The 3 Most Important Things that I Learned Shooting for 10 Years

I picked up my first camera ten years ago (February 2010), and frankly, my life has not been the same since. I can distinctly remember walking into B&H in New York City with a few hundred dollars to my name, walking up to the used counter, and asking to purchase a slightly used Canon Rebel XSI 450D.

Admittedly, I brought that thing EVERYWHERE with me.

In that time, I’ve learned 3 Important lessons that I carry along with me until today. Those lessons are what I’d like to share with you today:

You’ll Never Be as Good as You Will be Tomorrow

As photographers, we all go through a period where we hate ALL of our work. Every single image feels like you COULD have done better. Embrace where you are today and try not to be so overcritical. You’ll never be as good as you are tomorrow. Make peace with that.

Compare, But Don’t Envy

I love looking at other photographer's work, but I do my best not to envy. Am I guilty of doing it? Sure. But I remind myself of the dangers of envy.

Admiring someone's body of work is incredible; beating yourself up because you can't compete is a quick way to quit while you're ahead.

Hey, I love Annie Leibovitz's work, but she's been shooting before my mom was born. How can I ever compare my journey and talent to someone who has put that many years in? Focus on your own journey.

A Formal Education isn’t Make or Break

If there's anything that I want you to remember its this–A formal education doesn't guarantee success in ANYTHING. There's no class on how to hustle. There are no textbooks on passion and drive. You're no courses on staying 'hungry.' Running a photo business requires all of the above.

Admittedly, I did not go to school for photography. I went to school for Aerospace Engineering and dropped out of college to move back to New York City. I don't have a college degree.

What I do have is passion and intrigued. And both of those traits helped me be where I am today.