Starting out in photography can feel daunting. It's easy to get lost in the sea of information, gear, and self-doubt. But some of the most valuable lessons in photography aren't about the latest gear or technical tricks—they're about mindset and approach.
Coming to you from Sean Dalton, this engaging video breaks down 10 key lessons photographers often learn the hard way. The first point hits hard: your photos might not be great at first, and that’s perfectly normal. Dalton explains how every skilled photographer starts with a portfolio full of failed attempts. Feeling like your work isn’t good enough could even be a sign of growth, as you become more critical of your own work. This is tied to the Dunning-Kruger effect, where your growing knowledge highlights what you don’t know. Embracing this process of failure and growth is essential.
Dalton also emphasizes creativity over circumstances. In less-than-ideal conditions, trust your instincts to create something meaningful. He recounts a challenging portrait shoot in a poorly lit café, where his ability to experiment and adapt saved the session. You don’t need perfect light or settings to make great photos—you need to rely on your creativity and vision. These moments teach you to see opportunities where others might see obstacles.
Your gear, Dalton stresses, isn’t the secret to great photography. It’s your vision—the way you interpret light, color, and composition—that matters most. Modern cameras are more than capable of capturing stunning images, so instead of chasing upgrades, focus on refining your ability to tell stories through your photos. He also highlights the value of inexpensive tools like ND filters and reflectors, which can elevate your work without breaking the bank.
The importance of collaboration is another standout point. Photography doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. Shooting with others can teach you new techniques and perspectives, while also building connections that enhance your growth. Dalton shares how working with other photographers has not only improved his skills but also enriched his life through meaningful friendships. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Dalton.
While it’s not advice, it’s more of a request. Could all photographers and those who write about it all agree to stop using the ‘S’ word when describing images. Rather than trying to explain why an image is outstanding or even just very good people just fall back on that overused and devalued word. For me it’s just a sign of laziness or even a basic deficiency in vocabulary or at worst an inability to get to grips with understanding what is it that elevates an image beyond just being mediocre..
As a note to Sean; cameras don’t produce ‘S’ images. My cameras tend to just sit there doing not very much till I pick them up. It’s the photographers who do all the important stuff with the cameras just dumbly doing what they are told.
When it comes to giving advice to photographers I would say one of the most important skills to develop is having an analytical visual curiosity. Spend some regular time looking at a wide variety of images, both art and photography. Ask yourself why certain images work what is it about their visual elements and the way they have been composed that makes them work. My other piece of advice would be to understand that photography is not easy. Producing great images can be a very frustrating and difficult thing to do. Don’t think that new f1.2 art lens is going to do it for you. It you who has to do it. And please no more use of the ‘S’ word.