7 Things PRO Photographers Do that BEGINNERS Don't!

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In this week’s episode, we review 7 things pro photographers do that beginners don't. Anyone that has watched my channel for any amount of time knows that I always create videos that speak to a former version of myself and this week's episode is no different. The 7 things covered in this video are things that I not only didn't do when I was a beginner, but these are things I never even heard of 8 years ago. Overtime however, I've picked up these things that have greatly helped me over the years and I want to pass these things along to you today. I hope you enjoy this week's episode and find it helpful - As always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

🌟QUICK NOTE: Thanks so much for all the support the past 4 years - couldn't have done any of this without YOU!

[@brandt_bennett]

Wild how the time has flown! I remember when you were still working. And when you made the switch (or it was made for you 🤷‍♂️) and went full time! It’s been fun to watch

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@brandt_bennett Crazy - it has flown by!

[@erikswenson2659]

Sir. Possibly your finest video ever! I see other KZbin photographers struggling to come up with new videos that are fresh, much less top their last video. However, you keep impressing. Just do not know how you are going to top this.

[@keithancajas4623]

Thanks go to you! You've been by far my #1 source of inspiration and knowledge in this quite expensive but very rewarding little hobby I've come to love.

[@prsearls]

This is very good advice. I've been a hobbyist photographer for more than 65 years. Over that span of time, I've discovered most of these. I can't say I do all of them; I have gotten more impatient in my old age but that is a character flaw. There are no shortcuts to good photography. You've displayed some beautiful work.

[@connorfernandes9439]

#3 is so true! all of my favorite photos are the ones that I stumbled upon and had no intention / plan of taking!

[@samwilson4012]

Thanks for another great video Mark - always enjoy your content - very generous sharing from your journey

[@erichstocker8358]

Ansel Adams was the king of taking photos with "post processing" in mind. Most of his negatives were just an avenue to print the image that he wanted in the darkroom. A great example of this is his Moonrise over Hernandez. He was after all as great a wizard in the darkroom as behind a camera.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Absolutely!

[@ewallperschwaznyk4169]

Working in an art gallery, I frequently talk to people who believe that Ansel Adams' prints were straight out of camera. I’ve had people sincerely tell me that photo editing is dishonest. I refer them to his many books on the subject.

[@erichstocker4173]

@@ewallperschwaznyk4169 Yes, he was a master in the darkroom. Even the zone system was developed largely to make the time in the darkroom more "doable". I think that fact so many people think everything of his came straight out of the camera is partly what he was attempting to achieve. His vision was to be "natural". Your referral is brillant.

[@charlesdavis6371]

always enjoy your videos Mark - you do amazing work.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you Charles!

[@AlaskaAdVANtures]

Can’t believe it’s been four years. I remember when you made the announcement and made the decision. Glad to have been along for the ride. I’ve learned a lot and in those four years I decided to finally pick up a camera for myself. I still consider myself an amateur but have actually started selling prints pretty regularly and getting recognition from my peers. Last year I was recognized for an image I took that got world wide exposure and to say I was shocked is an understatement. Thanks for all your great videos and here’s to the next four years!

[@GardeningWithMaples]

I 100% agree with all of these but especially #4. finding those small detail not only helps tells the story but also makes some amazing unique images. Congrats on 4 years, time flies by fast.

[@craigpiferphotography]

I think that I struggle the most with story telling and patience, but I'm not perfect on the others either. This was a good reminder to work on these elements.

[@JerryMarshall]

Congrats on 4 years! And here is to 40 more! :) Have learned so much and keep learning every single week! I think my biggest problem on this list is the last one, patience and persistence. I struggle with getting out and taking time, so when I do get out, it's usually with the wife and I don't want to take too much time away from her enjoyment of being out, so I just rush and get back in the car and off we go. Really need to slow down and plan and create a story BEFORE I get onsite. Thanks again Mark for a great video!

[@ko300zx]

Happy 4 year anniversary! Your videos have taught me so much in such a short amount of time. Never stop!

[@williamerickson4849]

Thank you Mark for the great video. You are very consistent in producing very educational and watchable videos. I have learned a lot from you over the years. I’m just a serious amateur but I’m sure you have brought my game up to a new level!

[@huette]

Congratulations on the 4 year anniversary 🎉 I appreciate your passion for photography and that your videos are basically one-shots!

[@narwhal004]

The gameboy is back! My meaningful discussion point is my wife's pictures always have a tree to the right or left. She loves framing her shots so every time I see a shot that looks good with a tree, I make her take it and let her own that style. She doesn't do any photography so when I'm going through photos, I like seeing her framed shots.

[@katz4dancing]

Hi Mark, I do most of these things - I have been a hobbyist for over 45 years and finally bought my first pro grade camera in the last year. My struggle is finding a spot and actually using my tripod. I like to move a lot - I think it’s important to tell the story of a location (who knows!? it may be burned down the next year- our local Eagle Creek Fire comes to mind) and capture numerous images of the small pleasures as well as the larger landscape. Working on that discipline ! Love your videos!

[@timd4524]

Try a monopod. It is sometimes much easier than the tripod in the forest.

[@johnchedsey1306]

I've been more or less "serious" about photography for about 7 years and rarely use a tripod, unless it's a low light situation or where I'm deliberately going for a long exposure situation. If setting up a tripod and lugging one around feels like it slows you down, leave it at home or the car! Modern cameras have enough built in stabilizers + good quality at higher ISO settings that you'll get plenty of great hand held shots.

[@shaungoddard8417]

This is a great video Mark, I am a beginner hobbyist photographer & I am taking a great deal from your channel & a few other photographers i am following & subscribed to. You put across so much in the video & it is all very helpful. I will certainly be putting into practice the advice you are giving

[@paulachapman2711]

I love how you make these videos speaking to your younger self. They are so good at speaking to other beginners. Thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Paula - Happy to hear you enjoy it!

[@CassidyHansen]

So excited for ya. Been fun to hang and learn with you. Thanks for another one!

[@stevechilvers1322]

Great video as always Mark. Plenty of useful advice to take away & practice with. Many thanks.

[@danny84gee]

I have always enjoyed taking photographs but recently got really into photography, I only have a standard Nikon coolpix but looking into a DSLR at the moment mainly due to the inspiration from yourself, I find your instructions very clear and to the point and enjoy watching your videos, thank you and I look forward to the next one.

[@BGTuyau]

All good points to keep in mind for both novice and veteran photographers.

[@mmlips]

Congrats Mark! Love your channel!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I appreciate that Mark - thank you!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Congratulations on 4 years, Mark. You’ve certainly earned your freedom. 🙂🦘🇦🇺

[@grosema]

Thanks for the great video Mark, Great Tip's

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much George!

[@horstschoninger1265]

Revisit a location and bring passions with you is for me the most what I have learned. I remember taking a lot more shots and go around quicker to get as much as I can...... was a mistake. Now I do 15% of photos take time watch for light or come sometime later to the same location. Learned some in post etc. Sometimes you upgrade from equipment can help, too. Compare my images from some years ago to now.... a big difference, almost each image is much better as before. I am glad you had the same experience.

[@danaphillips868]

Great video Mark! I did want to point out, in case you haven't already been made aware of it, that #7 in your list - Patience is misspelled! Keep the videos coming - and Thank You for this service that you are providing to help educate those photographer's trying to get to your level of expertise.

[@philbrown8181]

Many congratulations on your four year anniversary Mark, I really enjoy your channel. Thank you.

[@dhavalr775]

Congrats on 4 year anniversary !! Thank you for sharing content online.. I learned a lot from you

[@dfinlay587]

ETTR is the easiest example of shooting with post in mind. Great video, Mark. Thanks.

[@trinasculley4989]

Thank you for the great tips Mark. All will be helpful, some I try to do already. I have found myself revisiting scenes multiple times that I realized I rushed or I missed that conditions weren't right or, I drive by and notice that the conditions are better or different than the previous time and I must go back. One of your tips, that you have mentioned in other videos, is slow down and be patient. Since I love music, I wear ear buds on location and listen to music while I work, and it inspires me to slow down and enjoy the work more.

[@oscararrieta326]

Thanks Mark for helping me to be a better photographer even I always love taking pictures, I never took this art so reriusly, but you show me the paths to my own journey, thanks.

[@richardpesce5325]

Another great series of recommendations Mark. Congratulations on your 4 years!

[@MrCranebay]

Such a good comment on light! Yes, nowadays, if I go shoot something nearby and the light is not good, I don't even bother to take a photo, but I decide to come later when "the light is good". Also planning and thinking about the light using different weather services and sun / moon locator to plan ahead to check if there is even a good possibility for photographic lighting (or mist, rain, starry sky, moon light etc. ) is a good practice. Of course you can't control everything and there can be always happy surprises - you have one thing in mind, but when you get there, it is not like you imagined it to be - but it could be even better :D

[@larryb0315]

Great information, Mark! Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge!

[@markledbury3666]

Excellent video Mark! Awesome tips. Thanks for sharing these. I find the I do a couple of them to some extent already and will work on expanding them and the others. Thanks again!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Mark!

[@fintux]

I enjoy watching your videos! They have a good pace, and they're about what the title says, quite often multiple tips in one video.

[@roysecord2095]

Hi, Mark. I really enjoy all the information you provide. It would be great if you could provide us with a vlog on the benefits of rarely used auto ISO for landscape photography, as well as auto shutter settings (minimum to maximum). Many thanks.

[@Optopolis]

I definitely feel like I've been inching my way into all of these things more and more over my last three years. There's already been numerous, numerous times where I go to a place to photo/film it... then a couple months (or even just a couple weeks) later, I realize the shots I got just weren't as good as they could have been. My vocal point is much more urban although I don't mind grabbing a nice rural landscape every now n again. Either way, very interesting video on all of these points.

[@michaelt7320]

Some great tips once again, especially number one. I have met more than one beginner who starts out wanting to "get it right in camera." Then once they start doing some processing, they realise that they have different options for their images that they had never appreciated before.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Michael!

[@dance2jam]

Mark, I just left a comment on a fellow KZbinr photographers channel about just these items. The first thing you mentioned was the first thing I mention as the things Pro Photographers do not mention when discussing what makes great photographs. I'm not sure if this is because the value this as their secret sauce or if there is another reason at play. Thanks for illuminating your process and the tips that can be incorporated before taking that next shot.

[@jtinoco9859]

May you continue to have success in your photography journey. I’ve benefited a lot from your teachings. Happy 4th anniversary!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank yoU!

[@larrycrain4505]

Congratulations on your 4th yr appreciate all the hard work your videos has been very helpful thank you

[@chingymofo1]

I’m a beginner street photographer and I love watching your videos, landscape for me is really hard to grasp at this point in time because I never know what to look for (I’ll get there eventually) but these videos are super helpful and apply in my street stuff too!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear this is helpful!

[@NickBelt]

Mark, KZbin algorithm recommended your channel and I'm glad it did. I really appreciated your insight on keeping in mind how you will process your image. More to add to my tool kit! Thanks again.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Awesome to hear this Nicholas!

[@ronboe6325]

I sometimes wonder how much I subliminaly make use of the drama class I had to take in high school and the stage lighting I "learned". It sort of blended in with the photography and art classes. Cross pollinating can have surprising benefits.

[@Wklambert]

I need to look through your old videos. I am planning a trip to Zion/Bryce/etc, and need ideas on where good photos are hiding. I'm hitting all my favorite YT photogs for ideas :) Thanks for all you do for your followers/fans, Mark! These videos have made be a better photographer, and I greatly appreciate it!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Music to my ears - thanks Karl!

[@michaelhale416]

Greatly appreciate the video. I really like that you recognize we all need to start somewhere. It helps hobbyists like myself stay encouraged. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to do it Michael!

[@wildzenventures]

Thank you for these tips! Always gives me something to think about. Congrats on your career change, I gave up the Croatian corporate world 6 years ago and I’m so thankful. I still work part time but it gives me so much more time to fulfill that creative side. Cheers!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@Bigweave74]

#2 Visual Storytelling: You and Josh Cripps touch on that very often! I've been trying to do this more often. I'm still pretty bad at it because I get stuck in a composition and don't want to let it go, or I'm strapped for time because I have kids in tow.

[@elithunder]

Great advice! Thanks for sharing!!

[@MegaJSK123]

Hey mate, great vid. I've been studying photography for the last couple of years (actually just got my Diploma) anyway my photographer eye couldn't help but notice the size of your catalog, I've had this habit of making so many over the last couple of years, I was wondering how you organize your catalogues, is it by year or location, I'm really curious as my dream is to be a landscape photographer.

[@triplewinlin5576]

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary on leaving the employee world and joining the self-determined world!

[@billkipper3264]

Thanks again for another great video. I do incorporate most of these tips most of the time as I've heard them before from either you or somewhere else. However, it never hurts to have reminders. Planning my edit out in the field though is a new one that I'll try next time out.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Of course - glad to do it Bill!

[@LeeAllen337]

I'm taking a week off work all next week and am traveling down the coast of Maine for about 5 days and I'm so excited. The trip is 100% about taking photo's, it's the sole reason I'm traveling there. Been photographing with my Sony a7iii for about 6 months now. I will take everything you've said here and keep in mind on my trip. I don't have any ocean pictures yet, all I've taken is my local area here in Vermont. Trees... lots of trees. Looking forward to my trip a lot. My only fear is coming back home and having a 1000 photos to edit. LOL

[@heatherm8261]

I love your videos! Though I still can’t always keep up with your Lightroom walkthroughs.

[@francisbuckley3539]

Love your work, thank you so much.

[@texasboy5117]

Great points: Most often I get to a great place and have a limited amount of time. I just can't stay for the best shot. So, I'm forced to work with the light or space I have which may be only yards and minutes. I try to work fast and look for the best composition I can get with what I have. Time is a great asset to really plan a "best of class" shot.

[@edisito9]

LMAO, that wedding photographer clip made this video for me, I can’t stop laughing 😂, never in my life have I enjoyed anything as much as that man loves his job.

[@HFVidShotz]

Thank you for sharing. Definitely points to keep in mind on my photography journey.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for watching!

[@stevejohnston7118]

Another great video! I need to work on my patience, persistence and working the scene! Take this with me next time! THANKS AGAIN!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Gladly Steve!

[@ditchstick]

thank you for making content for us! love your channel

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for this!

[@cbranc418]

Mark - I have seen several of your videos but this one hits home for me. I picked up a camera for the first time 4 years ago and have found myself asking questions about how to keep pushing to the next level while working in the corporate world. I find this so helpful and inspiring! If you have any other ways to engage with you I would love to know. Thanks for the great video! Liked and Subscribed sir! Cheers!

[@brandonmjohnsonphotography]

Fantastic tips! I find myself doing a lot of these 7 tips a lot lately. Revisiting locations is what I've been doing a lot of. I went to Clingmans Dome 2 mornings in a row this past weekend. Also, you were talking about light. I'm really getting to understand how important it is. As always Mark, fantastic work! That shot you took at Morton Overlook is growing on me. I am liking it a lot. Something so simple yet so beautiful.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Brandon - always feels good to hear you're enjoying the channel!

[@jameskeener7251]

Revisiting locations. Seems simple, yet my guess is that it's very powerful, even providing for a jump start in growth. Good idea.

[@tamasisgupta5315]

Congratulations Mark on your incredible journey 👍

[@adjake1]

Congratulations on 4 years. it must be an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

[@JerseyLeft]

Congratulations on your success! Thank you for sharing valuable insights and experiences. Your knowledge has been priceless in my own growth and development.

[@robertwhitemoto]

Great photo @5:45... chasing light :) big fan of the patterns in nature (leaf)!

[@beths8998]

I am a bit late to the party here on this video. However I cannot tell you how relieved I was when I came across the part that said work the scene. I have been obsessively doing this from all angles because of my anxiety of going home and having nothing - which actually never happens. I would feel like I was a fraud of a photographer because I would come home and have many, many images of all different perspectives of the same subject. It genuinely eases my mind and helps me to feel more confident because I now know this is standard course for capturing photography - thank you Mark!

[@michaelbarth4031]

tnx (again) for all your help and expertise !!!

[@Suhailkhan53]

Great video as usual.❤

[@jimswift2400]

Got a lot out of this, I completely agree interesting light and making sure take advantage of the light are key.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking out the episode Jim!

[@pentax-paul.]

Some really useful tips there , thank you . I think most important tip for me is taking time to get the shot , to wait for the right light or revisit for better conditions .

[@steveboys5369]

Hi Mark, another interesting video, and thanks for sharing ... I learn SO much from you ...so from one viewer, thankyou for sharing your knowledge with us all.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Means a lot - thanks Steve!

[@davidmccurry8234]

Hey Mark. Thanks for the tips! While I was watching the episode in my den, my wife we in the kitchen working on some chalkboard art. She could hear you talking and blurted out, "That guy has a fantastic voice." I just thought I would pass it along. Keep up the great videos.

[@treyfoerster6468]

Happy career change anniversary! Wish you a successful journey in the years to come.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

Great Tips, thank you

[@drbeco]

And today you earned my subscription. Really nice video.

[@thegroove2000]

Light is everything. I am starting to understand and also shadows, contrasts.

[@thegroove2000]

Also, I saw someone exposing the light in the sky first for the scene.

[@wimscheenen3535]

Nice collection of tips, I do many of them maybe, but not consciously so it’s good to hear them spelled out!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Wim!

[@amnonsuodai9145]

Hello Mark. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us and your video's in 4 years. All best. Amnon.

[@noelmallia]

Well done for the video and a big thanks for such information

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Noel!

[@jamesganaway741]

Thanks for the great video Mark. I'm a hobbyist and that's all I plan to be but I do want to take great photos. I'm going to retire in a couple of years and looking forward to being able to spend more time at locations. On a funny note I couldn't help but visualize you prancing around a waterfall snapping pictures. Keep up the great work and thanks again.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million James!

[@C4NTFOOLME]

All very very good points. Especially revisiting locations and multiple angles

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you!

[@pj.pavadore]

Great advice! Also liked the Gameboy below the screen (the smaller details)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

indeed - all about the details:)

[@dansymons1706]

Love the tips! Cheers from the UK mate.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Dan!

[@vzshadow1]

All good points!

[@jeffnewman8261]

Great tips Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Jeff!

[@charleshodge1223]

Thanks, for me a very thoughtful and insightful video

[@casualphotoholic]

Photography is Like Golf! SOOOO... Many factors that go in to a single Photo/Golf shot! Are you on the tee, fairway, or in the rough? What's your desired distance? Which club should you use? Is the ball above or below my feet? I'm on in incline so should I change my stance and grip? Which way is the wind blowing and how strong? Every Photo opportunity presents similar constraints, and even the seasoned Pros fall short. Thanks Mark for all you do!

[@bonenyamom4977]

Shooting Catawba Falls with no other people ruining your shot is a feat within itself haha. For those who don't know, if you hike past the main falls about 1/4-1/2 mile further up, you'll come to another secluded waterfall that's almost equally as impressive.

[@topsykretts2264]

Love the tips!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@Minh1999]

Super tips!!! Thanks 🙏

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Carole!

[@77715659]

Hey Mark, Love watching and learning from you. Just had a quick question for you. I’m sure you have talked about this in one of your videos but I just couldn’t find it. So do you recommend shooting live or through view finder for landscape? I have seen you do both. Is there advantage of one over another or a particular situation for one over another?

[@shaunstricklin]

Love your videos and your photography, this is something I want to make as my Career, after 29yrs in construction, I want to follow my passion…

[@daleberg1427]

I always love the props. The OG Gameboy and VHS 👌🏽

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

👏👏👏

[@BRCPres1]

Thanks!

[@backwoodstrails]

Some beautiful landscape work presented here.I was a professional wedding/portrait photographer for 30 years (mostly medium format film), all my friends were wedding/portrait photographers. I have never seen a wedding photographer run around like the one you showed in your video. Are you certain he didn't sit down on a nest of fire ants that worked their way into his pants?

[@genevievemayet630]

Thanks for making videos like this, I find them helpful. Question: how do you organize all of the photos after an outing?

[@bhattks]

Nice information thank you very much

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@alfepalfe]

You: think about the editing when shooting. Me experimenting with analog b&w photography and darkroom printing: Mmm yes editing, perhaps a small amount of cropping and if I am feeling fancy mabye even a contrast filter and some dodging if needed.