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A Lesser Photographer

It's about the gear between your ears.

Create better photographs with less. Less gear. Less anxiety. Less stress. Less fear.

A Lesser Photographer is an exploration into the only gear that really matters: the gear between your ears.

In under an hour, you’ll be able to identify the myths you’ve been taught about photography and embrace useful creative habits that will set you apart.

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Thank you for making A Lesser Photographer a bestseller at Amazon for an entire year!! Please leave a review if the book made an impact for you!

Thank you for making A Lesser Photographer a bestseller at Amazon for an entire year!! Please leave a review if the book made an impact for you!

Reviews

“For something beautiful and well-said, check out A Lesser Photographer.” — David duChemin

“Amazing read…I really recommend everyone get a copy.” — Chris Marquardt

“CJ Chilvers reevaluates what it means to be a photographer in this manifesto. Most of the points apply to virtually any creative endeavor or obsession. ‘The real show is outside the viewfinder.’” — Jim Coudal

“I have to say, CJ has a great attitude. If you care at all about photography, he’s a must read.” — Patrick Rhone

“Every photographer should follow CJ Chilvers.” — Eric Kim

Chapters

Introduction

  1. How to Make Perfect Photos
  2. How to Create Fine Art
  3. The New Rules of Photography
  4. Unlearn Photography
  5. The Snapshot is King
  6. Your Parents’ Photos Are Better Than Yours
  7. We Need New Specs
  8. Declare Independence
  9. Tips
  10. Photography ‘Education’
  11. Pass It Along
  12. Roll Your Own
  13. Should You Have a Portfolio?
  14. You Have a Reputation
  15. Artists Thrive on Constraints
  16. Should You Pay for Constraints?
  17. Find Your Balance
  18. Go Amateur
  19. The Pros Agree
  20. How to Make Money with Your Photography
  21. Spend on Images, Not Gear
  22. The Perfect Camera for You
  23. Is Total Automation the Future of Photography?
  24. Tell a Story
  25. Stop Making Photos for Photographers
  26. Be Honest, Not Truthful
  27. Honesty Is Your Competitive Advantage
  28. Honesty Is More Interesting Than Truth
  29. Don’t Improve on Perfection
  30. You Already Know What to Photograph
  31. The Most Important Tool
  32. Inspiration Is Scheduled
  33. Inspiring Photographs…
  34. You Are a Real Photographer
  35. Longevity
  36. A Gift Guide for Photographers
  37. Photography as Fashion
  38. The ‘Self-Taught’ Lie
  39. Proper Maintenance of Your Gear
  40. The Best Photos of the Year
  41. There’s Nothing New Under the Strobe
  42. Live First
  43. What Photography Really Produces
  44. Take It Slow
  45. What Are You Willing to Give Up?
  46. Work Alone
  47. Support Your Local Photographer
  48. How to be Critiqued
  49. Comparisons
  50. Stolen Ideas
  51. All You Need Is 1
  52. Reshoot Your Archives
  53. The Stakes Couldn’t Be Lower
  54. Every Day…
  55. Be Grateful