Overview
This video outlines 20 foundational tips for photographers in their first few years, emphasizing core skills, artistic development, and practical guidance for advancing in photography.
Foundations and Artistic Vision
- Focus on creating strong foundational images; gear and editing are less important initially.
- Develop your vision and artistic taste by studying high-quality photography and diverse visual arts.
- Understand the importance of visual language and how your unique perspective shapes your work.
- Be aware of the Dunning-Kruger effect: early confidence often gives way to self-critique as you progress.
- Strive to objectively evaluate your work by comparing it to professional standards.
Style and Inspiration
- Don’t worry about having a distinct style early on; experiment widely.
- Draw inspiration not just from photography but from painting, film, architecture, and other arts.
- Fuse your interests into your work to develop uniqueness over time.
Technical Skills and Craft
- Master the exposure triangle: prioritize shutter speed, then aperture, then ISO.
- Develop instinctive camera control so adjustments become second nature.
- Understand and practice with photography rules (visual patterns) like rule of thirds, symmetry, and leading lines.
- Gain experience by taking many photos; expect early work to be less refined.
Practice and Skill Building
- Identify the skills needed for your genre and practice one skill intensively each week.
- Develop habits to reinforce these skills for long-term growth.
Composition and Lighting
- Always consider light quality and how it affects your images.
- Ensure every element in your composition serves a purpose and contributes to the story.
- Every photo must have a clear subject with an intentional visual hierarchy.
Experimentation and Review
- Move around and experiment with different compositions; be open to mistakes.
- Take advantage of digital photography’s flexibility to shoot extensively.
- Images aren’t finished until edited; shoot in RAW and learn post-processing.
Collaboration and Growth
- Go on photo walks with others and review your images together to accelerate learning.
- Comparing approaches reveals gaps and inspires growth.
Gear and Technical Details
- Prioritize investing in lenses over camera bodies.
- Choose a camera mount and stick to it for consistent lens collection.
- Learn gear and techniques specific to your photography genre (e.g., tripod for landscape, flash for portraiture).
- Understand various focal lengths and their effects on composition and image characteristics.
Practical Advice
- Use automatic settings like auto ISO or auto white balance when appropriate; don’t be pressured into manual everything.
- Plan and scout locations using apps to maximize shooting opportunities and efficiency.
Recommendations / Advice
- Focus on foundational skills before seeking advanced techniques or specialized gear.
- Regularly evaluate your work against top standards and seek diverse inspiration.
- Practice consistently, experiment frequently, and don’t rush the development of personal style.