Why Photography 'Rules' Are Stifling Your Creativity
There’s a debate in photography that refuses to die: “chimping”—the act of checking your camera’s LCD screen immediately after taking a shot. The term is usually meant to be derogatory, conjuring the image of a monkey excitedly pointing at a simple discovery.
The so-called photography “pros” say it’s a cardinal sin: it breaks your flow, makes you look unprofessional, and disconnects you from your subject. Meanwhile, amateurs defend it as a practical way to check exposure, focus, and composition.
I’m here to tell you: this debate is missing the point. It’s not about your LCD screen—it’s about the larger problem of rigid, arbitrary photography rules.
The ‘Chimping’ Debate Isn’t About the LCD Screen
The argument against chimping isn’t really about checking your work—it’s about why you’re being told not to. It’s one of many “rules” handed down to make a deeply subjective art form feel objective:
“Never use direct flash.”
“Always follow the rule of thirds.”
“Never shoot at high noon.”
“Don’t chimp.”
These dogmatic rules create a culture of compliance. They encourage photographers to measure their work by checklists rather than by a single, vital metric: did I achieve my storytelling goal?
Why the Obsession with Rules Hurts Creativity
Photography is inherently creative, yet we often prescribe how it should be done instead of helping creators discover their own voice. Rules provide a false sense of security—they allow photographers to feel “legitimate” without fully engaging in the hard work of personal style.
Following rules often prioritises technical correctness over authentic discovery. You might produce “proper” images, but they may lack emotional depth or originality.
My Methodical Process: Frameworks, Not Rules
My clients—brands, publications, musicians—hire me for storytelling, not rule-following. My process is methodical, but it’s based on flexible frameworks, not rigid rules.
Rules are external and rigid:
“Don’t use direct flash.”
Frameworks are internal and adaptable:
“How can I use light—direct, soft, or natural—to create the mood this artist’s brand requires?”
I carefully plan wardrobe, location, lighting, and posing—not to follow a rulebook, but to achieve a clear storytelling goal. If checking the LCD screen 100 times is what it takes to perfect the lighting, I will do it—because my process serves the story, not arbitrary rules.
How Rules Can Stifle Your Unique Story
On set, your most important asset is creative presence. When you’re focused on a checklist—“Am I chimping? Is my aperture correct? Did I apply the rule of thirds?”—you’re not fully present. You miss candid moments, subtle interactions, and the story unfolding in front of you.
Rule-based anxiety replaces creativity with technical compliance. True visual storytelling requires adaptability, whether capturing a raw moment or planning an editorial shoot.
What to Focus on Instead
Instead of obsessing over rules, I focus on three questions for every shot:
Intention: What story am I actually trying to tell?
Connection: Am I truly connecting with my subject, or just operating a machine?
Clarity: Does this final image communicate my concept clearly, or is it cluttered with noise?
Answering these questions will improve your photography far more than any rule ever could.
Give Yourself Permission to Discover
Photography is a tool for discovery, not a test with pass/fail grades. The only “rule” that matters is: create an image that aligns with your creative and practical goals.
Chimp. Don’t chimp. Use direct flash. Shoot at noon. Break every rule—but do it intentionally, in service of your story.
Clients hire a creative with a point of view, not a rule-follower. Stop worrying about appearing “professional” by other people’s standards and start building your own framework for success.
If you’re a brand or publication looking for a photographer focused on the final image, not a dusty rulebook, let’s talk!