Where Focus Goes, Energy Flows — A Photographer’s Real Journey
In photography, creativity is not born from expensive equipment — it comes from clarity of focus. Many beginners believe that success lies in the latest camera, new lenses, frequent travel, or copying tutorials. But the truth is simple:
📌 Where your focus goes, your energy (and success) flows.
Let’s explore where beginner photographers often misplace their focus — and how to redirect it toward growth.
✅ 1️⃣ Camera Gear Obsession
Many beginners think:
“If I buy the best camera, I will capture stunning photos.”
So they keep purchasing gadgets without understanding how much they really contribute to the picture.
Result:
Big investment. Small improvement.
✔ My Suggestion:
Buy gear only when a project demands it.
Let assignments decide your setup — not temptation or trends.
✅ 2️⃣ Travelling Without Research
Some photographers believe traveling to a new place will magically give them great images. But they skip the most important step: planning.
They reach the location unaware of:
Whether the subject is worth capturing
Safety issues or local restrictions
Police/authority permissions
Real travel & stay expenses
Result:
Exhaustion + expenses → No strong shots
✔ My Suggestion:
Research the place thoroughly
Call hotel/local contacts to understand laws & safety
Prepare a shot plan before the journey
Smart planning saves energy — and protects your camera.
✅ 3️⃣ Quick YouTube Learning Trap
YouTube can provide inspiration — but not professional mastery.
Beginners watch a few videos and assume they are experts.
Result:
Half knowledge → Zero depth → Poor execution
✔ My Suggestion:
Join proper learning programs:
Photography workshops
Local classes
Mentorship under an experienced photographer
Invest your time and energy into structured learning.
✅ 4️⃣ Zero Focus on Marketing & Business
Some beginners have:
✅ Good camera
✅ Good skills
✅ Good portfolio
But no idea how to sell their art.
They only post on social media and wait…
Result:
May get the Likes but not the Clients
✔ My Suggestion:
Focus on:
Networking with real buyers
Client communication skills
Pricing and negotiation
Building a professional website & portfolio
Photography is 50% art + 50% business.
✅ 5️⃣ Sticking to Only One Genre
Some new photographers limit themselves only to:
Weddings
Fashion
Product
Wildlife
They never explore anything else!
Result:
Creativity gets stuck. Growth stops.
✔ My Suggestion:
Try Everything!
Street photography → improves timing
Architecture → improves composition
Product → improves lighting
Every genre teaches something powerful.
✅ Conclusion
Photography is a long journey, not a shortcut game.
Your career will grow in the direction you choose to focus on.
🎯 Focus on:
Skills over equipment
Planning over randomness
Knowledge over shortcuts
Marketing over only posting
Exploration over limitation
🔥 Where you aim your focus — your success will follow.
The above-posted photograph City of Jaipur, INDIA was captured by Prasenjeet Gautam. For more information and to explore our latest projects, please visit our website at www.prasenjeetgautam.com
Originally published on Prasenjeet Gautam Photography
Happy shooting!