9 things that changed my photography forever

In photography - or any other craft - there are no shortcuts. There are, however, some factors that can help you get closer to your goal, which is most likely taking better, more satisfying pictures you’re truly happy with.

I would say this road is long and consists of a few essential steps, each one depending on the other:

• learning the camera and its modes (how to take pictures),

• learning composition and visual principles (how to make appealing pictures),

• learning storytelling (how to create meaningful images that tell a story).

When I picked up a camera for the first time (I’m talking about my first DSLR in my late 30s), I had no clue where to start, where I was going, or how to get there.

I had no idea how the camera worked or how to expose pictures correctly. So I took a photo course, which was great - I learned the basics and a bunch of theory.
But I still didn’t know where to go or how to get there.

So I started taking pictures of everything around me. It took some time before I figured out what I liked most and what truly interested me. It took another bunch of time to start being satisfied with my work.

Some things helped me along the way, though - and I’d say they’re quite universal, no matter which niche you’re in.

Small, Universal Setup

Not one of the newest mirrorless cameras with a bunch of lenses, but a small camera with a fixed lens - that’s what helped me enjoy photography the most.
It’s easy to carry everywhere, easy to use anytime, and not a pain to bring along.
Most importantly, it’s a camera I genuinely enjoy using.

Taking Pictures Every Day

My photography skills improved dramatically after I challenged myself to take photos every day.
I started to notice things - to really see them differently. I learned how to understand light and how to take advantage of it. My editing improved too.
All because I carried a camera that made me want to shoot all the time.

Limitations

A small setup (one fixed lens), a single location (a few kilometers of coastline), and a limited amount of time - who would expect that such a minimalistic approach could help me improve?
I simply learned to squeeze the lemon until the last drop, and it shows in my images from the past year.

Photo Project

Being busy with a specific project, focused on one subject or location (the Dutch coast, in my case) was essential. It gave me purpose and direction in my photography.
It also helped me stay consistent, track the evolution of my style, and monitor my progress over last two years.
As the project grew, I began setting specific goals for the future. Without goals, motivation can easily fade away.

Printing My Pictures

Seeing your images on a small screen isn’t what they’re meant for - photographs love paper.
Beyond the aesthetic pleasure, going through your prints can be a real game-changer.
Being able to play with your images showed me what I’m truly drawn to. It helped me understand where my attention goes when I shoot - and that awareness added to my personal style and subject choices.

Little Photo Trips

I love to travel - and travel loves photography.
Taking travel pictures isn’t just a great way to preserve memories; it’s also a powerful way to improve your skills - especially during solo trips that are dedicated to photography.
The human brain loves novelty. Novelty awakens us and gets the blood flowing. Traveling (not necessarily abroad — even visiting another city can do the trick) provides that kick of freshness that reawakens enthusiasm, drive and creativity.

Photo Albums

Of course, you can view photos online, but photo albums are another level.
They’ve played an important role in shaping my photographic style.
Albums offer what random pictures on the internet don’t - expertise, curated selections, and timeless value. They also help fight one of the biggest mental traps caused by social media: comparison. When I browse through photo albums, I never feel the urge to compare my work to others.

Curated Social Media

When I first got into photography, my feed was full of content that had little to do with the art of photography - think photo influencers, Instagram locations, gear reviews, Lightroom and Photoshop tricks. Same on You Tube.
Almost all of it was noise. I removed it by curating my feed and following photographers whose work I genuinely admired. I could only benefit from it.

Having My Website and Writing This Blog

Once I invested in my website, I wanted to make sure my portfolio represented me and my work well. It motivated me to grow both as a photographer and as my own curator. Keeping my work at a certain level becomes much easier when there are eyes on it.
Writing this blog has also pushed my boundaries - not only in writing and research, but also in wanting to provide valuable content we can both benefit from.

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TL;DR:

How do you improve your photography skills?
By shooting consistently, learning fundamentals, and staying curious.

What gear setup helps most?
A small camera with one lens - something you’ll take everywhere.

Why shoot every day?
Daily practice trains your eye to see interesting subjects, light and composition.

How do limitations help?
Fewer choices push creativity and shape a stronger personal style.

Why work on a photo project?
A focused subject gives direction, motivation, and measurable progress.

Should you print your photos?
Yes - prints reveal what truly matters to you and guide your growth.

How does travel affect creativity?
New places spark inspiration and accelerate learning through novelty.

Where to find better inspiration?
In curated photo albums that showcase quality work - not social media noise.

How to avoid distraction online?
Follow photographers you admire; remove content that doesn’t serve you.

Is a personal website worth it?
Absolutely - it keeps you accountable and helps define your photographic identity.

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