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Do you take nice photos that get you likes from your friends on social media? I mean, that’s okay, but how good are those “nice photos,” really? In his latest video, Max Kent dives deep into a topic that a lot of us quietly wrestle with: What makes your work stand out? If you’ve ever chased the latest gear, memorized all the “rules,” or felt like your technically correct images were still missing something—this one’s for you.
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Max starts with a familiar cycle—learning a new tip, trying out a different focal length, getting excited about new lighting techniques. And while all those pieces are useful, he says they’re just that: pieces. They don’t make up the whole picture.
Playing It Safe Doesn’t Always Pay Off
He shares a story about a magazine cover shoot where he did everything by the book: good lighting, safe composition, solid gear. The client said “Yep, good, thanks.” But Max knew deep down the photos weren’t anything special. The issue? He was hired for his style, but he ignored that and tried to fit into a mold.
It was a turning point. He realized that doing things “right” doesn’t always mean doing them well. And it definitely doesn’t mean doing things honestly and true to yourself.
Identity Beats Perfection
Rules create predictable outcomes, Max says. And sometimes, predictable is exactly what you need and it’s okay: think product photography or real estate. But if you’re trying to create something memorable, something with feeling, then identity matters more than technical perfection.
Max isn’t suggesting you throw out the rulebook entirely. But he is saying you should shoot in a way that reflects you. Even if it’s weird, gritty, and doesn’t get the most likes.
Ask Yourself: How Would I Shoot If No One Ever Saw These?
One of Max’s biggest takeaways? Let go of the need for validation. If Instagram likes and showing off your work weren’t part of the equation, how would you shoot? That question has helped him move from making “nice” photos to making images that actually reflect his style and vision.
He also encourages going back; way back. Look at photographers who inspire you. Analyze your own older work. Try to pinpoint what consistently resonates with you. What themes, colors, emotions, or moods keep showing up? That’s your foundation.
Keep It Simple and Stay Grounded
To help stay on track, Max keeps a personal mantra: emotion, movement, and shooting how it feels rather than how it is. It’s a reminder to avoid falling into the trap of playing it safe.
He says, “Anyone can take nice photos—your nan can take nice photos.” I giggled, but this is quite true. I mean, sometimes the biggest truths are told through jokes, aren’t they? However, the images that really connect with people come from photographers who shoot with intention and emotion.
Learn The Rules, Then Make Them Yours
Wrapping up, Max echoes the advice attributed to Picasso: learn the rules like a pro so you can break them like an artist. This video isn’t about tossing out everything you’ve learned—it’s about using those tools to build something yours.
Whether you’re just starting out or trying to reconnect with why you started in the first place, this video is a thoughtful nudge to stop aiming for “nice photos” and start aiming for photos that reflect you. So go take a million photos. Make some weird ones. Make some boring ones. Sure, make some nice photos too. But as you move along, you’ll start making your kind of photos.
[Seriously, Stop Taking ‘Nice’ Photos | Max Kent]