Tips to Quickly IMPROVE your Photography

Try Canva Pro free for 45 days here: canva.me/juliat...
Hey everyone! I thought I'd do a little sit down video today sharing some of my favourite tips to help improve your photography. These "mistakes" are things I used to do when I first started photography almost 15 years ago now. When I started working on my skills of each of these tips I have for you today, I saw a HUGE improvement in my work. Let me know which one is your favourite in the comments :) Also I of course have some behind the scene snippets and photos that I've never shared before from a couple of different shoots in this video too! This is the camera equipment I was using for each of those shoots in order:
First I was taking portraits of Amanda with the Sony A7R4 and Zeiss 35mm f1.4. After, Hayley and I were taking photos in the water with the Fujifilm GFX100 and manual focus Mitakon 65mm f1.4 lens - this is SUCH a magical lens!!
Finally I have 2 outfits with Aroha - first I was using both the A1 and A7III with the Zeiss 35mm f1.4 and the last shots of her sitting down are with the A1 and Zeiss 50mm f1.4.
If you want to see more of my photography tutorials, please check out:
How to use natural light: • Tips to IMPROVE your N...
Composition tips for portraits: • Composition Tips for P...
LIGHTROOM PRESETS www.digitalfil...
VIDEO LUTS www.digitalfil...
BLOG + SAMPLE IMAGES blog.juliatrot...
MY APP iOS: itunes.apple.c...
MY APP ANDROID: play.google.co...
INSTAGRAM / juliatrotti
TWITTER / juliatrotti
FACEBOOK / juliatrottiphotography
DAN www.imakefilms...
PHOTOGRAPHY SETUP
Sony A7iii: amzn.to/3fislwd
Sony Zeiss 35mm f1.4: amzn.to/33ghZub
Sony GM 35mm f1.4
Sony Zeiss 50mm f1.4: amzn.to/2PinFfd
Sony GM 85mm f1.4: amzn.to/31b5fCK
Sony GM 135mm f1.8: amzn.to/33lB0M8
VLOG SETUP
Sony A7C: amzn.to/3mrp5nz
Sony G 20mm f1.8: amzn.to/39Dwgna
Rode Wireless Go: amzn.to/3fpH2O1
VIDEO SETUP
Sony a7siii: amzn.to/3rMrIkD
Sigma 18-35mm f1.8: amzn.to/31b1KMF
Sigma 24-35mm f2: amzn.to/3rObyr3
Canon to Sony Metabones adaptor: amzn.to/3169P5d
Small rig cage A7III: amzn.to/3fmE64E
Wooden grip: amzn.to/2Ph4MJo
Atomos ninja: amzn.to/2Do2PIL
ACCESSORIES
UV filters: amzn.to/2DfQINX
Benro S4 kit: amzn.to/30p4qah
Benro S6 kit: amzn.to/2PjQDeQ
Benro S6 head: amzn.to/2PfQmJN
Gorilla pod: amzn.to/33dZAOT
SandiskSD cards: amzn.to/39MEXKQ
Memory card case: amzn.to/3k1Wxzl
Variable ND filter: amzn.to/3gqAgZF
Camera bag: amzn.to/3fe4eyx
AUDIO
Video Mic Pro +: amzn.to/39PsaqR
NTG3: amzn.to/33hlFMr
Rode Filmmaker Kit: amzn.to/39UOcsA
Rode Wireless XLR: amzn.to/39PJT1m
Zoom H6: amzn.to/31aTUTa
Rode lavs: amzn.to/2PiLR18
Earphones: amzn.to/39OhFEm
LIGHTING
5 in 1 large reflector: amzn.to/2XlwIk1
5 in 1 small reflector: amzn.to/31aUcte
Aputure Tri 8: amzn.to/33gVCot
Aputure softbox kit: amzn.to/313VFBu
Aputure mini LED: amzn.to/33hI9go
See my complete list of photography, videography, audio, computer/office, etc gear that I use: blog.juliatrotti.com
These are all affiliate links, so purchasing via my links supports me as a creator and doesn’t cost you any extra :)
MUSIC/ARTLIST artlist.io/art... sign up with this link and you will receive 2 extra months to your subscription for free 💛
-
Thank you for watching!

[@alexandredumbass1693]

TOP TIP to improve your photography: take off your lens cap ..... always made my photos better... try it

[@juliatrotti]

Bahaha yes I can confirm this

[@ofofononoiwa9397]

Okay lot of people say use them because of flair most especially outside now someone says no what’s your reasoning behind this

[@alexandredumbass1693]

@@ofofononoiwa9397 lens cap vs lens hood, google it. You ll understand

[@dalenawatson8043]

I definitely struggle with posing / prompting non models. Using a mood board or inspiration board has been such a big help with that! Having a shot list included in the board with short prompts to jog my memory for easier transitions has been a game changer so thank you for your helpful advice! Love your videos!

[@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll]

Very good advice. what I would humbly add is to do not hesitate to ask the model/subject for what poses or compositions she/he would suggest. That is, it is clear the concept/plan for the session should come from the photographer, but I sense an experienced or half-way experienced model might have significant knowledge including of what angles/style of photos work better with her in the past. Do not underestimate the contribution of the model beyond freezing for the photos.

[@BenelliMr]

Fully agree with one lens, one prime lens. When getting my new full frame camera, I sold all my zoom lenses and went back to basics: Zeiss 55 mm 1.8. Fantastic lens with a high res sensor, amplified with DXO lens corrections and denoise. I had to learn to zoom with my feet. But I learned to know my lens and intuitively chose the right position and distance after a while. My portrait shots became so much better; the bokeh was brilliant, the lens so light with the Sony mirrorless body. I then bought a few prime lenses for travel, but today I shoot the vast majority with the “nifty fifty”. And I feel so much prouder with excellent photos with this challenge. Isn’t this what photography is all about? Joy of life?

[@juliatrotti]

I love hearing from people with the same experiences! I completely agree, I tend to have more fun at a portrait shoot or taking photos while travelling when I limit myself to one lens.

[@chipcurry]

I always like your comments, thanks for Sharing your experience.

[@rebecca.mc01]

I’d love to see a video focussing on the Sony 35 mm 1.8 lens! I just got this lens and would love to see what photos you could take with it 😄

[@tanoshiifun9321]

Wow! Walking out into water, chest-deep, with a GFX100. That in itself shows courage in photography!

[@kierrajohnson4303]

So happy to have came across this video! I am a beginner and I love photography, but communication is my biggest struggle and just multitasking honestly. but these tips helped so much!

[@moviemaniac3158]

Your channel is amazing love it

[@humansarestardust]

Obrigado Julia !

[@NathanaelFetizanan]

I wish I could go back shooting, I miss doing photoshoots so much. Thank you for this one Julia!

[@juliatrotti]

I missed it so much during lockdown here in Sydney, I hope you are able to go out and shoot again soon!

[@JFebrillet]

you give the best tips, and even show examples its thanks to you that my photography has improved during lockdown . i love learning new tips and tricks from you.

[@igehring]

I really like your communication, your accent , you make yourself so clear to be understood. Your channel is a must see ! Thanks for sharing in such great quality of content

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much!

[@TheSpectacularRob]

Communication is key in every field ! Thanks for the suggestion. Explaining what aspects I like on the mood board pictures will make a huge difference 🙌

[@GiannisVeronis]

@3:39 I have never seen someone so casually moving in the water without any sign of discomfort!! Way to Go Girls!:)

[@Adriana.Gabriela]

I agree so much with everything you said about having only one lens (a prime) at the beginning. And I also sometimes felt sick of it, but now that I have more than one, I still mainly use that same one. 50mm 💕 Maybe I should stick to only one other focal length for a while 😂 At least when possible (i.e. not at weddings). I bet it would give me a lot more knowledge and better handling when it comes to choosing when I will use each

[@juliatrotti]

Yeah I often still choose to shoot on only one lens sometimes as well, mostly for my personal photography like you mentioned, not for weddings or clients ;)

[@BenelliMr]

also at weddings: accept the challenge. Your photos will become better.

[@jillgallagher8982]

Brilliant Julia, you explain everything so well, thankyou love your channel

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you so much!

[@BboyGraphicx]

Your channel is brilliant

[@RupaliDas17]

I have been using 50mm lens with sony a7iii for last 3 years.. Finally got a new 85mm lens… Super excited 😊

[@youtubemaster5344]

You are an amazing person with your smiled face , energy ! Big love to you dear Julia from Azerbaijan ❤

[@martinapit8077]

Omg i'm so in love with your photo

[@RealPearlMania]

Fantastic, helpful and informative video. My next shoot is with the Canon 90D (my newest body) + Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM II (I'm addicted to this lens and use it for 90% of my shoots) I shoot Cosplay+Fashion.

[@jamilgotcher5456]

I like your purple background with your pumpkin color blouse 💜🧡.

[@shawnfoodfever]

great sharing tips 😍😍

[@mahimifrat8097]

I have watched all your videos literally!

[@michaelrc6282]

Love the one lens challenge idea. I agree we should familiarize ourselves with certain primes.🙌🏼

[@peterwilson9699]

Wonderful! So happy I found your channel!

[@maszekmeans]

Absolutely amazing tips 💜💜💜 . Have a peaceful and meaningful time this week Julia :)

[@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll]

After accumulating a few primes from Sigma: 24, 35, 40, 50, 85, 105, 135 and Nikon's 50, and 58. I have learned a bit the advantages of each one but I will surely benefit from the challenge you suggest.

[@bernardomeza6906]

Que opinas del 85 vs 105? Ya tengo el 135

[@DanielRodriguez-fg5ll]

@@bernardomeza6906 yo creo que el 85 es much mas versatil. el 105 lo vas a terminar usando ya sea en el extererior o cuando controlas bien el setup; si no tienens control del ambiente, puede ser que te falte espacio para usar el 105. El 85 es mas usable en mas situaciones.

[@derpieeez]

First of all, you're my fav photographer and I improve better by watching most of your videos :D And seeing bout the one lens challenge, I decided to challenge myself to take a portrait/photos using tele lens. And I love how it turns out. Since most of the time I'm using prime lens to take photos.

[@JessikaJay16]

Thank you for this! Always nice to get tips! The one I liked was communicating, it gave me the great idea as you said said let them know what you would like to see during a shoot like looking away from the camera! 😊

[@danfarmer_photo]

Thanks for tips, Julia! I am lucky enough to have a bag of lenses, but I often push myself to do the ‘one lens challenge’ as I fully agree with how much it can improve the skills. For me, it really helps my composition. ✌️

[@juliatrotti]

Glad you liked it! I absolutely love doing one lens challenges and I agree it can do wonders for your composition :)

[@rjohnbernales]

Thank you Julia. I have trouble with all this,so all these tips are really useful 🤩

[@DarylJohnDeGuzman]

good timing i only have 1 prime lense and its the 50mm f1.4 and im loving it. my photography skill went 5x better after transitioning from the first lense i have

[@NiklasJuritsch]

the 50mm is perfect for portraits since the compression is similar to the one of the human eye! I love mine! It also great to use for the b-roll in my youtube videos!

[@Gigi_kodra58]

Thanks Julia for your tips. Love your videos. I have purchased my Nikon D7500 with a Nikon AF-S 50mm 1.8 G a few weeks ago as an amateur photographer and enjoying taking lots of beautiful pictures.

[@irmaindriani]

Thanks dear

[@mab7722]

Mistakes are the key element of learning

[@gundamaction1201]

Hi Julia. I am new to photography and your channel helps me a great deal of understanding what I want for my photography. Your opinions and videos of 35mm lens made me decided to buy my first prime len with 35mm lens. I got the sony a7iv kit set but have been shooting mainly with the 35mm lens for the one len challenge. I find myself to become more creative to try to shoot things differently with a fixed focal length. Explore different angles of the same subject. There’s a lot to learn and have fun with. I still got the kit lens to play with. Your videos are informative as you provide real world usage, how you progress and get better at photography. I am glad I found your channel.

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you, that's really awesome to hear! A 35 prime is great for so many styles of photography too :D

[@IntensifiedRaaj]

@@juliatrotti Hi Julia, Please Suggest Me a Good Cheap Lens For Canon APSC Format Mirrors Camera, As I'm a Beginner & Love The Portraits More...!

[@vanningwilder]

Love these tips! So helpful and all of your videos give so much value. Did you shot these photos with the model in the water at sunrise or sunset?

[@user-dt3uj3vb9e]

Nice Photography 😘🥰

[@ChacoOutdoorsman]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing your experience, im an introvert to

[@stephanieellah]

As a newbie this was sooooo helpful!!! I've watched a few videos like this but you talked about things that are so relevant and informative 👏🏾

[@Justice8911]

I just got the sony a7iii and I only have the 35mm 1.8 and I'm so glad you mentioned this challenge because I wanted to break the bank for other lens but I'm going to hold off until I master this one.

[@kchermi]

Thank you Julia for your tips. I'm a big fan of your work. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. It is very useful and it makes me progress.

[@copicgirl8057]

Thanks for the amazing tips! I love the photos in this video so much, I think I haven't seen many of them :)

[@juliatrotti]

Thank you!

[@melissafaria5386]

Great tips! Just starting out myself and will definitely be trying these. Especially the taking multiple shots to get different angles and shooting from slightly above or below. Thank you!

[@NiklasJuritsch]

YES! Get those low angles! When. I first discovered this trick my mind was blown! Especially when you are out in the great outdoors! Adds so much more depth to the image!

[@calicreations2029]

I have the Sony 24-105 f4 and it hasn't exactly got the best wide aperture for portraits, nor would the glass be nearly as good as a prime, so Ive been dying to get the new Sony 50mm 1.2, but listening to what you said about limitations and working with that has given me the inspiration to stick to what I currently own and work around it :) thank you !! (and also thank you for helping me save 3 bloody grand! loool)

[@amitkrupal1234]

Hi, do you have any portrait photos on your Flickr or insta account which i would see for learning purpose, currently I am trying one focal length portrait challenge especially 70mm on APS-C(105 on FF). Unfortunately due to restrictions its difficult to get model for photoshoot trying to take self portrait.

[@iamjeromedupont]

Your work is amazing!

[@YigalDavidHachmon]

Thanks for your video and excellent tips, Julia, I'm an experienced photographer but I did learned some new stuff and /organized my thought from this video. So thanks U!

[@dragnfly138]

This was really really helpful. Thanks so much.

[@fuenz1204]

Still only have the 35mm so I kind of have no choice haha! Can’t wait to get an 85mm but it’s true that sticking to one prime length helps you get more creative with your angles and composition 🤗

[@andreamarinescu3823]

Agreed Paula! I have a 50 and 85 and my 85 f1.8 is my ABSOLUTE favorite, it's my go-to for all types of shots. And it truly does help because you are forced to move and create angles + composition, not relying so much on the zoom of the camera. I should grab a 35 too!

[@Made_in_heavengiftshop0]

Thank youu

[@Wasmm_]

Helpful tips! Thank you for sharing them

[@Cddsr]

Great video! Very helpful tips!

[@antant06]

Great tips 👍

[@muskduh]

thanks for the tips! =)

[@chuligraphy6943]

The best! Greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴 🤗

[@sobinalex]

You're my true inspiration 😉

[@MahoakTV]

The communication bit, it's very difficult for me. Thank you for this video. Very helpful

[@CRGFOTOS]

Great tips. Love your content.

[@banasreekunal]

I love juliar from bottom of my heart. Please accept it

[@dedequintero8833]

I would love a video on camera settings, not just iso or aperture!!

[@Fifthimagez]

Amazing tips vary helpful thanks so much 🙏🏾

[@milfordanthony3168]

Julia, you made a statement in this tip segment that I find true in so many people in the arts. Most of us are introverts. I am a musician and play the french horn and I am also a photographer. It has been through the musical journey that I have somewhat come out of my shell and have put forth an effort to get to know people and interact with them. I still find it awkward doing the same thing with my photography. I enjoy your youtube videos and have gained some insight into what I need to correct in my photographs. Thanks for being there for those of us that are still perfecting our craft.

[@anischehri]

great video ! Btw I'm in love with your voice

[@alexhunnter]

Great tips 😍 thanks 🙏

[@alfonsolara3672]

hello i really like this video, i been a sports photographer for a few yrs where i do well, but i have been approach and ask if am interested in doing in door events as weddings or hispanic events, they all take place in plain day light i currently have an D850 with a 70-200 am sure it will be a totally game changer moving from 6pm to 1pm and deal with harsh day light. am good with moving subjects, non moving is a hole different thing.

[@willy9547]

bonjour Julia. toujours un contenu de qualité. bravo pour ton sens artistique, j'apprécie beaucoup ;)

[@franzeenpalac1216]

I hope you do a tutorial on portrait mobile photography using the pro mode.

[@RyanEg]

THANK YOU FOR THE TIPS!!! I'm new to photography and someone sent me your way to get started. you did not disappoint! I appreciate how easy it is to follow along. I'm also looking for the 35, 50, 85 comparison video link mentioned at 7:18 😬

[@leileixue]

Thank you!

[@phelix920]

👍🏾👏🏾💐Excellent advice.

[@uxmanxardar4809]

Great tips👍👍

[@sgpork]

My photo only look better today than few years ago is mainly due to me having more knowledge on how to post process. Photoshop/post process has become as important or in some cases more important than the photo taking. (Unless u totally miss focus or miss the composition so badly)

[@alfredochannel594]

when i first have a camera i only have one lense and that is zeiss 24... i oftenly use that lense for portrait and landscape. and what she said is a real. i can take beautiful in different styles of look only with one lens.

[@adamrosenberg7114]

Thank you for the tips. Much appreciated! I'd like to know what you have attached to the camera. Is it a wireless tether?

[@janrance8887]

Thank you for this tips again. I am in my beginning stage. I still struggle the things that you mentioned. At first I think that I was not working out as a Photographer. But after watching this made me want to improve my skills more and pushed be not to give up. Atleast I know I'm not the only one experiencing this. Thank you again for sharing this Ms. Julia.

[@juliatrotti]

I'm so glad you liked it! Yes be patient with yourself, just work on improving little things every time you go out to shoot. Someone in the comments also mentioned that you might not even notice how much you've improved until you look back on your old work so keep at it :)

[@FaddyVFX]

That is great. Great video, i like it 😊

[@nevermore0]

Gotta disagree on point number one, I've found that I need to take a step back for framing. It gives me more control on the final product in editing and is particularly useful when you need to crop for a magazine publication or a social media post.

[@constantinephotography5287]

Was that a typo on the stills or were uoi shooting with that A7RV? :)

[@hungpham7796]

You're so beautiful and your voice is amazing :3

[@Triplebuc50]

As a Senior citizen, I require Simplicity in my portrait Photography, I have a Nikon camera with a 85 1.8g lens. I am not in Business as yet. After a Portrait shoot, when & How should I share the images with the Client or Subject?

[@Elassyahmed]

“If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough,” is a quote by the legendary war and street photographer, Robert Capa

[@amitkrupal1234]

Awesome

[@bethgibson8190]

These are such great tips Julia!!! Could you make a video on how to keep your images tack sharp even with movement?? I struggle cuz I love a shallow depth of field and ethereal looking shots but I also want them to be tack sharp on the subject itself 😕 also how can I find models for free? Thanks Julia for everything love you 😽💞💞

[@stefan_becker]

Open aperture for shallow depth of field (lower f numbers like f1.4) and fast shutter speeds. Use auto iso and set it to to a minimal shutter speed of for example 1/500s. For track sharp pictures also use a camera with fast and precise eye af (for example Sony A7III, A7IV, A9, A9II, A1, A7r7III, A7rIV) and switch on image stabilization. Set it also to af-c and eye af. Also use a quickly focusing lens such as the 50mm 1.2 GM or the 135mm 1.8 GM.

[@alexsanci9827]

Good tips ,btw ,you are beatiful

[@allenschneider1847]

Very helpful. Thanks. What cameras do you most use? I'm considering getting either a fugi xt4 or an olympus om1iii.

[@ericgray9395]

Well presented Julia. All levels of photographers will learn something from each of your videos. Thank you

[@hosseinamanpour6595]

What’s that cable attached to your camera? What does it do?

[@kuyaace8255]

Hi Julia!, Just wondering do you use ND Filter? Maybe you can also have a video for ND filters? or thoughts on using them :). btw thanks for being one of the first people who inspire me in pursuing Photography :)

[@NiklasJuritsch]

Always have your shutter speed double the frame rate! For example: 24fps - 1/50 shutter. This will keep your motion blur authentic and smooth. So basically if your image is overexposed using this rule, then use a filter! If you have any questions I have some videos on my channel that might help you out! :)

[@rayshaunw26]

Am I the only one who sees she is shooting with an A7RV??? Julia; make it make sense!

[@abdurrahmanshovon]

❤️

[@Bmasta717]

Outdoor self portrait using Sony pls 😩🥺

[@YOUAREMYKIN]

Learning so much from you Julia! 🙏🏽

[@divinelyblessedkb]

I am new to photography but I am really eager to learn! What brand is ZA? I know you have ZA 35mm? Thanks in advance!

[@princehashim2961]

Am learning photography via hear coz I feel passionate about it but I lack a camera

[@Ashycrochets]

I have one lens and i learn something new Everytime I go out for a shoot

[@yasirlutale8206]

what is the type of the camera you using

[@gospyder]

Great tips Julia! I have a question. Does your presets ever go on sale besides the 10% off over $50?

[@_ochea8985]

0:49 Is this Amanda Chan? Btw thanks for this, sooo informative💖