When I took up photography, I thought I needed to read and learn all I could. Ultimately, all I needed was to get started with just one lens for my camera. Here is why it helped…

Paralysis of analysis. I suffered from it when I started with this hobby in photography. Information overload had me feeling like a deer caught in the headlights of a fast-moving car along Highway 101!

It is pretty typical to experience it, however. For some reason, that desire for perfection is an incurable beast!

I watched videos. I read several books. I watched more videos and started comparing my ugly little photos to those of professionals. Talk about getting yourself down.

Now, I am not saying to learn through these mediums, what I am saying is keep it simple! Find one or two professionals to follow, not as many as you can. Choose two books to read, not every single one on the shelf. And never, never compare yourself to anyone!

The photo above is a bit blurry where the focus should be sharp. This was one of my first ever photos. It’s not bad, my daughter looks great (and funny!), and it would look good in a frame.

But it is far from a professional shot.

Remember, It’s A Hobby!

I did become a bit agitated with myself. I started taking fewer photos. And I mean, I was not taking any at all as often. I got down on myself.

Then, one day, I remembered this was a hobby, and it was supposed to be a fun one!

Yes, I would like to “go pro” as they say, but for now, I want to enjoy photography, learn more about it, the latter in bite-sized chunks, however.

So, this time around, I am focusing in (pun intended) with one lens. And so far, so good! One lens keeps me from gear envy and information overload. It also helps me focus on what is most important, composition, and learning my camera.

It is just a suggestion, but I suggest you give this a try, too…

God bless and talk soon,

David.

Canon 90D | 50mm