Stop believing these nine myths about “real” photographers

With so much advice floating around, it’s easy to get sidetracked by tips that don’t really help you grow as a photographer. In his recent video, Simon d’Entremont dives into some persistent myths in photography. These are misleading beliefs that often do more harm than good, and Simon shares nine of them to help you stay on track and grow your skill without constantly feeling judged and inadequate.

Myth #1: You need to be born with an artistic eye

Contrary to what some believe, you don’t need an “innate talent” to become a good photographer. Simon shares that he didn’t think he had an artistic bone in his body at the start. Yet, through practice and developing an eye for observation, he honed his skills over time.

If someone has told you that you’re “not talented,” don’t let that hold you back from pursuing and above all enjoying photography. It’s about learning and practice, not something you’re simply born with. Practice your observation skills, experiment with different compositions, and embrace making mistakes as a way to grow. After all, you know what they say, “Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.”

Myth #2: A good camera is the key to becoming a great photographer

The gear obsession is real and we’ve all fell victim to it at one point. However, rather than investing in the latest and greatest camera, Simon points out that the lens is usually more impactful. He’s taken some of his favorite shots with a modest camera but high-quality lenses.

Remember, too, that good photographers don’t rely solely on expensive gear, but their skills and vision. As Simon says, a top-notch camera isn’t going to place you in the right spot for the perfect shot, nor is it going to find the right angle. Invest in lenses that fit your style, but don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive body out there.

Myth #3: You need UV filters to protect your lenses

This is somewhat a controversial one because some photographers swear by a UV filter, and others think it’s completely unnecessary. These filters were once essential to shield film from ultraviolet light, but with modern digital cameras, this need has faded. The sensor in digital cameras has its own UV protection, so a UV filter today offers minimal benefit and could even degrade image quality.

However, photographers who still use it nowadays use it to protect their lens rather than their sensors. But if you’re worried about protecting your lens, Simon recommends opting for a clear filter or just using a lens hood—both options provide ample protection without compromising image quality.

Myth #4: Post-processing is cheating

Some argue that processing takes away from the “real” skill of photography. However, Simon emphasizes that post-processing has been a part of photography since the darkroom days. Processing isn’t about changing reality; it’s about bringing your vision to life. Whether you’re enhancing colors, adjusting contrast, or removing distractions, processing helps you express your artistic perspective.

Myth #5: Age is a barrier to photographic success

It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 60—great photography is about vision, not age. Some people think that starting young is the only way to build a successful photography career, but Simon is a prime example that you can achieve success even if you start in your 40s. He’s met both young and older photographers doing incredible work, and their unique perspectives make photography richer.

I can share my own experience here, too – I enrolled in another college at 35, hoping to become a licensed psychotherapist by the age of 40. Sounds old for a new start, but I truly believe that you’re never too old to learn and do something you’re passionate about. So, don’t let your age limit you; your experiences, no matter when you start, bring value to your work.

Myth #6: Real photographers only shoot in manual mode

There’s a misconception that professional photographers always shoot in manual mode. But as Simon puts it, a real photographer’s goal is to get great photos, no matter what mode they’re using. While manual mode gives you total control, other modes like aperture priority or shutter priority are useful tools for specific situations. The mode doesn’t define your skill, the results do. So use whichever mode works best for your creative vision and conditions.

Myth #7: Higher ISO makes the sensor more sensitive to light

Simon clarifies that ISO doesn’t change the sensor’s sensitivity to light, it only amplifies the existing light signal. Higher ISO settings can help brighten a scene, but they also increase noise. This is similar to turning up the volume on a soft recording—background noise becomes more noticeable. Understanding this helps you make better choices with your ISO settings to minimize noise while capturing the light you need.

Myth #8: Pros don’t take bad shots

No, nobody nails every shot, not even professionals. Simon admits he takes a lot of bad photos and then picks out the best. Social media often gives the impression that pros only capture stunning images, but the reality is that everyone has outtakes. Like other stuff we share on social media, we only choose the brightest moments, meaning we also share our best work, so don’t let that fool you.

Bonus myth: Full-frame cameras are essential for serious photography

While full-frame cameras have advantages like low-light performance and shallower depth of field, they’re not a magic bullet for good photos. Simon mentions he’s captured amazing shots on crop sensor cameras, proving that it’s about skill, not sensor size. Full-frame cameras might offer benefits, but for many photographers, investing in quality lenses or honing composition skills will yield better results than upgrading to a larger sensor.

These are some of the most common myths I’ve also heard myself since I started doing photography. They can create unnecessary pressure, making photography seem more intimidating than it needs to be. Simon’s advice encourages us to let go of unrealistic expectations and focus on building skills through practice, patience, and passion. I hope that it also helps you remember that you’re not alone in hearing and questioning these myths. We’re all in this together – but we shouldn’t let it stop us from pursuing our passion and becoming the photographers we want to become!

[The lies of “REAL” Photographers | Simon d’Entremont]

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