I guess we’ve all been there: sitting in front of a screen, watching YouTube videos, reading Substack articles, and thinking, “I’d really like to go out with friends to shoot pictures, but…”
That strong and intense but.
But I don’t know what kind of people will be there.
But my gear isn’t cool enough.
But I won’t know what to talk about.
And we all know where these insecurities come from: I’m not good enough.
This feeling can easily show up in other parts of life whenever we think we’re not enough to try something new.
Thanks to a few years of therapy, and a stubborn mind, what I suggest if you feel trapped by these thoughts is to ask yourself: What could actually go wrong?
If you have a Woody-Allen level of neuroticism (the nervous part, not the marrying-your-wife’s-daughter part), write down a list.
Then challenge yourself: Am I sure these catastrophic things will really happen?
The truth is, we never know how something will feel until we experience it. Only then can we draw real conclusions.
Here’s a mindset shift that helped me: instead of “I’m not good enough,” try “I’m curious to see what I’ll learn today.”
It takes the pressure off and turns the outing into practice instead of performance.
Fashion photography, for me, is collaborative. If one part doesn’t work, it shows in the final images. There’s a lot of talking and idea-sharing, but it all happens on a set that’s controlled and well planned.
Street photography in London felt completely different. I was terrified at first. With a big camera, I couldn’t be invisible. I felt every eye on me and froze. One day I decided to face the fear: I went out and photographed strangers, sometimes asking permission, sometimes not. That experience changed everything.
Next came photowalks. I’d attended fashion workshops when I was younger, and those could be intimidating, fashion crowds sometimes brag a lot without much substance. In London my friend circle was small, and none of them were into photography, so I went alone. Again the worries: Will people be nice? Will they think I’m a weirdo? But I wanted to spend time with other photographers, passionate amateurs or pros, with no pressure to create a masterpiece.
And here’s what surprised me most: these walks opened doors I didn’t even know I was missing.
I discovered new streets and hidden corners of London I’d never have found on my own, picked up fresh techniques just by watching how others shoot (and even the desire to shoot medium format), and had casual conversations that sparked new ideas for future projects.
Community isn’t only about socializing, it’s a shortcut to growth.
I’m generally approachable, strangers often tell me their life stories (I think it’s my round face), but I’m shy about starting conversations. My tip: when you meet a group, talk to a few people, comment their cameras, ask questions, be curious. You’ll feel right away if you click with someone. That person can be your buddy for the day.
Opening yourself to things and people you love always gives something back. Even if it’s just seeing a variety of cameras for a day, it’s worth it. I’ve had great conversations on photowalks, deep exchanges about photography and approach, that made me rethink my own street work. None of it would have happened if I hadn’t put myself out there.
So if that “but” still whispers in your ear, answer it with a gentle why not? You don’t have to be fearless, just curious. Take your camera, show up, and let the day unfold. The masterpiece isn’t the photo you take; it’s the courage to show up.
Lovely post, it's true, I've gained a lot and learned a lot by going on photo-walks with a few strangers! Curious what groups you have joined for London photo walks? Love that shot of the clouds in sky & glass :)
Great read.