A Photo a Day Through the Eyes of Creatives

As photographers, and creatives as a whole, I feel like we’re always hustling and chasing for the next thing. Whether that is the next audition, or the next shoot, or the next meeting, or even as practical and specific as ‘Hm, I wonder which next piece of kit will be the one to elevate our work’. And whilst it is exciting to look forward to the future, I feel like it diminishes the whole purpose of being present. And maybe, along the way, we sometimes forget the passion that made us hustle in the first place.

A photo a day

Leeds photographer Mark Wheelwright did the “photo a day” challenge in December, which — might I add — BIG fan of. This ‘trend’, or shall I put it as an ‘approach’, in my opinion isn’t just a creative exercise, but also a massive mindset shift. By doing a photo a day, it’s about staying loyal to being consistent with your art, being aware of it, and collaborating with yourself to see how far you’ve come. By doing this, it also helps you learn to see potential in everyday moments (art, as cringy as it sounds, is literally everywhere).

In terms of photography, it is a growing skill, and with skill, it improves with repetition. A ‘photo a day’ piece removes the pressure of perfection and replaces it with consistency. Realistically, you don’t need every image to be a masterpiece. What matters is that you are showing up for yourself and your art daily, camera in hand, and making a conscious creative decision.

Over time, this daily practice helps to sharpen your eye and start noticing the little gems placed around you. These small observations add up and translate directly into stronger client work and a more positive work environment.

There is always something to shoot

I think one of the biggest challenges that photographers face, especially during the quiet periods, is getting to that ‘stuck’ feeling, or that there’s ‘nothing to shoot’. A photo a day will definitely prove that wrong instantly. When you commit to daily output, you are forced to look at ordinary scenes differently. From buildings, to bus stops, to coffee shops, the things you normally walk past become opportunities, and that is an additional plus to doing it.

As well as this, it helps to build trust and familiarity, meaning that when people see these photos more regularly, they start recognising your style, your colour choices, and the way you see the world. In simple terms, over time, recognition turns into connections, and connections turn into enquiries (more collaboration!).

When it comes to client work, of course it will come with expectations. However, a personal daily project removes these limitations, which in time can be quite mind-consuming. This kind of creative freedom is very important and essential for growth. With that in mind, a lot of strong ideas come from low-pressure experimentation, and doing a photo a day allows you to play. Everything is a learning experience, and will drive you closer to why you wanted to take this career on in the first place. The same instinct is why we keep the studio open to photographers hiring it for their own personal work, not just client jobs — somewhere to experiment without a brief.

A few words from Mark

To end this piece, I asked Mark to say a few words to help gain some insight:

“The photo a day thing I am doing is just driving to take a shot every day, which will inevitably get harder and harder to maintain quality and keep inspired, as you don’t always find yourself in a beautiful location, so you really have to try and find something with some kind of artistry.

So today was an example — I had 20 mins on a break in an industrial site. Not always gonna be able to find something, but that’s part of the fun I guess!

We can do a focus on the camera, which is a retro-style compact camera, which I now carry everywhere 24/7.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a proper camera for a photo a day?

No. A phone is fine. The point is the daily decision, not the kit. Mark uses a small retro compact precisely because it is always in his pocket.

What if I miss a day?

Start again the next day. The habit is worth more than the streak, and nobody is counting except you.

Can I hire the studio for personal work rather than client work?

Yes, and plenty of photographers do. Studio hire is £125 for two hours, £175 for a half day and £300 for a full day, with lighting and backdrops included, whether you are shooting a client or testing an idea.

Where is the studio and how do I book?

Dock Street Studio, Unit 9, 30–38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF — central Leeds near Leeds Dock, a short walk from the train station, with parking on site. Book online or call and we’ll talk it through first.

Come and shoot at Dock Street Studio, Leeds

Whether it is a client brief or a personal project you want a controlled space for, the studio is here. Book online, email hello@dockstreetstudioleeds.co.uk, or call 0113 4400102. If it is headshots you are after, sessions start at £95.

About the author
Nicole Sheyni
Actor • Copywriter • Lighting assistant & guest writer, Dock Street Studio Leeds
Nicole is a working actor and copywriter based in Leeds. She is part of the Dock Street Studio team, contributing guest articles that draw on lived experience in auditions, casting, and professional practice.