The turn of the new year is the perfect time for reflection and renewal. For photographers, this moment can be used to evaluate the practices that either propel creativity or hold it back. As we step into 2025, I’m taking stock of the ways I work, create, and connect, making conscious decisions about what to carry forward and what to leave behind. Here’s my roadmap for growth and fulfillment in photography for the coming year.
What’s In for 2025
In: Creating for Creation’s Sake
Perfectionism can be a double-edged sword for photographers. While striving for excellence definitely has a time and a place, obsessing over flawless execution can stifle creativity. In 2025, I’m letting go and embracing imperfection. The goal should be to create for the sheer joy of creating and not to tick boxes of technical perfection. This shift can open doors to playful experiments, spur-of-the-moment projects, and images that hit the right tone effortlessly. Focusing less on the “right” settings and composition allows growth to flourish naturally.
In: Sharing More on Social Media
I’ve often hesitated to post on platforms like Instagram because there is no real flow to my feed, and work that I create might not fit with the wider idea of what my work is usually about. But in 2025, I plan to ditch the idea of expectation and share more frequently, including older work that holds value. Social media isn’t just about showcasing polished highlights; it’s also about sharing the journey. Regularly posting work builds a stronger connection with others and keeps you visible.
In: Networking
Photography can be isolating if you’re working solo, but it doesn’t have to be. Connecting with others in the photographic community is a priority for 2025. Whether it’s visiting exhibitions, participating in talks, or simply chatting with fellow creatives, networking fosters inspiration. Talking to others about their practice can help build meaningful relationships, educate, and ignite new ideas.
In: Collaboration for Broader Impact
Collaboration has immense potential to expand the boundaries of your area of practice. In the coming year, I want to explore joint projects with other artists, perhaps combining photography with painting, music, or writing. I already collaborate with my daughter often, creating images to support her career as a musician. Collaborative work creates opportunities for shared perspectives and a synergetic outcome. Imagine turning an evocative piece of music into a visual narrative or contributing towards a new approach to a common theme. That process is certainly tempting to explore in 2025.
In: Embracing Experimental Practice
Focusing on the process rather than the outcome is a key philosophy I’m taking forward. Experimentation allows for freedom and innovation. Without a rigid end goal, I’m free to both bend and blend the rules. Initially created by mistake after having left my continuous shutter setting activated, I now regularly create gifs when photographing concerts, and have started adding some mixed media into my photography, most of these images are yet to see the light of day. These experiments might not always result in masterpieces, but they’ll sharpen my skills and broaden my artistic horizons, leading to new passion projects.
In: Printing Photographs
Photography is more than pixels on a screen. In 2025, I aim to bring my work to life through printing. Whether it’s creating a photobook, framing prints for an exhibition, or even test prints for personal reflection, the tactile experience of printed work is transformative. This 2025 "in" coincides with the need to repaint my lounge and hallway, a great excuse for some new framed work up on the walls!
In: Taking the Pressure Off
Everyone’s journey in photography is different, and comparing myself to others is counterproductive. In 2025, I’m choosing to continue in my habit of celebrating my progress without measuring against anyone else’s trajectory. The playing field isn’t level, and that’s okay. By focusing on my own path, I can embrace steady, sustainable growth without the weight of unrealistic expectations.
In: Ditch the Camera
Sometimes, it is good to leave the camera behind and just experience the world in order to grow your understanding of light, composition, and timing. Being hands-free and just immersing yourself in what is in front of you without pressing the shutter, is of tremendous value. Why not pair up with another photographer and arrange outings where only one of you brings a camera along each time while the other just absorbs the scene?
What I’m Leaving in 2024
Out: Avoiding Criticism, Including Self-Criticism
Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for growth, yet avoiding it out of fear of failure can lead to stagnation. In 2025, I’m shedding the habit of dodging feedback. Listening to others—and critically evaluating my own work—will allow me to improve.
Out: Comparison Culture
It’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring yourself against others, especially on social media. But in 2025, I’m leaving comparison behind. Everyone is on their own journey, and there’s no universal timeline for success. Staying focused on my progress and goals will make my path more fulfilling.
Out: Gear Obsession
I have previously discussed why I have held off upgrading my gear, but the temptation and pressure of comparison has really amped up over the last few months. While investing in up to date equipment has clear benefits in terms of enhancing your work, endlessly chasing the latest camera or lens, for me, is completely unnecessary. In 2025, I’m focusing on making the most of the gear I already own. Using older or more basic gear to achieve incredible results is arguably more impressive than relying on high-end equipment. Great photography comes from vision and creativity, not just technology.
Out: Putting Off Creative Projects
I am beginning to feel guilty about the growing list of unfinished projects I am currently working on or have yet to start. Time is a real issue for me, because I balance a lot of plates between work, family and other commitments. I do know that, if I tried, I would be able to properly plan for gaps in my schedule to allow me to move these forward, one at a time, at a pace that fits me.
Out: Isolation
Working in isolation has its benefits, but too much solitude can affect your growth. While you may think that you are protecting your best-kept secret, working in isolation can limit your trajectory. In 2025, I’m making a conscious effort to connect with others. Speaking to photographers in my field, running ideas past friends in the industry, attending workshops, and collaborating on projects will enrich my practice. Most people are approachable and willing to share their knowledge—all it takes is reaching out.
Out: Overthinking
Rigid planning and over-analyzing can kill creativity. For example, when I am provided with a client brief that has no wiggle room or scope for my own input, I am naturally less drawn to the project. Breaking free from accepting rigidity will allow me to create with more authenticity and fluidity. I’m of the view that you should always deliver what is asked of you, but push the envelope further, and create alternatives as options too. Sometimes, these are the preferred shots.
Out: Technical Perfection (When It’s Not Needed)
While precision is crucial in areas like product photography or client work, not every image demands flawlessness. In 2025, I’ll embrace the beauty of imperfection. An out-of-focus shot or one with motion blur can still convey powerful emotion. Sometimes the images that didnt work, can tell the story better than the images that did, just like the below image of my dog with a case of the zoomies on Christmas morning. The story behind the image matters more to me than its technical execution.
My Vision for 2025
For me, 2025 is about progress and learning, not perfection. It’s about taking bold steps forward, sometimes stumbling, but always learning. Photography is always evolving and moving forward with the times, and so I must continue to evolve too. My plan is to embrace experimentation, collaboration, and community, and let go of perfectionism, overthinking, and isolation. I’m setting the stage for a year of growth and creative fulfillment. The intention of this is to use new habits and philosophies to renew and refresh my relationship with photography.
What are your "ins" for 2025, and what practices or habits will you leave in 2024?
Great article! Happy New Year! 🙂
Thank you, Happy New Year to you too!
Kim Simpson asked,
"What are your "ins" for 2025, and what practices or habits will you leave in 2024?"
IN:
Exploring a new region of the United States. As a road-tripping wildlife photographer, I have been able to spend a lot of time away from home photographing animals all around the US. But it has become easy to keep going back again and again to the areas of the country that I have already become familiar with. So in 2025 I am determined to explore and learn a new region. Possibilities include northern Georgia, extreme southern Texas, extreme western Texas, New England, the Washington state coast, the Everglades, or Long Island.
Like you, I plan to post more on social media. I am extremely active on Instagram, and I do mean extremely active. But this activity has been all about commenting on others' work, keeping in touch with photographer friends, contacting wildlife photographers in other areas to ask about opportunities in their area, researching new species, etc. Somehow, unbelievably, I only posted two photos in 2024. And I never posted a story because I still haven't figured out how to make a story. I plan to change this trend and start posting more often. Maybe not regularly, but at least more often.
Forcing myself to learn more technology. I bought my first Sony camera in mid-2023, and I still have not figured out how to use it. I hate following anything step-by-step, like tutorials and manuals. I really think I should just be able to pick a camera up and "just know" how to use it, without ever having to apply my brain to focus and concentrate on learning how to do something new. Guess this is why I am 56 years old and still working entry-level jobs and have no college degree and no professional qualifications or training - because I absolutely hate to force my brain to focus on anything. BUT ...... I am going to have to force myself to learn how to use this Sony, or I will forever be left behind in my DSLR world while everybody else is getting shots with mirrorless cameras that I just can't get and will never be able to get with my DSLRs. It would also behoove me to learn to use more editing software. I am sorely lacking in such abilities, again because of my resistance to making my brain work hard and applying myself.
OUT:
Hmmmm. I really can't think of anything that I want/need to stop doing, moving forward. I guess my biggest mistakes and weaknesses are sins of omission, not sins of commission. So while I can think of plenty of things that I have not been doing enough of, I can't really think of anything that I habitually do that I shouldn't do.
Thank you for your brilliant response! You have some great aims for this year, and travelling further afield for your photography would be amazing. Remember though, the same old places can offer new things when viewed from a different perspective, or with a different approach, for example taking a macro lens and looking closer. I hope you have a fun year!