Let’s talk about something photographers rarely admit: imitation has a bad reputation. Today, we’re surrounded by billions of photos online. You spot an amazing image on Instagram, pause to admire it, and feel both inspired and a little discouraged. You might think, “I wish I shot that.” Then comes the next thought: “Maybe I can recreate it.”

With social media always within reach, scrolling through feeds became part of my daily routine. For years, I kept refreshing timelines, watching bits of other people’s lives, and comparing myself to them. Over time, I noticed these habits were taking up my time and energy, and even eroding my sense of who I was. That’s when I chose to stop scrolling and find joy in non-electronic hobbies again.

For a long time, I believed photography was all about control—controlling light, composition, and those moments that never seem to pause…