Why I quit youtube and what i've learned. HUGE Mistakes were made 

Well to be completely honest Gareth, as a retired professional photographer my self, who can now do what the F... I like... Don’t change anything!! I watch your channel out of complete connection. You are completely authentic, and are spot on about the other channels obsessed with gear and trivial crap. I certainly can’t watch some Landscape characters any more as they don’t sound sincere or authentic, and frankly talk bollocks. You on the other hand tend to tell it like it is, and are generally more enthusiastic, with no pretence to make things look better than they really are. Authenticity is enviable, and has its own originality in it. So don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. Casey Nistat had this quality originally showing you as much of his life as his projects, plus the links between projects. So carry on doing what you do, as it’s by no coincidence that the people I follow with interest most often have a crisis of confidence at some stage. (Nick Carver) This crisis is vital if you’re going to be true to yourself and evolve, so it’s this evolution that is most interesting on a deeper level. The video you’ve just made, is that turning point and hopefully already the beginning of the new path. Ps. I took on your recommendation about the X100v, and as you said, you won’t regret it, and you were right , THANKS !!

Ironically, I found your channel in its infancy exactly because of some of the things you touched on here. I was uninspired, had been a photography enthusiast for 20 years and didn’t need RU-vidrs with two years experience telling me how to take photos. Since then, like you I gather, I’ve very much been on a journey focused on the philosophy, artistry and art history of photography. It’s been the best photography experience of my life and I’m very happy to say you’ve been a part of it. Your content was refreshing, you weren’t trying to tell me anything other than about your own experiences and what you do yourself, the tone of your content delivery is perfect IMO. The greatest learning for me at this stage is just to see another photographer’s journey. You’re already doing an amazing job of RU-vid, don’t second guess yourself.

Gareth, I totally get this. I suffer anxiety also and feel with where the world is at the moment, it’s worse than ever, to the point where my confidence around people has been massively knocked. I love your videos, don’t change them, just be you. Happy to meet up and shoot as I’m pretty local to you in South Wales. Totally get not speaking on here about personal stuff, I know, I’ve been there. Be kind to yourself and take one day at a time.

I think you have a great channel. I watch Heaton for the big adventures, Danson for the tutorials ( I am not sure he can be beaten) Popsys for the randomness and you for the enthusiasm even on the small trips. For me you are the most relatable of all those that I watch and inspiring cos you are not always in epic locations just enjoying yourself. Thank you and good luck for 2022

Great to see you back Gareth. Happy New Year and congratulations on the little one. Sorry to hear that the current nonsense is affecting you so badly. You're not the only one. Its a rollercoaster for sure. Hang in there, it will sort itself eventually. I particularly like your street stuff, on your own and with others. Your street ones stood out as being original, inspirational and up-lifting. There's a LOT of landscape channels out there so its difficult to stand out. All the best Simon

One of the absolutely best photography channels on RU-vid - when it pops up on my feed I’ll always click on it - great images, advice, adventure, charm and personality.. - & no pressure Gareth I promise you, but it is a truly great channel!

Garth, I’m very much a late-in-life, amateur photographer- always took pictures, especially when travelling. Discovering your work was inspiring because you took me on walks with you and let me see how you see your environment. I especially valued the Street Photography sessions. Seeing what you were seeing -hearing you talk about what you were looking for and waiting for was very helpful. Take care. I look forward to what you come with next.

Good to have you back Gareth. And thanks for the honesty. Love your style of presenting your vlog - they always come across as natural, warts and all, so please dont lose that. I am not a street photographer, and not sure I want to be, but I love how you describe what you are seeing and how you are taking the photo. I know I learn more from this for my own photography than I could from watching top 10 lists and/or how to vlogs. I am sure whatever direction you decide for this channel will be just as watchable and educational.

Gareth, the only photography channels I subscribe to are those that say something about WHY we take photographs, to create something, a piece of art. Explain what makes some photographers work more interesting and stand out from the instagram crowd. What we can learn from them.. Why we might not like some photographers can also be instructive. For example why you think HCB is maybe over rated would be interesting to hear. Or you could go all Top Gear........ Good luck with the channel.

Gareth, congrats on your new little mate in the house. Relish these moments. As for your soliciting our thoughts on where to take your channel, i’d turn that around and suggest you ask yourself if there is something you SO enjoy doing and want to share with the world, well then cover that. Otherwise, maybe just focus on your craft, family, and personal growth. Feels a bit like you are grasping with your pondering of what to do with this channel. But when you share your aspiration for improving your street photography, or how you experienced the island of Skye, that feels/sounds genuine. Sharing your process of reflecting on which photographers’ work resonates with you…that suggests something of transcending value. Good luck, Craig

Just watched this Gareth and without reading any other comments I was gobsmacked you had been feeling this way. Your channel has been one of the most enjoyable that I subscribe to. Your passion always comes across and your delivery is extremely engaging. Don’t underestimate the effect the state of the world has had on everyone’s ability to stay engaged with not only work but life in general. Every one of my mates has been affected in the same way. Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s fantastic. Take care

I have been watching your channel for many years and it is one of the best on street photography it has opened my mind to doing more street shooting, I am going through a similar situation of being uninspired since the pandemic hit and also be made redundant, which is ironic as I always felt my photography was being held back by my work commitments, which I have always found very hard being more into Architecture and Landscape photography, hopefully 2022 I will find some inspiration and hope you do to (not clickbait ie THIS WILL MAKE ALL YOUR IMAGES GREAT), good luck in the new year Gareth.

Happy New Year Gareth and thanks for sharing your open and honest reflections on your photography and YT. Please don't stop, keep them coming. With so many photography related channels out there YOU are always a joy to watch. For me please include, Fuji gear and settings, lens and camera reviews, maybe a study on the Fuji focus system. Definitely a study on LR and all its elements including how best to manage the LR catalogue. Some more detail of the small external hard drive you described on the video. Yes, definitely a study of the iPhone camera. I could go on but please share your experience and knowledge of street and landscape photography. What I love most of all is your open, energetic and honest presentation. My best wishes to you and your family Gareth and I wish you every success with your chosen career.

Your channel has always been one of the most authentic photography ones, with your personality and competence shining through. Good luck with any of the changes, you are doing a great job.

So good to see you back Gareth and have missed your channel so much. I totally get your anxiety problems and funnily enough it was anxiety and depression that made me fall in love with photography a few years ago to get away from the stress of working in the city of London! One of the reasons I followed your channel was the fact that you come across as being genuine and straight talking and these are the channels that I like to follow. For me I love watching Roman Fox’s channel for exactly the same reason. Try not to put too much stress on yourself and do what pleases you and most of all be true to yourself. Wishing you a very happy 2022 and look forward to supporting you in the coming year. 🥳🍾

I picked up a camera again in mid 2020 for something to work on while we were away from people and found your videos during 2021. Just wanted to say 'thanks!' because your videos really helped me work out a few issues that I was having and made me excited to work on taking better photos. So I know that you want to move away from or change your model here, but thanks for what you have already posted!

I came to your channel because of your wild camping jollies, in fact you inspired me to get back into the mountains and I did an overnight trip with my camera to Y Garn after watching one of your films. I'm a pro phot and I keep telling people that for me work life can't just be about work, there has to be a time for play and a time for self. We need to re-set, and if in a stressful job it's vital. So I'd just like to see more wild camping trips, hopefully off soon myself once we get some snow and ice! Regards and thanks, Mike

Gareth, i actually watch your channel because i like you. I’d enjoy watching your analysis of classic street photographers, or any other photographic reading / studying. Stuff about your photography journey etc. Above all, do what you enjoy, and we will too.

You pretty much answered what I'd like to see in your channel in this video. I want to see what you're thinking about when you take photos. What about videos describing what you learnt from these different photographers - why they have influenced you and how this might be reflected in your work. Talking with other photographers about the same thing. When I went to Art college I realised I was learning more from the other students than I did from the tutors. Being able to talk through ideas and thoughts with others is a great platform for progress.

Firstly...Huge congratulations Gareth with the new family member Efan! I 100% agree with you, I'm not a fan of those 10 tips video, only good for snoozing. I thoroughly enjoy your landscape vlogs and I hope you get around to editing your Skye backlog. From the outside you have huge admiration from us with what you do. Having a family with a full time successful photography career and youtube, thats a busy life. One thing I enjoy is your utter honesty, you call a spade a spade and I'm sure people like that. Be careful with those mechanical WD portable drives as I've had a couple of them fail, completed the switch to SSD's now. Hopefully run in to you again for a shoot sometime somewhere. All the very best to you and your family mate in 2022. Mark.

Great your back, time to move forward , “You have the most magnificent things waiting ahead. Keep going.”

Good to have you back! I'm right there with you on the anxiety. These years have been particularly tough! Congratulations on the newest member of the family and Inwish you all a very happy 2022!

Sending you lots of strength! Congrats on the baby and wishing you all the best for 2022 and beyond.

I’d like to see that LR tutorial you talked about. My 8yrs of catalog is spread ove three or four disks and I’d love to know how to put them all back in one place instead of “file not found”.

Great to have you back Ga and congratulations on little Efan.

Great to see you back Gareth and congratulations to you both on the birth of Efan. The last two years have been difficult for quite a lot of us and we’ve all got to put ourselves and families first. Good to hear you’re getting work and even going in new directions with it. As for the channel, one thing you can’t attempt to do is create things for it that you personally hate doing just for higher ratings. I’ve really enjoyed your landscape and street photography videos to date, with the ones where you meet up with others like Roman, where we get the banter between you being really good. Please don’t stop doing those. Adding a small number of videos where you give your spin on why you use a piece of gear or your processing style would be good.

Hi Gareth, Happy new year. Firstly congratulations and the birth of Efan, Secondly thank you for your honesty about your struggles over the past few months. I think you have done the right thing by taking time to look after yourself. I enjoy the your channel for who you are and as previous people said your authenticity. Be kind to yourself and only put videos up when you are ready quality will always beat quantity. You and your family always come first. Enjoy life

First of all it’s been great to meet you and have a lot of respect for your photography and you opinions. Watching your channel as learnt me so much. Loved my first street shoot in Birmingham and now I’m addicted. Can’t wait to do more. Video out Wednesday 😉. Happy new year mate, I’m sure whatever direction you choose you will smash it.

Heart on sleeve there. I'd say keep on keeping on, if you need to bring a bit more in then definitely make the workshops and meets more prominent. They are good fun days and people learn loads from them, and maybe showing a bit more of that on the channel would encourage folk to come along to the next one. You are a fantastic photographer and an all round good guy. Things will work out.

Welcome back Gareth and congratulations on the new arrival. A break can be a great benefit sometimes, it helps to clear the decks and take stock of where you are and where you want to go. I admit that I have missed your street vids in particular and I am looking forward to the next magazine. Keep going and stay safe. Happy New Year

Wow, 2 youngsters= busy busy life. I have really enjoyed your channel and your style of photography and vlogging. I'm just starting to get into street photography and mainly due to your channel. I always learn things from your channel. Including this video, I have learnt that I can move or change lightroom menus. that's a big help. Please just do what you do best, be yourself and relax behind the camera. Your RU-vid videos are always superb because you are you. Naturally confident behind the lens. Happy New Year to you and your family.

Gareth, i started my photography journey in May 2018 when i retired. Discovered you on YT and was immediately impressed with the content and your presentation style. You are good at what you do and don't you think otherwise. You have helped me so much in my journey, which included inclusion in your f/8 magazine. Photography is a continuous exercise, be it learning new skills or techniques. I have always admired your honesty and understand the rationale behind your thinking. Good luck to you and your family in the future. 📷

Gareth, from my perspective, I'm interested in what you have to say because you reach across both landscape and street and bring artistic credibility to both. You'There's a lot out there about gear, techniques and other click-baity stuff, but as someone who wants just to learn from others to become a better photographer, a better artist even, I'm going to keep watching your channel.

would love some info on your new lightroom setup. great to hear you're well too. happy new year!

Really good to see you back! For me, I like seeing behind the scenes videos whether it's coming with you on a shoot, or your post processing, even the day to day work that goes into running a photography business. I don't do video at all but I'd still love to see what goes into creating a video from contacting the customer to delivering the finished video. Whatever you decide to do I'll happily be watching as long as you're posting :)

Congrats on having your 2nd son! My favorite videos have always been vlogs. So love your street and landscape photo videos when you take us along.

Good to see you back, 2021 was awful for creativity for me, and can't certainly see why you'd feel the same, wasn't great was it?! Definitely a good time to come back to it and hope 2022 treats you well, it's been great to follow both you street photography and landscape photography, but I enjoy the portrait and studio work you do too so maybe some more of that. Either way you've just got to enjoy yourself, I'll look forward to watching you along the way

Gareth, Happy New Year and congratulations on the addition to to family. All of the best in 2022. Peace and Safe Travels

Hi Gareth, boy am I glad you are back. I enjoy your channel for your honesty, straight talking and yes your ramblings so please don't change that.

Take it easy Gareth, go with what your flow in life takes. Happy New 2022 . Good luck bud !

Firstly, I want to say I've watched your channel for quite a while now & enjoy it. Not all of the videos will be applicable to me but that's exactly the same for all the other channels I follow. I've ended up finding other photographers & channels through reccomendations from you all. I enjoy the work of yourself & people like Roman, Sean Tucker, Mark Fearnley, Josh Jackson & quite a few others. You all offer something different & all have your own opinions on how things should be done, which is great, that's how we should all be. One thing that I've learned about street photography from social media/RU-vid is that there is no absolute 'correct' approach. What needs to be remembered is; a large proportion of the audience will be hobbyists like myself, who realistically will never make a living from photography but still enjoy it immensely. Street photography should in my humble opinion be about enjoyment, otherwise what's the point? I'm happy to watch channels where people give their opinion on how things should be done but I'm more likely to enjoy a channel where the host is open to saying 'you know what? Use what lens you like; try different ways; have fun' - rather than saying 'if you're not using a prime lens, you're wrong' or 'you have to shoot in this mode or you're wrong' etc. The fact that I can like the work of someone who uses a kit lens or a zoom lens as much as someone who only shoots with primes and the fact that you can promote each others work even though your approach is different says it all. I used to belong to your FB group but I ended up leaving because I started to feel like I wasn't welcome. Not by you I will add. I found that some members could be a bit elitist & had a real look down the nose approach to hobbyists like me. As far as your RU-vid channel is concerned, I think you need to decide who you would prefer your audience to be - hobbyists like me or people that are in the pro game who want to be more technically minded in their approach. I have an entry level dslr & 3 lenses; 2 of which are 'kit' lenses. The chances of me ever being able to afford thousands of pounds worth of gear is highly unlikely. I've loved learning how to use it & watch channels like yours to get fresh ideas or inspiration so that I can try different things to see if I like it. I don't really want to be given the impression that my veiwing or participation isn't wanted if I'm not aiming for the top. Ultimately; it's your channel so you need to put out the content you're happy with. All the best with it, whatever you decide. 🙂

Great to see you back and congratulations on your new little one, you do the best ever videos on street photography by far out there and can't wait for the next one. Have a great New Year 😀

I was just looking back through your videos to see which ones have the best views and it seems to be a mixture of gear related and that includes camping gear as well as camera gear and also your street shooting and some photo editing videos seem to have been popular. Your interviews with other shooters are showing good views too. I love your street videos anyway but really enjoy the interview ones where you get to see a bit more of the shooter's personality. Like you were saying in the video about HCB, it helps to know what the shooter is like and the environment and background that has molded them into shooting what they do, the way they do. It's much more interesting than the f-stop and shutter speed etc of each image. I'd love to see a video series based on the old masters of street/documentary photography. There's the odd book or film here and there on some of them but they're scattered across different mediums and not always easy to access. Having them all in one place would be fantastic. It was reading a book about Robert Capa whilst I was in high school, that got me interested in photography. It was a book about him, his background, the times he was living in and how that led him to shoot what he did. If it had just been a book with a lot of technical stuff in it I wouldn't have been interested. Even now the photography book I'm currently reading is called "Photography as meditation" by Torsten Andreas Hoffmann. It's a book about trying to approach photography from Japanese Zen philosophy. It's definitely not a regular 'how to' or 'technical' book.

I’m so glad you’re pushing your 1to1s, the street one I attended helped elevate my own photography so much and I was chuffed to see one of the images in your library was taken on that day.. As a suggestion for videos maybe you looking at a famous photographers work and giving your opinions on their images etc… Take care mate all the best to you and the family..

Hi Gareth. Great to see you back. I enjoy your videos for the enthusiasm and love you have for what you are doing, and for me to understand your process. If you need to change the channel to make it more commercial, please keep the enthusiasm, which I guess means keeping it real, which I guess means not doing stuff that you don't want to do - those of us who like what you do will enjoy it and I'm sure more people will find you - hate the game, Indeed! Congrats on the new addition. Best, Keith

It's a crazy world these days Gareth and you are not alone. Let's hope 2022 is much kinder to everyone. Nice to see you back. Congratulations on your new family member. And your older son, adorable!

Now I know how to use a camera I tend to just graze photography channels where I enjoy the personality of the RU-vidr. You come into that category because you are open and honest and don't pretend to be anything you're not. It feels like catching up with a mate. Probably the most memorable stuff is where things don't go to plan. There is a cheeky state of mind needed for street photography so those are always fun to watch. Best wishes for 2022.

Nice to hear from you again Gareth. I've suffered from anxiety issues myself and the thing that helped the most was admitting I had a problem and talking about it. Talking about it on RU-vid, now that is brave, well done and keep talking. Did it feel better after you had posted this? I hope so. As far as advice on content, I would echo the comments of others. I watch your channel because of you. There isn't anything wrong. I guess if I tried to analyse the videos I like the best it's those that show the story of a shoot. All the best for 2022.

Hi Gareth. For me the appeal of your channel is your personality and the joy in what you do, you seem like a really nice person. So maybe lean into that, live streams or Q&As. Even if you don’t cover all the questions asked it’s good research on what to cover in future videos. I’d keep doing photo walk videos too. Maybe something fun like a cheap camera challenge (should play well with the algorithm too) Also I took a break from social media for about 3 months, I just got more familiar with my gear, read more photography theory and organized my LR catalogs. I can relate to a lot of the issues you had/have thanks for sharing, have a great 2022

Happy New Year to you Gareth and beautiful family 🎆🎊 personally I love your channel and I've seen these so called photographer's on RU-vid with silly number of subscribers and just cannot believe they make the money they do producing photos that a none professional lime me can!! For me your street photography is stunning and tells a story, also really enjoy your landscape photography too. So keep up with the fantastic work in 2022 Gareth! 🙂📸

I liked when you did the trips out like the beaches, mountains, castles, just you chatter and how you see a location. The tips video, only do them if it interests you, you have to enjoy making them too. Love to see a colab with you and Sean Tucker, he battles anxiety also and hit a hard spot in his RU-vid journey. Super cute Future heartbreaker with those blonde curls. Welcome back.

Hi Gareth , really liked the very last bit with your son and made me laugh! Sorry to hear about what you’ve been going through. It got me thinking actually about where your channel goes or could go. I wonder if there’s space for including content appealing to more everyday families and somehow maybe even incorporating your own family in excursions/photo trips instead of just yourself (yourself and friend) of which there are lots of other RU-vidrs out there who do that. Got more ideas in my head probably more than there is space here for but happy to chat if you want! Cheers, Steve

You brought up some relevant things here Gareth, in future vids you could elaborate on them. One is how you re-organized your archives, LR is a pain if you don’t catalogue everything right, I’m struggling to find back pictures just like you did, so please…help! :-) I agree on your thoughts about other photographers, I have a medium sized collection of books of the photographers you mentioned and also think some are overrated (kind of cult status). I do find that you can better look at the tectile prints than look at them on a screen. I’m trying to approach my photography differently, but miss the ….I don’t know how to call it…maybe inspiration I ques. But just keep on going and try different things, think out of the box (he says…). Take care and just enjoy your time with your family, they’re the most important things in your life!

Good luck Gareth - hope your reset is successful! You have the energy and enthusiasm! Congratulations on your second son.

Wow - what a super honest vid Gareth. Great to hear about your new family addition. No wonder you needed a break. Sorry to hear about your confidence knock, it’s a real mad world currently. Stay chilled - really like your cheeky chappie, happy style. It was good to see you in Skye, it’s a really spoiler location although stalking MrGough is a bit much😆. Tips for your your channel! Phew. 1. Your positive attitude is a winner. 2. Your street photo vids are really bril. Composition tips etc. 3. Gear stuff - nah thanks. 4. Lightroom catalogue tips oh yes please. 5. Link your print sales in your vids - plug stuff in your vids - no sham. 6. Vids on other photographers that inspire you. 7. Good days and bad days in the raw. It works for Heaton. 8. What about getting your clients permission to do a vid of you on assignment. Hope this helps - good to hear you again. Ps - your Stalker Castle image was fab. Don’t loose your confidence - go for it. Regards MJ

Welcome back Gareth. I rarely comment on any videos, but felt compelled to respond. Keep doing what you already do. I come to your channel because of your authenticity and the quality of your photography. Please don't feel the need to compromise either.

Hi Gareth, it's been a pleasure watching you on RU-vid and would like to thank you for the inspiration you've given me, to meet you on the Isle of Skye in two different locations was a pleasure. I only started RU-vid this year to document my outings and only have 300 subs, so totally understand when you have done it for years how you feel having watched some of the others. I'd love to see how you've done your lightroom catalogue as mines a mess and wouldn't know where to start lol, so that's one for you 👍 hope to see you again soon and look after that little one, they grow up fast 🥰🙏👍

Hey Gareth, honestly I started to watch your vids back in the early days and for me it not solely about the photography it's your personality and thought process and the places you go...I wouldn't try to overthink things I would just be you and showing failures is as normal as showing the ultimate trip and perfect pic..try simple things like making sure you have a video every couple of weeks at say a particular time like a Thursday at 8pm or whatever...tip videos or whatever keep short like Gareth's 5 min weekly tips.. This helps you with less time to create and keeps content quick and easy for other audiences to draw them in to start watching your other longer more focused videos.. Good luck bud and welcome back.

Gareth, to me you are the best street photographer. Very inspirational, and I have learned so much from you here on this RU-vid channel. I think that last two years were difficult for everyone, but it is over, and I have good feelings about this year and the future. I wish you good luck. I am sure you have plenty images to put together two calendars, one with street photography and one landscape ...., I would buy both of them from you ... (maybe your wife could help you with it .... :)))) )

Great to see you again Gareth. Congrats on child 2. Do what makes you happy mate, that's what makes us viewers watch your videos. Whatever you decide, we are with you all the way.

Hi Gareth - I started watching your videos because I eas interested in combining photography and camping. I watched all your videos from the first one and really enjoyed them and felt like I was getting to know you and share in your adventures. Now I have droped watching most channels for the reasons everyone has already said - I'm not interested in pointless "tips" or endless ego stroking. The ones I'm left with are Thomas Heaton, Nick Carver, Morten Hilmer, and yourself. I think its clear what the common thread in all these channels is! So I'm looking forward to seeing you back!

I totally get where you are coming from. Having been a full time professional photographer for over 35 years I still get moments of frustration and anxiety about what I’m doing and where my business is going. I’m lucky to have some long term on going commercial clients I can rely on to keep the money coming in but I can never let my guard down, I could lose them in a heartbeat if I let my guard down or if the economy crashes so I have to keep plugging on even though, some days, I want to jack it in. All I can say is, think family first, and the rest is just a bonus. Look after yourself and keep doing what your doing. I’m a big fan and appreciate everything you put out. Take care.

I used to enjoy watching Evan Ranft doing his street photography but he seems to have dropped that now. Apart from Pierre Lambert I always enjoy your street photo walks but understand how family and time will restrict that! Just keep being honest and telling it how it is and I am sure we will all continue supporting you (even though you didn't reply to my email back in August! Ha ha!) Happy New Year!

Don't beat yourself up man, on the whole I would say you were one of the better channels on here. I have after a time ditched many others who I initially thought were good and genuine but you are still on the list of "Tubers" to watch.

You are so not alone in how anxiety effects your everyday life. It even effects how I cook for the family every night. I can only imagine how the pressure of RU-vid influences your mental health. Family and health comes first. Stay weel, stay safe and most of all take great photos!

Gareth, I admire anyone who puts their head in the block of RU-vid as it's far from easy, especially when real life comes knocking! You really need to do what you feel you need to do & whatever you do don't do it for likes! I know that's what much of RU-vid is but only you know if likes make you happy? I agree with what you say about the state of play at the moment, I think it's a Carmarthenshire thing! I'll get my people to drop your people a line! Keep safe & enjoy what you do.

I hope 2022 brings the very best for you and your family. This is a wonderfully open and honest piece with themes that resonate with any at the moment. Having seen your portfolio I can only aspire to produce a body of work so full of integrity and individuality.

Hey Gareth congrats on the new addition to the family. Also great video. I've always liked your honesty and lack of pretentiousness. Good job. Hope you do make more videos. Can you point me in the right direction for storage. I have 3 2tb hard drives but Each time I import photos on my mac I have to back up previous shoots because i'm out of space and I just wanna go a whole year without having to do that. Are there any videos on managing your files etc.

Firstly, congratulations on the family addition! Everyones photographic journey is different and has its ups and downs. Personally I found there was a fine line between working as a photographer and enjoying photography, eventually this line became so blurred that I didn't want to take my camera out of the bag and because of this my side line wedding and events business has now folded. Strangely though this has brought back the passion for photography for me. Your channel is different from others because you don't make the "click bait" videos and thats its appeal, there are loads of beginner type YT videos but not so many advanced photography videos. I would like to know how you and others "see" a scene and work the landscape or street scene to get the best from it and the thought process behind why you composed the shot how you did.

Good to see you back. I stopped using lightroom due to the cataloging problems and where it was stored. Would love a video on this. Also never knew you could move the interface of lightroom. Camera raw and bridge also have their own problems.congrads on the birth of your son. Look forward seeing where the future holds for you

Hi Gareth, as you know I’ve been following you from the start of your RU-vid journey and I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed every single Vlog. I know I give you hassle over the street photography but that’s because I can’t do it 😂 ( wish I could) but joking apart I still enjoy the vlogs. I know what you mean about some vlogers teaching people how to suck eggs, I’ve noticed it with one very well known vloger over the past months ( more interested in his paying subscription members ) . Congratulations the the birth of you new son, hope you’re wife is doing good after the birth. All the best for 2022 and look forward to seeing any vlogs you put out, see you soon

Congrats on the baby and your little boy is adorable. I'm in the USA and agree that the world has gone a little crazy, but have faith things will get better soon. I have enjoyed your videos so don't think you need to change much. I don't mind gear reviews occasionally, but nothing technical. I'd rather hear your view on why it works for you. My one request would be in regard to street photography. It intrigues me, but I've never tried it and sometimes just don't get it. Lol. I'd like to know why you chose a certain composition and why after post processing, you think it works or doesn't work. Some RU-vid photographers only show you their very best work and for an amateur like me, it makes the goal seem harder to obtain. Take care and I'm glad to see you back. Happy New Year!

Totally get where you are coming from, since covid struck me down, i've suffered some terrible anxiety. While I'm a bit more mobile now, I'm still very limited in what I can do. I am still unable to drive, or go to the shops. I have managed to do some street photography though! Its exceptionally challenging though, as I cannot move far from my house! I've had to get a bit more creative with the limited energy I have. This recovery is now central to my youtube channel. I need things to keep me busy to ward off the anxiety attacks and to tell my body I do still have some control over my life. I can tell you, it's been tough living alone. So yeah, make the channel more about you, your adventures with or without family. I think a story works. Throw in the odd review here and there, plus the odd tutorial. Share what you do in your business life if you like. These lifestyle channels are very popular and nice to watch!

Glad to see you're going to continue! Your POV days out are the best thing. Brighton looked fun. When I last walked around Trafalgar Square I pointed out to my partner where I thought you'd taken pictures. Not bothered about kit reviews, though you're very helpful in covering accessories, and have the experience to give plenty of context and specific observations. That said, parenting comes first! Congratulations!

Congratulations with the birth of your second child and Happy New Year Gareth! ✌️

Congratulations to the three of you with Evan. I wondered where you were, but glad you are back.📷👍🏻

It's good to see you back Gareth, I\m a big fan of your presentational style. I credit you with sparking my interest in street photography although I haven't done a lot of it due to the current situation. Personally I'm always happy to hear "tips and tricks" to help me improve. I'm not so keen on product reviews unless it just happens to be something I'm thinking about getting but that's just a personal thing. Take care mate.

I have always enjoyed your videos and I am sad to hear you have had some difficult times, to be honest a lot of us have and it is a personal thing that generally others can't relate to because it is about you. Glad you are feeling well enough to reach out and get going again and I shall keep watching and look forward to some content. Just post what you want and be you, no need for all the boll**ks others show at times, you are you and you are good at what you do so just show it. Maybe some wedding photo tips would be good and how you process those but entirely your thing because most of us don't have the ability to what you have been doing or the enthusiasm so it's good watching someone like you who does. Cheers.

Good to see you back chap, to be fair I think the last couple of years has done us all in to varying degrees. You honesty is refreshing. I for one enjoy your style of doing things and hope you keep it up. For a future video I’d be interested in how you’ve sorted your Lightroom catalogue, maybe I need to start using the classic version.

I took up photography three years ago tomorrow, and only know how to do what I do thanks to you, Sean Tucker and Jamie Windsor. Will follow you always. Big up. 🙏🏽

I've always enjoyed what you have done...looking forward to what you will do! Happy New Year

Good to see you back Gareth. My health means I can’t even walk far. This is probably my last year and you are one of my RU-vid must sees so glad to see you will still be around. What I like: Your vlogs, you have a natural humour and even your exasperation and frustration with events is amusing. Collaborations: your talks and trips out with guys like Gary Gough are even funnier. Not so interested: Gear reviews, unboxing, top ten tips. I am also where you seem to be about Street Photography. I want to like it/do it but often can’t see the point. Random photos of ordinary stranger walking on a street.So many could be taken by a chimp on auto. Also your point on what’s it for resonates with me. I feel the same about woodland photography, I don’t get it. Your vlog in Brighton however was excellent and generally you are a pleasure to watch. Probably not much help but you did ask lol.

Personally, I'm more concerned about how you make photographs. I'm over the gear reviews, comparisons, lens types, etc. and the acquisition syndrome. I'm interested in composition, process. Critical evaluations of what makes certain photos work or not.

I subscribed to this channel because "you are you" and that was the appeal, so don't change the flavour. There are literally 1000s of gear review channels and general technical gibberish so don't go into that black hole and get sucked up. Stay with your personal street photography stories and keep doing what you are best doing, your style, your story, your approach, THAT IS what makes me subscribe and watching 😃👍🏻 How do you find your subjects, why do you pick the shots, what's your personal thought process, etc etc

I'd like to say welcome back....you've been missed. You have a life to live, and a job to work at, so I get it. Your "fans" have enjoyed learning from you, but more than that sharing the journey's that you've shared with us. If you continue to produce content, I'm in. Don't make stuff up...just be you. Share what you're doing, what you know, what you're learning. You have an engaging personality, and that contributes massively to your success--at home, at work, and yes, on RU-vid. Just be authentic, and enjoy sharing with us. Thank you.

Unfortunately, it has always been like this, the one who makes the most noise gets the attention. Omar Gonzalez also adressed this in a recent video. I understand that it is frustrating, especially if YT is one of your income sources. Just stay true to yourself, do your thing, be genuine. After all, 24K people have subscribed for a reason :) The only thing I could recommend is to do collabs with blogs like Fujilove or Fujixweekly. Offer to write for them and steer people naturally to your channel. Best of luck for 2022😊

Awesome Vlog as always Gareth. Life sometimes has to take priority and I understand why you had to take time out. Look forward to your Vlogs/website update. F/8 and most importantly your images in 2022 x

Agree with you. Not many YT photographers really know photography. They know niches in photography.

Don't do things to please other people do what pleases you and that will come over in your presentations.

You’re so right. So many self-proclaimed experts on RU-vid. I love your modesty and honesty.

Great to see you back chap! a lot of this videos resonated with me, both as a fellow photographer/ youtuber and individual. Really looking forward to watching you succeed in the big smoke!

I mainly enjoy your vlogs when you just go through what you're doing as a photographer on any given day. The street photography vids are fun and any that present your approach to photography.

Congratulations on the new addition to your family that's wonderful news, family is the most wonderful of things. Hang in there, lots of people I know ( including myself ) are now coming out and saying they are struggling with the last couple years and all they are being bombarded with, you are definitely not alone there. Take the time out to look after yourself mentally and physically, your family will need you for many years to come. I really enjoy the channel as is to be honest. I'd be really keen to learn more about how to organise a LR drive like you were talking about, I struggle with that! I do love a gear review , especially lenses. As a father of two I don't have the time or money ( I'm an enthusiast level photographer) I once did to devote to gear or to being out with my camera so it's nice to see what else is around and how they perform

Ahh what an awesome ending and great news to hear of a 2nd new 'Dude' in your family. Certainly has been a challenging 2 years & I hope 2022 is on the up. Your channel / videos always offer some good value and opinions so keep them coming. Hopefully with regular links to your new website it will help you monetise your content better (attracting more commercial shoots / print sales / workshops etc) and RU-vid will act as a great marketing tool for your photography products / services. Good luck for 2022 Ga

Hi Gareth, I maybe echoing all the nice comments below but don’t change anything I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos and learning from them too! Again I think the past couple of years have been testing for many which has also played with my anxiety 😟 But keep that chin up, you are good at what you do and have really educated me and so many below by some of the comments I have read👍

Hey love your videos full of emotion, character and you have a way of bringing the audience into the experience rather than watching just another RU-vid video. Something I would like to see is a couple more phone photography videos. As someone who uses his phone as his main camera (what I can afford at present) your tips videos have been key for me with learning how to frame, adjust setting and create photos I though were way beyond me. Congrats on the little ones. Look forward to your coming videos👍🏻😁

Hi Gareth, good to see you back. I think the type of content you produce should be based on the market you are aiming to hit - beginners, then do the tips videos; intermeidates, then more technical productions and how to create diffrent styles of images; all levels, then maybe location videos; gear and softeare videos for tech photographers, etc. No different to selling your product - know your customers and market place you are aiming for.

Hey Gareth, excellent video. Thanks for being so real and transparent with us. I relate to the anxiety side of things and it's one of the reasons I enjoy candid photography. I try to focus on other things to get out of my own head if that makes sense. My goal for this year is to continue shooting street but also to create some longer-term projects. Things that will take more focus, planning, and patience instead of the get home, edit and post to Instagram, instant gratification type stuff. For me anyway, I feel this is the year to dive a bit deeper and find something that matters to me or find something/someone that I find really interesting and start working on documenting it/them. Anyway mate just keep being you, in a sea of pretentious RU-vidrs you are def a breath of fresh air mate and it's what keeps me coming back to watch your videos.

Good for you and congratulations on your baby boy the family I would love to see you do a video on that new Fujifilm 33mm lens! Stay like you are man !!!!

Hi Gareth, so good to see you again, congratulations with your son, and I wish you and your family a happy new year, I hope that 2022 brings you so much more opportunities for you, just a thought, it would be great to see you shoot street with your film cameras again, anyway take it easy and I look forward to future video’s…