We’re Better at Photography Than We Think

We all have moments when we underestimate our skills or feel insecure about things we care deeply about. I know I do—especially with photography and creating content. Recently, I stumbled upon a collection of old photos from as far back as 2011 when I got my first camera. Going through them taught me a few things, which I’d love to share in case you’re experiencing something similar.

What I Learned

1. Rediscovering Memories
The first thing that struck me as I went through these photos was the joy of reliving old memories. I found snapshots of family trips, outings with friends, and images of my city as it looked a decade ago. It’s an emotional process at times, capturing moments that may never return or people who are no longer with us. Reflecting on these memories reminded me of the importance of appreciating where we are and the memories we hold.

2. Realizing I’m Better Than I Thought
On the more technical side, I discovered that I took better photos than I initially believed. I’ve always been hard on myself, sometimes even “rage deleting” photos I wasn’t happy with. Looking back, though, I was surprised by how good some of these pictures were! With the distance of time, I saw my work differently and even felt confident enough to post some of these shots on social media.

Some photos I’d previously dismissed due to editing challenges have now become usable, thanks to technology. For instance, I had an old photo from Málaga showing a couple kissing. It had potential, but cleaning it up felt too overwhelming back then. Now, with the AI tools in Lightroom, I was able to bring this photo back to life in minutes. AI-powered removals and touch-ups are game changers that make reviving old photos easier than ever.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Photography

1. Organize Your Photo Storage
Having a reliable storage system is essential. I used Google Photos when it was free and unlimited, which helped me rediscover these old photos. Now, I’m back to using my trusty hard drive with an organized system. The tool doesn’t matter as much as having a dependable, organized process for storing your photos, so you can always go back and revisit them.

2. Take a Break After Editing
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating: give yourself a day or two after editing before making any final decisions. Don’t look at the photos during this time. Coming back with fresh eyes often reveals things you hadn’t noticed before or even helps you refine edits you thought were finished. Of course, this isn’t always possible with tight deadlines, but when you can, a short break can be incredibly helpful.

3. Revisit Your Old Photos from Time to Time
Every now and then, go back through your older photos—even if you’ve already edited or posted them. This is what I did, and it surprised me how much my perspective had changed. Sometimes, a photo you once thought was average looks fantastic with fresh eyes, and occasionally, you might even find yourself rethinking a photo you once loved. It’s all about seeing your work with your “now” eyes, which can be a great source of inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Photos don’t have to be “final.” Revisiting your work can bring new ideas and even inspire your current projects. So, keep an open mind, and most importantly—have fun exploring your photography journey!