THE JOURNAL

There’s nothing worse than capturing what should have been the perfect portrait—only to realize later that the eyes are soft, the focus is off, and the whole shot is unusable. If you’ve been struggling with inconsistent focus, you’re not alone. Blurry photos happen to every photographer at some point, but the good news? There’s a […]

Ever look at your photos and feel like something is missing? Your subject is there. The focus is sharp. The colors are fine. But the image just feels… flat. If your photos lack depth, dimension, or that pro-level pop, don’t worry—you’re not alone. This happens to a lot of beginner photographers. But the good news? […]

You know that buttery, blurred-out background that makes portraits look professional? The one that instantly makes your subject pop while everything behind them melts away? That’s called bokeh, and it’s one of the easiest ways to take your photos from beginner to high-end professional. The best part? You don’t need an expensive camera to get […]

If you’ve ever struggled to get that perfect, dreamy portrait—the kind with soft backgrounds and gorgeous subject separation—it might not be your camera settings… It might be your lens. The lens you use plays a huge role in: How much background blur (aka bokeh) you getHow flattering your subject looksHow much distortion or compression is […]

If you’re a new photographer trying to build a portfolio, you’ve probably wondered: “Should I offer free shoots to get experience?” Some say yes—it helps you practice, build a portfolio, and get your name out there.Others say no way—it sets a bad precedent and makes people expect free work forever. So what’s the right answer? […]

If you’re booking clients without a contract, we need to talk. I know, I know—contracts sound so official and maybe even a little intimidating. But here’s the truth: Having a contract is not optional—it’s essential. Without one, you’re leaving yourself wide open to miscommunication, last-minute cancellations, and potential legal nightmares. Let’s break down why you […]

Every photographer—no matter how skilled, experienced, or successful—has faced it. Negative feedback and self-doubt are part of the journey, but they don’t have to define your journey. So, let’s talk about how to handle criticism without letting it crush your confidence—and how to push through self-doubt so it doesn’t hold you back. Step 1: Separate […]

If you’ve been telling yourself, “I’ll start my photography business when I have more experience… when I get a better camera… when I have more time… when I feel ready,” Let me stop you right there. Because there is no perfect time. And every moment you spend waiting? That’s time you could be growing, improving, […]

If you’ve ever hesitated to post a photo, deliver a gallery, or even call yourself a real photographer because you felt your work wasn’t “good enough,” you’re not alone. Perfectionism is one of the biggest roadblocks to growth. And the worst part? It feels like you’re doing the right thing—like being overly critical of your […]

If you’ve been in business for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard it: “Your prices are too high.” Cue the awkward pause where you wonder if you should defend yourself, lower your price, or just nervously laugh it off. Here’s the truth—when someone says your prices are too high, it’s not the end of […]