Common Photography Problems and How to Fix Them

Let's discuss five common photography problems and how to fix them. 

Coming to you from Forest Chaput de Saintonge, this insightful video addresses some of the most prevalent issues for beginner photographers, such as using too slow of a shutter speed. Many beginners struggle with blurry photos, often because their shutter speed is too slow. Shutter speed determines how long your camera's shutter is open, capturing light and movement. The key is to prioritize sharpness over other settings.

Another common problem is not properly formatting your memory cards. Many photographers overlook this step, risking data corruption. Memory cards are a potential point of failure, so it's crucial to format them routinely in the camera you plan to use. Formatting isn't the same as erasing; it's a specific function found in your camera's menu. Always back up your images before formatting to avoid losing valuable photos. Formatting your card in the camera you’ll use for a shoot helps to prevent corruption. Establishing a workflow of importing, backing up, and formatting your card ensures you start every session with a freshly formatted card.

Shooting from eye level is another common mistake. Many beginners tend to take photos from a standing position, leading to uninteresting images. Changing your shooting angle can dramatically improve your photos. Use your camera's articulating screen to shoot from high or low angles. Getting low or shooting from above adds depth and interest to your images. This technique applies whether you’re using a DSLR or a smartphone. Playing with angles can elevate your photos from ordinary to exceptional, regardless of your equipment.

Spending too much time and money on gear is another common pitfall. While having good equipment is important, mastering your camera settings is more crucial for growth. If you do invest in gear, consider upgrading your lenses rather than your camera body. Lenses provide new creative possibilities. Remember, it's the photographer, not the camera, that makes a great photo. heck out the video above for the full rundown.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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1 Comment

Ha, I am sooo guilty of problem #2. Lately I've been loading a memory card only to find it has been shot on 4 different cameras with completely different filling systems. It's kind of wild they haven't given me more issues than they have.