Photography Do's and Don'ts

by - 9:45 PM

My tips for the new photographer

I don’t claim to be a professional photographer, I’m still learning each and every day and the most important thing is, I have fun with it. I've gotten plenty of requests for tips and advice from everyone who have been inspired to do photography themselves! It’s been pretty awesome to see that so many people are interested in such an amazing hobby. Make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons & because you love it, not because of superficial things like trying to get famous or make money off of it. If your heart is not in it, you'll get tired of it.

PHOTOGRAPHY DON'TS

1. You do not need a professional high quality camera. When I first started messing around with photography, I used a regular point and shoot camera. It’s the creative mind of the photographer that takes amazing pictures, NOT the type of camera you have. When you get more serious about it, then you can invest in an expensive fancy camera.
2. Don’t use FORCED poses. Basically, don’t make it look like you’re posing for a picture. Poses should look natural. The people in the picture shouldn’t have their leg all up on something or their arm resting on an object.
3. Make sure that there are no obstructions in your photo when you’re taking a picture of someone/something. I have seen soo many people make this mistake! OBSTRUCTIONS are things like street signs, other people, pedestrians, street poles, garbage cans, your shadow, etc.
4. “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” - Henri Cartier-Bresson. Before you start charging people for pictures, take pictures for free for an entire year. It is honestly the best way to learn, buildyour skills, and build your portfolio.
5. The biggest mistake is OVER-EDITING their pictures. Photo-shopping your pictures to fix small things are okay. Magazines and professionals edit their pictures all of the time. If you find yourself having to always edit your pictures, then try not to do so much editing and focus on using appropriate camera settings and timing.
6. Don’t steal from or copy other photographers. To be inspired by them is one thing, but to steal their ideas and call it your own is a different thing. Originality is the key, be creative and find a style that fits you. Don’t put your name on anything that isn’t yours and give credit where credit is due!

PHOTOGRAPHY DO'S

1. Learn about copyrights and permits. There are some areas in the city where you are not allowed to photograph and some objects/places that you could get sued for if you use them in your pictures.
2. GET a flickr account or a deviantart account. These are online sites where you can upload your photography and meet other photographers who can help you get better. I’ve met some of the DOPEST photographers on these sites and they’ll tell you their honest opinions.
3. If you start charging people/becoming more serious, DO invest in a nice camera and lenses. Most professional photographers have different sets of lighting, different lenses (telephoto and wide angle are must-haves) AND they must know how to use them!
4. Get in contact with photographers who have been doing it for years to mentor you and look at your work. You must be able to take compliments as well as harsh criticism without losing your cool.
5. Read books about photography. Google the best photographers in your city. Look at their photographs and study them.
6. Respect all other photographers! We all started somewhere. Some of us struggled and some of us have a natural eye for detail. Please keep that in mind and respect your fellow photographers!
That’s that. If anyone’s interested in learning more, send me a comment and I would be happy to help in any way i could. I’m no pro yet but I own my fair share of experience.

Advice for expanding your photography knowledge:
Whenever I go somewhere and see a photographer (whether they are beginner or professional), I introduce myself to them and start up a convo. Ask how long they've been shooting, what kind of camera do they use, and I always ask to swap business cards! It's a good way to meet experts in the field and if you ever need photography help, they will remember you! By the end of the convo, I ask if they have one piece of advice for beginners. Then write down what their answer is on their business card.

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