Photography has never been more accessible than it is today. With easy access to high-speed internet leading to endless online resources, tutorials, and social media platforms, we would assume that learning photography has become easier than ever. However, my recent observation, coming from the experience of trying to learn a specific technical approach, proved otherwise. Instead of directly finding clear, in-depth guidance, I found myself drowning in an ocean of clickbait titles, surface-level explanations, and misleading information. This stark contrast to my early learning days made me realize that learning photography from the internet is now harder than it was a decade ago.

Oversaturation of Content Without Depth

One of the biggest issues today is the overwhelming amount of online content. While this may seem like good news on the surface, most of the tutorials and guides out there are lacking in depth. Many creators simply replicate successful tutorials and guide content without adding insights or valuable in-depth explanations.

Compared to what we used to have a decade ago, there were fewer resources available, making it easier for us to sift through, and only those with real expertise were going to gain traction. It was also harder to produce a series of tutorials back then, with filming equipment being the first barrier to entry. Now, anyone with a smartphone camera and an internet connection can create a tutorial, often without the necessary experience or credibility, so long as they have strong presentation skills and a social media following. As a result, finding truly valuable educational content has become a much more tedious and frustrating process.

The Problem With Modern Content Creator Platforms

Many creators today produce photography tutorials more for fame than genuine education. Their focus is often on creating fast, easily digestible content that garners views rather than providing real educational value, just to give the illusion of being the industry leader.

This issue is further worsened by the dominance of social media algorithms, where the platform prioritizes content that generates engagement, favoring entertainment-driven posts over in-depth, educational ones. This means that misleading or surface-level tutorials with catchy thumbnails often gain more visibility than detailed, well-structured lessons. Worse still, incorrect or misleading information gets recycled and reposted repeatedly for the sake of engagement. As a result, even when credible educators produce high-quality content, it is often buried beneath viral, yet less informative, posts. This creates an environment where popularity is mistaken for expertise, making it harder for beginners to access accurate and thorough photography education. This lack of depth in online tutorials doesn’t just affect learning; it actively spreads misinformation that misguides new photographers.

The Effects of Misinformation: Cult-Like Followings and False Confidence

When this inaccurate information is created repetitively, it leads beginners to blindly follow popular content without questioning its accuracy, ultimately creating a dangerous cycle on the internet. What’s even worse is when a community is formed around these misleading teachings, reinforcing the illusion that what they are doing is correct. This results in a kind of cult-like following, where misinformation is continuously validated and spread, causing those who learned the wrong techniques to end up believing they are doing things correctly simply because they are surrounded by like-minded individuals who reinforce their misconceptions.

The Inherent Issue With Technical Knowledge

This trend also makes it difficult for experienced educators to retain an audience. Technical knowledge is often complex and can be perceived as boring, making it harder for credible educators to compete with subpar content creators who focus more on engaging visuals and viral appeal rather than delivering substantial information. As a result, the voices that should be heard are frequently overshadowed, leading to a decline in truly valuable educational content.

The Role of the Audience: Short Attention Spans and Entertainment Over Education

It is not just content creators who are to blame. The nature of the modern viewer has also shifted. With the rise of short-form content and decreasing attention spans, audiences no longer have the patience to sit through comprehensive, in-depth tutorials. Instead, they seek quick fixes and instant gratification. This has led to a decline in full-fledged, properly structured educational content, as creators cater to what gets the most engagement rather than what is most informative. Suffice it to say, learning photography requires a lot of time, practice, and patience, but the current landscape encourages shortcuts that do not provide a solid foundation for beginners to build on.

Too Many Distractions and the Pressure to Follow Trends

Another major challenge hindering the learning process of fellow photographers is the abundance of distractions in today’s digital world. Social media has created an environment where photographers are constantly exposed to trends, often leading them to chase viral success rather than focusing on their true passion. Instead of developing a unique style through experimentation, many end up replicating popular aesthetics or techniques just to fit in. This pursuit of easy fame can be detrimental, as it shifts the focus away from growth and creativity. Ultimately, photographers risk becoming mere shadows of others rather than discovering their own artistic vision and interests.

This process of seeking quick validation may also become a major setback for beginners. When the initial excitement fades and the dopamine hits from likes and comments slow down, they may choose to give up before they have even scratched the surface of what photography truly is, as they fixate on getting social approval rather than discovering their true passion.

Conclusion: Finding a Way Forward

Despite these challenges, I strongly believe it is still possible to learn photography effectively from the internet, though it requires a more careful approach. Being selective about sources, seeking out experienced educators, and prioritizing long-form, well-structured content over quick fixes can make a significant difference. Additionally, photographers should focus on their personal growth and discover the fun from within rather than external validation. Staying true to what they genuinely love shooting will also lead them to discover their true passion as they grow as photographers.

If money is not a concern, I still think one of the best solutions to proper learning is to invest in mentorship and guidance. Paying for a credible mentor can save a significant amount of time and help build a strong foundation in photography without going through the hassle of being self-taught. Most importantly, developing grit is essential. Grind through, keep learning even when no one is watching, and always stay focused on your goals. The digital landscape may have changed, but the fundamentals of learning photography remain the same: patience, practice, and persistence.