There’s a moment every photographer faces when a single image makes you pause. It might not even be the most technically perfect photo you’ve taken, but something about it hits differently. You keep wondering if you’ve already hit your peak: "what if that was the best I’ll ever do?"
Coming to you from Adam Karnacz of First Man Photography, this thoughtful video explores that feeling with honesty and openness. Karnacz shares the story of a water drop macro photo that unexpectedly won the People’s Choice Award at the British Photography Awards—ironically, in the macro category, not landscape. Despite years of trying, he hasn’t been able to recreate it. He doesn’t even remember the exact mix of ingredients. That photo haunts him a little, but it also shaped his approach going forward. Instead of getting stuck on what he can’t replicate, he’s shifted to simply enjoying the act of making images.
It’s easy to feel trapped by your own past success. You might avoid shooting something because it doesn’t feel important enough, or you think people won’t care. Karnacz reminds you that the best way out of a creative rut is to shoot what you want, not what you think will impress others. That includes lying down in heather to capture a group of sheep or revisiting the same lone tree just because it feels right. These aren't portfolio shots, but they matter. They're part of staying in motion.
The second half of the video takes you behind the scenes of a real shooting day. There’s no clear plan, just a commitment to being out there. You see how Karnacz navigates imperfect conditions, waits for light that may or may not arrive, and still finds beauty in the attempt. He doesn’t shy away from moments that feel “rusty.” That’s part of the point: doing the work even when it’s not perfect. The highlight comes as golden hour approaches and he lines up a tree surrounded by purple heather, waiting for just the right sliver of sunlight to hit. It’s quiet, patient work. And it pays off. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Karnacz.
