Reflecting on your work and setting intentions for the future can transform the way you approach photography. With a new year comes an opportunity to refine habits, focus your energy, and work toward meaningful progress in your craft.
Coming to you from Matt Day, this thoughtful video explores how to approach photography with more purpose in 2025. Day begins by addressing the distractions of social media. While it’s a valuable tool, endless scrolling can leave you uninspired and disconnected from your goals. He suggests curating your feed to include only the creators who truly inspire you. For a deeper connection to photography, he recommends immersing yourself in physical media like photo books or gallery visits instead of relying solely on digital content.
Day also emphasizes the importance of time management, especially for those juggling busy schedules. He shares practical ways to fit photography into your routine, like taking a scenic route to work, using your lunch break for a quick shoot, or creating a makeshift studio at home. Even small pockets of time can make a difference if you’re intentional about using them. For parents, Day acknowledges the guilt that can come with prioritizing personal time but reminds you that caring for yourself allows you to show up better for those who depend on you.
One of the most striking points in the video is the advice to focus on mastering a single camera or lens. Day reflects on his long-term relationship with his Leica M6, a camera he’s used for over a decade. While trying new gear can be exciting, constantly switching between systems can hinder your growth. By sticking to one tool and truly mastering it, you can create more consistently and with less distraction. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Day.