7 tips to help you Be a Better Photographer
Whether you want to take better photos of your kids, pets (ok, your kids), create content for your blog, or you simply enjoy artistic expression through photography, you likely struggle with getting photos to look like what you see.
While my personal mantra is that any photo is better than not documenting memories at all, when quality counts, there are resources to help you improve at your photography.
First, Understand that There is No “Easy Button”
I’ve received many requests to help an eager individual learn photography over a coffee chat. While I understand the desire to take professional-quality images is genuine, the sentiment behind the request often assumes that the enormous amount of knowledge I’d teach can happen in a “30-minutes-or-less” latte convo.
It’s kind of like asking, “Can you show me how to design and build a custom home from scratch?” Where do I begin?
Bad news friends: There is no such thing as an overnight success. It comes as no surprise that universal access to camera phones has made everyone an amateur photographer. It takes years of experience, education, and a lot of mistakes to stop taking mediocre photos and start creating stunning photographs.
I know when individuals are serious about learning photography when they’re willing to invest time and, on occasion, money toward education. With that in mind, I created a list of resources below — things I’ve tapped into during my journey to help you launch yours.
My advice? Start with one thing. Master it. Move onto the next area of learning growth.
Take An Online Photography Classes
Light is the #1 component of a good image, and something I’d wish I’d focused on years ago. I would have advanced much faster if I’d known basic principles of light.
These are a few of my favorite photographers who break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand principles:
Sue Bryce and Lindsay Adler are excellent teachers if you’re getting into more advanced studio lighting techniques and tips on how to run a photography business.
All of these classes will focus on lighting, composition, and leveraging the right gear for less than a college course.
Learn How to Use Your Gear
I can’t stress this enough: Read your camera manual. Your camera has amazing features that can help you learn and tap into creativity galore. I love using my double-exposure setting for photo essays.
Online user groups and community forums, like Canon User, are also great places to get a good handle on your gear. This applies to off-camera flash, light modifiers, or anything else you’re using.
Fair warning that there are some seriously insecure people in online forums who love to make novices feel like they’re second-rate for not knowing everything. Pay them no attention. You’re not the one eating cheap Ramen in your mom’s basement.
Take A Photo Editing Class
When you take a great photo straight out of camera (SOOC), you have hit a new stride, my friend. But we all know a good photo can become great with editing. Whether it’s adding a mood or tone that is totally you, there are plenty of resources.
These have been my go-to editing
Or, try your hand at photo editing using a favorite iPhone photo editing app and work your way into more advanced areas like removing pimples, undereye circles, etc. with professional photo editing software.
Find a Mentor
At the time I’m writing this blog, we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. In-person events are rare, if happening at all. However, if you can safely participate in a local photography club, I strongly encourage it.
The Cleveland Photographic Society is a 133-year old club that lives strong today. It’s a great way to learn entry-level photography classes, build community, go on field trips and learn from mentors. You can tap into an entire group of people willing to teach you how to take better photos in real-time for a very nominal investment.
Check your social media platforms. Facebook has plenty of community groups as well to join like-minded learners and mentors.
Or, reach out to a photographer you admire. Don’t be surprised if they turn you down. Mentoring takes a lot of time and energy for a business owner. But be a good human being and offer them payment if they do offer to mentor you.
Watch Your Finances
This is a topic rarely covered in an industry comprised of many starving artists. Whether it’s a hobby or a full-time dream job, photography costs money. Period. Gear, editing tools, etc. are surprisingly expensive but you can find good deals on used equipment.
Choose your needs wisely. Avoid buying gear you don’t need unless you really know that not having it would truly hold you back. You don’t need the most advanced camera. If you’re confused about which camera to buy, check out this blog post.
You’ll want to back up your precious photos and some sites let you store data up to a limit for free. Google Drive and Dropbox are my top choices. Buy extra camera memory cards while you’re at it. They tend to fill up quickly.
If you’re starting to charge for your work, count your cost of doing business first, and consider taking a business class. I loved “This Can’t Be This Hard” by Annemie Token.
EMBRACE Mistakes And Learn From Them
They say your first 10,000 photos will be your worst. While not all of my photos from my starting days were totally horrific, I can tell you there were many shots I was proud of then that would never make the cut now.
In a culture obsessed with perfection and speed of mastery, we’re fooling (and stressing) ourselves into thinking that we can conquer a rather advanced artistic field in terms of technical mastery and artistic interpretation in 30 days or less.
Mistakes Make the Master.
My photo galleries now are a marked improvement from where they were 8+ years ago. But as I step into more advanced lighting, I realize how much more I need to learn. Some days it feels overwhelming. I will continue to make mistakes, but I know that in another 8 years, I’ll look back to my work today and be proud of a marked improvement.
Which resources or notes of encouragement have you found to be most helpful as you learn photography?
