From Gizmodo: "100 Tips from a Pro Photographer" (Eric Kim)

Russ2626

Forum Enthusiast
Messages
341
Reaction score
33
Location
US
For all of us new OM-D owners; this guy's a really good street photographer.

1. Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn't mean that they're a good photographer.
2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.
3. Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer.
4. Photo editing is an art in itself
5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
6. Macro photography isn't for everybody.
7. UV filters work just as well as lens caps.

8. Go outside & shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.
9. Capture the beauty in the mundane and you have a winning photograph.
10. Film isn't better than digital.
11. Digital isn't better than film.
12. There is no "magic" camera or lens.
13. Better lenses don't give you better photos.

14. Spend less time looking at other people's work and more time shooting your own.
15. Don't take your DSLR to parties.
16. Girls dig photographers.
17. Making your photos b/w doesn't automatically make them "artsy"

18. People will always discredit your work if you tell them you "photoshop" your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the "digital darkroom".
19. You don't need to take a photo of everything.

20. Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
21. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.
22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.
23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.

25. Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.

26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
27. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
28. The more photos you take, the better you get.

29. Don't be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
30. Only show your best photos.
31. A point-and-shoot is still a camera.
32. Join an online photography forum.
33. Critique the works of others.
34. Think before you shoot.

35. A good photo shouldn't require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). *
36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
37. Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.
38. Grain is beautiful.

39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
40. Simplicity is key.

41. The definition of photography is: "painting with light." Use light in your favor.
42. Find your style of photography and stick with it.
43. Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
44. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.
45. Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
46. Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life.
47. Don't pamper your camera. Use and abuse it.
48. Take straight photos.
49. Shoot with confidence.
50. Photography and juxtaposition are best friends.
51. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
52. Give your photos to friends.
53. Give them to strangers.
54. Don't forget to frame them.
55. Costco prints are cheap and look great.
56. Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s).
57. Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
58. Photos make great presents.
59. Taking photos of strangers is thrilling.
60. Candid> Posed.
61. Natural light is the best light.
62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best "walk-around" focal length.
63. Don't be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.

64. You don't need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go (hell, I don't even own one).
65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.

66. Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be "artsy" is exploitation.
67. You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
68. Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
69. You can't "photoshop" bad images into good ones.
70. Nowadays everybody is a photographer.

71. You don't need to fly to Paris to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.

72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
73. Cameras as tools, not toys.
74. In terms of composition, photography and painting aren't much different.
75. Photography isn't a hobby- it's a lifestyle.
76. Make photos, not excuses.
77. Be original in your photography. Don't try to copy the style of others.
78. The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
79. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
80. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
81. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
82. Laughter always draws out peoples' true character in a photograph.
83. Don't look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
84. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
85. Have fun while taking photos.
86. Never delete any of your photos.
87. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.

88. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
89. Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
90. Learn how to read a histogram.
91. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
92. Don't be afraid to take photos in the rain.

93. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
94. Never take photos on an empty stomach.
95. You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
96. Never hoard your photographic insight- share it with the world.
97. Never stop taking photos
98. Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is a philosophy of life
99. Capture the decisive moment
100. Write your own list.
 
bookmarked! great list. thank you.
 
For all of us new OM-D owners; this guy's a really good street photographer.
2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.
don't agree a good jpeg shooter, who knows how to use his camera and compose will get along fine
5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
what about rules of 1/6 1/9 1/12 etc and rule of thirds doesn't work so well for square aspect ratio or portait shots
15. Don't take your DSLR to parties.
don't have your camera out for a lot of time at parties maybe 2 bursts of 5 mins
16. Girls dig photographers.
it takes a lot more to impress girls these days and many are good photographers themselves
21. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.
don't even bother with a handstrap
22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.
sometimes worse (there might be something interesting going on in the background
23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
sometimes being a voyeur/observer is good too
24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.
we have tilt and swivel nowadays
26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
how close are your subjects???
27. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
expose individually
28. The more photos you take, the better you get.
not true, the more you evaluate your photos the better you may get...
29. Don't be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
30. Only show your best photos.
your idea best might be different from other people's
34. Think before you shoot.
and as you shoot
35. A good photo shouldn't require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). *
sometimes the title and or explaination make the photos especially if it was what you were thinking as you took the shot
36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
sometimes
38. Grain is beautiful.
grain can be beautiful
39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
40. Simplicity is key.
not key, just a method of composing
42. Find your style of photography and stick with it.
don't find a style (you'll be taking the same photos in 40 years time)
44. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.
in camera is best
48. Take straight photos.
use dutch tilt etc when appropriate
51. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
a good photo is a good photo printed at any size
61. Natural light is the best light.
is a type of light
62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best "walk-around" focal length.
prefer the mft equivalent of 25mm
63. Don't be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
depends on the shot
72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
really?
73. Cameras as tools, not toys.
toys are fun too...
79. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
white mft cameras often get mistaken nowadays for smart phones
80. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
81. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
never had a problem
84. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
the little I do just when I'm on my way somewhere
86. Never delete any of your photos.
yes delete
87. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
sometimes don't be respectful
88. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
not true just use appropriate lens for your composition
91. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
depends on the type of blur and how noisy
92. Don't be afraid to take photos in the rain.
or the fog etc
97. Never stop taking photos
sometimes having a break is good...
100. Write your own list.
--
living life to the Four Thirds!
http://www.mftuser.com/
 
100. Write your own list.
1. f/8 and be there.

That's about all I need to know, funny how the old film rule still works. All the rest seem to be personal opinions and tastes.

Regards.......... Guy
 
For all of us new OM-D owners; this guy's a really good street photographer.
2. Always shoot in RAW. Always.
don't agree a good jpeg shooter, who knows how to use his camera and compose will get along fine
5. The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
what about rules of 1/6 1/9 1/12 etc and rule of thirds doesn't work so well for square aspect ratio or portait shots
15. Don't take your DSLR to parties.
don't have your camera out for a lot of time at parties maybe 2 bursts of 5 mins
16. Girls dig photographers.
it takes a lot more to impress girls these days and many are good photographers themselves
21. Ditch the neck strap and get a handstrap.
don't even bother with a handstrap
22. Get closer when taking your photos, they often turn out better.
sometimes worse (there might be something interesting going on in the background
23. Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a voyeur.
sometimes being a voyeur/observer is good too
24. Taking a photo crouched often make your photos look more interesting.
we have tilt and swivel nowadays
26. Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
how close are your subjects???
27. Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
expose individually
28. The more photos you take, the better you get.
not true, the more you evaluate your photos the better you may get...
29. Don't be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
30. Only show your best photos.
your idea best might be different from other people's
34. Think before you shoot.
and as you shoot
35. A good photo shouldn't require explanation (although background information often adds to an image). *
sometimes the title and or explaination make the photos especially if it was what you were thinking as you took the shot
36. Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
sometimes
38. Grain is beautiful.
grain can be beautiful
39. Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
40. Simplicity is key.
not key, just a method of composing
42. Find your style of photography and stick with it.
don't find a style (you'll be taking the same photos in 40 years time)
44. Silver EFEX pro is the best b/w converter.
in camera is best
48. Take straight photos.
use dutch tilt etc when appropriate
51. Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
a good photo is a good photo printed at any size
61. Natural light is the best light.
is a type of light
62. 35mm (on full frame) is the best "walk-around" focal length.
prefer the mft equivalent of 25mm
63. Don't be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
65. It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
depends on the shot
72. People with DSLRS who shoot portraits with their grip pointed downwards look like morons.
really?
73. Cameras as tools, not toys.
toys are fun too...
79. Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
white mft cameras often get mistaken nowadays for smart phones
80. The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
81. Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
never had a problem
84. Landscape photography can become dull after a while.
the little I do just when I'm on my way somewhere
86. Never delete any of your photos.
yes delete
87. Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
sometimes don't be respectful
88. When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
not true just use appropriate lens for your composition
91. A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
depends on the type of blur and how noisy
92. Don't be afraid to take photos in the rain.
or the fog etc
97. Never stop taking photos
sometimes having a break is good...
100. Write your own list.
--
living life to the Four Thirds!
http://www.mftuser.com/
Seriously? Of course, this being a DPR forum, someone just had to try to rebut or add to these points. This isn't a Holy Grail or Definitive List for All Photographic Occasions. It's just a list of personal insights and should have been taken as such.

The one that really reveals the worst attitude is "sometimes don't be respectful". BS! If you don't respect your subject, then you ought not to even try to take a photo. The best photographs are about the subject, not the ego of the person taking the photo.

--

Some people operate cameras. Others use them to create images. There is a difference.

http://ikkens.zenfolio.com/

http://sarob-w.deviantart.com/
 
Oh no you didn't... Did you?
Yes, you did... :-P

But seriously... Good list. But everybody will have their own style. And will have their own oppinion of the list.
It deserves no discusion IMO. Just a big thanks!:-)
Will show this to my girlfriend who is just starting in photography.

The list have many good starting points and I am to incompetent to write my own list for her!:-)

Thanks for posting this here and a big thanks to the author!:-)
--
Rick Halle wrote:

" Keep in mind that tall buildings sway back and forth so they require faster shutter speeds."
 
this is not a good tip. This will make organizing, viewing, and storing photos a complete nightmare. ^^

--
^ ^

Just Shoot !
 
this is not a good tip. This will make organizing, viewing, and storing photos a complete nightmare. ^^
. . . There's a lot of bad advice in that list but 86 really is one of the worst. I had about 150,000 actuations on my original 5D. Just imagine wanting to save all of them and for God's sake why?
 
this is not a good tip. This will make organizing, viewing, and storing photos a complete nightmare. ^^
86. Never delete any of your photos

Should be....

86. Never delete any of your photos that matter.

Then there is no problem.

In fact, never bracket, never burst mode, only take the shots you see are worth taking and that keeps the count down dramatically.

Regards....... Guy
 
93. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
...
99. Capture the decisive moment

Capture the decisive moment, but don't try to capture it?
--
--Mike
 
93. Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
...
99. Capture the decisive moment

Capture the decisive moment, but don't try to capture it?
--
--Mike
Try to capture the moment. Don't RELENTLESSLY try to capture the decisive moment. When you relentlessly try to do something, you'll miss out on other decisive moments and be stressed.

You're trying too hard to find contradictions instead of trying to understand where he's coming from and that's missing the entire point of the list. It wasn't titled "100 laws of photography", it's called tips from a pro. Always take tips and advice with a grain of salt, but pedantically picking that advice apart is missing the point and doing yourself a disservice.
 
if you had 150,000 actuations on your camera, how many of them did you keep?
 
I heard f/8 and be there 40 years ago ...
 
for me f/2.8 or larger.
 
Let's make it more condense.
 
if you had 150,000 actuations on your camera, how many of them did you keep?
. . . Don't know exactly but several thousand are still posted at my hosting site.
 

Keyboard shortcuts

Back
Top