There's a lot of advice floating around that can seem helpful but might actually be hurting your photography career. Some of the most common suggestions, especially the ones circulating on YouTube, can mislead you and even stall your progress.
Coming to you from Scott Choucino with Tin House Studio, this candid video highlights some of the most misleading advice that photographers often hear. One of the biggest misconceptions is the idea that you need specific shots in your portfolio to be considered a professional. Choucino debunks this by explaining that while certain clients might expect certain types of images, there’s no universal checklist that you need to complete. Instead, focus on doing what you love and showcasing that in your portfolio. Don’t waste time trying to cover every possible style or genre; specialize in what you’re passionate about.
Another piece of advice Choucino challenges is the notion that you need to work your way up through smaller jobs before tackling bigger ones. He points out that there’s no set hierarchy in photography, unlike other professions where you must gradually climb the ranks. Whether you start with a small project or land a major campaign as your first gig, the key is to dive in and trust your creativity. The idea that you need years of assisting experience before you can handle a big job is outdated. Your creativity is what matters, and the technical aspects can be handled by the crew you work with.
Choucino also warns against the mindset of needing more equipment before you can start a project. It’s easy to fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect gear, but this only delays your progress. He emphasizes that whatever you have right now is enough to get started. You don’t need the latest camera or lighting setup to create great work. The idea is to use what you have and keep moving forward. The perfect conditions rarely exist, and waiting for them can lead to missed opportunities. That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Choucino.
