A few months ago, a simple question Pop up in our community forums: What have you learned as a photographer that you will tell a beginner? As a result the discussion was quite practical that we Turned it into an article,
The response to that article was bigger than the original discussion. Bleeding in the comment section, with more than 100 experienced photographers contributed to suggestions and hard work.
We knew that we would have to share that collective knowledge with new photographers, so we analyzed the entire conversation to find the most common recommendations. Below are the top five pieces of advice for early photographers of the DPREVIW community, how many photographers commented on each.
Learn technology and composition (25%of feedback)
 |
|
The most common advice from experienced photographers was to learn good techniques and composition. Photo: del Beskin |
The most common advice from experienced photographers? Pay attention to technology and composition. Nailing fundamentals is important, no matter whether your gear or theme.
Start learning to see and use light effectively. “Every picture requires light. Understand good light,” reader Peak freak Told us. “I found a few years and many pictures. A pleasant side effects are that I now see ‘good light’ all the time. I don’t need to take photos.”
“Every photo requires light. Understand good light.”
As you learn to see light, also learn the basic principles of exposure: “Only an aperture and shutter speed affects exposure,” explains Jacques Cornell“ISO is just a profit after the fact.” This does not mean that ISO dial on your camera is not useful, but it is necessary to understand that changing the ISO does not affect the amount of light you captured. Reader P51d007 It also recommends: “Take out your camera out of Green A mode and use!”
Finally, a lot of knowledge focuses on composition: be aware of the entire frame and experiment with different angles. “Work visual. This first picture cannot change well. Change the camera positions back, back, left, right, high and low,” explains ” Txforester,
Pay attention to mindset and philosophy (22%of the response)
 |
|
It is good to study the work of other photographers, but develop your vision for your photography. Photo: del Beskin |
Photography is not just a technical skill; For many people, this is a journey of personal development where each photographer develops his own philosophy.
We heard a lot about your personal vision and shooting for ourselves. As a reader Photofelure “Be true for you. It seems selfish, but it’s not really. It is a trap to take pictures for ‘choice’ and to follow some YouTuber.” Another reader emphasized this, announced, “If something is your passion or what your heart is burning, go for it, if not, do not do it for appearance.”
Gear (20%of the reaction)
 |
| A common tip when it comes to gear: “Good enough” philosophy that says that you should use your current gear until you actually extend it or reach its limits. |
On a gear-centered website, it is fresh that the device is only third. The most common advice was to avoid “gear acquisition syndrome” (gas).
“Do not fall gas victims (eg, and many others, is). In fact, learn the basics of photography with your current camera and kit lens. Then upgrade as needed, but only oppose the urge to upgrade as something new is new or cool facilities,” Barahvaki,
“Don’t fall prey to gas.”
Many also advised to prioritize the lens, which often affect image quality compared to a camera body. “Choose your camera system wisely, perhaps looking at the lenses more than the cameras. Cameras come and go, but the lens sticks forever,” Grasaccher,
Finally, many people spying “good enough” philosophy: You do not need the latest gear for great results. Note Greg edwards“Cheap, budget gear is amazing these days. It’s far better than 20 years ago.”
Learn and practice (18%of the response)
 |
|
If you want to understand, practice and learn your subject. Until you want, you do not have to share your practice photos with anyone. PHOTO: Dell Baskin |
“Photography is like playing a musical instrument. You have to practice, practice, practice, and never stop learning,” the reader says MaxantineBut the readers also insisted on learning from others.
Many recommended studying other photographers and painters, who were often the owners of light. “Take time every day to study the images of others. Be analytical about what you do or not,” says Ricapappas, Turweet Connects, “Inspection of art, especially painting. Favorite photographers and (see) them often.”
Using to improve your skills was another common suggestion. “You can know everything about the basic principles of photography, and then once you learn all the rules, systematically breaks each of them, at a time, until you find your style,” f1point4andbethere,
Post-processing (6% response)
 |
|
Post-processing images can increase your photos, but focus on completing the basic things listed above first. Screen Capture: Mike Tomkins |
We were surprised that post-processing did not rank high, but suggests that experienced photographers believe that it is only valuable when you have started mastery in the skills above.
“Editing can improve a good image such as good cooking can improve good base material, but you cannot convert Sh*T into gold in editing,” Latsveden reminds us.
However, a consistent recommendation was to learn to shoot and process raw images. Even if you do not use raw all the time, the ability to process raw files opens the world of creative possibilities.
Tell us what you think
And you have this: five essential pieces of advice from the collective experience of more than 100 photographers.
What necessary suggestions will you add to the list? Tell us in the comments.
Editor’s note: Some quotes are lightly edited for clarity and flow.
