Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I’ve been teaching photography for many years now, and one thing I’ve noticed is that beginners make the same common mistakes. In this video I’ll be going through those but more importantly, giving you tips on how to avoid them. This will be a great beginner’s photography tutorial and will set you off into your learning journey!

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[buddhikejayathilake]

another thing i find usefull is taking atleast 2 photos..
1) using complete manual exposure and camera settings
2) using the automattic funtion to take the same picture
and when i go home i compare them with the each other in ightroom or do it in the field if time permits
this really helped me to move from automatic function to fully manual

[toddysurcharge]

I think a big thing too is don't ALWAYS shoot in full manual mode. It's ok to use Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority.

[CallMeChato]

I have one tip I give people taking pictures (not people who aspire to be photographers). The tip is, set up your shot and then take one big step forward. Most people shoot too wide. They try the tip and are thrilled with the results.

[N]

To get a good photo, take a lot of photos. Proficiency in photography is achieved by practice, not purchase. Use a lens hood. Built in flash produces flat, dull images. People spend about 10% of their time blinking; when shooting portraits, take several shots to compensate. Keep your lenses clean and batteries charged. 90% of your photos will be taken with your "normal" or "kit" lens. When shooting an important event, bring a backup body, just in case.

[arpanbanerjeeth]

I couldn’t resist myself again from commenting. It takes lot of education and knowledge to make a tutorial like this. As a beginner (Although I’m still learning every day) I used to use camera’s in-built flash when low light conditions appeared. This habit most of the time made my backgrounds super dark. Please refer to the requirements of soft lighting as well, as I’m sure many people also make the same mistake as I used to do.

[ebtbmb]

I love this channel! My mom bought me a mirrorless Canon camera with no viewfinder for Christmas. She put a lot of time research and money into getting me a good "beginner's" camera. I've since learned that this is not the case. But, it was a thoughtful and generous gift and I'm really having fun.
I can still learn a lot from this camera and have. I'm going to try to get all I can out of it before upgrading.
Making mistakes is frustrating, but the feeling of finally getting the shot you wanted makes it all worthwhile. I find the whole process to be very rewarding.

[mickaldridge]

Love the YouTube stuff as well as the actual lessons at the school. However I believe that these videos are a great help to understanding and seeing what is going on. Yes you have to be selective about the ones you view but I find they help my understanding of issues and give me reasons to pursue a line or not.
I had to laugh at one of your comments on a Webinar about what to do with an Apple Mac. Something I would love to do. I also like your relaxed style of teaching and presenting these things. I think there s always something one can learn. Reading books, watching videos are all part of the learning process. They complement the experience rather than hinder it.

[marckriggins]

From day 1, after watching dozens of hours of instruction, I started with Manual mode. I thought, if I'm going to understand photography, I need to understand navigating menus in camera for control of the shot. I have enjoyed observing when the camera "tells" me that the exposure is not "correct", I know what result I'm after... I do use live view with the control presets for zoom, to ensure focus in particular parts of composition. But, yes, the EVF is primary in setting up for framing and focus of subject... I try to plan ahead in framing, so that I will be as close to the desired aspect ratio as possible. Mark, thanks for your work and the value you add to the Photography community!!!

[hurleygreen]

GREAT JOB GOING BACK TO BASICS! Thanks for this video....

[ellieabbott]

I am an aussie year 12 student wbo ADORES photography and have just started my own business! your videos help me so so so much and i appreciate you and your videos heaps !!! so thank you !!!

[heathertaylor]

I love the "body tripod" and shutter above 125 tips. Excellent video!

[chrisdunford]

When I see a shot that's gone wrong I find it's easiest to check the settings I used by bringing up the EXIF data on my PC image viewing software. Faststone is a great all round free viewer if you need to download one

[JohnPepp]

The best thing I did was to take a photography course in college. I disagree with shutter speed, I find 1/60th the sweet spot with today's cameras and it also depends on the amount of light that you have.

[trevorsmith]

To help eliminate camera shake if lack of light causes your shutter speed to fall, use a tripod of a monopod, I used to carry round a bean bag to rest my camera on in low light.

[chickey]

You are so right about learning on Youtube. That also applies to others things such as cooking and politics. I always try to separate the wheat from the chaff. Thanks...

[robertdavis]

Great video ....I should have watched/listened before I upgraded my camera....I have a D7100 & upgraded to D500 & should have upgraded my glass instead, although I do love both... thanks for sharing...😀

[dukenukem]

Re: the pencil and notepad : I thought modern cameras could bring up all the technical data about each picture; mine can. Maybe not about the weather.

[mikeclark]

I like the idea about taking notes on exposure. And working on composition is, to me, one of the most important steps in learning to be a better photographer.

Good tips.

[itsPhillipStaples]

Hello! I want to sign up for your online classes. Do you provide info for Sony cameras?

[jamesstewart]

Manual is much more fun and shoot in RAW or jeg & RAW. Confidence comes with learning and experience, God knows I am no "expert" but the gentleman is 100% correct Auto teaches you nothing and simply creates a dependency. I consider myself to be still learning. A good foundation is "The School of Photography Book", the second is your camera's manual. Writing things down - top tip.