3 Photography Habits That Actually Make a Difference

The New Year is right around the corner, which means many people around the world are setting fresh goals. It's as good a time as any to plan a creative reboot and nurture our artistry by starting new projects, learning from other photographers, and exploring new ways of seeing the world.

I've found that the most effective resolutions are often the simplest ones. Instead of aiming for dramatic change, I prefer setting goals that consistently and steadily improve my photography over time. Here are three resolutions that I believe can make a big difference in the year ahead.

P.S. I've also included a gallery of some of my favorite photos from 2025 at the end of the article!

1. Learn From Other Photographers

One of the fastest ways to grow as a photographer is to learn from those who have more experience than you. Setting a goal to learn from others can take many forms, but the most valuable experiences often come from personal relationships built on shared passion. A mentor or knowledgeable friend can help you navigate moments of self-doubt, offer constructive feedback, and encourage you to explore new creative directions.

There are countless ways to learn from other photographers, including joining a local photography group, taking a photo workshop, or enrolling in online classes. Having photographed professionally for over two decades, I know firsthand how isolating creative challenges can feel and how powerful guidance can be when you’re facing them.

I've also learned a thing or two about how best to help other people jump-start their creative engines. If you’re interested in personalized portfolio reviews and mentoring, you’re welcome to book a session with me.

2. Try Something New

Trying something new as a photographer doesn't require you to completely alter the way you do things. Rather, aim to shift your creative perspective in more subtle ways. Often, it simply means doing something unfamiliar and allowing yourself to be uncomfortable. Growth happens when you step beyond what feels safe and predictable, even in small ways.

Also, you should consider trying new photography genres. In the past year, I decided to dive into underwater photography (pun intended). This wasn't an easy transition, and it came with its own steep learning curve. Although challenging at first, these new experiences expanded my creative perspective and forced me to see in new ways. In addition to underwater photography, I also dabbled a bit in macro and even astrophotography. Each deviation from the stuff I typically do made me a better photographer.

Curiosity plays a central role in this process. When you allow yourself to experiment without the pressure of perfection, you open the door to discovery. Mistakes become lessons, and uncertainty becomes part of the creative process. Over time, this mindset naturally leads to stronger skills and more expressive work.

3. Instead of Obsessing Over Gear, Obsess over Photography

Photography gear can be exciting, and there’s nothing wrong with appreciating it. However, placing too much emphasis on equipment can distract you from developing your creative potential. Strong creative vision can succeed even with modest gear, but great gear won't do you any good if you don't know what to do with it.

It’s also worth considering how gear purchases might actually limit opportunities for taking photos. When deciding whether to buy new gear, ask yourself whether it’ll genuinely improve your work. If a specific tool is essential, it makes sense to invest in it (for example, I couldn't do underwater photography without a housing for my camera). If not, that money may be better spent exploring new places or projects. Basically, your gear budget shouldn't be competing with your budget for making photos. I mean, what's the point of having all the gear if you can't afford to do anything interesting with it?

Personally, I'd rather take more trips to photograph places and subjects that inspire me and get my creative juices flowing. Before I make any equipment purchases, I force myself to answer this question: do I really need this gear, or do I just want it? Because I know I need to take photos, and if merely wanting gear gets in the way of that, then I'll invest the money in my photos instead.

Conclusion

A new year brings a fresh opportunity to reshape how you approach photography. By learning from others, trying new things, and focusing less on gear and more on experience, you can create space for genuine creative growth. I look forward to pushing myself in new directions this year, and I’m excited to see how you challenge yourself and evolve through your own work.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year! And, as promised, here are some of my favorite photos from 2025.