The Ripple Effect of Free Knowledge in Landscape Photography
When I released the first volume of my Essential Landscape Photography Skills Book, I made a decision that surprised some people: I gave it away for free. At the time, I knew it might seem counterintuitive. Why give away something I had worked so hard to create? Why not charge for it, even a small amount, to reward the effort?
But I had a different vision. I wanted to remove barriers. I wanted anyone, regardless of where they were in their photography journey or what their budget looked like, to access knowledge that could help them grow. Landscape photography is already full of challenges—unpredictable light, tricky conditions, complex gear—and I didn’t want cost to be yet another obstacle.
The result of that decision created something I never fully anticipated: a ripple effect. That one free book didn’t just help others—it helped me grow too. And now, with Volume 2 of the book ready for release, I want to reflect on what I’ve learned about the power of sharing knowledge freely, how it has impacted both readers and myself, and why I’ve chosen to continue this journey in the same way.
Looking Back: Why Volume 1 Was Free
When I first put Volume 1 out into the world, I wasn’t thinking about numbers, downloads, or even long-term growth. I was thinking about connection. I wanted to share the fundamentals of landscape photography in a way that felt approachable and practical.
The response was overwhelming. Photographers from around the world downloaded the book, and the feedback I received was humbling. Readers told me how it clarified concepts they had struggled with for years. Others said it gave them the confidence to head out in difficult conditions, or to see their local landscapes with fresh eyes.
That was the first ripple. A book that I thought might help a handful of people ended up reaching far more than I expected.
But there was another layer. In creating Volume 1, I had to look critically at my own process. Explaining photography clearly forced me to refine my own understanding of the craft. Teaching made me a better photographer. That was ripple number two.
Why Volume 2 Continues the Same Path
With the success of Volume 1, it would have been easy to take a different route with Volume 2—perhaps charging for it, or turning it into a paid course. Many people encouraged me to do just that. But the philosophy behind this project hasn’t changed.
Knowledge grows when it’s shared without restriction. That’s the essence of the ripple effect. By giving freely, I’m not just creating another PDF for people to download. I’m opening the door for new photographers to take their first steps, for seasoned photographers to sharpen their skills, and for the community as a whole to thrive.
Volume 2 expands on the foundation of the first book. It dives deeper into the lessons I’ve learned in the field, the challenges I’ve faced, and the strategies that work in real-world conditions. Once again, it’s not about creating a glossy manual that sits unused on a shelf. It’s about creating something practical, something you can apply the next time you’re out with your camera.
How Free Knowledge Helped Readers
Over the past couple of years, I’ve received countless messages from readers who downloaded the first book. Some told me it gave them the clarity they needed to finally shoot in manual mode. Others said it encouraged them to try photographing in conditions they would have previously avoided—rain, fog, stormy skies.
What stood out most, though, were the messages from those who said they felt part of something bigger. They weren’t just downloading a file; they were connecting to a wider photography community that values openness, generosity, and mutual support.
That’s the ripple effect in action. One free book doesn’t just impact an individual—it spreads outward, influencing how people approach their craft and how they connect with others.
How Free Knowledge Helped Me
It’s easy to assume that giving something away for free is a one-sided gesture, but I quickly learned that wasn’t the case.
By writing and releasing Volume 1, I grew as a teacher and a communicator. I learned how to distill complex ideas into straightforward explanations. I also grew as a photographer, because breaking down my process forced me to question why I worked the way I did and whether there were better approaches.
Most importantly, I grew as part of a community. The readers who reached out, the conversations that started, the sense of shared purpose—it all made me realize that teaching isn’t just about passing on information. It’s about building relationships.
That’s why Volume 2 isn’t just another book. It’s another step in a continuing dialogue.
The Value of Joining the Newsletter Crew
Alongside the books, I’ve built a newsletter community. For me, the newsletter isn’t just a way to send updates. It’s a way to stay connected, to keep the ripples moving.
Subscribers get more than announcements—they get insights, behind-the-scenes stories, reflections from the field, and early access to projects. It’s where I share the raw, unpolished parts of my journey as well as the highlights.
By downloading Volume 2 and joining the newsletter crew, readers aren’t just receiving a book. They’re stepping into an ongoing exchange of ideas and experiences. And that’s where the real value lies.
Why Free Creates Trust
There’s a common fear that giving knowledge away for free devalues it. My experience has been the opposite. When people see that you’re willing to share without holding back, trust builds. Readers understand that you’re not just trying to sell them something—you genuinely want them to succeed.
That trust is invaluable. It’s what has kept the community around these books growing. It’s what motivates me to keep creating. And it’s why Volume 2 will once again be completely free.
What Readers Can Gain From Volume 2
Here’s what you can expect from this new volume:
Deeper Insights – Building on Volume 1, this book digs further into practical skills and creative strategies.
Real-World Lessons – These aren’t abstract theories; they’re lessons shaped by years of working in the field.
Accessible Language – Whether you’re a beginner or experienced photographer, the content is designed to be clear and actionable.
Community Connection – By downloading the book, you’re not just gaining information—you’re joining a wider conversation.
The goal is simple: to help you become a more confident, adaptable, and creative photographer.
The Ripple Effect Continues
Looking back, I can see how a single decision—to release a book for free—set off a chain of events I never expected. It helped photographers take their next steps, it helped me refine my craft, and it created a sense of community that continues to grow.
With Volume 2, I hope to keep that ripple effect moving. I hope it inspires you to head out with your camera, to try something new, to share your results, and perhaps even to pass on your own knowledge freely to others.
Because that’s how the ripples grow.
It’s FREE to all newsletter subscribers. Check your inbox for your download codes, and I can’t wait to share this content with you all.
Additionally, If you do want to support my work, there’s the High 5 donation—€4.99—which really helps me keep producing resources like this. It’s completely optional, but every little bit makes a difference.