7 Ways You're Using Your Camera Wrong
There are plenty of beginners - and enthusiasts and professionals, too - that do something wrong with their camera.
Part of the reason for that is that there are simply so many ways that you can use your gear in the wrong way.
Another part of it is simply being misinformed (or uninformed) about how to properly do what you need to do with your camera.
With that in mind, here are a few beginner photography mistakes you're making with your camera.
Camera Mistake #1: Holding the Camera Wrong
Your camera has a big chunky grip for your right hand, so it's pretty evident where your right hand needs to go.
But what about your left hand?
In the image above, you can see a common mistake - grabbing the left side of the camera body with your fingers. This is definitely not the best way to hold a camera.
Instead, use the grip for your right hand and place your left hand under the lens.
Not only does this give the camera more support, but it also enables you to turn the focus ring while also supporting the camera.
Editor's Tip: Not sure what lens to add to your camera bag next? Learn why a 50mm lens should be your first choice.
Camera Mistake #2: Not Cleaning Your Lens
This one is pretty straightforward - if you don't clean your lens, you'll have to fight dust, dirt, fingerprints, and smudges that appear in your images.
You don't need to clean your lens after every single photo you take, but giving it a good wipedown with lens wipes after every use wouldn't hurt.
There are other options for how to clean your lens.
You can use a lens brush, like the one shown above. Just gently sweep the lens in a circular motion from the middle of the lens outward to wipe away any loose debris.
You can also use a rocket blower to use air to dislodge any big chunks of dust or dirt from your lens.
Learn More:
Camera Mistake #3: Not Having Enough Batteries or Memory Cards
It might seem like a simple enough task to be sure that you have spare batteries and memory cards, yet even the best of photographers forget to pack extras from time to time.
Even as large as the capacity has gotten on memory cards, it's still a possibility for you to fill one up, especially if you're shooting in RAW (which you should be) and if you're out shooting all day or for the whole weekend.
And since many cameras will only give you 1,000-1,500 shots on a single battery charge, having a spare battery or two is of the utmost importance.
Editor's Tip: Stop displaying your photos incorrectly and putting holes in your wall. Learn how to properly display your photos right here.
Camera Mistake #4: Not Adjusting Your Focus Point
When it comes to how to use a DSLR, you really need to understand how to adjust the focus point.
It's true that most cameras are their sharpest when the center focus point is used. However, not all subjects are in the middle of the frame, as you can see above.
One way to get around this is the "focus and recompose" technique, in which you acquire focus on the subject using the middle focus point, and depress the shutter button halfway.
You can then recompose the shot and press the shutter button all the way down to take the photo.
An option that will get you better results, though, is to actually move the focus point.
So, once you've framed up the shot and know where you want the subject to appear, you can use your camera's menu system to select the appropriate focus point, moving it from the middle to the left, right, up or down as needed.
Every camera is a little different regarding how to move the focus point, so refer to your camera's owner's manual for details on that.
Learn More:
Other Ways You're Using Your Camera Wrong
As I noted in the introduction, there are tons of ways you can go about working your camera all wrong.
In the video above by B&H Photo Video, you can learn more about how to do things the right way.
The tips I've outlined above are outlined in the video as well, with three additional beginner photography tips for how to use a DSLR.
Have a look at the video, learn how to use your camera, and get out there to shoot some great photos!
