You have to love the images you create! Honestly, I could end this post right here because I believe it’s that important, but let me explain why.

Simply put, when you love what you do, you naturally do it better. If you’re shooting just because you feel you should or because it’s expected of you, that passion won’t be there, and your work will reflect that. Over time, this also affects longevity. If you genuinely love photographing wildlife, for example, you’ll happily do it for years, maybe even a lifetime. But if it’s not something you truly enjoy, eventually, it will start to feel like a chore, and you’ll find reasons to stop.

Loving what you shoot isn’t just about producing better images, it’s about sustaining that joy for the long run. When you love your craft, you’ll keep going even when no one is watching, even when it’s just for you.

I used to be obsessed with external validation. I chased praise, hoping people would love my work and that my Instagram feed would blow up. And so, I started shooting things I thought people wanted to see such as long-exposure cityscapes, model portraits, trendy edits.

At first, it was exciting. I liked some of the images I made. But I didn’t love them. And because I wasn’t genuinely passionate about what I was creating, I struggled to stay motivated. Eventually, the excitement wore off, and so did my drive.

Now, for some people, external recognition is their fuel. They thrive on creating images that get tons of likes, and that’s completely fine, because they love that process. But if you’re anything like me, chasing trends might leave you feeling empty. It’s important to recognize that and focus on what truly makes you happy behind the lens.

One of the best ways to figure out if you love what you’re photographing is to pay attention to how you feel while shooting. Are you relaxed, happy, maybe even lost in the moment? That’s a good sign. But if you feel tense, pressured, or like you’re just going through the motions, then maybe that subject or style isn’t for you.

Most of us start photography as a hobby, something fun, something that excites us. Often, that initial passion sticks with us. But don’t be afraid to try different genres. Sometimes, you’ll surprise yourself and discover something new that sparks joy.

Even if you don’t end up pursuing certain styles, experimenting is valuable. I’ve shot weddings and studio portraits, not my favorite, but those experiences taught me how to use flash effectively. Now, when I travel or document people, I have that skillset in my back pocket.

After years of trying different things, I’ve realized that what truly makes me happy is exploring new places, capturing people and cultures different from my own, and photographing landscapes and religious sites. It took a lot of trial and error to figure that out, but every step was worth it.

This is the most important part: you should love your own images. When you sit down to edit, you should feel a sense of pride and connection to your work.

For me, it took a long time to get here. I spent so much energy chasing likes and trying to grow my social media that I lost sight of my own photography journey. But now, I’m in a place where I create for me, and it’s been life-changing. Dropping images into Lightroom is no longer just part of a workflow, it’s a moment of joy. I struggle to cull my images because each one holds meaning for me. That’s when you know you’re on the right path, when you feel that attachment, that love for your work.

Letting go of the need to grow on social media has been incredibly freeing. Instead of shooting for an audience, I shoot for myself. And ironically, that has made my photography better than ever. More importantly, it has improved my overall happiness.

Photography, like life, can be full of pressure, pressure to fit a mold, to meet expectations, to create what’s popular. But when you constantly chase what others want, you lose sight of what truly fulfills you.

So many people struggle with confidence because they’re trying to meet unrealistic ideals, whether in photography or in life. But real happiness comes from embracing what you love, what makes you feel alive, not what looks good to the outside world.

Photography has helped me find this perspective. I no longer worry about impressing others with how I look, what I wear, or the music I listen to. I don’t feel the need to follow trends in the gym or in life. And because of that, I am the happiest I’ve ever been. I’m the best photographer I’ve ever been. And more importantly, I’m the best dad and husband I’ve ever been.

Photography is one of the purest forms of self-expression. When you love the images you create, they become an extension of how you see the world, a reflection of what truly brings you joy. There is no “right” way to take photos, only what feels right to you.

So, shoot for yourself first. Find joy in the process, let go of expectations, and embrace what you genuinely love to capture. When you do that, not only will your work improve, but your relationship with yourself will too.

Love your images. Love the process. And most importantly, love yourself.

Thank you for reading,

Arran