How to improve your photos without changing your camera settings

Are you wanting to improve your photos? Allow me to introduce you to abstract thinking to take your photos to the next level without changing your camera settings. Ask yourself- 

What is your goal?

Why are you doing photography? For nearly all of us, we just like it. But, there's almost always a deeper meaning to photography than just "liking it."
For me and many others, I photograph things that I love. They are memories for me to capture and share with other people, so that maybe we can all share love together. 
Your goal may be to capture the world, document events, or inspire people. Or, photography might just be for yourself, never for another eye. 

No matter what your goal is, discover it. I challenge you to do some self reflection because once you discover your goal, you can subconsciously use it to capture the photos you want. This is a huge deal because your photos will fulfill their purpose, making them the perfect images for you and the occasion. 

My goal

My goal in photography and videography is to show people what I love- the ocean and traveling. Another one of my goals is to inspire people to seek adventure and find beauty in the natural world for themself, so that hopefully they can form their own beautiful independent connection with nature. This connection will hopefully inspire people to protect and be kind to our earth. I hope to inspire adventure and thirst to go outside, spend time in nature, even close to home. 

How do goals lead to better images? 

Once you know your reason for capturing photos, you begin to develop an eye for achieving your goals. Instead of the mindset of "I don't know what to photograph this looks cool" you think "how can I make this place look adventurous" "how can I capture its beauty" "do I want to capture the perspective from the land or the sea" "what about this creature makes it unique" "what about this individual makes it unique" "what do I love about it?" Capture what you love about it. 

My photos once I discovered my goals: 

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A few of my photos before I discovered my goals below: 

One Final Note

If you practice different types of photography (sports, wedding, landscape, nature, underwater) it is OKAY and even GREAT to have different goals! Get out there, have fun, and do a little self reflection - it will take you far!