The Burden of YouTube
Toward the end of February was the last time I published a video on YouTube. The silence since is a marked departure from the normal three videos created every month. Since then there have been many inquiries asking when I will start posting videos on YouTube again. I don’t want to say never but it does feel that way. I started making videos thinking it might be fun. And I stopped when it wasn’t.
Making videos, even with the simple approach I employed, takes time to create. It meant having an idea of something to say before the ride, a rough plan for the footage needed, some mental practice regarding what I would say while riding, and then editing it into something tolerable to watch.
An unexpected audience built around the videos. Larger than twenty years of publishing blog posts. A friend asked if the audience size mattered, if the monthly check from YouTube mattered, if I was enjoying myself? And the answers were “No.”
I create things for myself. To unravel chaotic thoughts and situations, to explore the questions that rattle in my head. If others find enjoyment or utility in them that’s gravy, but not the goal
So for now I’ve put YouTube on hiatus.
The Blog
It took a couple years with sparse attention to the blog to realize a couple things. First, I can’t blog and make videos. And second, writing (and blogging) has more value for me. I like to write and it is easier to figure things out on the page than through making a video. And it is far easier to shoot still pictures during a ride than video. Shooting videos took more away from the ride than I was willing to give.
So now I am posting here every Monday and Friday morning. A goal and rhythm that works for me.
Returning to Film
There’s more time to ride, write, hang out with friends, play with the dogs, bother my wife, and generally live a more expansive existence. And still have time for more. And almost out of no where I’ve started shooting film again and getting my darkroom going. There’s some maintenance necessary on my sink so for now I’m sending film to The Darkroom to be processed and scanned. Eventually I’ll be doing everything here.
After years of using a digital camera I forgot how different the experience is when shooting film. With no screen to instantly evaluate the image, and a clear understanding that there is a real cost to pressing the shutter button, I find myself working more deliberately. I pay attention to what I see, how I compose, and whether I decide to shoot the picture. With a digital camera the process can be almost mindless in a “spray and pray” way.
The Tools
So far I am using a Pentax MX SLR 35mm camera with a variety of lenses. I’ve been shooting Kodak Tri-X black & white film and am happy with the results. Just carrying the camera around and noticing the details of my life.
And I have an Intrepid 5×7 view camera standing by for something I have in mind when the weather is right. And the darkroom is ready to go.
Future Projects
When I retired I made an outline for a book I wanted to right. Fifteen chapters for something that’s part riding memoir and part sharing some of the lessons I’ve learned over the past 20 years on the road. I’m currently working on chapter 7. With YouTube set aside I have more time for a project like this.
And eventually I would like to do something with the photos I’ve made.
And that’s the way it is with me in Central Pennsylvania. A little older but the road ahead looks open.
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I have the same feelings about youtube. I’ve had a channel for quite some time and I have been on and off again with posting videos. I do it for fun and I have met many new friends in person from that channel. That alone made it worth while. I still publish videos occasionally, but I figure my kids and grandkids will have some videos of my life. Love the photos! I have a Pentax Spotmatic that my father bought while in Vietnam! I had it cleaned, adjusted, etc many years ago, It is loaded, but I haven’t had it out in over a year. Be safe, happy shooting!
I welcome the change! I did get adjusted to the videos eventually, but I still always preferred the blog. I guess it’s just my preference as a words person. And I might even get that book now that I’ve been lusting after for years! Good luck and happy blogging!
I have long admired Takumar lenses and though my first 35mm camera was a Miranda, the subsequent Spotmatic 500 was the fave. I later worked as a still photographer at a TV Station and most of my initial work was carried out with a Pentax 6X7 kit and though that lump was a tad unwieldy for handheld editorial material, I loved those lenses too. Glad to hear the blog is back and I understand the video thing only too well. I moved from still photography to Television News and Current Affairs videography and understand the work involved in producing a cohesive item for broadcast. I’m mightily impressed with some of the material I see on the Tube and understand just how much work has gone into some of this material. I’m with you Steve, I’d rather ride!
Miss your YouTube videos… totally understand the reasoning… look forward to your posts here…your YouTube posts are a good part of the reason why I sold my tall heavy dual sport motorcycle and bought a scooter a couple of months ago… my bad knees helped with that decision also…thanks for what you do.