100 things about photography

101 Things About Photography for Everyone

Last Updated on July 30, 2021 by PixelPluck

Here are 101 professional tips that will help you take your photography to the next level or at least help you stop making odd mistakes. There are no rules in photography but general guidelines that will help you a lot. Here is a collection of 101 tips that will help you understand photography from a different perspective. Read 101 Things About Photography.

101 Photography Tips that Every Photographer should Know

101 Things About Photography for Everyone
  1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn’t mean that they’re a good photographer.
  2. Always shoot in RAW. Always. Read RAW vs JPEG to understand the difference between the two.
  3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer. Learn about the Top Prime Lenses here.
  4. Photo editing is an art in itself. Do not convert this art into engineering.
  5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time. But it is the 1% that stands out.
  6. Macro photography isn’t for everybody. And this is the reason for which you should be the one to try it out. Get yourself a prime macro lens if you can afford one.
  7. UV filters work just as well as lens caps. They protect the front element from bumps and scratches and that is all.
  8. Go outside and shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums. Wait, read till the end then go.
  9. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph. Photography is the art of observation.
  10. Film isn’t better than digital.
  11. Digital isn’t better than film.
  12. There is no “magic” camera or lens that will automatically do the job for you.
  13. Better lenses don’t give you better photos. But better skills do. Upgrade your skills before you upgrade your camera.
  14. Spend less time looking at other people’s work and more time shooting your own. And then look at it and think about what you could have done differently or better. That’s how you evaluate your own work.
  15. Don’t take your DSLR to parties. Or the demand for ‘take my photo’ will never end. And then for a week you will hear ‘Hey, I need it for my new profile picture, email me asap’.
  16. Being a photographer is sexy.
  17. Making your photos black & white doesn’t automatically make them “artsy”. You need to capture the soul of image so that it looks great in black and white.
  18. 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”. And that will go over their head.
  19. You don’t need to take a photo of everything. Prefer quality over quantity.
  20. Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
  21. Ditch the neck strap and get a hand-strap. Or wait, get yourself this Black Rapid and never look back. Neck strap is not ergonomic. Long term usage will cause neck problems.
  22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better. Also kneel down or lie flat on ground if required. Shoot from the level of the subject.
  23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
  24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting. And you will look professional too 😉 .
  25. Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography. Read Rules of Composition.
  26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
  27. Always underexposed by 2/3rd of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
  28. The more photos you take, the better you get.
  29. Don’t be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
  30. Only show your best photos.
  31. A point-and-shoot is still a camera. And still better than your smartphone camera. But the smartphones are catching up fast. You can learn some smartphone photography tips here.
  32. Join an online photography forum.
  33. Critique the works of others. And remember to leave only positive criticism.
  34. Think before you shoot. Plan before you shoot.
  35. A good photo shouldn’t require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). A good photograph is a story in itself.
  36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well. Don’t drink and shoot.
  37. Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them. Learn from their style of work but do not copy them.
  38. Grain is beautiful. But only when they are desired. Check your ISO settings every-time before you go for a shoot.
  39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
  40. Simplicity is key.
  41. The definition of photography is: “painting with light.” Use light in your favor.
  42. Find your style of photography and stick with it. Once you master it then move on to the next level.
  43. Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
  44. Use good software to convert your images to black and white. Tiny plugins destroy image quality. Prefer Lightroom.
  45. Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
  46. Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life. Only when you enjoy life, you will enjoy photography. They are interdependent.
  47. Don’t pamper your camera. Use and abuse it. They are meant to be used and not to be put on shelf for showcasing.
  48. Take straight photos.
  49. Shoot with confidence.
  50. Photography and juxtaposition are best friends.
  51. Print out your photos big. Hang them on wall. They will make you happy.
  52. Give your best photos to friends in print format. They will love it. Sign on it and call it your signature edition.
  53. Give them to strangers.
  54. Don’t forget to frame them.
  55. Prints are cheap and look great. Get a good photo printer.
  56. Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s).
  57. Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
  58. Photos make great presents.
  59. Taking photos of strangers is thrilling.
  60. Candid > Posed. A 70-200mm f2.8 lens is best for Candids.
  61. Natural light is the best light.
  62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best “walk-around” focal length.
  63. Don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
  64. You don’t need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go (hell, I don’t even own one).
  65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
  66. Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be “artsy” is exploitation.
  67. You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
  68. Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
  69. You can’t “photoshop” bad images into good ones.
  70. Nowadays everybody is a photographer. Just accept that fact and try being a better photographer.
  71. You don’t need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.
  72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
  73. Cameras as tools, not toys.
  74. In terms of composition, photography and painting aren’t much different.
  75. Photography isn’t a hobby it’s a lifestyle.
  76. Make photos, not excuses.
  77. Be original in your photography. Don’t try to copy the style of others.
  78. The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
  79. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
  80. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
  81. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
  82. Laughter always draws out peoples’ true character in a photograph.
  83. Don’t look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
  84. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
  85. Have fun while taking photos.
  86. Never delete any of your photos unless you are out of space.
  87. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
  88. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
  89. Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
  90. Learn how to read a histogram.
  91. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
  92. Don’t be afraid to take photos in the rain.
  93. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
  94. Never take photos on an empty stomach.
  95. You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
  96. Never hoard your photographic insight- share it with the world.
  97. Never stop taking photos.
  98. Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is a philosophy of life
  99. Capture the decisive moment.
  100. Upgrade your skills before you upgrade your camera.

– via Eric Kim

Now, Write your own list and

101. Share this insight with your friends, followers, and everyone. :)

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One comment

  1. Do note delete any photos?

    You mean RAWs and JPGs and the bad ones?

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