Day 6

One of the easiest ways to lose motivation in photography is to do the same thing, the same way, over and over again.

Here are five approaches that genuinely transformed how I see and shoot. Small changes, big returns.

First, long exposure, used thoughtfully. Not as a default, but as a creative choice. Compressing time into a single frame changes how movement feels and creates contrast between what’s static and what’s not. Used with restraint, it opens up entirely new visual possibilities.

Second, shooting directly into the sun. It’s challenging, unpredictable, and often avoided which is exactly why it’s worth trying. When it works, it produces images full of warmth, atmosphere, and emotion that viewers instantly connect with. Watch the video below to discover the “Sun Thumb Technique”.

Third, using aperture and shutter speed creatively. Landscapes don’t always need maximum depth of field, and portraits don’t always need blurred backgrounds. Flipping those conventions forces you to think differently and often leads to more expressive results.

Fourth, letting go of the need for foreground interest. Depth doesn’t only come from objects near your feet. Layers, relationships, and shapes can do just as much work, sometimes more, especially when combined with a longer lens.

And finally, working outside “perfect” conditions. Middle-of-the-day light, bad weather, flat skies – these situations force you to observe more carefully and respond creatively. Some of the most satisfying images come from conditions most people avoid.

A few small shifts can completely refresh the way you see and result in beautiful photographs.