Curiosity is essential in photography, but there’s something even more fundamental that often gets overlooked. Without it, curiosity doesn’t take root, and creativity becomes a forced process instead of something natural.
Coming to you from Pierre T. Lambert, this insightful video explores how approaching photography with childlike innocence can transform the way you create. Lambert recounts a recent shoot where he had to consciously let go of expectations—whether his photos were “good enough,” how they would be received, or whether they were worth printing. By stepping back and simply observing the light, textures, and atmosphere without judgment, he rediscovered the joy of capturing a moment for what it was. This mindset shift is crucial for anyone who feels stuck creatively or pressured by external standards. When you free yourself from the need for validation, your photography becomes more personal and fulfilling.
Lambert illustrates this with an example from his shoot: a closed-down American cocktail bar bathed in soft morning light. Rather than overthinking the composition, he allowed himself to simply take in the scene. He noticed a vintage radio, an old piano, and how the light bounced off the surfaces, creating an almost dreamlike effect. This openness to seeing things as they are, rather than how they “should” look in a frame, led to a series of images that felt more authentic. He also experimented with reflections in a mirror, considering how a subject might fit into the frame if the moment presented itself. These small exercises in curiosity stemmed directly from his willingness to embrace innocence.
One of the most compelling parts of the video is when Lambert discusses how children interact with cameras. They don’t worry about composition, lighting, or whether a shot meets professional standards. They simply take pictures of whatever fascinates them—a rock, a plant, a passing car—without hesitation. Adults tend to overanalyze, filtering their creativity through layers of judgment. Lambert suggests consciously tapping into that unfiltered curiosity. Instead of worrying about whether an image will perform well on social media, focus on capturing what excites you in the moment.
He also shares a personal struggle: the fear of sharing certain photos because they might not meet an invisible standard. Even experienced photographers deal with self-doubt, but he emphasizes that the best work often comes from a place of pure enjoyment. If a photo excites you, that’s all that matters. Let go of the idea that every shot needs to be “worthy” of being shared. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s staying engaged with the process and having fun. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Lambert.
