STOP doing this it slows your progress
- Sonia - Chief Parrot
- Dec 9, 2024
- 2 min read
I used to do this a lot and I still catch myself occasionally and I have to keep it in check. It's NOT helpful.
Why You Should Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Photographers
Photography is a deeply personal journey. In today’s world of social media and online galleries, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing your work to that of others. While seeking inspiration can be healthy, constant comparison often becomes a barrier to growth and creativity.
One major issue with comparison is that it shifts your focus from progress to perfection. You may find yourself doubting your abilities because your photos don’t seem as “good” as someone else’s. What you don’t see, however, is the years of practice, failed attempts, or even post-processing tricks that went into those seemingly flawless images.
You don't get to see the journey the other photographer went through - you only see the end result, which is can trigger you into thinking "I'm not talented enough" which is a terribly distorted lens (no pun intended! 😄).
Every photographer’s path is unique, shaped by their experiences, goals, and resources.
Constant comparison can also stifle your creativity. Instead of exploring your style, you may feel pressured to replicate the work of others to measure up. This not only undermines your individuality but can also lead to frustration as you chase someone else’s vision rather than your own.
Moreover, comparison fosters negativity and self-doubt. It’s demotivating to feel like you’ll never “catch up,” and that mindset can prevent you from enjoying the process of learning and creating.
Remember, photography is a creative journey not a destination. There is a starting point but you will never reach the 'end' because there isn't one. And that's a beautiful thing!
Are you an intermediate level photographer is feels like they've hit a plateau?
Can you spare a few minutes to help with with some research by answering a few questions?
The key to overcoming this is to focus on your progress. Compare your current work to where you started - not to others. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and set personal goals that excite you. By shifting your focus inward, you’ll rediscover the joy of photography and unlock your full potential.
The next time you catch yourself comparing, pause and remember: your photographic voice is worth sharing, and it doesn’t need to sound like anyone else’s to be powerful.
Instead, try and identify what it is about 'their' photo that struck you. Is it the lighting? The pose? The angle? Come from a technical standpoint and instead of thinking 'why can't I do that', shift your focus to 'how can I do that MY way?'
“Don’t wait for inspiration. It comes while working." – Henri Matisse
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