According to the father of modern photojournalism, Henri Cartier-Bresson “Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst.” Every artist regardless of the craft will stumble during the learning process. You can however avoid some mistakes by learning from others. Here are some of the more common mistakes made by beginning photographers.
Using the wrong photography equipment
Not only do you need high quality cameras for professional photography, you’ll need a number of accessories and other equipment. For example, outdoor photography will require a different set of tools than indoor photography; at the very least you’ll need a specialty light stand designed to stay upright in windy conditions and on uneven ground. The equipment you need will depend greatly on your subjects, the environment, and how the photo will be used.
Not understanding the subtleties of your camera
From exposure to zoom to focus, there are many aspects of using a camera that can seem unimportant at first glance. However, mastering the uses of each feature on your camera will always result in a better picture. It’s also crucial though, that you don’t rely too heavily on these subtleties — it can wreak havoc on your creativity.
Being unprepared for your shot
Even the most stunning photographic scenes are useless to you as a photographer if you don’t capture them on film. This means knowing how to use your camera as well as having it ready. Make sure to have fresh batteries, memory card in, lens cap off, and camera on. This also means taking plenty of extra shots, because you never know which one will be perfect. The more shots you take, the more likely that you’ll end up with a few great ones.
Thinking you can’t improve your craft.
As a creative professional, it’s essential that you’re always improving. After all, no one is perfect, so practicing will always make you better. You should also not be afraid to be critical of yourself; a critical eye is essential in improving your craft. As a photographer, it’s important to keep up to date on the constantly advancing technology as well.
While your first 10,000 photographs may be your worst, even your worst can be pretty good if you know how to use your camera and lighting equipment, and you are ready to capture the moment in a creative way.