If you’re thinking of sharing your photography knowledge on YouTube, there’s a lot to consider. What is it that you win, and what might be your losses? Certainly, there will be both. In his recent video, Steve O’Nions shares his thoughts on what it’s like to put your photography on YouTube. He dives into the pros and cons of sharing your work and adventures online, based on his years of experience. So, if you’re a photographer thinking about starting a YouTube channel, Steve’s perspective can help you weigh the decision.
The cons
Steve starts with several disadvantages of becoming a YouTube photographer.
1. A distraction from still photography
Steve highlights one of the biggest challenges of being a YouTube photographer: dividing your focus. You’re out there trying to shoot an amazing landscape or street scene, and you’re also faffing about with video equipment,” he says. This juggling act can compromise the quality of your still photography. While there are strategies to minimize the distraction, like filming first and then focusing on stills, there’s no denying that capturing video adds complexity – especially when you’re just starting out.
2. Contradictions and criticism
Creating content over a long time inevitably leads to contradicting yourself. As Steve notes, “If you do enough videos over a long enough period, you’re bound to say something that contradicts an earlier statement.” This can expose you to sharp-eyed viewers who might challenge your credibility, especially if they perceive commercial motives behind changing opinions.
3. The “YouTuber” label
For those who see themselves as serious photographers, being called a “YouTuber” can feel dismissive. As Steve explains, people might tell you that you only do this “for getting likes and subscribers,” and it won’t sound nice. While this stereotype isn’t always fair, it can sting if your main focus is on photography rather than creating content for its own sake.
The pros
Hey, don’t let those cons ward you off sharing your knowledge. Here are some of the advantages Steve shares of becoming a photographer who also creates YouTube videos.
1. A personal photo diary
One of the main reasons Steve started on YouTube was to document his trips and adventures. Video provides a richer way to preserve memories than still photos alone. “I like to watch back certain videos because they remind me of those days more so than the still image,” he shares. Even if you eventually stop sharing content publicly, the act of recording remains a deeply personal and rewarding practice.
2. Developing discipline and professionalism
Filming for YouTube can push you to be more disciplined. “Before I did YouTube, I’d sometimes think, ‘Can I be bothered getting out of the car today?’” Steve recalls. “Now, I feel like I have a job to do.” If you crave structure, this could be a nudge that you’re looking for. For Steve, this sense of purpose ensures he captures more still images but also builds a professional mindset that spills over into all aspects of his photography.
3. Encouragement to shoot in challenging conditions
Bad weather often results in the most dramatic photos, but it’s also the kind of weather that tempts you to stay inside. Steve credits his YouTube work with motivating him to head out regardless. “Bad weather makes good photos,” he explains, adding that some of his best work came from days he might have skipped if he hadn’t been filming.
So, should you become a YouTube photographer?
Steve concludes with advice for anyone considering YouTube. While the challenges are real, the rewards can be worth it. If you’re curious, Steve encourages giving it a try. And if you don’t like it – you can always quit and go back to doing photography only. Make sure to watch his video for some examples and longer explanations, and hopefully, it will help you get the clarity you need before staring off (or not) your own YouTube journey.
[The Pro’s & Con’s of Being a YouTube Photographer | Steve O’Nions]
