3 Good Pieces of Photography Advice

On my last blog, I highlighted three of what I consider the worst pieces of photography advice someone can receive. Now, I’d like to share three good ones I’ve received or learned throughout my photography journey.

BE CURIOUS

When we talk about photography tips, we often think about technique, gear, composition rules and so on. However, there’s something that’s available to everyone, costs nothing, and makes a huge impact: curiosity.
Trying to be more curious about the world around you will, inevitably, help your photography. By not limiting yourself to the obvious, you’ll explore more, question more, and experiment more.

Instead of simply photographing the most popular landmarks, try to look for what’s being overlooked. Maybe something so mundane that no one else would even notice.
Rather than just following composition rules religiously, maybe try something different, on situations where what stands out in the scene is precisely the breaking of some rule.

Being curious will help you observe rather than just look, and experiment rather than just observe. That includes trying new techniques, editing styles, and new perspectives. A lot of things will go wrong, for sure, but it’s that constant curiosity that keeps the journey always exciting.

KIT LENSES ARE YOUR FRIEND

There’s a reason why kit lenses have that name. There’s also a reason why they’re usually zoom lenses.
In photography, we often hear that prime lenses are the holy grail of glass - “zoom with your feet”, they say. Because of that, it’s common to see people buying them as an “upgrade” from the kit lens.
While every type of lens has its own advantages, I’d like to make an ode to the humble kit lens. It’s versatile, generally much more affordable, more compact, and often, a beginner or hobbyist photographer simply can’t justify having more than one lens. Overall, they’re just great value for the money.

All that aside, one commonly overlooked point by those who claim kit lenses are garbage is that they can teach you a lot about photography. For example, they can help you figure out which focal length you naturally gravitate toward, or which focal lengths you use in certain situations, helping you make a more informed decision when (and if) you decide to invest in a prime lens.
And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with sticking to it even after years. But especially in the beginning, kit lenses help you explore and discover what you actually want to get out of photography. They are, after all, valuable companions for a developing eye.

At the end of the day: yes, it is a limited lens, but I prefer to see them as something about discovery rather than limitation.

TRY TO TAKE YOUR CAMERA EVERYWHERE WITH YOU

In a simple and direct way: it doesn’t matter if you take photos with your phone, an old point-and-shoot, or a "real camera", the best advice I can give you is, and will always be, to make the maximum effort to take your camera with you everywhere.

Whether you're walking your dog, going to the grocery store, the gym, shopping, whatever. An interesting scene often appears in the most unexpected moments.
I started carrying my camera with me even on my long runs, and from this unpretentious action, a new (future) project was born, where I plan to gather my favorite photos taken during my running adventures around the world.

Over time, you get used to having your camera as part of your EDC, and it becomes almost a natural extension of your body, of your eye. Yes, sometimes it’s a hassle. Yes, sometimes leaving the house with nothing at all is priceless. But trust me, the effort will pay off the first time you're not the one thinking, “I should’ve brought my camera.”

Carrying your camera whenever possible is one of the best photographic investments you can make for yourself.

Keep shooting.

Jo.