Ten Frequently Asked Questions About Photography
We all wrestle with the same things: What gear do I really need? How do I find my style? How do I find clients?
I’ve gathered some of the most common questions people ask me about photography, along with my honest and personal answers. I hope these bring you clarity, encouragement, and remind you that you’re not alone in your journey.
And remember, these are just my personal perspectives, shaped by my own experiences as a photographer. There isn’t one “right” way to approach photography. Take what feels helpful, try things out for yourself, and leave the rest. What matters most is finding what feels true and sustainable for you.
What camera and gear do you use?
I shoot with Canon, and my primary camera is the Canon 6D Mark II. I love it, though I’m planning to upgrade to the R5 for its speed and higher resolution. That said, I’m not much of a gear person — I truly believe the best camera is the one you have with you in the moment.
When it comes to recommending cameras, it really depends on the type of photography you love. For example, if you’re into street photography, you don’t need the highest megapixel count that a wildlife photographer might look for. And if you’re drawn to landscapes or wildlife, you’ll also want to make sure the brand you choose has the right lens selection for your genre.
For something compact and versatile, I’ve been eyeing the FUJIFILM X100VI; it’s the kind of camera you can slip into your bag while traveling or wandering, making it perfect for spontaneous shooting. I also have a used Pentax K1000 film camera that I adore for personal work. Shooting film brings a whole different joy and keeps me connected to the heart of photography.
Does gear really matter, or is it more about the photographer’s eye?
Honestly, yes and no. Your eye, creativity, and ability to see a moment will always matter more than the camera, but gear can make a difference depending on what you’re shooting.
For genres such as weddings, portraits, landscapes, or wildlife, a full-frame camera with higher resolution and strong dynamic range can be particularly helpful. Those cameras provide more detail for large prints, greater flexibility in editing, and often better performance in low-light conditions. Brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony also have broad lens lineups, which makes it easier to find the right tools for those specific needs.
If you’re more into travel, street, or lifestyle photography, though, you don’t necessarily need the highest resolution or biggest camera. In fact, a smaller, lighter camera can be an advantage because it’s easier to carry and less noticeable, which helps you stay present and capture authentic moments.
At the end of the day, gear is just a tool. It can support your vision and open up possibilities, but it’s your eye and your way of seeing the world that truly make the photograph.
How did you find your style/visual voice?
This is a big question, with a slightly frustrating answer, because I don’t think style is something you “arrive at” once and for all. It’s something that evolves with you over time.
Finding your style begins with experimentation, frequent shooting, and paying attention to what sparks your passion behind the camera. It’s about noticing what feels natural, what excites you, and what keeps pulling you back. Over time, you begin to see patterns in the subjects you’re drawn to, the way you use light, the colors or compositions you gravitate toward, and the visual language that feels like “you.”
At its heart, your style is less about mimicking a specific look and more about how you see the world and what you want to say with your work. It’s truly a journey of self-discovery, one that unfolds the more you create and evolve. On my podcast, The Light Between, I delve further into finding your style.
Do you always shoot in manual mode?
No, not always! If I’m short on time or don’t feel like fussing with settings, I’ll often switch to aperture priority mode, especially when I’m traveling or out with family and friends. In those moments, I’d rather stay present and not miss a shot than worry about dialing everything in manually.
That said, I most often shoot in manual mode because I love having full control over my settings, especially in challenging lighting situations or when I’m aiming for a very specific look.
I also switch between the LCD screen and the viewfinder depending on what I’m shooting. The LCD gives me a sense of the bigger picture, helps me shoot from different angles, and sometimes allows me to be a bit looser and more spontaneous. The viewfinder, on the other hand, provides me with more stability, helps me focus in bright light, and allows me to really zero in on my subject without distractions. I find a mix of both gives me the most freedom.
How do you get clients when you’re just starting out?
The honest answer is: you start small, right where you are. Depending on the type of clients you want, the first step is to build a portfolio that reflects the kind of work you’d like to be hired for. That doesn’t mean hundreds of images, even a small, focused gallery of your best work, can go a long way.
Initially, you may need to offer your work for free or at a reduced rate (I know, sorry, but I have and still do sometimes!) to gain experience and create a portfolio. This could look like photographing friends and family, reaching out to a local café or boutique to see if they’d like images in exchange for credit, or setting up a styled shoot to practice. If you dream of shooting weddings, you could ask friends to pose in wedding attire for a portfolio-building session. If you’re drawn to interiors, consider starting by photographing your own home, local shops, or small businesses in your community.
The key is to be resourceful and utilize what’s already available to you. You have to be scrappy! Clients won’t come if they can’t see what you can do, so your first “job” is creating the kind of work you want to be hired for. From there, showcase your portfolio somewhere accessible; a simple, basic website or online gallery is enough to start with. I use Squarespace because it's super easy and user-friendly. You don’t need anything complicated or fancy to get started.
Then comes the marketing side. Start sharing your work on social media, but also think about your local market. Pitch to small businesses, local makers, or community organizations who may need imagery. Talk to people at your local spots like your coffee shop, the farmers market, or wherever you usually frequent. Be open and brave! Talk to people in your network. You never know when they may need a photographer, or they will pass your information along to someone who may need it in the future. Don’t underestimate the power of SEO (search engine optimization) either; even a basic website optimized with the right keywords (“[your town] wedding photographer” or “[your city] brand photography”) can help people find you.
Most importantly, be clear about the services you offer and the type of clients you want to attract. The clearer you are, the easier it is for potential clients to say yes. Over time, those small, local opportunities will build your confidence, refine your portfolio, and lead to bigger clients. Everyone starts somewhere — the trick is to start, stay consistent, and put yourself out there.
How do you deal with imposter syndrome or self-doubt?
Ah, sneaky imposter syndrome. I’ve definitely had my fair share of it along the way. For me, two things have been the most helpful.
The first is leaning on my support system. Family and friends often see our work and worth more clearly than we do when we’re stuck in our own heads. Hearing their perspective reminds me that those doubtful thoughts don’t hold weight, they’re fear talking, not the truth.
The second practice is connecting with what I call my “higher self” — the most grounded, creative, and confident version of me. When I’m caught in self-doubt, I close my eyes and imagine asking her what I need to hear. Sometimes it’s reassurance, sometimes it’s encouragement, sometimes it’s simply, “You’ve got this.” That version of you already exists; it is not some far-off future person, but a part of you that you can access at any time. Leaning into her wisdom always brings me back to my power, worth, and inner strength.
And if you’re struggling with imposter syndrome right now, I’ve written another post about this that dives even deeper because it’s quite common.
How do you balance personal work with paid work?
This is a tricky one. Paid work is my top priority, and a significant portion of my time is dedicated to finding and pitching to clients. To be fully transparent, I also earn additional income from working with another photography company, which provides me with the stability to continue building my own business.
Personal work happens in the pockets of free time I have, when something catches my eye, inspires me, or when I’m traveling. I don’t have any significant personal photography projects at the moment, as my primary focus is on working with higher-paying clients. This is challenging on an island because it’s so small, which is a topic in itself. It’s for this reason that I’ve diversified my work by creating the Visual Voices Collective photography program.
Networking, pitching, and marketing take up a significant amount of energy, so I don’t always have the luxury to shoot purely for myself. Most of my personal work occurs organically, as I capture beauty around me, explore my surroundings, or take photos while traveling (my absolute favorite!)
What’s the most challenging part of being a photographer?
I think it varies from photographer to photographer and the kind of photography you do. I think the most challenging part is the inconsistency with clients. Lacking a sense of stability, security, and reliability when it comes to income is difficult because there is no steady flow. At this stage of my journey, this proves to be the most challenging aspect for me.
What’s the most rewarding part of photography for you?
Witnessing beauty and joy. What lights me up the most is capturing moments, scenes, light, or subjects that spark awe, wonder, and a sense of gratitude. It’s in these moments, when time seems to slow or pause, that photography feels truly rewarding.
What advice would you give someone just starting their photography journey?
The best place to start is right where you are with what you have, whether that’s an iPhone or a DSLR. Begin with what you’re curious about, what excites you to shoot, and what you genuinely enjoy. Start small; you don’t need a huge setup or the best gear.
Learn as much as you can along the way. Tutorials, online resources, and programs like Visual Voices Collective can help, but the most important lessons come from experimenting in the real world. Try different subjects, play with light in every situation, and explore whatever sparks your curiosity, especially if you’re feeling a little directionless.
Follow your joy, and be patient and kind to yourself; improvement comes with time and consistent practice. And don’t forget to consume visual content widely: photo books, films, museums, and even everyday life can strengthen your visual literacy and help shape your eye. Photography is as much about seeing and observation as it is about technical skills (I’d argue that observation and presence are the most essential skills to being a photographer), and immersing yourself in inspiration will feed your creativity.
