If I could go back to my very first photoshoot, nervous and convinced gear was the answer to everything… here’s what I’d tell myself.

Whether you’re shooting for fun, building a brand, or dreaming of running a creative space (hi Le Saint Motel), these are the lessons that would’ve saved me time, money, and a few mild existential crises.

1. It’s Not About the Camera. It’s About Light

You can have a $3,000 camera and still take flat, boring photos. Light is everything. Direction, softness, color, time of day: those matter more than megapixels.

Natural window light at 11am? Magic.
Overhead fluorescent lighting? Emotional damage.

Before upgrading your camera, learn how light behaves. Practice:

Shooting the same subject at different times of day
Moving your subject closer/farther from a window
Turning off bad overhead lights

Light first. Gear second.

2. Editing Is Half the Art

Photography doesn’t have to end when you click the shutter. Color grading, exposure correction, cropping, and contrast are where your “style” really develops. Early on, I thought editing meant “fixing mistakes.” It’s not, it’s just finishing the vision.

Learning tools like:

Adobe Lightroom
Adobe Photoshop
Apps on your phone

…can completely transform your work. Your raw file is the clay. Editing is the sculpting.

3. You Don’t Need Every Lens

In the beginning, it’s tempting to collect lenses like Pokémon.
Truth: one good lens can carry you for years.

If I had to start over, I’d use:
A 50mm for portraits
Or a 35mm for more environmental storytelling

Master one focal length before buying another. Creativity grows from limits.

4. People Skills Matter More Than Technical Skills

If you photograph humans (which most of us do), your job is 50% photographer, 25% hype person, 25% creative director.
Confidence behind the camera makes your subject feel confident in front of it.

Learning how to:

Give clear direction
Create comfort
Manage energy
See what you’re actually photographing (does that plant look weird there?)
…will improve your photos more than another lens ever will.

This is especially true in immersive spaces (like Le Saint Motel or even event setups). The environment helps, but you set the tone.

5. Consistency Is Everything

You don’t become “good” from one viral shoot.
You get good from:

Shooting regularly
Reviewing your own work with peers (always take critique with a grain of salt though, maybe what you shoot isn’t for everyone and maybe THAT’S your thing!!!)
Failing
Improving by trying new things

Your first 1,000 photos are practice. That’s normal. Don’t wait to feel ready. Shoot anyway.

5 Cool Photography Accessories for Beginners (That Are Actually Worth It)

You don’t need a suitcase of gear. But these? These help.

1. A Reflector
Why it’s great:

It bounces light back onto your subject, reduces harsh shadows, and makes skin glow.
It’s cheap. It folds. It changes everything. If you’re shooting near a window, this is your best friend.

2. A Solid Tripod
Why it’s great:

Sharper images in low light
Self-portraits (game changer)
More intentional framing
Slow exposition becomes really fun!

3. A 50mm Lens (“The Nifty Fifty”)
Why it’s great:

Beautiful background blur
Natural perspective
Affordable
It instantly makes photos look more “professional.”

4. An External Flash (With a Diffuser)
Why it’s great:

Built-in flash = harsh and gross.
External flash bounced off a wall or ceiling = soft and flattering.
You don’t need a full studio, just control.

I’ve used a home depot light in a pinch, diffused through a white sheet and nobody could tell the difference.

5. A Camera Strap + Bag You Actually Like
Why it’s great:

You’ll shoot more if you’re comfortable. I like a nice padded strap and a compact bag that has a loop for my tripod so that I only have to grab one thing if inspiration strikes. 

Comfort + style = confidence.
Confidence = better photos.

Final Thoughts

Photography isn’t about having the best gear, the most followers, or the most dramatic edits.

It’s about:

Seeing light
Understanding people
Practicing relentlessly
And building your own visual storytelling

I’ve been shooting since 2001 and I still learn new things, my style constantly evolves and I still try new things. My preferences change and evolve; if you asked me 20 years ago what a perfect photo looked like, I’d tell you no noise, crisp studio light and a posed model on a plain backdrop. Now? Omg I love gritty noise, moody shadows, imperfect light and a photo that tells a story.

Anyway, if you’re just starting, you’re exactly where you need to be. Now go shoot something.