10 Beginner Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Photography means something different to everyone. Some take it seriously as an art or profession, while others use it to capture everyday moments. There’s no right or wrong way to approach it—it’s all about the enjoyment it brings.
That said, when I see beginners out and about, I often notice patterns in how they approach photography. Many of these habits or techniques are common missteps that can hold them back, even though they’re usually easy to adjust or improve.
10 Beginner Photography Mistakes
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how beginners approach photography and analyse the areas where they often go wrong. By understanding these mistakes, we can learn how to refine our own methods and capture better images.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about your progress, feel free to reach out for an online consultation. Together, we can review your portfolio, identify your individual challenges, and work on practical ways to elevate your photography.
Poor Camera Handling Leading to Blurry Photos
Blurry or soft images are a common beginner photography mistake. While several factors can contribute to this, one of the most common reasons I notice is simply not holding the camera correctly. Stability is key to capturing sharp images, and how you hold your camera plays a significant role in achieving that.
To maintain stability, hold the camera firmly with your right hand, keeping your index finger lightly on the shutter button. Use your left hand to support the camera from underneath or to steady the lens, especially if you’re using a larger setup. Tucking both elbows against your body helps create a solid base and reduces unwanted movement.
Avoid squatting to take photos, as it often makes it harder to keep your balance. If you need to shoot from a low angle, kneeling or sitting down provides better stability and helps keep the camera steady. Mastering this basic technique can make a noticeable difference in the sharpness of your shots and elevate the overall quality of your work.
Relying Too Much on Zoom Lenses
When starting out in photography, I often recommend a prime lens as the first lens for beginners. A 50mm lens is a particularly great choice—it’s versatile for a wide range of subjects and typically one of the most affordable lenses, regardless of the brand.
Using a prime lens with a fixed focal length, especially when you’re just starting, teaches you how to work with that specific focal length and helps you develop a better understanding of composition and framing. With a prime lens, you’re forced to move around physically to achieve different angles and perspectives. This process encourages you to think more critically about your shots and helps you develop a stronger eye for composition.
On the other hand, starting with a zoom lens can lead to a habit of relying on the zoom function to adjust your composition. While zoom lenses are convenient, they don’t push you to explore the creative possibilities of moving around your subject or experimenting with perspective. Learning with a prime lens can give you a solid foundation in understanding how focal lengths affect your images and help you become a more intentional photographer.
Sticking to a Single Perspective
When browsing online galleries in Facebook travel groups, I often notice that many photos within certain collections tend to look alike. A common misconception is that this is due to the lens being used. Many believe they need a specific lens for portraits and another for landscapes. While this may hold true for professional photography, it’s not always the case for new photographers looking to tell a compelling story through their images.
When shooting, always aim to capture a variety of perspectives with every scene. I start by taking wide, medium, and close-up shots, ensuring I cover each scene fully. Then, I change the focal length and repeat the process again. This approach not only maximises creativity but also creates a visual narrative that’s richer and more engaging. By focusing on versatility rather than switching lenses for every shot, you can capture a broader range of images and add depth to your storytelling.
Poor Communication
When working with people, keeping your subject or client comfortable isn’t just crucial for achieving the best results—it’s also a sign of respect. This dynamic works both ways between the photographer and the model. Living in a tourist destination, I often see couples getting frustrated, even yelling at each other, after multiple failed attempts to take the “perfect” photo. I’ve been there myself, but one thing I’ve learned is that clearly communicating your ideas can make all the difference. No one knows what you’re envisioning unless you share it.
Good communication is especially important when working with clients, such as during elopement photo sessions. I’ve seen photographers set a couple in front of a beautiful backdrop, take a few shots, and then walk away to review the images on their camera—leaving the couple awkwardly holding their pose for far too long. Don’t be that person. Clear communication and a collaborative approach will not only create a more enjoyable experience but also lead to better, more authentic photos.
Ignoring the Importance of Lighting Conditions
Have you heard of the “Golden Hour”? It’s the time of day when the light is most flattering, casting soft, warm tones and gentle shadows. This magical window happens during sunrise and sunset, making it a favourite among photographers. However, it’s not the only time you can capture great photos. Overcast skies also create excellent conditions, as the cloud layer acts like a natural softbox, diffusing the light evenly.
On the other hand, try to avoid taking photos at midday, especially on clear, sunny days. The harsh, direct light creates strong shadows and reduces the polished, professional look of your images. Instead, plan your shoots for times when the lighting is softer, allowing to achieve beautifully lit, professional-quality photographs.
READ MORE: How to use Light in Photography
Shooting Everything with Low Aperture
When beginner photographers start experimenting with wide apertures, they often tend to overuse them. Don’t get me wrong—bokeh and creamy backgrounds can look fantastic, but the choice of aperture should always depend on the purpose of your photograph.
Keep in mind that most lenses are least sharp when used wide open. If you’re photographing open spaces without a blurred foreground, it’s usually more effective to stop down the aperture for a sharper image across all the elements in the frame. Understanding when to use a wide aperture and when to close it down will help you achieve better results and more intentional compositions.
Overlooking a Crooked Horizon
I hesitated to include this because it feels so obvious, but it’s important to mention: if you’re unintentionally taking photos with a crooked horizon, it’s something you need to start paying attention to. A tilted horizon is a glaring mistake that can instantly take away from the professionalism of your photo. The good news? It’s an easy fix—either by being mindful while shooting or with a quick adjustment during editing.
Not Knowing the Basics of Composition
This might be a slightly more advanced topic, but not understanding the basic rules of composition can make your photos look amateur. Simple guidelines, like the rule of thirds, can significantly enhance the professionalism and appeal of your images. If you’re serious about improving your photography, taking the time to learn and apply the fundamentals of composition is a must. Mastering these basics will help you create more balanced, visually engaging photos and take your skills to the next level.
Shooting Everything from Eye Level
Eye level is how we see the world every day, which makes it the most familiar—and often the most predictable—perspective. It’s natural to lift your camera to your face and take photos while standing, but this approach can result in uninspired, ordinary shots.
To make your photos more engaging and dynamic, experiment with perspectives that aren’t commonly seen. Try getting very low to the ground for an intimate, unique angle, or find a way to shoot from high above for a fresh and dramatic viewpoint. Exploring these unconventional perspectives will help your images stand out and capture attention.
Your eye level is the way you perceiving the world every day, making it a very common view it's also natural to pick up your camera to your face and just take pictures as you stand, but this is the most boring perspective. To get your photos more exciting you have to try to show the world from perspectives which aren't commonly seen from, so for example to get very low to the ground or high above.
Always Placing Your Subject in the Center
Centering your subject is one of the most basic ways to frame a photo. When done intentionally, it can create a powerful and balanced composition. However, relying on this approach too often can limit the creativity and visual interest of your images. Your surroundings often provide opportunities to experiment with framing by incorporating the background and foreground.
For instance, if you’re photographing friends in front of a landmark, consider positioning your friends on one side of the frame and the landmark on the other. This not only creates a more dynamic composition but also allows the elements in your photo to complement each other, telling a more compelling story.
Final Thoughts
Photography is a journey of learning and growth. Mistakes are part of the process, offering opportunities to refine your skills and elevate your work. By addressing common challenges like composition, communication, and camera handling, you can take meaningful steps to improve your craft.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward, I’m here to help. Consider booking an online consultation where we can review your portfolio, identify areas for improvement, and develop practical strategies to overcome your individual challenges. Together, we’ll work on refining your approach so you can confidently take your photography to the next level.
Read more Photography Tutorials
With few years of professional experience in photography, including commercial projects, travel, and outdoor adventures, I’ve learned a lot about capturing meaningful visuals and telling stories through images. Our guides and tutorials are designed to share what we’ve learned along the way, offering practical tips and inspiration for photographers at any level. If you’re looking to grow your skills or try something new, we invite you to explore our other photography guides and tutorials.
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