Photography is NOT your hobby. It’s an excuse. 

Stumbled across this video and agree, I take photos because it slows me down and helps me see the little interesting things around me that I'd otherwise miss if I let myself get lost in my thoughts when I go through my daily life.

For me it's a little of both - I use photography as an excuse to explore the world, but when I'm doing paid gigs I also just enjoy the technical aspects and challenge of actually practicing photography. Being skilled in pointing this massive piece of glass at someone and dialing my settings down in real time is an awesome feeling

"A portrait is an excuse for a conversation." Love that!

This is the video I needed right now. I picked up my first film camera 20+ years ago and then put it down because digital came in and overtook it. I shot for years using a Samsung but never really believed what I was doing was photography because, well, it was my phone. I only just bought a dedicated camera 6 months ago (a simple Sony a6000) and started shooting again and I realized it wasn't all that different in principle. But now I had a new problem of 'what' photography I wanted to make. I spent a couple of months just shooting things on walks, not what I would call street photography but something close to it. Then I started bringing my camera to the live music shows I'd go to and really started loving taking pictures of bands. Then I realized I love tight framing. And now I'm at the point where I'm thinking I may absolutely love portraiture. I talk with the artists in the bands after I shoot them and they love the photos. I caught you in a way that was real to me and also real to you - that's such a satisfying thing. I honestly didn't know where to go because I watch too much Photo RU-vid, but this video really helped put a lot in to perspective for me. Thank you!

No, for me it’s the very definition of a hobby. I go out and wander for fun to take photos. I look forward to sitting down and editing my photos and not for anything but fun. I put them out on instagram for me not expecting any likes or interaction. It’s strictly for me, and that’s a hobby.

This is how I've always felt about my photography, perfectly described! Photography; is the perfect tool for connecting to the world around us.

Very interesting. To answer one of your questions, I can state categorically that there are many places I wouldn't have researched or even bothered visiting without my camera. It provides me with the motivation to travel, something constructive to do with myself when I arrive and assists my memories greatly after the event. I also enjoy the immersive physical connection between the viewfinder and my brain that enables me to see the world in a rather different perspective. So no, it's not an excuse for me, but as often as not the very reason behind my actions.

I picked up a 35mm film camera a few months ago because I had heard that taking more time before seeing your photos can help reinforce your memory of those events. Having struggled with mental health related memory issues I thought that it might be neat to carry around an analog camera and snap pictures of little moments here and there that I might want to remember.

I think this was a most delightful and refreshing change from the normal photography videos. The parting words "if your camera evaporated, would you still like to be at the event" has made a lasting impression on me.

Very good points made here and I think logically it makes sense. But, personally for me, photography is an escape and even though I take photos of subjects I already have an interest in, I find it hard to engage with them socially because I am introverted and much prefer the act of photography

recently I made the realization that I've been taking photos for the sake of taking photos. I was interested in the camera rather than photography. somehow over the years I've learned what photography really is and I've gained a deep curiosity and love to it. I will try to make more photography rather than just clicking the shutter in the years to come, with the goal of truly learning photography, and making good work. this video sums up this huge thing that took years to realize in my photography journey. thank you.

I did a bit of digital photography about a decade ago but only recently picked up film photography, partly because I wanted an excuse to go on walks - turns out that works really well and I also fell in love with taking pictures again.

Wow, this just completely blew my mind. You put it straight on the point.

I love this perspective and I'm glad I stumbled on this video. I love to take portraits because it helps me, an introvert, step out of my comfort zone and engage with people. Watching their faces light up when they see the pictures I have taken, that capture their raw emotion, beauty, and story really is something special. It's hard to put in words to how interesting people are, but a photo can say it all.

I love your assertion of "photography is the tool" I always found it weird and pretentious when people said "cameras are a tool" but could never quite put my finger on why, you hit the nail on the head in a way few can. I am subscribing just for that one line.

For me It’s not just about that picture, it’s about a story it tells, and I love this in photography, telling stories with just one frame, making friends and enemies for life along the way and just keeping creating more and more stories to tell to the world!

Is this the Bob Ross of photography? Thank you for this video.

Is the youtube algorithm getting better? Never had you on the screen but I'm super thankful for finding you

I always loved taking pictures on my phone and when I got a new phone the camera was also a big deciding factor but as I picked up my first analog camera a few days ago I can never look back. It is something only the act of photography, only the pictures we make can describe. I also adore the technical aspect of my camera especially since I repaired it myself without any knowledge before that whatsoever. I’m glad I’m here, in this community and I’m glad I stumbled upon this video of yours.

Saw the title, got confused, watched it, and I agreed. Photography really helps influences my drive for adventure and see the things I've always wanted. Granted, I've been in some possibly danger situations for it but... I'd do it all over again.

I watched this video because I thought that the title was obvious click bait and I wanted to see what the video was really about. I was wrong. The title is spot on and the video is very thought provoking. Thank you for making this video and I look forward to exploring your other content.

I'm genuienly happy that a video like this is out here. Hope many people will see this! :)

This is one of the best, maybe THE BEST, video on photography I’ve ever seen. And I’ve watched thousands. THANK YOU for posting this. Liked and subscribed before it even ended.

I totally understand. same reason, why I love taking photos of my family, especially when my mom and dad are enjoying their tea. Seeing them happy and relaxed just makes me want to capture the moment.

Yes. Indeed! It has taken me over 10 years of photographic education, experimentation and work to realize what this video says so distinctly. Thank you❤. Well put. Now I am starting my(photographic) career with the RIGHT mindset. Thank you for this new years gift❤❤❤

Not a photographer, not into photography, barely take pics with my cellphone. Still this was fascinating and insightful.

I'm not even a photographer and yet I enjoyed listening to your thoughts.

I disagree with this video because I actually enjoy taking the picture. I do enjoy hearing the sound of the shutter. When I was younger and I got my first phone, I took pictures of everything any anything; I took pictures because I liked taking pictures, not because I was interested in how my room looked. Sure, nowadays that might be a PART of it, but I still enjoy taking the picture the most. I don't really understand the point of this video, and it kind of rubs me the wrong way (kind of like how video essays do when they try to explain their idea to the viewer while acting like it's the absolute truth), but I'm glad some people are saying they needed this video.

Honestly, this was a great video. I’ve been so focused on the gadget part I’ve kinda lost focus on why I take pictures in the first place and as I’ve been working on that, this helped put into words what I’ve been struggling with. Can’t recommend this enough.

The single most meaningful video about photography. Really opened my eyes to what photography means to me. Thank you.

This is exactly right. A few years ago I started referring to photography as a “social passport,” because it can be exactly that. I shoot a lot of events for work, and I love it because I’m always curious about what’s going on that I may not know about. I think some of the comments are misinterpreting the word “excuse” and taking it to mean you’re blaming photography for something. Excuse to me in this context just means “reason,” which does not have any negative connotation. I

Spot on. I love the wilderness, I love to explore new places. My camera gear and my drone are there to remind me to get out there. And when I'm out in nature, my gear gives me that extra reason to slow down and take in every moment.

I love taking the most random pictures, like the ceiling of my house, the parking lot, etc. I love the electro-optical system of the CMOS sensor and variable muti-elements lens. I enjoy the amazing sound of the mechanical shutter. I think this classify myself as a photography lover.

This idea has hovered just out of my reach for a few years while I've explored my own photography. As soon as you mention the hypothetical of the camera evaporating, I think something clicked. I love the collaboration between myself and subject, whether that's landscapes or people. I've recently started writing about my work for a photo book I'm working on, and everything I write is about the moment surrounding the frame - not the technical aspects of the photo. Thank you for sharing this perspective

I opened the video fully expecting something silly or controversial that I will not agree with. What I got was the exact opposite. A thought provoking video, igniting a spark that was long gone. Thank you, now I can see again, why I started in the first place.

This is probably the most meaningful photography video I’ve ever seen. So beautifully well put.

I've never thought that way - using photography as an excuse. But it just came to my mind that at least once I used it to cure homesick and a bit of a depressive mood. I traveled all the way from Germany to Netherlands just to take some photos and see the sea for the first time. I wanted to capture it, to not to forget that feeling. I used black and white ilford film, it was very cold and wet and windy. I was not clothed properly, but I felt SO happy. There was a dog I petted for a few seconds - it multiplied the palette of feelings and I even cried a bit. Unfortunately I didn't take a photo of the dog. I am not a photographer and photos I made turned out objectively bad, but I love them and the experience they were taken as an excuse.

Something clicked in me after hearing this idea. I think it can work for other similar craft too such as illustration or music, using them as a way to capture interesting things and ideas instead of an end in and of itself. Such a profound message and I hope it reaches more people. Thank you very much!

This video arrived on my feed late at night. Inspirational. It was the perfect closing video for the day.

At one point in my life photography was an everyday experience. The cost of gear just kept going up. I gave up on updating my digital and went back to film. The cost of film keeps going up. Now days I just pick up my Les Paul and make music. There is no upgrading needed with a Les Paul.

I don't do photography, but this video was really eye opening either way. I'm a artist, and sometimes I make myself draw because I feel like I have to and I "need" to get better. It is so easy to forget why we started doing it in the first place. To share an experience with another person.

Great video! Reminds me of the concept of 'storytelling', which 3d artists talk about a lot. 3d artwork and photography have a lot in common - you consider optics and composition in both. But what all art has in common is story. In photography you're going out and capturing a story. In 3d rendering, you're setting a scene, writing a story, and then capturing it. In music, the flow of harmony and melody, the character of the instruments' timbre and tone, and of the room's warmth and color - these all tell a story, too. Art can be beautiful on the merits of composition alone, but a story gives it depth and meaning.

Excellent, SO glad RU-vid's algorithm threw this channel my way

This Video has completely changed my view on artistic expression in general and photography in particular. Thank you

This video was very well made, insightful, and thought out. Thank you!

I wanted to hate this video from reading the title. You've done a fantastic job in making me rage watch this. By the end, you've nailed the exact essence of what we do and why we do it. I agreed with nearly every point.

As a astrophotographer I couldn’t agree more I started off with nothing more than my two eyeballs staring up at the sky as a little kid over the years I picked up astrophotography as a way to enhance my view of the night sky and the process of watching my image turn into something that I’ll keep in my image gallery forever just going out with other people that enjoy looking up into the heavens takes the cake for me

I’ll be showing this to my photo students thank you for this!!!

This is a brilliant video idea. In a world full of camera reviews, I love the philosophical contemplations you brought up here. I’ll definitely save this video and watch it again soon.

Very well put. This video really changed my perspective.

I wanna take a photo of those luscious curly locks

Beautiful! BIG THANK YOU!

This really made me see it from new perspectives thanks❤

For years I thought I didn't love photography, because I wasn't very interested in photographing for the sake of photographing. I wasn't interested in fashion, products, events, until I realized that my love wasn't for photography, but for the stories I could know and tell through photography. Hence my interest in photojournalism and documentary photography. I love knowing and telling stories, photography is one of the tools I use for this. Loved the video, thank you!

this video makes me realise that photography truly is my hobby, my portfolio is a hodgepodge of so many different subjects and styles, i love conversations about the technical aspects behind the shot, no two shots are the same, i love taking photos for the sake of taking photos, not that i dont find the subjects interesting, and i definitely love the fact that my photography takes me everywhere. but my hobby is in fact the photography

New subscriber here, Love this video !! Your philosophy is spot on ! Photography is a passion to capture something for ever, No passion, no photo.

WOW, what a great teaching. Just touched my little photography soul. Thank you so much. Will watch it surely again, and again.

What an insight! Thanks a lot! This was a pivotal point in my life when for the first time ever I've starting taking self-portraits with my old Olympus E330. Before it was hard for me to look in the mirror, I was constantly dissociated from my look. Like I didn't identify with the person in the reflection. Couple years of taking self-portraits and working on my inner self-love I can say that I finally enjoy how I look. I still don't know if it's good or bad, but it's not a big deal for me. Photography is an amazing grounding technique.

This is the best description of me as a photographer that I’ve found 👏

Beautifully put. I have not come across this perspective before and I find myself agreeing with everything you're saying! Even if my camera evaporated away, I would still be there. The camera is a way for me to capture a moment I enjoyed, relive it and share that moment with others. I look forward to hearing more from you!

I really enjoy the technical aspect of photography. The technology, the numbers, the settings, and applying all of that knowledge to my shots.

You quite have a point, I enjoy photography because it gets me an extra excuse to enjoy the subjects I photograph, tho I do also enjoy the act of taking a picture for mere technical reasons, so I'd say it is both an excuse and a hobby for me.

Briliant video I love how author were able not only explain the idea related to this hobby, but he managed to introduce entire algorithm, or philosofy for finding value in practly any hobby.

This has me not only re-assessing my photography, but other artistic interests as well.

great video! i like that you talk about things that no one else talks about

Such a good video. The first part is a great answer to the question I used to ask myself, why aren’t famous photographers talking about their gear at all? Looking through a HCB book and there are no references in the captions to camera body, lens, film stock. Let alone shutter speed or aperture settings. I realized slowly that the reason was an indifference to the mechanics of it. No one asks what enlarger the print was made on after all.

Thank you very much! This is one of the best photography advices I've learnt!

Great video! You hit the nail on everything and articulated it very well. Being able to capture the way I see the world and put it into a photo is ultimately why I pick up the camera. I still get caught up in the newest tech, but at the end of the day it's who's behind and in front of it that makes the picture!

This is exactly what I needed when I needed it, thank you!

A fresh take on photography on which I find myself agreeing very much. I'm an amateur wildlife photographer and it's the wildlife that has interested me for years before I picked up a camera. With wildlife photography I've been out in the wild for whole days, experiencing nature for long stretches of time. I sometimes find myself putting down the camera when I know the photo won't turn out as I planned, and just enjoying the animals. Thanks for making this video, being more conscious of this will probably make the whole process more enjoyable

This was a lovely essay. You’ve given me food for thought. Cheers.

some EXCELLENT points were made here. I have always thought of photography being an excuse, or even a motivation for me to do stuff.

I'm still intriugued by the thoughts you bring up here. I'm not so good with words, so I'm happy that there is this little machine that allows me to 'speak' a universal language and thus share my 'views'.

This is a fascinating argument. Most of the good portraits I've taken were taken when the subject didn't know I was taking the picture. I was talking to them and distracting them and then got the right smile and emotion. I still believe that I am camera focused at times, because I like taking photos that shift or alter the meaning of the subject matter, but most of the time, I'm capturing something that's already there. The photo is meaningful because of the connection to the subject.

Wow - This rekindled my love of photography which is really just a love of people and spaces.

Photography is a golden key to accessing people and their environments.

This actually a breath of fresh air. Content is king… well done 👍 ❤❤❤

This was very smartly done, congrats & subbed.

What a beautiful video, wow! Thank you!

Wow what a breath of fresh air, great video. Exactly what I needed to hear, as I am feeling burnt out on mototsport photography, which is why I got into it... but realised my interests have wandered in other directions so it now makes perfect sense.

A wonderful converstion, thank you for such insightful advice.

Very true words. Thank you!

Fantastic video, really made me think about things in a different way. Thank you for making and can’t wait for your channel to explode in popularity. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your future videos

Excellent points! I am in a slump after experiencing a large theft almost a year ago. Many of my cameras *literally* disappeared. I feel inspired to go and take pictures of my other hobbies and interests!

I've been a photographer for about 30 years and it's always been hard to explain to people the "why" I loved photography so much, particularly when explaining to my parents why I wanted to pursue a career as a photographer and not some other more reliable profession, and it's precisely this. Being a photographer was an excuse to professionally be doing other things, and things that changed weekly, daily. Great video!

I couldn’t agree more. I love my cameras and I do love taking a great image of an interesting subject but I also love the not so great images too. All the images,the good and the bad, remind me of the place and the experience and that is what I remember

beautifully said. never heard someone talk about photography this way. thank you.

"I'm looking for the meaning of life and I think I'll find it if I take enough pictures" Amazing ♥

I love photography. I bring my cameras and equipment everywhere I go, look for motives, subjects, landscapes, perspectives, etc. Then when the time is right and the weather is nice, I jump on my motorcycle, head to the spots I find, and take pictures by myself. If that isn't a hobby, idk what is.

Thank you for your insight and great presentation. When I take pictures of people, animals or things I like, they come out much better.

That was very well done. Much to consider.

I just stumbled across your channel. Great presentation. Thank you. I no longer enjoy photography as much as I did when I was testing film/paper for its true ASA, contrast, and dynamic range. Being able to go into the world and make a few images/prints with a thorough understanding of the media was a joy. I understand that RAW images can provide more of what I was working toward, but the process does not provide the same enjoyment for me.

I understand completely, and I don't even do photography, the only time I listen to music is if I drive, as I am too focused on not dying. When I walk, run, or exercise, I now completely stopped and smelled the roses, so to speak. When I see something truly beautiful, I make a genuine effort to sink the vista into long term memory. Real life may not look as pretty without a camera, but it's more real, it's no simulation or still image, it's something you can reach out and interact with.

What a fascinating perspective , really hadn’t considered the philosophy or psychology, that drives a photographer before. Thank you for sharing, loads of thinking to do now , but definitely helps me understand why I like certain photography work , & may help me exploring more into portrait work.

According to your explanation, photography actually *is* my hobby, it's just also related to some of my other hobbies :3

For me photography is all about finding art in the commonplace and finding beauty in my surroundings. It's a chance to get out a little. Photography is therapeutic.

This is a great video. Very much appreciate your perspective on the concept!

Great video, brother! Really appreciated it and I do believe I needed it! Thank you.

Very beautifully put. I personally don't pull my DSLR out often, but I do it if I want to capture a space I have walked a few times and want to share with other people. It is about archiving a point in time that existed, to perhaps show people why I appreciate it. The camera being slightly better than my phone is mainly to ensure the image is higher quality, to portray the space a little more accurately.

This is brilliant. Thank you so much for this meaningful reflection on the love of photography 💚