Let’s End the Hate for YouTube Photographers
“YouTube Photographer” has become a dirty name in the photo community. It’s often used in a way that belittles someone and aims to remove their credibility as a photographer. In this one, I’m covering why it’s time to stop the hate for photographers predominantly working on YouTube.
Why The Hate?
The angle of this article is similar to another piece I wrote; let’s end the hate for composite photography.
Like the people putting down that creative practice, I feel those who dislike photographers on YouTube are doing nothing more than gatekeeping.
Unable to keep up with the modern way of sharing photography related content, they instead opt to discredit it in the hope of preserving their way of communicating with the world.
One of the main criticisms photographers on YouTube face is overhyping the best cameras, lenses and other photo-themed products. They’re accused of doing so only to generate revenue for their channel, rather than give authentic, real world coverage of what they’re discussing.
There’s some truth to this, but it’s not limited to YouTube. Those generating revenue through photography blogs, photography newsletters and on social media all do the same. While many are authentic, you’ll always get grifters that over hype to encourage you to purchase something. That’s life.
Those on YouTube also have to play the game to get you through the door. Those sensationalist headlines, provocative thumbnails and overly hot takes are by design, because the reality is people won’t click on the video if creators take a more mundane approach.
Is that the creators' fault or the consumers? I think we all have to take a certain degree of responsibility on that one. We could all benefit from resetting our internet brain and be more mindful of how our brains become attracted to certain content types.
Give More Respect
If anything, YouTube photographers deserve a lot more respect. It requires a lot of time and effort to plan, record and edit a video, not to mention make it a compelling angle. In my personal workflow, the time it takes me to write and publish four articles equates to around one video for YouTube - and I’m by no means as good as those making high-quality video content.
The main criticism photographers face on YouTube; they’re not good photographers. Naturally people levy this towards successful YouTubers, and, of course, it reeks of jealousy. People at the top will always have to deal with people trying to bring them down, in every walk of life.
We all have our preferences but I want to share some photography YouTube channels that I like. Not all of them have an abundance of subscribers, but they’re building and doing an excellent job of providing top-quality content as they continuously grow.
Eclectachrome: Film Photography
Eclectachrome is a channel focusing on film photography. Led by Molly Kate, the content includes discussions about analog cameras, film rolls and film photography tips. Kate also runs an episodic news piece where she discusses the latest events in the world of film photography. She’s an excellent street photographer and I especially like her travel photos as well.
The Photographic Eye
Alex Kilbee is the face and voice in front of the camera on The Photographic Eye. He’s also responsible for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. His channel delves into his decades long career in photography, as he shares all his knowledge. It also covers the emotional aspect of image making, as well as looking at the lessons from the masters.
Dave Herring
Dave Herring covers a lot of photography bases including editing tutorials, POV walkalongs and camera gear. He’s an excellent videographer and his channel in itself is an education in how good storytelling and video editing can give further power to how we discuss photography. Herring also offers guides to shooting in specific locations, like Yellowstone National Park, for example.
Lucy Luman
Turning to modern terminology, Lucy Luman’s channel is straight up vibes; her thumbnails slap. Beyond a wonderful aesthetic is a world of knowledge coming from someone who has been in front and behind the camera. Luman shares anything from how to pose models, photography on a budget and fun ways to improve your photography skills.
Justine (badsloucher)
I’ve been subscribed to Justine’s channel for a while now. Honestly, she makes really relaxing content that ticks two boxes; it talks about what I love and is also very calming. Justin is no stranger to taking her audience on photowalks, creating travel photo vlogs and discussing what gear is currently floating her photographic boat.
Them Frames
I dip in and out of YouTube. The plan is to be most consistent this year and deliver a range of content that aims to inspire, educate and help photographers make informed choices in how they invest their money into practicing photography.
Signing Off
When you consider things like the US TikTok ban and Google’s ever-changing algorithm, the likelihood is we will see more photographers pivot to YouTube. It’s simply a platform; some will create good content and others, not so good.
What is certain is that you’ll find excellent photographers in the space. Photographers that offer value to the community and can help others in all areas of the craft. It’s best to stop using “YouTube Photographer” as some form of modern-day put down.
You can still turn to photography blogs and other written content. That’s still certainly popular and an excellent way of consuming photography. But, it’s also good to open your mind to relatively new ways of photographic coverage.
And, instead of putting in energy into bringing people down, use that energy for your photographic journey and development. You - and everyone else — will certainly feel the benefits.
What do you think of the YouTube photographer hate? Which photo-centric YouTube channels do you watch? Let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading.
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