You read so many photography books and articles teaching you how to master a particular technical or compositional aspect and follow them by heart. It seems you did everything right, and still, when you see your photographs on a big screen or printed, something is off. That’s because while focusing on what you need to do, you forget to consider what you aren’t supposed to do. So here are the most frequent photography mistakes to avoid and a thing or two on how to spot them.
Unbalanced Composition
Usually, this mistake happens when you find an amazing subject and are so focused on getting it right that you forget about the rest of the frame. As a result, the background may be too busy and distract the eye from the main subject or the position of the subject in the frame is not doing it any favor. Other times, the color palette is off and some tiny colorful item near the edge of the frame is stealing all the attention. Or the subject blends in too much in the background.
Although there are many reasons for unbalanced compositions, there is a single thing to do to avoid them. Once you find the subject and establish the best camera angle and position, look around it and analyze the rest of the frame. Weight each visual element and see how it affects the main subject. Then adjust the framing until you get it right. Don’t forget that empty space has a visual weight as well.
Misplaced Focus
This happens mostly when you use autofocus and let the camera find your focus point. If you have overlapping elements (e.g., leaves in front of a flower) or crowded elements (e.g., a bunch of small items), the camera may make the wrong decision. Another reason for misplaced focus is a slight camera movement when you press the shutter release button. You’ve focused on the right point initially, but you’ve moved the camera while taking the shot.
To avoid misplaced focus, use manual focus when the autofocus system may get fouled. Use a tripod when you have a sensitive focus point, such as macro shots, shallow depth of field, and so on.
Photo by Mister Starman on Unsplash
Dull Framing
Although you can’t find anything wrong with a photo, it still feels awkward and dull. It has no personality and looks like hundreds of other pictures you’ve seen before. Dull framing is often the result of an impatient photographer, too eager to take a shot to think about the last shot they take and the overall artistic quality of their work. In other words, you take the same photographs all the time regardless of the subject. For example, you always take pictures standing, holding the camera at your eye level.
Consider creating a shot list for your photo sessions to avoid dull framing. It’s easy to spot patterns when you list the composition options you have in mind. Also, practice creativity by photographing the same subject or scenery from as many angles and perspectives as you can imagine. Then, analyze the images and decide what you like best and what you should try more often.
Photo by Jaison Lin on Unsplash
Nothing to Say
In the ‘Nothing to Say’ category enter perfectly good photographs in terms of technical and compositional aspects. They are nicely exposed, sharp, clear, and well-balanced. However, they have nothing to say and don’t move you in any way. They are simply too generic to matter and can’t convey any feeling at all. The reason for this mistake is a lack of connection between the photographer and the subject. When the photographer is uninterested or disconnected from the subject, the photograph suffers.
To avoid creating photographs with nothing to say, slow down and embrace the scenery. Come up with a meaningful story and ask yourself why you are taking that shot and what you are trying to convey. A photograph is not independent of the photographer. It’s a part of them. So pour your heart into it.
Photo by Tienko Dima on Unsplash
Conclusion
Most photography mistakes are caused by haste and disconnection. When you care about a subject, you are all in, and it’s impossible to get it wrong. Learn to use your camera and take time to feel the room and make an idea about what’s happening and what needs to be captured and conveyed to your public. Photography is a mix of technical aspects and feelings.
Cover photo by Sarah Kilian on Unsplash