What I've learnt so far

In the very first entry of this blog, I mentioned an article on digitalphotographyschool.com where the author posted a list of 100 things he had learnt about photography.

Although I've not been at this photography thing long, here's a list of what I've learnt so far (some of which are on the original 100 things list mentioned):

1. Ask for help – people who also like photography are usually only
too willing to talk to you and provide suggestions/tips to
improve your photography

2. Photography can forge friendships where previously not thought
possible

3. Many people think they have a good ‘photographer’s eye’ and will
suggest things they think you should take photos of

4. Clouds are 3D – sounds obvious, but when you start paying
attention to their colour, shape, height, and the impact they
can have on your photos you start to see them differently

5. Trawl the internet for photography tips, forums, and ‘how to’
tutorials- there’s an enormous wealth of knowledge to draw from
out there

6. Check the front of your lens for smudges before a shoot – it’s
heartbreaking to find a great big fingerprint or splash mark
from a waterfall in the centre of all your pictures afterwards….

7. If something catches your eye, there’s a reason for it – so take
a photo of it

8. Photos taken at eyelevel can be much more interesting if taken
from a lower height.

9. Things may appear sharp and in focus at the time of shooting,
but once viewed on a larger screen back home…they’re not.

10. Be prepared for all types of weather

11. Don’t wear your best clothes out on a photo shoot – you may get
dirty kneeling/leaning on different surfaces. Comfortable
shoes are a must also for extended shoots where you need to
hike to your chosen location

12. Take a jumper even if you don’t think you need it

13. Whilst photographing friends/family, take candid shots when
they’re in conversation or not directly looking at the camera –
it makes for more interesting photos

14. When you take a photo in a public place, nearly every passer-by
will try to work out what it is you’re photographing

15. Photoshop is not cheating – it’s about producing the best
possible image with what you’ve got

16. When you’re trying to get passers-by in your shot, they will
avoid walking in front of your lens.

17. When you’re trying to avoid passers-by getting in your shot,
they will walk in front of your lens.

18. If you set up a tripod, they will come. People assume that
because you have a tripod, you must know what you're doing and
therefore they want to take the same photo as you.