Santa brought you a magnetic filter kit. You have a brand new camera and maybe a lens. You’re now ready to snap sharper, faster photos without reflections this year. Is this all you need to become a better 2025 photographer? Spoiler: No. You may become a poorer photographer.
We slow down our creative process by reading manuals about technical things we don’t need.
For most of our photography, we only need to be able to select a shutter and an aperture and focus the subject in order for us to capture it. You could have done that with your last camera. Your 2014 camera could do the same. The old Nikon D700 I purchased in 2008 did an excellent job. My old Nikon EL2 was the best camera that I’ve ever owned. It allowed me to capture everything I saw with ease. The camera was manufactured in the late 1970s, and I purchased it second-hand in 1984. Is it because of this that film photography has made a comeback, and dusty old cameras have increased in value now? Maybe. Let’s return to the topic.
My thoughts and advice
It seems that marketing professionals are drinking their own Kool-Aid and then smoking marijuana to improve their photography skills. We should focus on taking risks and trying new things.
You may think, “But I’ll improve my photography if I have more megapixels and can take sharper pictures.” Nope. Nope. Nope. You’re probably also thinking that the Earth is flat unless you truly believe it will happen. Grab your credit card, and enjoy yourself. Be careful not to go too far out.
Spending time learning all the technical jargon that is added to cameras will not make you a more skilled photographer. You may become a camera geek who obsesses over every pixel. I’m a bit of a nerd. This has nothing to do with being an amateur photographer. Look at these guys. Do you want to be an obese keyboard warrior, living off pizzas and sugary drinks delivered by Uber Eats while barely leaving your computer with Photoshop’s zoom tool set to 400%, like those guys?
You’re not improving or learning if you spend all your time in comfort.
It’s important to repeat that staying in your comfort zone does not allow you to learn or improve.
Spend less time on technical details and more time searching for inspiration.
Rick Rubin says it best: “The true instrument, no matter what you use, is you.”
Limiting yourself is an excellent way to improve photography skills and creativity. It could be as simple as using less equipment and simplifying the process, like using only one focal length. If you have only shot in colour, you might only shoot black and white for the next few months. You can also go to your locality and look for compositions that are all about contrasting colours. You can use off-camera flashes to replace natural light if you like portraits. Ideas are limitless.
What Does ‘Better Photographer Mean?
It is crucial to improve our photography skills and understand the fundamentals of photography. Everyone can learn to do that. Anyone can learn how to take sharply focused and well-exposed photos in a short time.
We need to move on from here and create amazing photographs instead of mediocre ones. This has little to do with our equipment.
Curiosity is the key to becoming a better photographer. A person who is open to new ideas and willing to explore their creativity. Rick Rubin believes that creativity is rooted in the ability to see deeply. A person who is influenced by many things, such as art, music, reading and travel. Someone who has a creative vision and understands the purpose of taking photos. Someone who is able to tell a story and create images that communicate or evoke emotions. Open to new themes, ideas and ways of working. It could be ICM, multiple shots, or creative lighting. A person who is not afraid of failure or ridicule. This is an important point and the reason why so many people do not push themselves. Here’s the secret. You don’t have to post the results of your experiment on Instagram. Keep your photos to yourself. Learn from them. Then, repeat. Do not worry about what others think. You are your audience, not a stranger.
I practice what I preach.
This advice is for you and me, dear reader. I practice what I preach. This year, I will launch a new project inspired by the readings about William Eggleston.
I will be doing lots of ICM street photography and travelling. I am also starting a minimalist abstract project, which is way outside my wheelhouse.
As the year goes on, I will think of a few more things to try.
These projects will push me out of my comfort zone and stretch my creativity. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and click the Notification button to be notified when I post about these projects.
The project I began last year and will continue to do in 2025 is looking for beauty within the mundane. The melancholic colours and feel caught my attention. It is beautiful, and I accept that not everyone will like it.
This is a Quick Recap
- Your creativity will be pushed to the limit.
- Venture outside your comfort zone.
- Telling stories adds depth to your narrative.
- Break the rules
- Trust your gut.
It is not about reaching a specific destination but rather a journey to become a better photographer. It is about learning and experimenting constantly, as well as connecting to the world through your lens. It’s about creating work you are proud of that reflects your vision and is continually improving.
Let’s have a creative new year!
