7 Photography Mistakes I See All Beginners Make

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares seven common photography mistakes often made by beginners and how to avoid them. Key points include learning from the right sources, not relying solely on wide autofocus, and understanding the difference between blur and misfocus. The importance of selecting appropriate apertures, considering audience perception, and embracing stylistic choices in photography are emphasized. The speaker encourages photographers to aim for meaningful images rather than stressing over technical perfection, highlighting that audience connection is paramount in photography.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learn from the right people: Seek feedback from those who specialize in your desired photography style.
• 😀 Don't rely solely on wide autofocus: Always choose a specific focus point for better accuracy.
• 😀 Distinguish between blur and misfocus: Understand that blur can occur from slow shutter speeds, not just misfocused subjects.
• 😀 Think oppositely with focal lengths: Use wider lenses for close-ups and tighter lenses for landscapes to create unique perspectives.
• 😀 Don't always use the lowest f-stop: Wider apertures are great, but using a higher f-stop can provide more context in your images.
• 😀 Not all blurry photos are bad: Blurriness can be a stylistic choice and may resonate with audiences.
• 😀 Remember your audience: Focus on the preferences of the people you're creating for, not just photography enthusiasts online.
• 😀 Engage with local photography communities: Workshops and local groups can enhance your skills and provide valuable networking opportunities.
• 😀 Use proper shutter speed: For moving subjects, ensure your shutter speed is fast enough to avoid motion blur.
• 😀 Photography is subjective: Different opinions exist; what matters most is the story your photo tells.

Q & A

What is a common mistake photographers make when seeking feedback?

Many photographers learn from general photography forums, which often provide conflicting opinions. It's better to find specific communities that align with your style for more relevant feedback.

Why is it important to select a specific focus point?

Choosing a specific focus point reduces the chances of your subject being out of focus, especially in complex scenes. Smaller focus areas help the camera make fewer assumptions.

How can photographers distinguish between blur and misfocus?

Blur is usually caused by movement when the shutter speed is too slow, while misfocus occurs when the wrong subject is in focus. Adjusting shutter speed can help reduce blur in moving subjects.

What is a recommended starting shutter speed for various subjects?

For still subjects, start at 1/125; for moving portraits, 1/250; for sports and wildlife, use 1/1000 or faster.

What is the benefit of using wider focal lengths for close-up shots?

Using a wider focal length for close-ups can create a more dynamic perspective, making subjects appear larger and more impactful.

What are the three key advantages of using low f-stop lenses?

1. They provide beautiful background blur (bokeh). 2. They allow more light in, making them ideal for low light situations. 3. They are typically higher quality lenses.

Are all blurry photos considered bad?

Not necessarily. Blurry photos can be a stylistic choice and may evoke emotion, so it's important to evaluate their context before discarding them.

Why should photographers consider their audience?

Understanding your audience helps tailor your work to their preferences, which can lead to a more positive reception of your photos, rather than focusing solely on technical perfection.

What resources are suggested for improving photography skills?

Joining specific photography communities, attending workshops at local camera stores, or participating in organizations like PPA can provide valuable learning opportunities.

What lesson did the speaker learn from their early photography experiences?

The speaker realized that while technical perfection is important, the emotional impact and connection to the audience are what truly matter in photography.