3 Common Mistakes Beginner Photographers Make

We All Start Somewhere

I remember standing in the pouring rain in Kathmandu, wondering why all my shots of the ancient temples were coming out muddy and boring. It took me years of trial and error in the field—from my tiny balcony garden to sweeping national parks—to realize I was making the same five mistakes over and over again.

1. Ignoring the Background

When you see a beautiful bird or a friend smiling, your brain tunes out the distracting trash can right behind their head. Your camera does not. I used to ruin great portraits by failing to check the edges of my frame. Now, I always do a quick border-check before pressing the shutter.

2. Shooting Only at Eye Level

We see the world from five or six feet off the ground every day. Why take photos from that exact same boring angle? Some of my best macro shots of ants were taken while I was lying flat on my stomach in the mud. Get low, climb high, and change your perspective.

3. Relying on Auto Mode

Auto mode is fine for family snapshots, but it will betray you in challenging light. When a moody storm rolls over the highway, Auto mode will try to make the dark clouds bright and cheerful, completely ruining the dramatic atmosphere. Take control of your exposure!