Avoiding 'Pretty Pictures That Say Nothing' - Your Insights?

Hey folks, Omar here. I’ve been on Steadicam for a while now, mostly narrative and commercials. I'm currently prepping for a short film with a newer DP, and something in our conversations got me thinking. A lot of the foundational filmmaking guides warn against 'pretty pictures that say nothing.' I completely get the concept, but I'm trying to articulate how to identify this in practice, especially for folks who are just starting out and are naturally drawn to cool visuals.

I've seen some DPs (not this one, thankfully!) get really excited about a specific lens choice (like shooting an entire scene on a vintage anamorphic just because it looks 'cinematic') or lighting a shot with a SkyPanel X and some PavoTubes to get a 'moody' vibe that doesn't actually enhance the dialogue or character. Sometimes it’s a really elaborate dolly move that feels more like a demo reel shot than a story beat.

What are some of the most common pitfalls you've seen beginner DPs fall into that result in visually appealing but narratively empty shots? And, more importantly, how can someone actively learn to self-diagnose this in their own work, beyond just having an experienced eye on set? I'm trying to help build good habits early.