How to Get Your Best Results in 2026
How to Get Your Best Results in 2026
A new year doesn’t magically make our photography better - but it does give us a clean mental reset. A moment to pause, reflect, and decide what we want more (and less) of in our creative lives.
Every January, I take some quiet time to think about my photography - not just the images themselves, but how I approach making them. What’s working? What isn’t? And what small changes might lead to better results over the next twelve months? That’s one reason I haven’t posted a video in a couple of weeks. Between the holidays and family time, much of my free space has been spent reflecting and looking ahead.
I recently shared my thoughts on the business side of my photography, and today I want to talk about the creative side - specifically, how I’m thinking about improving my own images in the coming year. Hopefully, something here sparks an idea you can apply to your own photography. And if you’re thinking along similar lines (or totally different ones), I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Think Before You Shoot
I’ll admit it - I often arrive at a location and start shooting almost immediately. I get excited, the camera comes up, and I’m firing the shutter before I’ve really thought about composition, light, or intention. It’s not ideal, but it’s honest.
When I slow down and actually think about the scene, my results improve. That shouldn’t be surprising. Intentional image-making almost always leads to stronger photographs.
So in 2026, I’m working on slowing down. I want to spend more time observing, exploring, and visualizing before I press the shutter. This doesn’t mean taking fewer photos - it means making them count. Photography isn’t a numbers game. There’s no quota, and there’s no prize for filling up memory cards with images you’ll never revisit.
Edit with Intent
This idea of thinking also carries straight into editing.
Despite making well over a thousand editing videos, I still rush my edits sometimes. I overlook things. I move too quickly just to “get it done.” Sound familiar?
My goal this year is to slow down in the edit and approach each image with more care and intention - focusing on getting it right, not just finishing it. Here’s the mindset I’m leaning into:
Start with the light - and keep coming back to it. Light sets the foundation for everything else.
Then focus on color. I think about the primary one or two colors in the image, how to enhance them, and how complementary colors can bring balance.
Masking, masking, masking. It’s the most important editing skill there is, and it remains central to my workflow.
One thing I’ve learned over time is that a good starting point can help keep me focused and intentional while editing. When I’m not sure where to begin, I’ll sometimes start with one of my own Luminar presets - not as a final look, but as a way to establish a baseline and then refine the image from there.
Find Inspiration
In a previous post, I shared a list of landscape photographers worth following for inspiration. Studying the work of others can be incredibly motivating - and educational.
Remember, every photographer you admire started with zero experience. If they can create beautiful, compelling images, so can you. Their work offers lessons in composition, light, and color if you take the time to look closely.
I often visit photographers’ websites and browse their galleries. I always come away with new ideas - and a renewed sense of excitement for photography. And honestly, it’s just plain enjoyable to look at great photographs.
Learn in Small Chunks
Photography can feel overwhelming, especially at the beginning. Camera settings, buttons, modes, light, composition - and then editing on top of it all. It’s a lot.
What I’ve learned over time is that improvement doesn’t require huge blocks of uninterrupted time. Focusing on one thing at a time can make all the difference.
Maybe you head into your backyard for 15 minutes and think only about composition. Maybe you focus solely on light, or a particular color, or shoot in a specific mode to better understand how your camera works. You don’t need to learn everything at once.
I’ve been doing this for years, and I’m still learning, and many times feel like I have a long way to go. So I try to take advantage of small learning moments whenever I can. It’s hard in our modern, busy lives, but it can be done.
Satisfy Your Own Tastes
Early on, I wanted everyone to like my photos. Over time, I learned - sometimes the hard way - that this isn’t realistic or even possible. We all have different tastes.
Eventually, I stopped worrying about what others think and focused on making images I enjoy. If I like the photos I create, then they’re successful in my book, regardless of what anyone else thinks.
Chasing social media likes is a miserable way to spend your creative energy. It’s also a fast track to disappointment. If you love my photos, thank you - I appreciate it. If you don’t, that’s okay too.
As long as I’m making work that resonates with me, I’m happy - and that’s what matters.
That’s all for today, my friends. I hope this gives you a few things to think about as you head into the new year. Here’s wishing you a fantastic 2026 - and one filled with growth, creativity, and images you’re truly proud of. Thanks for following along.
If you take one thing from this post, I hope it’s this: small, intentional changes really do add up over time.
If you’re comfortable sharing, I’d love to know - what’s one thing you want to focus on improving in your photography this year? Feel free to leave a comment below.
