Embarking on the journey towards becoming a skilled photographer is both exciting and challenging. As with any creative pursuit, there are many learning experiences and inevitable mistakes along the way. By recognising these common errors early on, you can significantly improve your photographic skills and accelerate your progress.
Today, I will talk about ten more mistakes that beginner photographers frequently make and provide tips on how to avoid them in your journey to becoming a better photographer.
Mistake #1: Shooting in JPEG instead of RAW
When starting out, many novice photographers tend to shoot in JPEG format due to its smaller file size and widespread compatibility. However, doing so can be a major drawback when it comes to post-processing. RAW files retain more image data, allowing for greater flexibility in adjusting exposure, colour balance, and other aspects. This translates to a more extensive range of possibilities for refining your images, ultimately resulting in higher-quality final results.
To avoid this common mistake, make the switch to shooting in RAW format. Familiarise yourself with RAW processing software, such as Adobe Lightroom or Capture One, to make the most of the additional data and flexibility offered by RAW files. If commercial software is not your thing, you can try Darktable. RAW photos give you more freedom during editing and have less noise as a result.
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Mistake #2: Focusing on gear instead of skills
In today’s rapidly advancing world of technology, it’s easy to become enamoured with the latest camera equipment and gear. However, obsessing over gear can distract you from the development of essential photography skills. Rather than constantly upgrading your kit, focus on mastering the fundamentals of composition, lighting, and editing.
Invest your time and energy into learning how to make the most of your current gear, be it an entry-level DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or even a smartphone. By honing your skills and pushing the limits of your equipment, you’ll be surprised at the quality of images you can produce. Once you’ve reached a level where your skills surpass your equipment’s capabilities, only then consider upgrading to more advanced gear.
Mistake #3: Comparing themselves to others
With the ever-growing presence of social media and photography platforms, it’s natural to compare your work with that of other photographers. While it can be helpful to gain inspiration and learn from others’ work, constantly measuring your progress against others can be disheartening and counterproductive.
Instead of focusing on comparison, concentrate on your personal growth and development. Set realistic goals for improvement and maybe even track your progress over time. You can make a list of subjects that you want to shoot. Half an year later, go through the list again, and see how the photos compare. Remember that every photographer’s journey is unique, and the key to success lies in dedication and persistence. Use the work of others as a source of inspiration, but don’t forget to focus on your own path and celebrate your achievements along the way.
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Mistake #4: Neglecting to Study the Work of Others
This might sound like a contradiction to the above statement, but the idea is not to compare but analyse. Many beginners may not appreciate the value of studying the work of other photographers, both contemporary and historical. By analysing different styles, techniques, and compositions, you can broaden your perspective and develop your own unique photographic voice. Attending exhibitions, reading photography books, and following online photography forums can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your own work.
Seek out the work of photographers whose style resonates with you and learn about their creative process, influences, and techniques. Study the work of master photographers from various genres and time periods to gain a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of photography. By exposing yourself to a diverse range of photographic styles, you can refine your own artistic vision and draw upon a wealth of inspiration to experiment with in your work.
Mistake #5: Using the Built-in Flash
Many beginner photographers often rely on their camera’s built-in flash, which can result in harsh shadows and washed-out subjects. This unflattering light can detract from the overall quality and appeal of your images. Learning to work with natural light or eventually investing in external lighting equipment, such as a speedlight or a softbox, can significantly improve the quality of your images. However, don’t rush to the shop just yet. Learn the basics first.
Experiment with different lighting setups and techniques, both indoors and outdoors. Learn how to harness the power of natural light at different times of the day, such as during the golden hour or blue hour. A cheap but nonetheless very useful way of practising with artificial light is to use some LEDs. By mastering the art of lighting, you’ll be able to create more visually appealing and dynamic photographs, regardless of your camera’s capabilities.
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Mistake #6: Shooting Only in One Perspective
Many beginners tend to shoot from eye level, resulting in monotonous and predictable images. To create more engaging and visually interesting photographs, experiment with various angles and perspectives. Try shooting from low or high vantage points. This approach will add variety and depth to your photography portfolio. Don’t hesitate to lie down on the ground or to climb on something — just watch out, no photo is worth risking your life and health.
By actively seeking out new perspectives, you will train your eye to see the world in a more creative and unique way. This skill will greatly enhance your ability to tell stories through your images and capture moments that stand out from the crowd. Embrace the process of experimenting with different angles and compositions, as it will ultimately make you a more versatile and well-rounded photographer.
Mistake #7: Not Being Patient
Photography is an art that often requires patience and perseverance. Waiting for the perfect lighting conditions, capturing fleeting moments, or working with uncooperative subjects can be frustrating, but it is crucial to remain patient. The ability to wait for the right moment and seize it when it arrives is a skill that sets great photographers apart from the rest.
To develop this patience, learn to enjoy the process of photography rather than simply focusing on the end result. Photography is therapeutic. Take the time to observe your surroundings, soak in the atmosphere, and truly connect with the scene or subject. This will not only help you develop the patience needed to capture the perfect shot but also allow you to experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from fully immersing yourself in the creative process.
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Mistake #8: Failing to Engage with the Subject
Whether photographing people, animals, or landscapes, establishing a connection with your subject is vital for creating compelling images. Take the time to build rapport with your subjects and understand their stories or the essence of the scene. This emotional investment will allow you to capture more genuine and captivating images that resonate with viewers.
For portrait photography, learn how to communicate effectively with your subjects and help them feel at ease in front of the camera. Develop an ability to read body language and facial expressions to anticipate better and capture genuine emotions. Speak to them before the photo shoot so that you can capture their personality. In landscape or still life photography, spend time observing the scene and note what its essence is. You might find viewpoints that you didn’t initially see.
Mistake #9: Overediting Images
Post-processing is a compulsory part of the photographic process. However, beginner photographers can sometimes fall into the trap of overediting their images, leading to unnatural colours, excessive sharpness, or overly contrasted images. While editing is a crucial aspect of photography that can significantly improve your final results, it’s essential to strike the right balance between enhancing your images and maintaining their natural appearance.
To avoid this mistake, develop a more restrained approach to editing by making subtle adjustments that complement the original image. Learn about essential editing techniques, such as adjusting exposure, contrast, and colour balance, without going overboard. Remember that less is often more when it comes to post-processing, and the goal should be to enhance your images rather than to transform them completely. Occasionally, you can allow yourself to go overboard with overlays and presets — but first, learn the basics, then break the rules.
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Mistake #10: Ignoring the Importance of Backup and File Organisation
As a beginner, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of having a reliable backup system and an organised file structure for your images. Failing to back up your work regularly or keeping your images in a disorganised manner will certainly lead to a disaster — the loss of precious memories and hours of frustration trying to locate specific images. This is especially true when you are on a trip, and you take lots of photos.
To avoid this mistake, invest in an external hard drive or cloud storage solution to create a backup of your images regularly. Additionally, develop a consistent file organisation system to categorise and label your images, making it easier to locate and access them when needed. Software like Lightroom helps with the organisation of your photos, but I personally rename the directories by date and location. It’s a habit that I developed in the pre-Lightroom era. Backups and organisation will not only help protect your work from potential loss but also streamline your editing workflow and make it easier to share and showcase your images.
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Conclusion
The path to becoming a skilled photographer is a continuous journey of learning, experimentation, and personal growth. By identifying and avoiding these ten common mistakes, you can accelerate your progress and elevate the quality of your images. Remember that becoming a great photographer takes time, practice, and persistence, so embrace the learning process and enjoy the rewarding journey ahead.
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