For more BTS kinda stuff, join me on instagram instagram.com/scottchoucino/

"Everyone needs to be less judgemental and just crack on with their work" Well said!

As a newer photographer I was immediately drawn to how fun Peter presents the craft. It gave me a confidence in the way I present myself. I’ve turned to other outlets in terms of learning certain technicalities, but I’ve seen success just letting natural charisma come through and I think Peter shares that best.

From watching Peter one thing I know is he doesn’t proclaim to be anything he’s not. Always gives credit to great work. He’s a catalyst for people wanting to get into photography, and I’m sure if he put his mind to anything he would do well.

He used to be a product photographer, shooting playing cards for a company. He’s also shot weddings iirc. He’s done a lot for is age, but now he’s shooting stuff he wants to shoot. Not stuff people want him to shoot.

We all just gotta do or OUR thing(s)! Peter is great! You are great! Cheers!

Peter McKinnon is an entertainer. I stopped watching him years ago as he spent so much time drinking coffee and waffling, i got bored waiting for the subject to be talked about. He is very popular so that speaks for itself, and "being a photographer" is debatable on what that is defined as. So i would say he is a creator and pretty good too. So you can't deny that. But for me, it is not my cup of tea.

You know you've succeeded in life when someone makes such kinds of videos about you. PM has inspired alot, let him do him & you do you ✌🏻

Man, I love your channel. No bs, no intros, no larger than life antics. You just get on with it, and share such valuable info that no else really touches on. So many tech guys out there doing the same reviews, and here you are touching on the intangible.

PM started shooting product shots with a Card Deck and now he's a world wide sensation 💯🌍 Love ur vid. It's great and Photographers have their own audience

Not sure if my comment made it to the live chat but, he's got photo and video talent. His bucket shot made it on currency. What kept me from photography for so long was all the gatekeeping dooshbags I'd end up talking to and couldn't understand. I'm grateful for your videos Scott as I was getting hyped to do commercial work but there is so much more involved and I don't have the tools yet.

Finally someone asking the real questions

As always Scott, Well said, and thank you for making people more aware that photography is not a tiny little box, but a large artform that covers many areas of discipline.

Did you see his fashion Santa car advert photos? I thought they were great.

Peter: *literally has worked with clients way bigger than most photographers will ever sniff* Photographers: Peter’s not a real photographer.

Everyone who is serious about their photography is a real photographer. End of story. The gatekeeping practiced in the photography world is mind numbingly stupid. If you want to talk level of expertise or one’s skill level that’s a different topic.

He actually got his start in the photography world as a product photographer shooting card decks, so he definitely saw the commercial side. It really is a funny question to ask, good point about everyone getting back to their own work instead of being judgmental. I even find myself critiquing more than working more often than I like.

From what I know he was one of the top of the line wedding photographers in America. Now he’s a KZfaqr.

Great points and yes to supporting the creatives. I started watching Peter back in 2018 and I was super enthusiastic about doing photography and editing because of how engaging he made it. I wasn't in a position to afford the camera gear I wanted then but I learnt editing techniques and used the free features on lightroom mobile until last year when I started to get my gear. I wouldn't be where I am now without the inspiration from Peter's videos. He is is a creator and a very good one at that, wouldn't worry about the photography/filmography just a damm good creative and I'm sure he is happy with that.

I don’t know why I’m just finding your channel. But, I thoroughly enjoyed this video and a few others I just watched. I’ll be watching from here on out. Great work

I believe the cat behind you knows the real tea! Lol❤️❤️

I have watched many of Peter McKinnon's videos and he did product and wedding photography for years. I think he also sold his prints online. If you've watched his videos you know that he often teaches the technical aspects of equipment and techniques to use for better photos that I personally have found very useful. He has chosen KZfaq as the medium to promote himself, but he's still a photographer/filmmaker/entertainer.

Thank you for taking on this pervasive trend of throwing shade if they don't do X, Y, or Z. I've always thought of "are they a 'real' photographer" as the not-so-quiet cancer that has been eating at the photography community for a long while. It's like we're trying to become the too-cool Heathers of high school.

Peter Mckinnon is awesome. We learn so much from it. He does what is best story telling and Photoshoots 🔥. Also love your channel Scott.

Peter McKinnon is a slick KZfaq maker!

Peter Mckinnon is inspirational, I've been following him from the time he quit his job to go "full-time" on youtube. He is inspirational and entertaining, I also enjoy his photography and his videography.

PM is making REAL money and seemingly having a REALLY good time. Whatever that labels him I doubt he cares.

Real Talk!....If only we all saw things this way we'd be happy people and support each other! Great work man!

I love how you've explained this, couldn't have said it better 👏 for me Peter is very inspiring, helps motivate me to get things done somewhat.

100% agree with the last line. The distinction is arbitrary and invented out of insecurity.

Excellent points - respect and support one another. I think I’ve seen over the years a real change from the “us vs them” mentality to a broader, more inclusive and supported community of “creatives.” I think that word alone shows the different way we think of these industries. Bravo!

Agree 100% with what you say. Haters will be haters (for want of a better description). Let them. Peters doing his own thing, as you are yours. It is refreshing to hear such support, as my father used to say, "if you haven't anything good to say about someone or somtehing...say nothing"...I too watch Peter McKinno...didn't realise that he was a magician as well. Strange world. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it all. Keep keeping on JJ

Very nicely said. No hate, just good points and opinions. loved it!

Love the perspective. Within photography there are a lot of gate keepers as to what counts as X or Y. Most of said gatekeepers are pursuing something niche themselves and broadcasting a comparison between Peter and their goals.

Peter McKinnon is the Nickelback of photography

Great video; totally agree. People can be such snobs and be critical but how many can actually put themselves out there, capture attention and engage the audience like he does?

We agree, it is important to support each other, thank you for sharing your thoughts

Love this video mate. Support creatives! There's a place for many! Great hit mate. Everything you say in this is spot on (IMO). Thanks for sharing.

Peter was amazing for me to learn the basics and have fun as I started Funnily enough, I bought my first camera the same week he started to make videos seriously on KZfaq, found the first viral video he had just made, looking for tips, and followed his journey for the following 2 or 3 years. After that, I unsubscribed because I had grown away from his niche and style. But I still love the guy, and I will never regret having followed him! I still find some of his content from time to time and watch him having fun. Makes me smile and gives me another perspective. I moved away from his content but he has a lot of relevance for young beginners, starting their journey, and the guy is a monster storyteller and entertainer we could all learn from! You don't grow that much of an audience in such a short time without having something special people can learn from.

Enjoyed the video mate. Well said:)

Well put. Personally, I am not a fan of PM, but your points were very fairly stated.

You are asking the wrong question. The question is not if someone is a real photographer or not but if someone is a professional photographer or a social media content creator. A pro is taking photos for a living. He/She has to work on a client briefing and has to be able to create perfect images and consistent quality in any condition whereas youtubers who don´t work for clients can just pick the cherries. They are free to take photos when the conditions are perfect, when they are in the mood and when they like the subject. So I would say everybody who has an eye for composition and who can create emotional pictures is a real photographer but not all real photographers have the ability to work professionally and produce high quality images on demand. By the way I don´t believe that the interest in a photographer can be as big as the interest of teenage girls in pop stars. So it´s quite unlikely that a photographer can realistically have 2.8 million followers on Instagram organically. Even legends like Peter Lindbergh has only 1.5 million. And if you look close at the followers of people like Peter McKinnon you will see that there are many fake followers. When I see someone is doing this I always think "well, seems he needs it". For me it doesn´t feel quite authentic.

What is a REAL photographer anyway? Mckinnon is an amazing photographer in his own genre. He creates images that are tailored to his audience and he's damn good at it. He's entertaining too. Anybody that fancies claiming that he's not a "real" photographer needs to get their head out of their jacksie and re-evaluate their life. If you've got the time to worry whether a KZfaq sensation is in any way "real" you've probably been locked up inside for too long.

It does not matter, you are right. The content he produces and his presentation style are hyper-aimed at the current tastes, yet he still seems authentically him. As you said, part of his talent is knowing and feeding the latest visual trends. Granted, I have little interest in his topics and his presentation style grates my last nerve, but every so often I turn to his channel and always get some good insight, at least one solid nugget. Very well said. He does his thing, he does it well, so more power to him. Therefore, more power to all of us who enjoy what we do and follow our own photographic vision and passion.

Loved every bit this video, more people need to hear and understand this. I am a fan sir! And not just because I love Peter McKinnon, but because I love how you relate to creatives. Cheers!

in his old podcast episode I believe him and Matt did speak about where they USED to be wedding photographers before youtube/vlogging and doing video and they were happy to leave that industry. So regardless what is "real photographer" is, they have been in that photo industry and it does feel that many these popular youtubers like even Casie who have dont many big work in that photo/video industry before youtube. I think I saw another criticism in a videography group about the "clickbait" title that anything f1.2 is cinematic due to the recent sony 50mm f1.2 lens being released and sadly it was towards the person who made the video when the main criticism is towards how cinematic is over used all the time and maybe even in the photography side of things as well.??

What I find interesting is not only did he shoot the Hyundai commercials, he was also their photographer for the holiday campaign. More importantly the Canadian government selected his Banff photo for a minted coin. I don't understand why other photographers have to hurt each other. We should lift each other up and celebrate each others successes. Not decide if a person in a real photographer or filmmaker. I do shoot with a 4x5 and I do have a photography degree, but that doesn't make any better than someone who doesn't. I don't care who you are or what your background is, if you make amazing photos or films, in my eyes you are a photographer and a filmmaker!

If you can make a KZfaq video about cameras you are an expert in my book 📸

I need to learn how to get a shot like this in my studio. The depth he creates with the different lightings is awesome

I think the real issue is KZfaqrs/Instagram Photographers/Educators giving the impression that they are a commercial photographers shooting client campaigns when they are not. For beginner photographers it is often hard to tell the difference. If everyone is transparent about what they do and how they earn their money, then great! I have nothing against KZfaqrs and earning money that way, just don't do it by pretending to be a commercial photographer. (PS - I'm not saying that's what Peter McKinnon does.)

For being a true sportsman, im giving u my sub

Is Scott Choucino a real KZfaqr if he hasn't done a "37 things EVERY PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDS (you won't believe #16)" video with affiliate links?

Peter McKinnon is a very good business man who just happens to have knowledge of using canon cameras.

Kai Wong is similar. I don't actually know if he is a "good photographer" but he has a really good screen presence and delivery for KZfaq

You gotta do YOU. Everyone else's opinion....is just that.

The production of his videos are amazing but where is his body of work? can't seem to find a portfolio.

BTW, Love that sweatshirt! Haha, so good.

Charisma, that’s what he has. Although, he did not learn it (photography and filmmaking) “traditionally”, he went through trial and error and from there combined with his other talents (like card tricks and music) plus of course his personality, established his niche and became who he is right now. This is coming from my own observations.

Yes!!! He is

Anyone cliked cuz we thought he will say something bad about Pete. Have a nice one I love your content

Just here for the comments...

What was the name of the videographer / filmmaker you mentioned? Around the 3:45 mark. Thanks.

people who criticize Peter have too much time on their hands and should rather spend more time to do more of what Peter is doing...

ID on the Pullover please

He teaches photography so that's not even a question 😂😂😂

Superb mate. Love your perspective 🙂🙂🙂

glad i came across the channel, subbed and waiting for more

took the click bait but stayed for the good points. Well said. Audience tends to define what you are and knowing who your audience is.

Is he real photographer? Ofc he is. He has the gear, the experience and he has worked in the professional sphere. Anyone that has done this for a long time and is making a living off of it is a real photographer. I guess people should ask if "is he a great photographer" instead. That to me is the real question.

A fair few years ago now there was a magazine article by a professional in the field (no names; no pack drill) the thrust of which was that it was important there were professional photographers (by implication like him) as only professionals could really innovate and produce new and interesting work. The magazine was aimed at amateurs It didn’t go down well

I think many who ask this are just irritated by his success. I have seen plenty of comments where people complain about him, but to me they just come off as envious and bitter. Each of us approaches things in our own way, and I think that Peter deserves his success. The whole discussion about whether someone is a "real" photographer always irritated me. Like the term "artist" or "musician". I've seen plenty of people downtown playing music on cans, pipes, and other random items, and it was some of the best music I've heard. Limiting ones definition of something limits their own growth and prevents them from learning new techniques or approaches. Even if in the end you disagree with someone, there's no need to be rude or condescending to make yourself feel better. Just go out, capture more photos, and do you.

Hé sells coffee and knives. Commercial work is working for others on an assignment and a time and budget limit. Anything else is just shooting.

I am not a professional photographer i am a hobbyist/collectior so I don’t understand the ins and outs of the commercial photography world. I love his videos and have learned allot from watching them and plus I heard he got a deal with Hyundai Canada so they must think he is the real deal.

Is he a real photographer? Is Gordon Ramsay a "real" chef? is he a "real" TV presenter? both? neither? Labels are stupid, why can't people realize that everyone is unique and placing them in little "boxes" is pure intellectual laziness.

Peter McKinnon is a true creative and is an asset to our industry!

Agree with what you said, very interesting discussion. I watched a few of Peter's videos, he is more of a successful youtuber / filmmaker but I believe he is still a real photographer, just not a great one. He is really creative, technical and to beginners he can be pretty inspiring especially his engaging tutorial videos. However for his stills he doesn't have a very strong body of work or specialization that distinguish himself from other established photographers. His shots are pretty but a bit style over substance, I don't quite feel the emotion or story behind the shot. Like you said if he put his minds to it maybe he will do better but in reality he hasn't yet. To me your photos have shown more efforts and patience than his stills and I hope you can keep doing that. There isn't anything wrong with what he did, its just how he brand himself and invest in his time to maximize returns, which is a realistic approach given not all great photographs gets appreciated and making exceptional photographs /series can be a very time consuming process. Just my opinion hope you keep up the great work here.

I agree with everything you have said!

I like your whole viewpoint on photography

It's like hating Jeremy Clarkson for not being race driver

Everyone worries way to much about others who are successful in their industry. Just get out and create.

I love the idea expressed that all creative people should be encouraged to follow their own paths regardless of what that path might be. There is no doubt in my mind that McKinnon is an excellent photographer and videographer. However my greatest objection to him is his seemingly endless flogging of merchandise on his channel which his accolytes dutifully line up to buy. I get it. Everybody needs to make a buck. But when you treat your audience as nothing more than a mass market for your stuff it gets a bit tiresome.

I agree on everything you said, everyone has their thing....

This this this!!!!

Very down to earth... I like your attitude. Left a like :D

Spent part of the video worried about Moggy in the background until I saw him move. Glad he's okay.

Haters gonna hate, specially to people that's successful and it's doing things in a non so traditional way

Commenting this before even watching. The definition of "real" in photography and videography is such a vague term. Is someone can create a photo or a video even using a phone makes them a "real" photographer. The other side of the coin is "are they a GOOD photographer" and even that comes down to personal preference. Some of the best photographers in the world shoot photos that wouldn't be my cup of tea but it doesn't mean they aren't good.

Why do small objects such as watches, only look sharp when you go above f20, where you can even get ears and hair sharp with portraits when you focus on the face? Small objects you focus on the watch, and the strap is out of focus even at f15. But with a model, you focus on the eye at f9 and even eats and hairs are sharper than the strap of the watch does. What's the explanation for this?

This is exactly what I thought so would say, Scott.

Are you in front of a green screen? Your cat doesn’t budge the entire video 😂

Well spent 5 minutes, thanks!

I love his videos. He is an amazing talent. Why the hate? I shoot corporate work for insurance companies and I used to shoot politics and weddings. Yes, to me he is a real photo and video artist.

*What is a REAL photographer anyway? .. Anyone can be a photographer.. Your work that would define who you are as an artist. Everyone is a photographer these days!*

He is genuinely a great photographer cause he shows how to enjoy it and while making commercial work in a creative way, he does video and photography with ideas in mind, and he trys different things and the main thing he is creative and supports everyone around him and as a good attitude towards it

Is it coming from commercial photographers or other "infuencers"? He doesn't shoot films that really have a good visual story flow to them or make good cinematic videos. But all that I've seen from him comes across as being more instructional videos than anything else. And he is good at making a video explaining something that is also entertaining to watch. A big percentage of what commercial photographers are doing, and it's really evident in the fashion side as well as the check marked youtube channel side, is having access to something aesthetically pleasing that can be placed in front of the camera than anything the photographer is doing that is so specialized or skillful. Extravagant wardrobe and someone that makes people say "she looks like a model". Once the makeup is applied, the photographer much of the time provides a soft box if they add anything more than the camera. And then it still needs a large amount of retouching. Photographers can be very pretentious and are always overstating what their role was in getting a photograph that people will say is a good one. So he seems to be real enough if he's able to make a living out of it.

Same as the fstoppers guys

Peter is a idea player.

This is awesome!

*subbed* much love from Vancouver Canada 🇨🇦 real or not but he’s pretty entertaining

If the cat didnt move at 1:29, I wouldnt have noticed it! :D