Ep 13: Houston we have a problem – The biggest photography blunders and how to avoid them

ep13

It can happen to you. So don’t make these mistakes with your photography.

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Show notes

Things you should never say to a photographer

Digital Grey Card

So you want to be a photographer on Google+

Chances of success:
0% I WON’T
10% I CAN’T
20% I DON’T KNOW HOW
30% I WISH I COULD
40% I WANT TO
50% I THINK I MIGHT
60% I MIGHT
70% I THINK I CAN
80% I CAN
90% I AM
100% I DID

Biggest photography mistakes and how to fix them

  • Camera shake/ poor focus
  • Loose composition –subject too far away
  • Poor lighting
  • Using flash on camera incorrectly
  • Uncomfortable models
  • Stuff growing out of the back of people’s heads
  • Clenched fists
  • Gearaholic
  • Camera angle
  • Vertices and horizontals
  • Spray and pray
  • Chimping
  • Bad Poker face
  • Too pushy
  • Over retouching
  • Colour balance
  • Sticking with natural light
  • Awkward poses
  • Not working on expression
  • Flogging a dead horse
  • Making people wait too long
  • Changing poses to quickly
  • Playing it too safe
  • Clothing choice
  • Ignoring the little details (dust, hair, hands, nails, shoes, under shoes)
  • Mumbling or not giving enough feedback
  • Being grumpy arrogant complacent
  • Making people do stupid or dangerous things like bridesmaids jumping
  • Making people wear inappropriate clothes
  • Too much make up on men
  • Make up on children
  • BIG watermarks on images
  • The old I’ll fix it in post attitude
2 Responses
  1. Steve Eather

    Hi guys, many photographic teachers encourage their students to “focus on the eyes” when taking portrait or group shots. I really enjoy street photography and find that if I have to fiddle with my camera’s settings, the moment is often lost! Any tips or hints in this area?
    Thanks again and keep up the good work,
    Steve

  2. Hi Steve,
    When I’m shooting street portraits I tend to work out my settings before I take a shot and tweak as I go. I generally shoot at 400ISO F4 @1/250th or higher. Stop and ISO never change I just tweak my shutter speed.
    To get my focus right I shoot single shot auto focus and can move my focus point to exactly where I need it very quickly.
    This way there are only 2 variable to deal with shutter speed and focus point.
    Try and spend time shooting every day so your skills improve even if it’s just with a phone. Good luck!

How to direct and pose like a pro

About Gina

About Gina

Gina Milicia is one of the most widely known and respected photographers in Australia. She is the master of capturing that ‘magical moment’... READ MORE

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