As you embark on your photography journey, it’s essential to steer clear of common pitfalls. Here are ten mistakes to avoid:

1. Centering Everything:
   • New photographers often place their subject right in the center of the frame. While this can work in some cases, it’s essential to explore other compositions. Try the rule of thirds, where you position key elements along intersecting lines for a more dynamic image¹.
2. Including Distractions in the Frame:
   • Pay attention to the background and foreground. Unwanted elements like stray branches, trash, or other people can distract from your main subject. Take a moment to scan the scene before clicking the shutter¹.
3. Cutting Things Off at the Edge of the Frame:
   • Be mindful of cropping. Avoid unintentionally cropping out parts of your subject, especially limbs or important details. Give your subject some breathing room within the frame¹.
4. Believing It’s All About the Camera:
   • While having good gear is essential, photography is primarily about creativity and vision. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that a better camera automatically means better photos. Invest time in learning composition, lighting, and technique¹.
5. Photographing from a Common Viewpoint:
   • Experiment with different angles and perspectives. Get low, climb high, or shoot from unexpected vantage points. Changing your viewpoint adds interest and uniqueness to your images¹.
6. Shooting on Auto Mode Exclusively:
   • Auto mode is convenient, but it limits your creative control. Learn to use manual settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Understanding these parameters allows you to tailor your shots to your vision¹.
7. Forgetting to Reset the Controls:
   • After a specific shooting situation (e.g., low light or fast action), remember to reset your camera settings. Otherwise, you might end up with unintended results in your next session¹.
8. Never Turning the Camera Vertically:
   • Landscape orientation is common, but don’t forget about portrait orientation. Vertical framing works well for portraits, tall buildings, and certain compositions. Rotate your camera to explore both orientations¹.
9. Overexposure and Underexposure:
   • Proper exposure is crucial. Overexposed (too bright) or underexposed (too dark) images lack detail. Learn to balance exposure by adjusting aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings².
10. Not Paying Attention to Detail:
    • A lack of sharpness and detail can ruin an otherwise great shot. Use sufficient light, stabilize your camera (especially in low light), and ensure accurate focus. Sharpness enhances the impact of your photographs³.

Remember, photography is a journey of continuous learning. Embrace mistakes as opportunities to improve and refine your skills.