As photographers and creators, we’re often consumed with the present moment—the decisive click of the shutter, the here-and-now. But what if I told you that the secret to truly powerful art—and life itself—lies in thinking 30 years ahead? The future isn’t just some distant, abstract concept. It’s being shaped right now by the decisions we make today. If we can think with a 30-year vision, we transcend the immediacy of the moment, and instead, we begin to shape something more lasting, more profound.
1. Start with Legacy, Not Trends
Ask yourself, “What will still matter in 30 years?” We live in a time dominated by trends, hashtags, and fleeting moments of viral fame. But trends die. Legacy lives. Think of the greatest photographers—Henri Cartier-Bresson, Sebastião Salgado. They weren’t chasing trends. They were building bodies of work that would stand the test of time. When you shoot, when you create, focus on what you want to leave behind. What will people remember you for in 30 years? Create for that—not for the dopamine hit of likes today.
2. Play the Long Game
A 30-year vision isn’t about quick wins or immediate gratification. It’s about planting seeds that may not bloom for decades. If you’re working on a project, think about how it will age. Will it still be relevant? Will it still evoke the same emotions in the future? For me, it’s the same with photography—each project is a small piece of a much larger puzzle. The work I’m doing today is a stepping stone toward a bigger vision, and that requires patience. Don’t rush the process. Play the long game.
3. Invest in Timeless Skills
Gear comes and goes. Technology evolves, styles change, but certain skills are timeless. Master the fundamentals—composition, lighting, storytelling. These are the tools that will serve you for decades. You don’t need the latest camera to make great art. What you need is vision. The tools might change, but the ability to see—to capture the essence of a moment—that’s eternal. If you focus on building timeless skills, you future-proof your craft.
4. Think Beyond Yourself
Thinking 30 years ahead forces you to expand your view beyond the self. What kind of impact do you want to leave on others? On your community? On the world? Photographers like W. Eugene Smith didn’t just document moments—they captured the human condition in a way that still resonates. When you think long-term, you begin to realize that your work is about more than you. It’s about connection, it’s about contribution. Make your work matter to others, not just yourself.
5. Embrace Change
The only constant is change. The world in 30 years will look nothing like it does today, and that’s a good thing. To think 30 years ahead, you have to embrace the reality of evolution—both in yourself and the world around you. Don’t cling to the past. Adapt, evolve, but always keep your core values intact. As artists, we have to be willing to pivot, to let go of what no longer serves us, and to constantly redefine ourselves. Evolution is essential for longevity.
6. Stay Curious
Curiosity is the fuel for long-term vision. If you’re constantly learning, constantly asking questions, your mind stays flexible. It’s easy to become complacent, to stick with what’s comfortable, but that’s a trap. The most impactful artists are those who continue to grow, even when they’ve achieved success. Thirty years from now, who will you be? What new perspectives will you have? Stay curious about the future, and your work will always feel fresh, dynamic, and relevant.
7. Be Relentless
Creating a legacy takes relentless effort. You can’t think 30 years ahead if you’re distracted by short-term setbacks or instant gratification. This is about resilience. Keep shooting, keep creating, even when no one is watching. The key to long-term success is to be relentless in your pursuit of mastery. Even on the days when you feel like giving up, you need to show up. The work you do today may not make sense now, but trust in the process. Your future self will thank you.
Conclusion: Time Is on Your Side
Thinking 30 years ahead isn’t about predicting the future—it’s about creating it. Every choice you make today, every photo you take, every skill you develop is shaping the artist you’ll become three decades from now. It’s a mindset shift: from chasing the immediate to building the eternal. What’s going to matter in 2054? That’s for you to decide, starting right now.
Fucking c’est la vie. Time’s on your side—use it.