Today, I took a significant step in my YouTube adventure by investing in a real camera—something I had previously promised myself not to do until I was earning from my channel. The Canon 90D, which I proudly purchased, marks a pivotal moment, even though I'm still not monetized.

Backing myself has always been part of my upbringing. My father was self-employed, and I've followed in those footsteps, relying on my instincts about when to invest. To compete effectively on YouTube, everything must align perfectly, as I believe in an all-or-nothing approach.

Before launching my channel, I sought guidance from a professional mentor, Mark Ellis. I approached this endeavor with a business mindset and set a modest goal of earning £500 a month after six months. However, the journey has proven challenging. Despite initial struggles, I've begun to see signs of growth, which encouraged my recent decision to invest in a better camera.

The improvements I’m observing are not coincidental; they come from deliberate efforts. A recent bout with COVID allowed me time to reflect on my strategy. While it's true that many creators suggest starting with just a smartphone, my basic iPhone 12 limited my creative potential. I explored every option to enhance my content, including purchasing Filmic Pro and investing in quality lighting, but the camera itself was a major limitation.

Earlier this summer, I upgraded to the iPhone 14 Pro, hoping to avoid the learning curve of a new camera system. I believed it would be a cost-effective decision until my channel generated income. However, the recent growth in interest in my content made me reconsider.

The iPhone 14 Pro has significantly improved my video quality. While audio is crucial, I found it manageable due to my background. The vibrant visuals and bokeh effect now elevate my thumbnails and overall presentation, contributing to a more professional appearance.

With this camera upgrade, I also started putting more thought into each video project. My storytelling improved, and my on-camera presence became more natural. Although I don’t script my videos, having a clear structure has helped me create engaging content. This meticulous approach is paying off, as I've seen subscriber growth and a healthy level of engagement.

As I dive deeper into my YouTube journey, I've invested time and money, though not vast amounts. Not long ago, I considered quitting, feeling disheartened by my lack of traction. However, I realized that I needed to address my shortcomings. My determination has pushed me to keep moving forward. Although I haven't reached the 1,000-subscriber mark necessary for monetization, I’ve already secured the required viewing hours.

It’s clear that the potential for growth has always been within my reach. The Canon 90D I recently acquired is the next step toward realizing my goals. Even though I'm not yet monetized, I sense that I'm close to a breakthrough, and every detail must be aligned for success.

As I write this, I acknowledge that I'm stepping out of my comfort zone with this new camera. Yet, I believe in my ability to learn and adapt. I'm excited for what’s to come, even if I ultimately decide to pivot away from YouTube next year. Recently, I’ve made an effort to connect with other creators, and that has paid off. I purchased the Canon 90D from a fellow creator, Alex, who has been incredibly supportive throughout this process.

In the coming weeks, I may find myself feeling overwhelmed with my new gear, but this challenge is part of my growth.