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Learn Digital Photography with Sandro Dzneladze

Ten Ways to Become a Better Photographer

Category: Photography Tips
Written on Oct 17, 2011 by Sandro Dzneladze
Ten Ways to Become a Better Photographer

It would seem logical that every shutterbug out there is on the lookout for ways to improve their skills. Some people only think about getting better and have no clue about where to start. Others will analyze every single image they take for hours trying to find the small details that need improvement, yet they suffer from “analysis paralysis” and never actually act on any of the knowledge they gain. There are many ‘tips and tricks’ that can and will help your photography improve, but they all require action on your part. Here is a list of things you can do to help hone your photographic chops.

  1. Learn from Mistakes

    “I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.”—Thomas Edison. Many people like to paraphrase Mr. Edison as he was attempting to invent the light bulb. He had not failed in his attempt; he has simply found 9,999 ways that did not work. You can learn more from your mistakes than you can from your successes and if you are diligent, you can stand on the shoulders of giants and learn from their mistakes as well. Be patient and persistent and you will be pleasantly surprised at how all of the so called “failures” end up making you better.

  2. Build on Your Strengths

    Most people tend to look at the areas in which they are weak and try to improve on them. While this is always a good thing, you should be sure to keep those things in mind at which you excel too. The things you have down pat are the areas upon which you can expand more readily. You will be able to do more experimentation in the areas in which you excel. If there is some aspect of your shooting that you could almost do in your sleep, then build on that aspect and try some new things. You might be surprised at how much building you have to do.

  3. Learn to Take Criticism

    Many people are opposed to critical thought or corrective criticism. Instead of thinking of the word as a negative, think of it as a process improvement plan. Once areas are identified by others that can use improvement, you can take the necessary steps to eliminate the errors. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is to put your work in front of other photographers that can identify the weak areas and give you advice on how to improve or what to try to make things better. One such place you can investigate is photosig.com. Check it out and post some pics to get feedback from others and you will begin to see improvements take place.

  4. Find your Muse

    Everyone has something that inspires him or her when they shoot. Find those things that make you feel alive and vibrant when you are shooting and use them as a creative outlet to improve your image creation skills. The wonderful thing about creativity is that once you break the dam, the creative juices flow much easier. Take the time to find inspiration and your images will reflect the beauty within.

  5. Experiment with New Techniques

    One of the things about the art we favor is that we must be continual lifetime students. There is always something new to learn. Each time you go out on a shoot, each time you look at a photo, and each time you have a chance to investigate great images, try to figure out or find out how the shot was made. Once you understand the concept, try to put your own spin on the technique to make it your own. Experimentation is a great way to continue to revolutionize anything. Photography is an art and a science; use the scientific method to enhance and even revolutionize the art.

  6. Copy Success

    One of the best ways to learn something is to learn from those who have been successful. Find photographers, past and present, which touch you on some level. Find out why they did what they did, how they did it, and what they were trying to convey when they were behind the camera. Imitate their style until you can produce images that look like theirs and then put a piece of yourself into the mix. Further the work of your inspirational idols by learning all you can from them and then add your own piece of creativity and personalization to the mix. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone. The first person you must please is yourself and next is your client. There is not a single recipe for success, but the single best recipe for failure is to try to please everyone all of the time.

  7. Track your Effort

    In order to know how much you have improved, you must have something with which to compare current work. Take the time on a regular basis (once per quarter or every six months) to look at past work and compare it to your most current shots. Find the areas in which you were weak in the past and then see if you have strengthened them currently. The best way to remain in the same place is by not having a goal. If you are not moving forward, then you are stagnant. Make sure you are in constant motion as it pertains to your image creation techniques and concepts.

  8. Research and Read

    Constant education is paramount in the world of digital photography. If you really want to become better, then you will need to keep on the cutting edge and learn. This will require hours of time to be dedicated to research. It may involve reading the blog of your favorite shooter and then learning from them and their experience. It might involve watching tutorial videos online or any number of other mediums from which you can learn. With the volume of information at our disposal on the World Wide Web, we should be at no loss when it comes to information from which to learn.

  9. Shoot Often

    It has been said for many years about many different occupations and pastimes, that the only way to get really good at anything is to do it. If you want to learn how to raise chickens, then you will need to raise chickens. If you want to learn how to be a good mixed martial arts fighter, then you will need to fight. If you want to become a great rifle shot, then you will need to shoot your rifle often. In the same way, if you want to become a great photographer, then you will need to shoot your camera often. Practice…Practice…and more Practice.

  10. Remember your Passion

    I do not know of anyone that started out taking photos because they wanted to make money. I know several who began shooting because they found an area about which they were passionate. When you find something in life that stirs your soul, that causes the breath to catch in your chest, or that causes your heart to beat just a tiny bit faster, then you have found your passion. With the focus on all of the technical areas of photography, many people forget why they started to shoot in the first place. They have forgotten their passion. If you want to touch people with your images, then you must remember and stay true to your passion, or you will always fall just short of your goal.

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