Every pixel counts

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It is tempting to believe that a good subject will make for a good photograph. That all what need is a beautiful tree, a grand vista, or a stunning mountain peak. In this video, I want to argue that this isn’t enough. That we need to pay attention to every inch, every pixel, of our image. Otherwise, we might end up with an image that doesn’t do justice to that amazing subject.

How to be original with your photography

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To be original, you have to stop trying to be original. Don't overthink it.

Sure, don’t chase trends, don’t go to popular locations just because they are popular. But don’t become a contrarian either, someone who avoids them just to be different, because those have also fallen in the trap. They are still comparing themselves to others, attaching a meaning to their work depending on what others do or don’t do.

We should care only about whether we are staying true to ourselves, photographing what means something to us, creating the images we enjoy looking at. If that means going to Yosemite, then so be it.

But don’t limit your photography to those trips, photograph every day no matter where you are and what you are doing, even if it doesn’t seem like there’s anything to photograph. There is, there always is.

Take advantage of that that makes you unique, and make images every single day. In the long term, that is what will make your work original, unique, and true to yourself.