When learning photography, it's common to fall into the mindset of right and wrong images. This approach can stifle creativity and hinder your progress by creating unnecessary stress.
Coming to you from Alex Kilbee from The Photographic Eye, this thoughtful video explores the idea of comparison and how it can damage your photography. Kilbee shares personal stories from his photography school days, describing the initial pressure he felt when comparing his beginner work with the advanced images of his peers. He emphasizes how such comparisons can lead you to mistakenly see your unique style or approach as errors or inadequacies. Kilbee further highlights the importance of understanding the difference between actual technical issues and personal stylistic choices in your images, cautioning against obsessing over technical perfection.
Kilbee goes deeper, explaining how his mindset shifted gradually during photography school. By recognizing the value of his own voice within his photographs, he became more confident and stopped seeking validation for every creative decision. He stresses that there is no one-size-fits-all perfect photograph and urges you to stop chasing after external standards like razor-sharp images or perfect presets. Kilbee also advises finding someone whose feedback you trust and using their insights to refine your approach rather than overhaul it.
One key insight Kilbee offers is the distinction between actual photographic mistakes and subjective creative decisions. He suggests that many elements considered errors are simply expressions of individuality that can enrich your work. Kilbee further points out that today's wealth of online resources can be both a blessing and a trap, potentially pushing beginners toward technical perfection at the expense of personal style. Instead, he encourages you to focus on photography that feels authentic and natural to you, free from unnecessary rules and comparisons.
Kilbee's discussion continues by sharing his experience with a community of photographers, highlighting the value of supportive feedback. He explains how a welcoming environment helps beginners realize that what they initially perceived as mistakes are often strengths, giving them the freedom to express themselves confidently. His core message is clear: photography is less about impressing others and more about embracing your own perspective. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.
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