Bill Benoist

Have you ever looked at another photographer’s work and thought, “They’re really creative,” while wondering why your own photographs don’t feel as creative?

I used to think the same thing. For years, I believed my analytical, logical nature meant I simply wasn’t creative.

But I’ve come to see creativity differently.

In my latest video, I share what changed my perspective and the things that have helped me become more comfortable with my creative side. I talk about Morning Pages, Artist Dates, experimentation, and why creativity doesn’t require every photograph to be unusual or artistic.

Most importantly, I share one simple question that has changed the way I approach photography:

“What else can I see here?”

If you’ve ever thought you weren’t creative enough as a photographer, this video may change how you see both your photography and yourself.

Watch the video and let me know what you think.

https://youtu.be/rdya6EdDo9U

5 days ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist

Have you ever noticed that photographers and fishermen have more in common than you might think?

In my latest video, I explore two very different approaches to photography that closely mirror the way people fish. One approach is patient—you find the right location, compose your shot, and wait for the perfect moment. The other is active—you keep moving, searching, and reacting to what unfolds around you.

Neither method is better than the other. In fact, knowing when to switch between them may be one of the most valuable skills you can develop as a photographer.

If you've ever wondered why some days feel more productive than others with your camera, this simple comparison might change the way you think about photography.

I'd love to hear which approach best describes your style after you've watched the video.

https://youtu.be/xq3bl46AVOM

1 week ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist

I recently discovered a feature on my Ricoh GR Digital III that has changed the way I think about photography.

It’s called Snap Focus.

Instead of waiting for autofocus to find my subject, I can set the camera to a specific distance and simply take the picture. I’ve been using 2.5 meters most often, and it has opened up something I rarely do: shooting from the hip.

The interesting part is that I’m no longer thinking, “Where will the camera focus?” I’m thinking, “Where will my subject be?”

That small change has made walking around with this little camera much more spontaneous and fun.

In my latest video, I explain how Snap Focus works, how I’m using Full Press Snap, and why this 2009 camera is giving me a completely different photographic experience than my modern cameras.

If you’re interested in Ricoh cameras, street photography, or simply photographing with less technical thinking, I think you’ll enjoy this one.

Watch the video and let me know: Have you ever tried Snap Focus?

https://youtu.be/TE_mLOnDf98

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist

Sometimes the best surprises come from the mistakes we never meant to make.

I recently thought I had found an incredible deal on a Ricoh GR III. After waiting nearly a month for it to arrive, I discovered I had actually purchased a Ricoh GR Digital III—a completely different camera.

At first, I was disappointed. Then something unexpected happened. Instead of focusing on what I didn't get, I began appreciating what I did.

That little camera has become one I carry almost every day, and it's reminded me that photography isn't about having the newest gear. It's about slowing down, noticing the world around us, and finding joy in the moments we might otherwise miss.

In my newest video, I share the whole story and the lesson I learned along the way. I hope you'll watch it, and I'd love to hear if you've ever had a purchase—or even a life experience—that turned out better than you expected.

You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/LJcWkpSGsX4

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2

Bill Benoist

Ever feel jealous scrolling through photos from Iceland or Patagonia while you're shooting flowers in your own backyard? You're not alone, and this week's video tackles that feeling head-on.

A few years ago, I took a Yale course on the science of happiness, and one lesson completely changed how I think about photography: our brains are wired to compare us to people who seem to have more money, more gear, and more opportunities. That comparison is quietly stealing the joy out of your creative work.

In this video, I break down why new gear never makes us happy for long, why chasing exotic locations misses the point of art, and how I've learned to find meaning in the photographs that are available to me, close to home.

If you've ever wondered whether your photography still matters without the dream trip or the expensive lens, this one is for you.

Watch the full video now and let me know in the comments what you're grateful for in your own photography journey.

https://youtu.be/0KwgGcxdGdM

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

Bill Benoist

Ever grab your camera, wander around for an hour, and drive home thinking... that wasn't really worth it? 📷

I used to feel that all the time — until I discovered the one thing that changed everything: having a photo project.

It's not complicated. Just pick one subject or theme — old barns, waterfalls, abandoned places, vintage signs, whatever pulls you in — and commit to photographing it over time. Suddenly you stop wandering aimlessly and start noticing details most people walk right past. That's when your own style really starts to show up.

In this week's video, I share why photo projects are so powerful, the two projects I'm currently working on myself, and how one friend turned years of shooting into a published book.

If you've ever felt stuck on what to photograph, this one's for you. 👇

https://youtu.be/k0LTBzncOdM

1 month ago | [YT] | 1

Bill Benoist

Think you need an expensive camera to make money with stock photography?

Think again.

In my latest video, I challenged myself to shoot stock photos with a Nikon Coolpix S220—an inexpensive point-and-shoot camera introduced back in 2009.

Then I walk you through my complete workflow: selecting photos in Lightroom Classic, using free AI tools to generate titles, descriptions, and keywords, and uploading everything to Adobe Stock and Shutterstock.

The biggest surprise? The entire process is much faster and easier than most photographers imagine.

If you've ever wondered whether stock photography could become a source of residual income during retirement—or you're curious to see what an older point-and-shoot camera can accomplish—I think you'll enjoy this video.


https://youtu.be/e1SAWjdipP8

1 month ago | [YT] | 0

Bill Benoist

Ever wish you could create that dreamy, intentional camera movement look without lugging around extra gear? 📸

This week I'm sharing my iPhone screen to show you two apps that make it ridiculously easy. The first, Slow Shutter, costs just $2.99 and lets you dial in motion blur from minimal all the way to maximum. I tested seven versions of the same shot side by side, and the difference is wild. Your phone stays completely still, but the app creates all that movement for you.

Then I bring a couple of those shots into Snapseed, which is 100% free, and show you how to layer in a double exposure effect. Overlay mode is my favorite. It gives your images a painterly, unexpected feel without ever opening Lightroom or Photoshop.

If you've ever wanted to experiment with ICM but weren't ready to commit to gear, this one's for you.

Watch the full video now and let me know what you create! 👇

https://youtu.be/qsI3rNch7pY

1 month ago | [YT] | 1

Bill Benoist

Ever wonder if your photos could pay you back long after you take them?

In my latest video, I'm breaking down something a little different — stock photography as a real, realistic residual income stream for retirees (and anyone building income that doesn't require clocking in every day).

I'm not talking get-rich-quick. I'm talking about the same principle that keeps this channel earning years after a video goes live: do the work once, let it keep paying you back.

Inside the video, I cover:

✅ What to shoot (and what to avoid) for stock sales
✅ The best platforms to start with
✅ Why your gear is probably already good enough
✅ The real math behind building a portfolio that compounds over time

If you're retired, approaching retirement, or just want your photography to work harder for you — this one's worth 15 minutes of your time.

Click here to watch: https://youtu.be/EuWO-HU958I

2 months ago | [YT] | 3

Bill Benoist

What happens when you give yourself a photography assignment with no expectations?

I recently took on a Shutterobi quest called Shooting Through Something. The goal was simple — photograph subjects through another object. Leaves, fences, windows, grasses, even a car wash.

I captured 350 images and only kept six. That's a 2% success rate. And honestly? It was one of my most rewarding shoots ever.

Here's what surprised me most. I didn't find inspiration first and then go take pictures. Instead, I started shooting, and inspiration showed up along the way. My quick 30-minute walk turned into three hours outdoors with my camera.

That's the real lesson. Creativity isn't waiting for you at home. It's discovered halfway through the walk with your camera already in hand.

Sometimes all you need is a simple assignment to completely unlock your vision.
Want to see the images and hear the full story? Click here to check out my latest video:

https://youtu.be/eUByT0Yuz6s

2 months ago | [YT] | 2