Five easy things you can do today to become a better photographer

No matter how good photographer you are, there’s always room for improvement. If you ask me, it’s one of the beauties of photography. In this video, Miguel Quiles suggests five things you can do today to improve. You can start right away and grow your skills as a photographer.

1. Train your eyes

If you want to take great photos, first you need to understand what a great photo looks like, as Miguel explains. So, look up to all those great photographers who make amazing images, and analyze their photos to figure out what makes them great.

Miguel likes to analyze the image and writing notes on a post-it with all the elements that he thinks make the photo great. This can include the lighting, camera and lighting position, focal length, post-processing, posing, styling… If “success leaves clues,” this means you can analyze successful images and get inspired for improving your own work.

2. Use your camera daily

Digital cameras are becoming increasingly more complex. For me even switching from a Nikon D3000 to a D7000 brought tons of new options to figure out and try out. So, when you upgrade, read the manual and then make sure to use your new camera every day until you learn how everything works.

You don’t need to organize photo shoots: you can just go out and take photos of the streets, people, buildings, cars, flowers… Just have fun and practice. If you get stuck, remember that your camera manual is a great resource.

3. Personal photo challenges

Challenging yourself can be a great way to grow. They will prepare you for the ever-challenging and changing situations you will find yourself in when taking photos. Miguel suggests starting with “Kit Lens Challenge,” where you will use only your kit lens for 30 days. You can also go with 365 Day Challenge, 52 Week Challenge or Alphabet Challenge… Or make up your own.

4. Read books on photography

A simple visit to the nearest bookstore, thrift store or library can provide you with plenty of great resources for improving photography. There are plenty of books and magazines you can read and increase your knowledge.

5. Attend “YouTube University”

You can find how to do pretty much anything on YouTube. If there’s something you’d like to learn, just search for it and you’re very likely to get plenty of results. You can even use the time while commuting or waiting in line to watch videos and get some knowledge, information, and inspiration.  Take advantage of all the free knowledge you can get on YouTube. After all, even after watching this video you’ve learned something new and got inspiration for improving your work, right?

I think these five tips from Miguel are useful because anyone can use them, and you can start right away. Also, I tend to use all of them, too. What are your favorite techniques for improving and learning? Do you rely on these as well?

[ 5 EASY WAYS to become a BETTER PHOTOGRAPHER (4K) | Miguel Quiles]