Why You Shouldn't Delete Your "Bad Photos"


As photographers, we've all been there - you get home from a shoot, upload your photos to your computer, and start sorting through them. And then you see it: a photo that just didn't turn out the way you wanted. For instance, the photo you see above of the cow is a photo that I took around Christmas this past year. At that time this photo didn't jump out at me. It wasn't until I was looking through my hard drive for a photo to use as an example for this blog post that this precious moment in time said "Pick me". 

When you are reviewing your photos after a shoot your first instinct might be to hit the delete button and move on, but before you do, consider these reasons why you shouldn't delete "bad photos".


Perspective can change over time

What looks like a "bad photo" today might look completely different a year from now. Maybe you'll see it in a new light or notice something you didn't before. Or maybe you'll have a new project that this "bad photo" is perfect for. By keeping your photos, you're giving yourself the opportunity to revisit them with fresh eyes and a different perspective.


Learning opportunity

Even "bad photos" can be valuable learning experiences. By keeping them, you can analyze what went wrong and learn from your mistakes. Maybe you'll notice a pattern in the types of mistakes you're making, which can help you improve your skills in the future. Or maybe you'll come up with a creative solution for salvaging a "bad photo" that you can use in future shoots.


Memory preservation

Every photo tells a story, even if it's not a perfect one. "Bad photos" can serve as reminders of the moment or the emotion that you were trying to capture, even if the technical aspects didn't quite come together. And sometimes, imperfect photos can be even more meaningful than perfect ones. By keeping your "bad photos", you're preserving a piece of your memories and your journey as a photographer.


Artistic potential

Just because a photo didn't turn out the way you wanted it to doesn't mean it's not worth keeping. Sometimes, "bad photos" have artistic potential that you might not see at first. Maybe you'll find a way to use the photo in a mixed-media
project, or maybe you'll crop it in a way that turns it into a stunning abstract. By keeping your photos, you're giving yourself the chance to experiment and find new ways to express yourself creatively.


So next time you're tempted to hit the delete button on a "bad photo", consider these reasons why you shouldn't. Who knows - maybe that "bad photo" will turn out to be a hidden gem that you're grateful you held onto.

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