Part of what makes this channel unique is that it takes a more introspective, subdued approach to photography, rather than relying on clickbait tropes. If that doesn't always result in a ton of views, that's more of an indictment of photography videos on KZread than this channel. It seems many people, myself included, appreciate your commitment and integrity. Looking forward to what this channel brings in the 2024.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

thanks man, I'm definitely glad you enjoy the videos the way they are!

You haven't ruined your channel, it's fun and informative, and you take great photos.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks man!

@ChadHensiak

5 ай бұрын

Agreed 100%

What makes your channel great is the combination of all the stuff you do and you being such a real and open guy. Talking about your physical and psychological challenges. After my first cancer in 2018 with radiation, chemo and 2 churgeries, being clean i almost 4 years, I heard in may this year that I have got lung cancer without having smoked all my live. This was a huge psychological sett back. After the operation i june I began to restart my photography hobby more and more. Because I had so low energy levels I couldn't go out for more than 30 - 60 minutes to shoot. At the same time I began to watch KZread videos of all the people you mentioned in this video and many more. You talking about your personal challenges was helping me to overcome my challenges. Thank you for making this channel as it is. It's my favorite because its helping me on 2 levels. The photography and the psychological level. I wish you and cameralady a very happy and healthy 2024.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Damn dude...this wins for best comment. I['m so sorry you've had to endure all of that. I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but that's awesome that you've made it through so far, and I'm really glad my videos are helping. Nothing makes me happier than when my content or something in my life can resonate with and help someone else.

Out of the creators I watch, there's a continuum of people that I watch for topics, and ones that I watch for the people. I know it's anecdotal, but I find myself stopping in here for you more so than the topics, and for introspection just like this. I would guess that a lot of people feel the same. I can totally imagine how that doesn't make the livelihood part/challenges of being without a single niche any easier, but I think your 100k audience is probably much more valuable than some other creators' 100k audiences, in that you probably have more leeway to experiment than some and still have us show up. Congrats on all the things going right, and thanks for sharing with us this year!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Oh thanks man, that's definitely a good perspective on it!

I think your strength is that you do different genres. I kind of bounce between wildlife and landscape so since I get some of both your channel appeals to me. Just keep going where your heart leads you and ignore the detractors. Those people are mostly just miserable and looking to make others miserable. I just got into aerial photography and that's been lot of fun. Cheers and Happy New Year!

I bought my camera gear to learn astrophotography and that's how I found you. You gave me the inspiration and made me realise I can shoot wildlife with the same equipment. You are a massive inspiration to me. Please keep doing what you're doing. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos in 2024. Happy New Year!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks man, I really appreciate that, and I'm glad the videos helped! I'm definitely ready to do some more astro stuff here soon. I want to put my 500 f4 on a big tracker and do some Orion and Andromeda stuff before they dip.

@Suprastar87

5 ай бұрын

That would be amazing to see :)

First: happy new year to you and your family Brent. I have been following this channel and watching your video's for a long time now. And it is the different kinds of photography (especially bird and landscape photography) and the way you tell about it in your video's that keeps me interested. Good for you to watch out for your health and happiness. Very important. I am looking forward to seeing more of your wonderful video's!

You're great at this. I'm always learning something. In my view you don't have 4 things. Just one..." Brent is everything outside". Thats why I watch. I like the editing vids now and then to. I'd like to see more about how you decide about the context of a particular photo. The one with how you took three pics of the same cactus. I like when camera lady makes you laugh from behind the camera. Try to balance authoritative, fun, and funny.

Please dont change to much, l love your instructive videos, you are always teaching plus helping us improve our photos. Plus your channel is family safe and l like showing it to young ones who l am teaching photography on a phone. Love your work.

BH, I found your channel, at the beginning of my photography journey, and appreciated the education component regarding the exposure triangle you and camera lady had offered. I've since moved well beyond the basics, and I've continued to watch your channel because I get to enjoy the process (your process), and it helps me see what is possible - also part of my process. I don't really care about the phone videos, and usually pass on them. But, I stay subscribed because of the wide variety of content that you produce. Keep doing what you're doing, and we will still be here with you(z). Do what makes you happy, and it will always come through as high quality content. I admire, and appreciate, genuine authenticity, and am here rooting you on! Wish you and your family all the best in '24!

One of the reasons I was drawn to your channel is YOU - your honest simple direct approach to photography and life shines through in each video. Having been a Navy wife & mother, working for Navy contractors, etc... I do find myself wondering where & when you were stationed - wouldn't be surprised if we ended up with mutual friends somewhere along the way. In any case, wishing you and yours a healthy and prosperous 2024!

I love your work. I will continue to follow. I find wild life and stills interesting. I have always wanted to do Astro, keep it going.

And i like that you're not niched to one thing. You've inspired me to try new things. At first i only wanted to do wildlife and now you've motivated me to get into astro and landscape and now (i still suck at it) i absolutely love going out at night or early in the morning just to do astro or get sunrise landscape photos.

I enjoy your work and thank you for sharing your troubles. I have also been going through a very similar situation with bread and sugar. I can absolutely attest to your experience. Keep up the good work, and don't forget how important this discovery is, life changing. Enjoy!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks for that, I really appreciate it! Yeah, it's a struggle sometimes, but it really hasn't been too bad. I don't have as much cravings as I thought I would, and the benefits are super motivating to keep it up.

Thanks for sharing your health struggles and dietary changes -- it is very motivating. I appreciate how candid you are about your life because it's relatable -- and I look forward to future videos.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Marisa, I'm really glad you liked the video! It can definitely be a bit nerve-wracking to post stuff like this sometimes, but if it helps anyone else then I'm glad I went through with it.

Thankyou for sharing this Brent. I have watched your channel for years and I always look forward to watching the new stuff on KZread and Instagram. America is my favorite travel destination. We live in Hollland and save every euro so we can travel to the USA. The Southwest is such a magical place and it has so many photo opertunities. I have learnt a lot about photography by just watching the channel. Thankyou. Most of all I like the landscape, birding and lightning stuff you guys do. The choice of music you use is fantastic. The songs make great playlists for the road trips! I wish you, Brittany and Tristan all the best of luck and health in 2024. Just keep doing what makes you happy and the rest will follow. Greetings from Holland.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you much for that! I've always really appreciated the you stuck around, and all of your comments! It means a lot. and yeah, the US southwest is just awesome, and I've been all over the world too, and I always just want to keep coming back here.

I really appreciate this video. It was great to hear you talk through the year and the milestones and the decisions and the challenges. I’m a very recent subscriber and a extreme novice at three of the four areas that you talk about so I gobble it up. Happy new year to you and yours!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks Jim, I really appreciate that, and I'm glad you're enjoying the videos!

hoping for more photography adventures in 2024. thanks to your channel for the great tutorials.

I really appreciate your channel. O er the last year i have been working on becoming better both with my phone and with my camera. Your approach and just being honest and genuine have helped me greatly. I look forward to more videos in the future!

Great video! Great introspection as well and I’m glad you found that cutting out bread and sugars makes you feel better. I strongly agree, for I have had a similar experience with those foods.

I really enjoy your content and even my teenage daughter watches your bird content, not because she's a photographer (she's not) but b/c she loves birds. :) You're not like the other channels and that's a breath of fresh air!! I love that you're a vet (THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE) and that you're honest on your channel. I must not be a normal YT watcher, b/c I always scroll through my subscriptions rather than relying on YT to recommend things for me and I also circle back to watching things later when I have time (homeschooling mom here so time is limited) so sooner or later I do watch stuff. I always appreciate your phone videos b/c that's what I have on me 99% of the time. I generally only get out the "big" camera for family photos at holidays, photo shoots of my kids, and on vacations, but even then, most vacation shots are with my phone (and I still have my S9+ b/c I'm frugal! planning on replacing it with one of the S24 line when it comes out so I'm hoping you get access to one!). Anyhow, I love that you have your priorities straight with your wife and son as well. I guess I wish there were more people like me that would watch if you just posted whatever you like. And I like that you're not "authoritative"...like we all want people telling us what to do lol. Oh and you're clean...I don't have to worry about what might come out of your mouth in front of me or my kids! :) :) :)

Personally love your channel for the variety. I originally found you because of your phone photography videos and those have been a huge inspiration back in the day. I began to experiment, got away from automode, an eye opening experience I'd never thought I could tackle. At some point even Moment's (however awesome) lenses where no longer enough so I ended up buying my first DSLR and began to learn more about settings, lenses, light .. I haven't regretted any dollar nor second spent on this new hobby. You have a big role in this journey and I'm thankful for all I've learned and taken away so far, always looking forward for more. This particular video also earned you a new channel member, I appreciate and share the views you talked about and will definitely check out more of these videos. Thank you for everything, best luck and a healthy, Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

This is why I do this stuff! I'm so glad to hear that my videos helped, and to hear that you stayed with it and kept moving up. It's more rewarding than you know when I can inspire and help someone, and it definitely keeps me going!

Thanks for being so open. I recognize a lot of it. You are a great guy! Concentrate on being happy, not getting happy. If You do what You love it will be what You do best.! Succes for 2024, I will keep watching

Enjoying your channel for the variety and you. Although, listening to you I realized I tend to skip phone photography videos (across KZread). It jumped out at me because my iPhone is my wide angle compliment to my R7 / RF100-400. BTW, did you realize you have more subs than Gavin? Have you considered a simple weekly newsletter that contains a link to the most recent video? A simple retrospective summary of that weeks video might be worth a shot, if you have the time. Sometimes I see newsletter emails before I see a new video if KZread is already open. I'm wondering if that could be an algorithm workaround, at least for anyone that signs up for it. Anyway, keep up the great work and remember down time to recharge yourself is a very good thing.

Brent I have been watching and following your channel for a while. It is because of you I want to go to New Mexico someplace I have yet to see. One of the most intriguing things I found about your channel was your injuries you have shared. I have similar story and have become a practioner for pain management. I have a few ideas that could possibly help a lot. If you are interested would love to offer my experience as I did some looking around on the net and found resources in your area. By the way you have not ruined your channel. Keep up the great work Brent. All the best from way up north across the boarder. Cheers

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks, I'm really glad to hear that. NM is definitely worth a visit!

Brent I really enjoy your videos and you candid discussion of the good and bad of your photography experiences and are really well done. Since many of us watching are in the US, it would be great if you could travel locally not only in New Mexico, but also Arizona, Texas (Big Bend area), and Utah as well. There are some fantastic locations ( not necessarily the tourist spots) that are more easily accessible to many of us rather than the UK or Europe.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks Jim, I really appreciate it! I definitely want to travel more in the states. The SW US is still my favorite place to be and to explore overall. Just gotta get this KZread income to pick up so I can afford the gas! I do have some SE AZ stuff coming up soon, and I'll be in Texas for the eclipse as well.

Thank you Brent for another down to earth you tube video. Most importantly first, as a business owner I appreciate you stating up front exactly what you are presenting. Landscape, wildlife, Astro & phone. I would prefer editing vs phone; but it is not my site. I had gained 27 lbs after a horrific accident so this last fall I lost 25 lbs similar to you, but I do eat meat, I just cut out the carbs. MY business is not photography, but I love it dearly as I do wildlife. I purchased the canon rf 600mm as my retirement gift to my self. After 50 years of all the pains of being a business owner I felt that it was time for me to have fun. Lastly, like I have stated before. I truly appreciate your expertise, but more importantly, I feel you are helping me as if you were my big brother, not some authoritative figure.

I enjoy the variety in your videos. I watch them all. Today's episode was particularly motivational for me when you talked about your weight loss and how it makes a difference for photography.

I like your channel. I also do wildlife. landscape and a little astro. I've also nailed a few phone pictures when I see something and I don't have my DSLR along. Keep up your great work.

I very much enjoy the different areas of photography that you cover including the phone photography. I even purchased a Samsung S23 Ultra because of your videos and have loved having a good camera with me at all times. I find when shooting family members they are much more comfortable with me taking photos with my phone vs the big camera, lenses, and strobes and I have gotten some great photos from this "phone" camera. I very much enjoy your videos Brent so please don't change too much.

Salute and respect from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada! Watched your vlog on our TV. One reason that we watch your vlog is that the whole vibe is personable. As to dividing the channel into catering to the needs of 2 or more different followers, perhaps you can produce more vlogs for the followers who watch those, squeezing in the ones that are less watched here and there or even splitting them into 3+1 during a month or say 2+1+1. Btw, we had liked your vlog where you took the minimalist approach and showed us some hidden treasures of New Mexico.

I really enjoy the variety of your content. I do not do Astro but because I am not in a place where it is easy to do. I like to learn because one day I can try it. Maybe my ADD works with your style. Thanks for the insights into your work.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you Michelle, I've always appreciated your comments and support!

You are one of my favorite photography channels. I don’t watch all or many of the videos other channels put out. I believe I found your channel while researching Milky Way photography so thank you. I say do you. I realize you have to look at things from a business aspect. Keep taking care of you and your family. I’m very sorry for the loss of your father. I lost mine four years ago. Wishing you and your family a prosperous 2024 filled with many special moments!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much Wendy, that really means a lot!

I enjoy your channel immensely, that’s why I am subscribed. We shoot with the same equipment for the most part, and along the way I have learned some things I wouldn’t have known about the R5 or R7 with out your guidance. Plus! You are a fellow Veteran, so I got your back. Happy New Year to you and Camera Lady!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks man, it's definitely nice to have some vets on here too!

I really enjoy stopping by your channel, your photography is great but more importantly you are relatable and authentic!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much 😊 I'm glad you're enjoying the content!

My main goal is bird photography, but I am trying to expand my photography skills, I joined a Camera Club and this has been great for me, expanding my skills and interest in other areas. So I love your channel. Chin up.

Happy New Year Brent & Camera Lady! -I don't think you have ruined your channel at all. I like the variety you present. I appreciate your low key style and that you actually are authoritative without the drama that most of the "authoritative" channels have. -I totally understand the guilt issue. I don't shoot nearly as much as I'd like because there is always work to be done. It drives me crazy. -As a fellow New Mexican, your channel gives me glimpses of what is going on with the landscape in other parts of the state. That has been helpful to me. -When the weather warms up, you and Camera Lady should come north to El Morro, El Malpais, and Ramah Lake. Lot's to see in my neighborhood.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

We definitely have some plans to get up to Malpais and El Morro. I've never been to Ramah lake though, I'll have to look into that too.

I recently discovered your channel and have subscribed to it. I like the fact that you do not focus on just one style of photography. Like you, I like it all. It is important to be true to yourself. Keep up the good work.

Keep up the great work. I like the variety of your photography

Honestly your videos are like a photography course, I enjoy learning new styles and different techniques!

Just to let you know that I appreciate your hard work and two not feel guilty about niching down to one topic. One topic would drive me nuts, I personally have 4 instagram pages, wildlife and landscapes, portraits, film, and my creative page where I my do macro, still life, street etc. I want to try it all.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks John, I'm glad to hear that. I just love too many things to pick one, lol.

Hi Brent, never apologies for for being creative. The way I see it is the camera is a paintbrush. Now one looks a just ‘one thing’. I love wildlife photography, getting that moment in time, something you wouldn’t see if I didn’t see it and snap it. I love being out with my camera and therefore I’m ‘in the landscape’. There is no way I’m not going to take a shot of a beautiful vista, cloud, forest. I’ve never tried Astro, don’t have the knowledge. You do so keep painting with a ‘big palette’. Us mortals need to be taught and helped. Love what you and camera lady do. Bring on 2024, looking forward to see you and camera lady out there. Phil AKA Keepclickingphotography A fan!

Just found your channel and really enjoy your content. I hit 3 out of 4 (phones not so much), landscape, astro and wildlife so looking forward to going through your content. Great stuff 👍📷 and thanks

@BrentHall

2 ай бұрын

Hey thanks for the kind words Duncan, I really appreciate that!

Sir you have a fantastic channel with great content! which I personally enjoyed very much. Don't sell your principles and continue to stream the great content you always do. 😊

Looking into you New Mexico Workshops now. I would love to do a few days with you.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey Chad, thanks for the comment! I don't currently have any big group workshops for NM planned right now, but I do offer the private tours for anywhere in the state. If you want to email me for more info on what you want to see/learn and when, we can talk about it and get something on the books. email: brent@hallofthewildstudios.com

Thoughtful perspectives, as usual, Brent. I am among those who appreciate the breadth of your channel. I consider myself foremost a landscape photographer, but I also shoot a good bit of astro (which I regard as a sub-category of landscape) and also dabble in wildlife (ranging from birds to whales), usually on the side of landscape adventures. There is no shortage of narrowly-focused YT offerings in each of these areas, but the many synergies and connections between these sub-genres are usually ignored. So your channel's broader perspective appeals to my interests, and provides a valuable complement to the more niche offerings.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

I'm really glad to hear that! Like I said in the video, I just need about a million more subs like you, lol.

Thanks so much for sharing! I agree that 100-400 lens is an amazing lens..full stop. The fact that it is inexpensive and light makes it that much better. Happy New Year.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, it's just ridiculous. I mean, I know it's not the best lens out there, but man, for the size, weight, and price, it's just incredible.

The Best wishes for 2024 ! I am looking forward to your Videos ! I love your content and i Hope your having fun. Thank you and good luck next year !

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Many thanks!

Camera Lady is right a good thumbnail and title would boost the channel (does not have to be click bait). Don't look at analytics they will ruin you :) Do what you love and let us see and hear your honest reactions ... joy, frustration, whatever ... I really think that works. The wildlife IQ improvement is noticeable!!! I never shoot astro and only do a few landscapes. I like watching you do them and always find that stuff interesting even if I don't do it. I like your choice in audio !! I love watching the camping and equipment reviews. I love fractured, eclectic, esoteric, varied unique content with a real person behind the camera doing what THEY love with honest reactions. Oh and ya you take great images !!!!!!! Happy New year !!!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Dan, you know I always appreciate your comments and support! It really means a lot.

I originally found you looking for astrophotography interests, but when I found you did other photography, I stayed with you as I still have terrestrial interests. You are unique, and I always look forward to your next yt video, even the introspective ones.

I began watching your channel when I switched to Canon full frame shooting with the RF100-500. I soon found the 100-400 less painful on my neck and shoulders. (It’s a terrific lens, pity it isn’t weathered sealed). You enabled me to see what was achievable with those lenses. I’ve reverted to MFT to ease my neck pain. Whilst most of the channels I now watch relate to MFT in some way, I still follow you because I enjoy your straightforward, laid back, presentation and your openness. And I like your beautiful images. Bokeh aside, I don’t miss full frame shooting (especially the weight!). My equivalent to phone photography is to have my tiny Sony RX100 VII in my pocket. I love that little powerhouse! Don’t lose heart, I’m sure you’ll find the right balance.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks Mike! I'm really glad you suck around. And yeah, I really wish that RF 1-4 was weather-sealed too! I might be interested in dabbling with some MFT stuff in the near future... :P

Congrats on your new discoveries! I will really recommend to do resistance excercise and increase your protein intake, maybe get a personal trainer and start slow if you can, It will really improve your life tremendously and you will see great results in 3 to 4 months! It´s never too late to start!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! I've definitely started to implement both of those!

Happy New Year, hope 2024 is a great year for you. I have always enjoyed your channel and am looking forward to new videos from you in the future. Keep up the good work.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much!

actually i found your channel from the s20 ultra pro mode video i never thought about photography before and now i am into wildlife astro landscape and phone photography all because of you ! everything i learned is from your channel and your knowledge so im very greatful that you and cameralady put in all the work to bring us the videos no matter what !

@BrentHall

4 ай бұрын

Oh, that's awesome, I'm so glad to hear that! Thanks for sticking around!

Amazing insights, thank you for airing this. I think covering more than the algorithm likes attracts a different audience, and I believe this is positive. Starting photography helped me in 2020, when I simply needed something else other than work and existential angst, and your cerebral approach to it is a real tonic.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! I still hold out hope that doing more genres will help in the long run, just gotta keep at it I guess. :)

Your channel is badass! I hope you internalize that it's been a huge part of my, and other's, photography experience.

Keep up the great work, Brother! I enjoy your channel and you’ve taught me quite a bit. Happy New Year!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks man, happy new year to you too!

I love it all ❤ Perhaps multiple KZread Channels? Do what you enjoy and let the chips fall where they may! Thank you for sharing your health issues.

I like the different photo types you do I loved watching you panic just getting out of your car to a lightning storm to get set up. the views have dropped over many youtubes part to 2020 finished and part due to the shorts I think . I watch you for all the stuff you do. I also know what it is like the loss of a parent it does not stop feeling it just gets easier with time. I lost my Mum 19 years ago and still some years its hard. maybe some sorts ( edited from a normal video ) Where can I find out about this Scotland trip yes BG3 is great so was Hogwarts lol

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks man! I'm glad my panic and chaos in enjoyable, lol. Seriously though, I'm definitely looking forward to summer storms again. Also, yeah BG3 is lit, and Hogwarts was incredibly fun. I managed to play one run through of it this summer and still need to go back and finish some side quests and stuff. Here's the Scotland WS Info: www.hallofthewildstudios.com/workshops/p/scotland-seabirds-seascapes-june-2024 You can email about it too, if you have any questions.

@Tainted-Soul

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall thanks Brent

Variety is the spice of life :). There are people that like channels that are "O'Reilly" and there are people that like "Costco" channels. I like "Costco" channels :). Happy New Year!

I said it before and I will again, we are here for you and we share your passion of photography, always appreciated your genuine passion and honesty about your life as well. Try not to worry to much 😂 it's funny I am good at giving advice I don't take myself lol. Warm regards from UK, it was good year for my photography grown and expanded my experience I do keep it private don't do much social media since I noticed how negative it can be for my mental health. I am happy to have so many things in common with you. My accountant still doesn't like you tho. Love your work it's time to get a membership to show gratitude and help a little your channel and Britney( camera lady 🙏)work. Happy new year to you all from cloudy UK

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks man! don't worry, we're all really great at giving and no taking our own advise, lol. And also, Brittany and I both really appreciate your comments and support! It means a lot.

Firstly, Happy New Year to you and Camera Lady and your family. You have not ruined your channel. Those of us that enjoy watching your work seem to all appreciate your candor and honesty and your approach. We quite probably wouldn't watch if you were like many of the other producers of content that quite frankly are too full of themselves. You can't appeal to everyone so just continue to be you. Those that appreciate your content will continue to watch and those that don't, won't and you can't drive yourself nuts worrying about it. It seems you know that but it doesn't hurt to have someone you don't know say it. Perhaps with regard to sharing your photos, which is always a pleasure to see, you might consider sharing what was in your mind when taking it, such as what you were thinking about with regard to composition and why you chose the settings you did. You have done that in the past but I find that very interesting and informative. That kind of thought process is always interesting to me without it being authoritative. Obviously there are many ways to set a camera for a shot but it's just cool to know what your process was. As stated previously however, just do what makes you happy. Being significantly older than you (do I ever wish I was just turning 40) one thing I've learned is that life is too short to worry about what other people think. Looking forward to what you entertain us with in 2024. Cheers, Gary

I enjoy the diversity of your content very much. Your personality and skill level carry the videos for me.

I enjoy your channel; thanks, and Happy New Year to you and your family.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you, I really appreciate that!

Geeze Brent. You do have a special niche! You are an excellent photographer with more than a one note song. I think that makes you quite special, and I keep coming back around to enjoy your content. I know few "real life" photographers who only shoot one thing. I think this has made you more relatable. I don't find the content variety off-putting, rather I like that you demonstrate the joy of photography in multiple genres. I wouldn't say you need to change unless your own personal growth and experience move you that direction.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks Janet! 😀😊 you know how I like to roll 😁📷

Hey Brent! Personally, I REALLY APPRECIATE the multi - faceted aspect of your videos because if it's about photography, I dable in it as well. I love it all! You're a fascinating individual and your work is very inspiring to me and many others, I'm certain! Keep up ALL the great content, and have a great 2024!! Cheers!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks for the kind words John, I really appreciate that!

Thanks for the honest dialogue. Your sincerity is one of the things I enjoy about your videos, we are not bombarded with endless shilling. I also love how you share the good, the bad, and most of all the educational. Keep doing you, we subscribed because we enjoy what you’re doing 🙂 Pressure is hard, especially when it comes from within. It’s good to hear that you’re taking time for yourself, mental well being is important and as a society we tend to ignore or disregard it. To thine own self be true :) On a side note, I’m in El Paso and it’s really cool to see places I know and enjoy show up on your channel! Here’s to 2024, happy new year and best of luck to you and your family!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks man, that really mean a lot! I'm glad you're enjoying the content, and I'm always stoked to have some more local subs representing the SW! Seems like not too many people in this area actually watch my videos.

@ChucoHiker

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall We have awesome areas around us, it’s great that you take us out into them!

You haven't ruined your channel. I watch your channel all the time for your honesty, fun and ability. You show it as it is. Its not a sanitised video...and I love your honesty. Your body is a bit like mine...its in bits lol. So when you say I want to go lighter to trek, I get it...don't worry, we will watch and thank you for your thought provoking videos...I love them...Happy new year

Hi Brent, I wish you an your Family a Happy New Year! Please don't think that you have ruined your channel. I like your channel as it is. Your channel is very informative and helpful. I'm on your channel a lot, even if I don't always write a comment. The background is that the demands in my job have increased significantly and I am getting older and older. I'll be 60 in 4 months. I'm also involved in nature conservation, which is also time-consuming. Please carry on in your personal style! BTW, the large 500mm prime lens is simply better. Even if others don't want to hear it. I know what I'm talking about. I come from the combination 70-200 mm f/2.8 in conjunction with a 2x extender. Then one day I bought a used EF 500 mm f/4.0 L IS US. The previous model of your 500. I was so happy with that and had used it with my 5D Mark III. Also with both Extenders (1.4x+2x). Now I have the RF 600mm f/4.0 L IS USM and I'm really impressed with its performance. Also with the two extenders. I also use the RF 100-500 mm, which I also really like. They are simply good lenses and you can say that out loud. I understand that not everyone can afford this or simply doesn't want to. But that doesn't make such lenses bad. People are different and have different demands and opportunities. At the same time, you also develop. One more, the other less ;-) Maintain your personality and reflect it on your channel. Then you are honest. I hope that you don't feel offended or attacked by my words. I apologize if that is the case. Then just delete my post. You are a really good and professional photographer! Your channel makes the world a little more colorful and I look forward to seeing more of your videos on KZread! Regards Uwe Germany, Frankfurt am Main

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it!

Hi Brent. Im tge guy from Portugal that sent to you a couple months ago the Milky Way pictures using you settings and advises. Bro, i love all your work and how you do your videos. Your honesty is top notch and you are an inspiration to me and for all of us. Never change and keep growing your channel. Never ever ever give up. Keep the core solid. You have everything to be even better man. Keep it up. Love you man.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks for that, I appreciate it! I'm glad you stuck around and are still enjoying the content! I'll definitely never give up, just gotta keep it moving forward.

Hey Brent. You dont ruin your channel. You are a very good photographer, and an exellent human being as well, and I love your videos. I dont want you to start educating people, that for me it will ruin your channel. There are a lot of other vidoes out there people can learn from, so thats no problem. I myself used 5 years to educate myself and become a photographer. That was in the late `70 and early `80`s. So I have all the basics in my head, basics that most people nowadays dont have. What I like is to watch you doing your things out in the field, and the human tutch you get in your videos. Too many photographers tell you about the good days, but both you and me know that there are more days with a lot of difficulties. Everything from weather, struggling with photo gears, lack of motives, to fysical and physical stuff. So I wish you a happy new photo year, and looking forward to new videos from you.

I was relying to a comment on your page this morning and it came to mind..... Brent Hall is the type of guy I wish I lived close too and could be good friends with. 😁 I am in Fort Worth hoping to make a Bosque run this month. I learned about it when getting my Tamron 150-600 and watching Arthur Morris standing on the banks, lined with photogs early am. I have been twice.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks, I appreciate the kind words! Bosque is always great. Artie is interesting guy, for sure.

I can relate to your message on a micro scale. My channel has just under 1400 subscribers and I can count the number of videos with 2500 views on one hand. I mainly do landscape and bird photography. But I recently spent a week in Rome and put out 8 videos about it. I had a great time putting together that travel series; but my views cratered. I realize now, especially as a non-monetized hobbyist, that it doesn't matter. My Rome series taught me that travel and street photography are fun. I hope to do more of it. I don't know what it'll do to my channel. I guess I'll find out the hard way. Happy New Year to you and the family. See you next year.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, KZread is great, but it can definitely be confusing and frustrating sometimes. Just don't do what I did and quit your job too early and have to rely on it too much, lol. I saw some of your Rome stuff on IG, it definitely made me want to go back there! I only went once, for a quick night stop while I was in the Navy, so I didn't get to see much.

@JohnDrummondPhoto

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall I'm retired so no job to leave! 😂 This is just a semi-expensive hobby for me.

I think in the end, to get substance based viewership, personality wins over catchy titles. I personally enjoy the calm approach, it matches more to how I think(and lots of others I believe). Oh and if I have to drink tea, I'm a coffee man, I drink Harney & Sons, Vanilla Comoro.

I look forward to your videos in 2024. I appreciate your genuineness, openness, snd honesty. You mention four genres, but to me it is all outdoors photography. If pros don’t approve of your using a cell phone, then that is them being just narrow minded, not what should be expected of an artist. Best wishes to you and camera lady in 2024.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks, and I definitely agree, on both fronts!

I'll tell ya this right now. I'm here on your channel solely because of your wide range and you cover almost every genre I'm into. At the heart of it I'm a photographer and I will take photos of anything. To be able to do that I need as much far ranging information that I can get.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for that, it really means a lot, and I'm glad you're enjoying all the different content I put out there!

I definitely appreciate the variety you provide. When it comes down to it, photography is photography, and we can all learn something no matter what the subject or style, you know? The lack of pretentiousness and clickbait, and your calm demeanor, are definitely what make you one of my favorite KZreadrs. Here's to a fantastic 2024 for you and the family, sir!

Think of it this way. You are opening new doors of discovery for many of your viewers. One of the great challenges of photography is experimenting with new genres. Your example may lead your viewers to explore and expand their own creative boundaries. You have no reason to apologize to your viewers. You give them real world advice and you do it in a thoughtful and respectful manner. That’s what sets you apart from most of the noise on line.

Great video, Brent. Thanks for opening up and I really wish you all the best for your health, happiness and creative endeavours in 2024. As a guitarist as well as a photographer I would be interested to know more about your guitar collection 🙂

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks man! That's about half the collection. the other is usually in my son's room. He likes to steal them, but as long as we keeps playing and getting better, he can have at it, lol. My main two are the Strat and the PRS acoustic. The strat I had custom made back in 2003, as a present for myself when I got out of boot camp. Another notable one is the '86 Kramer Flying V. It's an interesting find. My mom found it for me in a pawn shop in Dallas when I was in high school, back in '98. It has a floyd rose, which a lot of people hate, but I love. I also noticed, years later, after taking it apart that it has a pretty rare east German (you know, from before the wall fell) floyd rose bridge. I usually have that one tuned down to B-stand for heavier/deeper stuff. Sometimes I kind of wish I had a guitar channel so I could talk about all this stuff, because most people here on this channel couldn't care less, lol.

@enigmabletchley6936

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall Wow! A great collection and thanks for the info. I've owned 46 different acoustics during my 57 years of playing guitar and I like to think I can recognise pretty much any acoustic on the planet. But your PRS acoustic had me flumoxed. I really like the shape and especially the way it seems to flow into the cutaway. Not a brand I have ever associated with acoustics but if I was an electric player I'd have one of their solid bodies as they look (and sound) beautiful. Great to hear your son uses them. My son became a drummer (where did I go wrong?) and he is very accomplished although not a professional musician. Enjoy your guitars and your cameras!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

@@enigmabletchley6936 Yeah, I love that acoustic PRS. It was designed by Alex Lifeson, my favorite guitar player (well, maybe he's tied with Gilmour for me). Also in the room there, I have my Yamaha 12 string, an Ovation acoustic, my Alvarez, an acoustic my friend made, and a classical. And sometimes I steal my son's Les Paul if I need that sound, but I don't particularly like Les Pauls that much.

@enigmabletchley6936

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall Brent, I am now down to only three. An IRIS AB, Gibson G-Bird and an old Vintage flat top which is embarrassingly good for a guitar made from plywood. I am planning on a acquiring a 12 string this year and and I am yo-yoing between a Taylor or a n Emerald carbon fibre custom build. GAS extends beyond camera gear!

Love the channel, have for ages. Looking forward to Samsung S24 Ultra?

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, I think so. Hopefully I'll be able to get one. I'll still be paying off this damn S23 Ultra for the 2 years though...but I think camera lady is due for an upgrade on her line.

I don't think you need to change anything. Even if it's a phone photography video which I don't do seriously I still watch it. Come back to AZ for some trips. You gotta find that Trogon!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Well I don't do serious phone photography either, I just love messing around with it and showing people what it can do! :P Also, yeah, I need more trogons in my life. I got a couple decent shots last spring, but I want better ones, lol. I'll probably head back out there in a few months when they start coming back to SE AZ.

Brent, you haven’t ruined your channel. I’m an astronomer and wanted to learn how to improve my astrophotography. I also wanted shoot birds and wildlife. I would love to attend a workshop, but my EF-S 55mm-150mm lens for my Canon 450D broke. Yes I can’t afford a new lens or camera. Happy New Year and continue your great/awesome channel.

I so want to rid my body of sugar too. Are you following a specific diet or just reading labels carefully? I did Whole30 for 1 month and it was tough and it works yet it’s not meant to stay on indefinitely but rather adapt eating going forward. I need help and open to suggestions. Thanks. Love your channel

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Yeah, the biggest thing for me was not to treat it like a diet, but rather just accept and change my lifestyle. So I didn't completely ban all sugar and bread from my life, because that would be way too hard (and imho a little unnecessary). I just made the choice to be super conscious about it and make sure that I cut out like 95% of it, and basically I don't eat anything with flour for my normal days, and I have like less than 10g of sugar per day on average. But then if I'm travelling and don't have too many choices or just want to have a little pizza or a holiday cake or something, then it's cool, and not too detrimental. Also, when I say sugar, I mean added sugars. I didn't cut out fruits and veggies and stuff with natural sugars, but I also don't eat things with high natural sugars too much either. Like if I want a banana, then I'll make sure it's more green than ripe, because ripe bananas are pretty much pure sugar. I didn't cut out things like oats, apples and corn (high starch and carbs), even though I know a lot of people in the health (especially keto) world frown on that, but I need my fiber, lol. Lastly, what really helps me, psychologically at least, is that I usually have some dark chocolate after dinner. Just a few pieces, and only the brands that are non-dairy (because camera lady is allergic to dairy) and have little to no added sugars. It still tastes good, I always preferred dark to milk anyways, and my brain is happy because it's chocolate, lol. Oh and also, stay active. Go for walks in the morning and evening, etc.

@rachelg7371

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall omgosh thank you so much for responding and with such great, doable, tips. I’m a lot like camera lady( but a much older version) 5’1-1/2” and lactose intolerant, lol. I have my mind made up to make the lifestyle change because I’m still young at heart and want to be in better shape for my upcoming trip in June to Southern France to shoot the horses at Camargue and the lavender fields. Scotland has been on my bucket list forever. Maybe one day with you and camera lady!

plenty of eclectic folks out there. keep on keepin on!

I got the R8 and rf100-400 as entry into rf and full frame, it pretty impressive to have this light weight 400mm reach on full frame.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Oh nice! I definitely want to pick up an R8 too. It's the perfect (for me) camera for lightweight travel, landscape, and wildlife photography.

Think you’re just being true to yourself and that’s fine with me. It’s so good to hear a pro talk about things that matter about weight and cost and the mistakes that can happen. People can have all the equipment in their cupboard and never use it. The rf11-400 is a stellar lens, all the rf range imo is excellent. Have a great 2024

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad it resonates. It's pretty scary to actually hit publish on stuff like this sometimes, you know. And yeah, for the price, and getting that size and weight, you just can't beat the rf 1-4. I love it.

Love your focus on your channel and how you take us on your journeys. Love the in the field reviews as you are using the. I have the RF 100-400 now and love it. Dont compare yourself, do you, and your best as you always do. And i do enjoy everything you do! My fav things too

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for the kind words, that means a lot!

@lorilopez6806

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall You're very welcome 😊

Brent, always enjoy your content, even though you might consider some episodes "fractured", as you say. Personally, I consider your content to be diverse, even if I'm not particularly fond of some subjects, like I don't really have much interest in Astrophotography but so what. It's good to have different interests, within the photographic community and outside thereof, just to break the monotony. You should pursue where your interests take you and no apology or explanation is really needed. Will continue to follow your channel, even when the subject of your photos/videos goes down an avenue I may not fully appreciate. And, I agree with your admiration of Nick Page. Always enjoy both of your videos.

Hi Brent! Please keep up with the good work and looking forward to the see more of the professional videos you do together with Brittany. BR Lars. 😊👍

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thank you, we both really appreciate that!

We like your style. The non-authoritative approach works perfectly. Be yourself, you can’t make everyone happy all the time. The variety in your channel and how you share your passion really connects to viewers.

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks, I'm really glad to hear that!

I think your channel is fantastic! Not the mobile videos as much but still a lot of good information and entertainment!

Hey Brent - I'm a big fan and have chatted with you a few times over the last few years. Just sitting here listening to you talk about some of the issues you're struggling with on your channel. I'm a brand marketer and have an MBA from Notre Dame and I'll tell you, you are experiencing the same thing that small business people (and even some fortune 500 business people) deal with all the time. The number one thing you have to do is stop worrying so much about what you are creating and just focus really hard on who your perfect customer is. Once you know your perfect customer, the content will take care of itself - I guarantee it. I found your channel looking at astro content but you know, I am also a nature photographer, wildlife photographer, and photography enthusiast in general. I think I'm actually your perfect customer. There are some things we can do to help you hone in on that and I'll be glad to help you if I can. Best to you and Camera Lady in the new year!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks for the comment, and the advise, I really appreciate it! I'll definitely keep that in mind.

You did not ruin your channel. You established what your channel is to you. How could that be wrong? You may not achieve the number of subscribers you want; but, you will have subscribers that enjoy your channel. If later you decide to change, that is OK too. It's your channel. Do what is good for you. I have a Nikon and an iPhone. I shoot wildlife and landscapes. I still enjoy what you bring to the channel. Thank You from an Arizona neighbor who enjoys visiting New Mexico as often as I can.

Great video! I really like all your videos.

I think your channel is great the way it is, personally. Also Baldur's Gate 3 IS a great game, I need to get back to it

@BrentHall

4 ай бұрын

Thanks man! And yeah. BG3 is legit.

Found you because I was looking for mobile photography, stayed because you talk about things in a calm way, which I really like. I have an easy video idea for you for January/February: the S24 Ultra will be released on January 17th. They will remove the 10x 10MP zoom and replace it with a 5x 50MP zoom. If you could compare the S23U with the S24U in terms of zoom, that would be brilliant. Maybe you can compare nightography too, since the 200MP main camera should see an upgrade in regards to light sensitivity. Hope you have an even better 2024 and I'm looking forward to whatever you will post 🤗

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Hey thanks, I'm glad you stuck around! I didn't know the S24 was scheduled for Jan?!? That's cool though. I'll see if I can get one. I think my wife has an upgrade ready for Verizon so maybe wee can get her one. I'll still be paying off my S23 for the next 2 years though... I'm definitely interested in comparing the telephoto lenses too.

@freesS3

5 ай бұрын

@@BrentHall Been using Samsung phones all my life, now upgrading yearly. That's what I afford myself every year, maybe a one week vacation too, if the money allows it 😅 I just trade my old phone in, so I pay pretty much only half the price for the new device. And if you can't get the S24U, maybe try to rent it somewhere for a video or something. Or buy it, make a video and return it during the return window 😅 Overall, the S23U will stay relevant till either the S25U or S26U comes out. For now they will just work with the 200MP sensor and just slightly improve it. With the S26U (maybe S25U) we will finally get 200MP in ExpertRAW. (Following all the leaker/inside-info people, that's why I know this 😅)

Personally I love wildlife Photography, but I subscribed to your channel specifically because your videos teach me things I don't already know. Like timelapses, lightning photography, landscape etc. I like to learn, and any type of photography can teach me techniques I can then maybe use in Wildlife photography. So keep it varied, it's perfect this way.😊 Stay happy and enjoy life, greetings from Switzerland

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks! I'm really glad to hear that you enjoy all the different things I do on here. It's certainly frustrating sometimes, but knowing that you guys are out there makes it worth pushing forward.

Be yourself! I enjoy watching your channel. I’ve learned from you.

You have absolutely NOT ruined your channel. I appreciate, and find it more appealing, that you have varied content, and more importantly, don't rely on some lame schtick type stuff or behavior. Keep listening to camera lady and please stay away from the click bait (eye roll inducing) titles. I hope the seasonal monsoon/lightning content continues to fall into the landscape category. Keep up the great work!

@BrentHall

5 ай бұрын

Thanks man! And yeah, I'm definitely ready for more summer storms this year!

i think one of the most important skills of a photographer is knowing what they can get out of their gear and understanding when something is (not) appropriate. Understanding when a light lens is better (thinking of my 800 F/11 or the 100-400 for example), when a big prime is ideal, but also, when a phone can do the job. Personally, i'm like my r6m2 much more than my phone (obviously), but in good conditions, a phone can make perfectly fine pictures, and it's the only camera most have with them every. single. day. I wouldn't take my 800 F/11 or my future 200-800 to the university/office/stores/etc, but if i get the opportunity, i'll be happy having a phone camera and knowing what i can do with it. Nowadays, most people dont care about printing, it's all either about social media or showing the pictures on a (typicallly) FHD screen (=2MP). Nobody "needs" super high quality pictures, and the phone is simply the best and cheapest option to get into a hobby that is in my eyes not about the results. For me, photography means a lot of opportunities to learn things, on a technical or artistical side, but also about planning, weather/situations, subject matters, animal behaviour and much much more. I think understanding that one can make so much more out of photography than just capturing high-detail snapshots is one of the most important lessons. It's about learning, going out, being creative and most importantly having stories for a picture, as an ok picture with a great story is worth so much more than a great picture with an ok story. I think, "not having one single main thing going on a channel" is a great main thing to have on a channel. It's great to have a channel showing basically anything you can think of and motivate people trying out new things, and i'd rather have subscribed to a Brent Hall showing me new things than having to actively look myself for other photographers representing any single gernre. I think you should just keep going with whatever you enjoy, and if it's more than just the 4 things you mentioned, then i'll be happy for my part. I think there were a lot of great videos in 2023 and i definitely wish you and the channel the very best for 2024.