In moments of reflection, this question consistently occupies my thoughts. Is this it? What else can I do? My mind swirls with possibilities, from writing that book to posting that video. Yet, lingering doubts always surface. Who is watching? Does anyone even care about my words, videos, or photos?

These questions, laced with self-doubt, are not the ones that lead to fulfillment; rather, they foster pessimism. Instead, we should ask ourselves: What would I do if I didn't care what happened?

So you want to start something; you want to get good, learn new skills, find out what equipment is required, and what knowledge is essential to start. So, you start consuming—you start watching tutorials, videos, listening to experts in the field. You start following guides. And after a while, you realise, this isn't working; you're doing all the things by the book, and nothing is sticking. Let me tell you why it's not working, why everything you're doing isn't going to plan like the experts promised.

When it comes to success, money, love, you name it, the only measure we have is from what we had to what we have. And the bigger the gap we close, the better it feels for us. The more meaningful that jump is.

Someone having $100 a month in their bank account and suddenly accumulating $5,000 dollars a month feels amazing. They are on top of the world, struggling to eat and pay rent. Too all of a sudden…

There I was, young and confused, wondering why am I here, why me, what is wrong with me. I could do everything that the other kids could do – run, jump, laugh, cry. But somehow, for some reason, reading was a challenge. I found myself filled with shame, doubt, and a little fear because I realized I wasn't the same as everyone else. I was falling behind, struggling to keep up, to understand, and to do well in class. It was 1998, and I was diagnosed with a learning disability.

The more I reflect on the year, the more I find myself not leaving but focusing less and less on photography. I seem to be pulled towards writing, which puzzles me. Have you ever had a passion that consumed your life, like that is all you have thought about and done, to suddenly realize I think I'm in a new chapter of my life?

Want to get good fast, want to get stuff done and put it out there? To no longer worry and get going, then get good. Live by this rule:

1. Fast
2. Bad
3. Wrong

Now, this might sound counterintuitive, but I want you to realise that the less you aim for perfection or getting something right the first time round, the quicker you will advance at the task at hand. Sounds counterintuitive, right? Making something quickly, badly, with low quality and in all the wrong ways will help you get better at the thing? Yea right! The answer is yes, and let me tell you why.

Black and white photography offers a unique learning experience, helping photographers to eliminate distractions and focus on the essential element of their craft: light. This monochromatic approach teaches valuable lessons that are fundamental for anyone starting out in photography.

One of the key benefits of black and white photography is its ability to strip away colours. A little obvious, I know, but it reveals the importance of good lighting. Without vibrant hues to distract the eye, photographs can easily fall flat, lacking contrast and depth. This underscores the foundational role of lighting, a crucial aspect that beginners often overlook. In colour photography, it's easy to hide behind visually striking elements, but in black and white, the knowledge of lighting becomes apparent.

If you care about gear, you might be missing the point of photography. While some argue that gear matters, I would say its significance is relative to your perspective. In truth, the moment, subject, and light are far more critical than the camera you use.