Common Beginner Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

I’ve been teaching photography for many years now, and one thing I’ve noticed is that beginners make the same common mistakes. In this video I’ll be going through those but more importantly, giving you tips on how to avoid them. This will be a great beginner’s photography tutorial and will set you off into your learning journey!
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[@toddysurcharge771]

I think a big thing too is don't ALWAYS shoot in full manual mode. It's ok to use Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority.

[@dovidell]

From my experience with other photographers "new to the game ", it's hard to ween them off auto or program modes - let's face it , there are a gazillion things to set on modern DSLR's BEFORE one is meant to start using one's new camera - you know , ISO , white balance , image quality settings , RAW or JPEG etc ,etc , it's so easy just to take the easy path ( as I did on MY first DSLR ) ( not like the old days, when you bought a specific ISO film , loaded it , and off you go with your single mode camera ). These days the only auto setting on my camera is auto ISO , and I'm sure someone with rap me on the knuckles for doing even that !!!

[@mikepawlikguitar]

Av with auto ISO is a game changer... minimum shutter speed of 1/125th with my 50mm. It's like "auto mode" .... yet, it's NOT auto... but I still defnitely LOVE my manual mode! That's still probably my favourite way to shoot.

[@dovidell]

@@mikepawlikguitar I'm not familiar with Canon cameras, but on my Nikon DSLR which I DO use on auto ISO ( with aperture priority ) , you also have ISO setting for normal ( more precise ) shooting( ie for nature /fireworks etc ) , mine is set at ISO 400 , but thanks to the great tutorials on ND filters and fireworks by The School of Photography , I occasionally set the ISO as low as 100. BTW auto ISO is a godsend when shooting inside ( some ) museums ,where the use of flashguns is prohibited

[@dovidell]

update , I'm back to using ISO 400 , with auto ISO reserved for museums etc. where flash photography is prohibited

[@HISTW3008]

Agreed. Also, with auto ISO is great for beginners, you'll have one less thing to focus on.

[@buddhikejayathilake290]

another thing i find usefull is taking atleast 2 photos.. 1) using complete manual exposure and camera settings 2) using the automattic funtion to take the same picture and when i go home i compare them with the each other in ightroom or do it in the field if time permits this really helped me to move from automatic function to fully manual

[@theschoolofphotography]

Great tip, thanks for sharing 👍

[@CallMeChato]

I have one tip I give people taking pictures (not people who aspire to be photographers). The tip is, set up your shot and then take one big step forward. Most people shoot too wide. They try the tip and are thrilled with the results.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Peter, good tip 👍

[@eatfugu]

Doesn’t that depend entirely on the lens in use?

[@N7492]

To get a good photo, take a lot of photos. Proficiency in photography is achieved by practice, not purchase. Use a lens hood. Built in flash produces flat, dull images. People spend about 10% of their time blinking; when shooting portraits, take several shots to compensate. Keep your lenses clean and batteries charged. 90% of your photos will be taken with your "normal" or "kit" lens. When shooting an important event, bring a backup body, just in case.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 👍

[@ebtbmb]

I love this channel! My mom bought me a mirrorless Canon camera with no viewfinder for Christmas. She put a lot of time research and money into getting me a good "beginner's" camera. I've since learned that this is not the case. But, it was a thoughtful and generous gift and I'm really having fun. I can still learn a lot from this camera and have. I'm going to try to get all I can out of it before upgrading. Making mistakes is frustrating, but the feeling of finally getting the shot you wanted makes it all worthwhile. I find the whole process to be very rewarding.

[@ellieabbott7197]

I am an aussie year 12 student wbo ADORES photography and have just started my own business! your videos help me so so so much and i appreciate you and your videos heaps !!! so thank you !!!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, really glad to hear it and good luck with the photography business 👍

[@mickaldridge3609]

Love the KZbin stuff as well as the actual lessons at the school. However I believe that these videos are a great help to understanding and seeing what is going on. Yes you have to be selective about the ones you view but I find they help my understanding of issues and give me reasons to pursue a line or not. I had to laugh at one of your comments on a Webinar about what to do with an Apple Mac. Something I would love to do. I also like your relaxed style of teaching and presenting these things. I think there s always something one can learn. Reading books, watching videos are all part of the learning process. They complement the experience rather than hinder it.

[@arpanbanerjee16th]

I couldn’t resist myself again from commenting. It takes lot of education and knowledge to make a tutorial like this. As a beginner (Although I’m still learning every day) I used to use camera’s in-built flash when low light conditions appeared. This habit most of the time made my backgrounds super dark. Please refer to the requirements of soft lighting as well, as I’m sure many people also make the same mistake as I used to do.

[@heathertaylor6631]

I love the "body tripod" and shutter above 125 tips. Excellent video!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Heather 😊👍

[@marckriggins2171]

From day 1, after watching dozens of hours of instruction, I started with Manual mode. I thought, if I'm going to understand photography, I need to understand navigating menus in camera for control of the shot. I have enjoyed observing when the camera "tells" me that the exposure is not "correct", I know what result I'm after... I do use live view with the control presets for zoom, to ensure focus in particular parts of composition. But, yes, the EVF is primary in setting up for framing and focus of subject... I try to plan ahead in framing, so that I will be as close to the desired aspect ratio as possible. Mark, thanks for your work and the value you add to the Photography community!!!

[@JohnPepp]

The best thing I did was to take a photography course in college. I disagree with shutter speed, I find 1/60th the sweet spot with today's cameras and it also depends on the amount of light that you have.

[@mikepawlikguitar]

0:51 gotta appreciate the way you guys lit the subject in this one, with that "key light" coming in off the left side. Looks great! Great video!

[@notleks2411]

Loving your videos so far, mate! Have you got a video/tutorial on how to adjust the viewfinder focus? You know the little dial near the viewfinder? That.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi Dan thanks for the comments. Haven't got one of those yet but it's one we will be making soon. Thanks 👍

[@dukenukem5768]

Re: the pencil and notepad : I thought modern cameras could bring up all the technical data about each picture; mine can. Maybe not about the weather.

[@b991228]

I like your first suggestion to learning photography. Learn by taking bad photographs. Be brave enough to try new challenges. Allow yourself to make mistakes. Those mistakes will teach you so that in the future you can change you approach and get it right.

[@chickey333]

You are so right about learning on KZbin. That also applies to others things such as cooking and politics. I always try to separate the wheat from the chaff. Thanks...

[@chrisdunford2346]

When I see a shot that's gone wrong I find it's easiest to check the settings I used by bringing up the EXIF data on my PC image viewing software. Faststone is a great all round free viewer if you need to download one

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@jamesstewart553]

Manual is much more fun and shoot in RAW or jeg & RAW. Confidence comes with learning and experience, God knows I am no "expert" but the gentleman is 100% correct Auto teaches you nothing and simply creates a dependency. I consider myself to be still learning. A good foundation is "The School of Photography Book" , the second is your camera's manual. Writing things down - top tip.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks James 👍

[@steegreen9955]

Some good tips, well delivered , always enjoy the videos

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, appreciate the comments 👍

[@mikeclark3013]

I like the idea about taking notes on exposure. And working on composition is, to me, one of the most important steps in learning to be a better photographer. Good tips.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Mike glad you liked it 👍

[@dovidell]

if you know how to access the Exif data when your images have been uploaded to your P.C/laptop/tablet etc , you won't have to write so much stuff down - use your mouse to Right click on image - left click on Properties ( at bottom of menu ) , then left click on details , scroll down to camera

[@MichelleCoxPhotography]

Thanks for the video!

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome glad you liked it 😊

[@ginnyg7060]

Thanks for sharing. Very informative

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks glad you liked it 😊

[@lookylookie]

Great transition from one common mistake to the next, and the hand gesturing is next level 😬

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad you liked ithem :)

[@lesleymphanga3313]

I do agree that decent education is needed though not everyone can afford it, rather provide good you tubers who can help with this.

[@KellerColeman]

Great information, great video.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Keller, glad you liked it 👍

[@davidmoffat4610]

Another really helpful video.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Angie-qz7gs]

thanks for the tips, cant wait to learn more from you ;)

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Angie, glad to have you on board 👍

[@hurleygreen927]

GREAT JOB GOING BACK TO BASICS! Thanks for this video....

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 😊

[@HURPSYYEMRAY1]

Thank you

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome, glad you liked it 👍

[@johnwau2485]

Thanks for the advice Sir.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 😊

[@unassumingpotato1666]

Great video for beginners, good advice 👍👍

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad you liked it 👍👍

[@trevorsmith9388]

To help eliminate camera shake if lack of light causes your shutter speed to fall, use a tripod of a monopod, I used to carry round a bean bag to rest my camera on in low light.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@zlcopenhagen]

thx so much for this video.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome Zahid glad it helped 😊

[@Burzcasts]

Which camera & settings were you using for recoding this video? Amazingly good it is.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi it's filmed on a canon 5d at f2.8. The we adapt it a bit in post. Hope that helps 👍

[@ladymary22]

Great lessons.

[@GM8D79]

Regardless if you go to school or not it does not make you the greater photographer. If you watch a video about photography you learn, If you practice you learn but even if you managed and learn all of this what set you apart from others. It is your skills and creativity. You don't learn that at any school. You either have it or not. Even watching videos on you tube you can learn a lot. Best photographers in the world did not go to Photography school just grab a camera and learn it.

[@ahadclick]

I like your explain process

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Ahad glad you liked it 👍

[@MrPir84free]

One aspect that lots of photographers get wrong is not knowing that they can add flash, or that they should add flash ( fill flash ) even in their closer up photos. They wonder why their camera always leaves the person in the frame too dark... The other thing is that most people that photograph in their homes fail to realize that most home lighting is actually quite poor, and often requires a flash or a very fast lens... This is more true when someone has only a non-full frame digital camera... The other thing is upgrading stuff; start with a DSLR, for example; then get a couple of lenses, but try to limit it to 2 or 3, and then get a good external flash that can bounce ( if your camera supports it ). IMO, the kit lenses can do 98% of what the more expensive lenses can do. Get better glass when you want to experiment, but feel limited by your existing glass.. When to use fill flash, and how to use your flash, along with getting an external flash an learning how to use it can aid quite a bit to one's understanding. I have Canon; and most mid-range Canon's nowadays support features like wireless flash with a better flash (onboard flash acts as a master flash ). This allows one to be more creative with flash.. All of these subjects are good things to learn and understand.. Photography is just as much science as it is art...

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments :)

[@isaac2874]

Thanks Marc, good tips ! BTW, holding the camera with a variable zoom lens is difficult, requires strength. I have a Canon 80d, & the 18-135 lens fixed on it makes it damn heavy

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks Isaac 😊

[@writingmaster3008]

i was on a 210mm , a lot of blurry shots,,,

[@janrindahl2913]

Great tips, Love your videos.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, appreciate the comments 👍

[@johnnicholson9855]

I certainly disagree about using KZbin videos for photograph education otherwise you might just as well say books are useless for it too. Provided you pick the right source that you can understand the educational content will be fine. The next step is to go and practice the technique, composition etc.

[@srennielsen9141]

Late to the show but anyway. I cant agree with the A mistake. It's not about auto vs manual but about knowing how the meter Works. In regards to exposure learning the EC skal is more relevant.

[@ravifernando1637]

Thanks

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 😊

[@dovidell]

As far as camera shake goes , some lenses have the image stabilising " feature " , which can give the photographer a false sense of security , when it comes to how slow a shutter speed they can use ( the camera hand-held ) in any given situation

[@donnamia2599]

So helpful

[@theschoolofphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertdavis1255]

Great video ....I should have watched/listened before I upgraded my camera....I have a D7100 & upgraded to D500 & should have upgraded my glass instead, although I do love both... thanks for sharing...😀

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for sharing

[@neilcole3406]

Good tips sir!

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks

[@brewer9565]

Good advice. KZbin can be an excellent resource for knowledge but it is of varying degrees of expertise. The School of Photography offers a complete series of courses on the subject that are comprehensive and high quality at a reasonable price point. I enrolled in one of the courses and am learning about photography at a level I’d never find in scores of disjointed KZbin videos. I have no affiliation with the School of Photography - I’m new to photography and always wanted to learn. I checked out the School of Photography because of their KZbin videos and I recommend them to anyone looking for high quality instruction and content. Unsolicited review.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for sharing, appreciate that 👍

[@n5sli]

Personally, I thing KZbin is an excellent place to learn many things about photography, because it has helped me to think out side the box and experiment with different techniques that I would have never thought of. Granted there is some junk out there, but there is also a lot of knowledgeable photographers that specialize in different areas of photography. Each person has to decide what method of learning is best for them. For me it is, KZbin, Social Media photography groups and practice practice Practice. If you don't practice, no amount of professional schooling or KZbin will help you improve your photography.

[@ravifernando1637]

Can we know the content in your book. Is it explain how to take pictures at low light? And taking classic pictures in street at night. Also one little thing, is it explain about selecting lenses according to the pictures, I mean to suit to environment and distance to object? Thank you 💐👍

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi Ravi, yes it does. Full details here www.theschoolofphotography.com/complete-guide-to-photography-book

[@grephusingati7807]

Excellent easy to learn voice,thanks.

[@theschoolofphotography]

You're welcome 👍

[@francelu5220]

I just started learning photography but the mirrorless camera that I bought was a secondhand one with no view finder.😅

[@itsPhillipStaples]

Hello! I want to sign up for your online classes. Do you provide info for Sony cameras?

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi, no is the short answer. Our courses are focused on teaching you photography, not a particularly brand of camera. Don't make the mistake of thinking you need to learn your camera. You need to learn photography. For our courses you will need a camera that can go on fully manual mode and one you can change the lenses on. Hope that helps 👍

[@Toughtune]

I learned everything I know off youtube about photography. I'm pretty good now😎

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for the comments. Would you hire an electrician that learnt everything off KZbin?

[@dieselbassohyah1533]

If he's still alive, he found a good channel like this one

[@rustyshackleford634]

The School of Photography - I would if he’s licensed and is a part of the union. Would kind of prove he’s learned it. Not everyone needs to go to school to learn - and this is coming from someone with a masters degree in math.

[@dieselbassohyah1533]

Mobile equipment mech. Just received my Cannon DSLR kit. T6. Have picked up a great deal from you and Photo Genius. Great stuff. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@riforgiate74]

I've heard to make sure your shutter speed is faster than your focal length.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi, yes the further you zoom in, the more likely you are to get camera shake. It all depends on how steady you are and if the thing you are shooting is moving. Just keep an eye on it and adjust as needed. Thanks

[@marcocastellano2451]

I agree with everything except kit lenses will hold you back. The camera isn't as important, but the glass is HUGE. Buy ONE good lens and get better with that lens. What lens you will want depends on what you shoot. If you shoot portraiture, get a 1.4 50mm to start.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks for sharing Marco

[@uvk418]

interesting i get what you mean about KZbin. So true what camera and lense are you using in this video?

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad you liked it. It's a canon 5d. Hope that helps 👍

[@uvk418]

The School of Photography got it

[@earavichandran]

I agree to view in view finder. But certain camera give only 95% coverage view only. Almost all entry and mid range camera have 93-96% of coverage. Only pro level camera gives 100% view finder coverage. This really irritated.

[@Ofotherworlds]

Unfortunately, I chose a used older Sony mirrorless camera that doesn't have a viewfinder built in. I did not realize the difference it would make.

[@oucquan2436]

it's feel weird switching to Auto is considering newbie mistake, i have my first camera which is the Fuji XT3 and the first thing i did is playing, messing with all the dial and ring and turn every thing off auto mode

[@mohammedimthiyas5593]

Again its marc newton😍

[@theschoolofphotography]

Again, it certainly is 😊

[@thelegendrubyrodd]

i can't stand using the view finder. i shoot only in live view but the principals are the same..you have to consider the entire frame

[@stefanreischl2205]

Can someone recommend any youtubers with good content or some to avoid? I personally find the clips of jamie windsor and mark denney quite informative depending on what kind of photos one would like to make.

[@i-am-mai7133]

Stefan Reischl Check out Sean Tucker

[@Hansinho10]

For beginners I can recommend the channel "RealWorld". It's mostly about learning photography and not so much about gear. The problem with a lot of KZbin channels ist, that people think they are watching a video about photography. But in reality the only thing these channels are doing is commercials, because they just present products to the viewers in their "reviews" or "tests". For example many people would consider Kaiman Wong entertaining and there is nothing wrong with that. But I think he's not the best KZbinr to learn photography from. A lot of times a good book is the better choice to really learn something you can benefit from in the future. And I don't mean a book from a popular KZbinr.

[@kelvzalvaira5572]

What is the best budget vlogging camera? 500€ - 700€

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi Kelvz, I'm not really sure on that but I hear the canon 70d is a good one. Hope that helps 👍

[@TrAnCoN14]

what about M50?

[@markzphotoscom]

Funny how we keep hearing that you dont need the best gear all the time. Look what all the people saying that have. You can take good pics with basic gear but there is a reason why "better" cameras are used by the best photographers and they dont use entry level DSLRs. There is a reason why better focusing, better low light performing and yes... more pixel cameras exist. They do a better job. Of course in the hands of someone who doesnt know how to use them its pointless but in the hands of someone with the know-how the extra/better features are worth the extra $$$$$s

[@theschoolofphotography]

So you're actually agreeing with what is said in the video then 😆

[@omkarsatapathy8209]

Hii Am a bignner I want to join your school How can I join please help me And am going to buy a DSLR, which camera i should select ?

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi please go to www.theschoolofphotography.com to view our online classes. Thanks 😊

[@ashishmandavkar7875]

I want to be a good photographer. Idk about cameras, aperture & shutter speed .I learned basics of photography on nikon KZbin channel just to know what is exposure & other camera function. How camera works & capture fotos. Then i took admission in photography school to study photography. Thanx for suggestions 💕.

[@theschoolofphotography]

No problem, glad it helped 👍

[@dovidell]

I guess the folk that down-voted this video think that cameras as medium for recording digital images, are a waste of time and money , and we should just learn to " appreciate" advantages of using the camera on smartphones ( whatever THEY are )

[@fearwolfbrewery5014]

Sorry but your advice about is 1/125 shutter speed is too simplified. It also depends on what focal length you are using. If you have 200 mm focal length, 1/125 will not be enought! Have 1/1 per mm of focal length (with crop factor in mind of course). So if you have 50 mm on a full frame 1/50 is ok, if you are using a APS-C sensor (1.6 crop) you should have 1/80, at least.

[@Cr3Media]

Good tips.

[@theschoolofphotography]

Thanks, glad you liked it 👍

[@TrixieFirecracker]

Love the use of the "Tom, Dick or Harry" phrase 😂

[@Xbot4Life]

Can your lessons help with aspiring videography?

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hello, unfortunately we don't have a course on videography. To see all out courses please go to www.theschoolofphotography.com/online-photography-courses

[@ladymary22]

Well it is KZbin. But I have found helpful lessons

[@TrixieFirecracker]

What if I don't have the viewfinder? 😳

[@theschoolofphotography]

Then you have no choice but to use the screen.

[@michaelbailey4164]

Then you'll have to stick with painting :)

[@wanneske1969]

Like you said, anybody can put anything on KZbin. :-) You made some valid points but why take notes when the Exifs are embedded in the pics ?

[@theschoolofphotography]

Beginners tutorial. Not many beginners will know what that is or where to find it.

[@Kenny.G63]

How would I view the information embedded in the picture?

[@hasanmoula5395]

you are very wrong about you tube. shame on you man. I loved your channel many days but now I lost my interests from you because of wrong advice......

[@NickPowellPhotography]

Hasan Moula It is not wrong advice, he is right. There are SO many "photographers" on KZbin that don't know what they are doing, and give the wrong advice. However there are also some incredible mentors on KZbin, but the best way to learn in my opinion is to read an accredited book and then get out there to practice what you have learnt.

[@hasanmoula5395]

Don't think me wrong. Yes you are right. But you have to believe that, its too easy to find good videos about anything on you-tube. Thank you.....*

[@alxbatista]

I agree with you 100% , he posts videos on KZbin then says don't learn photography from KZbin , WTF LOL I'm self taught Just LIKE MANNY ORTIZ who learned EVERYTHING from KZbin and Manny will tell you to watch and learn from KZbin , I have learned so so much from KZbin it's awesome and it's FREE!!

[@hasanmoula5395]

Yes. That's all. Thanks for understood.

[@SuperDraupnir]

Nobody use annotations anymore. Put links in the description instead.

[@Akahigep]

Spam

[@theschoolofphotography]

Fritters 😆

[@dovidell]

Don't fall into the trap that you can only take great pictures with full frame cameras , that's elitist nonsense . As Marc has shown time after time , even crop sensor cameras , along with their human masters , can " produce" great images - the CPU inside the photographers head is the important one , not the one inside the actual camera body

[@nickblyth166]

I shoot photos often with different sensor sizes from full frame to m4/3. Depending on what I’m shooting, I might put the 16-35 on a full frame to shoot super wide and a 150-600 on a m4/3 to shoot birds or to get close to something The only time full frame is better is when it comes to cranking up the iso of the camera and how much noise it has in the photos

[@lawcch]

As you mentioned KZbin video lessons for learning photography was crap and nonesense. I wonder if you are mentioning other promoters of their own products or services. most people using KZbin videos for selling their own products and services. Maybe You are one of them to promote your own Photography course, am I right? Why not teach beginners to take film photography?

[@theschoolofphotography]

Hi thanks for watching. KZbin is an avenue people use to get new customers, that's not a secret.