On a recent trip to Padley Gorge, I got thinking about a fairly philosophical question: What really makes a great photographer?
Is it technical skill, artistic vision, consistency—or something else entirely? That’s the topic of discussion in this article, so read on to find out my thoughts!
It’s Not Just About the Gear or the Conditions
Let’s get one thing out of the way first: this isn’t a post about what makes a great photograph. These days, nearly everyone has a camera in their pocket. It’s more than possible for anyone to capture a brilliant image without even really trying, and with the help of AI and editing tools, even an average photo can be made to look impressive.
But does that make someone a great photographer?
I don’t think so. Great images can happen by chance, but the true greats of photography aren’t creating their work by accident.
Planning a photography setup for travel can be challenging, especially when balancing image quality, versatility, and portability. In 2026, I’ll be heading to Machu Picchu, and I’ve been carefully considering the best lightweight photography solution for the trip. My key criteria are:
Lightweight: The gear shouldn’t be cumbersome to carry.
Compact: It must fit easily in my travel bag
Versatile focal range: A broad zoom range to capture everything from vast landscapes to distant details.
After evaluating different options, I decided on the Nikon Z30 as my camera body due to its compact size and excellent image quality. However, choosing the right lens was more complicated. Here’s a breakdown of the lenses I considered and why I ultimately chose the Nikkor Z 18-140mm.
I’ve just made a new Starter Pack over on BlueSky with a collection of amateur and professional photographers who mainly photograph birds, wildlife and nature. Follow them now with the link below: https://go.bsky.app/5ge7vvJ
Are you constantly searching for the perfect moment to take photos? Waiting for that elusive foggy morning or the ideal light filtering through the trees? As photographers, we can fall into the trap of striving for perfection and limiting ourselves in the process. In this article, I want to share a simple but powerful tip to break free from these constraints, boost your creativity, and improve your photography.
Why We Limit Ourselves
It’s natural to follow patterns in our creative work. If something worked well in the past, we’re inclined to repeat it. Over time, this habit sharpens our skills, but it also narrows our focus. We become so selective about when and how we shoot that we can miss opportunities Take macro photography, for example. You might think the best time is early morning, with dew on the leaves, or during summer when butterflies make excellent subject. But by waiting for these “perfect” conditions, you risk overlooking other opportunities where the light or subjects might offer something unexpected and unique. This tendency can lead to creative block or even burnout. Repeating the same routines can become uninspiring, leaving you stuck in a rut. So how can you break free and rekindle your passion for photography?
The Game-Changing Tip
Here it is: stop trying to be good at photography! Yes, you read that right. Sometimes, the best way to grow as a photographer is to switch off the part of your brain that’s always striving for perfection. Go out with no expectations. Let go of the pressure to capture award-winning shots.
How to Apply This Tip
Shoot Without Judgment . Spend a day photographing anything that catches your eye—no matter how mundane or “imperfect” it seems. Don’t worry about composition, lighting, or technical perfectio
Embrace Bad Photos Accept that not every shot will be great. If you take 100 bad photos but learn something new or capture one standout image, that’s progress.
Allow Time and Patience Rushing through this process won’t work. Take your time, enjoy the moment, and let creativity flow naturally.
Experiment Freely Try angles, subjects, or techniques you’ve never attempted before. This playful approach can reveal new possibilities and insights.
Why This Works
Switching off perfectionism unlocks your creativity. You’ll start seeing opportunities you’d usually dismiss and gain insights into different techniques and styles. Even seasoned photographers can benefit from this reset, especially if they’re feeling stuck or uninspired. For beginners, this approach is invaluable. It accelerates learning by exposing you to a broader range of scenarios and challenges.
Final Thoughts
This simple yet transformative tip has made a big difference in my own photography. While I may take some “bad” photos along the way, the process leads to moments of inspiration and learning that ultimately improve my work. So why not give it a try? Set aside perfectionism, loosen up, and shoot without expectations. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but the freedom and creativity you’ll gain are well worth i
I also made a video on this subject, which you can watch below.
