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I used to think that all famous photographers were supremely confident about their images. In contrast, I often thought my work was rubbish, especially when learning the ropes.

How I wish that I'd spent more time reading quotes by photographers.
It's great to see insights into how they feel about photography - that's inspiring.
But it's also comforting to hear that they struggled with and suffered from the same doubts as we lesser mortals.
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For years, I used to worry about what other people were doing. The other photographers I saw online all seemed to be ultra-confident. I figured that if I was unsure of myself, that must mean my work was crap.
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I have no idea where this idea's seed was planted. All that matters is that slowly, over time, it grew into a massive hedge that blocked my ability to enjoy photography.

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That hedge got so out of control that, at one point, I figured there was no way to cut it down.
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I wanted to stop taking photos and do something that didn't make me sad.
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Naturally, this was a bit drastic. I am prone to catastrophising.
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Therefore, I needed to think a bit more about what I was going to do about this huge hedge

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Quotes like Sally's helped me realise that I wasn't alone; I was looking at my photography through the wrong lens.

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What if, instead of trying to remove the hedge, roots and all, which would need heavy plant, chainsaws and all that stuff, I simply cut a hole to walk through?
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So, rather than use the nuclear option, I went more tactical.
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My first step was to acknowledge that I was creating photos I was proud of. Not comparing them to someone else, but simply being happy if I thought a photo looked good.
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I also started having the 'guts' to show work that wasn't 'perfect'
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Since then, I've found ways to make the gap in that hedge bigger, and I'm a lot happier as a photographer.
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Try it today: look at your photos through a lens where they are only for you and you alone.

If you're only making photos to please yourself, then it's impossible to be deceitful. At least, I think so!
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2025 Photo Events

If you're ready to cut your own path through that hedge of self-doubt, I've got just the tools for you.

Join me in Vienna this March or Boston in May for an immersive weekend of shooting, learning, and connecting with fellow creatives. These intimate events are all about helping you develop your unique vision and approach to photography.

We'll explore vibrant streets together, dive deep into the "Learning to See" process and arm you with the confidence and skills to forge your own photographic path.

Spots are limited, so seize this chance to break through creative barriers and take your passion to the next level. Secure your place now!

Photographer Of The Week

Sally Mann

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​Sally Mann is an American photographer known for her large-format black-and-white photographs of people and places in her immediate surroundings, including her children, husband, and rural landscapes, as well as self-portraits.

My first introduction to Sally Mann's photography was a photo called 'Candy Cigarette'. It was, if I recall, in a book I had at photo school.

At the time, I didn't really give it much thought beyond it looking 'kinda neat.'

If people are aware of Sally Mann, it's often through the lens of controversy as one of her books - 'Immediate Family' featured images of her family in the nude. Controversy that has raised it's head once again in Texas

However, her work is much broader than just those images, and I find looking at her landscapes of The South especially relaxing. The use of large format cameras, alternative processes, and her wonderful ability to evoke a mood in her images is awesome. ​
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If you are unfamiliar with her work, I recommend you check out an early video of mine. (plus, get to see how wooden I used to be on camera - happy days!)

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Weekly Challenge

Last week, I asked to see images of the weather. There were some really great photos uploaded - unfortunately, some of them didn't have the correct filename, so I can't include them here. Please make sure you follow the naming structure INITIAL_SURNAME so I can credit you :D
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Here are some readers images
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For this week, as we've been looking at Sally Mann, I'd love to see black-and-white images of 'family' or landscapes.
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Please upload your photos here - https://www.picdrop.com/tpe/n6RLQq3ZUs`

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Community Recap

There's been some great photography and discussion going on in the TPE community this week
Here's a highlight reel of what's been going on- link.

Get instant access to the community and classes here​
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Before I sign off, here is an excellent quote to inspire you across the week by our featured photographer, Sally Mann:

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Alex

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