Learning to take good photos takes time. It requires patience, continuous learning, and taking lots of photos through trial and error. In general, in order to make the photo the best it can be and to take the best shot, countless books are read, photography workshops are attended, and it is thought that everything from the shooting phase of the photo to the editing process after the photo is created must be learned.
Although this process varies for everyone, there are some common situations and we will try to touch on a few of these common must-haves. 7 important things that a photographer should not do are listed below, both as a reference for those who are new to photography and to take small notes from our professionals who have spent years integrating the art of photography.
7 Important Things a Photographer Should Not Do
1. Disrespecting the Camera and Equipment Used
Never disrespect the camera and equipment you are using. Always act carefully and meticulously. Try to protect them in the best conditions you can to prevent them from getting damaged. Since the lenses you use are the first equipment to receive impact on the front of your camera, either protect them with a lens cover or take precautions by using quality UV filters.
A good bag will protect your camera and equipment nicely. Get a bag suitable for different weather conditions. If there is even a slight chance of rain when you go out for a photo shoot, either take your rain protector with you or do not forget to have a simple refrigerator bag.
Never, ever leave your camera bag with your camera and equipment in your car overnight. Not only are you protected from theft, but the weather change that occurs at night can damage your camera sensors and lenses. Remember, the golden rule is that if you are disturbed by extreme heat, cold, dirt and smoke, know that your cameras and equipment are also disturbed by these.
2. Judging Another Photographer Because of the Camera and Equipment He Uses
Generally, we all change our cameras or lenses from time to time. We experience things through different lenses. Jealousy, which is in human nature, also appears in terms of photographic equipment. Although it does not make anyone a bad photographer if the camera they use is entry level or the lens they use is a kit lens, we have all seen that wonders can be created with seemingly simple equipment.
Therefore, just as someone has a newer body or uses a very sharp lens, it does not require you to question the equipment you have, nor should we judge someone who uses a simple body and standard kit lenses because of the camera and equipment they use.
3. Relying Too Much on Camera Ready Modes
There may be many preset modes in the features of the camera you use, and you can choose among these preset modes depending on your environment and the conditions in which you shoot. Although these modes (snow, action, sunny, etc.) take up the most space on the shooting mode wheel, there are three main variables at the camera level in photography.
ISO
Shutter
Aperture
All the photography you take, including the ready modes on your camera, actually depends on how these three variables are selected and used. Even though there are other variables such as focal length, focal point and flash, learning how ISO, shutter speed and aperture interact with each other is among the basic principles of being a good photographer. For this, do not rely on ready-made modes and be careful to take your shots in shutter priority, aperture priority and manual shooting modes.
4. Copying Exactly the Work of Others
Nowadays, it is almost impossible for a subject we want to photograph not to be photographed. Especially in today’s digital SLR world, a landscape photograph or a macro photograph has always been photographed somewhere in the world. One of the best ways to learn is to take inspiration from something photographed and photograph it again, even if it is similar, with the light and style you create.
Never hesitate to get inspired. Watching a photo in detail, reading its comments and examining its technical equipment along with its EXIF information not only allows you to use this information with the DSLR you use, but also enriches your perspective.
5. Keeping Photos All to Oneself
Don’t keep your work to yourself. Share your photos and show them to people. Use cloud computing, which is the requirement of the digital age, in case your home hard disk or portable hard disk gets corrupted at any time. Store your photos online first. Thus, your photos will be hosted on different servers on 7 continents.
Add your photos to photo sharing sites such as Flickr and DeviantArt, where photo criticism can be made. It would be even better if you could create your own website and present your shots as a series there. Be open to comments and be sure to evaluate the criticisms you receive. Although negative comments will affect you emotionally, the inherent effect of criticism will actually allow you to identify the points you need to focus on.
In summary, don’t be introverted and show your photos to people. Use the necessary channels for this and get people’s comments. This will contribute to you and your photography in every aspect.
6. Hesitating to Ask for Help
Put your pride aside and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you don’t really understand. Nowadays, when there are many more alternatives than in the days before the internet, both social networks and forums are environments where you can ask questions and someone will definitely answer your questions.
Remember, there was no internet in the past. Photographers like to help each other. If you really can’t get help online. So grab your camera and go out. Enter the first photo shop and ask your question.
7. Thinking You Know Everything and Stopping Learning
One of the best things the internet provides is that you can constantly find something to learn every day. There are blogs, news articles and reviews, and video demonstrations on YouTube that you can follow to learn. If you do not limit yourself, the internet will definitely give you something to learn through these channels.
If you are not connected to the internet and cannot constantly be in the learning process on the internet, you can find other good ways to educate yourself. For example, photo walks and travel events, which are becoming more and more common, will introduce you to different photographers, as well as create environments where you can take lots of photos and have long photo conversations.
Remember, photography is your perspective. You can improve your perspective by learning and taking lots of photos.