Day 1

One of the biggest mistakes people make on their photography journey is not a technical one. It is forgetting why they picked up a camera in the first place.

Photography can very quickly become about settings, sharpness, gear, and whether we’re doing everything “right”. We start worrying about rules, comparing ourselves to others, and chasing perfection. The result is often frustration, and can lead to the feeling that our photography is just not very good.

Most of the time, the problem is not skill. It’s mindset.

You might have heard people describe that they “make” a photograph rather than “take” one. This may be semantics, but it can help us to understand what we are creating. Taking a photograph can be quick and thoughtless. Making one means slowing down, being present, noticing light, shape, mood, and the feeling of a place. It means connecting with what’s in front of you rather than rushing through it.

Ironically, when we relax and focus on the experience, our photography usually improves anyway. We notice better compositions. We see the light more clearly. We become more creative and less mechanical.

Photography is an art, not just a technical exercise. And like any art, it should be enjoyable first and foremost. If you are enjoying being outside, exploring, experimenting and learning, you are already doing it right.

So today’s tip is a simple one:

Slow down, enjoy being out with your camera and let photography be something you experience. It is the journey that counts, not the destination.