Improving your photography isn't just about technical skills—it's about clearing away distractions and reconnecting with your passion. Understanding what genuinely inspires your creativity is vital for growth and authenticity in your work.
Coming to you from Max Kent, this thoughtful video outlines clear steps designed to help you regain control over your photography. Kent starts by emphasizing the importance of identifying exactly what you're passionate about shooting, suggesting you consider what you would photograph if no one else ever saw your work. The question itself is simple, but answering it honestly can profoundly shift your approach. He argues convincingly that your photographic style should emerge from personal interest, not trends or external validation. By following your genuine interests, photography becomes less like work and more like a natural expression of who you are.
Kent also stresses the necessity of simplifying your approach, advising you to stop obsessing over gear or complex setups. Photography doesn't have to be complicated; in fact, he believes complexity often holds you back. The simpler your setup, the more room you have to focus on creativity, experimentation, and improvement. Kent illustrates how constantly chasing better equipment or intricate lighting setups can distract you from truly improving your skills. His straightforward advice: shoot more, worry less about gear, and allow yourself the freedom to experiment and grow naturally.
Another impactful part of Kent's message centers on social media. Specifically, he advises drastically cutting back the time spent scrolling Instagram. Kent points out how social media can distort your perception of what good photography is, replacing genuine appreciation with superficial metrics like likes and comments. Instead, he recommends studying other photographers' work through their personal websites or physical photo books. Doing this removes the artificial layer of popularity, allowing you to judge images based solely on your personal reaction and taste. It's a healthier, more enriching way to engage with photography.
One of Kent’s more practical suggestions is seeking genuine feedback from experienced photographers. He shares how constructive criticism, though sometimes uncomfortable, can significantly improve your photographic skills and awareness. Building connections with other photographers through feedback groups or mentorship offers the added benefit of community and mutual support. Kent emphasizes the value of real-life connections over virtual interactions, suggesting that the relationships you build through feedback can lead to meaningful opportunities and deeper insights into your own photography.
Kent also covers goal-setting, suggesting a structured yet flexible approach to achieving your ambitions. He believes in setting ambitious long-term goals, then breaking them down into manageable quarterly objectives. This approach prevents you from feeling overwhelmed and helps you maintain motivation by creating a clear, achievable path. Kent illustrates this by sharing his personal experiences, demonstrating how manageable steps have kept him on track toward larger objectives, like growing his YouTube channel. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kent.
