As 2024 comes to an end, I’ve had time to reflect on the lessons I’ve learned throughout the year, particularly in the realm of photography. From understanding the subjectivity of a "good" photo to building meaningful connections through photowalks, this year has been full of growth and valuable insights. I want to share these lessons with you, as they’ve shaped not only my creative process but also my perspective on this art form.

There's No Such Thing as a "Good" Photo

A good photo is subjective, and so is a bad one. I've started to embrace the understanding that photos cannot simply be categorized as good or bad. The definition of a "good" photo has shifted significantly over time. For instance, in the past, "blurred" photos were considered bad, and bokeh was the gold standard. Nowadays, some people intentionally blur photos to create a cinematic feel.

It all comes down to personal taste.

I realized this after visiting galleries, attending photo exhibitions, and browsing photobooks. Even during gigs, some clients requested a specific feeling or style I had never tried before. I've seen many photos I didn't understand—whether it was their meaning, how they were taken, or their intended audience. Yet, many people loved or purchased those works.

If you think your photos aren’t "good enough," just post them. Someone out there will appreciate them.

The Importance of Photowalks

During my six years living in Japan, I spent five years wandering and taking photos alone. This was partly because I didn’t have many friends in Japan, especially those interested in photography. Shooting alone also meant fewer complications and more freedom.

But 2024 was the year I discovered the concept of “photowalks”—going on photo trips with like-minded friends. For me, photowalks aren’t just about walking and taking photos; they’re about building direct relationships with other photographers. Sure, we may already have online connections we’ve never met in person, but offline relationships can become much stronger. These connections can even lead to support outside the realm of photography.

What I value most about building offline relationships is the extended time spent interacting and doing the same activities together. This allows for fresh perspectives and new ideas to improve skills or develop strategies to earn from this not-so-cheap hobby.

Awareness of Gear Acquisition Syndrome (GAS)

In 2024, I spent a lot on photography gear, but my output didn’t match the investment. To illustrate, I wanted to be active on YouTube, so I purchased:

Insta360 AcePro and accessories
Ricoh GR III
Two tripods
Sony A7C II with a 40mm lens
NiSi VND Filter
iPhone 16 upgrade
Osmo Pocket 3 (in December)
Three vintage digital cameras

Feel free to add up the cost yourself. I funded most of these purchases by selling two mirrorless cameras, a few lenses, and a pair of limited-edition New Balance shoes. 😞

Despite all these upgrades, I only managed to produce four YouTube videos in 2024.

Simple Is Best, Limited Is Powerful

Although I only made four YouTube videos, I created around 100 reels and TikToks in the last four months of the year—using just the Ricoh GR III and iPhone 16.

In my opinion, my TikTok and Instagram accounts showed noticeable growth. Slowly but surely, they’re improving. And all it took were the Ricoh GR III and iPhone.

Camera Specs Aren’t Everything

This year proved that social media growth isn’t just about camera specs. About 90% of the photos I uploaded were taken with the Ricoh GR III. While this camera isn’t cheap, it’s nowhere near the level of the Sony A7C II in terms of image quality.

What makes the Ricoh GR III my go-to camera is its portability. It fits in my pocket and isn’t heavy, so I carry it everywhere I go.

Workflow Matters

In a previous blog, I compared the Fujifilm X100VI and Ricoh GR III. I chose the Ricoh due to its reasonable price and portability. I might have chosen differently if I could afford the X100VI, but the Ricoh's portability has made me more productive. It has shaped a workflow that suits me perfectly, enabling me to post on social media daily.

Consistency Is King

Looking back at the last six years, my approach to photography—how I shoot, my choice of subjects, and my editing process—hasn’t changed much. Yet, my social media growth was stagnant, despite my efforts. I went out of my way, traveled outside Tokyo, drove long distances, took shinkansen trips, and captured iconic places like Mount Fuji and trendy Tokyo cafes. It wasn’t cheap.

Over the past year, I shifted my focus to Tokyo’s suburban corners. In fact, 50% of my photos were taken within a 5 km radius of my home. The results? Far more satisfying. And the key was consistency.

In the second half of 2024, I committed to my workflow: taking photos at least three mornings a week and uploading at least one photo daily. By the end of the year, I had taken over 15,000 photos.

Additionally, I launched two Lightroom presets and three digital zines, which have helped me stay creative.

At one point, I blamed the algorithm. But after some thought, I realized: would social media platforms really neglect creators who feed their systems daily? Unless your niche is unclear, probably not.

Conclusion

Use what you have and stay consistent in creating.

Valuable Lessons I Learned in 2024, Especially in Photography