Many amateur photographers keep repeating the same mistakes, often without realizing it. Fixing these simple but fundamental errors can dramatically change your photography and move you beyond that amateur status.
Coming to you from Evan Ranft, this practical video outlines common pitfalls holding your photography back, along with straightforward tips for improvement. Ranft emphasizes that the number one mistake you might be making is simply not shooting enough. He shares his own early experience, illustrating how consistent practice rapidly accelerates skill development. He doesn’t advocate just occasional outings with your camera; consistent, regular shooting is the key. The second big misstep he identifies is ignoring the rule of three—a core composition guideline often misunderstood or oversimplified by beginners.
Ranft makes clear that the rule of three isn't only about the rule of thirds; it’s also about deliberately incorporating three distinct visual elements—foreground, midground, and background—in every photograph. He shows practical examples, such as a simple hiking shot and an intentionally composed image of a car framed by a fence. Ranft stresses how each element complements the others, adding depth and interest. He argues convincingly that photos often look amateur because photographers neglect this basic compositional method, resulting in flat or visually uninteresting images. Ranft’s explanations are direct, clear, and illustrated with his personal photos to demonstrate exactly how this concept transforms mundane scenes into engaging images.
The video also highlights more subtle, advanced compositional techniques, including natural framing and the intentional use of leading lines, diagonals, and triangles. Ranft’s own photographs illustrate the power of these elements, clarifying how each contributes to visual clarity and viewer engagement. He advises that incorporating framing into your compositions, even subtly, helps guide the viewer’s eye precisely where you want it. His use of silhouettes framed by natural surroundings or city architecture demonstrates exactly how thoughtful framing strengthens photographs. Ranft further explores lead lines and diagonal compositions, using clear examples to show their visual effectiveness without complicating the concept.
Ranft goes further by addressing post-processing techniques that amateurs often overlook: masking and retouching. He openly admits that these can seem tedious but insists they're essential for a polished, professional look. Using before-and-after examples, he clearly demonstrates how removing distractions and controlling lighting in post-processing profoundly impacts photo quality. Ranft makes a compelling argument that professionals consistently do this detailed post-processing, while amateurs frequently skip it due to impatience or lack of knowledge. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Ranft.
