*note – this post contains affiliate links, they are marked with an asterisk (*) – I earn commission from purchases made via these links.

For a while already, I’ve been semi-active on the Shutterstock platform. Not because it’s a goldmine or anything, far from it. But because I am trying out more and more creative activities lately. Photography is just one outlet, alongside my YouTube channel and my personal blog. But it helps clear the mind and directs my energy into something other then doom scrolling.

I own a simple Nikon D3100. The most basic of basic starter camera’s. It’s close to 15 years old at the moment, but it still works. I guess they made products to last in “those days”, right? Anyhoo, I never really learned photography, I watched some YouTube videos and basically started giving it a try. But pictures are no good if they just sit on a hard-drive or SD-card. So I looked for ways to share them, and maybe even earn a little bit of money with my work. Shutterstock is just one of such places.

I have a very laid back approach to photography. I plan a day, usually once a month, in which I pack my camera and grab my bike. I just go out and about for a few hours, until something catches my interest. Then I try to capture it in various methods. I try out different angles, settings and lightning. Nothing too fancy, just playing around with what the camera can do. I also bring it on my holidays and business trips. It’s a way for me to capture my surroundings and experiences, without holding a phone in my hand.

Using a real camera forces you to take the full scene into account. To appreciate the moment, not just snap a quick picture with your phone and move on. A camera is a tool to make you truly see whats in front of you. Appreciate the details, the scene and the objects. Trust me, you look differently at the world when it’s through a lens instead of a smartphone screen.

If you’re looking to start photography yourself, I’d advice you to start with a basic DSLR. As mentioned, I currently use this one: a Nikon D3100 (*). However, it’s old and dated. I’d advice to just go with a newer model these days. They are far cheaper and of better quality. For example this one: a Canon EOS 2000D (*) If you want to master photography and learn how ISO, Apperture and shutterspeed work, I’d advice to start out with a DSLR instead of a plain digital camera.

It’s a bit of a learning curve, but in the long run you’ll get so much more high-quality pictures. I had a lot of help with Youtube videos, this one for example was amazingly helpful for me. Ultimately, its your call. But I can recommend anyone wanting to start to just give it a whirl. Don’t worry about other people’s opinion on the quality of your photo’s either. As long as you are happy with the results!

Here’s some examples of my photos. And believe it or not, I actually sold a few even via the platform! Mostly from data-licensing them, but also a few photo’s directly to e.g. news outlets and website. I don’t really have a particular style or signature at the moment that I pursue. It’s mainly objects, nature, and urban photography. But it’s a start, and a validation of my hobby!

If you want to start on Shutterstock as well, feel free to use my link (*).