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11 Things that will make you a better photographer right now

Everyone who owns a camera wants to be able to take good photographs. Here is a list of eleven things that will improve your photography immediately!

1. Read your Camera's Manual

Most people never even crack their owners manual open after buying a camera. This manual will tell you all the nifty features and how to use them, many of which you might not even know about. It might even give you some tips on your photography. Every good photographer has to know their camera inside and out. Here's some motivation, did you know that if you've bought your pocket-sized camera within the last 4 years, it probably has a panorama mode?


2. Fill the Frame with a Simple Subject/Simplify your image

Whatever you are taking a picture of should fill your frame. Too much going on in a photograph distracts from your subject and weakens the image. Simplify the image and you'll have a strong photograph.

3. Learn the Rule of 3rds

Divide the the scene into thirds length-wise and again width-wise. The subject of the image should generally be placed at the intersection of the horizontal and vertical lines.

4. Learn to shoot in Aperture Priority and Shutter-Speed Priority modes.

If you camera has these modes, you are in luck! Most photographers shoot in these two modes. Aperture priority controls how much of the background is in focus. The smaller the "f" number the shallower the plane of focus. Shutter-speed priority controls motion. To freeze action, shoot with a higher shutter-speed. To blur motion slow down the shutter-speed.

5. Slow Down!

Most people don't take time to study the image in the frame. Slow down. If you go too fast you might miss details that could end up ruining your image, like a light pole or tree growing out of someone's head.

6. Zoom with Your Feet

Just because your camera has a zoom doesn't mean that you must use it. Try moving the camera itself closer to the subject instead. When you use the camera's zoom, you tend to flatten your image. If you move with your feet, perspectives and depth in the image is maintained and it can help the subject really pop!

7. Try a different perspective

Instead of photographing your subject straight on, try it from another angle. Instead of standing over a flower and pointing your camera down at it, try photographing across the petals. Better yet, try photographing from underneath the flower and have the beautiful blue sky as the background!

8. Learn the Exposure Triangle

This is related to number four. Photography is about give and take. There are three main things that the camera manipulates to make an image: the aperture, the shutter-speed and the sensitivity of the sensor, also known as ISO. Two can be fixed but one has to be manipulated to make a proper exposure. For instance, a photographer can choose the shutter-speed and the aperture but then the sensitivity has to change. The photographer can also set the aperture and sensitivity but then the shutter-speed has to change. It can be a daunting task to understanding the relationship but it is critical if you want to take your photography to the next level.

9. Take Lots of Photos...And Then Take More Photos

Digital photography has made photography a hobby for the masses. Back in the days of film, every photograph cost 15 cents or more, forcing photographers to be more reluctant to press the shutter button. With digital photography it doesn't cost anything to take a photo. Like any learned skill, photography takes practice. Take lots of photos!

10. Don't Get Discouraged

Photography is not something that can be instantly learned. You won't be a master overnight. Remember how daunting it was to drive in traffic for the first time? Now it's not so bad right? Same with photography. Just because your photos aren't turning out how you hoped doesn't mean that you bought the wrong camera, it might mean that you haven't taken time to learn it. Be patient with yourself. With instant gratification being the norm, it can be frustrating when things don't work exactly the way we want it to right away. Take time and learn the craft. As you do, you'll find far deeper gratification in knowing that you have a firm understanding of a wonderful hobby and skill. Every novice photographer doubts their skills or their camera at some point. Realize this is normal. Perseverance is the key to success when it comes to photography.

11. Don't Compare Yourself to Others

The best way to be miserable as an artist is to compare your work to other artists work. You were born with your own style and aesthetic. Cultivate that and be unique. That's not to say that you can't learn from other peoples work, just realize that they are doing a style that they know best. Why have your work look like someone else's work? Stand out and make your work your own!


Hopefully these photography tips help and inspire you to nurture your inner shutterbug. What tips do you have to help improve your photography?

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