How To Actually Get Better At Photography: No BS

The Real Secret

It wasn’t one class I took, a particular book I read, or a single YouTube video that transformed my photography. Sure, my skill level today is the result of every photo I’ve taken and every piece of knowledge I’ve picked up. But there was one key factor that brought it all together and it's simpler than you might think. It wasn’t some viral trick or a "magic hack" that promises instant results. The truth is there's no shortcut that will instantly level up your photography. The real key is simpler, but it takes real commitment. Consistent practice with your camera.

Master the Essentials First

Before you can start pushing creative boundaries, it's crucial to build a solid foundation. Get comfortable with the basics:

Fundamentals of Exposure:

• Aperture

• ISO

• Shutter Speed

Priority Exposure Modes:

• Aperture Priority

• Shutter Priority

Autofocus Settings:

• Continuous vs. Single mode

• Selecting Focus Points

Other Key Skills:

• Reading your light meter

• Using exposure compensation

Basic Composition Techniques:

• Rule of Thirds

• Leading lines

• Filling the frame

• Balance, symmetry, and asymmetry

• Positive and negative space

Enabling Composition Aids:

• 3x3 viewfinder grid

Once these fundamentals become second nature, you free up mental space to focus on what really matters: creating compelling images.

Take Action, Not Just Notes

No amount of research can replace hands-on experience. Experiment with your settings, try different angles, and embrace trial and error. The goal is to move past overthinking and into the flow of simply shooting.

It's Not About Gear

While quality equipment can help in certain situations, creativity and skill matter far more than the latest camera body or lens. Don’t let gear limitations hold you back. In fact, I've found that limitations often push me to think more creatively, forcing me to approach things in unexpected ways.

Consistency Drives Improvement

Shooting regularly, even just once a week, leads to noticeable progress. The more you shoot, the better your compositions become, the faster you spot interesting subjects, and the higher your percentage of "keeper" shots.

Over the roughly 15 years since I first picked up a camera with the intention of creating photos (not just running around as a kid snapping random pictures), I've had phases of intense shooting and times where my camera sat untouched for months. The only periods where I saw meaningful improvement were when I was shooting consistently.

Review, Analyze, Improve

Taking photos is just the start. To improve, you need to review your work critically:

• Study both your successful and unsuccessful shots.

• Ask yourself what worked and what didn’t.

• Analyze why certain images feel more compelling than others.

The insights you gain from this process will shape your future shoots.

Develop Your Photographer's Eye

With time and practice, you'll start seeing the world differently. You’ll notice how light interacts with a scene, visualize compositions before raising your camera, and understand how your gear will interpret what you see.

The real "secret" to better photos isn’t in your gear or settings. It’s about training yourself to see like a photographer through consistent practice and thoughtful review of your work.

Happy shooting!