Why I almost quit Youtube 

I’m glad you’re gonna stick around on here Manny! You were one of my biggest inspirations to start a RU-vid channel and you still give me and so many others inspiration even when you don’t feel like you are. I also need to learn to let go of perfectionism, I relate hard to that. Can’t wait to see what you get up to next year!

I’m happy so many creators are speaking up about this. These algorithms and social media apps in general demand an excruciating amount of work, and will arbitrarily completely change how they favor content overnight without telling anyone. It’s really difficult to keep doing it year after year.

This video is not only about photography. It tackles everything you can be facing in life. Thank you from Germany and merry Christmas and see you next year Manny

Hi Manny, you cannot leave us bud, besides being such a gracious person, you are an inspiration to everyone who follow you. We all have these negative feelings its just life bud. Admire your honesty. more so, like others, I respect your talent. 2023 has been almost dead for my wedding photography business to the point, not sure what I should do to move on, its sooo hard.

Man it's so easy as creatives to fall into the trap of feeling like every creation needs to be better than the last, and if we share something that is below the standards we've applied to ourselves that we're somehow getting worse. Glad you're getting through this low season of your life, we all appreciate your videos!

You are not alone Manny, I started to get in to photography when COVID hit and you were and still are my go to inspiration. I currently still have a 8-5 job that I want to leave so I can do full time photography. Please don’t give up as you are a big inspiration to all of us.

@Manny Ortiz, imposter syndrome is real…Enjoy your journey young brother and have fun! Your content is has helped me as a 54 year old photographer. So just know you’re making a difference in this social media landscape! Stay your course!

I'm Proud Of You, It doesn't matter if you start over tomorrow, you're not starting from Scratch you're starting from Experience! I'm in the same boat I'm worried when I start I won't be consistent, but your voice today makes me want to continue

TO be honest... I love your work and I get inspired when I see you post everywhere. Not many photographers can do what you do. So if you really think about it, you should continue doing what you do. Because as many photographers struggle as well, WE NEED YOU. You inspire others to keep pushing and keep creating. So don't ever think for a second your work isn't good enough. Regardless of the numbers, the main people who watch you, is because they need you and you are a voice for photographers. Also fyi covid is the reasons for view spikes, now everyone is outside trying to make something of their life because that's what covid taught.

I started this year with a bang, meeting you and a few others at Imaging USA. We briefly talked about being an introvert and pushing through it. I haven't been on RU-vid much this year to stay focused on my craft. But I began to realize that I really needed to build a community. A community that could push you, encourage you, and support you when needed. It was good that Jarrod was there for you. I knew that I hadn't seen you in a while, but I thought it would have been weird to say, "Hey man, where you been?" from someone you only met once. But good to know you're better, and just know your work is of value to many of us.

I just have to say thanks for giving so much to us manny, for me as many thousands of persons you have been and still an inspiration. I hope you can feel better and do what you love the most, and never doubt about yourself and your content, you already showed that you have so much value for the photography community, a big hug from argentina and keep it up man!!

We all have been dealing with similar feelings. 2023 has been tough. I used to love watching your videos and other creators but this year so much other important things than our hobbies have been going on. Keep it up and hopefully things get a bit more calm in the world.

Thanks for sharing! As a new vlogger with less than 15k subs, imposter syndrome creeps up every day and love how you pointed out that sometimes it’s just hard to get on camera. When you’re in a funk, feeling like sh** or just not in the mood, it’s impossible to record because then you kinda are faking it being on camera and trying to act like you’re good. I mean, I love being on RU-vid and vlogging - it’s a passion project that one day i hope can be my main gig… but I’m just glad the feelings I’m feeling as a micro creator are valid and early on now, at least i can figure out ways to cope with them as seeing as how a huge creator like you can get in these ruts too. So again, thank you for sharing these pain points of being a creator.

Manni, you are so inspiring! Gracias! Never change who you are because you are awesome! Thank you for being so transparent. God bless you and your family mi hermano! Happy Holidays. ~Aaron

All the best for you and your channel Manny! It must've felt lighter and better when you put this video out and see all these people rooting for ya. I guess that's the risk of creators here on RU-vid. Some we saw fall in that rabbit hole of doing it for the engagements instead of that creative passion that started it all. Wish you all the best, hope you come out stronger this 2024! 🙌🏼

YES... mental state directly affects the creative process. I can sometimes sit staring at the screen for days before I can actually get a video idea done. Thanks for sharing.

You have a ton to offer, i for one have been shooting video fro FREE of all our high school athletes in my area, i love it to no end, then i purchased a couple strobes, and only been videoing for a year and a half now, i watch your videos and you've definetley taught me a ton, so hold your head up and keep teaching guys like me, Manny we'd be lost without you.

You got me started in photography glad you stayed! You’re valuable

bro i can totally relate to your whole situation! When life hits hard it takes a toll on your creativity! Besides the gym I recommend doing some projects for your self. Something out of the box. Reach out to someone out of niche and tell em you want to do something different! Ride a bull, parachute out of plane, jump in a race car (we know you like cars) because your Manny Ortiz one of greatest photographers of our time! You got this!

Yes I definitely felt like that this year. Grief doesn’t inspire me to be creative. I felt this so much!

I never comment but , I needed to hear this tonight . Brother I have to thank you. You’ve personally inspired me to work on portrait photography. To be honest with you , everything you’re speaking about in this video I’ve dealt with personally. And every time I’ve doubted my work I pushed through. I’m proud to say two weeks ago I had my first paid gig . It went extremely well and my clients loved the photos. I have you to thank for that. Keep inspiring my brother .

My Friend, NEVER QUIT! NEVER GIVEUP! You are very important and an strong inspiration for me and for all! You are a very complete human being and an excelent professional. From Portugal with a lot of respect and admiration. Be and Stay Blessed (you and your family) all the time.

You are the reason I decided to use ocf. I’ve learned about 90% of my photography from you. Your videos have allowed me to quit my 9-5. Keep up the great work!

I've watched you for many years and enjoy your content. We are all on a journey. There are highs and lows along the way. The key is to remain true to yourself and not be swayed by the temptation to appeal to others. Your tribe will always find you. Your task is that when they do, it is the real you that they find! Stay strong, Manny. I am with you.

this year was hard on a lot of creators who cover products. We had a recession this year and all-time high inflation. When that happens, people aren't spending thousands of dollars on lenses and cameras and even taking up photography as a hobby or a side gig. When groceries costs almost double, people aren't booking a photographer for smaller events and holidays or practicing their street photography. I'm impacted too. I usually buy one high end lens a year. This year I had to sacrifice that to keep a roof over my head and my family fed. Keep your head up man. The economy will recover, people's spending power will improve, and They'll be flocking back to your channel for amazing content. It's not you why performance took a hit this year, and you're not alone

Hey brother. I just wanted to say thank you for your posts. Your Chanel has helped inspire me to discover my passion for photography. I look forward to making photography a full time job in 2024.

Dude your work is amazing your channel is dope and i really enjoy watching you! Along side with Jared and other Photographers you guys are a true inspiration to me and not only! I definitely feel what you're saying ! Don't even question yourself again with going back to 9-5 job bullshit...come on dude you got this more than anyone! Looking forward to see that educational staff you got coming ! 💪💪

Manny, I have watched your channel for some time. Thanks for sharing your emotions and fears. What can I tell you that can change your situation. I have been frozen in my fear of panic attacks. I have used photography as a getaway from my fears and problems. Find another outlet that you enjoy and distracts you from those demands you demand of yourself. I am glad you recognize what needs to change. Don't expect so much of yourself. With you man.

BRO... I started photography June 2023. Your video was the reason I learned about off camera flash, and that was foundational for me. Keep going.

You are my favorite RU-vidr. Hats off to Jared. I wore my red Manny sweatshirt yesterday to start my path of being creative again. You inspire me to move through the hard stuff. Thank You!❤❤ 2024 Time to Bloom!

Manny, I feel you brother. Just know that you are probably on the radar of the betterhelp marketing team. Just be careful with them js. I've been with you since the old channel and will stay with you, even though I am a commercial niche now.

I am glad to hear that you are refocused, and will continue with your channel! Un abrazo desde Republica Dominicana, y Feliz navidad!

I resonate with this video to my core. Thank you for sharing this bro. I hit 300k on my channel a couple months ago and felt more depressed than fulfilled.

I can 100% relate!!! 2023 has been a very challenging year for all of us as creatives, especially myself as a photographer and my best friend who is a musician and music teacher... plus her and I got hit with a TON of personal issues which has led us now on a path that we never thought we'd be on but we are in our personal lives, both seperatelty and together as best friends. Plus creatively for myself, I feel I have fell into that trap of "every photo has to be better than the last" and my style in both shooting and editing has evolved and changed so much over 2023. I know the first few months of 2024 I have some personal life challenges I am going to have to deal with both myself and with my best friend... but I am hoping by mid 2024, we together have both achieved some goals we have set for ourselves in our personal lives... but also as creatives and I hope 2024 brings awesome opportunities to you Manny. I am glad you didn't quit RU-vid as I have always enjoyed your videos.

Don't stop brother, you got me started and inspired me on my journey

Found myself in the same situation financially, and this is after running my own business for the past 3 years making 6 figures. Some of my clients pay schedules broke down, lost my savings due to a site I held it on going bankrupt, and things got real shitty. Ended up back in a day job, not where I want to be but it's giving the consistency needed to catch back up on bills. Still running my company outside of that, but it's definitely allowed me to think about what i could do differently and different markets I should've attacked. Now I'm preparing to take action on some of what I've learned, a small setback for a big comeback! Do what you have to do for now, things will progress as long as you stay proactive.

What's good, Manny! I've been a follower of yours since the canon switch to sony days. As an outsider just watching every now and then, you've really grown as a content creator. With soul, and a purpose from the jump! In general. The ultimate goal I think for us men, is to get out of our own way (our heads). Its easy to get caught up with what ifs and dwell on other things that are distractions. We all know the world doesn't care about our problems. As artists, I think we shouldn't lose site of creating for ourselves FIRST and then letting the world in. Show the dope work, show the struggles it took to get there. You have/are making an impact! I'm sure the real ones who watch you are truly using your content as ammo to create for themselves. In our own ways. For me, I hear my father in my head everyday to keep me going and ignore the ignorance: "Man, get your lazy ass up! Work is never over!" Keep doin you, bro! Peace and Love

You are great man, don't let the numbers upset you, TikTok has changed People's behavior and every major social media or platform has done the same, a lot of people just want short fast stuff (constant scrolling), it is a new kind of addiction, it is damaging to their health

You give us all so much man and for that you allways going to be the greatest 🙌🏻

Its alright, life hits us all at some point. Growing pains. Learn, grow, adjust, keep moving forward.

I admire you and Jared a lot. Happy to hear he was checking in.

This video resonated with me so much and I'm so glad you opened up and shared that with us instead of swallowing it down and letting it destroy you. We need more content like this from you, especially for all the people walking the same path. I was a lot like you, I made a living behind a camera for over 10 years, had no confidence in the early years, over analyzed stuff, ups and downs and bad stuff happen, and then lost everything....took that day job from hell because I thought I had to....and have been trying to get that life back ever since. I lost myself, crashed and burned out. You have so much more to give and your videos always turn my week around. Let go of the stress and the pressure and let yourself be the man that 705,000 subscribers already look up to just as you are.

That was beautiful. You're absolutely right you should not concentrate on always producing even better pictures/content. Concentrate on the fact that as long as even a single person finds your content inspiring you have just help them. Be proud of that.

Manny I’m in the same boat. What I can share with you is the more human interactions I have the better I feel. Capturing fun happy moments like a wedding or chasing a kid around the park or seeing the chef smile so big because I captured his food in a way it can be most appreciated, brings me more joy than how I judge myself via likes and subs. RU-vid can be cold. It’s like doing a comedy show but without a live audience…that laugh track they add isn’t the same experience for the actors or the viewers. I do want to do more videos in 2024 but I need a plan of action. I have many days where a vlog just wouldn’t be worth watching so I never hit record. It’s tough to try and fail and it’s tough to quit wondering if I should keep going. Depression is real. 2023 was a tough year for me as well. 2024 on the other hand is gonna be better because a new year is the reset button for change. Stay strong. Stay focused on your dreams Manny. -GK

I feel the same bro, this year has been rough for alot of us. 2024 will be a better one.

I thought I was the only one feeling like this and I'm not even a pro. You're my favorite portrait photographer. I wish you'd turn that studio into a classroom and let us sit in and learn something. You can even film it, Manny teaching and students learning hands on. Don't let the numbers mess with your head. You're the best.

THANKS FOR BEING YOU AND ALSO FOR BEING HONEST...GO FOR IT!

Manny, hang in there. You the best. Every day is a new learning experience. Embrace the day. We with you!

we here for you bro, always love the content whether its photography, personal, etc. im here for it all

Brooo!!! I feel you! Ideal with self confidence very often. And I know it’s not easy to erase those thoughts. For some of us that aide that needs to continue every day and we need to fight it day by day. It will be fine. It will be great. Excited for everything that you are gonna work and share this next year! 💪🏼

I love your work bro. You inspired ppl trust me. Pay attention to the numbers but don’t focus on them. You’re going to help other creators max their potential.

You do have a lot to offer bro! Thats why I’m here, to learn from you. Your work is amazing.

I totally feel you. I am at the point with my little channel where I have been at it for a few years... and honestly, not much to show for it. makes me feel like I should quit.

I have seen so many of the RU-vid on-air creators say about the same thing you have. Create for yourself and let us come along on the ride. Do what makes you happy and most of the time your audience will enjoy it.

Of all YT photographers your in my top list. Love your video content. Its ok not all years or current year needs to be the best year. Keep up man!

One thing that has and continues to powerfully help me in every way including in times of challenge is to practice gratitude on a daily routine. I sit every morning before anything else and quietly give thanks to the things I am grateful for. They can be very simple things, they can be repetitive things, etc. It bolsters everything and solidifies strength and grounds you and the your day. It is definitely a part of the healing process! Remember, it’s the daily repetition that makes it work! 😊👍🏼

Thank you Manny for what you do. Thank you for being you

I gotta say Manny - you said you lost a lot of confidence, but when I see you're work I think of it as next level. I see a lot of creators who are really still finding their style and trying to teach at the same time, which is fine. But when I think of your work, you've got a very cohesive style which is so polished that I think, okay - this is someone who can teach me something worthwhile and new. I also struggle with depression and it's hard to get out of those trenches when you fall back into them. I appreciate your honesty and being candid and hope you continue to be able to use the feelings as fuel. Obviously I'm just a rando who follows your channel, but reach out anytime.

I applaud you for speaking so open and honestly. A lot of us have these same feelings. You are lot alone

I Always Appreciate your honesty & Vulnerability Manny ❤👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Please don't leave RU-vid. Your videos are fantastic. They are educational, inspirational and entertaining. You are definitely one of the best photography RU-vidrs. You are also one of the best portrait and street photographers. Keep up the great work. All the best.

Much Love to you man. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. We all are going through problems and we need to remember we are not alone. Wishing you an amazing 2024!

Yessir I can FEEL this video brother. You're not alone.

Yes!! You have so much more to offer.. Stay true to what is right and God will bless you and use you to help others. True leaders create more leaders, not followers!! Stay Strong!! 💪

I have recently noticed that I was unsubscribed from alot of channels that I followed. Yours was one of them, youtube does strange things. Just subscribed again. I enjoy your vídeos, keep the good work.

705K and growing! Well done Manny.

after 8 years since i got into photography this is the reason why manny is the only photography RU-vidr i still watch, cus he's a real one, no bs

Hi Manny, you helped me so much as a starting photographer a couple years ago. You're an amazing creator and helped many people! Focus on doing what makes you happy and what makes you feel passionate and I can guarantee we will love it! Sending many blessings xx

I thought it was just me facing hardships this year but when I took a step back I realized so many in similar situations.

Hey! We got ur back! Do ur thing, take down time if u need it and kick ass when u can! I bet once u try again from time 2 time you’ll see some crazy good creativity, and know that we wanna see ur life changes cause it will change ur work…. F*** the haters, u got this!

Everybody that works outside of creative work goes through the same thing. Sports, Music, Acting is a different animal. You have to keep on pushing no matter what.

The mental struggle is real. Glad you feel like you're on the way up again. Here's hoping to a great 2024. 🔉Just a heads up it sounded like audio was only coming from one channel

you are one of the best creators in this niche! i have been watching you for years now and love your work, i am sure i am not the only one.

Hi Manny, you are awesome. You have already done it. Just keep doing and flow. Un abrazo!

dont quit what ever small or big the View... we learn and amaze a lot the topics and photos ughh powerful!

@MannyOrtiz, It is so easy to get into a funk and get out. Watching numbers are truly not the way to go. I am in business and realize that numbers/KPIs are the way to run business. But, as a single business man there is far more to numbers. It is called your happiness. Sometimes you need to step away and take Manny Time! While, I'd be sad to see you disappear for a bit, most from what I have seen comeback. And, it may not be a week, month, or two. Sometimes longer, and guess what most if not all of us will still here waiting for you. And, lastly, banger photos are not the end all. You, we, us can't have a banger every time. Show us the good, the bad and all the in between. Keep it up, keep that mental state in a good spot and we are here for you. Thanks for being honest. You don't need to be.

Manny you have done it all and you did it all top quality..... but i guess there is nothing more to give especially in a dying world....i wish you the best of luck.

7:55 Alex Hormozi? That quote helped me tremendously this year as well. Thanks for your transparency🙏🏼

Pactice makes improvement and sometimes you have to fail to improve.

Glad to still see you in it brotha, keep doing what you do, stay blessed 📸 Merry Christmas to you & your family! 🎄 🙏🏼 #MindOverANYMatter💪🏼 #2024Let’sGetIt

I’ve always thought you are one of the best. Keep on going we appreciate it

I’m sure meeting me lifted your spirits and gave you the motivation to continue. No thanks are necessary. (Kidding . Manny - you’re the best!!)

Am so related to this situation, and is even hard to come out to talk about it. Thanks for sharing this will change a lot of lives trust me.

I've learned a ton related to portait photography on this channel. I'm usually focused on landscape but have grown significantly in this aspect. Shout out to Jared tho. He rubs people the wrong way a lot but if you've followed him over the years, you'll know he's a legit dude.

I hear you Manny just make sure you look after yourself

Sheesh! Chin up chest out! We got this!

Really appreciate you been transparent and sharing your raw feelings. You do amazing work and we appreciate every single ounce of effort. Keep doing you and we’re cheering for you in whatever you choose to do!

Manny you are doing the right thing...check in every once in a while but live your life, stop stressing about social media and continue to build yourself to healthy levels! Here if you ever need to chat bro 💪🏾

Chill, mate. I think you're doing amazing - with your channel but also with your photography, so stop beating yourself up. You are good. You perform excellent. Enjoy xmas, enjoy all you achieved. Really. Cheers from Switzerland

Thank you for sharing and being vulnerable with us.

Hang in there, I've been watching you since you were on the FB groups helping all of us learn to be better photographers. Your videos were extremely helpful to me, even though I ended up in a completely different genre of photography. Yes, there are ups and downs, I've found that to be true in almost every endeavor of life. There are many things in life outside what we strive to do that affect how things go. Just know that you have helped people along your journey, like myself. So thank you for that.

Thanks for sharing Manny. I kinda feel the same for this year.

Life happens man... We can all relate. You've got this. Take care of your mental health.

Stay up bruh, we all go through things. Keep pushing. It's all we can do. Thanks for sharing, I can see how hard it is. We're all (or should be) just trying to be the best version of ourselves. When I lose, I try not to lose the lesson. Keep doing what you're doing, you've given us a lot and you have a lot more to give. Don't give up Manny. We appreciate you. I've been following you since the video on the pedestrian bridge in the beginning. I left Canon, sold my 1DX, and got myself an a7r2 because of you and I haven't looked back. I have an a73 and also an a74 (that I love). I love Sony. I started with Jason Lanier and then I found you and for some reason, you were more relatable. I'm sure that if your viewers would tell you why they subscribed, their stories would be similar. Keep on keeping on. Thanks for keeping it real. BLESSINGS BROTHER!

I love the vulnerability man!!!! Very powerful. I can relate in all ways.

Thanks for the authentic share. For the little guys like us, like me, it helps put things in perspective. You are better than most, but you are still human. All the best for 2024!

I feel you bro. It is so difficult to maintain a channel. The numbers really get to me too. By the way, your audio is only on the left speaker.

It’s ok not to be so slick or super articulate, you’re real and that makes it more interesting and words I trust.

ive been watching you for years now… love your content and am thankful for what you provide to this community! 🙏 looking forward to the educational videos!

Hi Manny, you are an amazing photographer and I have learned a lot from your work. Don't put so much pressure on yourself, from an objective standpoint you are tremendously successful artist. Unfortunately artistic endeavors will always have its up and downs, just like life and the stock market, but it is still much more fulfilling than a typical office job. Take care man.