Common Photography Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Taking beautiful photos doesn’t necessarily require a professional photographer. With a few tips and techniques, you can take your photos to the next level and capture images that are just as amazing as any professional photographer’s. Avoiding mistakes in photography is essential as it saves time for editing and produces the ideal image the first time around. In this article, we will discuss five common photography mistakes and how to fix them.

Distorted Photos
A common mistake in photography is taking photos with a distorted look. This often occurs when the lens is set to its widest setting, which is usually considered the default setting. When taking portraits, it is essential to capture the image higher than it is wide. When the lens is set on default, especially when the subject is close, it can look unflattering.

To avoid this mistake, some cameras come with a portrait setting, but in case you don’t have it, zooming in partially can capture better portrait photos. If you are using a compact camera, be careful not to zoom in too closely as this can reduce the image quality. Ensure you move closer to your subject to get the best results.

Motion-Blurred Photos
Blurry images are a common mistake in photography, mainly due to camera shake. While modern cameras come with technology to reduce camera shake, it’s still possible to take crisp and clean photos without a tripod.

To achieve this, raise the shutter speed, keep the camera still when taking the photo, press the button halfway to lock in the focus, and ensure that the subject is not moving. If the object is moving, adjust the autofocus feature, and if the camera has a continuous autofocus setting to capture moving images, then use it.

Red-Eye
Red-eye occurs when the light from the flash reflects from the eyes onto the lens, leaving the subject with glowing red eyes. It’s frustrating when you take several pictures of friends and family only to notice glowing red eyes in every image.

To avoid red-eye, you need to focus your subjects to look just a little away from the camera rather than straight into the lens. They can look a little to the side or behind you. Ensure that the angle is much larger than the camera lens to avoid red-eye completely. Many advanced cameras, as well as point-and-shoot cameras, have an automatic red-eye reduction feature.

No Clear Subject in the Photo
Another common photography mistake is not having a clear subject in the image. When you capture images, you have an idea of what you want the viewers to see, but once the photos are uploaded, it’s possible to have an unclear focus, which makes it hard for others to understand what you’re trying to communicate.

To avoid this mistake, get closer to your subject and avoid capturing everything in one photo by standing too far away. Once you’re close enough, pay attention to what is in the viewfinder, and ensure there is nothing that can distract viewers from the subject you want them to focus on.

Not Knowing Your Camera
Not knowing your camera is a common mistake that often leads to frustration and undesirable results. Every camera has different features and settings that require a bit of research to understand how they work. Taking time to read the manual, understand new terms, and practicing with the camera is essential in becoming more comfortable with it.

The more familiar you are with the camera, the more confidence you will have when capturing images, and the more likely you will produce high-quality photos. Take your time to learn about each feature and how it can help you produce better images.

Conclusion
Taking high-quality photos just as good as a professional photographer is very possible. Avoiding the common photography mistakes mentioned above will help you capture clear, sharp, and stunning images. Remember always to focus, take time to learn about your camera, and avoid shaky motions when taking photos. With the right approach and a little patience, you’ll soon find yourself taking professional-grade photos that are worthy of framing.