When it comes down to it, the difference between beginner photographers and experienced photographers isn't all that much.
It's just a little time, experience, and an understanding of essential photography principles.
Okay, so maybe there's a little more of a difference than I thought...
However, beginner photographers can make up a lot of ground by focusing on a few critical areas, composition being one of them.
In the video above, Sheldon Evans tackles this very subject - photography mistakes that beginner photographers make, and solutions to help avoid them.
It's a quick video that's well worth the watch, as Sheldon lays it all out as to what you can do to NOT look like a beginner photographer.
I've outlined his tips below for quick reference.
Editor's Tip: After you learn how to take better photos, get better prints made. Learn how to turn your photos into fine art.
Photography Mistake #1: Not Doing Background Checks
When you take portraits, the person you're photographing is obviously the most important element in the shot.
But that doesn't mean that there aren't other factors at play that might reduce the quality of your photo, like weird things going on in the background.
In the screenshot above, notice how the model looks like her body is being split with the lines of the wall behind her.
In particular, the corner of the wall creates a line that comes out the top of the model's head, which is very distracting.
You can stop making this common photography mistake very easily, too.
Simply moving to a different shooting position to frame the lines out of the shot is a good place to start. You can also shoot with a wider aperture in order to create more background blur, thus negating the presence of the lines.
Another idea is to use the lines as a compositional tool.
In the screenshot above, Sheldon uses the rectangular shape of the window to bring more interest to that area of the background.
Another option is to use lines to create a frame within a frame, as shown above.
A frame within a frame is a very powerful compositional tool because it helps draw more attention to the subject.
What's more, the positioning of the frame - in this case the light-filled window directly behind the model - doesn't intersect with her head or body, thus making it an eye-catching element instead of a distracting one.
Learn More:
- Best Camera Settings for Portrait Photography
- 4 Portrait Photography Tips Every Beginner Should Know
Photography Mistake #2: Not Giving the Model Breathing Room
When you have an entire frame full of room to position the model, the last thing you want to do is cram them to the same side in which they're looking.
As you can see above, the model is uncomfortably close to the left side of the shot, which makes it feel a little on the claustrophobic side.
The reason for that is because we have no idea what's beyond the edge of the frame. So, even though the model might have 20 feet of space in which to look, to us, she's boxed in way too close.
To fix this issue, simply have the model look the other direction, toward the center of the shot.
You can also recompose the shot to give the model more breathing room, as was done in the image above.
Editor's Tip: Take better portraits with a better portrait lens. Learn how to find high-quality bargain lenses.
Photography Mistake #3: Amputations
A telltale sign that a portrait was taken by a beginner photographer is if there are body parts cut off the model.
As far as bad photography mistakes go, this is at the top of the list for portraits!
In the screenshot above, notice how the model's right hand looks like it's been amputated.
Framing portraits like this - with joints like wrists, elbows, and knees right at the edge of the frame, looks haphazard.
But, again, the fix is really simple.
You can try shooting wide, and including the person's entire body in the photo, as shown above.
You can also try cropping at what Sheldon calls "safe zones," or areas between joints, like the mid-abdomen.
Additionally, if you're taking a headshot, include the person's shoulders in the frame, otherwise they'll look like a floating head.
Likewise, don't crop too far down on a person's head, otherwise they'll look like the top of their head has been cut off.
It's a lot to remember when you take portraits, especially when you add in camera settings, what lens to use, lighting, and so forth.
But using this quick and simple guideline, you can minimize bad photography mistakes and start creating more pleasing compositions!
Learn More:
- 9 Can't-Miss Portrait Photography Tips That Will Help You Create Better Portraits Today
- Innovative Portrait Photography Tips You Need to Use Today