How my YouTube addiction supercharged my photography tenfold (and why I don’t plan to stop)

YouTube and Photography
(Image credit: Future)

There was a time when the only way to learn and grow as a photographer was through books, expensive seminars and the occasional workshop, if you were lucky enough to find one nearby. That was my world for years: printed pages, lecture halls, trial and error.

Fast-forward to today and it’s impossible to ignore the sheer wealth of photographic knowledge available at the click of a button. YouTube, once a place for silly cat videos and home vlogs, has now become a critical part of my photographic journey – so much so that I’m willing to admit, I’m completely addicted to it.

But it’s an addiction I’ll gladly own – because the truth is, it’s helped my photography improve tenfold. In the past, if you wanted to explore new styles or challenge your thinking, you had to go hunting for resources, often guided only by luck or personal recommendations.

(Image credit: Sebastian Oakley / Future)

Now YouTube puts a world of inspiration, technical advice, philosophy and lived experience right at my fingertips. I can dip into street photography, studio lighting, landscape work, or documentary storytelling – all in one afternoon. It’s broadened my mind and encouraged me to explore what I truly want my photography to be.

One of the most unexpected joys has been finding a vast community of people documenting the world around them, just like I do. Many of these creators openly share their challenges, doubts, and lessons along the way – something that was unheard of in my days as a professional sports photographer.

Back then, vulnerability wasn’t part of the conversation. You were expected to be sharp, polished and competitive. Today, this openness has made photography feel more collaborative – and dare I say human again? – reminding me why I picked up a camera in the first place.

Having tutorials, masterclasses and raw advice from seasoned photographers available on tap is nothing short of revolutionary.

(Image credit: Future / Sebastian Oakley)

Now, I haven’t been living under a rock for the last 25 years – I’ve been aware of YouTube for a long time – but it feels like we’ve entered a new era where if you want to try something new, learn a new skill, or simply seek out different perspectives, there’s almost nothing standing in your way.

It’s no longer about finding permission to explore; the information is there waiting for you to dive in.

Sure, my YouTube consumption might have spiraled into an enthusiastic obsession – but I don’t see it as a problem, I see it as freedom. It’s the freedom to learn at my own pace, to soak up knowledge from photographers who are both wildly different and strikingly similar to me.

It’s the freedom to challenge myself, to rethink my framing, my storytelling and my approach to documenting life. If this is an addiction, I say long may it continue.

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Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and holds a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since his film days using a Nikon F5. He saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still, to this day, the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, the British Equestrian Writers' Association.

He is familiar with and shows great interest in 35mm, medium, and large-format photography, using products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2, shooting Street/Documentary photography as he sees it, usually in Black and White.

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