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Are you new to the field photography and want to learn which pitfalls to avoid? It is common for new photographers to make small errors as they learn the ropes.
We’ve done our research to reveal the seven most common photography mistakes that beginners make (and how to correct them). Before you waste time, money, or create an error during a shoot that can’t be recreated, read through our list!
Not Learning How to Use Lighting
Without lighting, your images might fall victim to too much or not enough sunshine or light. Skipping the use of lighting ultimately can backfire, as well as not knowing how to use the lighting or filters you do purchase. Correct this error by photographing during the golden hour, shortly after sunrise or sunset. Beware of trees and buildings that might cast awkward shadows on your images.
Expensive Equipment They Aren’t Skilled In
Financially, it doesn’t make sense to go into debt buying equipment; you lack the skill to use. As you purchase each additional piece of equipment, research what to buy, how to use it, and online research tips – as well as the information, included with your purchase. Correct this error by learning about the equipment you already have and setting a budget for yourself.
Example: Buying one piece of equipment with each new job or saving 20% of your pay from your first few gigs.
Not Posting or Protecting Copyright
Each time you post an image online, post the copyright for that image underneath or in the description. Although this may not prevent all online image theft, it will detract many from using your image(s) without permission.
If you don’t mind your image(s) being shared or used by others, include that in the description and any limitations of that copyright sharing. Correct this error by doing regular reverse image searches to search for stolen work and being diligent in including copyright, even on photo sharing sites like Instagram.
Missed Focus
This occurs when you use auto-focus, and the camera chooses the focal point for your images. The problem with this is that the camera will occasionally select the wrong part of the frame. This is especially common when choosing a shallow depth of field. Correct this error by using your camera’s spot autofocus when picking your focal point. For humans, the focus is usually on the subject’s eyes.
Subject in Center
There are several versions of this error. One is to place the subject (person or thing) in the center of every photograph. Another is to have the horizon (where land and sky meet) in the center of every picture, horizontally. Give land or sky more action for several photographs. Correct this error after the shoot, by cropping the image!
Background
You could be in the midst of a shoot at a beautiful location with stunning scenery and a beautiful model. However, a common mistake is when the photographer is so focused on the focal point in the image (for instance, the subject) that they fail to assess the background of the subject.
You will know when this happens as a tree or building will show awkwardly behind the subject’s head or present an odd color contrast. Correct this error by prioritizing a mental check of the background. Be active during shoots and photograph from different angles and heights.
Generic Viewpoints
A beautiful building might photograph whomever nicely shoots the image. The exciting part of your image will be more than that it will be your perspective. The perspective of your photograph will take it from average to excellent and explains why multiple people can photograph the same things with different results.
Correct this error by taking as many images you can, during a shoot, and challenging yourself to see things in a new way. Studying the work of other image takers you admire can also help!
Although many photographers make mistakes when starting, you can minimize errors by studying the craft of photography. Talk to mentors in the field, to gain perspectives on techniques and tips you might not hear otherwise.
Those who are the most successful, worldwide view mistakes as learning experiences. By bouncing back quickly from missteps and recognizing that resiliency is a part of every great photographer’s skill set, you can become an expert at what you do!
Curious if the copyright for your images have been infringed upon? Don’t make one of the seven deadly sins of photography! Check if your photographs are being stolen online through Berify and start getting paid for your work.
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