50 Quick Photography Tips in Less Than 15 Minutes

Kai over at DigitalRev put together this video that offers photography advice in burst mode: 50 (or 49) short and sweet tips in less than 15 minutes. If you take yourself too seriously, be warned: the tips are presented in Kai’s trademark “infotainment” style.

If you’d rather not watch the 13 minute video, here are the tips in text form thanks to Reddit user blufox4900:

  1. UV filters are a waste of time
  2. Lens hoods aren't a necessity
  3. If you're not using the hood, put it away
  4. Don't treat your DSLR like it's your baby
  5. Stop hating on others
  6. Get cheap lens caps
  7. Pack light
  8. Use a zoom for convenience
  9. Prime will make you think more
  10. The 35mm is the most practical one lens setup (on the 1.5 crop)
  11. The 50mm looks better
  12. Better cameras don’t make better photos
  13. Know how your camera works before you go out to shoot
  14. Always be ready for the shot
  15. P-mode isn't just for beginners
  16. Bump the ISO if needed
  17. Auto ISO is your best friend
  18. Rely on the Rule of Thirds
  19. Take lots of shots
  20. Don't take photos of any old sh*t
  21. "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough" — Robert Capa
  22. Contemplate your shot
  23. The best equipment doesn't help if you're not standing in the right spot
  24. Sharpness is overrated
  25. Concept is king
  26. Don't look like a wrongun (i.e. a creep)
  27. Don't drink and shoot
  28. Shoot when you're full of energy
  29. Sometimes it feels great to wake up really early and shoot
  30. Think about what light you want
  31. Emulate the style of the greats to get started
  32. …but don't keep doing it
  33. Photography is as much a reflection of the person taking the photo
  34. Shoot to please no one apart from yourself
  35. Discreet or direct — it isn't all that important
  36. Setting themes keeps you focused
  37. Change things every once in a while to keep things fresh
  38. Everyone has creative blocks
  39. Be critical of yourself
  40. "Seeing is not enough, you have to feel what you photograph" — Andre Kertesz
  41. You need to be there with the camera
  42. The relationship is about you and the subject, not you and the camera
  43. Stop chimping
  44. Be brutal when it comes to deleting awful photos
  45. Show only your best work
  46. Changing photos to B&W doesn't make an uninteresting shot interesting
  47. Look at other people's work
  48. Post your work online, let others critique your work
  49. There is no easy way
  50. ???
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