Making a living with Photography 

That 48 second wood shop montage might be the best thing I've seen in a vlog. Those transitions were amazing. Edit: It's also really cool for those of us who have followed him since the beginning to see how much he's blown up in the last 12 months. Pete definitely deserves all the views and credit he's getting lately. Forcing EVERYONE step up their game just to keep up.

I did everything you said in this video.. And got so many freelance jobs, that I had to start my own business.. Awesome Pete! Aaaaand you inspired me to start making cinematic stuff as well. Appreciate all the videos man!

How can I make a living commenting? I'm pretty good at it.

Currently on a Pete-binge. SO glad I found your channel! The actionable advice, the inspiration, the motivation... you're a true asset to the RU-vid community and I can't wait to watch your channel grow!

Loving these man! So good to see other guys in Toronto making great content

There a tip if you wanna do a free job in photography, when the job is done , give a bill with a 100% reduction. In that way people gonna know how much your talent cost! It's a good way to in my opinion to say "Hey look, i worked for free this time, but look, this is how my work should have cost normally." In this way they gonna understand how lucky they are. In other point of view. Don't do much of free work, because people gonna have a big problem when you gonna charge the real cost of your talent! Sorry for my bad english, i'm doing my best , have a nice day !

I never used to watch videos longer the 5-6 minutes, it would bore me. But here i'm even after watching 16 mins of straight footage and wanting some more. It tells the quality of content he is creating. Hats off!

Dude this is one of the most inspirational videos I think I have ever had the pleasure of watching. I've been interested in photography since I was about 9. Working for a popular camera chain back in the 80's, I developed my photography skills, then fell in love with video cameras. I have had paying jobs every so often, be it shooting a live music concert and producing a promo from it, or even shooting weddings (feel ya on that one bro). Anyways, photo/videography has always been my passion, but I wound up getting a career in IT. The good part is that career has afforded me the the gear I have acquired over the years to enjoy my passion. Recently though, I've thought about breaking away and working for myself or with a friend whom is also very passionate about the same. We own a lot of gear for hobbyists, lets just say that. So I'm home today sick and somehow wound up watching one of your videos. I've basically spent the entire day off and on coming back to your channel and watching several more. I loved hearing your story about quitting your job and pursuing your passion. I have struggled off and on with the thought of leaving a comfy, yet stressful (usually) day job, to pursue a career in something related to photo/video. I love editing, making magic happen with After Effects, etc. My friends and family love my stuff and that's about where it usually ends. At the end of the day I'm safe because I can go back to my day job. I've struggled with this back and forth for years. I think this video has helped me make a mental shift in my thinking... Thanks Peter. Love your stuff and keep up the good work man. Peace.

Absolutely loved that part at the end. People don't see the struggles behind success so they jump to conclusions like "Oh, he/she's lucky."

"If this is damaged in anyway," *slams it twice on the ground*

Love your perspective Peter. Hard work beats talent every time! At 41 and a 20 yr career completely unrelated, I am now taking an interest I had since Junior high and having some fun with it. I am inspired by your perseverance.

I'm in college right now and everyone is always asking me what I want to be. My answer has always been "I don't know." Though, deep down I think I have already decided, I just don't know exactly how to start. I would absolutely love to be a travel photographer/cinematographer and have RU-vid channel. I've been into photography for a while now, and am currently looking to buy a new camera. I'm hoping by the time I have finished college I can figure out a way to make money this way and pursue this creative career. I know it'll be hard but I am already so in love with the idea that I know it'll be worth it.

This one hit home. Everything about it. I'm a professional photographer and youtube woodworker/filmmaker/storyteller. I couldn't agree with you more about working hard for something you love. Keep up the great work!

Absolutely love your comments about being "lucky" at getting opportunities, and what it actually takes to get them. The hours and months and years of work and practice. Appreciate your videos, man!

In different words from 13:15 . Forget what story you tell yourself about who, what and how good you are. Drop any emotional attachment to yourself and your work. Take absolutely nothing personally. Take any criticism or rejection as a teaching not an attack. :-) Easier said than done but something to strive for and the truth.

Just be obsessed! Casey Neistat, Peter McKinnon, Sam Kolder, Brandon Woelfel, just to name a couple of random examples, they all just want it so bad, and are constantly working to improve. Brandon Woelfel shoots just about every day! They are all obsessed with their passion, its not that they are better off, more talented, or lucky, they are just addicts of this art form! Thats honestly all it takes sometimes, constant obsession! All the greats were obsessed, and if photography is what you truly want to do as a career then you should be damn confident that you'll be willing to put in the work! Its like working out, you don't get the body you want after a couple months or even a year. It takes years and years, and a change in lifestyle. The constant pursuit of a long term goal, its something our generation struggles with. We love instant gratification, but what is most satifying.....is actually achieving a longterm goal, because you actually put in the effort and the commitment. Any of you reading this that want to become a photographer or cinematographer, FALL IN LOVE WITH THE PROCESS! Make it a goal to produce work every time that is slightly better than the last. Set expectations for yourself, (maybe its creating some type of new content every week).This is a reasonable goal to set, and it helps you compare yourself only to yourself, which is key. Don't be discouraged if you think you aren't creative or aren't as skilled as others, it takes time. Creativity and skill can be and is often developed, so relax and enjoy creating content, and you'll start to see your skill increase. Sometimes you have to learn to be creative too, it doesn't always come natural. Fall in love with the process of becoming a photographer, cinematographer, what ever it is, fall in love with the PROCESS! Theres a reason you always hear "trust the process"! The best things, the most self fulfilling things come from hardwork, and dedication to an end goal. If any of these you tubers you see everyday on RU-vid can do it, YOU sure as hell can, there is no difference! Good luck! The world needs your creative energy and your passion!!!

You are officially the new and improved Casey Neistat with that boosted board!

I'm not a photographer. I'm an engraver. BUT... This video really spoke to me. Most people look at me and say, "How lucky you are to be able to make a living at something you love to do!", but they have no idea how committed I had to be to be able to succeed at my craft. I hate to hear people say things like "Oh you are SO TALENTED!" Because they think "talent" is some God given gift. The fact is that "talent" is the combination of vision and commitment. i.e. blood, sweat, tears and YEARS. Nice job on this, Peter. You nailed it on takes to, "Make it" as an artist.

You´re such a big inspiration for me! Plus an awesome filmmaker! Thumbs up and thanks for sharing your videos with us :)

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity -- Seneca. Basically a shitload of hard work to make the most of a situation. Totally agree.

Peter your video quality is amazing haha

I love the things you say. You just put the truth out there. It's honest and open and people will always make comments about how "lucky" someone is without actually looking at all the hard work it took to get there.

As everyone seems to absolutely adore that perfect B-Roll of that shop, let me give you a quick tip on how to improve your B-Rolls. Take a screenshot of every shot in those 50 seconds. write the movement and the transition next to it and go recreate it as close as you can. It will give you huge insight on how to actually shoot something that good. And do not forget, it took Pete years to get so good. We got some work to do to be half as good, but the time is now! Keep it up Pete!

Pete, I LOVE that you call out the fact that people who say "Must be nice", or "You're so lucky" are cop-outs. It is so true that it takes a LOT of hard work to be that "lucky". Kudos to you for not only being as successful as you are, but for putting in the hard work to be as good as you are and taking the risks needed! Inspirational stuff!!

Yesterday at this time you were 161k now you are 171k, congrats

I'm grinding out 60-70 hour work weeks, paying off debt, and saving up to get equipment because I had to sell mine to cover bills when I injured my foot skating. Now I'll have two checks that I don't have to take any money out for bills this month because I saved a lot last month and grinded it out and it's so exciting to think how close I've come in just a few months. In August I was broke, looking for a job, and had no car. Now I have a nice jeep Wrangler, a good paying job, paid off almost all of my debt, and I'm saving up for an a7sii and a new Ronin (my last one gave up and the motor doesn't work anymore ☹️). Anyways, Peter, you've been an huge motivator and I listen to your videos when I can at work to remind me to never stop investing in myself and putting forth my best effort. So thanks Peter.

Another quality banger. You're channel is going to explode mate, and there is a good reason for it. Your content is fantastic.

"Risk of death or serious injury...don't care!" Love it!

Canadians when you run into them: Sorry This Canadian when his board gets shipped: *tHiS iS dAmAgEd iN aNy wAy, sOmEoNe DiEs*

Dear Peter, the last three minutes of this video will be in my memory forever. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your advice. You are so right, you do have to work for it, you do have to bust your ass, and never assume anyone is going to see all the work that really goes into this kind of work.

You are the biggest inspiration in my life. One day i hope to work with you on this platform. You have made my work so much better :) thankyou man. Much move 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

Thank You! Your description of wedding photography is dead on!

He deleted it and I got a notification. I was sad. Now I'm happy

That stuff about being lucky is spot on. Never catch yourself saying that.

Real talk about the "you're so lucky" people.

That rant about people saying "you're so lucky" was spot on. Top notch stuff man

Skip to 7:09

Really enjoyed watching this. Love your serious side as well as your humorous side by the way.

I can see you having 1mio subs in weeks...your game is sick! thanks for inspiring me...

I applaud you brother, because you're right - the hardest part is putting yourself out there. Been a painter for 20 years and still haven't figured that part out. Added photography this year (strangely painting led me to it), but I feel confident I will face the same damn issue... Good on you man, have watched a few now and enjoy them.

Im 15 and just got my first job making a recruitment video for someone! Thanks Pete!

My fav quote...when opportunity knocks, it's usually hard work that answers. :)

Saw your 5 tips for instantly better shots during the holidays and was blown away. Came back to your channel some weeks later and "Boom" it is blowing up and still growing like mad! Your channel is really inspirational and to me and very useful. I do not aspire to be a professional photographer, but would like to take better product photos for my own companies and as well as taking better photos of "families and friends". You channel is my favourite photo/video channel. So thank you! Keep up the good work! I will send you some of our socks as a token of appreciation. I hope you like crazy socks :) If not, the double well as kitchen cloths.

Love the point about the "Your so lucky/it must be really nice/you must be naturally talented." No, I've spent years, working daily, researching, practising, making mistakes, getting it right, making more mistakes, learning from them etc. to get where I am thanks lol

that guy looks so badass

Your videos always inspire me to pick up my camera and walk out the door. Sometimes with no direction at all. That's what I like most about your videos. They make the viewers want to create. Keep killing it Pete, and thanks again for the motivation.

I've watched several of your videos already and i think this one stands out the most from a professional standpoint. Love your work, keep it pushin!

“Risk of death or serious injuries” rips off warning “don’t care”

Photography is part of my college curriculum and I enjoyed it but didn't see it as a job especially wedding, thought it would be boring. This summer I did a friends wedding for a little money and am interning doing some graphic design and product photography stuff and now I really want to do photography as at least some part of my job! And gained a lot of respect for wedding photographers

I enjoyed that talk at the end! Your vids are awesome!

Him when he got his boosted board was how I felt preordering my Onewheel gt last year🤣

I love your content. Short, precise and influential. Always a smile to know your video is up. Good work. Recently I am trying to get into cinematography but can't get to figure out ISO, shutter speed frame and everything. A lil hand there pls!

I really truly can't thank you enough for making videos. You are exactly the kind of person I need to influence me and inspire me and motivate me. Photography and cinematography is my love and has been for as long as I can remember but I only realized recently that it is the thing I want to put my all into. You make me feel like anything is possible and that it's not out of my reach to do what I love for a living. Thank you. ❤

‘If this is damaged in anyway someone is going to die’ 😂 love that

i liked the intensity at the end, it's an important point, because people who resent success will never achieve it. I used to have a problem with this, and it took some real effort to find out why, and in the end it was a question of self worth. I had been given and had constantly re-enforced, a negative self perception. I have over the last few years started to unravel three decades worth of emotional and psychological abuse. I no longer resent successful people, instead i study them, and while in terms of photography, I'm not a fan of copying any ones work, i like to see the principles, and technique they use, and incorporate them into my own repertoire. i love your channel, and your intensity. I love Canada and when i get the chance, i plan on taking a road trip to just get lost in the beautiful back country between B.C, and Alberta. My wife is Canadian, and we have family up there. I currently live in Ephrata Wa, so we get to go up fairly often. Greetings from South Of Your Border- Chris

What took you so long to Re-Upload :S I was so stressed for missing the first :D

I COMPLETELY agree to what you said about, "You have to work for it." It's not luck! It's hard work, consistency, studying, and determination (of course among other things lol).

jon ollson should take him for filming :D

That talk about being lucky/Must be nice.....man that hit me so hard. As someone who has to hear that a lot, it felt really nice to hear you touch base on that.

hey Peter I have a question! What lens would u recommend for an upgrade from the kit lens? I have been thinking about canon ef-s 15-85 f/3.5 but are there any other good lenses for regular use for low price? I can't really afford an expensive lens

I was worried about this in the beginning.. didn’t think you was offering up too much... but right at the end you turned it on! Your so right! Work your ass off and you will get rewarded! It’s just how this planet works! Your Soooooooo RIGHT! Keep it up!

Title topic starts at 7:06

“ You gonna work for it. Be proactive. “ Like those words from you.

Finally an interesting vlogger!(:

Its really nice, how the most basic quote is actually the most inspirational to me. "You wanna make money with what you love, work for it." Thanks for inspiration, Peter.

Your videos are sooooo cool i subscribed and i am going to tell all my friends to subscribe to you

That b-roll segment in the wood shop is insanely good.

Im afraid to put myself out there

"I am a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it." -Thomas Jefferson. Pete, well said at the end there. Your advice, stories, and candor are extremely valuable and appreciated. Thanks for what you do, and keep it up! It's no mystery why you're becoming increasingly successful.

Thumbs up for the Dog :D

Man I love your videos. Even a casual day a friends shop is crazy high quality and legit.

I didn't know you were friends with a manlier version of Christian Grey.

Wow two things i love in one video Woodworking and videography

The new Casey Neistat

I really appreciate the honesty you bring to your videos and the truth you speak. Thank you so much for always trying to inspire others in the most essential things for success which is a belief in your own ability as well as loving yourself enough to go for it.

Pete, I just subscribed after hearing your little "I've worked hard for it..." speech. First of all CONGRATULATIONS, you are GREAT at what you do. Also, an equally enthusiastic CONGRATULATIONS, for making on your own. You are amongst the few that don't have their hands stretched out asking "what are you going to give me today, because [wait for it...] I deserve it...its my right" -- let me tell you something my friend, if you want to make it in life, which it looks like you're doing well, you have to work hard, do 10,000% and after you're done...work hard some more. You are a role model for some of the millennial these days that simply want stuff for free, because....[wait for it....] they deserve it! -- GOOD FOR YOU SIR!!! Congratulations and my best wishes to you in future success. BTW, great channel. I've learned A LOT with you and wish I could subscribe like 600 times, but I can't so I did at least once : \

This is the best advice ever -- believe in yourself and work at it. Thanks Pete!

first, i think. it says no views so. FIRST, i think

The only vlogger who doesn't act like a celebrity and flash their cool stuff.He doesn't non chalantly handle expensive experiment like Casey Neistat.He doesn't clickbait and troll others like Roman Atwood.He doesn't talk abt cancerous shit and doesn't plug his gaming channel etc.He is literally the example of what RU-vid should be.Content created for us.

Hey Pete what level of education is expected or is needed to become a photographer?

Im a Toronto area based realestate photographer. Started as a hobby, now its a full time thing. Dont give up.

Great video. Thanks. Marry Christmas and happy New year everyone

I can legit watch only Pete's videos for a year and not get tired. This guy's amazing💯⚡

He looks a bit like Christian Bale, anyone else thinking that?

That little wood shop montage was soo insanely incredible

anyone know the name of the song in the b-roll?

Straight up Kermit the frog at 15:57. Way to break the tension. I love it!

I have a question: At what point could one consider themselves a professional photographer?

appreciate the advice, always enjoy your videos. the grinding is what people never recognize they seem to think we just picked up a camera and started shooting and BOOM its easy and its just taking pictures why would it cost that much!

what was the music during the wood shop

The last minute and a half was phenomenal. Thank you.

*"risk of death or serious injury."* **rips off** *"don't care"* 😂😂😂 Me.

Peter is an inspiration for all the photographers he's awesome

me: *has a camera* still me: *is pretty good at photography* Meanwhile me: *it's been 2 years now and i haven't use the camera even I WANT TO WORK*

I have to write this comment because I have been seeing you for weeks and your work is OUTSTANDING! you really deserve what you have now thanks for all the great tips!

#lumbersexual

The "Must be nice" statement made me subscribe. The positive attitude and straight forwardness is greatly appreciated.

Being told you must be lucky when you've achieved something is so fucking insulting.

I know this video is old but I really needed that lecture brother. I started making RU-vid videos Four years ago and have been really dissapointed that I haven't seen the growth that I expected within that time frame. I guess I've seen so many other vloggers and RU-vidrs like yourself explode within such short amount of time that one begins to think its the rule and not the exception. Life's been really rough, so many times I've wanted to quit. I've been homeless, sleeping in strangers backyards, internally fighting depression and PTSD, and so much more and somehow I always found myself getting back to pushing out content but recently it's taken a toll on me. Today I was ready to actually quit for good. I found myself getting angry and starting to resent what I once called my passion. I was saying things like you said in the video like "must be nice" and "wish I could get lucky." But that little lecture you had in this video really felt like you were speaking directly to me and it was basically a slap in the face. I realize I've been complacent and ignorant, expecting work to come to me and never really wanting to work for free. It makes sense, I need to earn my place first and then go from there. From here out I'm making the change. Gonna re-evaluate my goals, my character, and my work ethic. I'm going to make it on RU-vid one day, and I have you to thank for that. You're a genuinely good person Pete. That's rare, and Thank you. -Grizz