Imagine capturing a moment so powerful it tells a story—now imagine missing it because you were too focused on the wrong things.

In photography, some lessons take years of practice, while others emerge in a single transformative project. Aaron Hardin’s The 13th Spring, featured in the Photography Book Spotlight, offers insights that can inspire photographers at any stage of their journey.

Hardin’s deeply personal work explores themes of parenthood, fragility, and the beauty of the rural South. From his story, I’ve distilled 8 lessons every photographer can use—not just to take better pictures, but to see the world differently.

1. Why Trusting Your Gut Leads to More Authentic Photos

Great photography often begins with instinct. Overthinking can lead to missed opportunities, while trusting your gut allows you to uncover moments that feel raw and emotionally charged.

“One of the greatest gifts of graduate school was realizing that I am an intuitive photographer more so than a cerebral photographer. I work best by following my gut and letting my subconsciousness take the wheel.” - Aaron Hardin

To practice shooting instinctively, set a timer for 10 minutes during a shoot. Focus on composition and emotion without second-guessing. Review the results and note the spontaneity in your work. Intuition is a skill—sharpen it by embracing the unexpected.

2. Use Life’s Big Moments to Inspire Your Photography

Your personal experiences hold the key to creating meaningful art. Whether it’s parenthood, loss, or joy, these moments provide a wellspring of stories to share.

“I realized that she [his daughter] would experience this place in a different, more pure way than me. This reality caused a shift within me, opening a tenderness in my photographs that I had not experienced prior to her birth.”

Choose a pivotal moment in your life and create a photo series around it. Focus on the emotions tied to that experience—how did it change you? By turning these moments into visual stories, you’ll create work that resonates deeply with others.

3. Capture the Tension Between Joy and Sorrow

Life is rarely black and white—it’s a constant interplay of contrasts. Photography that reflects this complexity feels honest and human.

“I don’t think you can feel the depth of tragedy without the loss of something truly wonderful.”

“I think photographs are just as much about the photographer and her or his beliefs as it is just about the content of the images.”

This emotional complexity is at the heart of The 13th Spring, where Aaron captures the bittersweet realities of life. Learn more about the project in this Book Spotlight.

Look for moments where opposites collide: light and shadow, hope and despair, celebration and grief. Photographing a bittersweet farewell or the joy of a child in a difficult setting can evoke powerful emotions. Let complexity be your guide.

4. Why Great Photos Raise More Questions Than Answers

The most compelling images don’t explain everything—they provoke thought and invite interpretation. When a photograph leaves space for curiosity, it lingers in the viewer’s mind.

“When I see something that pulls me in, it is often because there is a delicate narrative conflict in the situation.”

“I don’t see any point in making photographs that don’t ask something of the viewer.”

Think about themes or questions that intrigue you, like “What does resilience look like?” Use your lens to explore ambiguity rather than clarity. Your photos should invite viewers to ask their own questions, engaging them in your story.

5. Lean Into the Stories of Where You’re From

Your roots are a rich source of inspiration, even if they feel ordinary to you. By embracing the unique elements of your background, you bring authenticity to your work.

“I grew up in a part of America that is heavily impacted by Christian narratives filtered through the ghosts of Flannery O’Connor and William Faulkner. Hope and suffering are just part of the soil here.”

Document the traditions, landscapes, or people of your community. Spend time uncovering the untold stories that shape your environment. By connecting personal experiences with universal themes, your photography will feel both personal and relatable.

6. See the World Differently by Reflecting Through Your Lens

Photography is more than capturing what you see—it’s about transforming how you see. Your lens can reveal the beauty in places or people you’ve taken for granted.

“In ‘The 13th Spring,’ the viewer can literally watch me grow in affection for my town and neighbors. The newness of life taught me a valuable lesson about perception.”

Challenge yourself to photograph your daily routine or a familiar place as though you’re seeing it for the first time. What details stand out? How does your perspective change? Reflection through photography can help you grow, not just as an artist but as a person.

7. Unlock Hidden Beauty by Watching the Light

Even the most mundane scenes can become extraordinary with the right light. Observing how light transforms a space is one of the simplest yet most impactful skills a photographer can develop.

“The landscape is barely photographable until the sun dips low in the sky, revealing the glory hidden in the kudzu-choked trees.”

Spend a week photographing the same location at different times of the day. Study how shadows shift and highlights emerge, and experiment with compositions to capture those fleeting moments of magic.

8. Be Brave Enough to Be Vulnerable

Vulnerability is what makes art resonate. When you’re willing to share your truth through photography, your work becomes more than an image—it becomes a connection.

“Making the work was an effort in vulnerability, so I hope those efforts are received and shared.”

“It is terrifying to make something and send it out into the world with no control over how it will be received, especially work so personal.”

Choose a subject you’ve avoided because it feels too personal or risky. Maybe it’s a self-portrait, a deeply personal family story, or a topic that exposes your fears. Use your lens to communicate that emotion visually—through expressions, textures, or light.

Conclusion

Photography isn’t just about taking pictures—it’s about how you connect with the world around you. Whether you’re trusting your gut, exploring your personal story, or finding beauty in the everyday, these lessons from Aaron Hardin challenge you to see and capture differently. Pick one lesson and start applying it today—you might be surprised by what you discover.

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