What One Year of Photography Taught Me (That No One Warned Me About)

It’s been just over a year since I decided to get serious about photography—and by serious, I mean actually learning what half the buttons on my camera do. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few things I wish I’d known from the start. So whether you’re a fellow shutterbug or just here to scroll past some mildly useful wisdom, here are five things I’ve learned on my photography journey so far.

Before that, I mostly relied on my phone and took the occasional respectable shot. But when my dad passed just over a year ago, I inherited not just his camera gear—but his love of photography too.

1. Less Is More (Especially in Editing)

When I first started editing my photos, I went full Picasso. Sliders? Maxed. Saturation? Off the charts. Clarity? More like scarcity, because I overcooked everything.

Turns out, subtle editing is where the magic happens. Let your photo breathe a little—no need to drown it in 200% contrast and hope for the best. A light touch can make your images feel more natural and more you.

One from the early days—where I thought “editing” meant “make every slider work overtime.” Still love the mood, but I’ve definitely learned the value of restraint.

2. Practice Makes Progress (So Shoot Often!)

Photography is like learning a language. You wouldn’t expect to be fluent in French after one weekend in Paris, right? Same goes here. The more you shoot, the more you learn—not just about your camera, but about light, timing, composition, and your own style.

Even the “bad” photos help. Trust me, I have an entire folder named WhyDidITakeThis.

The very first photo I took with Dad’s camera. Not perfect, but full of heart—and the moment I realised this was more than just a hobby.

A year of trial, error, and growth later—capturing the same subject, but with more skill, confidence, and joy.

3. Try Everything Once (Okay, Maybe Twice)

Over the past year, I’ve dabbled in almost every genre—landscapes, portraits, street photography, astro, macro… you name it.

And while some weren’t quite my cup of tea (looking at you, bird photography at 5 a.m.), each one taught me something valuable and boosted my confidence. Trying different styles helps you grow and might even lead you to your niche.

4. Shoot What You Love, Not for the Likes

Chasing trends is exhausting. If I had a pound for every time I saw “how to go viral with your photography” on YouTube, I’d be able to afford that fancy lens I keep talking myself out of.

The truth is, your best work comes when you’re passionate about what you’re capturing. Don’t stress over algorithms. Photograph what excites you—even if it’s moody puddles, back alleys, or your dog looking like he’s judging your life choices.

A recent candid that just felt right—no trend-chasing, no filters, just a quiet moment that caught my eye.

5. It’s a Journey, Not a Destination

Photography isn’t something you “complete.” There’s always more to learn, more to try, and more ways to grow. Some days you’ll feel like Ansel Adams; other days, you’ll wonder if your lens cap was on the whole time.

Embrace it. The ups, the downs, and everything in between—they’re all part of the story you’re telling through your lens.

Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, I hope these lessons make you smile, nod in agreement, or at least feel less alone in your creative chaos. Here’s to the next year of learning, shooting, and probably still forgetting to clean my sensor—just as Dad would’ve expected.

Got a lesson of your own to share? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep learning together.