Frequently Asked Questions…
How do you discover video ideas?
A range of ways. I spend far too much time on the internet. As such, I’ve read about plenty of great stories and locations - and have delved deeply into many rabbit holes. Also, thanks to a job I once had, I’ve (literally) been down most of the roads around the metropolitan area. You start to notice things and keep a mental list if you’re observant enough. Simply clicking around Google Maps has resulted in videos too.
But lastly, plenty of great suggestions from you guys! Feel free to recommend a location either by email or as a YouTube comment . My email can be found in the “About” section of this website. All things combined, I have quite the master list of ideas that should keep this channel puttering on for the foreseeable future.
Are you a full-time YouTuber?
I am not. I have to attend work every day just like everyone else. YouTube isn’t as financially lucrative as people seem to think. Having said that, it does earn enough income to pay for itself. This includes transport costs, accommodation, equipment, software subscriptions… the list goes on. I’ve always been a man of hobbies so one that funds itself is a dream come true. If you’re able and willing, you can support the channel through YouTube’s membership program. This includes bonus, behind the scenes videos. Learn more about it here.
So, what is your job then?
Obviously, I don’t want to dox myself too badly. But I will say that I’ve worked in the surveying industry for (nearly) the last ten years. This has been over several roles, in both the field and the office. The knowledge that comes with being a surveyor has been very handy for my videos. You see the world in a different light through spatial science.
What equipment do you use?
I get asked quite a bit for camera gear recommendations. If you’re starting out, my advice is to use what you have already instead of immediately sinking a bunch of money (sound advice for any new hobby, really). Fortunately, smartphone cameras are amazing these days. Many larger channels I watch use exactly that and their large viewership’s don’t seem to care.
I’ve been on YouTube a long time, however, (check out my retro gaming channel!) so I had the benefit of starting Brendan’s Odyssey mostly kitted out. Primarily, I use Alpha series Sony mirrorless cameras. I used Canon DSLR’s before that (check out my urbex photography!) and the Sony’s have much better video quality at about half the weight. Specifically, I use a 7C. The stabilisation is a bit hit and miss (obvious in my early videos) but otherwise, I have no complaints. This is an upgrade over an older 6300. Again, the video quality was fantastic, but it doesn’t seem to have stabilisation at all and suffers from overheating. It also chews through batteries at an alarming rate. Still, it gets used as a secondary camera when the need arises.
I’m a bit uncomfortable using cameras in urban areas, however (unless it’s touristy) as I don’t like drawing attention to myself. For this filming, in accordance with the first paragraph, I simply use a phone. Like I said, no one seems to notice or care. I’ve used a Pixel 5 (which now gets used as my “bike” cam), a Samsung Galaxy Fold 5 (cool phone but average camera) and recently, I’ve bought an iPhone 15 Pro. I’m not the biggest fan of Apple (and this phone is certainly not my daily driver) but their cameras are undisputedly the best.
Sound is extremely important. I feel viewers are more likely to switch off because of bad sound compared to bad video. Luckily, the mics in cameras are surprisingly good these days (except for windy scenarios) but I have a few dedicated microphones at my disposal. The ones you’ve likely seen in videos are Rode Wireless ME’s. These have the benefit of including microphones in both the receiver and transmitter, depending on how you want to film. At home, I also use a Blue Yeti. I’ve had this for nearly 15 years! While they are still available, Logitech manufacture them these days so I can’t comment on the current build quality.
I’ve also owned and used a Manfrotto MKC3-H01 tripod for nearly as long. Again, I can’t comment on the current build quality of Manfrotto, but this tripod has been a little ripper.
I also use a DJI Mini 3 drone. This has been essential for these types of videos and is also under 250g, skirting it under some regulations. The existing rules are fair, however - so I implore everyone to fly responsibly. Another useful tool has been my cars dashcam, particularly useful during the intro sequences. I’ve recently upgraded to a Nextbase GW 622 which is 4K and includes a polarising filter.
What software do you use?
I’m a bit stuck in the Adobe loop, sadly. I primarily use Premiere Pro for editing, aided by Photoshop. These are great software packages, don’t get me wrong, but they’re expensive. Their contracts are straight up out of the dark ages too. Even though you pay per month, they’re year long contracts with extremely high early exit fees. I feel like the software could be a bit more stable, considering the costs involved.
I try to use open-source where possible. Audacity is great for voice recording, Blender for 3D and OBS for screen recording. All are completely free and are powerful software packages considering they cost nilch!
Do you need an editor etc?
I appreciate any offers of physical help, but the great thing about running a YouTube channel is all the different disciplines and skills you learn along the way. I would like to think my skills increase (just a little bit) in every area with each video upload. I do receive help (usually filming wise) from my long-time partner, Anneka, however - and for that, I am very grateful. You’ve probably spotted her in the videos!
Where do you find historic photos/plans/maps/general information etc?
The State Library of Western Australia
Easily the most comprehensive resource for a West Aussie. I’m not sure how large their archive is, but I’ve searched with some pretty obscure search terms and you’d be surprised what turns up. The majority of the scans are very high quality too. Not everything is online, however.
If that’s the case, then a trip to the city is in order. You can have anything put aside for research if you have a membership - which is free. You usually can’t remove the item from the library, but there’s plenty of space on the top floor including a dedicated research room. The staff have always been very knowledgeable and helpful.
Frankly put, this channel would not be what it is without the SLWA.
Trove is a wonderful resource that covers not just WA, but the entire nation. It includes high-quality scans of newspapers, journals and magazines going back to early colony days. There have been so many situations where the facts have been properly revealed using this service. A source doesn’t get much more authentic than an 1850s newspaper article. Just be sure to put your search terms in quotations so there’s a better chance you’ll get a hit. It’s not uncommon to receive tens of thousands of search results.
Speaking of sources of truth, a photo works too. Specifically, a photo of the entire metro area and beyond! It’s a bit hidden away, but if you navigate to the “Buy Aerial Photo” option (top-right corner, camera symbol) you can view aerial photography from as far back as the 1940s! This covers all of the metro and a lot of regional areas too. This is very handy if a location has changed considerably. Most of the imagery is of surprisingly high quality too, given the photos were taken from low-flying planes. Modern imagery is useful too, since it’s of a higher resolution and (usually) newer than something like Google Maps.
Launched several years ago, Retro Maps consists of plans (feature surveys) from early last century. They were drawn for Perth’s early sewer network. These have been stitched together geographically. This means you can navigate around like Google Maps and see detailed drawings of a particular location. There’s also an opacity slider so you can find your way through familiar surroundings first. Another great aspect is the fact the plans have been open-sourced. You can directly download a plan by clicking on the map!
You’ve probably heard me mention this in my videos quite a bit. This is the Heritage Council’s online database of heritage listings. I’ve found information here that’s nowhere else, as their writeups are usually based on text-only sources that are hard to find. I only wish they had some sort of overall interactive map - you need to know exactly what you’re looking for before you search it.
A fantastic collection of information and photos that you can’t find anywhere else.
Keeping to the transport theme, this is an interactive map showing past and present railway routes. This has been very useful once the trace of a former railway disappears into the bush.
State Records Office of Western Australia
The search function can be a bit hit-and-miss, but I’ve struck gold here in the past. Particularly useful for old survey plans that are scanned at a very high resolution.