Practical Tips for Better Photos

Some of my favorite in-expensive photo books:

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#ShotOnUrth

[averytheamazingone]

I find the time by bringing my camera everywhere with me. Unless i feel absolutely awful, i will always have a camera on me. I dont take a lot of photos just bc life sometimes doesnt allow it, but i do my best. I love photo books, it's really validating for me. I personally have real bad imposter syndrome when it comes to the questions "are my photos good?" It is a really subjective topic. I do really love my photos and my growth, but when you look at social media it'd be considered bad. My top post has 5 likes, but in proud of that. Photo books have helped me find relatively unknown photographers that do similar things and inspire me to keep doing what I'm doing. Im even now planning my own photo book with the encouragment from my partner. I now even if i tired to sell it, people probably wouldn't even give it a second look, but in doing it for me and me alone. Is a fun experience organizing photos and planning their placement, page size and color and everything else. I'm not by any means a "real" photographer, but it helps me process emotion and the world around me so i don't plan on giving up on it at all. If i take just one photo that i personally like, then i consider it a really good day.

[DeemsAM]

Your last point hits close to home. I quit photography a couple of years back because I put pressure on myself professionally and on getting Instagram followers and likes. The algorithm game messed me up to the point where I fell out of love with photography. Today, I am slowly picking up my camera again but this time I am trying to consciously take a laid back approach. I need to understand that Instagram or any other platform does not dictate the quality of your work. It’s your art— do what makes you happy.

[Vromiaris]

I've been shooting (as an amateur) for almost 40 years now and it's funny how I still find myself drawn toward beginner topics. It's about learning the basics, the fundamentals. I was at a botanical garden taking pictures with a telephoto zoom lens and I had a young man come and ask me how he could take better pictures. He looked like he was maybe 8 years old, so I was very pleased by his interest - I too told him that practice makes perfect, but the one rule I told him about that would lead to more pleasing photos and inspire him to shoot more was "the rule of 3rds" - I described to him how that works and told him to train his eyes to finding that composition structure as a starting pint to composing.
On that note - I do go on single lens photo walks often. I capture a style on those that varies based on the focal length of choice. Funny thing is, when I am in a down mood, I tend to pick the tele range, but when in better mood, I go for the wide angles. Kind of helps depict my mood of the day...

[ZeDarkLord]

Thank you for this video. Based on this, I have a few takeaways for myself that I want to share.

- Try to click at least 5-10 pictures every single day
- Shoot with one specific focal length for a while
- At the end of a certain time period, select a few pictures and get them printed out to see what kind of photos you like more.

These are the things that I want to start doing more regularly and consistently now.

[renonagasan]

Faizal! Please do a full video featuring your favorite photography books!

[plagueofkoalas]

Ha! I picked up photography because it's easier to fit into my day than things I used to do like playing music, soccer, etc. You can take photos anywhere, anytime. It's by far the most rewarding hobby if you DON'T have a lot of time.

[RagsCS]

Great video Faizal, lets not forget something; if you work outside, like a delivery driver, construction worker, city employee, you can easily implement photography while you work (with digression). I've been a delivery driver for a postage company for 3 years now, and while I love doing my job I also love the fact that I work so freely around the city/state so I can bring my cameras with me.

[Haarpify]

You are a tremendous artist. I love the feel of your videos, the cutaways, the little jokes, the color tone -- visually, audibly, and emotionally, what you are uploading is so great. And super useful tips, too. Thanks!

[tysonjnelson]

I love all of these tips! It’s so often that you can easily find yourself overwhelmed because you do have these massive aspirations and goals with your photography! The small tip that I feel like I see a lot and honestly “hate” hearing but know is true - Is consistency. Whether that be with posting on socials or just getting out and shooting, or editing. Like said in the video always find a way to make photography part of your daily, have it on your mind always! Also remember why you are doing it and make sure it lines up with your goals! Love the video! <3

[gregstevenson]

The book "52 Assignments: Street Photography". As a beginner, I get lost in the multitude of teachings that I consume the minute I walk outside. This book offers a clear goal for any given week so I go out with focus and am being taught. Of course you take other frames but like any good recipe, they all start coming together.

[brianhinesley]

i have been shooting for 16 years, i love how i can fit street photography around my time, and not have to schedule shootings with other people. i tend to shoot when i get off work at 1:30pm or on my days off ill get up around 7am and head out to shoot the morning crowd and light! i always enjoy your videos faizal :)

[wilfs]

Just watched this video for a second time due to seeing it on my URTH e mail this morning. This video just topped off my "Photography fuel tank" .Trying new things, finding out what works best . You & Roman have helped come a long way in a short time.Thank you.

[nedannnn]

My mental blockage is that I am most interested in taking pictures of people but I am an introvert when it comes to photographing strangers. On top of that, I live in Denmark, where people are not very open to getting their picture taken. I have yet to see a video that really helps me get over the social anxiety of taking pictures of others :/

[abhinavgarg]

I love your tip about photographing your commute. I’m blessed to have a beautiful walking commute and should take advantage of it.

[ReimannPembroke]

Great video! My main tip to new photographers is: If you can’t find anything to photograph, look up, then look down. You’ll find something.

[cintyaposse]

Excellent pieces of advice you give here. I would say not only for beginners but also to remind everyone that you need to shoot to be able to improve and also to not concentrate so much on Instagram or social media.

[pauljunholee]

I spent 2.5 weeks in New York City last month and I think I learned the most about myself as a creative/photographer while I was shooting in the city. Like Faisal said, I believe the best way to know what you want to photograph is by observing the best you can before you click on that shutter. Observe what is of interest to you, no matter how quick or long it takes for you. As a “slower” photographer, the first day of shooting in the city was overwhelming for me and couldn’t take many photos. But once I got used to the environment, I was able to slow myself down in the midst of the fast pace in the city and just observe.

[robertbodnar_]

"when you're a better observer, you're a better photographer". damn, valueable video all the way to the end. thank you faizal

[jamesgriesedieck]

I think the tip about using primes starting out is great advice! Took me years to realize I like a wider lens! And it forces you to move around in a scene and how to put thought into composition rather than just firing off at whatever focal length you quickly frame the subject in without thought. Also fishing vs. hunting techniques maybe worth some inquiry...

[CrispyFrenFry]

The first line of advice is absolutely a great idea; alas, I commute via train with stops every 15-25 miles in between so I won’t be able to opt for that route of motivation. As for finding inspiration, I love leafing through books so it was nice to hear someone offer this as an alternative to social media. On occasion I hear photographers on YT saying that we don’t need to go to college or to read books to become great photographer: I completely agree with that sentiment but wish there was at least, acknowledgement within those statements encouraging those who do enjoy a structured learning path or reading books to incorporate them into their photographic journey.