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CAPTURED - Weekly Newsletter

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Why Every Photographer Needs to Think Differently

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Hey Reader,

You kind of have to be delusional to be a photographer in 2025.

Not because of AI, or how saturated everything feels.

But because you’ve got to believe your work matters…before anyone’s asking for it.

And if that’s you, if you’re making things even when they’re not “going anywhere”.

You’re not wrong.

You might just be early.

p.s. you can watch this breakdown here on YouTube

This week, I went on a photo walk through Park Güell.

No client. No content plan. Just my camera and a free ticket, thanks to my beautiful girlfriend.

And halfway through, I stopped and asked myself:

Why am I still doing this?

Why keep making work that might not lead to anything?

But the truth is, this kind of work is the whole reason I’m still here.

It’s what’s kept me in love with photography.

And I think that’s worth talking about.

The Real Reason People Stop Creating

Most photographers aren’t unmotivated.

They’re just stuck between what they want to shoot and what they think they should shoot to be taken seriously.

You love capturing little street moments, or trips with your partner, or calm, quiet light, but you start wondering:

Should I be focusing on more “professional” stuff?

Is this even worth sharing if no one cares?

That doubt creeps in.

And suddenly, something that once brought you joy starts feeling… kinda pointless.

Especially when it’s not getting likes, bookings, or a “clear purpose.”

I still feel that sometimes.

But there’s one shift that’s helped me keep going.

Treat your passion work like client work

One thing that changed everything for me:

I started treating my own projects like they mattered.

I’d plan a shoot for myself the same way I’d plan one for a brand.

Block time out. Prep for it. Edit it properly.

Deliver something I’m proud of, even if no one else sees it.

If you only go all-in for clients, your personal work will never get the attention it needs to grow into something bigger.

Your style lives in the stuff that isn’t briefed.

Don’t let the “real work” take over

I’ve made the mistake of letting paid work take over completely.

At first, it feels like a win: being busy, booked, in demand.

But if you stop creating things for yourself…you’ll eventually feel stuck.

Because your creative muscle fades if you’re not using it.

So yeah, make the weird thing.

The quiet thing.

The not-very-shareable thing.

That’s the stuff that shapes you.

You’re not behind, you’re in training

This applies whether you're a hobbyist or a working pro.

If you want to book more commercial food shoots or interiors, start making that work now.

Not once someone gives you permission.

Your personal projects are your proof of concept.

The best part?

With no client, no deadline, no expectations, you’re free to experiment.

That’s where your edge comes from.

A final nudge

Being delusional doesn’t mean you’re blindly hoping.

It means showing up when things are quiet.

When you don’t get much feedback.

When the photos don’t feel that great, yet.

You keep going.

Because you believe it matters, even before anyone else does.

That’s the kind of mindset that gives your work a real shot.

Whether you’re pitching brands, starting your first series, or finally editing that folder from last year…show up like someone’s already watching.

And then… keep going anyway.

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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