I’ve been surprised to learn that you guys love when I write about photography!
I actually love the subject of photography because it’s no doubt one of my favorite hobbies – and one that I’m determined to master. I don’t necessarily feel like I know enough about the subject to speak on it. However, that knowledge is reinforced when I share it with others. Since photography is so critical to blogging, I’ll be sharing 5 rookie photographer mistakes that I’ve been guilty of myself. And don’t sweat it if you don’t understand what any of this means now… As you practice more, this knowledge will come together and make sense. I guarantee you’ll reflect back and laugh at all the silly things you did as I’ve also done!
#1 Shooting wide open ALL the time
I find that every novice photographer or enthusiast starts out bokeh obsessed! However, shooting wide open all the time means missing out on important details or losing context that help tell a photo’s story. When leaves start to look like blurry splotches of color, it’s time to reconsider your aperture. Too much isolation from the background could be a bad thing in the storytelling process. Shooting wide open can also be counterproductive when shooting portraits where the clothes and facial details matter. You don’t want to end up with a photo where one eye is sharp but the other isn’t or the nose is sharp but the eyes are soft…
#2 Blowing out highlights
I still make this mistake at times because I’m so used to shooting indoors. It’s a great reminder that I need to get my ass outside and shoot more. Bright clouds, white dresses, and intense highlights are all details that are bound to be lost FOREVER when you don’t consider them. Carefully balance out exposing for your subject or exposing for the highlights. One thing I have seen consistently in the blogging industry from photographers and bloggers I respect is that they always expose for the highlights.
#3 Disregarding focal length
It’s also important to understand how focal length affects bokeh… If you’re shooting with a long lens, say an 85 f/1.4 or a 100 f/2.8, you risk of losing more details at wider apertures, which doesn’t necessarily happen with wider angle lenses. I find that several rookie photographers often stick to one focal length when they learn that their favorite photographer shoots with it… However, different focal lengths can drastically alter your final result. I think that it’s more important for you to experiment and develop your own style along the way. I know that in blogging, most people love their 85mm or 50mm – but I still personally love the 35mm most. I also know Zanita has gone from favoring her 85 to loving her 35 even more.
#4 Tight framing/cropping
Yes, focal lengths >85mm produce really beautifully compressed portraits; however, don’t forget about the story! Photography is all about telling a story – and if you’re always producing tight shots, what story are you telling? You give no context about the setting, who’s there, what your subject may be doing, and what kind of lifestyle they’re living. Remember that in blogging, you’re selling a lifestyle – in which case tight shots alone won’t work.
#5 Lack of angle or too much angle
Every one has been told at some point to get low… Be creative and shoot from above or shoot from below… While perspective is an amazing thing, it can work against you by creating distortion in ways that don’t flatter your subject. Pay attention to the subtle changes that occur when shooting from above or below. Change your perspective often enough that you learn how to best present your subject and tell their story!
Feel free to leave any questions or comments below! I’m happy to share more about my photography (and/or blogging) journey!
Topshop Tunic, J Brand Jeans, ALC Duffle, Charles David Pumps
