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5 mistakes that make you look like an amateur Photographer.
Have you ever looked at your photography work and wondered why it doesn’t quite have that professional touch? Despite having a good camera and a passion for photography, there are common mistakes that even the most enthusiastic amateurs make that can make their work look less-than-professional. In this blog post, we will explore five common mistakes that can make you look like an amateur photographer and offer simple solutions to help you elevate your skills. From improper composition to inconsistent lighting, we will address these issues head-on, ensuring that your photographs showcase your true potential as a budding professional.
5 Mistakes That Make You Look Like an Amateur Photographer
Introduction
In this article, we will discuss the top five mistakes that amateur photographers often make when taking portraits. By avoiding these common errors, you can elevate your photography skills and present yourself as more professional and polished. Let’s dive in!
Mistake #1: Avoiding the Pleasantville Look
The Pleasantville look refers to the practice of having the subject in color while the background is in black and white. While this technique might have been trendy in the past, it is now considered outdated and amateurish. To establish a more contemporary and professional look, it’s essential to make a clear choice between color or black and white. Mixing the two can give a sloppy and unprofessional appearance to your photographs.
Mistake #2: Avoiding the Raccoon Look
The raccoon look occurs when the eyes of the subject lack sufficient lighting, resulting in dark circles or shadows around the eyes. To avoid this mistake, make sure to provide adequate lighting to illuminate the eyes. The eyes are one of the most crucial elements in a portrait, and having the light reflected in them adds life and depth to the image.
Mistake #3: Making Your Model Look Amputated
This mistake often happens during the selection and cropping process. It’s important to pay attention to the composition of the photograph and ensure that limbs aren’t awkwardly cut off or hidden. Taking the time to thoroughly check the framing and placement of the limbs will help prevent your model from looking amputated.
Mistake #4: Making Your Model Look Like the Undertaker
The Undertaker look refers to the presence of a significant amount of whites in the eyes, giving them a sunken and unnatural appearance. To avoid this, instruct your models to align their eyes and chin properly. By ensuring the eyes and chin are leveled, you can create a more balanced and appealing portrait.
Mistake #5: Using Obtrusive Watermarks
While watermarking your photos can help protect your work, having a large or distracting watermark can take away from the beauty and impact of the image. Consider using a smaller and more subtle watermark to maintain the aesthetics of your photograph while still ensuring proper credit.
Conclusion
By actively avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly improve the quality and professionalism of your photography. Remember to embrace current trends, provide proper lighting, pay attention to composition, and use watermarks sparingly. By doing so, you’ll capture stunning portraits that truly showcase your skills and dedication as a photographer.
Frequently Asked Questions: 5 Mistakes that Make You Look Like an Amateur Photographer
1. Why is composition important in photography?
Good composition is key to creating visually appealing and well-balanced photographs. It helps draw the viewer’s attention to the subject, guides the eye, and creates a sense of harmony. Including elements like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and balanced framing can greatly enhance the overall impact of your images.
2. What are common exposure mistakes to avoid?
Avoiding exposure mistakes is crucial in photography. Some common errors include overexposing or underexposing the image, resulting in loss of detail or washed-out/darkened areas. Learning to use the exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO) effectively can help you achieve proper exposure and capture well-lit, balanced photos.
3. How can I prevent blurry photos?
To avoid blurry photos, it’s important to understand and address the factors that contribute to blur, such as camera shake and subject movement. Practice proper hand-holding techniques, use a tripod when necessary, and consider adjusting your shutter speed and focus settings accordingly. Additionally, using image stabilization technology or a remote shutter release can further assist in capturing sharp images.
4. Why is post-processing essential?
Post-processing allows you to enhance and refine your photographs, correcting any imperfections and elevating their overall quality. Basic adjustments such as adjusting exposure, white balance, contrast, and sharpness can significantly enhance the impact of your images. However, moderation is key to avoid over-editing, which may make your photos look unrealistic or artificial.
5. How can I improve my photography skills?
Improving your photography skills requires practice, experimentation, and continuous learning. Consider joining photography communities or workshops to gain insights and feedback from experienced photographers. Analyze and study images from renowned photographers to understand their creative approaches. Additionally, challenging yourself by trying new techniques, exploring different genres, and actively seeking feedback can help you enhance your photography skills over time.
I hope you find useful my article 5 mistakes that make you look like an amateur Photographer., I also recommend you to read my other posts in my blog at this link.
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Best of luck! and follow your passion.
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