When first learning photography all the different functions of a camera can be confusing and scary. For the user, this can result in a confusing image or a photo that looks odd and very basic. Here is our list of 8 beginner photography mistakes and how to avoid them.
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Blurry Focus Points
Automatically your camera is set to autofocus, which selects where the camera is going to focus the lens for you. The issue with this is if the camera chooses the wrong area to focus on your subject will be blurry ruining the photo.
How To Avoid:Â switch your camera to spot autofocus, where you get to chose your focal point by moving a square around the viewfinder to the area you would like to focus on. An easy way to ensure your desired subject is in focus is by holding down the focus’ back button while taking the image.Â
Shaky Frame
From low lighting to slow shutter speed, many beginners find a blur or shakiness in their images. The reason this happens is due to camera shake from the user holding the camera and improper shutter speed.
How To Avoid:Â to avoid camera shake ensure your shutter speed is 1 / focal length and for lowlight situations use a tripod to balance the camera.
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Confusing Composition
Composition is one of the first photography tools you learn as well as how to arrange the subject into the frame, but this can take time to get a hang of. Without understanding composition, many beginners get lost in understanding how to compose their images.
How To Avoid:Â Through following the rule of thirds and turning on the grid setting for your camera should help you compose your images beautifully. These are skills we teach in our Online Photo 101 Class.
Not Editing Your Photos or Over Editing
Many photographers when first learning about editing their photos they either don’t know how, are afraid to try, or get overexcited and over saturate the image.
How To Avoid:Â Learning how to perfect your image through editing can take some time but this is why we offer Lightroom & Photoshop 101 Virtual Photography Class. Avoid these fears and over the top editing by taking classes, learning how to properly edit and always compare your edited photo to your original.
Not Understanding Lighting
Lighting is everything in photography and is key to making your image look excellent and advanced quality. Beginner many take a quick photo without thinking of lighting and can result in harsh shadows, poor quality, as well as blown out or underexposed images.
How To Avoid:Â take a second to look at where you are shooting, first try to photograph friends and experiment with light to truly understand different lighting situations. As a beginner try to avoid night or low light shoots and always use natural light instead of artificial to save your self some trouble.
Shooting At Eye Level
Shooting at eye level is the action of taking your camera and capture your subject at your direct height. These images can come off as familiar or ordinary as this is the height we are accustomed to seeing.
How To Avoid:Â By changing your levels the photo will become more interesting immediately. Two great heights that many photographers use are worm’s & bird’s eye view, going from low to dirt to standing on elevated subjects to get a higher view.
Photo by @izuddinhelmi  & zane4004 via Unsplash
Not Knowing Your Cameras Buttons
Being able to shoot in a hurry to make sure you don’t miss any moments is a key skill, but can be hard for beginners as you need to be comfortable with all of the buttons on your camera. Understanding these functions comes with time and practise with the goal being able to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, iso, shooting mode, white balance, and focal points without taking your eye out of the viewfinder or going through the menu.
How To Avoid:Â each week focus on a different button and understanding its function, by the end of the week you should be able to change the settings without looking at the screen.
Missing The Shot
Moments come and go, trying to capture that can be hard when you are focused on changing lenses, getting your settings right, or simply getting your camera out of the bag.
How To Avoid:Â be ready ahead of time, before you start your event or activity get your camera ready and settings adjusted so you are ready for every moment. Don’t be afraid to shoot in shutter or aperture priority at the beginning as it will save you time and ensure your photo is not over or underexposed.
Photo by @felipe-giacometti via Unsplash
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