101 Things I've Learned about Being a Photographer

Wrote this a little over a year ago.

 

1.     Think before you shoot.

2.     Shoot first. If needed, ask permission later.

3.     If it is worth doing at all, it is worth doing right the first time.

4.     Sometimes it might be luck, but it never hurts to actually know what you are doing.

5.     Like an other form of art, photography is a 'learn with experimentation' kind of thing.

6.     The same techniques don't work for every camera (or every photographer).

7.     Lighting is everything.

8.     Take advantage of any and all surroundings.

9.     A picture can have all the elements to make it a photo of quality, but it can still be incredibly boring.

10.   Don't always go chasing after the perfect shot. Sometimes you just have to let it come to you.

11.   Don't be afraid to 'shoot from the hip.' 

12.   Photoshop is not a verb. You are processing your photos in a digital darkroom and it should be treated as such.

13.   Photographers are not terrorists, but some people will act like it. Be polite and conscious of this.

14.   Know your rights as a photographer. (I'm still working on knowing all these. There are a lot of inconsistencies that I'm sorting through).

15.   The most difficult picture to take is a self-portrait.

16.   Anyone can buy a camera and develop an ego to go with it.

17.   Don't be afraid to shoot at night." I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day. " - Vincent Van Gogh

18.   There is such a thing as perfect light; the first hour of sunrise and the last hour before sunset.

19.   Juxtaposition is almost a never fail subject.

20.   Telling someone you are a photography student is never a lie.

21.   Always have business cards.

22.   Every 10 feet there are at least 10 more pictures to take.

23.   Going out with a specific idea or assignment is great, but don't miss the other great photos along the journey.

24.   Communication is key when working with models.

25.   Invisibility is key when working on the street.

26.   Mundane can be made interesting if you know what you are doing,

27.   If someone asks you to delete a picture, just do it.

28.   It's good to have a favorite lens you know how to use, but don't be afraid to experiment.

29.   Even the dirtiest, grossest, broken things can translate into a gorgeous photograph.

30.   Don't be afraid to look up.

31.   Or down.

32.   Put your work out there.

33.   Have the balls to accept the criticism that comes with it.

34.   Connect and network with other people and artists, but don't get to the point of annoying. It will only move you backwards in the art world.

35.   Always make the women look good, and everyone will be happy.

36.   Anyone can take a photograph of a person, it takes skill to photograph a personality.

37.   There is no such thing as an 'original' idea. You can only reinvent the old ones.

38.   Being a shy photographer translates into timid photographs no one will relate to.

39.   No matter what the picture is of, if the composition is wrong no one will like it.

40.   Practice makes for experience. Experience makes for knowledge. Knowledge makes for a better photograph.

41.   Don't be a push over when on assignment. You are the one with the camera, so take charge!

42.   There will always be someone more successful than you.

43.   There is no such thing as perfect photo.

44.   You can't 'photoshop' and bad picture into a good one.

45.   Look at pictures you think suck so you know what not to do.

46.   Don't look to too many other photographs for inspiration. You'll just end up trying to recreate them instead of reinventing them.

47.   Knowing how film works helps to understand the digital process.

48.   Film is not better than digital.

49.   Digital is not better than film.

50.   Photography is a dedicated lifestyle.

51.   A costly lifestyle... But, if you are passionate enough, you will figure out how to make it work.

52.   You'll miss the picture if you are worrying about the equipment.

53.   Having the best most expensive camera on the market does not make you a photographer.

54.   Always have your camera on your person.

55.   Always.

56.   Sunny 16 is legit. Learn it and USE IT! (I wish I had learned this rule sooner).

57.   If no one is looking at you funny, you aren't doing your job right.

58.   Don't be afraid to take pictures of people.

59.   You may waste an entire day taking hundreds of worthless pictures, but you only need that one to make it all worth it.

60.   The more you take, the more likely you are to get 'the shot.'

61.   There is no such thing as the 'right' camera.

62.   It's possible to take a great picture without using the rules, but it is very very very difficult.

63.   Candid > Posed.

64.   Be smart. (like... don't wear a dark sweatshirt with your hood pulled up and use a huge telephoto lens during a street photography walk).

65.   Make copies of everything.

66.   Don't just tell a story with your photos. Make them ask questions.

67.   Don't do it for the money. You probably won't get very far.

68.   You can't be a photographer because it is 'trendy.' It takes a lot more work than that.

69.   Talk to your subjects.

70.   Photography has been around for centuries, but techniques will trend in and out.

71.   Technical flaws aren't always bad.

72.   Not everyone will like or understand your work.

73.   Don't make too much of your work available to see. It will make your more successful work seem less impressive. Only put out your best.

74.   A point-and-shoot is still a camera. I =t can do the same basic job a DSLR can.

75.   You don't have to look at only photography to inspire you. Don't be afraid to look elsewhere for inspiration.

76.   Don't be lazy.

77.   Have prints made of your best works. Having the physical thing will inspire you to do more.

78.   There's always going to be people who take a crappy picture of a flower and call themselves a photographer. GET OVER IT.

79.   Technology is making it easier and easier to take a cool picture. Take pride in the fact that you know how to do it in 'real-life.'

80.   Ignore arrogance.

81.   Know what you're bad at and make it better.

82.   Know what you're good at and make it better.

83.   Learn for the experiences of others.

84.   Know how to take care of your equipment.

85.   Nature/Wildlife photography isn't for everyone.

86.   There is no such thing as the photographer 'look.'

87.   No photographic style is easy to accomplish.

88.   Some are gifted, some have to work at it.

89.   There is nothing wrong with a camera phone as long as you know how to us it.

90.   Don't be afraid to travel and find something new.

91.   Manual has its pros and cons.

92.   Automatic has its pros and cons.

93.   Different styles of photography have different rules.

94.   Black and white will not make a shitty picture better or more 'artsy.'

95.   Don't limit yourself.

96.   A photographer is still an artist.

97.   Share your experiences so others can learn from it.

98.   The internet is a great resource.

99.   If someone asks you for your opinion, be honest. BUT ONLY IF THEY ASK FOR IT.

100. Don't let one failed project ruin your whole career.

101. Never stop taking pictures.