Craft & Confidence – Advice for Emerging Photographers from Matt Reed, Sum Effect
Stepping into the world of photography—whether fresh out of school or starting a new creative journey—can be both exciting and overwhelming.
After more than 20 years behind the camera, I’ve gained insights that would have been invaluable when I started.
If you’re eager to carve out your space in this industry, here’s my best advice from years of learning, experimenting, and refining.
1. Master the Basics – Then Break the Rules
Before creativity can flow, you need a solid foundation. Learn how light works, understand exposure, and get familiar with your camera’s settings. It might seem daunting at first, but in reality, there are only about 5–10 key principles to grasp. Once you do, they apply to every camera you’ll use from that point on.
Then, start breaking the rules. That’s where the magic happens. Have an idea, understand how to translate it through your camera, and bring it to life. Beyond technical skills, composition is the most valuable tool in your kit. What’s in the frame? How are objects arranged? Does the image tell a story or evoke emotion?
If you want to fast-track your learning, check out our Photography Basics Online Course—it covers everything you need to consistently create strong images, no matter what camera you have.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail – Every Mistake is a Lesson
I’ve made plenty of mistakes. One that stands out is my first shoot involving shiny chrome taps—I thought they’d be simple to photograph until I realised how difficult reflective surfaces are to light. It forced me to think more critically about my setups and problem-solve on the spot.
Failure isn’t a setback; it’s a teacher. If something you’re attempting is giving you trouble, know that the lessons you learn will help you a hundred times over in future projects.
3. Build a Portfolio That Speaks for You
Your portfolio is your voice when you’re not in the room. It reflects your style, strengths, and approach to photography. At first, it might be a mix of everything—that’s okay. Over time, refine it. Keep the images you’re proud of and let go of the ones that no longer represent your best work.
Quality trumps quantity. When I started, I had just 10–15 images on my website, and that was enough to land enquiries. Refresh your portfolio regularly—personally, I do it every quarter. It keeps your work relevant, ensures your growth is reflected, and helps you feel good about what you’re creating.
4. Be Genuine with Your Clients
In photography, there’s nowhere to hide. If you’re faking it, the pressure of a client watching over your shoulder will quickly expose it. The key is to approach every shoot with honesty and clarity.
If you’re attempting something new, treat each shot as a step in a process:
- Take a photo → Evaluate → Adjust → Take another photo → Repeat.
This method removes the pressure of getting it right immediately. If a client is on set, explain this approach beforehand. Instead of doubting your skills, they’ll appreciate the problem-solving process and trust you more.
5. Never Stop Learning
Mastering the basics is just the beginning. Even after 20 years, I’m still learning. Growth doesn’t come from time alone—it comes from experience, problem-solving, and working with real clients who trust you to deliver.
Classroom learning is valuable, but nothing accelerates growth like a paid job with real expectations. The industry evolves constantly—embrace that, and you’ll always stay ahead.
6. Invest in Your Gear, But Don’t Get Lost in It
Gear matters, but it’s not everything. If you can’t afford the latest equipment, consider hiring or buying second-hand from a photographer you admire.
Early on, I believed having more gear would make clients trust me more. In reality, what keeps them coming back is their experience working with you and the results you deliver. Focus on making the most of what you have before chasing the next upgrade.
7. Get Comfortable with Business
8. Find Your Niche
At first, you’ll likely shoot a bit of everything—that’s natural. Over time, identify what excites you the most, whether it’s commercial work, portraiture, events, or something else entirely.
Specialising doesn’t mean limiting yourself—it means creating a clear direction that attracts the right clients. And remember, your niche can evolve as you grow.
9. Surround Yourself with the Right People
This has been one of my biggest challenges. The right network can lift you up, share knowledge, and provide opportunities. Seek out people who respect and support each other. Photography isn’t a solo journey—having a strong, collaborative community makes all the difference.
I’ve found our local camera rental houses a huge support. They have deep gear knowledge and experience in a wide range of projects. Several times I’ve asked for advise on something that was out of my comfort zone and they were only too happy to recommend and approach, the gear needed to make it happen and if needed, people I could collaborate with. Incredible support, especially in a time of need.
If you use Canon like us, hit up Canon Professional Services (CPS) for support. There’s a world of knowledge and great advice only a phone call away.
I also have a list of videos I watch once or twice a year to keep me on track. These are some favourites that are full of timeless insights:
10. Stay Humble and Work Hard
No matter how experienced you become, humility and hard work will always be your best assets. Be kind to yourself when things don’t go as planned, and keep improving every day.
Final Thoughts for Emerging Photographers
Starting out in photography can feel daunting, but with passion, patience, and persistence, you’ll find your way. There’s no single path to success, but by staying true to your craft and continuously learning, you’ll carve out a fulfilling career.
If you’d like more advice or a chat, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn. Happy to connect with fellow photographers and creatives.
