There’s a phrase I live by in photography and in life: “I’m always learning — it keeps the motivation going.”
Over the years, this simple truth has been the fuel behind my creativity, growth, and persistence in an ever-evolving craft. Photography, for me, is more than just capturing an image. It’s about curiosity, resilience, and always pushing to understand things better, both technically and artistically.
The Early Days: Listening to "Experts"
When I first stepped into the world of photography, I did what most beginners do, I looked to others for advice. I wanted guidance, tips, maybe even shortcuts to get better results. And I got a lot of advice. A lot. From experienced photographers, from online forums, from well-meaning friends.
But here’s the thing: a good chunk of that advice missed the mark.
Not intentionally, of course. These were people who had been around photography longer than I had. But often, they were caught up in gear obsession or rigid "rules" that left no room for exploration or learning through mistakes. I quickly realised that while some guidance was helpful, true growth came from getting out there and doing it myself, and being willing to fail.
The Best Lessons Come from Mistakes
Trial and error has been my greatest teacher. Every misfocused image, every overexposed shot, every composition that felt flat, they were part of my education. Those moments taught me things that no tutorial or lecture ever could.
And it’s through this personal learning curve that I’ve found my confidence and my style. Mistakes didn’t hold me back. They moved me forward.
One Afternoon in the Hide
There’s a story I often reflect on, a moment that sums up everything I believe about learning and the photographic journey.
I was at a large bird hide one afternoon. A young photographer, probably just starting out, was taking photos of some birds with visible enthusiasm. His excitement was genuine, and you could see how engaged he was in the moment. But not everyone saw it that way.
An older, more experienced photographer began criticising him, quite harshly, for using “the wrong gear.” He told the young lad his equipment wasn’t good enough, that he was wasting time. I could see the energy drain from the young guy’s face.
That didn’t sit well with me. So, I stepped in.
I said to the young man, “Don’t listen to him. It’s not the camera that takes great photos, it’s the photographer. You can have the best gear in the world, but if you don’t know how to use it, it won’t matter. You’re doing just fine. Keep going.”
Encouragement Over Criticism
We sat down and reviewed some of the photos he had taken. And honestly? They were solid. The composition was thoughtful, the exposure was mostly on point, there was a natural instinct there, a creative eye that couldn’t be taught, only encouraged.
He told me he had been shooting in auto mode. Now, I’ve never had an issue with that. Everyone starts somewhere. But I also shared how much I had learned by using manual mode, by experimenting with aperture, shutter speed, ISO and by making mistakes.
I encouraged him to give it a try. I also suggested something that helped me early on: practice adjusting your camera in the dark, until using it becomes second nature.
That afternoon, he started experimenting. He shot in manual mode. Some of the images were underexposed, others blown out, but each one showed improvement. He was learning. That’s all that mattered.
Today's Tools Are Better — But You Still Have to Know Your Craft
With modern cameras and editing software, we have more tools than ever to fix our mistakes especially when shooting in RAW. Exposure tweaks, white balance corrections, even slight focus adjustments, all possible in post.
But here’s the thing: software can only take you so far. If you don’t understand how light works, how to compose an image with intention, or how to read the environment, no amount of editing will turn a mediocre photo into a masterpiece.
Learning the camera and learning how to see the world through the lens, that’s what makes the difference following from understanding light.
Never Complacent, Always Curious
Even after years of experience, I don’t see myself as having “arrived.” I still look to others for inspiration. I study the work of photographers I admire, not to copy them, but to understand how they achieved their results. What light were they working with? What emotion were they capturing? How did they edit their work?
Then I take those learnings and add my own voice, my own interpretation.
It’s not about chasing perfection. It’s about continuous development. Staying sharp. Staying inspired.
Photography as a Lifelong Journey
Photography has taught me that there’s no finish line. You don’t just “get good” and stop learning. You evolve. Your style changes. Technology changes. Your subject’s change. You change.
And that’s the beautiful part.
The more effort you put in, the more time spent in the field, reviewing your images, experimenting, failing, and improving, the more meaningful your progress will be. Don’t be afraid of mistakes. Don’t shy away from failures. Instead, understand them. Study them. Learn from them.
Practical Takeaways for Emerging Photographers
If you’re early in your journey or hitting a plateau, here are a few things I’ve learned that might help:
Master your tools – Know your camera like the back of your hand. Practice in all kinds of light. Switch to manual. Learn how each setting affects the final image.
Shoot deliberately – Don’t just click away. Think about what you’re trying to capture and why.
Edit with intention – Use software to enhance, not to rescue. A strong photo starts in-camera.
Seek feedback, but filter it – Not all advice is helpful. Learn to listen to your gut.
Find your mentors, but trust your own path – Be inspired, but don’t feel pressured to follow the herd.
Never stop exploring – New subjects, new techniques, new perspectives — these keep your work fresh and exciting.
Encouragement Over Elitism
That afternoon in the hide reminded me of the importance of encouragement over elitism. No one benefits from being told they’re not good enough because of the gear they use or the settings they prefer.
Photography is a deeply personal art. It reflects who we are, how we see, what we value. And every photographer, no matter how experienced, I was once a beginner.
So, if you see someone starting out, offer help without judgment. Share your learnings. Tell your stories. Be a mentor, not a gatekeeper.
Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Always Be a Student
The world of photography keeps evolving, new technologies, new styles, new ways of telling stories. That’s what keeps it exciting. That’s what keeps me motivated.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I’m even more excited about what’s still to come. There are still mistakes to be made. There are still lessons to learn. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
So, here’s to all the photographers, beginners, pros, and everyone in between, who are still learning, still growing, and still showing up with curiosity and passion.
Stay motivated. Keep evolving. And most importantly… Keep shooting.
