"I've got over 1 million followers. Congrats... I'm out. A lot of photographers see it like that because it's so prized – it's seen like your worth is your number. Some of the best photographers I know don't have a lot of followers at all"

A black and white image captures a bird splashing across water, wings spread, creating ripples against a dark backdrop.

Photographer Alan Schaller knows the highs of global recognition but also the frustrating lows of an industry that often undervalues its creators.

From street photography to launching SPI (Street Photography International), and now Irys, a revolutionary photography platform with Schaller's consistent mission: champion photographers, protect their craft, and push for fair treatment in the industry.