62 Comments
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Owen Davies's avatar

Feel the same about social media noise and it getting in the way of actually making images. All about striking a balance that works for you and your artistic practice - that like anything, changes over time. Look forward to reading more, Kyle!

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Daniel Amarando's avatar

Change is good!

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Geoff Maxted's avatar

Yes, I will miss the videos but look forward to what the changes bring. Good luck!

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Kyle McDougall's avatar

Thanks, Geoff. There will still be videos, just a bit more sporadic.

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Sab Deacon's avatar

Great read! I will definitely miss your regular videos but excited to see what comes out you having more time, also can’t wait to hear news about in person workshops!

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Simon Giles's avatar

This feels like the right decision for all the right reasons. Of all the content creators I have watched, your style feels both the most authentic and artistically engaged. I am sure the this will allow you to get to the next level with your work and develop the focus you need to create your best work. Best of luck!

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Kyle McDougall's avatar

Thanks, Simon! I’m excited to see where it all goes.

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John LaGuardia's avatar

I'm really enjoying what you are doing here on Substack. Keep up the great work!

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Kyle McDougall's avatar

Thank you, John.

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Tom Minty's avatar

Looking forward to following you on this new journey. It's seems more and more people in your position are taking these steps and for all the same reasons. And, "audiences" are craving more genuine community and connection. Over the last 2 years I've heavily reduced my social media use and focused more on using platforms that foster these connections. It's been way more rewarding personally.

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Kyle McDougall's avatar

Cheers, Tom. I’ve felt lately like we may be at a point in the larger social media world where things are changing a bit.

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Francesco Aglieri Rinella's avatar

It’s great to see you here. Welcome back, I missed field notes and I completely agree with what you said about social media and that overwhelming feeling it gets lately. We need a genuine place to talk about real photography experiences - philosophy - and less gear drama.

Excited to see your journey!

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Trevor Connell's avatar

Thanks Kyle for your honesty and perspective. I've always enjoyed watching your videos, but also know how time and mentally consuming platforms like that can be. Diversifying should help you focus on what truly matters to you - and am excited to be along for the ride. Be well and I look forward to where things go next!

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Tõnu Tunnel's avatar

Yes! This very much reflects on my own experience with social media as of 2024. Youtube is a huge timesuck even just as a consumer and I've been considering denying it for myself completely. As a photographer instagram still hosts a great community to chat with but I feel less and less inclined to post there. For threads I haven't really understood what and why to use it for. But I feel it has potential.

Smaller more likeminded and constructive communities sounds like the perfect move. Cant wait to read more of the field notes and wouldn't mind hearing the podcast again.

The way you approach photography and the think out loud doing it, is very enjoyable. Just to compare myself or to learn something new.

Godspeed!

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Arthur Chayka's avatar

Right on! Thanks for doing what you’re doing and staying true to yourself. I’d absolutely prefer more in-depth photobooks and photo analysis videos (akin to old alec soth) over all this camera talk. And there’s such a small amount of people who actually do it…

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Evan A.'s avatar

Hi Kyle!

Super excited to see what the future has in store for you. I’m really looking forward to reading each of your articles, following the progress your visual projects and learning from what you have to offer . It’s always inspiring to hear from other visual artists who are aspiring to share their storytelling adventures in ways that align with their desired artistic rhythm. Best wishes!

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Kyle McDougall's avatar

Cheers, Evan! Thanks for following along with this, and glad you’ve enjoyed it.

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Cornelius Muller's avatar

Welcome! Looking forward to more personal takes 🍻

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Micheal Hancuff's avatar

Looking forward to more. Cheers

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Michael, not Mike's avatar

Cool to hear a little bit about your journey onto substack here! I've loved your videos but I'm so glad that you are jumping off that youtube treadmill that can chip away at creativity. Weekly posts yay! But I mean also just post every other week, every month, whatever frequency is good too!

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Kyle McDougall's avatar

Cheers, Michael! Looking forward to switching things up on YT. And already, not feeling tied to it has made me more excited about making videos in the future.

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Nicole Rosemonte's avatar

I am not a photographer, an artist that paints primarily, but all this resonates and applies just the same ❤️

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