Finding your style and pushing creative boundaries can be both challenging and rewarding. Exploring lesser-photographed locations, adapting your workflow to new platforms, and embracing periods of plateau are essential steps to growing your craft.
Coming to you from Rick Bebbington, this engaging video answers a variety of questions about photography, editing, and creative careers. Bebbington discusses the appeal of exploring under-photographed locations, noting that curiosity and a shift in focus can rejuvenate your work. While iconic places have their allure, there’s value in seeking out overlooked areas. For example, France and Spain, while not as widely represented in landscape photography as regions like the Pacific Northwest or Norway, offer untapped potential for creating fresh, meaningful work. This perspective encourages you to expand your horizons without abandoning the classics.
The video also examines how sharing consistent content can influence your visibility. Bebbington shares his experience of posting Instagram Reels daily and seeing a 50% increase in followers over a few months. It underscores the importance of consistency and adaptation to platform trends, especially if growing an audience is part of your goals. It’s not just about producing high-quality work—it’s about connecting with others through that work in accessible ways.
A key challenge many creatives face is overcoming plateaus in their growth. Bebbington suggests experimenting with new genres or editing styles as a way to unlock fresh ideas. Revisiting what you love about photography can also reignite your passion. For those who feel stuck, stepping away temporarily might restore the energy needed to move forward.
Bebbington’s journey from photography hobbyist to freelancer offers insight into making a creative passion sustainable. Starting with freelance gigs like weddings and portraits, he built his career over time, adapting to challenges like the pandemic’s impact on his client base. He emphasizes the value of saving money, building a portfolio, and maintaining strong client relationships—not just through quality work but by being reliable and easy to work with.
For those interested in developing a personal photography style, Bebbington notes that it’s often less important than you might think. Instead of stressing over defining a signature look, focus on narrowing your scope to what you genuinely enjoy. Consistent editing choices can help unify your portfolio, but style often emerges naturally as you refine your interests and goals over time. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bebbington.