Ok so I feel very disqualified for this subject but then again we are always still learning. So even though I am definitely not the photographer with the most experience I figured I could tell yall some of the mistakes I have made in the past and have seen other photographers make. Hopefully, this will help you not make the same mistakes. Also if you have any other photography tips that would have helped you grow put them in the comments below!! I would love to hear what ya’ll have learned in your careers!

#1 Overspending on photography gear.

Photography gear is one of those things that I feel like you will definitely need to upgrade over time but it is completely unnecessary to try and get the best gear out there right away. Your skill does not necessarily come from what you are using but how you are using it! Go find some good youtube videos and learn absolutely everything about the gear you have before you go buy new stuff!

#2 Learning how to use every editing platform at a time.

This is a mistake I definitely made! I tried learning how to use lightroom and photoshop at the same time and was so overwhelmed. Once I just went to using lightroom I progressed so much quicker and was not half so overwhelmed. I’m not saying that you should never use two editing platforms just maybe learn one and then the other.

#3 Taking every photoshoot that comes along.

Ok I know there are a million photographers out there that have already told you to “find your niche in photography and stick to it” but seriously please do. If you don’t know what your niche is maybe go along with some other photographers and be a second shooter or just watch them work and find out what you. But I promise you if you try to do every photoshoot that comes along you will end up being too stretched thin and will not be doing a %100 on each style of photo shoot.

#4 Shooting in direct sunlight.

This is a mistake I see more often in beginner photographers. When you are starting off it seems like the best lighting is in direct sunlight but contrary to what you may think it is often in the shade. You may be thinking that to get glowy skin and smooth complexions you will have to have sunlight. And I agree sunlight can absolutely make a photo stunning but 90% of the time it is not direct sunlight that will give the look you're shooting for. So try shooting around sunrise or sunset time. ( I usually prefer the hour before and after sunset. lol, I am not a morning person.). Or if you are going to be shooting in the middle of the day try shooting in the shade.