100 things to remember as a photographer

• Just because someone has an expensive camera doesn't mean that he/she is a good photographer.
• Always shoot in RAW. Always.
• Prime lenses help you learn to be a better photographer & teaches you to keep the correct distance.
• Photo editing is an art in itself otherwise it’s a poison.
• The rule of thirds works 99% of the time.
• If you have not lost your lens cap, means you are not involved with the subject while clicking it.
• UV filters work just as well as lens caps for me.
• Go outside and shoot photos rather than spending hours a day on photography forums.
• Capture the beauty in the ordinary rather than rarity and you have a winning photograph.
• Film isn’t better than digital.
• Digital isn’t better than film.
• There is no “magic” camera or lens.
• Better lenses don’t give you better sense of composition.
• Spend less time looking at other people’s work and more time shooting your own.
• Don’t take your DSLR to parties.
• Girls dig photographers.
• Making your photos b/w doesn’t automatically make them “artistic”.
• People will always discredit your work if you tell them you “photoshop” your images. Rather, tell them that you process them in the “digital darkroom”.
• You don’t need to take a photo of everything.
• Have at least 2 backups of all your images. Like they say in war, two is one, one is none.
• Ditch the handstrap and get used with neckstrap.
• Get closer when taking your photos in streets, they often turn out better.
• Be a part of a scene while taking a photo; not a foreigner .
• Taking a photo from ground level often make your photos look more interesting.
• Worry less about technical aspects and focus more on compositional aspects of photography.
• Tape up any logos on your camera with black gaffers tape- it brings a lot less attention to you.
• Always underexpose by 2/3rds of a stop when shooting in broad daylight.
• The more photos you take of the same subject, the better things you learn out of it.
• Don’t be afraid to take several photos of the same scene at different exposures, angles, or apertures.
• Only show your best photos.
• A point-and-shoot is still a camera, do not underestimate the power of a common man.
• Join meaningful online photography forum rather than 100s of groups on social media.
• Giving critics nicely is wisdom, but receiving them nicely is bravery. & We are more wise than brave.
• Think before you shoot.
• A good photo shouldn’t require explanation (although background information often adds to an image).
• Alcohol and photography do not mix well.
• Draw inspiration from other photographers but never worship them.
• Grain is beautiful, & noise removal is a dangerous task.
• Ditch the photo backpack and get a messenger bag. It makes getting your lenses and camera a whole lot easier.
• Simplicity is key.
• The definition of photography is: “painting with light.” Use light in your favour.
• Find your style of photography and stick with it.
• Having a second monitor is the best thing ever for photo processing.
• Take pictures in colour and then convert them into monochrome if you feel so.
• Carry your camera with you everywhere. Everywhere.
• Never let photography get in the way of enjoying life, take care of your wife as well.
• Don’t pamper your camera. Use and abuse it.
• There is no philosophy behind good pictures, they are just taken most of the times.
• Shoot with confidence, when you are in public or streets.
• Photography and coincidence are best friends.
• Print out your photos big. They will make you happy.
• Give your photos to friends & family.
• Give them to strangers and local people who help you during your trips.
• Don’t forget to frame them.
• Archival printing is amazing though it is costly it will make you feel great.
• Go out and take photos with (a) friend(s). One is ideal, two is company & three is crowd.
• Join a photo club or start one for yourself.
• Taking photos where you don’t know their language is an adventure.
• Respect senior photographs, they were pioneers
• Candid>Posed.
• Natural light is the best light.
• 35mm (on full frame) is the best “walk-around” focal length.
• Don’t be afraid to bump up your ISO when necessary.
• You don’t need to always bring a tripod with you everywhere you go
• It is always better to underexpose than overexpose.
• Shooting photos of homeless people in an attempt to be “artsy” is exploitation.
• You will find the best photo opportunities in the least likely situations.
• Photos are always more interesting with the human element included.
• You can’t “Photoshop” bad images into good ones.
• Nowadays everybody is a photographer.
• You don’t need to fly to Africa to get good photos; the best photo opportunities are in your backyard.
• Watermark is called ‘Watermark’ because it has to be unclear or smudged or less obvious.
• Cameras as tools, not toys.
• In terms of composition, photography and painting aren’t much different.
• Photography isn’t a hobby- it’s a lifestyle.
• Make photos, not excuses.
• Be original & honest in your photography, viewers are smart too.
• The best photographs tell stories that begs the viewer for more.
• Any cameras but black ones draw too much attention.
• The more gear you carry around with you the less you will enjoy photography.
• Good self-portraits are harder to take than they seem.
• Laughter always draws out peoples’ true character in a photograph.
• Don’t look suspicious when taking photos- blend in with the environment.
• Landscape photography can become dull after a while if you travel less.
• Have fun while taking photos, wish-list often disappoints you.
• Never delete any of your photos except blurs and repeated ones.
• Be respectful when taking photos of people or places.
• When taking candid photos of people in the street, it is easier to use a wide-angle than a telephoto lens.
• Travel and photography are the perfect pair.
• Learn how to read a histogram.
• A noisy photo is better than a blurry one.
• Don’t be afraid to take photos in the rain.
• Learn how to enjoy the moment, rather than relentlessly trying to capture the perfect picture of it.
• Never take photos on an empty stomach.
• You will discover a lot about yourself through your photography.
• Never store your photographic insight- share it with the world.
• Never stop taking photos, because you are capturing the history for the future.
• Photography is more than simply taking photos, it is an idea of life.
• Since how long you haven’t seen you camera manual! Believe me, its useful most of the times.
• Most photographers are ‘Vivekanand’ they never note down the points to remember.

  Learnings form the field By Saurabh Desai