A few months ago, I packed my camera bag and traveled to Vietnam—twice in 2024, A country that intrigued me because it was so different from what I’m used to in Australia. I spent weeks documenting the culture, the people, and the light in ways that pushed my photography in unexpected directions.

Along the way, I had conversations with fellow photographers, curious travellers, and even locals who were fascinated by what I was capturing. When I came back, the same questions kept coming up, questions about improving your photography, dealing with creative doubt, and making photography work even when life gets in the way. Frankly, the kind of stuff I used to ask and still struggle with.

It became clear that these are challenges every photographer faces. So, If you’re looking to grow as a photographer, avoid common traps, and just enjoy shooting more, this is for you.

How do you improve your photography without feeling overwhelmed?

The short answer? Focus on one thing at a time.

When I was in Saigon, I set a challenge for myself, only shoot with my Fujifilm 23mm f/2 lens for the entire day. No lens switching, no worrying about compositions that required a zoom. That forced me to really think about my framing and get close to my subjects.

If you're feeling stuck with settings, gear, or editing, strip it back. Pick one thing, lighting, composition, or just building confidence in street photography and focus on it for a week. You don’t need to master everything at once. Photography is a long game, so embrace a wide time horizon. Progress isn’t about quick wins, it’s about steady growth over time.

…Shit, did I just sound like every self-help guru?

District 10, Saigon, Vietnam. Shot on a FujiFilm X-T5, 23mm f/2

Is finding your “style” important?

I think obsessing over a style can hold you back. Personally, I feel like I haven't truly developed my style fully yet.

Your style isn’t something you “find.” It’s something that naturally develops as you shoot more. It’s in the way you see light, the way you frame a shot, the edits you gravitate toward over time.

When I was in Vietnam, I didn’t think, “How can I make this fit my style?” I thought, “What’s the best way to tell this story?” Sometimes that meant dark, moody shadows. Other times it meant harsh mid-day sun shots. If I said “my style is dark and moody” I would have missed so many shots.

Instead of worrying about your “look,” focus on telling stories. Style will follow and is usually a piece of your personality.

What’s the biggest gear trap to avoid?

Thinking that better gear will fix your photography.

I shot a lot of my latest trip with the Fujifilm X-T5 and took three prime lenses with me- you can checkout my load outs here -Did I miss having a wider aperture or an ultra wide lens in some situations? Sure. Did it stop me from getting good shots? You be the judge.

Vietnam’s energy is unpredictable, you have to be swift, adaptable, and sometimes accept that your shot won’t be perfect cause the subject was speeding past on a motor bike and the shutter speed was too low! If I had been bogged down with perfectly dialled in settings, extra lenses or worrying about upgrading to a “better” camera (whatever that means), I would’ve missed half of the moments I captured.

Focus on your eye, your composition, and your timing, those will take you further than any piece of gear ever will. If you're thinking about dropping cash on that ultra-sharp, super-mega lens because a YouTube video convinced you it'll make your photos amazing, pause for a second. Look at the price tag, then think about the trip you could take instead to a stunning location. That experience will do more for your photography than any piece of gear ever could.

District 1, Saigon, Vietnam. Shot on a FujiFilm X-T5, 23mm f/2

How do you deal with imposter syndrome in photography?

Oh, you mean that little voice in your head that says, “Why are you even doing this? Your work sucks.” Yeah, I know that annoying shit head in my brain all too well.

That asshole in your head is always there. The best way I’ve found to deal with it? Keep shooting!

I had moments in Vietnam where I questioned whether I was capturing anything special. But instead of spiraling, I reminded myself, just take the next shot. Keep going. Look for something interesting. Shift focus from how the shot is going to be to how curious you can be. Go explore, have experiences and document the journey along the way.

The more you shoot, the more you realise that everyone has doubts. The difference is whether or not you let them stop you.

How do you make time for photography when life gets in the way?

You don’t “find” time. You make it.

I have had days in Sydney where I have only 30 minutes of good light before heading to work or running errands. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment, I make the most of what I have. Often I even take a camera on my morning runs in a small sling.

If photography matters to you, carve out small windows of time. Bring your camera on your commute. Shoot while grabbing coffee. Take 10 minutes to capture the morning light from your balcony. It doesn’t have to be an epic photography session, small, consistent effort builds up over time.

Opera House, Sydney, Australia. Shot on a FujiFilm X-T5, 27mm f/2.8

Final Thoughts

If you’re feeling stuck in your own photography, try shifting your mindset. Experiment. Challenge yourself. Shoot through the doubt. Because at the end of the day, your best work won’t come from obsessing over gear or worrying about style, it’ll come from just enjoying the moment.

Growth, Gear, and Getting the Shot