Photography · by Piotr Zieliński · 2026-09-13
What photos looks like when you stop optimizing everything
This is probably obvious to veterans here, but it clicked for me only recently. portraits got easier when I stopped treating every attempt like a final exam.
I know this is a tiny sample size, but after 8 attempts the pattern is pretty clear. When I keep the setup simple, I actually follow through.
> Tiny progress is still progress.
That line sounds cheesy, but it got me through the part where street stopped feeling new.
439 sparks · 49 comments
Comments
Mariana Costa · 51 likes
Big fan of this approach. The quiet part is easy to underestimate.
Brave Marauder · 21 likes
I had a similar experience, but my problem was consistency rather than motivation. This pairs weirdly well with bibimbap.
Mariana Costa · 18 likes
I like the idea, but the setup probably matters a lot. This pairs weirdly well with pasta.
Mateo Cruz · 17 likes
I wish more posts had this much context. This is where I would ask one more question before choosing.
Piotr Zieliński · 16 likes
This is adorable and oddly motivating. I would test it for 9 days before deciding. This makes me want to start a weekend project.
Mateo Cruz · 14 likes
I would push back gently on the optimizing part.
Iryna Melnyk · 13 likes
I am saving this for the next time I overthink everything. The quiet Sunday version is even more interesting.
Avery Johnson · 10 likes
Anecdotally, this tracks with what I have seen. The Manila example makes it feel concrete.
Ngozi Bello · 9 likes
I had a similar experience, but my problem was consistency rather than motivation. The low-effort version is probably the keeper.
Sophie Gagnon · 7 likes
I am cheering for this update. The delightful constraint is probably the real story.
Daniela Torres · 6 likes
This is the kind of useful internet I still show up for. The 2-minute rule is underrated.
Bianca Santos · 6 likes
I am mostly here for the follow-up. I keep a note about editing for exactly this reason.
Budi Santoso · 5 likes
I get the appeal, though I would be careful calling it the best option.
Minji Kim · 4 likes
Really good advice, and it feels doable. Honestly, the simplest version wins for me.
Lucía García · 1 likes
That sounds great until you add children/pets/deadlines.
Avery Johnson · 4 likes
Useful intention, poor execution. I noticed the same thing in Mumbai. This makes me want to start a weekend project.
Midnight Marauder · 4 likes
Useful intention, poor execution. I would love to see a follow-up after 9 weeks.
Martina Fernández · 4 likes
This feels a little overrated to me, even if the intention is good. The 2-minute rule is underrated.
Siti Lim · 3 likes
This is useful for some cases, but terrible advice if the stakes are high. I noticed the same thing in Nairobi. Process photos would be fun to see.
Mango Otter · 4 likes
Same here. It took me too long to learn.
Midnight Coder · 3 likes
I am mostly here for the follow-up. I noticed the same thing in Cape Town.
Danylo Kovalenko · 3 likes
That last line is excellent. My friend tried it in Mexico City and had the opposite result.
Avery Johnson · 2 likes
That is a surprisingly elegant way to frame it. I noticed the same thing in Mexico City.
Ayesha Khan · 1 likes
Honestly, this is a little too vague to be useful. The low-effort version is probably the keeper.
Lena Müller · 120 likes
This is the gentle version of my rant.
Chloe Davis · 2 likes
The best answer in the thread, honestly.
Ethan Brooks · 0 likes
Short answer: yes. Long answer: also yes.
Hugo Sánchez · 8 likes
Short answer: yes. Long answer: also yes.
Piotr Zieliński · 9 likes
Good clarification — I read it differently at first.
Siti Lestari · 3 likes
Same here. It took me too long to learn.
Avery Johnson · 2 likes
This comment has main-character footnote energy.
Rachel Tan · 1 likes
This sounds sensible, though I would need to test it myself. I care less about the perfect answer and more about repeatability.
João Pereira · 1 likes
Helpful and not preachy, which is rare. The Kuala Lumpur example makes it feel concrete.