5 Truths Every Beginner Photographer Needs to Hear
Photography is an exciting and rewarding creative journey, but it can also feel overwhelming when you're just starting out. With so much noise out there, it's easy to get caught up in doubts—whether it’s about your gear, your skills, or even whether your work is worth sharing.
If you’re a beginner or thinking about diving into photography, here are five essential truths you need to hear. These are the lessons I wish I knew when I was starting out, and I hope they help guide you in your own journey.
1. Everyone Starts Somewhere – Ignore the Noise and Start Shooting
At the beginning of your photography journey, it's natural to question everything: Do I have the right camera? Should I shoot digital or film? Is it even worth trying when there are already so many great photographers out there?
The answer? Just start.
You don’t need the best gear or years of experience—you just need to pick up a camera (even if it’s your phone) and start shooting. Today’s smartphone cameras are incredibly powerful, some even capable of shooting RAW. But beyond the tech, what truly matters is composition, light, and storytelling—arguably the three pillars of great photography.
Getting out there, taking photos, and experimenting will teach you more than any YouTube video or photography course ever could. The more you shoot, the more you’ll develop your eye, refine your style, and gain confidence. So don’t overthink it—just press that shutter button and start capturing the world around you.
2. Your Perspective Is Unique – Only You See the World as You Do
One of the biggest myths in photography is that everything has already been done before. While it's true that photographers often capture similar subjects, no two people see the world in the exact same way.
Your experiences, emotions, and perspective shape how you frame a shot. Even if you’re inspired by a famous photographer, your interpretation will always be unique. Your editing style, the way you compose a scene, the moments you choose to capture—all of these elements make your photography one of a kind.
So, stop worrying about originality or trying to be different for the sake of it. Shoot what genuinely interests you, and your personal style will naturally emerge over time.
3. Gear Actually Matters – Invest in Something That Resonates with You
This one might stir up some debate, but I firmly believe that gear does matter—just not in the way you might think.
You don’t need the latest and greatest camera to be a good photographer, but having a piece of gear that excites you can be a game-changer. I remember when I first got my Fujifilm X-T3 paired with the 35mm f/2 lens. That setup made me fall in love with photography in a way that a generic kit lens never could. It inspired me to go out and shoot, and ultimately, it helped me build my photography career.
That said, don’t fall into the trap of buying new gear just for the sake of it. Photography is an art, not a tech race. If a particular camera or lens motivates you to shoot more, then it's worth the investment—but always prioritise creativity over consumerism.
4. You Won’t Find Your Style Right Away – It Takes Years (Maybe a Lifetime)
When I started out, I asked a mentor, “How do I find my style?” He smiled and said, “It’ll take you years—maybe even a lifetime.” At the time, I found that answer frustrating. But as I grew as a photographer, I realised he was absolutely right.
Your style isn’t something you decide overnight—it’s something that develops naturally as you shoot more, experiment, and refine your craft. And even when you think you've found it, it will evolve.
I’ve gone through countless phases in my photography—dark and moody edits, bright and airy tones, minimalism, street photography, documentary work. Every stage has been part of the journey, and I know my style will continue to change. Great photographers are always evolving, always learning, and always pushing themselves to see the world in new ways.
So don’t stress about “finding” your style. Just keep shooting, and it will find you.
5. Shoot for Yourself – Capture What You Love
If there’s one piece of advice I could give to every beginner photographer, it’s this: Shoot what you love, not what you think will get likes.
In the early stages, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing trends or trying to create content that will perform well on social media. But the photographers who stand out are the ones who shoot with passion.
Think about what genuinely excites you. Are you obsessed with street photography? Do you love the energy of live concerts? Are you drawn to landscapes, portraits, or abstract compositions? Whatever it is, lean into it. Your best work will come when you're shooting from a place of passion, not obligation.
For me, this realisation hit while I was in Bali, watching a group of guys play football on the beach. I was captivated, snapping photo after photo, completely immersed in the moment. That experience made me realise I wanted to capture more of that raw, unscripted energy—something I might have overlooked if I had been chasing trends.
Find what excites you and go after it. Photography is a reflection of who you are, so make sure it tells your story.
Final Thoughts
Starting out in photography can feel overwhelming, but remember: everyone begins somewhere. Ignore the noise, focus on your craft, and most importantly, enjoy the process.
These five truths have shaped my own journey, and I hope they resonate with you too. What’s a piece of advice you’d give to beginner photographers? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear them!
If you found this helpful, consider subscribing to my newsletter for more photography tips and insights. And as always, keep shooting, keep learning, and keep telling your story.
