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 work will make you better. But in reality, perfectionism doesn’t push you forward; it keeps you stuck.
Here’s why done is better than perfect and how to finally let go of that fear and start growing.
Why Perfectionism is Holding You Back
Let’s be clear: This isn’t about being sloppy, careless, or putting out work you don’t believe in. It’s about giving yourself permission to improve, grow, and perfect things as you go.
Because here’s the reality:
- The best photographers weren’t perfect when they started.
- You learn by doing, not by obsessing.
- The more you create, the better you get.
If you wait until you feel 100% ready, confident, and skilled before putting your work out there… you’ll be waiting forever.
The Only Way to Get Better is to Keep Going
Progress Comes from Taking Action
Your work won’t magically improve by nitpicking every detail. It improves by:
✔ Taking photos, learning from them, and shooting again.
✔ Editing, delivering, and figuring out what to tweak next time.
✔ Putting yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable.
The more action you take, the faster you grow.
You Can’t Perfect What You Never Finish
Think about it—how many half-finished projects, unfinished edits, or “not quite ready” ideas are sitting in your drafts right now?
Perfectionism convinces you that one more tweak will make it better, but the real problem? It keeps you from finishing at all.
If you never put your work out into the world, you never get feedback. You never refine. You never evolve.
And that’s the opposite of growth.
The Best Creators “Fail Forward”
Every great photographer you admire? They got where they are by failing forward.
They took photos that weren’t perfect.
They edited in ways they later cringed at.
They experimented, made mistakes, and kept going anyway.
Your work right now is the stepping stone to your future success. But you have to be willing to embrace the process—imperfections and all.
Your Next Step: Give Yourself Permission to Grow
So, here’s your challenge:
Post that photo you’ve been overanalyzing.
Send that gallery you’ve been second-guessing.
Book that session, even if you don’t feel “ready.”
Because done is better than perfect. Not because you don’t care, but because you’re committed to improving, growing, and refining your craft as you go.
The only way to get better is to keep going.
Are you in?
P.S. Want more business tips to help you level up as a photographer? The Lens Society is packed with resources, tutorials, and insights designed to help you grow your business and protect what matters most. Check it out here: Lens Society
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