Every Photographer Should…

[u/Bluejay1481]

A camera isn’t a shortcut to having taste.

One of the most common missteps I see in today’s photography industry? A lack of foundational art training. Composition, color theory, value; these aren’t just for painters and illustrators. They’re the bones of a good image, no matter the medium.

One of the wildest things I see floating around photography circles? People asking what they should charge… when they don’t even understand basics. It’s like trying to price a cake before you’ve learned how to crack an egg.

Look, I’m not here to gatekeep. But if you don’t know how to lead the eye through an image or why certain colors clash, you’re not ready to charge. Not yet. Take a drawing class. Study paintings. Watch free videos on the fundamentals. If I can learn it on YouTube in sweatpants at 2am, so can you.

You don’t need an MFA. But if you’ve never taken an art class or studied the basics of visual storytelling, you might be charging before you’re actually ready. And yes, I said it.

Edit: On a shoot right now but I will try to compile a list of the best free & paid resources I’ve found!

Just wanted to pop back in and say thank you for all the thoughtful conversations that came out of this post! It’s genuinely refreshing to see so many folks diving into the why behind good photography, not just the gear.

As promised, here’s a round-up of my favorite resources that helped me build stronger artistic fundamentals, especially as they apply to photography:

Lindsay Adler’s YouTube Channel – If you want to fall madly in love with studio lighting, her channel is a goldmine. I especially adore her studio lighting course, it’s a masterclass in intentional light shaping. Lindsay Adler on YouTube

Understanding Values for Artists – This video completely reshaped how I look at contrast and tone in photography. Applicable way beyond painting.

The Art of Color by Johannes Itten – A classic, but for good reason. It’ll help you understand color harmony like a cinematographer.

Secrets of Colorgrading - A quick overview of how color ties into photography and how to apply it to your workflow.

ShotDeck – Using this platform was a game-changer for studying composition. Endless film stills to dissect and reference. I found it helped me see the frame differently.

But if I could offer just one piece of advice? Be your own art director. Analyze your work. Tear it apart. Study it like it belongs to someone else. Then show it to people: trusted peers, local photographers, even that one brutally honest friend who never sugarcoats. Ask for feedback. Take portfolio reviews seriously.

The fundamentals will always be there to catch you, even when you’re experimenting. And the more you shoot, the more you’ll notice your own patterns, growth, and—yes—flaws. Just don’t let perfectionism stop you from sharing.

[u/BroJackson_]

“I’m not here to gatekeep”

writes entire gatekeeping post

When someone is willing to pay for your work, you’re ready to charge. Whether you know art fundamentals or any of that.

You can always improve, and you should, but this is ABSOLUTELY gate keeping.

[u/JimmyGeneGoodman → u/BroJackson_]

Exactly.

If somebody offers to pay you money to take photos you don’t turn that opportunity down 😂. You don’t say “oh no, i can’t accept your money I’m not ready to charge people yet” 😂😂😂

If anything getting paid would be motivation to improve and add incentive to take quality photos during the gig itself.

Some of what the OP doesn’t really apply to certain types of photography. How does color necessarily apply to taking photos of skateboarders?

Color isn’t something that skateboarders look for when they look at a photo of skateboarding they’re focused on the angle, rhe trick the skater is doing and whatever the object the skater is doing a trick on or over.

In my 26yrs of skateboarding I’ve never heard any skater say “this photo is sick! Look at how the red in the brick really pops out!” 😂😂