There’s no shortage of advice on what you should and shouldn’t do in photography, but not all advice will serve you well. Misguided myths can actually hold you back from capturing the photos you envision.
Coming to you from Pierre T. Lambert, this thought-provoking video dives into common photography myths that might be stifling your creativity. One of the biggest myths Lambert addresses is the idea that some places are just too boring to shoot. He argues that every location has its own story; it’s up to you to find and capture it. A fresh perspective—pretending you’re a first-time visitor, for example—can help you rediscover even the most familiar surroundings. Changing your shooting times, like visiting at sunrise or on a foggy morning, can also transform how a place looks and feels. Lambert suggests that adjusting your gear, whether switching from a wide angle to a telephoto or simply trying different focal lengths, can reveal details you might otherwise overlook.
Another myth Lambert tackles is the notion that harsh or direct light is “bad” for photography. He emphasizes that light is what it is—you can’t change it, but you can work with it. Direct light, especially when it creates hard shadows, can add geometric shapes or lines to your images, leading the viewer’s eye. Harsh light can also help isolate subjects, making them stand out against a bright background. If the sun’s intensity feels overwhelming, Lambert suggests moving into the shade, where the softer light offers a different mood. By embracing the light conditions as they are, rather than waiting for the “perfect” light, you can create striking images at any time of day.
Lambert goes on to challenge the widespread belief that better gear automatically leads to better photos. While having specific lenses can expand your creative options, he explains that many great images are more about skill than technology. Lambert’s advice here is to focus on learning rather than upgrading, as knowing how to use the gear you already have will have a much bigger impact on your results than the latest model. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Lambert.
"Another myth Lambert tackles is the notion that harsh or direct light is “bad” for photography. He emphasizes that light is what it is—you can’t change it, but you can work with it."
Yes, you can sometimes change the light, with fill flash or reflectors. The light also changes itself over time. You can just wait for it. If you're trying to make an image but don't like the light, you don't "work with it". It's working with you, not the other way around.