Don’t Prepare: Make Photography Frictionless and Embrace the Edge
Photography should feel natural, effortless, like an extension of yourself—not something burdened with over-preparation. Stop making plans, stop thinking about gear, and just go do the damn thing. The best shots happen when you’re not overthinking, when you’re just present in the moment, ready to capture whatever unfolds.
But to take it even further—find yourself on the edge of danger, in situations where the unexpected might surprise you and sharpen your instincts.
Photography Shouldn’t Be a Chore
If taking photos ever feels like a chore, something’s off. Photography should be enjoyable, something you look forward to. Anything causing friction—whether it’s gear, overthinking compositions, or a “perfect” shot—is an obstacle to the process.
“Photography should feel like second nature, where life flows toward you, without the need to chase extravagant pictures.”
By using a small, easy-to-carry camera and simplifying the process, you can capture moments as they come. Switch to black-and-white JPEGs, leave the RAW files behind, and allow the experience to become frictionless. No dedicated trips, no grand plans—just documenting life as it happens. If you see something that even scratches your curiosity by one percent, shoot it. Go with the flow and see what the camera picks up.
Embrace the Unknown and the Edge of Danger
Photography isn’t about control; it’s about stepping into the unknown and letting the world surprise you. To truly capture life’s rawest moments, seek out places and situations that make you feel alive—stand on the edge of what feels safe and comfortable. Sometimes, the most powerful shots come from moments of risk and spontaneity, where you’re not entirely sure what will happen next.
“Let curiosity lead, and allow things to fall into place naturally.”
Forget strict compositions and avoid getting bogged down with technical precision. Let the streets, shadows, and light speak for themselves. Approach the process with the openness and curiosity of a child, but with the courage to lean into the chaotic, unpredictable side of the world around you.
Find a Process That Works for You
Everyone’s photography journey is different. Don’t take things too seriously, and don’t get tied down by other people’s rules. The key is to find a process that feels natural, that fits seamlessly into your life. Experiment until you discover what works, then stick with it. Switching to black-and-white JPEGs, for instance, has sped things up for me, creating a workflow that feels almost effortless.
Just Shoot, Let Go, and Enjoy
Photography is about capturing life in its rawest form, allowing the unexpected to shape each shot. Leave the camera ready in your pocket, stay open, and let life come to you. Forget the technical checklists, ignore the perfect lighting setups, and embrace the thrill of pushing boundaries. Each shot is a part of the journey, a fragment of life’s wildness.
So don’t prepare, don’t plan—just get out there, press the shutter, and enjoy the process. See what unfolds. Life will fall into place if you let it, and the photos you capture will carry the unfiltered essence of the moment.
“The moral of the story: photography shouldn’t feel like a chore; it should feel like second nature. Let life flow toward you, find the edge of danger, and take what it gives.”