7 Tips for Improving Your Photography

Over the years training other photographers I’ve found the below are the most requested support and questions.  I offer training courses 121 or within a group.  See my workshop page for more information.

Here are my 7 top tips for improving your photography.

1. Find the Light

The number of times we as Liverpool wedding photographers see a great shot and just take it without setting anything up are countless, and we can learn from that. 

Great lighting opportunities can be found anywhere if you look for them. Take time to look at the space around you and see what it has to offer. Try moving your subject to a window and watch the magic happen.

You can also add light, but it doesn’t always have to be an expensive LED set up. Work with what you have on hand. Torches and phones can be fantastic tools for improvised lighting setups.

2. Create a Scene & Story

The best photos tell a story, and setting the scene can actually be easier than you might imagine. Think about the subject matter you’re photographing and what it’s saying; what is its story?

For instance, if you were taking portraits of someone and wanted to tell their story, why not include things about their life? Or have the setting be appropriately matched to them.

3. Shoot through Objects

You can add a lot to a shot by making it a bit more dynamic, and a great way to do this is by photographing your subject through objects in the foreground to add depth.

Doing this can help direct the eyes of the viewer to what’s most important, framing the subject in a complementary way. You can use flowers, windows, or anything that can be shot through in an aesthetically pleasing way.

4. Slow Down

When you’re in the middle of a shoot and everything feels a bit hectic, it’s important to take the time to slow down. By slowing down you can make sure you take in your subject matter and surroundings that little bit more and don’t miss any perfect opportunities. When you slow down it becomes easier to think more creatively about what you’re capturing.

Try moving around as well; see how things look from different angles and stay dynamic. You might find your images gain a whole new life, and you’ll enjoy the process more.

5. Shoot what you Enjoy

It goes without saying that we do our best when we do what we love, so try applying this to your photography and work with subject matter you enjoy. 

Even if it’s not what you shoot regularly, taking the time to practice these tips on the things you enjoy will give you the opportunity to improve your craft whilst having some fun.

Plus, you might end up with some incredible images.

6.  Shoot on Shutter and Aperture Priority Modes

There’s a myth out there that any true photographer shoots solely on manual, but this simply isn’t true, especially if you’re very new to the craft.

It’s important to develop a good understanding of your camera, but features like shutter and aperture priority modes are there to help us out when we need it.

By using these settings, you are letting the camera take some of the pressure off so that you can focus on what’s most important; taking a great photo. All you have to decide is which setting you want to focus on for what you’re trying to capture.

7. Review your Images and Learn

The best way to improve is by reflecting on your work. Critique your images as though someone else took them. Think about what you might do differently next time, what did and didn’t work, or what makes the image special.

It’s also worth looking at your older images as well as the more recent ones. That way you can see how you might approach it differently now you’re more experienced, and see how far you’ve come.

If you prefer to watch rather than read, then take a look at my video below for advice on how you can improve your photography.