Friday, May 22, 2015

100 Tips from Professional Photographers


100 Tips from Professional Photographers…
1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn’t mean that they’re a good photographer.
2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.
3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer.
4. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
5. Go outside & shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.
6. There is no “magic” camera or lens.
7. Spend less time looking at other people’s work and more time shooting your own.
8. Don’t take your DSLR to parties.
9. Making your photos b/w doesn’t automatically make them “artsy”
10. People will always discredit your work if you tell them you “photoshop” your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the “digital darkroom”.
11. You don’t need to take a photo of everything.
12. Better lenses don’t give you better photos.
13. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph.
14. Macro photography isn’t for everybody.
15. Photo editing is an art in itself.
16. Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
17. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.
18. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.
19. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
20. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
21. Don’t be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
22. The more photos you take, the better you get.
23. A point-and-shoot is still a camera.
24. Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.
25. Only show your best photos.
26. Join an online photography forum.
27. share your work online.
28. Think before you shoot.
29. Critique the works of others.
30. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.
31. A good photo shouldn’t require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). *
32. Simplicity is key.
33. Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.
34. The definition of photography is: “painting with light.” Use light in your favor.
35. Ditch the backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
36. Grain is beautiful.
37. Find your style of photography and stick with it.
38. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
39. Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
40. Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
41. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.
42. Shoot with confidence.
43. Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life.
44. Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s).
45. Photography and juxtaposition are best friends.
46. Take straight photos.
47. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
48. Give them to strangers.
49. Give your photos to friends.
50. Don’t forget to frame them.
51. Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
52. Photos make great presents.
53. Candid > Posed.
54. Natural light is the best light.
55. 35mm (on full frame) is the best “walk-around” focal length.
56. Taking photos of strangers is thrilling.
57. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
58. Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be “artsy” is exploitation.
59. Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
60. Nowadays everybody is a photographer.
61. You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
62. You don’t need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go (hell, I don’t even own one).
63. Don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
64. You don’t need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.
65. You can’t “photoshop” bad images into good ones.
66. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
67. In terms of composition, photography and painting aren’t much different.
68. Cameras as tools, not toys.
69. Make photos, not excuses.
70. Be original in your photography. Don’t try to copy the style of others.
71. Photography isn’t a hobby- it’s a lifestyle.
72. Laughter always draws out peoples’ true character in a photograph.
73. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
74. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
75. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
76. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
77. Don’t look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
78. Never delete any of your photos.
79. The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
80. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
81. Learn how to read a histogram.
82. Don’t be afraid to take photos in the rain.
83. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
84. Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
85. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
86. Never take photos on an empty stomach.
87. Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is a philosophy of life.
88. Capture the decisive moment
89. Focus should be on eyes.
90. Use Flash When Shooting At Sunset
91. Use Low Angles For Close-Ups
92. Use A Polarizer And Graduated ND Filter For Landscapes.
93. Your Feet Make The Best Zoom.
94 Lose The “I’ll Fix It In Photoshop” Attitude.
95. Have fun while taking photos.
96. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
97. Never stop taking photos
98. Never hoard your photographic insight- share it with the world.
99. You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
100. Write your own list.

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