Best Advice for Young Photographers: 5 Lessons From Alec Soth You Can Apply Today
Photography is more than taking pictures—it’s about how you see.
The difference between an average photo and a great one isn’t just about technique or expensive gear. It’s about the way you approach the world, what you choose to notice, and how you capture it. Alec Soth, one of today’s most respected photographers, has spent years refining this way of seeing. His work proves that curiosity, patience, and openness matter more than technical perfection.
But how do you actually train yourself to see differently?
Soth’s best advice isn’t about settings or equipment, it’s about mindset. He believes mistakes, accidents, and uncertainty are not problems to avoid but opportunities to embrace. By letting go of control and leaning into the unknown, you give yourself the chance to create something real. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your photography, his lessons might be exactly what you need.
Lesson 1: Embrace Experimentation and Creative Chaos
Creativity thrives in uncertainty. The best artists don’t just tolerate chaos, they accept that starting over is part of the process. Instead of chasing control, they allow the unknown to shape their work in unexpected ways. Alec Soth admits that no matter how much experience he has, he still feels like a beginner each time he starts something new. His secret? Learning to be comfortable with not having all the answers.
“I feel like a fraud sometimes, like I should know the answers, but I don’t. What I’ve learned is that I have to start over each time. I have to learn and figure it out again, every single time.” – Alec Soth
💡 Accept that uncertainty and doubt are part of the creative process. Instead of resisting them, use them as fuel to keep growing and experimenting.
If embracing uncertainty is key to growth, what happens when you focus on the journey instead of the destination?
Lesson 2: Find Joy in the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Art is more than just the final product—it’s about the experience of making it. Soth recalls a defining lesson from his high school art teacher, who didn’t start with cameras but instead had students look at the world through a simple mat board window. This exercise wasn’t about producing a perfect image but about learning to see. That early experience shaped his approach to photography, one that values exploration over perfection.
“I always remember that high school art teacher. He took us out for a lesson, and instead of starting with cameras, he handed us a mat board with a window cut out. We just looked at things through it, and I thought that was really great.” – Alec Soth
💡 Focus on the act of seeing and discovering, not just on capturing the “perfect” shot. When you enjoy the process, the best work comes naturally.
But even as you enjoy the process, how do you balance planning with letting things unfold naturally?
Lesson 3: Balance Careful Planning with Spontaneity
Great art often feels effortless, but behind that illusion is careful preparation. Soth admits he sometimes starts projects with a clear direction, only to realize partway through that the work needs to evolve. Instead of forcing a fixed vision, he allows his projects to shift naturally. This openness to change keeps his work fresh and unexpected.
“I go into a project with a mission, but I try to stay open. If something catches my eye or draws me in, I feel compelled to go down that road and see where it leads.” – Alec Soth
💡 Plan enough to create structure, but remain open to shifts in direction. Sometimes, the best moments happen when you let go of control.
Yet even the best-laid plans won’t help if you stop learning. How do great artists keep growing?
Lesson 4: Maintain a Beginner’s Mindset
The best artists never stop learning. Soth admits that even after decades in photography, he still feels like he’s starting from scratch with each new project. The idea that experience eliminates self-doubt is a myth—real growth happens when you accept that creative challenges never truly go away.
“Even now, I’ll think, Okay, I’ve solved this problem, or I’ve published this book, so I’ve figured it out. Then I start something new, and it’s like, Oh no, I have to figure this out all over again. I fool myself into thinking I know what I’m doing—and then realize I don’t.” – Alec Soth
💡 No matter how much experience you have, approach every project like a beginner. Accepting that you’ll always be figuring things out is the key to staying creative.
If keeping a fresh perspective is crucial, what does it take to truly see the world differently?
Lesson 5: Seek New Perspectives
Art is about offering a different way of seeing the world. Soth doesn’t limit himself to a single definition of photography, he sees it as existing on a spectrum between fine art and documentary, allowing himself the freedom to shift between styles. He believes that changing how you approach a subject is just as important as the subject itself.
“Yeah, I don’t really think of it as documentary work. I guess I see it more as existing on a spectrum. On one end, you have what we call fine art, and on the other, documentary work. Where I fall on that spectrum really depends on the project I’m working on.” – Alec Soth
💡 Don’t box yourself into one way of working. Experiment with different styles and perspectives to push your creative boundaries.
💡 Perspective shifts are powerful, but what happens when you step back and let creativity take control?
Photography, like any art, is about discovery of the world, of others, and of yourself. There is no final destination, no perfect formula, only the process of seeing, experimenting, and starting over again. Whether you are just beginning or years into your craft, the key is to stay open, stay curious, and never let the fear of uncertainty hold you back.
