The Candle Makers Who Never Saw the Light Bulb Coming

Their expertise was built around making better candles, not imagining an entirely different solution.

I often think about this when I look at the photography industry today.

Current Trends in Photography

We're surrounded by trends, algorithms, presets, AI tools, and endless advice about what a photograph should look like. While these things have their place, they can also create a culture where everyone is trying to produce the same work.

Innovation Through Experimentation

The biggest breakthroughs in photography have rarely come from people following the crowd. They come from photographers willing to experiment, question assumptions, and see things differently.

Every major shift in photography—from colour film to digital, mirrorless systems, drones, and now AI—started with someone challenging what was considered normal.

The Role of Rules and Curiosity

Rules can teach you the craft.

Curiosity is what pushes it forward.

The moment we stop questioning and start blindly following, we stop creating and start copying.

Imagining New Possibilities

Sometimes the next breakthrough isn't found by making a better candle.

It's found by having the courage to imagine the light bulb.