Back in 2022, landscape photographer and YouTuber Alex Armitage was living out of his car, having put everything else non-essential that he owned into a storage unit. Naturally what was considered essential was a camera with which to record his circumstances. Nevertheless, an initial expectation of living in a car for six weeks, gradually became four years.
Having lost both his parents before he hit 30, most recently his father to suicide, Alex was self-confessedly dealing with a lot of trauma in his life. But, fortunately, his literal journey since hasn’t been all doom and gloom.
During the time documenting what he refers to as ‘my crazy life’ via his YouTube channel, high-end camera manufacturer Hasselblad reached out to him about product testing and content creation, and his videos about photography gradually became part of his healing process. During this period, he was also supported by monetary donations from viewers, who were connecting with his videos.
Value for the viewer
Alex’s life on the road led him all the way north to Alaska, an unspoilt location he liked so much that, at the time of writing, he has made his home. Such stunning backdrops also led to the photographer making what he calls ‘gear videos’ in the shape of real-world camera reviews – a transition he made as a way to not be constantly putting his personal life in front of the lens. He also notes that equipment videos simply do well on YouTube, as anyone can click on them without having to know who the person posting them is, or what they’re about.
It has not been a straight route to YouTube success however. ‘The reality is that I didn’t make any money for years’, he admits in the video below. In fact, prior to including more gear review content, the photographer was on the verge of quitting entirely, burnt out by years of posting videos that rawly showcased his personal vulnerability. But happily, with 100,000 subscribers, his videos now regularly attract sponsors and he can afford to pay rent off the back of his channel… even while noting he is not by any metric rich.
While AP can’t promise that living out of your car will turn every photographer into a successful YouTuber, you can catch Alex Armitage’s inspirational video HERE to discover more.
Are you an AP reader for whom photography has acted as a crutch, and possibly salvation, during a tough period? How did it help dig you out of a hole? Get in touch and tell us your story…
Related reading:
- Hasselblad X2D ll 100C review – a stills photography beast
- Best vlogging camera: Top video cameras for YouTube and TikTok content creators
- 5 photography myths that need to die according to YouTuber Emily Lowrey
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