Photography Shouldn’t Be a Chore

What’s popping, people? Walking around Rome today has me thinking: photography shouldn’t feel like a chore. When you’re out shooting, it should be fun, something that brings a smile to your face. Anything that gets in the way of that—anything that creates friction between you and making photographs—is an issue.

Frictionless Photography

If you ever feel like you need to make these big, dedicated trips just to photograph, or if you’re burned out from long gaps between shooting, something’s off. There should be no friction between you and the act of making pictures.

Having a small, compact camera makes all the difference. It lets you capture moments while taking a leisurely stroll. You don’t need to create an epic documentary every time. Sometimes, it’s about photographing your life journey in a carefree, spontaneous way.

“Go out and see what you will find. You never know what the photographs will manifest.”

Simplify the Process

I’ve found joy in simplifying my photography. High-contrast black-and-white images, straight out of the camera, reveal unexpected beauty. The interplay of light and shadow brings out an aesthetic simplicity that I love.

Why Simplify?

• Avoid spending hours processing large RAW files.
• Focus on the act of photographing rather than post-production.
• Create a frictionless workflow where shooting becomes second nature.

It’s About Feeling, Not Perfection

Photography isn’t about creating the “perfect” image. It’s about evoking an emotional response. Forget obsessing over composition, lighting, or layers. While valid, these aren’t the main goal. Focus instead on the feeling your images convey.

“It’s not about a ‘good photograph’; it’s about the emotional response.”

When you let go of overthinking, you open yourself to more fun possibilities. Stop taking the process so seriously and let photography flow naturally.

Find What Works for You

For me, switching from color to black and white—and moving from RAW to JPEG—has been transformative. It’s sped up my process and made shooting more enjoyable. Everyone’s journey is different, but the key is finding a workflow that feels effortless.

Key Takeaways:

1. Keep your setup simple and portable.
2. Stop overthinking composition and technique.
3. Embrace spontaneity and let moments come to you.
4. Focus on the joy of creating, not the technicalities.

Let Life Flow

Photography shouldn’t feel like a hunt or a laborious task. Let life flow towards you. Instead of chasing extravagant pictures, allow moments to fall into your lap. Capture them as they come, and take what you’ve got.

“Photography should be second nature, a seamless part of life where joy takes the lead.”