Unlocking the Power of Photography: A Simple Life Hack for Everyone
I’ll be honest: I’m new to photography. I’m not a professional, and I haven’t had any formal education in it. I’m a beginner—just like many of you might be. And that’s exactly why what I’m about to share matters so much. No matter your level, everyone can benefit from this simple shift in mindset.
Welcome to the Creative Outlet! I’m Matthew, and this is a space for anyone who has a passion outside their day job—a place to relax, destress, and reset. I share how I do that through music, technology, and photography. Today, I want to zoom in on a life hack that’s changed my perspective, quite literally, through photography.
Carrying a Camera Can Change the Way You See the World
Let’s face it: everyone takes photos these days. With a camera in every pocket, it’s easier than ever to snap a moment and share it with friends, family, or even the world. But what happens next? For most of us, those photos just sit in our phone’s storage, forgotten for years.
But what if a subtle change in approach could open up a whole new world?
The Life Hack: Leave Home With Intention
Here’s the trick: the next time you leave the house, do it with the intention of taking photos of things that interest you throughout the day.
That’s it. Simple, right? But incredibly effective.
You might be thinking, “That’s not a life hack! What difference does it make?” Actually, it changes everything.
Why This Works
First, leaving the house with a deliberate intention to take photos forces you to pause, slow down, and become more observant of your surroundings. You’ll start to notice details you’d otherwise walk right past.
Second, it creates a clear separation between your usual autopilot routine and a new, purposeful action. This shift in focus provides a fresh perspective on the world around you.
Why Not Just Use Your Phone?
We use our phones for a thousand things every day. That’s why I recommend reaching for a separate camera if you can. The act of grabbing a camera—just for photography—snaps you out of autopilot and helps you see with intention.
And the results? Eye-opening, quite literally. You’ll start to appreciate things that have always been there, but you’ve never truly observed.
No Fancy Camera? No Problem.
I know cameras can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. If you’re not ready to invest, try a disposable film camera. I recently watched a Peter McKinnon video where he committed to shooting on film for a year, and he found it made him a better photographer because of the focus it required. (Highly recommended viewing!)
Inspiration From the Greats
Dorothea Lange - The Migrant Mother
“The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.”
Berenice Abbott
‘Photography helps people to see.’
Elliott Erwitt
“Photography is an art of observation. It has little to do with the things you see and everything to do with the way you see them.”
Photograph: Elliott Erwitt/Magnum Photos
Try It For Yourself
So, next time you head out, bring a camera with you. See if you start to notice the world differently. And if you do, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section of my YouTube Video here.
Remember: your 9-5 pays the bills, but your creative outlet defines you.
Thanks for reading to the end. See you next time!
