7 PHOTOGRAPHY MISTAKES I see all the time

Summary

In this video, the presenter discusses common photography mistakes, focusing on composition rather than technical aspects. They highlight the importance of balanced photos, purposeful foregrounds, seamless connections between image planes, compelling subjects, appropriate lighting, and avoiding overly complicated scenes. The video emphasizes the need for simplicity and the strategic use of cropping to enhance images, ultimately aiming to improve photographic composition and storytelling.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Focus on composition as it is crucial for a good photo, even more than technical settings like focus, exposure, or camera settings.
• ⚖️ Aim for balance in photos where elements fit nicely together, creating a harmonious and pleasing image.
• 🏞️ Be purposeful with the foreground in images, ensuring it adds to the story of the scene and is not confusing or overly dominant.
• 🌅 Connect the foreground, mid-ground, and background effectively to avoid a 'drop-off' that disconnects the viewer from the full scene.
• 👀 Include a compelling subject in the scene that captures the viewer's attention and provides a focal point.
• 💡 Be mindful of the lighting conditions; different scenes may require different lighting to bring out the best in the image.
• 🖼️ Avoid overly complicated or cluttered images by focusing on one main element and using techniques like leading lines to draw attention.
• 📸 Consider cropping images to improve balance and composition, ensuring that the final result is visually appealing and well-composed.
• 🌲 Look for interesting foreground elements that can add depth and drama to landscape photos, making them more engaging.
• 🌆 Experiment with different compositions and rules, sometimes breaking conventions can lead to unique and captivating images.

Q & A

What are the seven mistakes discussed in the video?

The seven mistakes discussed are: 1) Unbalanced photos, 2) Inadequate use of foreground, 3) Foreground dropping off, 4) Lack of a compelling subject, 5) Wrong lighting conditions, 6) Overly complicated or cluttered images, and 7) Neglecting the edges and corners of shots.

How can one improve their photography composition?

One can improve their photography composition by focusing on balance, using foreground purposefully, ensuring a smooth transition from foreground to mid-ground and background, having a compelling subject, shooting in the right light, simplifying the scene, and paying attention to the edges and corners of their shots.

What does a balanced photo mean?

A balanced photo refers to one where the elements of the photo fit together harmoniously, creating a pleasing visual arrangement without any part of the image drawing undue attention or appearing out of place.

Why is the use of foreground important in photography?

The use of foreground is important in photography because it adds depth and context to the image, contributing to the overall narrative and visual interest of the scene. It should be purposeful and not overly dominant or confusing.

How can a photographer ensure a good connection between the foreground and the rest of the image?

A photographer can ensure a good connection by looking for elements that create a visual path leading the viewer's eye through the image. Diagonal lines, S-curves, and leading lines can be particularly effective in guiding the viewer's attention and maintaining a cohesive composition.

What should a compelling subject in a scene be?

A compelling subject in a scene should be an element that captures the viewer's attention and provides a focal point. It could be a distinct feature or a combination of elements that work together to tell a story or convey a mood.

Why is it important to consider lighting conditions when taking a photo?

Lighting conditions are crucial because they can greatly affect the mood, texture, and depth of an image. Shooting in the wrong light can lead to high contrast, lack of detail, or a flat appearance, while the right lighting can enhance the scene and make it more visually appealing.

How can a photographer avoid making their images too complicated or cluttered?

A photographer can avoid clutter by focusing on one main element or story in the scene, using a longer lens to simplify the view, and being mindful of what's included in the frame. Removing unnecessary distractions and ensuring each element serves a purpose can lead to a more impactful image.

What should a photographer consider when cropping their photos?

When cropping photos, a photographer should consider whether there is room to add more elements to the image without disrupting the balance, and whether reducing the visible area can improve the focus and composition. It's important to remember that cropping can always be done, but elements cannot be added if they were not captured in the original shot.

How can experimenting with photography techniques lead to unique images?

Experimenting with techniques such as focusing on unexpected elements, playing with depth of field, or trying different compositions can lead to unique and creative images. It allows photographers to break away from traditional rules and discover new ways of expressing their artistic vision.

What advice does the speaker give for improving photography skills?

The speaker advises photographers to study their mistakes, learn from others' work, practice shooting in different lighting conditions, be purposeful with their composition choices, and not be afraid to experiment and break the rules to find their unique style.