The 3 Most Common Mistakes in Photography

Good photography takes time and patience, whether you’re taking portraits or shooting landscapes. There are three common mistakes that photographers make that can ruin an otherwise good photo, however. It’s important to avoid these mistakes so that your photography can be as great as it can be! Take note of the three most common mistakes in photography and be sure to avoid them next time you’re out on the job!

1) Choosing the wrong focal length

One of the most common mistakes people make when they first start photography is choosing the wrong focal length for their pictures. A focal length is the distance between the lens and the sensor, and it determines how much of the scene will be in focus. Most cameras have a range of focal lengths to choose from, and it can be tricky to know which one to use. Here are three tips to help you choose the right focal length for your next picture.

Image: Lens by Wan San Yip

2) Trying to capture everything

One of the most common mistakes people make when they're starting out in photography is trying to capture everything. They want to get a photo of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, and the Golden Gate Bridge all in one frame. But what they end up with is a cluttered, busy mess. If you're just starting out, it's better to focus on one thing at a time. Pick one subject and try to get a great shot of it. When you've got that down, move on to another subject. Then another. The more pictures you take, the more opportunities for success and improvement you'll have!

Johnny Depp's lookalike - Smith (Here, as you can clearly see, the tomato vendor is the subject)

3) Not understanding your camera equipment fully

One of the most common mistakes photographers make is not understanding their camera equipment fully. This can lead to missed opportunities and subpar photos. Be sure to take the time to learn all the features of your camera so you can take advantage of them when the moment strikes. You should also understand how ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and focus work together to create a photo. If you don't know how these four settings work together, it's difficult to take good pictures.

Image: Cann EOS 5D by William Bayreuther