Why Just Mastering Photography Technique Isn't Good Enough

The technical side of photography takes a lot of committed study and practice to master, and it is something to be proud of when you have gained the skills to stride confidently into a variety of scenarios and produce adept images. Nonetheless, just that alone is not enough to find success and recognition, particularly in the professional realm. This great video essay features an experienced photographer discussing what it is that differentiates the most memorable pros from their peers.

Coming to you from Scott Choucino of Tin House Studio, this important video essay discusses why it is so crucial to develop a style and niche as a photographer. The simple truth is that the sheer number of capable cameras out there and the wide availability of education mean that the world is inundated with technically apt shots every second of every day. As such, any photographer who wants to rise above that din needs to be more than just good at creating a technically sound image; they need to have something that visually distinguishes their work, and they need to specialize in an area where the pool is small enough that rising to the top is not an unreasonable challenge. This is why so many top pros emphasize the importance of specialization for anyone who wants to really make a name for themselves. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.