Escaping Your Comfort Zone
Let’s try this again.
It’s definitely been quite a while since I last wrote a blog and I’ve missed this creative space. As always, life has been busy and got in the way, but I’ve decided it’s time to bring it back—this time, with a fresh perspective and a willingness to try things a little differently. Writing hasn’t always been easy for me, but I believe it provides an opportunity to explore ideas and share experiences while teaching me something in the process. With that being said, let’s get into it.
As you can probably tell, today we are going to be talking about Escaping Your Comfort Zone or at least what I think it means. I’ve always thought of myself as an introvert and even said it many times. However, people who know me and those around me often disagree. I indeed love sitting at home, watching TV, listening to music, and just chilling—and I’d probably choose that over going out on a Friday night. But when I reflect on some of the best experiences of my life, they’ve all happened outside my apartment door. Those moments of stepping out, even when I didn't really want to, have shaped who I am and taught me the value of pushing myself to my limits.
Note: You may be asking yourself what this has to do with photography, but as I said before, I’d like to try things a little differently this time around. Although this is a photography page, I would also like to talk about life experiences and skills and relate it to photography.
I think many of you have probably heard “You should step outside of your comfort zone” many times throughout your life, but it truly can be one of the most transformative experiences in life. And similar to life, photography offers a perfect lens through which to explore this journey. For many, the comfort zone is a safe space—predictable and secure, yet limiting. When you push past those boundaries and actively seek discomfort, you uncover opportunities for growth, creativity, and self-discovery. Photography, as an art and practice, mirrors this process in profound ways.
Think about the first time you picked up a camera. Or maybe the first time you sat behind the wheel of a car, unsure of how you felt and everything worked, or decided to cook a meal that felt a little out of your league. That hesitation, that uncertainty, is the hallmark of stepping into the unknown. But as you experiment and learn, you not only become more skilled but also begin to see the world differently. Suddenly, light patterns on a wall, fleeting expressions, and overlooked corners of your environment become fascinating subjects. Photography trains you to embrace the unfamiliar and find beauty in it—a perfect example of seeking discomfort to spark creativity.
Photography shouldn’t always be simply about taking a picture; the photograph should be able to provide a different point of view, tell a story, and/or express emotions. I firmly believe that much of life comes down to balance and perspective; the more we immerse ourselves in situations that require both, the more we can grow. For example, the image above was taken in Death Valley National Park during a decently demanding hike, but you’d never be able to tell. When I first got to the location, I was stunned at the landscapes around me because we don’t have anything similar to this on the East Coast. However, as we started the hike, I was frustrated since I couldn’t figure out how to take a picture without the landscape just looking like a hunk of rocks through the camera’s lens. The hike was steep, and I was carrying a camera bag, so I had plenty of time to take breaks and figure out it, but I just needed to take a step back and try to look at it from a different perspective. It is definitely easier said than done, especially when you have other tasks to do, which is where the concept of balance plays an important role. As you can see, I did figure out how to take the picture. Is it the best picture I have ever taken? Maybe not, but it did push me in the moment and does remind me of that. Will the picture itself inspire others? I am not sure I can answer that, but I do believe it captures the beautiful landscapes I was surrounded by at that moment.
Escaping your comfort zone isn’t something that always requires you to physically go out and do something new. It can be as simple as being willing to listen to a podcast about something you think you have no interest in or wanting to read a book a month — even though you don’t consider yourself a reader.
In photography, escaping your comfort zone might mean trying new techniques or genres. If you’ve always stuck to landscapes, venture into street photography. Engage with strangers, capture candid moments, and tell stories that unfold in real-time. This kind of photography demands a willingness to step into uncomfortable and sometimes uncontrollable situations and interact with the world in ways that might feel intimidating at first. If portrait photography is your norm, challenge yourself with macro/product photography, where the details of tiny objects or textures push your creative boundaries. Each new approach forces you to think differently, adapt, and grow as an artist.
Travel photography provides a striking example of this concept. When you’re in a new place surrounded by unfamiliar sights, sounds, and cultures, your comfort zone is left behind. Here, the camera becomes both a tool and a shield. It allows you to observe while participating, connecting you with the environment in a way that feels both challenging and rewarding. Seeking discomfort in this context—whether it’s navigating language barriers or photographing in unpredictable conditions—helps you grow not only as a photographer but also as a person.
Photography also teaches us resilience and the importance of embracing failure. Much like life, photography is the art of trial and error. Not every shot will turn out as you imagined. Many attempts will fail—an overexposed sunset, a blurry action shot, or a missed composition. Yet, these "failures" are a stepping stone toward improvement. Seeking discomfort often means accepting these setbacks as part of the process and finding ways to turn them into lessons. The same is true in life. When you venture outside your comfort zone, you’re bound to encounter obstacles. What matters is how you learn and grow from them.
If you’re hesitant to take that first step, start small. Bring your camera or use your phone camera in a place you’ve never explored in your own city. Or set a personal challenge, like taking one photo a day of something that makes you uncomfortable or curious. Over time, these small steps will build your confidence and broaden your horizons.
Ultimately, escaping your comfort zone—whether in photography or in life—is about embracing the unknown and allowing yourself to see the world through a different perspective. A camera is a tool not just for capturing moments but also for pushing boundaries and unlocking your full potential. So, pick up your camera, step into the unfamiliar, and watch as both your skills and your confidence flourish.
Let me know your thoughts below! Feel free to email me or reach out on social media if you have any questions or just want to chat through things.
