Stephen Walton Photography Workshops

For a beginner photographer, the internet is just a billboard of adverts with everyone trying to get your attention and your money. But I’m not – well, not your money at least. I like to share and educate you with helpful tips to get you going in the right direction.

Here are 49 photography tips that I think a new starter would benefit from to improve how you use a camera and capture important moments.

1. Master your camera’s basics: aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Understand how they work together to control exposure and creative effects.

2. When shooting in the dark, use a tripod to keep your camera steady. Increase ISO for better sensitivity, and experiment with longer exposures.

3. Editing is essential. Learn basic photo editing software to enhance colours, contrast, and sharpness. Don’t overdo it; subtle adjustments often work best.

4. What makes a good photo? Strong composition, storytelling, and emotion. Pay attention to details, framing, and capturing the essence of the moment.

5. To get sharp photos, use a tripod, maintain proper focus, and choose the right aperture. A steady hand and good technique contribute to crisp images.

6. Understand white balance to achieve accurate colours in different lighting conditions. Don’t rely solely on auto; manual adjustments can be beneficial.

7. Explore different lenses for diverse perspectives. Wide-angle lenses capture more, while telephoto lenses bring distant subjects closer. Experiment to find your preferred style.

8. Master the rule of thirds for balanced compositions. Place key elements along the gridlines or intersections to create visually appealing and harmonious images.

9. Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Crouch, climb, or move around your subject to discover unique viewpoints that add interest to your photos.

10. Keep your camera lens clean. Smudges and dust can affect image quality. Use a microfiber cloth or lens cleaning solution for clear, sharp photos.

11. Shoot in RAW format for maximum flexibility during post-processing. RAW files retain more data, allowing for better adjustments to exposure, colour, and detail.

12. Learn to read your camera’s histogram. It provides a visual representation of your image’s exposure, helping you avoid overexposure or underexposure issues.

13. Choose the right lens for your photography style. Wide-angle lenses for landscapes, telephoto for wildlife, and prime lenses for portraits can make a significant difference.

14. Pay attention to lighting. Natural light is ideal, but if shooting indoors, use soft, diffused light to avoid harsh shadows and create a flattering look.

15. Practice patience. Wait for the right moment to capture emotion and authenticity in your photos. Sometimes, the best shots come to those who wait.

16. Experiment with manual focus. It gives you precise control over what’s in focus, allowing for creative effects and emphasising specific elements in your composition.

17. Get close to your subject for impactful images. Fill the frame with details to create a strong visual impact and draw the viewer’s attention.

18. Use a lens hood to reduce lens flare. Flare can occur when shooting towards the sun; a lens hood helps block unwanted light, maintaining image quality.

19. Take test shots before the main event. Check exposure, focus, and composition to avoid missing crucial moments during important photo opportunities.

20. Use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye through your photo. Roads, rivers, or any linear elements can create a sense of depth and add visual interest.

21. Keep spare batteries and memory cards on hand. Running out of power or storage space during a shoot can be frustrating; be prepared for any situation.

22. Experiment with different apertures. A wide aperture (low F/stop number) creates a shallow depth of field, isolating the subject from the background, while a narrow aperture (high F/stop number) increases the depth of field.

23. Familiarise yourself with your camera’s focus modes. Single autofocus for stationary subjects, continuous autofocus for moving subjects. Use the right mode for the situation.

24. Embrace the golden hour. The soft, warm light during sunrise and sunset enhances colours and adds a magical touch to your photos. Plan your shoots accordingly.

25. Use negative space intentionally. Leaving areas of your photo empty can create a sense of simplicity and draw attention to the main subject.

26. Experiment with black and white photography. It emphasises shapes, textures, and contrasts, providing a different perspective on your subjects.

27. Capture candid moments. Unposed, natural shots often convey genuine emotions and tell a more authentic story than posed portraits.

28. Use a remote shutter release for shake-free shots. Minimise camera movement, especially in low-light situations or when using slow shutter speeds.

29. Embrace minimalism. Focus on a single, impactful subject or element to create a clean and compelling composition. Less can often be more in photography.

30. Master the exposure triangle. Understand the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO to achieve well-balanced and properly exposed photos.

31. Take advantage of reflections. Puddles, lakes, or shiny surfaces can add depth and visual interest to your photos. Experiment with capturing reflections creatively.

32. Choose the right white balance setting. It ensures accurate colour reproduction in different lighting conditions, preventing your photos from looking too warm or too cool.

33. Be aware of your background. A cluttered or distracting background can take attention away from your subject. Pay as much attention to what’s behind as what’s in front.

34. Explore different photo styles. Experiment with landscapes, portraits, macro, and more to find your niche and develop a diverse skill set.

35. Avoid using digital zoom. Instead, physically move closer to your subject or use optical zoom to maintain image quality and detail.

36. Capture details. Zoom in on small elements to tell a bigger story. Sometimes, the beauty lies in the intricacies that are easily overlooked.

37. Shoot in burst mode for fast-paced scenes. It increases your chances of capturing the perfect moment, especially in sports, wildlife, or other dynamic situations.

38. Experiment with long exposure. It can create stunning effects like light trails, smooth water, or star trails. Use a tripod to keep your camera steady during longer exposures.

39. Learn the basics of post-processing software. Enhance your photos by adjusting exposure, contrast, and colours. Post-processing is a valuable skill in modern photography.

40. Bracket your shots for exposure insurance. Take multiple shots with different exposures to ensure you capture the details in both shadows and highlights.

41. Explore different colour profiles. Play with settings like vivid, neutral, or monochrome to achieve specific looks and moods in your photos.

42. Pay attention to composition rules. Beyond the rule of thirds, explore symmetry, leading lines, and framing to create visually engaging and balanced photographs.
43. Use a lens with image stabilisation. It reduces the effects of camera shake, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds while maintaining sharpness.

44. Understand the importance of aspect ratio. Choose the right ratio for your intended use, whether it’s for social media, printing, or specific artistic preferences.

45. Use a lens with a wide aperture for low-light situations. It allows more light to reach the camera sensor, making it easier to capture sharp and well-exposed photos in dim conditions.

46. Shoot in manual mode for full control. It may seem daunting at first, but mastering manual mode gives you complete creative control over your photography.

47. Use a lens with macro capabilities for close-up shots. Macro photography reveals the beauty of small details, making everyday objects fascinating subjects.

48. Be mindful of the direction of light for flattering portraits. Soft, diffused light is ideal for minimising harsh shadows and creating a flattering look on your subjects’ faces.

49. Keep spare batteries and memory cards on hand. Running out of power or storage space during a shoot can be frustrating.