Impulsive Shooting vs Intentional Shooting: When They’re Appropriate

Today, I want to talk about something that I know many of us in the creative industry struggle with: how to strike the balance between being creative for the sake of creativity and being creative with a purpose.

Finding the Right Balance Between Creative Freedom and Intentionality

As photographers, we often have this dual nature. We want to explore our creativity, take spontaneous photos, and experiment without pressure. But, we also know we need to create with intention, focusing on work that moves our career forward. So, how do we balance these two sides?

This was actually the subject of today’s episode, which I recorded while out on a walk with my dog in the woods. I made the decision on the spot to record it, which is why the audio might sound a little different. You might hear some birds in the background or notice that I’m using my headphones, but the content felt so important that I couldn’t wait to share it.


The Creative Struggle

I talk a lot about creating with intention because I know how important it is for your career. However, if you’re used to being spontaneous and creating on the fly, that structure can sometimes feel stifling. Creativity can feel forced when you try to make everything intentional all the time, but it can also be frustrating if you’re only creating without any long-term plan in mind.

You might ask yourself: How do I know when I’m doing too much of one or the other? Honestly, you can feel it. It's all about checking in with yourself. Ask: "Am I just creating for the sake of it without any end goal?" If you are, that can lead to feelings of frustration when you’re not seeing the results you want. But if you’re only focused on creating for the next job or client, you could end up burning out and losing the joy in the process.

The Importance of Intentional Creation

You can absolutely still have moments of creative freedom and fun, but don’t forget that intentional work is the key to growing your business. If you’re finding yourself in a creative slump because you’ve been too focused on making work for clients, take a step back. Ask yourself: What does my portfolio need right now? What gaps do I need to fill to attract the kinds of clients I want to work with?

One thing I’ve realized is that creative freedom and career growth don’t have to be mutually exclusive. By combining the two, you can create work that feels fulfilling and attracts the right clients. And you have to look at your work from a strategic perspective. It’s not just about being creative; it’s about being intentional with what you create, ensuring it helps build your portfolio in a way that aligns with your business goals.

A Personal Example: The Shift Toward Intentional Work

Let me give you an example from my own journey. Early on, I used to shoot impulsively. I’d grab my camera, call up a friend, and head out to shoot without much planning. And yes, those shoots were fun, but the results didn’t always align with my goals. I was left with a portfolio that didn’t quite reflect the kind of work I wanted to attract.

It wasn’t until I started focusing on shoots that were planned down to the finest details—really considering the concept, the lighting, the styling, and everything else—that I saw my career take off. The process wasn’t as spontaneous or adrenaline-fueled, but the satisfaction I got from seeing the results made it worth it. My portfolio began to strengthen, and I started attracting the kinds of clients I had always dreamed of working with.


This intentional approach helped me build a solid portfolio that showcased the exact work I wanted to be hired for. It's that careful balance between being creatively free and working with purpose that has taken my career to the next level.

The Role of Impulsive Shoots in My Creative Process

Now, don’t get me wrong. I still do spontaneous shoots. In fact, I recently did one in June 2023 that was put together last minute. And guess what? It still ended up being some of my favorite work! There's something invigorating about a shoot that’s driven by pure creative energy and not constrained by a detailed plan.

But I think that the key difference now is that I’m able to balance these moments of creative freedom with the more planned, strategic shoots. By incorporating both into my workflow, I never feel burnt out or disconnected from the joy of photography. I get to enjoy both the creative flow of spontaneous shoots and the satisfaction of knowing that my planned shoots are advancing my business goals.

Mixing Creative Flow with Purposeful Planning

At the moment, I’ve been experimenting with some AI-driven mixed media work, which is very much a creative exploration. I don’t have a clear end goal for this work right now, but I’m loving the process. It’s a reminder that you should always leave room for creativity to just flow without pressure. But I also make sure that the core of my business—the photography that brings in clients—is carefully planned and aligned with my brand.

I’m a big believer in having a mix of both. You need space for pure creative expression, but you also need a roadmap for how your work fits into your career. That’s why it’s essential to plan those intentional shoots, so that you have a body of work to show potential clients when the time comes. You need to create in a way that aligns with the needs of the industry and the clients you want to attract.


Wrap Up

So, to sum it up: you absolutely need both creative freedom and intentional creation in your work. It’s about balancing those moments of playful creativity with the more structured, strategic shoots that build your portfolio and attract clients. You don’t have to choose one over the other—they both play an important role in your career.

If you’re feeling stuck in a creative rut or unsure how to shift your focus, I’m here to help. Don’t hesitate to DM me on Instagram @OliviaBossertEducation with any questions. I’m always happy to support you and help you make sense of this crazy, creative career we have!

And if you found this episode helpful, I’d love it if you could share it on Instagram and tag me, or just send it directly to a friend. That’s how this podcast grows, and I’m so excited to help as many photographers as possible.

Thank you so much for listening! I hope you enjoy the rest of your day, and I’ll talk to you soon.

Until next time!


-Olivia

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Balancing Photography with Passion Projects - with Annemarie Sterian