Yeah, It May Suck, Make the Image Anyway

Stop fearing failure; it is far easier than regret.

Sea Grass: Long Island. All photos by the author.

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Good morning, y’all.
I am enjoying the coolness of the morning. Later this afternoon it will be about 105 degrees. So I get up early and get outside.

I recently heard a quote that stopped me in my tracks:

“Stop fearing failure. Be terrified of regret.”

And I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Not because I’m worried about failing (I’ve done that plenty). But because I’ve seen so many wonderful, curious, passionate photographers talk themselves out of making something just because they weren’t sure it would turn out “right.”

They hesitate.
They overthink.

And then they wait for the “perfect” idea, or the “perfect” moment, or the “right” gear.

But the truth is, those things rarely arrive when you need them.

What does arrive, quietly, insidiously, and over time, is regret.

The regret of not making the shot.
Of not even trying.
Of not capturing that moment, or following that idea, or even picking up the camera at all.

You Don’t Need Permission to Make Something

Here’s what I believe:
You don’t have to be a pro.
You don’t need a studio.
You don’t need to “deserve” it.

You only need to be curious enough to try.

Some of the most moving photographs I’ve ever seen were made with old film cameras, kit lenses, or phones—by people who weren’t chasing clients, but chasing truth.

Their only goal? To make something special. Something honest. Something they could look at later and say,

“I made that. I saw that. I felt that.”

You Might Mess It Up. Good.

It might not be sharp.
The exposure might be off.
And you may think it really is awful.

Or…
You may love the shot.
Something shows itself on the image, and you just keep looking at it.
You might not know why it feels right—but you’ll know that it does.

That’s not failure.
It’s really not success either.

It’s learning.
Learning what works.
Learning what doesn’t work.
Figuring out how you know the difference.
Then modifying, switching, working to find another solution.

That’s how your unique voice finds you.

Forget being fearless.

You start.

Creative Prompts for the Curious Photographer

Here are four ways to begin, no matter where you are:

• Photograph a corner of your home in a way that feels mysterious or poetic.

• Capture the way morning light falls across your kitchen table.

• Make a portrait of someone you love using only window light.

• Revisit an old location and shoot it like it’s brand new.

And if you feel brave enough—share it.
Print it.
Post it.
Send it to someone.
Tell the story behind it.
Not for likes.
Just for you.

In a Nutshell

Make the image, even if it’s imperfect.
Make it even if no one sees it.
Make it because it matters—to you.

Failure fades.
Regret lingers.

So make the damn photograph.
And make it beautiful.

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For premium members, a few prompts and a short discussion on dealing with regret.