Why I Stopped Taking Photos

I haven’t taken photos for 30 days. In fact, I’m 100% sure that this is the longest I’ve gone without making photos for 11 years. It’s been weird.
With Portugal in full lockdown, I don’t feel like it’s really right for me to be out taking pictures - even if I was allowed.
On today’s video, I just want to talk a little bit about why I stopped taking photos. I also want to dive into a bit of discussion about whether it’s OK to go out and take pictures during lockdown. Honestly, it’s a conversation I hope we can stop having in a couple of months. I’m ready for lockdowns to be over. I’m ready to be back to travel and taking photos.

[PeterGallagher]

It's good to let people know that we introverts need social interactions, we just don't seek them out. Hang in there and I see you on the next one.

[RamonLinares]

I think I have taken more pictures this last year than ever... I try to go out for a walk as many times as I can and I always bring the camera with me. I ended up creating a special instagram account and publishing videos in YouTube. I decided to learn how to edit during 2020 and I am still on it. I hope that when we are able to travel again I will be much more prepared than before.

[nosambawhcs]

Im an amateur, only been taking photos a lil more than 2 years, but for the last year Ive used going out and taking photos as a method of therapy. I go out alone, and I interact with a very minimal number of people. Been a good way to break the cabin fever occasionally.

[toniereeves]

Maybe it's just me, or the area I live in. I wont stay in my house, and wont be locked down. I live in a rural area, when i go out i have tons of places to go where i wont see a soul, even if i do, i dont care. They tried locking us down, our governor said we can go out for exercise, i went camping, hiking, swimming, and did everything i usually do. I can't imagine living somewhere where cops will pull you over for beimg outside...

[stuffbyneilsmith]

Last Saturday I went out in my village to do a sunrise photo, I knew the location and walking route to take. I did take my full kit and I did it for 2 reasons. 1, I hadn't been out of the house for exercise of any kind for about 2 months. 2, my mental health was affecting me so I knew I had to do something that I enjoyed to do. That was photography. In the end I got 2 decent shots but I didn't care if I didn't get any because I was helping myself out mentally and physically.

No-one gave me any funny looks or questioned why I had a large backpack on. The only damage was to my arca swiss clamp which broke when my tripod fell over as it was a bit windy (I had the camera in my hand).

[peggytravels]

I live in southern Florida and we are not on a major lockdown. Our beaches are open with social distance. Our restaurants are open with 50% seating capacity.

[richardoses]

Here’s a caviat to the exercise rule. What about if as a rule of thumb you wouldn’t normally go for exercise but your mental health is suffering being locked down and by going out with your camera as an excuse to go for a walk, you are improving the state of your mental health. You’re doing your best to remain distanced from other people whilst you’re outdoors and being sensible.

[claudius]

The issue is not people going out and taking photos, especially if you're by yourself on a deserted beach, or even in a deserted city. The issue is with people mingling and not respecting physical distancing in closed spaces. I drive on Saturday mornings my wife to the hospital (she's a doctor) so I take the opportunity to photograph the deserted City of London. It's both for my sanity, photography has kept me sane throughout this period, but also for exercise, since I walk at least 5-6 miles in those 3-4 hours.

[scottman]

I remember a few years ago when you also said that if you could only travel or do photography that you would choose travel in a heartbeat. I can definitely understand why you haven't gone out to take pictures in the past month which is perfectly OK. I'm glad to see that things are getting much better in Portugal. Cases have been dropping like crazy here in the US which is giving me a lot of hope for 2021. I know you will be back out taking pictures, going on adventures, and hosting workshops again very soon!

[keithdriverphotography]

Video made me smile, pleased you finally put one out. In regards to lock down it's what you make of it. Not being able to hit the mountains of Scotland and the Lakes could have fried my noddle. Instead i have completely focused on my core fitness. Used the time to work out and do cardio so i am better set to climb my mountains when it all ends. 8Kg lighter and my heart is stronger. Picked up a mini camper van i will be working on over the coming weeks to extend my trips.... Bottom line, i have spent the down time improving myself to better be able to do what i love.

[markburton]

I’ve been doing the same walks for months now. In the last week nature is starting to awaken. It’s amazing to see.

[classicmamma]

Great too see you back! Sit down chats are great, and so are the videos of you wandering the streets making photos. I always enjoy your content. Stay safe, and be happy!

[RickyBatista]

I hope that the government is paying all these people over not to work. Here in the US they claim things to be shut down but people still go to work. People need to survive. But hey if they are sending you a check every month for you guys to survive then keep chilling. I think those European restrictions are just insane. How many people are actually following it? Hope things get better for you man. That has to be extremely frustrating.

[LynneLuxonJonesphotography]

Great to see you back again description is so accurate, me to a tee !
The vilification on SM of photographers going out with tripods was crazy when lockdown 1st started, not been quite so bad this time possibly because everyone is weary .
I use the camera as a reason for exercise ( I don't like going for walks) so it's been a struggle, like you I use vlogging as a prop to keep me same & feel less alone.
Hey, it'll get better, it has to & I look forward to whatever content you feel happy to put out ...I may not comment much but I always watch 👍

[amyverhague]

You are so on point on being an introvert, I feel the same way!

[theresarice]

I've been loving lockdowns and worry about having to interact with others after it's over.

[larsjuhljensen]

The situation is thankfully a lot simpler here in Denmark: While restaurants, bars, schools, and non-essential shops are closed and many of us have worked from home for almost a year by now (!), we have no rule against going outdoors. What is not allowed is to gather in groups. So as long you're on your own, it really does not matter if you're out to exercise, out to take photos, or out just to see that there are in fact still other people in this world. It seems more sensible to me — as long as people are not gathering, there is no risk what-so-ever in them being outdoors.

[pedropulido]

I'm a portuguese photographer who's also depends on travel photography tourism (touring with groups) and selling prints. I absolutely understand your predicament and stand in the same position. As an alternative for income, I've turned to product and portrait photography and have been connecting with professionals from this world to try and get more work. A lot of businesses have weak quality images on their websites, be it food photography for restaurants selling delivery&take away, jewelry for online shops, or clothing brands wanting content for Instagram.
I live in Porto and I'm aware I have more opportunities here than in Lagos, but i''m pretty sure you have some opportunities throughout the algarve and alentejo!

Best of luck, hang in there. Hopefully things will improve in the near future.

[larob]

Hi Brandon, great to have you back, empathise with what you say as like you I haven’t been out with my camera much either. Your comment about “looking like a tourist” made me smile as I recall feeling the same when we came out to Spain a few years back, wait until you’ve been in Portugalanother year you’ll be wearing winter coats like the natives I guarantee. Keep safe.

[sassytbc]

Brendan.. good to see you. As a semi-beginner there is nothing that you’ve made a video about has been helpful to me. You have a style of teaching that makes sense to me. Others are good as well, it when I their techniques I cannot without my notes. When you teach I just remember what to do. Thank you so much.