Photography often requires mastering various genres, and understanding their unique challenges can make you a more versatile and capable professional. From weddings to commercial work, each type of photography has something valuable to teach, and embracing this diversity can sharpen your skills and broaden your creative perspective.
Coming to you from Justin Mott, this insightful video breaks down the lessons he’s learned from working across multiple photography genres. Mott has experience in journalism, wedding photography, commercial work, and more. In this video, he shares how wedding photography taught him to work fast under pressure. There’s no room for error at a wedding—you can’t redo a moment. This fast-paced environment helped him develop a foolproof system for backing up and archiving images, a skill essential for any photographer. He also learned to think on his feet and improvise when the unexpected happens, a crucial ability when things go off-schedule or weather conditions change.
Photojournalism is another area where Mott gained valuable experience. He explains how journalism taught him to be objective, ethical, and resourceful. The ability to tell a story with a series of images and meet tight deadlines became second nature. He emphasizes the importance of being able to get the shot, no matter the circumstances. Working under pressure, often with limited information and access, honed his ability to produce results quickly.
Mott also touches on street photography, which he found closely tied to his work in journalism. Street photography taught him how to find moments in the everyday, hunting for light and waiting for the perfect scene to unfold. He learned the balance between waiting for a moment and interacting with a subject, a skill that translates into other types of photography, including travel and documentary work. This approach allowed him to capture authentic moments that would have been missed without patience and keen observation.
Lastly, Mott discusses commercial photography and how it has sustained his career. Unlike other photography genres, commercial work is highly collaborative, involving a team of creative directors, producers, talent, and clients. Mott shares that staying calm, confident, and respectful is crucial to maintaining a positive working environment. Being organized and working well with others ensures that the shoot runs smoothly and that everyone feels valued. This type of leadership is key to building a strong reputation in the industry. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mott.
