I Had a BREAKDOWN in Madeira

Self doubt and imposter syndrome are two things that everyone nowadays tells us to 'overcome'. What we should be doing is embracing the fact that those are human emotions and self doubt keeps us relatable and humble. Just don't let it cripple you, but don't try to eradicate it, if you do then you lose an emotion that shines through in our creativity. A lot of images that stick a chord with the viewer is because they can feel the insecurity in it. Keep doing what your doing, embrace the insecurities.

Keep going, talent always wins. I had the same experience when I went to Iceland a few years ago. Glad you addressed it because I think we all feel like that at some stage. Stunning images mate.

Hi Henry don't worry about a thing - anyone with half a brain asks themselves the same questions. You may or may not find answers, and some of the answers could be months down the line, but going through times like this is how you grow. So simply do what you enjoy doing most, because not only do you grow through that as well, but you also very unselfishly give a lot of people a lot of pleasure with your photos and adventures 🙂

Who never have a depressive moment and question in photography !? You are fantastic, and a optimist. Remeber that! Next time try Açores, north Portugal, Sintra, Alentejo... you are well come!

Thank you for this video. I understand, to a point, where you're coming from. I live on my sailboat, and sail and take pictures for a living. And sometimes, I absolutely loath it. Most times, I don't. My dear old mum used to say to me, "why aren't you happy where you are; you always want to be where you're not..." It's only now, I understand that applies to where I am in my head, and not just where I am in the world. You do good work, Henry. All shall pass.

Henry, I love the honesty. I can totally relate. Sometimes I will get to a location and just feel completely meh and struggle to find anything. I am at the early stages of my photography journey and also understand the imposter syndrome. But it is photographers like you that inspire me. Firstly with your passion and excitement and then your honesty. Seeing video's like this help me feel better for when I am struggling.

Thank you for being you and showing us all sides of this journey.

Listen H take it from me a canny older man and someone who has always suffered from imposter syndrome regardless of the skill of what I was doing always thinking everyone else is better than me, it’s just not true and probably what most of us feel a some point or another. Others hide behind talking, scared of being found out. Just relax do what you need to do take pictures talk to your audience explain entertain and teach. Your good at what you do stop worrying and enjoy, to coin a phrase life is to short my young friend

I think you were putting too much pressure on yourself to get fantastic photos. I am not a professional photographer, but I do travel quite a bit and like to take great photos. On a trip this past summer to Scotland, I experienced much of what you did in Madeira. The trip was 3 weeks long and I had done much research to create an itinerary of iconic locations to visit and photograph. The first 2 or 3 days I had no motivation and feared that I would return home to USA with no photos I could be proud of. But I forced myself to dive in and make photos and eventually I was enjoying myself and the process and having a wonderful and fulfilling adventure and ultimately cME home with many photos that I love and am proud of. We are emotional creatures and sometimes we need our rational selves to push us through difficulties and emerge on the other side where we can enjoy and appreciate all that is around us.

Ahh Henry, good work. Yes, emotions aren't everything AND we can work through them. I do believe though, that they are indicators of something deeper that wants attention. You went to that place of "what am I doing here?" The discomfort and the question rang true and for me sounds like a call for some reflection. Perhaps rest, perhaps caring for your creativity so it's not always putting out but getting renewed. I know your fellow photog Simon Baxter has some insight into such things if you are interested. You are appreciated.

As they say, we are most critical of ourselves, but honestly Henry I LOVE your honesty! You have always kept it 'real' and for a beginner it speaks volumes to me. At the moment I'm going through an uninspired phase, as I can't seem to find any worthy 'compositions' for me to go out and photograph. Since beginning back in April 2022 I've taken literally thousands of photos in my local area and have subsequently hit a road block of what to do next. So I totally get the emotional feeling or lack thereof that comes with your surroundings. Thanks for putting a positive spin on it in today's video and for jit giving up... oh and I loved your sea stack images and cliff top sunset 😍 they're absolutely breathtaking!

He there Henry, thanks for this great video ! You are a top fotographer, don't doubt yourself. Love to see your honesty!

Just seen this Henry . I get those feelings all the time . I call it discombobulation . It comes from being in new environment and disappears once I get grounded and settle in . I noticed once you found a niche your familiar with ,you were more settled and grounded . It’s all part of being human. Well done on another honest video and your photography eye and skills are top rate .

Chin up Pal. It's comfort zones, I get the same when abroad. I think sub liminary it's because there were no sheep !!!

Henry , firstly thank you for this video, and the amazing photographs. Secondly, we all feel exactly as you have done at times . That emotion of am I good enough, will people expect more than I'm capable of , the pressure to produce something every trip !! My point , you are always an inspiration to me and I'm sure all your followers. We get bad days , bad weeks. Sometimes just walking without the camera helps , no pressure, sometimes it helps to talk about it . Just know you are appreciated mate .. if one thing isn't working another will .

I think we'd all be lying to ourselves if we said every time we went out, we felt the vibe and spent the day happy snapping. The important thing to take away from this film is to stay true to yourself, be honest with your viewers and show the tough part of photography. It's not all perfect light, stunning locations and incredible memories.. Its hard... But that's why we feel grateful for the good days, when the light is sensational and the photos just present themselves. Just keep doing what you do HT, because you've gained a loyal following by being a down to earth guy who loves what he does and recognises how lucky he is...

Impressive to be that hounest. Sounds a bit familiar 👍 Those last photos were amazing👌

Excellent video, Henry. I think of myself as an experiential photographer (more interested in the experience than the final image), and I, too, have had times where I just wasn't thrilled to be there. But, there's always something to be gained/learned from those outings. Thanks for being honest, and thanks for sharing!

great video. sorry you didn't feel it when you were at Fanal Forest. Oddly enough that was the main reason I went to Madeira. I didn't get the fog until the day before I left. The sunrise locations there were fantastic too, I enjoyed it. thanks for sharing.

Remember that this planet belongs to you, and everyone else.
Photograph whatever is in front of you.
Don't photograph the moon ...... that belongs to James Stewart.

The thing is .....
you could probably take more dramatic photos within 1200 miles from your front door.

Your honesty is refreshing. Take that pain and turn it into something great

You experience great highs and low lows, I can see that, you're passionate about what you do. I think you will always be this way but thats what makes you you and thats why we follow you. Images were awesome especially the sunset ones.

Hi Henry, It must be something about Madeira! Arrived last week, but illness meant the I only got out today. Went to the sea stacks but heavy rain caused a land slip so could not get to the beach. On to Fanal Forest where it’s always foggy - not today. Needless to say, I definitely don’t “feel it” in Madeira!

We’ve all endured what you showed us in this video. It’s as much a part of photography as it is part of being human. We can’t be manic all the time 😎

What a great video, I'm sitting watching this next to my hospital bed. These are some of my favourite photos you've taken no other word but stunning👏

Henry
I’ve learned so much from your videos! Maybe I’ve learned more because you make the emotional connection with what you are doing! That’s what those watching appreciate so much. So, if you don’t feel it , we appreciate that too. It’s real! Thank you for your heartfelt honesty. !💕

Henry, your deep connection to nature is the most important thing. Not the country.

Henry, you're about the same age as my youngest son. I see too, a level of "guilt" in your mood and difficulty accepting your success and lifestyle. This is maybe a result of a modern British education system that's designed to instill guilt. My advice, try to leave it behind, you've earned your position and success, be proud or even proud and a little meek but essentially believe in yourself. You're a great photographer, making a success of yourself in exceedingly difficult times, especially for the photography business. I've been very into photography for around 60 years, landscape, especially winter mountain landscapes, wildlife and portraiture. your images are among the best coming out of the UK from the young crowd. Be positive, bite your lip on occasion, onward forward, happy and confident!

Henry you are amazing! I started in photography and film production in the '80's and one way or the other never really broke through. I went on to other things and now that I am retired have come back to this "love". I follow a bunch of amazing landscape photographers and you are right up there with the best. I consider myself a bit of an artist in my photography and my son is an artist in the true sense of the word and one might say. We are both full of doubt at times and have to fight it back. You are so blessed to have both the talent and to be in the UK where there is so much beauty packed onto a relatively small amount of land. Thank you for sharing, it just means you are human! Keep it up and keep inspiring the rest of us.

Henry!! This is one of my favorite videos of yours! Thank you for being honest and sharing with us. We appreciate you, including your candor and sincerity, and most definitely your beautiful work capturing images of such a beautiful place. I hope those photos will serve as an inspiration to you whenever you are facing a challenge.

Henry we are often our own worst enemies. Pushing too hard. Having self doubts. To pardon the pun 'It's not unusual' to feel that way. Sometimes we just have to sit back, find some comfort, chill out and wait for the feelings to pass. I recently read a great book entitled 'Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times' by Katherine May. She talked about how to seek shelter against the cold and dark of winter, seeking warmth, comfortable places. Sometimes life's pressures can feel like a wintering and that is the time give yourself a break, stop beating yourself up and seek that warmth and comfortable place until the weather passes and the sun shines again within yourself. Nothing wrong with doing that Henry, its just your mind saying to you 'I need a wee bit of RnR'. 😊

You cant fight the flow man, listen to your gut. Doesnt mean not to push through a tough shoot, but if your hearts not in something at that moment move on and re asses. Best photos come from a true connection with the nature. Kudos for being aware of how you were feeling.

Henry, others have said it already, but you need to hear it a million times over.

You're a top shelf landscape photographer. Period.

Your videos are a huge encouragement and source of enjoyment to a TON of us hobby photographers.

Not only do you take amazing photographs and have a really keen eye for composition and editing, but you make it REALLY fun to watch!

Thanks for everything you do and the work you put in for all of us that ride along!

Hello Henry, I understand you, it's the same for me when I go abroad, because I would like to take a lot of pictures, but time is short and I have to enjoy myself with only that short time. You know, before getting in connection with a place, you need time, and holidays don't allow that, at least for me. Take your time, don't think too much, your photos are always great, even abroad. Ciao!

I can't echo enough what others have been saying here. We all love your videos, photos and infectious enthusiasm. It doesn't surprise me that you had a bit of a blip in that enthusiasm - don't work too hard. When watching your Advent series I was a bit worried you were overdoing it. Perhaps this is the after effect of that. Either way, take care of yourself and be sure that all you do on here is hugely appreciated. Thank you.

Henry, I dm'd you on Instagram after this episode, because I was concerned and wanted to help

So, Mr. Henry, if you were always happy life would be boring. Its times like this that shows your strong character and great person we see from week to week with your videos. You share so much that I feel like you are a friend that I have talked to for a long time. We all experience lows and that is part of us. Its not always a bed of roses and keep your passion going. You are loved by many.

Hey Henry, great video and message. Good comments on here but it seems like most people are simply saying, 'you're great, stop doubting yourself!' I think a better message is, 'you're great! Also, thanks for telling us how you feel.' Those are valid feelings and you can't just care them away, they come and go and that's totally acceptable. I only just recently learned about imposter syndrome and I couldn't believe there was a name/term/whatever for how I feel so often. It actually offered some sense of relief. That's in my career, but I also feel it at times in my photography too.
Anyway, great video, shots and thoughts!
PS. Was that a Canucks hat in that first scene?!

O man, you're a great photographer, no doubt about it!
You shoot great pictures of locations where of most don't see the potential.
And therefor one can get a bit down when you travel far to an epic location (like Fanal forest) and the circumstances are not as perfect as in photo's from there from other photographers that hád perfect conditions.
Shooting the not so epic locations and provide us with great pictures makes you a great photographer (& inspirator) and so special to follow your adventures to me.

Beautiful pictures indeed. I would like to add here is to say that you really are a top notch landscape photographer ❤😊

Henry , I'm sad to see you go through that event , feeling the self-doubt . Good of you to display your wobbles to your public , it smacks of honesty and integrity.
You are way up there with the higher ranks of high skilled pros , don't doubt that . I have doubts about my skills , I share that imposter syndrome feeling as I'm sure many of your followers , and indeed many of your peers do at times . It's natural , but don't dwell on it , you are inspiring me and many others . We gain not just knowledge from your videos but a thirst for adventure and improving ourselves .
Don't doubt your worth or your consumate skill .
Keep going , every journey starts with one step, every journey continues with one step , keep putting one foot in front of the other , keep doing what you're doing .
If you feel like you're burning out , don't be afraid to take a step back and take a rest , it takes a phenomenal ammount of time and effort to produce the content you put out , we see the finished article , the tip of the iceberg , we underestimate or don't see all the effort you put in off camera , travel , expense, time , filming , set up , scouting , b roll , editing etc etc
Know that you are appreciated , and your output is appreciated .
Take it easy .

Hey Henry, a huge shout out for your honesty and for sharing how you feel on your video. I'm a 63 year old snapper, a hobbiest for almost 30 years on and off but more seriously the last few years with a smile on my face, however, the past six months have been a big struggle even in places like Iceland etc, I felt the same and still do. But, I keep plodding along hoping that the mojo will resurface as an uncontrollable snap happy monster on a mission. Your video's a part of that inspiration I need to keep going so I suppose I'm asking that you don't doubt your abilities as a top photographer because that's what you are ole son, an inspirational top photographer. And from one to another, I'm devastated you got to Madeira before me, it's on my bucket list, and it looks amazing. Happy shooting brother.

Anxiety. Thanks for sharing.

Hey man, always keep it real. The good and the bad. I reckon most people are here for the same reason as me, real content. Absolutely you having those thoughts and emotions. I'm always having them, I think most people do. They just might not speak about it. Keep up the quality content.

Focus is what helps (no pun intended)! I am glad you found the light!

What a fantastic human being you are! Not to mention photographer and teacher. I had a little case of vertigo when you were on the cliff trail toward the end of the video.

Moral of the story Henry... food makes miracles sometime 😁😁. The end was just wow.

Anybody know what the last cliff location was? Going there in July. Many thanks

We all get those feelings once in a while; the "trick" is not letting them control you or change your God given pathway.
Keep the good work!!!