Like you, every great photographer began as someone who was eager, inquisitive, and a little confused about how to capture the “ideal shot.”
You’re already headed in the right direction if you just bought a camera or signed up for one of those fun photography courses. However, it’s quite common to make a few rookie errors along the road.
The good news? Every error is actually a lesson. Once you identify the issue, you may quickly resolve it and resume shooting like a pro.
Let’s examine ten typical errors made by novice photographers and, more crucially, how to prevent them.
1. Shooting Everything in Auto Mode
Because the camera chooses the exposure, aperture, and ISO for you, auto mode may seem secure, but it also restricts your creative options. If you let the camera make all the decisions for you, you’ll never know why your picture appears the way it does.
How to Fix It
Change the mode to Shutter Priority (S/Tv), Aperture Priority (A/Av), or Manual (M).
Begin modestly and try one setting at a time:
- Change the mode to Shutter Priority (S/Tv), Aperture Priority (A/Av), or Manual (M).
- Begin modestly and try one setting at a time:
Pro Tip: The quickest approach to become comfortable using these modes outside of Auto mode is to take a photography course that walks you through each one step-by-step with practical examples.
2. Ignoring Composition Rules
Even if your camera is the best in the world, a bad composition may make even crisp photos look flat. Beginners frequently center every topic or inadvertently leave too much white space.
How to Fix It
Discover the Rule of Thirds by positioning your subject along the lines or intersections of a 3×3 grid on your frame.
Investigate compositional strategies such as:
- Leading lines (roads, fences, or rivers guiding the eye)
- Framing (shooting through windows or arches)
- Negative space (using empty areas creatively)
Keep in mind that excellent composition produces narrative and visual balance.
3. Not Checking the Background
Have you ever had a lovely portrait taken with a tree “growing” out of the subject’s head in the background? It’s among the most typical errors made by beginners.
How to Fix It
Quickly check your background for distractions, poles, or clutter before you hit the shutter.
Make minor changes to your angle, such as moving slightly to the left or right, or lowering it.
Pro Tip: After you intentionally practice during your photography classes or outside projects, background awareness becomes second nature.
4. Shooting in Bad Light
“Drawing with light” is the precise definition of photography. Your images may appear flat or blurry if you were taking them in the bright midday sun or in low light indoors.
How to Fix It
- Golden Hour: Shoot early morning or late afternoon for soft, warm tones.
- Cloudy Days: Great for even, shadow-free lighting.
- Indoors: Use window light or bounce flash off walls for softer illumination.
The majority of professional photography courses place a strong emphasis on understanding light direction and quality because it’s the key to getting magazine-caliber photos.
5. Forgetting About Focus
Images that are blurry can be annoying and are frequently the result of improper focus settings. Inexperienced users occasionally allow the camera to focus automatically, which isn’t always effective.
How to Fix It
Select the focus region manually and switch to single-point autofocus (also known as AF-S or One-Shot).
Use continuous autofocus (AI Servo or AF-C) for moving subjects.
Additionally, remember that sturdy hands and proper posture are important. Lean slightly into your posture, tuck your elbows in, and use both hands.
6. Ignoring Exposure Settings
Do you recognize faces that are underexposed or skies that are overexposed? The equilibrium of ISO, shutter speed, and aperture is known as exposure. Your reputation will suffer if one of them is incorrect.
How to Fix It
Learn the exposure triangle — it’s the foundation of every great photo.
- Aperture (f-stop): Controls background blur and light.
- Shutter Speed: Controls motion.
- ISO: Controls sensitivity to light (and grain).
7. Not Shooting in RAW
Because JPEG is simple to distribute, many novices continue to use it, but when editing, JPEG compresses and loses detail. In contrast, RAW files retain all of the image data.
How to Fix It
Change the format of your camera to RAW. Although it requires more storage space, it offers much more post-processing options.
RAW allows you to change color, exposure, and white balance without sacrificing image quality.
To get the most out of your RAW files, you’ll probably learn how to use editing programs like Lightroom or Photoshop if you’re taking photography courses.
8. Overediting Your Photos
Editing is enjoyable, so we understand. However, excessive skin smoothing or extreme saturation can make your photos appear unnatural.
How to Fix It
Less is more. Begin by making these minor changes:
- First, adjust the contrast and exposure.
- To get the right color temperature, adjust the white balance.
- For more realistic color enhancement, use vibrance rather than saturation.
9. Not Experimenting Enough
Many novices choose one style and stick with it because they want to be safe. But curiosity is what photography is all about. Every expert you look up to once experimented for hours with lenses, lighting, and perspectives.
How to Fix It
Step out of your comfort zone. Try:
- Shooting from various angles, such as down to the ground or high above.
- Utilizing silhouettes, shadows, or reflections.
- Experimenting with night photography or long exposure.
Enrolling in photography courses benefits you because you’ll be pushed creatively and creatively every day.
10. Comparing Your Work Too Soon
When you browse Instagram and see pictures that are perfect, it’s tempting to become disheartened, but keep in mind that everyone started off as a novice. Motivation is destroyed when you compare your starting point to someone else’s highlight reel.
How to Fix It
Focus on progress, not perfection.
- Every few months, look back at past pictures to see how much you’ve changed.
- Ask peers or mentors for their opinions (critique sessions are a common feature of most photography courses).
- Enjoy the little victories, like learning to use manual mode, achieving a crisp picture, or catching the ideal light.
You get closer to your own style with each picture you take.
Final Thoughts
Errors are stepping stones, not setbacks. Every overexposed frame, poor angle, or blur teaches you something new about patience, time, and light.
The willingness to study, practice, and get better is what sets pros apart from amateurs, not expensive equipment.
Take professional photography courses in Kolkata if you’re serious about faster growth. You’ll receive practical instruction, organized criticism, and industry mentors who can help you transform your inexperienced mistakes into creative self-assurance.
