5 Tips To Improve Your Photography

I started out as a portrait photographer and my business branched out into lifestyle photography which I actually love even more as it encompasses a wide range of subject matter. I enjoy photography so much because it enables me to capture moments and tell stories through those images. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, here are five tips that I swear by to help you take your photography to the next level.

1. Understand Your Camera

Whether you use a camera or your phone, making sure you understand the settings and functions is crucial. Spend time reading the manual and experimenting with different settings. Learn about the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and how they interact to create a well-exposed photo. A knowledge of these basics will give you more control over your photos and help you achieve the images you're trying to create. Remember that the best camera is the one that you have with you and you don’t need fancy equipment to get started. This is my camera equipment.

2. Master Composition Techniques

Composition is key to creating visually appealing photos. One of the most popular techniques is the rule of thirds, which involves dividing your frame into nine equal parts and placing your subject along these lines or at their intersections. This creates a balanced and engaging image. Experiment with other composition techniques like leading lines, symmetry, and framing to add depth and interest to your photos. One thing I love to do making the details the focal point. Showing the little moments that are part of the bigger picture is an excellent way to create compelling photos.

3. Play With Lighting

I learned early on that lighting is key and can make or break a photo. Natural light, especially during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset), can add a beautiful, warm glow to your images. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lighting conditions, such as backlighting or side lighting, to create dramatic effects. A good understanding of how to use light (and shadow) effectively will go a long way to enhance the mood and quality of your photos.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any other skill, photography improves with practice. Take your camera with you everywhere and shoot as often as possible. Try different genres of photography, such as landscapes, portraits, still lifes, or street photography, to broaden your skills. The more you practice, the more you’ll develop your signature style and improve your technical abilities. I find that going on photo walks and participating in a photo a day project can be fantastic ways to practice and hone your skills. Always keep your eyes open so that you don't miss a good shot. I took the photo above while on a walk in Soho.

5. Edit Your Photos

While I'm a big proponent of capturing the best image possible in camera, I do utilize post-processing to get the best out of my photo. It can be an essential element of modern photography that takes your photos to the next level. Editing allows you to adjust exposure, contrast, colors, and sharpness to correct technical issues and you can also play with lighting filters to make your photos stand out as well. Do remember to keep your edits natural and avoid over-processing though. I knew someone who inexplicably loved to use a blue filter on their food photos and it would give them such an unappetizing appearance. You want to enhance your subject matter, not detract from it's natural look.

There may be times you're unsure of how a photo will turn out. In those cases, just take it anyway because it could turn out great and if it doesn't, you can use it as a learning opportunity. Continually challenge yourself and you’ll see significant improvements in your photography skills.

Do you have a favorite photography tip or technique that has helped you improve? I’d love to hear about it!

Thank to everyone who wished me luck on my oral surgery. It went well and I'm recovering now.