Habits That Set You Back From Improving In Photography

I never attended photography school; my journey began with pure enthusiasm and passion. The only education I had was a summer astrophotography workshop, where I realized how much I needed to learn. My early attempts to capture the Milky Way were underwhelming, with fuzzy stars and underexposed photos. Lacking formal training, I often felt that I was hiding, not fully expressing myself, and questioned whether I was "worthy" of the title of photographer. This even led me to hide my amateur camera in embarrassment. Imposter syndrome settled in and stayed.

Limiting Beliefs

However, being self-taught brings creative freedom, unbound by formal rules. This openness can be an asset, but it allows bad habits to form. The hardest one for me: doubting myself and holding back my work. As Henry Ford said, "Whether you believe you can or you can't—you're right." Our beliefs shape our creative approach. That's why mindset is central in my program, Visual Voices Collective. Your mindset runs the show, whether you nurture it or not. What beliefs might limit your creative growth? What do you believe you are capable of or worthy of? These questions form the foundation of your actions and perspective.

Not Reviewing Your Work

Failing to take time to reflect on our work can also hinder progress. It may sound dull, but real growth happens here.

By stepping back from your work and looking at it objectively, you can start to notice what works and spot recurring themes. When you’re culling or editing your images or reviewing both your “good” and “bad” photos, ask yourself why you love certain shots and why others don’t work. Ultimately, reflection is key to becoming a better photographer, regardless of your skill level. When you review your work, you notice your strengths, areas that still need improvement, and where there is room for growth. Building this practice into your routine helps you become more intentional when shooting in the future.

To help make reflection a micro-habit, try this two-minute exercise after each shoot: pause for a moment and select one image that stands out to you, either positively or negatively. Then, ask yourself why that photo does or doesn’t work. Was it the settings? Your lens choice? The composition? Take a moment to jot down one takeaway from this reflection to use in the future.

Comparison

Another habit that holds us back is comparing our work to that of others, especially with the vast volume of content on social media. When we compare, our confidence can falter, just like a toppled tripod (which is the bane of my existence!) Every photographer has their own unique journey, circumstances, history, life experiences, and resources, so a true comparison is impossible. You are on your own path, not on theirs. Notice what triggers comparison: Is it jealousy, or feelings of inadequacy? Acknowledge it and sit with it. What are those feelings? Is there some inspiration you can take away instead? Otherwise, comparison can freeze your creativity and completely take the wind out of your sails.. It’s apples and oranges; you can’t compare the two.  Instead, be present with where you are, take positive cues from others, and honor your unique path.

Not Playing Or Experimenting

On a technical level, improvement is hindered when we stop experimenting and playing. Shooting only what feels natural quickly grows stale. Try a new composition, adjust your settings, or shoot a genre outside your comfort zone. Experimenting helps us grow, even if it feels awkward and not 'us'. To encourage continuous exploration, setting a weekly micro-challenge might keep you committed to exploratory shooting. For instance, I recently set a personal seven-day challenge to capture shadows in unusual ways, leading me to discover new depths and contrasts in lighting. The takeaway? Even the smallest experiment in your very own home or backyard can deepen your skills and hone your photographic eye. Sometimes, when I try a style that feels completely unlike me, I discover unexpected elements I really love and end up incorporating them into my own style and aesthetic. We don’t know what we don’t know! You don’t have to share your experiments with anyone, but I find that when I give myself the freedom to play and explore with my camera, my photography becomes more meaningful and fulfilling.

For example, when traveling, I naturally step outside my routine and am just in a more open mindset—being in a new environment sparks creativity and a lighter, curious energy with my camera, helping me see things from a different perspective. I play more and switch things up when I’m in a more free-flowing, open state with little pressure. I experiment with compositions I’ve never been drawn to before and shoot from different angles. I feel more creative when I photograph freely, follow my impulses, and allow myself to be spontaneous—often, those unplanned, experimental shots become some of my favorites.

Can you create scenarios or situations like that for yourself? What if you allotted some time each week to simply play and experiment with your camera, trying something completely out of your creative wheelhouse?

Only Shooting When You Feel Inspired

Another habit that stalls improvement is only shooting when you feel inspired or compelled. I mentored someone who said she had nothing to capture around her, that her world was boring and bland because it was mid-winter. Believe me, I understood and empathized, being a Vermonter. However, I still believe there is always something worthy of capturing, even if it's not our ideal season or location. We can learn a great deal by truly seeing what’s familiar and ordinary to us in a new light. Because it was the middle of winter and everything was dull, gloomy, and gray, she felt like there was nothing beautiful or worth sharing. But I beg to differ! It's in these moments that we have to shoot when we don’t feel inspired and give ourselves a project. I suggested to her that she capture the stillness and mood of the season, really doubling down on the essence of what winter meant to her in a few frames. For example, it could be the quiet, stillness of winter around the home, such as a cozy fireplace, candlelight, a violet-gray blanket of clouds, and frosted windows. There was a story to be had; she just had to look for it.

You don’t need an exotic trip to find worthy subjects. Play with what’s around you—a portrait series of family, a color-themed story, pets, a new hiking trail, local markets, personal projects, or street scenes in your neighborhood. Use mirrors, reflections, or windows. Everyday moments offer opportunities to learn and play. You may not create masterpieces, but you can still enjoy the process. Often, the most familiar scenes are overlooked by photographers.

Do any of these resonate with you? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts. These are just a few of the habits I’m working to overcome, and maybe you see yourself in them, too. Growth in photography isn’t just technical; it’s about mindset, reflection, embracing your own creative path, and revering your creative lighthouse.