How to Get the Photography Results You Want

It's almost impossible to ignore that fresh start feeling that comes with a new year. There are so many things I love about photography. One of those things is the ability to constantly strive toward growth and improvement with in-field technique and post-processing. But with so many different learning and development paths within photography, how can you get the results you want without feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with your journey?

New Year's resolutions aren't necessarily my style; however, I think the new year is an excellent time to set photography goals that can help guide your development over this next year. After more than sixteen years dedicated to learning the craft and art of photography, I've learned a few lessons about improving and moving forward in your development into the photographer you want to be. Below are a few tips you should strive to follow when you want to see results and improve your photography skills. 

1. Set small attainable goals

Being overwhelmed is one of the biggest roadblocks to growth in your photography. Setting small attainable goals will help you reach your goals. Last week, in my photography tip, I recommended that you take a look back on your images during the year and celebrate your accomplishments. This week, I want you to take another look at the images you captured in 2022. Then, write a few small attainable goals in a notebook or your favourite smartphone note-taking app.

I recommend setting no more than three goals for your photography at a time, ensuring your goals are specific and that you can achieve your goals. For example, instead of writing, "I want to take better photos," write down, "I want to take at least three different compositions for a single landscape setting so that I can work on improving my composition." Then, when you've attained the goals you set only, move on and jot down a few more. Seeing results in your growth is very empowering and will keep you moving forward in your photography journey. 

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2. Practice 

In his bestseller, Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell tells us that becoming an expert takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice. Picking up your camera and experimenting will go a long way in helping you reach your photography goals. As Zig Ziglar said, "There is no elevator to success; each one of us has to take the stairs." Practice photography as much as possible, and know that you can practice photography anywhere. You'd do not need portfolio-worthy landscape settings to work on your photography goals. 

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3. Seek out landscape photography education 

If you are not practicing the correct techniques necessary for landscape photography, you'll likely quickly feel frustrated and disappointed with your images. So instead, open your mind to exploring and learning the technical approaches to your camera and post-processing techniques for polishing your pictures. Regardless of your photography skill level, adopting an openness to learning photography with help you achieve the results you want in your images. 

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4. Take a break 

Someone once said, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Studies dedicated to this quote have proved that distance from love can strengthen attraction. Keep in mind that it is okay to take a break from photography from time to time. Spend some time with another hobby of interest. You might find inspiration in that hobby that'll influence your photography when you pick up your camera again.

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5. Don't be afraid of critique 

Critique is invaluable when it comes to goal setting. Ask a photographer friend for feedback or even someone who is not a photographer. This will help you see your images differently. You can and should take what others say as an opportunity for learning, but remember, critique only provides you with a different perspective. Ultimately your art is your own, and the final results of your images should belong to you alone. 

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6. Capture images with your unique vision

There's incredible talent out there in the photography world. One thing you have that everyone else does not is your uniqueness. Your photography is a reflection of who you are as a person. Remember that, ultimately, your images are a part of the culmination of your past, present, and future self. Capture images and set goals that speak to who you are as a photographer and person. Always shoot what you love in a way that speaks to you. There's no right or wrong way to develop as a photographer. 

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Happy New Year, friend! May 2023 bring you much joy as you pursue your interest in photography and work toward becoming the photographer you want to be!