Your personality might be quietly shaping the type of photography you're naturally drawn to. Knowing your personality type could unlock a better understanding of your photographic strengths and struggles, particularly when shooting genres that feel difficult or uncomfortable.
Coming to you from Ben Harvey, this thoughtful video connects the dots between personality types and photography genres. Harvey candidly admits that although he admires street and portrait photography, he struggles with these styles because of his introverted nature. He explains how a simple online personality test helped him see exactly why certain genres felt awkward, despite his skills as a photographer. Harvey illustrates that introverted photographers, like himself, often gravitate towards landscape and architecture photography—genres offering solitude and control rather than interaction and unpredictability. He also emphasizes how a camera can temporarily transform your personality, giving introverts a surprising boost of confidence when interacting with others.
Harvey shares personal anecdotes about the tension between his introverted personality and his aspirations to master street photography. He points out that good street photography requires being bold and comfortable in public spaces—traits which don’t naturally align with his personality. Interestingly, Harvey notes that even though his nature steers him away from photographing people, he has successfully shot weddings and events. He explains that a camera acts as a social buffer, enabling him to temporarily step outside his comfort zone and confidently interact with strangers. Harvey makes clear that recognizing your personality type shouldn't serve as a barrier or an excuse but rather as an insightful way to understand your photographic inclinations and challenges.
Harvey’s experience also highlights practical insights into photography beyond personality types. During an early morning session on Brighton’s beachfront, he demonstrates effective landscape photography techniques, such as using wide angle lenses and positioning your tripod extremely low for dramatic foreground elements. He explains his choice of gear, particularly emphasizing how certain tripods offer crucial flexibility in composition. Harvey further shows how rapidly changing conditions, like sunrise at low tide, demand quick decisions and adaptability, qualities beneficial regardless of personality type or photographic genre.
The broader takeaway Harvey offers is clear: understanding your personality is just as valuable as mastering your camera settings. Whether you lean toward introversion or extroversion—or somewhere in between—knowing your type can significantly affect your approach to photography. It won't eliminate challenges, but it might help explain why certain photographic tasks feel particularly tough or rewarding. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Harvey.
