What You Really Need in Photography (and What You Absolutely Don’t)
What You Really Need in Photography (and What You Absolutely Don’t)
I recently hit a milestone that still feels surreal: 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. I’ve never chased numbers, trends, or weekly gear reviews. Instead, I’ve spent years sharing what I’ve learned as an editorial and commercial photographer. If even one tip has helped you along the way, that means everything to me.
To celebrate, I want to talk about something many photographers—especially amateurs—need to hear:
What you really need in photography… and what you absolutely don’t.
Think of this as the honest, professional counterbalance to the constant gear hype online. Take it in, compare it to what you hear elsewhere, and decide what works for you.
3 Things You Don’t Need in Photography
1. You Don’t Need a New Camera
Let’s get this out of the way: your current camera is good enough.
More megapixels won’t fix your style.
A new autofocus mode won’t give you motivation.
No camera will magically “change everything” in your photography.
I use Leica cameras for personal projects because I enjoy them—not because they make my work better. And I use Sony for commercial jobs because it’s efficient for hybrid shoots. If I switched brands, my career wouldn’t collapse.
New gear is fun, but it won’t make you a better photographer. Improve your vision first. Your camera is already capable of great work.
2. You Don’t Need Photo Contests
Photographers invest so much time, money, and emotion into competitions—and most of the time, it’s not worth it.
Here’s why:
Contest results are highly subjective
Many judges are underpaid and rushed
Sponsorships and entry fees drive the business
Contests rarely teach you anything useful
Enter for fun if you want, but don’t let judges define your value or direction.
3. You Don’t Need Photo Tours
Not to be confused with workshops.
Many photo tours are designed to help you recreate the instructor’s images, not learn how to make your own. They take you to their spots, give you their compositions, and you walk away thinking you nailed it—but really, you just repeated someone else’s shot.
Some are great… but many aren’t. There’s a better investment.
3 Things You Do Need in Photography
1. A Personal Project
If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you know I preach this constantly.
A personal project will improve your photography faster than any piece of gear.
It teaches:
storytelling
consistency
patience
editing and sequencing
how to return to the same subject with intention
And you don’t need to travel halfway around the world.
Find something near home—something you can return to weekly.
Without a project, you end up taking the same “greatest hits” photos over and over. A project pushes you forward.
2. A Real Photo Workshop (Not a Tour)
A real workshop should challenge you, not babysit you.
Look for workshops that include:
daily shooting
daily editing
assignments
critiques
lectures
real-time feedback
Not every great photographer is a great teacher. Read the itinerary. Understand what you’re paying for. Choose a workshop that pushes you to create, not one that just takes you sightseeing.
The best workshops of my life made me uncomfortable—in a good way. My best work came after the workshop, not during it.
3. An Editor or Mentor
Most amateurs fall into one of two traps:
Everything they shoot feels amazing
orEverything they shoot feels terrible
A good editor or mentor helps you find the truth in between.
They’ll challenge you, keep you honest, and help you understand:
what’s working
what’s not
what to lean into
what to let go of
what to do next
This can be a long-term mentorship, a one-time portfolio review, or even a trusted photography friend. The important part: someone with fresh eyes and honesty.
Final Thoughts
If this felt blunt—that’s intentional. Real growth in photography requires honesty and intention. I learned that from the mentors who shaped me, and I’m passing it on to you.
Thank you again for helping the channel reach 100,000 subscribers. I’m grateful for this community and for everyone who shows up to learn, improve, and put in the work.
If you have questions, drop them in the comments. And if you’re interested in online classes or portfolio reviews, I’m here to help you grow.
