Photographic trophies verse experiences

As a photographer, I’ve often found myself drawn to the allure of the “bucket list” shot—the iconic landscape, the famous cityscape, the image that everyone seems to want in their portfolio. In this episode of the Perceptive Photographerpodcast, I explore why this mindset can actually hold us back, and how shifting our focus to personal expression opens up a deeper, more fulfilling path in our photography. The problem with chasing trophy shots is that it narrows our field of view. When I’m focused on getting the shot, I can easily miss the quiet, fleeting moments unfolding around me—subtle gestures, shifts in light, or unexpected details that carry far more personal meaning. True creativity comes from responding to these moments as they happen. It’s not about recreating someone else’s vision, but about staying present, being open to surprise, and allowing my emotional response to guide the photograph. In doing so, my work feels more honest and connected to my experience of the world. Even the language we use to describe photography can shape how we approach it. Terms Sontag discusses in On Photography like “shooting,” “capturing,” or “taking” suggest a kind of conquest or collection. Instead, I think of photography as an act of “making” or “creating” — building something that reflects how I see, feel, and engage with the world. The world doesn’t need another version of the same iconic scene; it needs our unique perspectives and stories. When we move beyond the bucket list mentality and embrace personal expression, photography becomes more than a record of where we’ve been—it becomes a reflection of who we are.