How Photography Helps Navigate Life
By Dhir Jakharia
What if I told you photography can be a compass to your life?
I'm talking about finding a much deeper meaning in it, such as finding light in your life, rather than just the picture.
I started photography at 16, and now I do it professionally. The things it has taught me are absolutely life-changing.
However, I'd argue that I am not a typical nature photographer, whose 'calling' is the bush. I actually enjoy the city life a lot haha (I start missing my bed and Indian food just after the second day in the bush).
Photography has never been my core purpose/mission - it's just my tool to evolve as a human.
Here are some life lessons it has taught me:
1. Obsession = Mastery
To achieve something great, you gotta be a little weird/different.
I'm talking about some kind of obsessive work.
Yes, work/life balance is very important, and if you truly want to achieve something exceptional - and fast - then hyper-focused work is important too.
The irony? If you train yourself to get into deep work, not only do you become much more efficient, but then you can also find it easier to balance out your life.
I'm not talking about working 73hrs a day, I'm talking just 2-4 hrs a day of full immersion - where time disappears.
That's the optimal human experience required for greatness.
I have felt this a few times, strongest when I was obsessed with learning editing. I would spend hrs a day just experimenting with different editing styles on different photos. It was my flow.
And it's not a coincidence that editing became my greatest photography strength, in a very short period of time.
Now? I struggle to find my creative flow - but I feel it a lot when I write these blogs.
Be intentional about your focus, and you'll get it sharp. (Pun intended)
2. Self-Belief Determines Your Life Outcome
How much you believe in yourself will directly affect how much you achieve in your life.
It's unfortunate that the term 'self-belief' has been softened in today's world. People think it's just affirmations, but it's so much more than that.
It's actually believing in yourself, and that only comes from aligned action.
You cannot believe that you're a fit person by lying in bed all day. It's a pointless delusion.
However, as we Gen Z's say 'Delulu is the only Solulu', let's break it down:
You can believe you're a fit person (even though you haven't achieved it yet), and also show up at the gym every day.
Envisioning yourself as a fit person (delusion) while actually performing the required action will actually get you results (solution).
This is because the more your brain accepts an image of you, the more it will inspire you to make it a reality.
Crazy story: Back when I was at around 28k followers, I screenshotted my Instagram profile, edited the followers to 100k, and printed it out and envisioned it as possible almost every day. Guess what? I hit 100k in less than 6 months.
Also, if I didn't believe I deserved to work with Sony at the age of 18, I wouldn't have ever worked with them.
I have so many examples, but you get it.
Internal Alignment = Favorable Outcome
3. How to Sell Yourself
Sales doesn't necessarily mean business; it can also be applied to life.
I mean, how to sell yourself, in terms of a job promotion, salary raise, a product/service, or generally how to gain trust from someone, and then deliver what you promise.
For me, photography taught me how to sell tours, mentorship programs, prints, etc. I am not a natural at sales, but I continuously learn a lot of priceless things.
From the book of 'Psychology of Persuasion' by Robert Cialdini, he talks about the laws of authority, social proof, authenticity, liking, scarcity, and reciprocity.
If you can learn how to use these principles, you will start seeing the world much differently. More importantly, when communicated the right way, you'll also start to feel much more valuable to the world.
One major thing 'photography marketing' has taught me is to be empathetic; to not only think about what you want to say, but rather what the other person wants to hear.
Not only has it helped me professionally, but personally too.
Sell well, and you'll excel.
4. Learning How To Let Go
We get so attached to the outcome, we forget about the most important thing - the journey itself.
In our world of instant gratification - or as I like to say 'brainrot' - we are constantly expecting outcomes to appear immediately. And in doing so, we feel constantly stuck/held back.
For example, I would get so worried about missing the shot. Fear of missing out would get the best of me, and it would affect the rest of my shooting day.
Now? I have learned how to let go of that. I miss so many shots, but I don't regret it at all. I guess it's an abundance mindset.
I'd also get so worried about making mistakes with friends, family, clients, etc. Yes, it can be really disturbing, but the aim is to focus on what you can control, rather than what you cannot.
This mentality will really enable you to live regret-free, and you'll start feeling powerful - and that's how you take control of your life.
It is much easier said than done, but it's important.
It should be about the pursuit of perfection, not the perfection itself.
5. Human Connection
'It's all about the people' - an introvert's worst nightmare.
Growing up, I was a very quiet kid. Many family members told me I need to open up.
Did it work? Hell no.
What did then? Well, everyone goes through something. That's what allows you to open your mind up.
Today, I've been told that I am becoming an extrovert - which sounds totally insane to me.
It is probably happening due to my work, especially when I am doing my photo tours. You see, for my job, I have to genuinely connect with a stranger from another continent - for 10 days straight. I have to make them feel comfortable, and also teach and guide them throughout.
Additionally, my interest in self-improvement led me to read books about communication psychology, and wow, it's one thing to read and understand but it's a whole different level when you apply it.
Perhaps it is the sense of responsibility that required me to become a social person? But wow it has really paid off in incredible ways.
Don't get me wrong, I'm still a shy person. I still get nervous before my trips, but I'm now able to get rid of the fear of being judged - and that boosts confidence.
Now I really believe that it's all about the people. Your network is your networth.
It's about the creation, building, maintenance, and evolution of relationships.
Connections turn into clients, clients turn into friends and friends turned into family.
Connecting and inspiring people has become my most fulfilling thing to do.
Life, and art, is most beautiful when shared.
Should I do a part 2? Let me know!
Until next time,
Dhir
PS: Here's What I Do:
I do wildlife photography tours in Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi! I have a spot open for Oct & Nov 2025 - DMor check out the website!
I am building an online wildlife photography course! Will cover camera basics, editing, storytelling and much more. I'll teach you how to take your photography to the next level, and actually find meaning in it! Join the waitlist here.
Interested in a coaching program? Sign up here!
