We regularly pay attention to mistakes made by photographers of all kinds and we want to share them with you along with solutions to avoid them. Learning photography shouldn’t be hard, and while trial and error cannot be replaced, it sometimes helps to learn from others’ mistakes.
Here are some common ones together with the right way of doing things.
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Are you using flash for distant subjects?
If you are, you might have been surprised in the past about the poor quality of the results. Flash doesn’t work for long distance subjects, but it’s cool when you see a full stadium at a sporting event and everybody’s flashing away like crazy.
The solution: Using the flash on your camera or an external one for photographing a faraway subject has absolutely no effect on that subject. Instead, try to expose using ambient light by bossing the ISO.
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Are you using free editing software?
A lot of photographers who would rather not have to do with the editing part settle for what free software has to offer. Programs like GIMP and iPhoto are good when you’re just starting, but their limitations become visible pretty soon.
The solution: Invest in proper organizing and editing software. You will thank yourself for making all that work easier and more fun.
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Are you not backing up?
You are definitely making a big mistake if you aren’t securing your photos on at least one other hard drive. It only takes one unfortunate event to lose an entire year’s work or even more.
The solution: Don’t be cheap. Back up on external drives, discs, clouds, or whatever floats your boat. Just do it before it’s too late and you end up with regret.
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Are you getting shadow from the lens hood when using flash?
Sometimes when you’re using a large lens hood, like those found on pro glass, or when your flash head is positioned too low, an unwanted shadow can appear.
The solution: Moving the flash is a good idea, but ideally, take off the lens hood if it’s a bigger model.
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Are you shooting above the eyes?
Photographing above the model’s eyes will most often make your photos look bad or boring. It’s almost the same view as without the camera, but not in a good way. This is a very common tendency for tall photographers.
The solution: Stay on the same eye level with your model.
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Are you over editing?
This often happens to photographers who have just discovered the magic of Lightroom and Photoshop. Things can very easily get out of hand, especially due to an untrained eye.
The solution: Take it easy. One step at a time. Learn the basics before you go and blow every color out of proportions or make the skin on the subject look like it’s from an 80s mutant movie.
Also Read: 41 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T DATE A PHOTOGRAPHER
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