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How to Avoid Them

When I first started out in photography, I made plenty of mistakes. Looking back, these missteps taught me a lot, but avoiding some of them early on would have saved me time and frustration!

Here are the top five mistakes most new photographers make and how you can sidestep them to improve your skills faster.

1. Relying Too Much on Auto Mode

Auto mode might seem convenient, but it can limit your creative control. In auto, your camera makes all the decisions for you—like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture—which doesn’t always result in the best shot. Plus, if you’re serious about improving, learning these settings will help you capture photos exactly how you envision them.

  • Fix: Start by experimenting with Aperture Priority (A/Av) or Shutter Priority (S/Tv) modes, where you control one setting and the camera adjusts the others. Once you’re comfortable, try shooting in Manual Mode to fully take charge of your shots.

2. Not Paying Attention to Lighting

Lighting is everything in photography. When I started, I focused more on the subject than the light source, which often left me with dark or poorly lit photos. Without proper lighting, even the most interesting subjects can fall flat.

  • Fix: Begin to notice how light affects your photos. Natural light, like sunlight during golden hour, is ideal for soft, flattering shots. If you’re indoors, place your subject near a window or try using diffused light. Remember, it’s easier to brighten a naturally lit photo in editing than to fix one that’s too dark.

3. Ignoring Composition

Composition is what makes a photo visually pleasing, and without it, images can feel messy or unbalanced. New photographers often center their subjects or take quick snapshots without thinking about composition, which can make photos look ordinary.

  • Fix: Use the Rule of Thirds as a simple guide. Divide your frame into a 3×3 grid and place key elements along those lines or where they intersect. Experiment with leading lines, symmetry, and framing for more dynamic compositions. Trust me, a little thought into composition goes a long way!

4. Over-Editing Photos

It’s easy to go overboard with editing, especially when you’re just starting out and exploring filters, contrast, and saturation. But too much editing can make your photos look unnatural and take away from the original charm of the shot.

  • Fix: Try subtle adjustments first. Begin with basics like exposure, contrast, and white balance, and avoid going too heavy on saturation and clarity. Editing should enhance your photo, not completely change it. Take a step back after each edit and see if the adjustments look natural.

5. Not Taking Enough Photos

Photography is about capturing moments, and sometimes it takes a few shots to get the perfect one. When I first began, I’d take one or two photos and move on, often missing out on better shots. Taking multiple shots increases your chances of capturing that perfect angle, expression, or lighting.

  • Fix: Don’t be afraid to take lots of photos! Try different angles, settings, and compositions of the same subject. Use Burst Mode for moving subjects to increase your chances of getting a sharp shot. Review your photos later to pick the best ones, and remember that practice makes perfect.

Final Thoughts

Photography is a journey, and everyone makes mistakes along the way. By learning to avoid these common pitfalls, you’ll be well on your way to capturing better photos and developing your style. Keep practicing, experimenting, and don’t be afraid to make a few mistakes—that’s where the real learning happens. Happy shooting!