One thing I've been doing is combining my photography and writing so that the two supplement each other, and so both appeal to a broader audience.

I would also add that any newbie photographer (or even established ones!) should participate in @photocontests (you can read the instructions here). All it takes is adding one of their tags into your post and you're entered into contests for prizes, and you get XP for participating, which eventually translates into upvotes. It's a great community and another fun way to "gamify" your Steemit experience while being put in touch with some amazing photographers.