Buying a new camera won’t make you a better photographer. Improvement comes from consistent practice, not from having the latest gear. If you want to capture great photos, you need to put in the time to understand how light, composition, and timing work together.
Coming to you from Belinda Shi, this reflective video walks through six key lessons learned over 25 years of photography. Shi started with a simple rwo-megapixel Minolta before moving on to a Canon SLR, but early on, she struggled to improve. Working long hours, she only used her camera on vacations, often waiting weeks before reviewing her shots. By then, any mistakes she made were already forgotten, slowing her growth. Her experience reinforces a simple truth: real progress comes from shooting regularly. Every photo, good or bad, moves you forward. Without consistency, skills don’t develop, and creativity stays stagnant.
Your best work will always change. Shi shares how many of her early favorite photos now feel underwhelming. Growth in photography isn’t just technical—it’s personal. The photos that resonate today might not in a few years, and that’s a good thing. Looking back at old work can reveal patterns in how your style is evolving. If every shot still looks perfect to you years later, you might not be pushing yourself enough. Instead of trying to create a “perfect” image, focus on developing a body of work that reflects where you are in your journey. Style isn’t something you choose in a moment—it develops over time.
Finding a personal style isn’t about copying others. Shi spent years attending workshops, learning from different photographers, and refining her skills. But even after working with talented professionals, she struggled to find an approach that truly fit her. Over time, she realized that mixing too many influences created confusion. The fastest way to improve isn’t by collecting techniques from everywhere—it’s by focusing on one clear direction. When you define what you want to capture and why, your photography gains purpose. A strong personal style isn’t built by following trends but by refining what naturally resonates with you.
A small shift can redefine how you shoot. For Shi, that moment came when her husband gave her a tripod. That simple gift opened the door to landscape photography, which changed how she approached every shot. Waiting for the perfect light, slowing down, and observing details became second nature. That patience carried over into her portrait and travel work, helping her see the world differently. Stepping outside your comfort zone can introduce skills that shape your entire approach. A different genre or technique might unlock something that transforms how you shoot. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Shi.
