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100 Tips from a Professional Photographer
Apr 22, 2012 14:20:32   #
traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.
 
It comes from here.
http://gizmodo.com/5904107/100-tips-from-a-professional-photographer

Quote:
Here's a list of tips, advice, rules and just things to know about photography from Eric Kim, a street photographer who also holds photography workshop classes. I think the gist of it is to keep taking pictures always.

Here's the full list:

1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn't mean that they're a good photographer.
2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.
3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer.
4. Photo editing is an art in itself
5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
6. Macro photography isn't for everybody.
7. UV filters work just as well as lens caps.
8. Go outside & shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.
9. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph.
10. Film isn't better than digital.
11. Digital isn't better than film.
12. There is no "magic" camera or lens.
13. Better lenses don't give you better photos.
14. Spend less time looking at other people's work and more time shooting your own.
15. Don't take your DSLR to parties.
16. Girls dig photographers.
17. Making your photos b/w doesn't automatically make them "artsy"
18. People will always discredit your work if you tell them you "photoshop" your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the "digital darkroom".
19. You don't need to take a photo of everything.
20. Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
21. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.
22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.
23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.
25. Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.
26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
27. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
28. The more photos you take, the better you get.
29. Don't be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
30. Only show your best photos.
31. A point-and-shoot is still a camera.
32. Join an online photography forum.
33. Critique the works of others.
34. Think before you shoot.
35. A good photo shouldn't require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). *
36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
37. Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.
38. Grain is beautiful.
39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
40. Simplicity is key.
41. The definition of photography is: "painting with light." Use light in your favor.
42. Find your style of photography and stick with it.
43. Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
44. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.
45. Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
46. Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life.
47. Don't pamper your camera. Use and abuse it.
48. Take straight photos.
49. Shoot with confidence.
50. Photography and juxtaposition are best friends.
51. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
52. Give your photos to friends.
53. Give them to strangers.
54. Don't forget to frame them.
55. Costco prints are cheap and look great.
56. Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s).
57. Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
58. Photos make great presents.
59. Taking photos of strangers is thrilling.
60. Candid>Posed.
61. Natural light is the best light.
62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best "walk-around" focal length.
63. Don't be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
64. You don't need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go (hell, I don't even own one).
65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
66. Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be "artsy" is exploitation.
67. You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
68. Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
69. You can't "photoshop" bad images into good ones.
70. Nowadays everybody is a photographer.
71. You don't need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.
72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
73. Cameras as tools, not toys.
74. In terms of composition, photography and painting aren't much different.
75. Photography isn't a hobby- it's a lifestyle.
76. Make photos, not excuses.
77. Be original in your photography. Don't try to copy the style of others.
78. The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
79. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
80. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
81. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
82. Laughter always draws out peoples' true character in a photograph.
83. Don't look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
84. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
85. Have fun while taking photos.
86. Never delete any of your photos.
87. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
88. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
89. Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
90. Learn how to read a histogram.
91. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
92. Don't be afraid to take photos in the rain.
93. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
94. Never take photos on an empty stomach.
95. You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
96. Never hoard your photographic insight- share it with the world.
97. Never stop taking photos
98. Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is a philosophy of life
99. Capture the decisive moment
100. Write your own list.
Here's a list of tips, advice, rules and just thin... (show quote)

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Apr 22, 2012 14:33:21   #
photophly Loc: Old Bridge NJ
 
Great list......I have made a copy for future reference.

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Apr 22, 2012 14:44:31   #
nikonesian Loc: Midwest USA
 
Good list. Had to think about #72 though,duh!

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Apr 22, 2012 16:58:13   #
photo guy Loc: Chippewa Falls, WI
 
Thank You for the list.

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Apr 23, 2012 05:58:40   #
meatyore
 
Thoroughly ENJOYED this list! I have a personal problem with #86, as I would be in pain to look at my truly worst, instead of hitting the ashcan often; not to mention the burden of DLing them to the computer to clog computer memory to boot~

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Apr 23, 2012 08:33:28   #
abc1234 Loc: Elk Grove Village, Illinois
 
Wonderful list. Sums up a lifetime of photography for me. However, how do you reconcile 15 and 16!

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Apr 23, 2012 10:17:29   #
krf4 Loc: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
 
Great list, thanks. However, maybe #8 should be moved to #1.

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Apr 23, 2012 10:29:13   #
traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.
 
krf4 wrote:
Great list, thanks. However, maybe #8 should be moved to #1.

I don't think the list is in any special order. #8 could be number 100, it wouldn't make any difference.

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Apr 23, 2012 11:22:13   #
RC0448 Loc: Tacoma WA
 
Just read this....wondered the same thing... ;-)

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Apr 23, 2012 12:10:41   #
Raider Fan Loc: Lake County, IL.
 
When I was very young and lived in California I found that #16 was very true. Girls at the beach always wanted to have their picture taken thinking it would lead to stardom. Thats the reason I always carried around a 35mm film camera with no film in loaded. Worked better than a puppy or a baby!

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Apr 23, 2012 13:20:47   #
chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon
 
Great list that all people with a camera should know.

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Apr 23, 2012 13:47:24   #
hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota
 
#15 I do it all the time -- Guilty!
#21 Been looking for a good one
#24 I will even lie in the dirt to get an interesting angle
#27 Uhhh. It's awkward and does get me some strange looks, but what am to do If the only wall I can bounce off of is to my right and I don't have time to pull out my triggers?

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Apr 23, 2012 17:50:50   #
traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.
 
hlmichel wrote:
#15 I do it all the time -- Guilty!
#21 Been looking for a good one
#24 I will even lie in the dirt to get an interesting angle
#27 Uhhh. It's awkward and does get me some strange looks, but what am to do If the only wall I can bounce off of is to my right and I don't have time to pull out my triggers?


#21 Check out cotton carrier.
http://www.cottoncarrier.com/2011/store3.html#ecwid:category=2498189&mode=product&product=10903485

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Apr 28, 2012 15:51:35   #
Sunrisepano Loc: West Sub of Chicago
 
photophly wrote:
Great list......I have made a copy for future reference.


photophly,
Please re-read #100.

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