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Photography is about creativity, practice, and passion—not just about gear and trends. Many photographers fall into common traps that stifle creativity, limit growth, and leave their images looking like everyone else’s.
The advice that follows will help you break out of these habits, rediscover your unique voice, and improve your work in meaningful ways. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these tips will help you elevate your photography and stand out from the crowd.
Don’t Be a Zombie Photographer
What is a zombie photographer?
Simply put, it’s someone who blindly follows the trends, gear choices, and techniques of others without understanding why they work. They wander aimlessly through their photography, producing images that lack creativity, originality, and soul.
It happens like this: You watch a video or read an article from a well-known photographer, often sponsored by a camera or equipment brand. You decide you need to do things exactly the same way—buy the same gear, shoot with the same settings—and you expect the same results.
Unfortunately your results aren’t as good and they are never better. That is because you are looking for a shortcut instead of putting in the effort to work on your own creative abilities.
Let’s Get Real
- Gear doesn’t make the photo. Creativity and skill do.
- Bokeh is not everything. You don’t always need to shoot wide open for a nice background. Understanding depth of field gives you control.
- High-Speed Sync isn’t essential. You can photograph fast action, even outdoors, without it if you know how to work with light.
- Purchased Presets do NOT make your photos better. Finding your own unique style improves your work and makes it stand out in a crowd.
Break Free: Think for Yourself
Try techniques you see others using, but make them your own. When you buy gear, take the time to truly understand it—because photographers have been making incredible images for decades without the latest tools. Study how they did it, and you’ll be better equipped to use your gear creatively.
Take More Photos and Practice Relentlessly
Henri Cartier-Bresson famously said:
“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.”
In other words, practice is everything. The more you shoot, the better you become. Don’t get caught up in overthinking or waiting for the “perfect” moment. Go out, shoot often, and learn by doing. Even mistakes teach you something valuable.
Practice with purpose:
- Challenge yourself to photograph different subjects or try new styles.
- Set small, achievable goals for each shoot, like mastering a particular lighting technique or experimenting with composition.
Stop Chasing Gear (GAS: Gear Acquisition Syndrome)
Gear manufacturers thrive on selling the next big thing—and it’s easy to believe you need the newest lens, flash, or modifier to take better photos. But here’s the truth: great images come from photographers, not cameras.
Think about this:
- Many legendary images in photography history were created with far simpler tools than what’s available today.
- More gear often means more distraction. Focus on your subject and your creativity, not the gear in your bag.
The solution? Master what you already own. A deep understanding of your current tools will take you further than any new gadget.
Read Your Manual and Know Your Gear
If you’re struggling with camera settings or relying too much on AUTO mode, it’s time to change that. Your camera is a powerful tool, but it’s only as good as your ability to use it.
Steps to Master Your Camera:
- Read the manual. It might sound boring, but you’ll discover features you didn’t know existed.
- Google what you don’t understand. There’s no shame in looking up unfamiliar terms or settings.
- Practice. Experiment with settings, shoot in different lighting conditions, and see how changes affect your images.
The better you know your gear, the more control you have—and the more creative freedom you’ll gain.
Collaborate With Others to Grow
Photography doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit. Collaborating with other creatives can push you out of your comfort zone and help you grow.
- Work with models, makeup artists, or stylists. Their ideas and expertise can take your vision to new heights.
- Partner with other photographers for creative shoots or projects. You’ll learn from each other’s techniques and perspectives.
Don’t let fear hold you back. You don’t need to have all the answers before you start. Fake it till you make it and take that first step toward creating with others.
Find Inspiration Outside of Photography
If you’re feeling stuck creatively, look for inspiration beyond the photography world. Limiting your influences to other photographers can box you in. Great art comes from fresh perspectives and unexpected ideas.
Where to Look:
- Art and Painting: Study how painters use light, color, and composition. Explore movements like Impressionism or Minimalism.
- Movies and Cinematography: Pay attention to framing, storytelling, and lighting in films.
- Architecture and Design: Patterns, lines, and textures can inspire unique compositions.
- Music and Literature: Emotional storytelling can influence the mood and tone of your photos.
By immersing yourself in other creative fields, you’ll develop a richer, more unique vision for your photography.
Focus on Creativity, Not Trends
Certain trends and habits hold photographers back. Here are a few things to avoid:
- Over-the-top HDR or heavy filters that look artificial. Subtlety wins.
- Obsession with bokeh and wide-open apertures. Focus on your subject, not just the background.
- Relying on SOOC (Straight Out of Camera) as a badge of honor. All digital images benefit from thoughtful post-processing.
- Cluttering images with watermarks. Let your work speak for itself.
The Last Frame: Your Next Steps
Photography is an art form. To grow as a photographer, focus on creativity, practice, and mastering your tools. Forget the trends, stop chasing gear, and start exploring new ideas.
Your Call to Action:
This week, commit to pushing yourself creatively:
Find inspiration in art, film, or design and bring those influences into your next shoot.
Pick up your camera and shoot something completely different from your usual work.
Collaborate with a friend or another creative to experiment with new ideas.
I hope you found this information useful. Now go pick up that camera and shoot something! Because – “Your BEST shot is your NEXT shot!” — Joe Edelman
