5 Things I Wish I Knew When Starting Photography

I'm Natalie, a reportage photographer and writer specializing in lifestyle and portraiture. My passion lies in capturing the confluence of art and lifestyle through the stories of people, brands, and projects. My style blends whimsy and journalism, reflecting a deep love for the outdoors and visual expression.

I have collaborated with notable brands such as Subaru, Airbnb, United By Blue, Urban Outfitters, Travel and Leisure, Chaco Footwear, Madewell, and many others. I now serve as Head Editor for Moment, constantly evolving this publication for our community that stands against the commercial status quo.

Photography has profoundly transformed my life, turning a simple hobby into a vibrant professional career over the last decade. It has become a passionate pursuit that continuously offers insights into the present moment. Like any journey, mine includes challenges, and I aim to share these experiences to help others navigate their paths.

Remember, I'm on a journey of growth and learning just like everyone else, so take my advice with a grain of salt. While I don't expect to master my craft until I'm old and my camera has given out, I strongly believe in the power of sharing knowledge and guiding those who are just beginning their careers.

Here are the top five insights I wish I had known when I started out as a professional photographer or hobbyist.

1. Your Perspective Will Shift

As you dive deeper into your photo work, you'll likely notice shifts in your artistic purpose and intentions. Your favorite color palettes may change, your subject matter may evolve, and your overall philosophy may either strengthen or transform — for better or worse.

It's imperative that you open yourself up to evolution. Bottlenecking your abilities into one subject matter will stifle your ideas. When I first began photography, I strictly wanted to be journalistic—I wanted people to take my work seriously. I eventually lost out on documenting important milestones in my life because I was afraid they wouldn't fit my built portfolio. Frankly, this is stupid.

Be open, be curious.

This means always analyzing your work... how can you be better?

Critically analyzing each piece of your work makes you a perpetual student of every photo or video you create. Study the competition that makes you take a second peek, and honor inner criticism (trust me, it'll make you better at the craft).

Embrace the pursuit of impactful imagery, as it will inevitably change your perspective on life. This may sound dramatic, but it's true. Searching for the perfect light turns into a thrilling adventure at sunrise, leading you to capture fresh scenes and reinterpret day-to-day moments uniquely.

Diving into photography is like plunging into a cold lake — it awakens and stimulates your creativity.

So, dive in with full force.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Shoot the Little Things

Building a solid portfolio is definitely a reason to celebrate. Over time, you'll see your own growth, reflect on your achievements, and get excited about what lies ahead. Yet, capturing your personal life is arguably even more crucial as a photographer.

Early in my career, I was so focused on crafting the perfect portfolio that I often overlooked recording the everyday stories of my own life. Looking back, that was a big oversight.

As artists wielding cameras, we have a unique opportunity to chronicle our friends, family, and daily experiences. I regret not using my camera more selfishly in my early twenties, capturing snippets of life just for me. Often, I hesitated to take a shot, worried it wouldn’t fit my aesthetic, and missed capturing extremely important moments. It might sound silly, but it's a trap many of us fall into.

However, I’ve found that it’s these everyday snapshots that truly make my work stand out. It’s about noticing the little things — knowing where to stand and seeing the scene differently than my peers.

Let's just say this: I've never regretted taking out my camera.

"A good photograph is knowing where to stand." - Ansel Adams

3. Focus on Timeless Edits, NOT What’s Trendy

This is by far the biggest takeaway I can give, especially if you're a digital photographer.

Please, for the sake of your future self, take the time to create your photographic style based on timelessness, not trendiness. When pressed for an articulate description of what constitutes “timelessness,” an exact specification leaves much up for discussion. Based on the foundational tenets of Bauhaus, described here, there are two principal components of what creates a sincere quality of timeless art. Although these principles directly apply to design, photography is just as parallel.

• Purpose: With the prioritization of function over form, the purpose of any photograph decides its final form and scene.
• Zero Nonsense: By eliminating nonsensical elements of ornamentation, the final photograph stands strong.

Timelessness embodies the concept of “less is more,” executed with a clear direction, sought-after discipline, and masterful craft. It's easy to fall into a trend because it's less work, but you'll make up that effort, in the long run, by trying to rebuild a style you never had.

4. It’s Not The Gear — It’s You

Becoming the best photographer you can be depends more on your skills and vision as an artist than on the equipment you use. While investing thousands of dollars in the latest, high-end camera gear can enhance the technical capabilities of your setup, it doesn't automatically improve the artistry of your photography. Your camera's specifications don't determine the quality of your photos.

Instead, it's crucial to develop a thorough understanding of your equipment. By forming a solid, technical relationship with your camera, you free yourself to focus more on mastering the fundamental principles of photography as an art form. This approach lets you channel your energy into creativity and expression rather than just hardware.

I do believe that good gear matters in particular contexts, but moreso within niche professionalism. Honing your craft with simpler tools, such as an iPhone, is the perfect practice for mastering light, finding composition, and improving your overall visual voice.

5. Be Patient

Not Everything Has to Be Perfect!

Photography is both an art and a journey of personal growth. Like most things, success takes time. You'll gradually improve your workflow, develop a unique style, and continue to learn. Be patient with yourself, relax, and enjoy every moment of this beautiful and wonderfully strange creative process.

However, it's important to remember that just because you take a year to get better doesn't mean that time itself is enough. Taking a year to hone your craft means 1.) making a schedule, 2.) assigning yourself personal passion projects to shoot, 3.) forcing yourself to take risks, and 4.) getting to know your gear or subject matter.

One person's year of doing the same thing they're doing now will look drastically different than the other person who took a year to develop new skills and try something new.

So — imagine where you want to be a year from now. What steps are you taking today to get there?