It isn't always necessary to solve a problem. Simply contributing to a conversation is often good enough. I would suggest that if you really have a passion for technology and photography then stick to those topics and your passion will show. Generally, if someone has a passion for something, they will have a lot to say about the topic. Use that to your advantage. Add something to the articles written by others. Become part of their community. After a while, you will become a regular fixture on their walls and your profile will be easily recognized and remembered. When you continually add something that makes their pages/articles more interesting and valuable, you will get rewarded for your contribution. I make over 70% of my earnings not from my own articles, but from things I write on other people's posts. They come up with the topics; I read them; If I'm interested in the topic, I respond. If I'm not interested in the topic, I move on to another topic.
I enjoy helping people, so topics like this interest me. You asked good questions, so I offered an opinion.
As for where to find whales: there are many ways such as looking into steemdb for the top earners. Or at the trending pages. But I don't bother to chase the whales. I prefer to have meaningful relationships with those who I can relate to. If you are just chasing money, then best to simply invest and reap the monetary rewards. This platform is more than just making money; it allows for making friends and learning things. Become part of the community and the money will come naturally as everyone grows together.
I've noticed this is the best way to gain influence and $ here. My highest payouts are from starting conversation in the comment section of a whale's post.