Mistakes can hinder your progress, but they also provide valuable learning opportunities. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you grow and hone your skills.
This eye-opening video, put together by Brandon Woelfel, highlights several photography mistakes that many new photographers have made or are likely to encounter. The first mistake mentioned is shooting in automatic mode. While it’s a useful starting point, relying on auto mode can limit your creative control. As you progress, experimenting with manual settings like aperture priority mode and shutter priority mode can give you more control over your shots. Woelfel emphasizes that understanding his camera settings is crucial to capturing the images he envisions.
Another key point that Woelfel makes is the importance of shooting in raw format instead of JPEG. Raw files provide higher quality images and greater flexibility during editing. They allow you to adjust elements such as white balance and contrast without degrading photo quality. This flexibility can be a game-changer, especially when working with challenging lighting conditions or correcting exposure errors. Woelfel shares personal anecdotes that highlight how the switch to raw format transformed his approach to photography.
Woelfel also mentions the importance of preparation. Forgetting to charge batteries, bring extra memory cards, or prepare for weather conditions can ruin a photo session. He advises always checking your equipment before heading out and taking into account the shooting environment. For example, intense midday sunlight can be controlled with reflectors or soft boxes, while low light conditions may require additional lighting equipment. These small steps can prevent minor oversights from becoming major problems.
Additionally, the video addresses the dangers of overediting. Woelfel recommends frequently comparing edited images with the originals to avoid overdoing it. Maintaining a natural appearance is crucial and over-editing can detract from the authenticity of your photographs. This practice helps ensure that the final images remain true to the scene you captured. Watch the video above for Woelfel’s full recap.
