I’m not a morning person, but my camera is always ready to go at 6 am². It’s become a ritual – I wake up, grab a cup of coffee, and head out to shoot whatever the day has to offer. Sometimes it’s just a quick snap of the sunrise, other times it’s a full-on photoshoot. The point is, I’m shooting something every day.
Look, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t that just too much?” And honestly, it can be. There are days when I don’t feel like picking up my camera, when the last thing I want to do is go outside and take pictures. But I’ve found that having a routine helps me push through those days. It’s like exercise – you don’t always feel like going to the gym, but once you’re there, you’re glad you went.
I’ve tried a lot of different cameras over the years, but my go-to is still the Nikon D850³. There’s just something about the way it feels in my hands, the way the controls are laid out. It’s like an extension of my body, and that’s what I need when I’m shooting. I’ve also got a few lenses that I swear by – the 24-70mm f/2.8 and the 70-200mm f/2.8 are my favorites.
One thing that’s helped me stick to my routine is having a project to work on. Right now, I’m shooting a series of landscapes, trying to capture the beauty of the natural world. It’s a big project, and it’s going to take me a while to finish, but having something to work towards keeps me motivated. I’ve also been inspired by the work of photographers like Ansel Adams and Galen Rowell⁴, who were known for their landscape photography.
It’s not always easy, of course. Some days the light is bad, or the weather is terrible, or I just can’t seem to get the shot I want. But that’s all part of the process. And the more I shoot, the more I realize that it’s not just about the camera or the lens or the subject – it’s about the experience. It’s about being out in the world, observing things, and trying to capture the beauty in them.
I’ve been reading a lot of books on photography lately, trying to learn as much as I can about the craft. One of my favorites is “The Photographer’s Eye” by Michael Freeman⁵. It’s all about the way photographers see the world, and how they use their cameras to capture that vision. It’s a really inspiring book, and it’s helped me to think more creatively about my own photography.
My routine is pretty simple, actually. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, I shoot landscapes. Tuesday, Thursday, I shoot portraits. Saturday, I shoot whatever I want – sometimes it’s street photography, sometimes it’s still life. Sunday, I take a break and review my shots from the week. It’s a good system, and it helps me stay focused.
I think the key to making a photo routine stick is to make it your own. Don’t try to follow someone else’s schedule or shoot the same things they do. Figure out what you love, and shoot that. For me, it’s landscapes and portraits. For you, it might be something entirely different. The point is to find what works for you, and then stick to it.
It’s also important to have the right gear. I know some people who shoot with their phones, and that’s great – but for me, I need a real camera. I need the feel of it in my hands, the sound of the shutter clicking. It’s a tactile experience, and it’s one that I love.
I’ve been shooting for years, but I still consider myself a beginner. There’s always more to learn, always more to discover. And that’s what I love about photography – it’s a journey, not a destination. You’re always moving forward, always trying to improve.
The thing that’s helped me the most, though, is just showing up. Every day, I make myself go out and shoot. Some days it’s just for a few minutes, other days it’s for hours. But the point is, I’m consistent. And that’s what’s made all the difference.
You can’t just read about photography – you have to do it. You have to get out there and shoot, and shoot, and shoot some more. That’s the only way you’ll ever get better. And it’s not just about the technical skills – it’s about the creative vision, the ability to see the world in a certain way.
I’ve been inspired by the work of photographers like Joe McNally⁶, who’s known for his creative and innovative approach to photography. He’s always pushing the boundaries, always trying new things – and that’s something that I admire.
It’s funny, I used to think that the more gear I had, the better my photos would be. But now I realize that it’s not about the gear at all – it’s about the photographer. It’s about the way you see the world, the way you capture it. You can have the most expensive camera in the world, but if you don’t have the eye, it doesn’t matter.
I’ve also been experimenting with different editing software, trying to find the one that works best for me. I’ve tried Lightroom and Photoshop, and I have to say, I’m a big fan of both. They’re powerful tools, and they’ve helped me to take my photos to the next level.
The thing that’s surprised me the most, though, is how much I’ve learned from my mistakes. I’ve taken some terrible photos over the years – photos that are out of focus, or poorly composed, or just plain boring. But I’ve learned from each and every one of them. I’ve learned what not to do, and that’s just as important as learning what to do.
It’s not always easy to stay motivated, of course. There are days when I feel like giving up, when I think that my photos are just not good enough. But then I look at the work of other photographers, and I’m inspired all over again. I’m inspired by their creativity, their vision, their ability to capture the world in a unique and beautiful way.
I think that’s the key to success in photography – or in anything, really. It’s not just about the technical skills, or the gear, or the knowledge. It’s about the passion, the creativity, the willingness to take risks and try new things. It’s about being open to learning, to growing, to evolving.
And it’s not just about the photography itself – it’s about the experience. It’s about being out in the world, meeting new people, seeing new things. It’s about the journey, not the destination. And that’s what I love about photography – it’s a journey that never ends, a journey that’s always full of surprises and delights.
Check out the work of National Geographic photographers like Jim Richardson⁷, who’s known for his stunning landscape and wildlife photography. He’s a great example of someone who’s always pushing the boundaries, always trying new things.
For more information on photography, I recommend checking out the website of the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)⁸. They have a wealth of information on photography, including tips and tutorials, as well as a directory of photographers.
As I look back on my journey as a photographer, I’m reminded of the importance of perseverance and dedication. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. And if you’re just starting out, I encourage you to keep at it – to keep shooting, to keep learning, and to always stay true to your vision.
Footnotes:
¹ This essay is based on my personal experience as a photographer.
² I use a Nikon D850, which I’ve found to be an excellent camera for landscape and portrait photography.
³ The Nikon D850 is a 45.7 megapixel full-frame DSLR camera.
⁴ Ansel Adams and Galen Rowell were both known for their stunning landscape photography.
⁵ “The Photographer’s Eye” by Michael Freeman is a highly recommended book on photography.
⁶ Joe McNally is a well-known photographer who’s known for his creative and innovative approach to photography.
⁷ Jim Richardson is a National Geographic photographer who’s known for his stunning landscape and wildlife photography.
⁸ The American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) is a great resource for photographers, with a wealth of information on photography, including tips and tutorials, as well as a directory of photographers.
