CAPTURED - Weekly Newsletter

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These 5 Habits Changed Everything for My Photography

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Hey Reader,

I used to think my photos would improve with a better lens. Or the right location. Or some editing magic.

But the truth is, none of that matters as much as what I actually do when I'm out shooting.

The photos I’m most proud of didn’t come from gear upgrades...

They came from habits that I built slowly, quietly, and consistently.

Here are five I rely on almost every time I shoot.

Btw, I cover all of this in my latest YouTube video, which you can watch here!

1. Change My Perspective

Same place. Same gear. Different photo.

One of the best habits I’ve picked up is just moving more when I shoot.

Instead of staying stuck at eye level, I crouch, lie on the ground, or shoot from above.

I zoom in on small details, then step back to capture the full scene.

It’s a simple shift, but it turns even the most boring spots into something interesting.

And over time, it’s helped me build out more complete photo sets from every place I visit.

2. Look for Layers

Flat images are easy to scroll past. But depth? That makes people pause.

So before I shoot, I always scan the scene for a foreground, a middle, and a background.

Sometimes I shoot through leaves or windows.

Other times I wait for someone to walk through the frame.

The goal is to build the image, not just snap what’s there.

And when I’m using a tighter lens, I let the environment do more of the work: framing the subject with textures, shapes, or natural elements already in the scene.

Doing this regularly helps turn simple scenes into little stories.

Which, to be honest, is what it’s all about.

3. Chase the Right Light

Golden hour is great; it’s basically a cheat code.

But it’s not the only light that works.

These days, I care more about where the light falls than what time it is.

Side light brings out texture.

Backlight adds glow and shape.

Even harsh midday sun—while tricky—can add punch and contrast (like I mentioned a couple weeks back with photometry).

Just like angles, light changes the mood of a shot... so it’s worth paying attention to.

Noticing the direction, intensity, and feel of the light has improved my photography way more than any edit ever did.

4. Be Intentional With Colour

This one took me the longest to figure out.

I used to just stumble into good colour.

Now I actively look for it.

Sometimes I’ll frame a subject against a complementary background, like blue and orange.

Other times, I look for softer, more harmonious tones.

And occasionally, I’ll build an entire shot around one bold pop of colour.

These days, I treat colour like a compositional tool, just like light or framing.

Once you start paying attention to it, your work feels way more intentional.

5. Consistency > Perfection

This one’s less about the camera and more about the mindset.

It’s so easy to get caught up in results.

Likes. Growth. Bookings. Whatever.

But the habit that’s helped me most is just… not stopping.

Some weeks, I don’t love what I shoot.

Some edits feel off.

But I still show up. I still post.

And over time, that consistency has done more for my progress than anything else.

Quick ecap:

• Change perspective to get more from the same scene
• Look for layers to add depth and story
• Use light intentionally, not just based on time of day
• Treat colour like a tool, not an afterthought
• Stay consistent, even when things feel average

None of these habits are flashy.

But they compound.

And they’ve shaped everything about the way I shoot now.

I know they’ll do the same for you.

Catch you next week,

Matty 📷 🚀

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P.S. If you’re in that beginner-to-intermediate stage and want help with camera settings, light, editing, and building a style from scratch, Capture to Keep is my beginner course.

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Whenever you're ready, there are 3 more ways I can help you:​

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🚀 Free Training – If you’re ready to grow your brand & start making money with photography, this is for you.

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🤔 Not quite there yet? Start here:

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📸 My Photography Course – Learn the fundamentals & take pro-level shots with my beginner course.

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🎨 Level Up Your Edits – Make your photos pop instantly with my Lightroom presets.

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