The longer I’ve been doing photography, the more I’ve come to appreciate shooting solo. In this blog, I want to share some reasons why I love it and why you might want to give it a try too. Don’t get me wrong, shooting with friends or in groups has its perks, and there’s nothing like seeing how someone else approaches their shots. In fact, I totally encourage you to connect with other photographers in your area—it’s great for you and the community.
Less Distractions
When I go on photo walks with friends, I always end up chatting so much that my focus shifts from finding great shots to the conversation. I often end up walking around without taking any pictures or even looking for compositions. When you’re alone, you can give 100% of your attention to finding the perfect shot. You’re constantly scanning the scene without any split focus. Sure, social shoots have their moments, but if you always go out with others, you might find you’re not getting as much practice as you could on your own. The more hours you spend practicing photography, the quicker you’ll improve. Plus, when you’re with a group, there’s often a bit of a dance to avoid getting in each other’s shots.
Original Ideas
Imagine you’re walking with friends, and you spot a killer composition. You go to take the shot, but then your friends suggest different angles or lenses, and suddenly you’re doubting yourself or losing your original idea. Or you see your friend taking a shot from a certain angle, and instead of finding your own unique perspective, you just copy them. This can happen subconsciously, and while it’s great to learn from others, constantly shooting with others might stop you from developing your own style.
Taking Your Time
When you’re shooting with others, you’ve got to respect their time and preferences. Say you’re in your favorite spot with the perfect light, feeling confident about getting an awesome shot. You’re in the zone, but you notice your friend waiting patiently because they’re not as into the location. Even if they don’t mind waiting, you feel like you should hurry up. This can lead to rushing your shots and missing opportunities. Occasionally, this isn’t a big deal, but if it’s how you shoot most of the time, it might hinder your progress.
Standing Out Less
This is especially relevant for street photography or shooting in busy areas. Imagine a fantastic street scene with amazing light and a guy smoking a big cigar, creating this epic visual. If you and a group of friends all swarm the scene, the guy might feel uncomfortable and leave, ruining the moment. Plus, walking around with a bunch of photographers makes you more noticeable, and you might miss out on candid moments. In today’s world, groups of photographers can also attract unwanted attention from security.
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