Many photographers struggle to find success despite putting in serious effort. Understanding exactly what's holding you back can clarify your path forward.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this insightful video breaks down specific obstacles photographers frequently encounter. Choucino stresses the necessity of establishing your own recognizable style. Without a distinct look, your work blends into the crowd, making it impossible for potential clients or galleries to identify or appreciate your uniqueness. Choucino even provides a quick personal example of his own style, illustrating clearly how effective a concise, confident pitch can be. Establishing this individuality is crucial, whether your goal is commercial success or recognition in artistic circles.
Another major pitfall Choucino highlights is repetitive work. It's easy, especially in genres like portraiture and still life, to fall into creating essentially the same photograph repeatedly. While specializing is valuable, Choucino warns against stagnation, encouraging you to diversify and show versatility. He argues convincingly that originality and willingness to evolve separate professionals from hobbyists. If your portfolio looks identical to countless others, it simply won't attract the attention you need.
Choucino also addresses the stubborn resistance many photographers have toward changing their viewpoints, especially after years of absorbing photography knowledge online. He emphasizes that many commonly accepted online practices don't translate effectively into the real professional world. Being open to changing your perspective based on practical industry realities—not just internet consensus—is essential. Choucino candidly admits that even he had to develop a strategy to overcome his frustration in guiding others toward this necessary shift. His straightforward approach urges photographers to rethink their assumptions about gear, subjects, and styles to align more realistically with industry demands.
The video also briefly touches on two additional hurdles photographers commonly face: being overly gear-focused and lacking a clear, personal reason for pursuing photography. Choucino advises that gear should be seen as a secondary concern—useful after you've secured initial professional success. Moreover, he passionately underscores the necessity of clearly defining your motivation for entering such a demanding industry. According to Choucino, having a compelling personal or artistic rationale is essential to sustaining the intense commitment photography demands. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
