Why the 'Perfect' shot is overrated episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 21, 2025 · 29 MIN

Why the 'Perfect' shot is overrated

from Wildlife and Adventure Photography · host Graham

Send us Fan MailDo you ever feel stuck, endlessly tweaking photos, searching for that 'perfect' look that seems just out of reach? You're not alone. We've all been conditioned to believe in a singular ideal of photographic perfection. But what if I told you that once you understand the truth about the 'perfect shot,' you'll not only take better photos but also find more joy in your photography? Let's discover why.There are two photography quotes that I particularly like:Ansel Adams: “There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.”David Alan Harvey: “Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”In this podcast, I’ll talk through why I like these quotes and why being too focused on achieving the perfect shot can backfire and stop you from producing anything.I’ll also talk you through a few exercises. The first is from my online course “Discovering DSLR and Mirrorless Photography”, where I ask you to look at an image that you regard as ‘perfect’ (or as near as, as makes no difference). And look at specific elements, such as lighting and composition. How has the photographer approached these elements, and what makes them work so well?I also suggest that you take the ‘imperfection challenge’ (and let me know in the comments if you would like me to create a formal challenge for you):Shoot out of focusBreach the composition rules Deliberately use the wrong camera settings (i.e. exposure, iso, etc.)Only allow yourself one-take shots (so no ‘chimping’)Use the worst angles you can find.Ironically, you’re likely to open up a door into a whole new level of creativity… and how you define your perfect shot is likely to change, too. It's time for another podcast... Support the showWould you like a free ebook to help you with your photography?Click here to get your free copy of "10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Photography Today".Support the showThank you for listening to my podcast. If you have enjoyed it and found it useful, please consider a subscription. Most people don't subscribe, but those who do allow me to continue to produce this content. If you would like to subscribe, you can do so here:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1803730/support WebsitePlease check out my website for the latest collections, photography tips, challenges, and more!Contact MeYou can contact me directly at: [email protected] don't keep me a secret! Please share my podcast with anyone else who you think might be interested.Thank you for listening.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Aug 21, 2025

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Send us Fan Mail Do you ever feel stuck, endlessly tweaking photos, searching for that 'perfect' look that seems just out of reach? You're not alone. We've all been conditioned to believe in a singular ideal of photographic perfection. But what if I told you that once you understand the truth about the 'perfect shot,' you'll not only take better photos but also find more joy in your photography? Let's discover why. There are two photography quotes that I particularly like: Ansel Adams: “There...

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Why the 'Perfect' shot is overrated

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This episode was published on August 21, 2025.

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