Out of a rut to full-time landscape photographer
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- I've been a bit nervous about this video but I've always tried to keep my videos & photography personal and honest, so this episode is no different. My background, previous experiences, injury, bad times, good times and Meg are fundamental to my landscape and woodland photography - right down to where I shoot, what I see and how I capture it, so I figured it was important to share the journey in a nutshell. Trust me, it's been far from easy, but CZcams and the support on other platforms has enabled me to make this leap and hopefully I'll have enough luck to make it work and change my life in a very positive way.
Thank you again for your support and I hope you stick around to see what happens next! We're fast approaching autumn and I can't wait :-)
► WORKSHOPS & PRINTS
baxter.photos/
► INSTAGRAM
/ baxter.photos
► MY GEAR
Please consider supporting my work and help me to produce more content by using the affiliate links on my gear list webpage:
baxter.photos/...
► NEWSLETTER
eepurl.com/cAy2rv
#simonbaxter #landscapephotography #megbaxter
UPDATE 19th Aug: "Wow, your responses and support have been terrific! Thank you very much! I'm still very busy running workshops but I'm replying to as many comments as and when I can. Many thanks for sharing your own stories and kind words!!"
It makes me a bit nervous to put myself out here like this, so go easy ;-) However, I'm sure some of you can relate to this and if just one person feels inspired to go out there and take pictures to make themselves feel better, then it's worth it! Thanks again, you've been amazing! Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments.
Please see the links in the description for my exhibition and prints. Oh, I forgot to mention - I'll be presenting at a speaking event in early September (see link in description).
Much respect Simon, keep up the good work and scratch Meg just behind the ears for me please.
Thank you for sharing. I find a day walking in the woods taking photos brings so much joy, even if I don't get a great image. I have always loved that you explain what attracted you to take the photo. Meg is always a plus.
It's touching to watch a honest vlog like that. I know what you mean with meg, I got one of my dogs when I was really struggling with my mental health and she got me out and about, sadly my dogs are now with my ex wife but I find getting out with the camera just helps keep my head clearer.
I might've missed it if you mentioned it, but was it a mountain biking injury? I've heard several injury stories from mountain biking and it's also the only time I've come very close to serious injury, and each story sorta makes me hesitant to continue it, or at least keep it toned down.
Simon. A bit off topic, but consider trying out sleeping in a hammock without spreaders. I was born with a mild scoliosis and spent years in the US military carrying tons of gear in a backpack. I've suffered for decades with a sore and painful back. While it seems counter-intuitive, sleeping in a hammock spreads pressure points over your entire body and actually gently stretches the spine. I've been without pain for 2 years now!
You have transformed your pain into the passion for your craft and the images reflect the mood and depth of your emotions. You deserve success and all credit to Meg, what a companion!
Simon thank you for sharing your journey and your courage to show your vulnerability which makes you real and authentic which for me is the reason I love your photography and appreciate your channel. So my respect and I am honored to have the opportunity to tag along with your and Meg's future adventures.
Thank you very much, Aad! The honour is mine!
'It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts,as for that subtle something, that qualityof air that emanation from old trees that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.' Robert Louis Stevenson Straight from the heart. Cheers. go for it !!
So glad to hear it’s all working out for you Simon. Your wicked photography aside - woodland, woofs, walking and wildlife make a wonderful wellness recipe! Long may it continue, I really love watching you and Meg on your adventures :)
Thank you very much, Martin! Always appreciated!
I won't bore with the whole story I can tell you I can totally relate. The forests are so very healing and can totally change your life. You, Thomas and David have been a huge source of inspiration for me and no doubt countless others. Thank you for sharing your story and your wonderful videos.
Many thanks for your supportive words, Sharon!
Lovely video. You are so right to keep it personal as many of your viewers can relate and appreciate your determination and the wonderful results for your mental and physical health. As a person who owned a mental health clinic and encouraged others to find what you have I know how much this has transformed your life. Thanks for sharing your life and beautiful imagery with your audience.
I always find it fascinating what motivates other photographers and artists in general. Great story and congratulations on being a full-time photographer.
I wait for each of your videos. I admit I do not log on each video, Your story has helped me content with pain, both in the neck and back, but at 82 I've come to live with the pain. Photography has been my way. Thank you for your journey in photography and your beautiful videos. Good luck in your new adventure as a pro, your one of the best. Hug for Meg who make me smile with her water shows.
Thank you for sharing. You have touched me deeply with this video. I have felt many of the same things. Photography means many things to me including a way to silence my mind and the world around me. I’m a big fan of your work and videos, you are an inspiration to me.
That's very kind of you to say, Lindsey. Thank you :-)
Simon, your vulnerability and fragility show up in your highly emotional photographs. You chose the hard path of emotionality in nature as you yourself have experienced in your own life. You have achieved what few artists can, staying humble and sensitive to the world around you which costs a great deal from an ego standpoint. I admire you and the choices you have made to stay open to hardship and the honorable essence of it so skillfully demonstrated in your intuitive photography.
That's very kind of you to say, Robert. I certainly tried to stay true to my word and I'm pleased that it shows. Many thanks!
Very happy for you that you're able to focus on something you love and that we love too. Our four-legged family members always bring love and joy into our lives, and for you, Meg was your starting point into the world of pro photography. Meg sure was (and still is!) a cutie! Thank you for always being your authentic self and sharing that with all of us. We're all cheering you on!
Thank you, as always, for your kind support, Sarah :)
WOW! What a beautiful, uplifting, encouraging story Simon. A fantastic example of turning a negative into a postitive. Well done to you fella. Love, light and peace x
Knew from the moment I saw your work that I wanted to meet you someday. And I'm glad we found the time!
But more importantly, I knew you'd make it in photography. Doing it for all the right reasons and with all the right motivations mate. Keep. It. Up!
That's very kind and much appreciated, matey. I hope we get the chance to shoot together again :)
I can relate to this in a big way. I didn't have a physical injury, but severe anxiety and depression. Photography has become a reason to get up and get out, and to be able to do the things I love again which is being in nature. Thanks for videos Simon, really helps to hear about others going through their own struggles.
Glad you're feeling better- photography and art is food for the soul!! Love your woodland photography- it's so moody and driven by light! Absolutely wonderful stuff.
Yep....Dogs are great healers. I had my own pain, emotional with the loss of my wife from cancer, but my two dogs gave me a reason to carry on. They were there for me and demanded my attention and took me away from my pain. Totally with you
Simon, you are brilliant and your work is wonderful. Thanks, as always, for sharing who you are and the story of your journey. You are inspiring for your work and also for your honesty, both professional and personal.
The internet baffles me sometimes, how there can be even 2 (at the time of writing) people sad enough to click dislike on a video including a warm, uplifting, honest and personal story. Great work Simon and all the best with your new chapter.
Thank you very much, Andy! You can now make that 21 sad people ;-)
Inspirational and honest; and another great video. Especially warming was the way the sun came out as you were talking - almost as if nature itself resonated to your story. Never stop doing what you enjoy.
from one bad back to another having also been an avid mountain biker photography has also helped me out a ton physically and mentally so thank you so much for promoting this way of therapy it really is a life changer and i truly hope that plenty of people take what you've expressed and do the same again huge thanks
I'm sorry to hear you're always in pain, but I'm so glad you found a getaway which makes you forget your daily struggles. When you're out an about making videos, your passion really comes across. Your videos are always a joy to watch!
Oh, and these box sets look neat too!
Hi Simon, Big fan of your work. Love that you've been able to transition into landscape photography full-time. This is a really big deal for many of us who watch hoping to bring some of that magic into our own lives. All the very best, Anil
Wow, just wow. To hear your story is just great. You have been a real inspiration for me. I love your style of photography and just like Thomas Heaton and Brendan VonSon I feel like you are a regular guy with lots of skills. Please stay strong and continue to give our community your beautiful pictures and how to video's. You have no idea how you, Thomas and Brendan have changed my life for the better. Thanks. I hope you have a great rest of the year.
Awesome video Simon, thank you so much for sharing and letting us into your world a bit more. Exercise and photography are my ‘go to’ for escaping life and recharging the batteries, so landscape photography, for me, is the perfect tonic. Always feel at peace upon my return. All the best mate.
Thanks for sharing your story, Simon. You have a very pleasant and humble demeanor that makes watching your videos enjoyable.
Good on you Simon. You thoroughly deserve to be a professional photographer.
Thank you for posting this video. So many people out there are suffering with their own pains so it is great to see you turn it on it's head and come out fighting in such a spectacular way to give inspiration to us all.
The moment the Sun shines when you say how you focussed the negativity into you photography and how positive you now are, a lovely moment. Super video Simon👍🏻
I can totally relate to this Simon. Discovering a love for photography has helped me cope with depression for the last 12 months. Just being out with my camera has proved a great distraction from sitting at home dwelling on all the "problems" in my life. Thanks for sharing this and I'm loving what I'm seeing so far. Great, helpful videos 👍
What a very enjoyable video...as always :D It was nice of you to share a bit of your life so we can see how you got to where you are now. Photography has helped me greatly throughout the years as well, getting me of the ruts that seem to be along my path from time to time. It's really wonderful that you were able to get out of yours and turn it into something so wonderful that we all now can enjoy. Meg is a great addition as she seems to be so full of spunk, leading the path as you go along. She's a great companion for your outings. Thanks for making these videos and your photography. I look forward to what the future brings!
Thank you very much for your kind words and sentiments. Much appreciated :)
Simon, you are an inspiration to all who follow you. Thank you for being so honest regarding your personal problems. I always look forward to
and enjoy your vlogs. Best regards to Meg!
Thanks Simon for such an honest and insightful view into the origins of your photography and your motivation. I came across your channel over a year ago and was immediately blown away with your style and approach to woodland and landscape photography. For me They are always inspirational. I wish you every success in the future. Keep em coming Adam, thank you
Simon, this video is absolutely fantastic. I know it's an older one, but it's worth noting that this type of content is very much appreciated and inspiring people, even a few years later. As someone who has started to feel in a rut in my career in tech, photography is becoming more and more of an escape and outlet. Also, like you, my dog is also my primary assistant. ;-)
Thank you for posting this.
Thank you very much, Devin. I really appreciate your kind feedback :)
Thanks Simon for sharing your story with us, and your passion for making beautiful images. Congratulations on the move to full time landscape photography - I wish you every success!
'Going out there...being genuine.' Words to live by. Thank you Simon! Inspirational as always. Glad you two ended up in the car - yikes lightning storm!
A very heartfelt video Simon and it’s amazing to see you make the transition to full time professional and a privilege to see your journey through the channel. The quality of your images stand out and your easy going style. Looking forwards to seeing you continue to grow, and hopefully see you on a workshop next year!
Wow! What a great honest video Simon. You and are a real inspiration to all of us, loving Photography. It´s always so relaxing to see Meg jumping around happily with you.
Btw those shots you did that day was good. Liked the one with the Tree and the dark clouds very much.
No idea how many characters youtube will afford me her. Simon, I can't thank you enough. I've recently undergone very invasive brain surgury. And I am no longer the person. I was. You have been an inspiration to me in my drive to photograph nature and my small town. You e taught me to. Be still and thoughtful with my compositions. Find a quiet place in what's left of my mind. Thsnk you for your kind disposition. And non-judgemental or gimmicky teaching process. Your channel is very approachable. You are a great teacher. Thsnk you.
Just a line to wish all the very best in your new adventure. I enjoy your work and viewing your videos, not only the photography part but watching Meg roaming the countryside whilst you're trying to work. Look forward to seeing more work and videos.
Thanks for the honest video, I believe many of us share similar stories about how photography helped us after life changing experiences. I look forward to watching your journey and watching many more videos.
Thanks for being so open and sharing more of your journey and thoughts with us Simon. Just the motivation and inspiration I needed right now. Thank you!
Thanks to Adele, Meg and landscape photography for rejuvenating you and allowing you to share your creativity with us. I learn a lot from your work, and enjoy watching the exploits of Meg! Keep up the great work and congratulations on your new venture as a full time photographer. I'd love to support you by coming to your exhibition, but, alas, North Carolina is a long commute to the show! Hope it goes well, and I'll take a look at your box sets.
Many thanks for your kind words, Martin! Always appreciated :)
I can completely relate to your story. I lost my career because of my health and chronic pain. Photography for me came about because I needed to learn how to take good photos to work on a cookbook I wanted to write. I could no longer cook professionally so I was trying to find a way to hold onto my passion. But I discovered through photography that photography is in fact a passion and a way for me to express my creativity. It felt the same way cooking does. When I go out to shoot my pain melts away, time melts away. I'm just getting started but one day I will be a fine art photographer and chronic pain is what I can owe that new dream and life focus to. Thank you for sharing!
Great personal story Simon, not dark but inspirational thank you for your openness, its good to know you over came your injury through photography and have now turned your passion into your career. I love your images with the mist and cloud and the videos featuring Meg. The images with trees in mist have a wonderful moody feel to them, it makes me want to go out and find some forest or bush to take a wander through. Maybe I'll take a camera... Your site has become one of my favourites to learn from and enjoy the images.
Thank you.
Peter.
What super news for us, Simon! That was a moving and perfectly appropriate video to introduce your decision and all the good things that will flow from it. Thank you very much.
Yet another great vlog mate. It's always great to hear the personal stories behind the why's and therefore's, particularly in this day and age when everyone is self-absorbed and pretentious. Glad both you and Meg didn't get zapped!
Infinitely beautiful, infinitely exciting!! A true artist of nature. Congratulations and thanks.
Simon, Thanks for sharing your story with everyone 👍 You are a very good landscape photographer and have great technique. I wish you all the success in your future endeavors and adventures. I hope we will see many more vlog's of you and Meg's in the future and those beautiful woodland photos 😂
Thank you very much, Richard!
It takes a lot to step out and reveal oneself and the story behind the story. Appreciation and respect for you sharing that with us. You're going to make it in this business as you see it first as the appreciation for your subject and not the sales. Sales are important but if it's not in your soul the photography is lost. Thanks for the continuing photographic information you share, and yes, I'll be watching. Best to you and Meg.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, your journey and your passion for photography. It makes a big difference in lives across the world when you share on CZcams. I'm here in San Diego CA, with precious few woodlands to explore in the parched southern California desert, but I'm inspired to explore, photograph, and use photography to enrich my life and tell a story about the environment. All the best!
I've always appreciated your honesty about your mental and physical health issues. I really enjoy your attitude to photography and your interest in woodlands and details.
Out of all the bad has come a man who now has become renowned “ Woodland” Photographer. I hear your name and mention your name frequently on CZcams. I wish you all the best for the future Simon.
I can identify with photography and back pain. As for Meg well she is just the steels the show on every video.
Very much appreciated, Nicky! Thank you!
To start a new journey one must take the first step. Simon I think we are all for you succeeding, great job.
What a wonderful story. I started nature photography as medicine for burn out. So healing! May you find complete recovery eventually!
Many thanks, David. Much appreciated!
Thanks for sharing your background Simon I always enjoy seeing people doing what they love so a hugh well done. I've followed your channel for a while and a lot of your work is breath taking so please continue what your doing, thanks too for the inspiration to improve my own efforts which so far has been an enjoyable journey, wishing you all the best my friend.
Congratulations Simon and good luck with your future career. You truly are an inspiration to us all.
PS Off you go round to the butchers and buy Meg a great big bone - she deserves all the rewards you can give her !!
Great job as always Simon!! So happy you are following your passion and sharing it with us.......
Thank you for your videos and your genuine and honest approach to both your photography and the challenges you have faced. You really are an inspiration. I look forward to continuing to follow you through this next stage in your work.
Really happy that you can do the things you like and are good for your health. Looking forward to more videos of you and Meg!
Aw that’s a great story Simon. I have a similar one. I used to kayak, Mtn bike, hike, lift weights, ride a motorcycle, and more until 2010 when some strange neck, shoulder, and skeletal problems started to occur. It took me 5 years of hell to find out what was wrong with me and I ended up doing medical retirement from my sit down gov’t job. After being treated like crap by many Canadian doctors and being judged by my weight gain from being unable to be active, I finally found an excellent doctor that “got” me. I wrote him a long letter to explain who I was and could he take me on. After reading my letter he was happy to have me as a client. I had just gotten into digital photography in 2014 and that was my salvation and did for me what it did for you. If you can believe it, my Dr is into photography too. Now that I am getting better, my Dr visits are almost just chats, catch ups, and sharing pictures and photography stories. 😄 It’s amazing how many people I’ve met that have said photography has saved their life. Cheers!
Hi Tanner! Many thanks for your kind comment and sharing your journey. It's great to hear that you found a solution and that photography has been an integral part of the journey!
Simon Baxter Hi Simon and thank you for the reply. Love your work. See you in the next video 🙂
i feel ya tanner. i used to run races, lift and do those mud run obstacle courses. i had a grade 2 bilateral calf strain. i was down for months. i gained weight and missed out. i just started getting back out there. now i'm a hiking and camping and photo fool. lol
Teresa Sounds good before and sounds good now. Life’s twists and turns. We never know where it’s going to take us. Glad you are doing good again and have found some new passions. 🙂
I am going to be 50, going to close my business, i pick up my long old hobbit landscape photography, and going to set myself up to hiking, i was sick and feel weak last year, just like you i have a border collie dog and it really push me to go away from the house, your story very helpful for many people, best wish to everyone.
Hi Simon,
you're really unique what you do and you're great at it. I love your videos. I hope to visit Scotland sometime soon. You're source of inspiration. Also I am really fond of Meg, it's such a delight watching you too out there.
Take care and best wishes,
Jan
Congratulations Simon. Great story. Im so delighted you are following your hearts desire. You will never regret it. I look forward to following your journey. Love your work and videos - and Meg! Very inspirational. Best wishes.
Way to go Simon! Very courageous to share all of that, however, I think you are right that people relate to your story. Sometimes photography fills a gap in ones life. I know it did for me. So I can relate. So keep on keeping on as they say, and I will continue to enjoy your excellent videos and photography!
Great episode Simon! I'm glad to see you making it with your incredible photography. I can definitely relate to your pain, as I'm a disabled navy veteran, and when I got injured in the military, my life (as I knew it then) was totally over. It took a long time for me to build myself back up both physically and mentally, and luckily I made my own photography business (and now CZcams) happen. Never would have thought it'd turn out like this, but stoked that it did. Congrats on your success, both in business and in overcoming your personal struggles, it's beyond well deserved!
Thank you very much for your kind comments and it's great to hear that you also turned your injuries into something positive. Best of luck to you!
Thank you for sharing your story. Many of us (including me) can no longer work a full time desk job due to injuries, so relating to your past problems is not so difficult. Other injuries and age have sidelined me from certain activities also; photography helps. You inspire us to keep on going. And of course Meg the Wonder Dog is always fun to watch!
Many thanks, Gisele. Sorry to hear you've also struggling but I'm pleased to hear that photography helps!
Simon, your videos and images are so wonderful--so happy to know you have found your way!
Simon.. Your words of inspiration,I am glad you took a leap of faith.
I had a crush type hand injury, nearly 3 yrs ago now. I used to enjoy aviation photography.I am now unable to do this fully.
It has taken nearly 2 years, to be able to pick up and hold my camera, let alone have the dexterity in my fingers to operate it's controls.
Keep up the great vlogs.
Sorry to hear of your troubles but glad you're improving! Many thanks.
Great video Simon . You have the willpower, enthusiasm & most of all, the Talent to make a successful Landscape Photographer. I wish you all the best in your endeavours 👍🏼✅ Keep up the good work!! 👍🏼😊 Love Your Photos & Meg 😉
Thanks for opening up about your health issues and the turn around to doing something positive about your passion for photography. Good luck
GoPro harness for Meg 👍👍 interesting B roll 😂 box sets look great 👍
so good idea
Great insight. Very brave of you to put out personal issues which will give confidence to others in their own personal issues. There is a way out, light at the end of the tunnel. You are an inspiration to us all.
Thanks for sharing your story Simon. Glad to hear how photography has helped to get you to a better place physically and emotionally. A lot of us can relate to that in our own way. Best of luck in your new venture as a full time photographer. I'm sure you'll be successful based on the passion you have for the craft.
Great story Simon, just watching Meg makes me feel good! All the Best!
Awesome, Simon! No words, I really loved your work by the first time I saw it, and it makes me feel good that you're going to work as a full time photographer and really happy about it!
Much of your story resonates with me. Fellow chronic pain sufferer who's life got turned upside down. Totally relate to the WFH syndrome and mental state. The power of being outdoors in nature is awesome, it relaxes and distracts. Photography is a great motivator for getting out. Good luck with your journey.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I got into photography for the sake of my mental health, and it's made a wonderful difference but also brought me into a fantastic community. I connect with your moody images because that's what I tend towards as well. You produce some stunning work, so congrats on being able to make the leap to full time.
Much appreciated, Ben! All the best to you.
Thank you for being so open. Congrats on the full time photog bit as well, I am so excited for you. Been watching since the start - it's always so enjoyable to watch. Great work!
Wow, that goes to show again, you never know what a person is going through or what is happening in their lives. Thank you for telling your story. I am glad things are better for you now. I stumbled on to your channel at the start of your CZcams journey. I have been watching ever since. Looking forward to a lot more great videos. Good luck on your photography / CZcams journey. I am one of your biggest fans.
I always have enjoyed your videos. I also enjoyed your website. Your passion and skill as a photographer shines through both venues.
Thanks for sharing that Simon great story good luck for the future I'm sure you and Meg will go onwards and upwards.
Great video Simon. Love the back (no pun intended) story to your own photographic journey and congratulations on establishing yourself full time. Please keep the videos coming as your woodland work is utterly inspiring. All the best, Huw
With you all the way Simon. Love your videos and your images.
It great to see that found something else that makes you happy. It’s as great inspiration for others that even if one chapter of your life ends doesn’t mean the next chapter won’t be as good or if not better then the last. Keep up the amazing videos! I watch everyone of the videos no matter what the topic is I want to be a landscape photography one day!!
I love watching your videos Simon, Glad to hear it is working for you and we will benefit from you being full time also - Win Win for all, thanks for sharing and good luck for the future.
Thank you for sharing your story Simon ! So inspiring.....Just love your videos and Meg....Best wishes!
I've always enjoyed videos Simon and now I will enjoy them with a huge dose of Respect.... thanks and best wishes
All the best to you and Meg. You're a terrific photographer & your journey is inspiring. Keep up the good work Sir.
Apart from the great photos you take, you seem to be a truly nice guy, Simon. A good person. You are right, these things that are important to you and that motivated you in the first place do come through. And many people relate to them.
Lol regarding the windows. Well done mate, people will love the honesty and personality. Chapeau.
A great video Simon. Thanks for all the effort you've put in over the last few years and I'm glad it's all working out for you.
Great story. Glad to hear things are working out for you. This is one of my favorite videos of yours. Keep them coming!
Love your channel. Looking forward to more regular videos. Your countryside is such a contrast to where I live in North Queensland Australia. Your relationship with Meg is heartwarming 🙂
This was moving and exciting in equal measure Simon. Congratulations for finding such a wonderful path from something that sounds so hard. You’re an inspiring chap!
Amazing and inspiring story, Simon! Much appreciate your sharing!
I can't believe we have the same problem Chronic Pain, I started with chronic pain back in 1996 with an issue with my right foot back in 2011 February 28th the NHS gave me a bad back, absolutely more CHRONIC PAIN and with it I struggle so much, I love photography but with all the meds I take that mess with ur head it's very hard to do anything let alone photography, I wish I knew ur secret. On a different note a very good video I am a subscriber and I also love Mr Thomas Heaton. I wish I could talk to you privately and who knows it might help, I envy you immensely you have no idea how this video has lifted my spirits. Chronic pain is the worst affliction ever 24/7. For what it's worth my name is Chris and you are an inspiration. God bless you.
Many of us in the photography community have similar stories. It's wonderful you've shared your struggle and journey -- it gives the rest of us hope and inspiration. Cheers!
EXACTLY the same here... thank you sincerely for the uploads!
Thank you for sharing your story Simon. You produce some fantastic content in your videos and I’m sure your new career as a full time landscape photographer will go from strength to strength. Look forward to seeing a lot more from you and Meg.
Thank you very much, Craig :)
Onwards and upwards sir..... Enjoying your journey of positivity and woodland passion
This is a great video. It makes me very happy to hear this story - really, that's not just a form of words as it does a lot for my well being to hear you recount this. You have an excellent manner in front of the camera - which arises from your deeply likeable character. I love your photography, your vlog - and Meg. Well done, really.
Very much appreciated - thank you!