Why You'll Never MAKE IT as a Photographer...

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Whistles on bags. What will they think of next...?

[@lylestavast7652]

hmmm.... maybe, bag-pipes ?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha!

[@peteruwe5897]

airbags...for your bag...

[@broken12367]

Next thing they will be putting cameras in a phone

[@tomttl]

Next level of hype beast. The whistle.

[@TonyButterworthPhoto]

“I’ve just killed Nigel and disposed of the body” Serious laugh out loud moment! 🤣

[@olivierfilhol3655]

Great video James. I love both Nigel's and your channel, for different reasons. Very good idea to join your efforts on a misty hike in Scotland. That's the KZbin spirit I like the most !!!!

[@boblogan2511]

James Popsys- “I don’t think it’s harder than it is now to get work in a creative field” 2020- “hold my beer”

[@Michael-Bennett]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@BradyJohnston]

Absolutely nailed my same thoughts on “making it”. If you ever think you’ve made it, you’ll stagnate and just do the same creative stuff over and over again, who would want that? Always chase new and creative ways to do stuff, that drive should never go away or you’re in the wrong field.

[@MrMoonpie001]

Your thoughts at the start of your video describe the concept of "sales" and "the sales cycle", which proves you have to be a salesman as well as and artist and a photographer. That is a unique combination! If you have the talent to pull this off, then you are doing what you should be doing. Not everyone has all these set of skills. Few people do as matter of fact. Moonpie

[@ZdenkaDarula]

Amazing view and some very wise words... it was nice watching your video...

[@petertwiby7346]

"Where can I go tomorrow to get a good photo" Big difference between "pros" and "amateur" photographers.... TIME Time spend to get the right picture, instead of getting loads of pictures and moving on

[@christhorney]

Alot of your advice goes for more than just photography, literally every small/new business in any industry, the amount of work involved for such little income in the beginning, not taking jobs for granted, not taking your foot off the gas, constantly pushing, living job to job.. my bathroom renovations business has sent me broke multiple times, from losing my driver's licence stuffing me up, to depression and taking my foot off the gas, and then covid, but as stressful and shitty as it is, I cannot stand working for other people after working for myself off and on over the years, but coming out of this current lockdown I'm hoping to not only do renovations, but try to start real-estate photography, just wide angle lenses are so expensive lol

[@TheBiggervern]

Thanks for this video. Striving to get work and to improve creatively is both the challenge and the joy of being in the photography business.

[@peterosborne9802]

Your honesty is very refreshing, and your views on "making it." So true. Very well put I recommend this vlog for anyone wanting to know when they have made it. Personally I think if anyone tells me that they have "made it" in any business especially as a photographer then I'm inclined to think you haven't even begun.

[@Raykenn1]

Great advice about " making it" . You can never stop pushing towards your goals.

[@Chris-NZ]

That looks like an area with infinite possibilities for cracking landscape work. As for making it, agree with what you said and I think the same applies to most self employed people if you don't keep looking for it work can stop coming through the front door very quickly.

[@floriang1980]

it's so funny and satisfying to watch both clips (Nigel's and yours): same situation/location, but completely different personality and style.

[@LugiaProphet]

I like the mist! I would like to have even more mist more days while out for photos. Thanks for sharing again!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Decided to start viewing some of your back catalogue. Great to see you haven’t changed (except the ageing…). Just as down-to-earth; just as watchable. 😄👍

[@teocrawford]

this is so true! b7t the key message of this video I'll remember is..never hike without a whistle💪

[@xx-ip7ej]

Idea for you: monthly image roundup video. A video that you can do in your apartment where you just whistle through all the photos you took in the previous month and touch briefly on composition, lighting, photoshop enhancements, etc. One vid, no need to travel or camp to take it.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I like that :)

[@danjames6427]

That’d be awesome!

[@derekwillson2538]

Another awesome vlog James, I think your initial message is "don't get complacent!" and I agree, even if you're not working as a photographer professionally, as an artist/creative content producer you have to keep reaching up. See you again soon Del.

[@NigelDanson]

Just reminded me how good that curry was... the chocolate pudding was even better though! Greats vid 👊 oh and I am alive!!!!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Damn, I shall now go into hiding..

[@ronspi]

You are always worth as much as it costs to replace you. Never stop working!

[@jonathan.w1498]

So true about the whole work thing.. Since I'm in school and basically stopped working much personally on my stuff it led to me not getting much jobs anymore either.. Love the video keep. It up!

[@sander5086]

Great video again!! I'm still at the stage "who is going to buy my prints" , besides family and friends? and what picture to choose!! Great tip on the whistles, will be going to a cloud forest in a few weeks time!!

[@garymanning4402]

👍 Real Devils Kitchen weather but when it breaks it is a wonderful place. I was up there about 40 years ago and left a donation 💩 near where you pitched your tent. Did you come across it? Great you are with Nigel you are both down to earth and inspiring. Keep it up. Gary

[@Andy-pu2iv]

Yet another entertaining vid! And you managed to salvage some cracking shots out of some terrible weather! Even if it wasn't what you'd planned.

[@jlsc4125]

That's really too bad you felt that way. When I made the move to full time photographer I felt absolutely wonderful, better than I had expected. Actually making a comfortable living doing what I love most is a great feeling.

[@matthewbenndotcom]

Yet another great video! Your sense of humor wildly entertaining and of course great photography as well :) Thanks for sharing the location btw

[@peterg3021]

Love a good overly misty morning, more time in a warm bed... Great advice btw on keeping yourself moving forward professionally. Continue to insight yourself to move your craft higher and higher. If you were to consider yourself at the top of the mountain, then the only way is down

[@lukehunt4111]

Still cracks me up, keep up the solid work.

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

It's a very smart way to look at the world as a fee earning photographer. I studied photography at college and they brushed part the make a living part. I then went out on my own and yes you have to fight for jobs etc and I hated that. It took away my creativity and I just gave up, stopped taking photos for years. Only recently getting back into it properly for enjoyment and vlogging as an extra laugh when out shooting. Great video. Thanks!

[@nickseddon9062]

Couldn't agree more with the sentiment that you never make it really - I am in my first year of giving it a proper go, and its proper hard work. Some months are feast others are famine - just got to keep plugging away, making contacts and being conscientious and professional with everyone you meet and maybe they invite you back :)

[@pip1984]

Have you tried DD Hammocks / Tarps? That's what I use when wild camping up mountains. Much lighter than a tent - just need some decent things to attach it too!

[@MrParraPaul]

Great video mate! It's been awesome to watch you on your journey from day 1, long may it continue :)

[@sylvainpaquette6132]

I love photography so I've decided to never try to make it my job. I'm lucky to have a job that I enjoy and in the past I tried to make money out of a hobby and this killed the fun out of this hobby. When I retired I may try to sell prints for fun if it could pay for some travelling that would be perfect but I don't count on it. The last thing I will ever do is wedding photography, tried it once to help someone and hated this to no end.

[@gfranks007]

James...great stuff! Great sense of humor! Great information!

[@tomttl]

Always a great video! Recently it happened to me to be called by some potential clients and to actually refuse the Jobs! 😅 I am not a professional but I understand what you mean, it never feels like "WOW I MADE IT"...it is like climbing a mountain to get a sunrise shot, but the day after is foggy! Keep it up man!

[@shayconaghan]

I think it’s a process- a long one at that. You don’t just wake up one day and feel like “you’ve made it”. I assume it’s something more along the lines of slowly “making it”, until one day you feel as if you’ve made it to where you are. But the most important thing is to be happy. And pay the bills, of course 😂

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

What he said! :)

[@jakelarntz]

I also loved that sandwiches bit, great comedic timing. Didn't feel acted out.

[@lylestavast7652]

Mist is rain that hasn't made it yet...must be a metaphor there given your subject...

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Genius..!

[@michaelmeehan9556]

It's not something that many want to think about James... this making it thing. I for one firmly believe that you never really stop learning and if by some chance you feel you've "made it," then that is when you should start worrying. To me, if you feel that there is nothing left to learn and that you've made it, then you are actually losing ground in your life. You can always get better, you can always learn more and you can always learn something completely new. There is disappointment in life sometimes when you feel you should be able to "make it" in some aspect that you want to succeed in, but you have to take those hard knocks, learn from them and either give up that pursuit or just get better until we get to the top of the mountain. If by some chance you feel you've reached the top of the mountain, then it's time to find a new mountain! :-)

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

On a more serious note; I think you CAN "make it" in a couple different ways. First is the general idea that people have of "making it" and that would basically be "money and fame", that comes along with the commercial or global success, that is. Which only happens to a few people. But the other kind of "making it" is if you fulfill certain goals you really want to reach. - Of course, as you said, it might not feel like you'd expect it to. But it can be fulfulling. Then again, I do agree that there's never really an "end" or anything. You keep learning, keep experiencing, no matter how old or experienced you already are. - You just have to find a comfortable level for yourself and that should make for a good life.

[@RavenBuilds]

I have my 1st Photography gig, got request for specific buildings and areas. Great vid.

[@alexcanham2709]

Man, I needed this video. Someone just offered to by a print from me... I have never even thought of selling. It was a great feeling but it has left me asking, what's next lol! Thanks for another great video James!

[@fanjan7527]

Many A list actors have said or alluded to the fact that once they got that big break (the big movie) they found out pretty soon after that now the work really starts cause now they have to stay in the game.

[@thelukabmx]

Seriouslyloving your videos! I went to Soča valley to get some photos after seeing your video, since i'm from Croatia and isn't very far away from me, thanks;)

[@1spitfirepilot]

That was fun! Bad luck with the cloud and mist but you both made some excellent vlogs out of it!

[@AlergicToSnow]

Good advice. Not so different for most careers where you constantly depend on new work

[@DS-cf1zc]

The first wedding I did was like wow - I can do this. And the people who commissioned me, loved what I did. Some years later, I did another - it was a great day, I shot significantly less, but had the same loved out come. However my creative soul didn't feel it, I was doing it on autopilot. I love my day job, and my photography is something I do to inspire myself, my soul and to just get out there and enjoy life. Anyway, wasn't the Misty Mountains part of a certain Tolkein trilogy? Are you telling us your appearing in the next instalment of that?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha, there will be a statement in due course..

[@DS-cf1zc]

Ha ha ha lol.. :)

[@rsp-bl]

Your videos are excellent, looking forward to seeing more

[@gaza4543]

I think your right that creatives have an up hill struggle through out there careers, But in terms of "making it" could really depend on your goals and aspirations, As a product designer/illustrator my goal was to get to get into some big name design agency's which i feel ive done but as you say, you soon realise that you can't just sit back and relax. I think the "I made it" feeling happens after every project for me the sense of accomplishment, its going to be on the shelf for people to buy. In terms for photography i actually find it a little easier to get gigs. Networking seems to be a little easier. Photography still has that "ill ask for a job" mentality which the design industry just doesn't have anymore. Phone interview, interview with a person, a trial which tend s to be spread over a few days. But making it in the broad sense there's no such thing.

[@steelyscott]

Another useful and hilarious video, Sir James! 🤣 Thanks for your thoughts on "making it".

[@majicMix911]

I love everyone of your videos. Freaking hilarious man. Keep the, coming!

[@KeithTomlinsonPhoto]

Great photos. Good to see you made it back down!

[@TheDudster369]

Most careers nowadays require a combination of skills, especially in the Arts - like photography AND real estate. Or administration AND bookkeeping. Or sales AND management. Problem is: you're typically only getting the base pay for your knowledge and ability in one of them but won't get hired unless you can master both daily.

[@Annalu4Unow]

Makes perfectly sense and I feel the same.

[@tomasrandom6430]

you are enjoyable person to listen to. You could talk anything.. as you do... I would still be watch you for entertainment.

[@deanwoolnough9761]

Loving the videos James, been hooked since finding your channel a few weeks ago. I'm very early on my photography journey but love your tips and advise. I also love your natural landscape prints (like Tryfan Flow) and look forward to seeing a few more like that. Will definitely buy a print or 2 of these types of shot. (I know it's just a personal preference :-) ) Keep up the great work!

[@kelv52]

How can you not find your tent......Just follow the sound of the Baaaa.......or give it the whistle.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha

[@artistcharlesmaring]

20+ years making a living with a camera. I’ve photographed Presidents, celebs, and Fortune 500 campaigns and have the awards to boot. Still haven’t “made it”. If you are an artist you are forever a work in progress.

[@225focus]

Another great video with some great insight and advice

[@michaelangeloh.5383]

How to make it as a photographer: Press the shutter-button...

[@jakelarntz]

Very good man, motivated me to continue!

[@DavidSmith-gj2dm]

Absolutely right , a process not an event .but the cream should rise to the top .

[@trembichmovingmoments8778]

Great video 😊 I don't plan on "making it" or even live full time with photography but I hope that someday it will be a nice addition to my day job. Also my print came 😊 Fantastic quality, thank you 😊 Cheers, Sören 😊

[@marcusnz232]

When asked what the most essential thing is you need to be a professional photographer, I always say "a spouse with a real job so you can actually pay the mortgage and eat."

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

So true! :)

[@uglyigor3055]

well I guess I was not prepared for such an inspirational speech at 08:00 in the morniong. Did not expect this.

[@bootsyb]

Huge fan of your videos James. You’ve inspired me to get more into photography. Just curious, are you allowed to camp anywhere in North Wales / Snowdonia? Cheers.

[@thomasss7612]

Ahh complementing the comment of before, I generally do landscapes or macro , so I will use them .

[@thomasss7612]

Hi James , great vid . I was going to purchase a CPL and an ND , all this in for a square filter sistem , but after seeing your videos I saw that you had circular filters , sow my question is : Do you recommend circular filters to save some money and space ( supposing they are all the same filter thread ) and can you stack one on top of the other with out getting really bad vignetting ? Thanks a lot , keep it going .

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Depends model to model mate, but I definitely stack! I'm not sure they save much space, but i like them because I change between portrait and landscape very quickly without a tripod a lot, so grads wouldn't work for me :)

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Also depends on the field of view. Wide scenes are less tolerant than narrow ones.

[@thomasss7612]

Thanks

[@robcavenphotography5231]

James what size is that Lowe Alpine rain cover at 4:57 please mate? Is that the 85-100 or one size smaller? Ta

[@stuartdrury4253]

Devils kitchen well we'll never thought I'd see that again, last time was 1969 doing a para course training. Great to see you paired up.

[@LeitmotifGallery]

It's fine. I'm resigned to the fact of never having people interested in my photos. I didn't even want work from it. Just to be seen a little. But it's totally fine *sobs in the corner*. But aye, you can't win. I've decided to resort to being incredibly bitter at certain instagram people. That works for me. "Hey Leica get in touch I need the M10 in my bag" aye how about you give them the money for it then you can get it in your bag like the rest of us plebs. Nice video though. Bit of philosophy, bit of getting lost on a hill. Creating tension. Selection of photos. Good mix. No sheep though. Bit disappointing.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha, there were sheep, but I cut them out for fear of furthering my developing reputation...

[@qt31415]

if you watch nigel's video you'd see James saw the sheep and had him take a photo of it :))

[@yourtallness]

RIP Nigel :'(

[@ibarrabenjamin1]

What’s your friend’s channel???

[@lylestavast7652]

click on his face near the end of the video...

[@MrOuazo]

That's a nice whistle you have sir! Hi Nigel!

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

haha!

[@oliverhilton6086]

What’s weird to me is that I went to exactly the same places as you do all your videos for my DofE expedition, and seeing the bloodthirsty unforgiving lands of North Wales in a bouncy upbeat vlog is really weird

[@RS.Outdoors]

Great stuff James and nice to see you out doing some camping. Killed Nigel, and disposed of the body. Brill

[@FakeNews_Ignored]

You got it right.

[@moncilu]

Love your videos!!!

[@JTMinnesota]

From your first photography job to your most recent assignment, how drastically has your sheer number of actual shots decreased? I mean, with experience comes knowledge, which translates into more selective shots on location, right?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

A little mate, I definitely spend more time prepping shots vs shooting now, but in truth I still take thousands for each job because you don't want to miss the optimum moments, perspective, light, background subjects etc..

[@BartRos1980]

I think in terms of having made it, or not, thats something we should decide for ourselves because it depends on our own standards. If you sell your work, and make money with your craft I personally feel you are a professional already. To what extend, and how much succes that represents is also up to your own standards and how much you want to conform to the rat race. I feel a photographer should do well on working on passive income, it frees much more time for being actually creative.

[@SebastianBevanPhotography]

Nice whistle 🤣👍😃

[@leanderhoefler7054]

Quick question: Since you‘re doing a lot of landscape photography lately, are you making any money with that besides selling prints?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Hey mate, my commercial work is still mostly composites. That'll maybe change over time though :)

[@oneeyedphotographer]

James Popsys Luke Austin makes composite landscapes. Maybe you should try the Turner interpretation of Oxford?

[@jordan_mcchesney]

Here’s a question. Why are ALL the KZbin photography channels in the UK? I feel like I’m the only English speaking channel in Japan.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

We don't export anything else nowadays though.. :)

[@jordan_mcchesney]

James Popsys well, either way, it makes me want to visit and shoot in the UK. I just wish I had more photographers to connect with here. So lonely :(

[@oneeyedphotographer]

If you can act as a tour guide, workshop convenor, promote yourself. There's bound to be someone willing to collaborate with you.

[@jordan_mcchesney]

OneEyedPhotographer I’d be more than glad to do that, with enough notice (photography is my hobby right now, and I have to do it around my work schedule). I’m tired of seeing everyone going to the same old places when they visit Japan. I’ve already offered to help another KZbin photographer on his next trip here, hopefully he doesn’t just think I’m some crazed fan, and actually takes me up on my offer, haha.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Talk to Brendan Van Son. Offer your service as a guide, he's been in Japan recently and wants to return. I suggest a portfolio, probably incorporated into the best video you can make. Subscribe to his channel and see his recent adventures in South America. Comment on his videos. He's recently admitted struggling with architecture. If I were pitching for a collaboration with him, I would include some architecture. If you're good at organising stuff, mention that and make up a prospective schedule and cost it. I don't expect it to happen until sometime in 2019. David Smerdon is an Australian (chess) grandmaster. He used to work in the Australian Tax Office, but took some time off the go to the Netherlands to study for a master's degree (and play chess). When he finished, he made a video pitching for a job. I don't know whether it's still online, but it was highly effective. Brendan made a video two or three months about pitching for wor, he was in Germany I think, at a photo show.

[@irvingmartinez98]

"I have no idea if this is making any sense or not but..." is something you say in almost every video. funny thing is that you make sense most of the time, hahaha

[@djsuth7727]

To earn a good living in photography nowadays you need to be a businessman first and a photographer second.

[@Eastsussexbiker]

In this current climate with clients saying they don’t have the budget and mobile phones, social media it ain’t gonna happen. Existing pros are struggling trust me. Sad but true. BUT DONT WORK FOR FREE AS IT SCREWS THE PROS !

[@riverwoodruff5986]

Thank you

[@ianlaurenson4729]

it is just the same in any job what makes photography any diffrent

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Nothing!

[@caFUNated]

excellent advice! thanks

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Great to hear, thank you :)

[@photografiaaustralis2131]

As pro photographers, we use to say "you're only as good as your last job."

[@ExquisiteTopHat]

idk why this guy doesnt have 5 mil yet

[@chubbyBunny94]

Well, I guess I'll die.

[@TravelRocksOurWorld]

Love the Kathmandu Jacket🙂🙂🙂

[@evelasq1]

You made some sense in photography.

[@salamal4155]

Unlucky with the weather but nice shots nonetheless

[@qt31415]

inspirational XD ~ is mist something the weather forecast can predict?

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

You'd think... :)

[@oneeyedphotographer]

I'm pretty sure we get fog mentioned occasionally.

[@charlesdavidson4815]

What I am and will remain an amateur. Make it a job and it'll lose its appeal. I don't even like volunteering...

[@CarstenRinge]

Poor Nigel.

[@wojtekw6040]

So You wear red and it is Devil`s kitchen... You are Daredevil!