UPDATED May 2026

Lessons from 30 Years in Photography

Updated May 2026: Here’s a short list to fuel your passion for photography. It’s not exhaustive, but it’s a list of things I’ve learned over the years that will hopefully steer you away. Making mistakes is a part of the journey, and it’s how you get better as a person and a photographer. If you want to know more, head here for a deeper dive into the steps to become a successful photographer.

Believe in yourself.
The moment you believe you’re a success—regardless of how you define that—you’re done, and you might as well stop. An artist cannot claim to be a success.
Wait, what, why? Once you start believing in your own publicity, your ego becomes the enemy.
Don’t listen to the tiny little voices on the internet.
Do not seek validation based on ‘likes’.
Shoot for yourself, clients second.
A career is a journey, not a destination.
Success is about all the mistakes and errors you make. Learn from them, make corrections, and move on.
Put the work in. Work without making a fuss, head down, be diligent, and keep your emotions in check. Shoot, shoot, and shoot.
You will have ups and downs
Success is not quantifiable; happiness is.
Ask yourself some serious questions: Is wedding photography right for me? Why?
At weddings, you have to like people. If you don’t, this is not for you.
Do you have an enthusiasm for photography? If not, don’t follow this path.
Keep your day job until you feel you have enough income to cover your expenses.
Education. Paramount. Locals like Jim Landers school of photography. WPPI in Vegas is another. Workshops, exhibitions, immerse yourself in art.
You will need at least a second camera. Do not think otherwise when it comes to shooting someone’s wedding. Spend more $ on glass than the camera
Go second-shoot or assist a photographer you like. Pick up the phone and call. Meet. Bring your work.
Do not think about becoming a rock star photographer.
Keep your ego in check.
Photography is a craft. Study photographers. Researching the Master of Arts is a start; Henri Cartier-Bresson is my go-to.
Study geometry
Do not copy some other photographer’s style. But you can steal ideas and be inspired. Artists have been doing it for centuries.
To grow your business, you have two avenues to pursue. 1. Advertise online. 2. Ask your friends and family, business friends, to shoot at a discount to get more of your work available online and build a portfolio. Without a portfolio, it’s going to be hard to get a job.
Meet photographers. Reach out. Ask questions; You’d be surprised. Some people remember what it was like to start and will repay in kind, helping the local community of photographers.
Join local photography meetups. Be open and friendly.
Study light and composition.
Repeat. Study, light, and composition. Rinse, repeat.
Don’t give up. Re-read top to bottom. You can do this.