Why You’re Not Getting the Photos You Want (And What to Focus On Instead)
Let’s be real. You finally get that “fancy” camera. You try all the settings. You even shoot in manual mode like the YouTube video said... But your photos still don’t look how you imagined. Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and it’s not because you’re “bad” at photography. It’s because photography is about more than just the gear and settings. So today, let’s break down the real reasons your photos might be falling flat—and what to focus on instead.
1. You’re Relying Too Much on the Camera to Do the Work
Cameras are amazing tools, but they don’t know what you’re trying to say with your image. They don’t know what moment you’re trying to capture. They don’t know how you want it to feel. That’s your job—and the more you lean into learning composition, light, and emotion, the better your images will become. Which brings me to...
2. You’re Not Thinking About Composition
Composition is the silent superhero of photography. You can have the best gear, perfect lighting, and sharp focus—and still take a boring photo if your composition isn’t working. A few simple tips to improve instantly:
Stop centering everything (unless there’s a good reason)
Use the rule of thirds
Get closer (then get even closer)
Frame your subject creatively (windows, mirrors, arches = gold)
Composition is how you guide the viewer’s eye—and it’s what makes a photo feel intentional.
3. You’re Not Paying Attention to the Light
Light is everything. Harsh light? Squinting faces and deep shadows. Flat light? Meh. Golden hour light? Magic. Start noticing:
Where the light is coming from
Whether it’s warm, cool, soft, or harsh
How it changes the mood of your image
Pro tip: The light just after sunrise (blue hour) and before sunset (golden hour) is your best friend. Start planning your practice shoots around it!
4. You’re Not Sure What You’re Trying to Say
Sometimes we’re just clicking without really knowing what we’re trying to capture. A photo with no direction usually looks… well, directionless. Before you hit the shutter, ask:
What’s the story here?
What’s the feeling I want to show?
What do I want people to notice?
Even one clear intention will make your image stronger.
5. You’re Overthinking or Underthinking Your Settings
Let’s not pretend settings don’t matter—they do! But they’re not everything. Overthinkers: You’re obsessing over ISO 100 vs. 200 and missing the moment. Underthinkers: You’re leaving everything on auto and wondering why things look off. The sweet spot? Learn just enough to use your camera on purpose.
Need help with that? My cheat sheet 'Shoot Like a Pro' on beginner settings is a great place to start.
👉 Get it here!
6. You’re Comparing to Pros Who Are 10 Years In
Please, for the love of your creative self, stop comparing your beginning to someone else’s middle. This cost me sooo much time in my own journey! Every photographer you admire once struggled with blown-out skies and weird white balance. They just kept going. And you will too.
Final Thoughts
Photography isn’t about perfection. It’s about practice. It’s about learning to see. It’s about showing up with your camera again and again—even when the shots don’t turn out how you hoped. The more you pay attention to light, composition, and intention, the more your images will start to reflect the vision in your head. So no, it’s not just your camera. It’s just the beginning—and you're already on the right track.
Want help figuring out your settings and learning the simple techniques that make a big difference? Stay tuned—my course Click With Confidence is opening soon. 📸
