was the 80s). Then I got busy paying bills and while my job provided a lot of travel, my photography feel off. Now I’m trying to rebuild my passion for travel/adventure photography, even if it’s just for me. Keep it!

[@BrendanvanSon]

I hope you get the chance to rebuild that passion!

[@Sandppy]

@ no hope needed, I’m actively building it

[@BrendanvanSon]

@@Sandppy awesome, I love that!

[@norskattforfun8575]

I’ve always enjoyed your videos with photography just being a part of the story. Look forward to you enjoying making videos again

[@dsneds555]

I’ve watched your vlogs for years and can’t really remember your photos as much as I remember your adventures such as the time Greg crashed your drone and the way you got it back or the hailstones in Africa when you had to take shelter under the rocks. It’s all about your experiences that makes your vlogs so good.

[@sharonsuskin6859]

So glad that you are sharing again. I for one loved your videos during our lock-down year. I never noticed the viewership went down. I got to see Portugal and your hotel videos in Canada, etc.. The pressure you are feeling is a terrible thing and somewhat common on uTube. In addition, you had the stress of personal difficulties. Please give yourself a break and a hug. I love your videos and your photographs. I don't think most of your viewers are looking for "banger" photography. It has always been about the adventure. I am a senior in America and not likely to get to see most of the places you visit. That is why I have always loved your videos. You take us along and do it with humor, humility and just pure enjoyment. I love how goofy you can be. Everything from the backward hat to seeing your sneakers as you walk. Please don't cut us out, but certainly, take breaks when you need to recharge. Also, it doesn't matter what style of photography you take. You are not "just" a landscape photographer. Capture the adventure!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks for your words of encouragement, they mean a lot.

[@LeePelling]

Great to see you re discovering yourself , although i have to be honest i never noticed you were lost, ive watched for a fair while now but rarely comment. Im glad you seem to be in a happier place personally , looking forward to whatever you do in the future. Best of luck mate 👍

[@paultrunfull3324]

Man you need a hug, it was strange for a while you did not come up on my feed, we all go through sh*t and a lot of us keep it to ourseleves we are here for you mate, ( i have been from the start) keep going we got your back

[@jameshaddan8538]

Really excited to hear that you’ll be focusing more on travel…those are certainly the vlogs that I look for. There have been a number of travel vloggers who I really like…but have transitioned their channels to home renovations etc -putting down roots…I completely understand their need to do that and wish them all good fortune…but I’m tuning out. I’m not interested in watching them plaster a wall, no matter how lovely they are as humans.

[@EricVelascoTrochez]

Brendan you are the man. I said it many years ago my friend, you own the HWY. Yours travels and teaching Photography Inspired me to open my own business being a Real Estate Photographer and a landscape photographer as a hobby. So, thank you very much, and I look forward to being there(KZbin) on all your travels from South America to the Philippines 💪🏽😊

[@kristianarntsen7049]

Keep going!! Maybe more a travel channel and if there is a cool photo it would be a bonus. I think your channel is great and I don't think you always need to chase the best photo. Just let us see some epic locations, people or cultur. I won't stop following you either way 😎

[@jonc9772]

The photo at 10:48 is an absolute banger!

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thanks mate!

[@heilandgunner]

Hi Brendan, it's great to see you getting your mojo back. I for one am glad to hear you say that you're going to concentrate on the travel with some added photography. The reason I subscribed to your channel way back when, was to see new places and get inspiration and information on locations. Not photographic instruction. Great to see nice pictures, but I'm not after the minute detail of how it was taken. There are other channels and books for that... You have a brilliant personality for this and it would be a loss to the community if you were to give up. However, it sounds like you're extremely busy with your business ventures, so don't spread yourself too thin. Just do what's best for you and enjoy it. Looking forward to your new content and I will make sure I watch (and like) every one🙂

[@nigelwest3430]

Great news, I preferred it when the photography was secondary to the travel, looking forward to the new videos

[@ChadintheATL]

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I haven’t followed you these years for the photography tips. I have followed you for “The Adventures of Brendan”. So I think you are headed in the right direction, especially if it makes you happy. Can’t wait for what is next.

[@swonghobby]

it's not just you. photography is slowing down in general. i use to watch so many travel photography cgannels and follow so many people, but now, i only watch it when i have time. im more interested in the places that people travel to rather than to make a good photo. i can make a great photo anywhere. keep on making what your photos and focus on your coffee and travel business.

[@larrynelson7739]

We have all missed your Vlogs!!

[@MikeLangfordGoogle]

Yes, nailed it Brendan! Looking forward to the shift back to the future 😊

[@juanitakelly3082]

Just before you said "thank you for being my therapist" I was thinking 'he is saving money by doing the hard introspective work about life himself!' Good for you for analyzing and finding the root cause of your anxiety! YT is so competitive these days. I started watching channels for education and now I watch more for entertainment - and it's free for us while you put in the hours of work. It's easy to let the pressure of expectations and the financial side ruin a fun hobby/passion, so I hope you don't lose that. You juggle so many hats and probably don't get enough sleep either!! Take care and keep traveling! We love watching you.

[@DanielAucoinFineArt]

Authentic Stuff, respect!✌

[@Frank-rz1dx]

I noticed it, Brendan. But it was OK for me. I was happy with U as a team leader.

[@johnfranzenphotography]

I've always thought if you could emphasize in your vlogs how much fun and epic your workshops are, your videos would recapture the eyes it used to have

[@erwinkruger-haye2698]

Brendan. Lots of KZbinrs struggling with similar things… Many in the Photography community too…….we are active in club community and see it…. With workshops and new wildlife hides and new camera technology, so many people are getting those bucket list shots , that used to be rare.. plus AI is making us all question photography…If I think how hard my Dad had to work to get a good shot of a bird in the 70s and 80s and the process until he actually saw the shot vs now…anyone with enough money can get a better shot in a day…. Our sense of wonder has gone… My wife and I just did a trip to London and Italy…. The R5s and tripods went unused….we had fun with cellphones and Fuji x100vis …and came back rejuvenated and found our love for photography again….just creating photos to post on Facebook every day ( for friends and family) was exhausting and gave us new select for people like you… Good luck for the future… PS …Namibia is truly God’s country…luckily I like next door to it…

[@JasonYoder]

Balance Brother. Don't put pressure on yourself. I just got back from a photoshoot without a single photo. I filmed the drive. It was so intense that neither driver could take their eyes off the trail. I did once. Took damage to the Jeep. Am I upset that I did not get an epic pic to show off on KZbin, no. I was still out in the wilderness. I recharged my mental batteries. I feel so much better. Mostly because I have not started getting the Sonran Desert dust out of the Jeep. That comes tomorrow. Find balance and find your happiness. You got this.

[@stephenspence6307]

Get yourself a videographer and outsource your editing etc. You need to put trust into other people that will allow you bandwidth to do other things. Don't take this the wrong way but a photo (even a great photo) can be boring these days. What makes it a banger is the story that is told around it that lifts it - a timeless moment.

[@andrewbalcombe1338]

the world has changed in the last few years. The way a lot of us make a living is being affected. These kinds of discussions are important to try and figure out our paths. But most importantly, what we do doesn't define who we are. Friends, family and personal fulfillment are what makes life worth living.

[@MichaelAlexanderPhoto]

Just wanted to pop in and tell a story. Couple years back. You gave me your old Canon 6D. This was my first ever full frame. That camera changed everything. Before then I enjoyed photography but I didn’t really love it. I shot on a 7D mk2 and well didn’t love my images. That 6D for some reason just hit different. Now fast forward couple years later. Im a professional full time photographer. From one kind gesture and the inspiration you gave me from your videos. Lets go back a few years before that. You did a trip to Patagonia. You had a opening for someone to join you but they had to be able to be on camera and do youtube. Now at the time I would have killed for it but I was so camera shy and introverted that I didn’t stand a chance. My audition tape sucked. But because of that I hoped that maybe in the future you’d do another one like this. So I practiced speaking to the camera. Started my own channel btw. But I kept going and my confidence grew. Greg most definitely deserved to join you but that was another milestone in my life that you probably didn’t know you were a part of. Thanks for creating.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Michael, I'm glad that allowed you to take the step forward and grow your career! I'm so stoked for you!

[@MichaelAlexanderPhoto]

@@BrendanvanSon its actually on display in my videos. Glad to hear your optimism is back. Looking forward to your videos. Inspiring more people like me

[@Scott_Graham]

Excited to see where this is heading. Also, some of the comments here are wild. You gotta love KZbin 😅

[@MarkAlderson]

I'm still here, been here for many years now. I hope you stay!

[@GeoffreyCroker]

Bring back Income Octopus! I don’t care about your income, I just have nostalgia for the octopus 😂 The fist video of yours I saw, was you in Paraty. I had either just been there or was about to go there (can’t remember). Seems like so long ago. Good times!

[@billybraithwaite67]

You get back what you put in..& truth be told you haven’t had the heart for some time..only u really know but that’s the perception I got from your vlogs the last few years.. sorry for being honest but You seemed to be putting videos out for the sake of it. If you really want to get your mojo back you will..we are still here & will continue to support u. You’re a gifted photographer & you’ll never lose that…good luck Brendan

[@PaulYeghouchian]

Love it bro, keep crushing it!

[@JoeMaranophotography]

I am not a usual watcher of your videos although I have heard of you and I'll be honest I clicked on the video because I needed to hear someone I could relate to and their story.

[@chanceseiler]

Brendan I always loved your videos. I lost the drive to get out & take photos about 6 years ago. Sold off everything but one camera. By Fujifilm X pro2 with a 35mm f2. I hope you fine your Mojo again someday. Stay safe.

[@patsfocus]

Free style travel and documentary photography - perfect.

[@oeaasmundsen]

I've followed you for years. And I must admit that I follow The adventures of Brendan. It doesn't matter what photographs you make. I follow you because I enjoy your personality. And of course I like the photography part of your vlogs. But it isn't a requirement. I'd follow you anyway. And I have to mention. I'm so glad you lost the sound from your footage when I met you in Trondheim, Norway 😂 You were just as nice in real life as in your videos. So I hope you keep making the video's you want to make when you want to make them. Who knows? Maybe our paths will cross again some day. Odd Erik 😊

[@markburton3306]

Yes, let’s travel.

[@MrSimonj1970]

How about some side projects while on your travels - eg street portraits, macro, architecture - then make/sell a book after a year or two? Do what floats your boat, not what's the most popular.

[@MrPhotog4u]

LETS GO!!!!! You got this!!!!

[@faerphoto]

Hey Brendan. I think that sounds great. From all the videos I've watched of yours over the years and talking with you in person back in Mongolia, it feels like this is the right move for you. As you said, travel was always the key, but your videos have shifted over the years to photography as the key. The KZbin photography space can put a ton of pressure on anyone, but add in feelings of depression and anxiety from the pandemic, life, etc, and that you'd lost track of the why of it all, can really be paralyzing. I'm going to watch your videos no matter what, but if putting the emphasis back on travel with whatever photos ('good' or 'bad') that strike your fancy as a bonus makes you enjoy yourself again, all the better. It can be so freeing to head out with a camera and not have any plans, not care if you get any images or if they're any good. I've been taking a small camera with a cheap lens out on walks every weekend. Some days I don't take any photos. Some days I do. I haven't even looked at any of them on the computer yet. They might be all junk from the cheap lens. But, I don't care. I'm just having so much fun with no pressure at all, loving photography again. I hope that's what's happening for you, that you can get out there enjoying your traveling and share it with us without the pressure, just having fun again. Wishing you all the best. Cheers from Maine. :) Paula

[@AndyHayter]

I have found that I don't like pigeonholing myself into a style. I see something that I can use to tell a story, and I photograph it.

[@BrendanvanSon]

That's a good way to live life/photography.

[@Jeff1232D]

I am following you or your channell for so many years now (I remember watching your videos in uni and that was 9 years ago). I started to watch because there was travel and photography which I liked both, and a bit of other things. Though your videos, I liked discovering places and lear4nimg about destinations and all this though the eye of a photographer. You did daily vlogs for some time, then weekly then tried daily again then by destination or adventure... Slowly I got less and the videoa where more like "so we are at this spot, taking this picture, here it is. Ok see you at the next spot. Then again the sa,e at the next spot. Then outro". I miss the adventure of traveling with the struggles, with the food, with the transportation, with experiments. Videos were cleaner butI miss the shaky adventure parts and making want to go there becauae you made me discover things.

[@rickenbacker472]

Curly in the City Slickers movie says that the secret to success is focusing on one thing, and I tend to agree.

[@echotube2000]

👍 Good move there Brendan. Ease into vlogging again starting in New Zealand. It’s a new adventure for you and you can start afresh again in a new, “foreign “ location. 🤗 Derek.

[@steveking6204]

I don't have the answer to your question, but be aware that there are many more photography channels now than a few years ago, i.e. much more competition. Other photo channels are declining as a result.

[@PaulHowcroft]

You did seem to have abandoned KZbin and your many followers posting content months old. Your images are still up there with the best but you have not seemed to be enjoying taking them as much, lost your MoJo? Your Vlogs have always been entertaining and must always be so to keep the viewers' attention. I would go for travel photography over perfection it will prove to be more enjoyable and relaxing which is what you need to relieve the pressure. Let us see you enjoying life again as you did years ago, letting us share in your enthusiasm. Come on mate you can do it.

[@628DirtRooster]

View drop isn’t just you, or even just photography. I used to get 20-25k with 24 hours of an upload. Now I’m lucky to hit 8k. I have some friends in our genre of beekeeping experiencing the same thing. I think shorts and reels and other platforms are stealing long form’s thunder.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Yeah, I think shorts are definitely blocking content from being shared. I mean my main feed on KZbin is like 3 videos and 9 shorts from people I don't follow. Maybe I need to do some shorts haha

[@628DirtRooster]

@@BrendanvanSon I hate shorts for a dozen reasons.

[@KostasLazanas]

As a daily vlogger myself I related to a lot of what you said.

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

I sort of stopped warching but thats because i just stopped watching any photography related channels. Id over binged on them and started to hate being told hacks/tips and seeing folk "discover" honeypot locations. I moved from landscape photography into wildlife and really didnt care about KZbin videos of wildlife. Ive hidden all bar 1 of my videos because i dont like being part of the over saturation and the social media flood to quiet places in the Highland etc. not gatekeeping, just not exploiting. Tbh ive not touched my camera since i took photos of my dog Izzy on the day she was put to sleep. 😢 Having met you and spent that weoeend hanging out in Glencoe, ill usually drop into your life uodate videos, just to check how your doing. Long message but in reality, do what makes you happy, f*ck everyone else!

[@tonyjohnson3752]

You're my fav. Thanks for keeping at it

[@ME2K23]

👍🤓👍 Just do what feels right! We'll always enjoy your videos, whenever you'll post them. And you're right,creativity usually comes with freedom so, feel free to do what you want, share your ideas and work when it fits you... not when the clock dictates it

[@robinfereday6562]

Its all about the photography and travel thats why i subscribed years ago😊

[@kore996]

9:42 no idea why this tree moss photo is tripping me out 😂. It looks upside down…maybe 🤔.

[@cyborwhat]

Still here man. Haven’t missed a post yet.

[@BrendanvanSon]

Thank you!

[@chrismassa5891]

Just a thought, travel early/stay later to shoot for yourself. Vlog some, not every moment, not every trip, as it is a marketing piece for your new Travel Locations with Gregg. Really how many more Patagonia vlogs do you need to promote trips.

[@Distinctly.Average]

For me Brendan, you lost the passion. You stopped being happy and it was obvious in many of your videos that you were depressed. If you return to your happy self, exude passion then I am not sure your channel can re-grow. So maybe take time to consider what you can really put into KZbin, and what you will get out of it. Like any job, you need to be happy doing it or you will never give it what it deserves. Main thing is to be happy and enjoy whatever you do.

[@BrendanvanSon]

I never lost the passion, I lost the target. The passion has always been travel, and somehow I sidestepped into photography 😂 (which I also love, but is not my passion)

[@Distinctly.Average]

@ I really look forward now to what comes next,

[@27photogger]

@@BrendanvanSonthat’s why I stopped watching,,,I watched for photography & how you found these photos during travel, your teachings. When you got into coffee, and many other distractions, the channel didn’t provide what we were all here for… you may not think you lost your passion, but that’s what we saw …. Care about you, but everyone has a finite amount of time, you abandoned your followers, so they sought their needs elsewhere. Hope you go back to the old Brendan, I’ll come back

[@damianwalinski]

To be honest I didn't click Your video to get answer from tittle. I was watching Your videos in pre covid times and I'm happy that You are well. Good luck with other businesses.

[@johannaknowles8569]

I’m here for travelling 😃sounds good 👍🏻

[@tjsinva]

Don't worry, be happy. 😙🎼🎵🎶 Back in the day, when you were doing dailies, it was as much about where you were going to be rather than the shot you going to get, although that was interesting as well from a travel photo perspective. You know, the locale rather than the view. Easy to get out whack through the trials of recent years. The OSMO has to be easier than holding your R5 for video. Maybe you were just getting tired. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@retrospectioninaction]

I don't know if youtube still loves you, but I certainly miss your updates.