100 things to remember as a photographer
By Saurabh Desai
Jun, 11 2019
- Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn't mean that he/she is a good photographer.
- Always shoot in RAW. Always.
- Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer & teaches you to keep the correct distance.
- Photo editing is an art in itself otherwise it’s a poison.
- The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
- If you have not lost your lens cap, means you are not involved with the subject while clicking it.
- UV filters work just as well as lens caps for me.
- Go outside and shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.
- Capture the beauty in the ordinary rather than rarity and you have a winning photograph.
- Film isn’t better than digital.
- Digital isn’t better than film.
- There is no “magic” camera or lens.
- Better lenses don’t give you better sense of composition.
- Spend less time looking at other people’s work and more time shooting your own.
- Don’t take your DSLR to parties.
- Girls dig photographers.
- Making your photos b/w doesn’t automatically make them “artistic”.
- People will always discredit your work if you tell them you “photoshop” your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the “digital darkroom”.
- You don’t need to take a photo of everything.
- Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
- Ditch the handstrap and get used with neckstrap.
- Get closer when taking your photos in streets, they often turn out better.
- Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a foreigner .
- Taking a photo from ground level often make your photos look more interesting.
- Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.
- Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
- Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
- The more photos you take of the same subject, the better things you learn out of it.
- Don’t be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
- Only show your best photos.
- A point-and-shoot is still a camera, do not underestimate the power of a common man.
- Join meaningful online photography forum rather than 100s of groups on social media.
- Giving critics nicely is wisdom, but receiving them nicely is bravery. & We are more wise than brave.
- Think before you shoot.
- A good photo shouldn’t require explanation (although background information often adds to an image).
- Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
- Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.
- Grain is beautiful, & noise removal is a dangerous task.
- Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
- Simplicity is key.
- The definition of photography is: “painting with light.” Use light in your favour.
- Find your style of photography and stick with it.
- Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
- Take pictures in colour and then convert them into monochrome if you feel so.
- Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
- Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life, take care of your wife as well.
- Don’t pamper your camera. Use and abuse it.
- There is no philosophy behind good pictures, they are just taken most of the times.
- Shoot with confidence, when you are in public or streets.
- Photography and coincidence are best friends.
- Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
- Give your photos to friends & family.
- Give them to strangers and local people who help you during your trips.
- Don’t forget to frame them.
- Archival printing is amazing though it is costly it will make you feel great.
- Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s). One is ideal, two is company & three is crowd.
- Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
- Taking photos where you don’t know their language is an adventure.
- Respect senior photographs, they were pioneers
- Candid>Posed.
- Natural light is the best light.
- 35mm (on full frame) is the best “walk-around” focal length.
- Don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
- You don’t need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go
- It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
- Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be “artsy” is exploitation.
- You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
- Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
- You can’t “Photoshop” bad images into good ones.
- Nowadays everybody is a photographer.
- You don’t need to fly to Africa to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.
- Watermark is called ‘Watermark’ because it has to be unclear or smudged or less obvious.
- Cameras as tools, not toys.
- In terms of composition, photography and painting aren’t much different.
- Photography isn’t a hobby- it’s a lifestyle.
- Make photos, not excuses.
- Be original & honest in your photography, viewers are smart too.
- The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
- Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
- The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
- Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
- Laughter always draws out peoples’ true character in a photograph.
- Don’t look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
- Landscape photography can become dull after a while if you travel less.
- Have fun while taking photos, wish-list often disappoints you.
- Never delete any of your photos except blurs and repeated ones.
- Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
- When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
- Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
- Learn how to read a histogram.
- A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
- Don’t be afraid to take photos in the rain.
- Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
- Never take photos on an empty stomach.
- You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
- Never store your photographic insight- share it with the world.
- Never stop taking photos, because you are capturing the history for the future.
- Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is an idea of life.
- Since how long you haven’t seen you camera manual! Believe me, its useful most of the times.
- Most photographers are ‘Vivekanand’ they never note down the points to remember.
Learnings form the field
By Saurabh Desai