• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Photography Concentrate

Learn Photography Faster!

  • Blog
  • Learn
    • Camera Skills
    • Light Skills
    • Composition Skills
    • Photo Editing Skills – Lighroom
    • Creativity Field Guide
    • Shoot Awesome Video
    • Pro – Build Your Business
      • Photography Income Formula
      • Simple Wedding Photography
      • Awesome Album Design Skills
      • Really Easy Retouching
  • About
  • Free Resources
  • Contact
You are here: Home / Photography Tips / 10 Ways To Become A Better Photographer By Tomorrow

10 Ways To Become A Better Photographer By Tomorrow

Updated on March 17, 2020 by Lauren Lim

Photography is a lifelong pursuit. Progress and improvement often take years—if not decades. And that’s cool! You will never run out of amazing things to learn about!

But we all know it can be tough to wait that long to feel like you’re getting better. Quick progress can help keep your spirits up, and keep you motivated to rock on. So let’s look at some tips to help you improve your photography super fast!

1. Shoot At Golden Hour

large_curtkristina-0171

Photography is about light, so choosing the best light of the day to shoot in will add a thick layer of magic to your images. Golden hour refers to the hour before sunset, and the hour after sunrise. Head outside today with your camera at either one of those times, and just shoot, shoot, shoot. You’ll be amazed at how the light brings your photos alive!

Check out this article for more tips on shooting at Golden Hour.

 

2. Use The Four Corner Composition Trick

You can easily see things in a new way, and explore new compositional ideas with The Four Corner Composition Trick. It’s easy peasy. With your camera up to your eye, put your subject in each of the four corners of the frame, one by one (you can also put the subject dead center if you’re feeling fancy). This will help you to break any habits that you may have, and instantly helps you find more creative ways to frame your shots.

 

3. Shoot A Roll of Film

large_3c1c925306222a9b1217

One of the most valuable things about shooting film is that is has built-in limits. You get 24 (or 36) exposures, and that’s it. This forces you to slow down, and think carefully about each and every shot you take. So grab yourself a film camera, go for a stroll, and see what you create!

If you don’t have a film camera, then use a digital camera, but limit yourself to 24 shots. You can even cover up the LCD so you can’t peek at your results until you get home.

Want some tips on shooting film? Check out our Film Photography Crash Course!

 

4. Teach Someone Else Photography

large_e50a067251c314e70e85

It’s pretty incredible how the act of explaining a concept to someone else can instantly clarify it in your own mind. Plus, sharing your love of photography also gives you a massive dose of inspiration and energy! Find a friend or family member interested in photography, and sit down and give them a lesson! They’ll probably ask you some great questions that get your mind working too!

Check out our article, The Secret Way To Learn Photography Better, for more advice on teaching photography to others!

 

5. Read The Manual

There are two images that exist with each photo: the one you saw in your mind, and the one your camera created. Learning how your camera works, and how to control it, is what will let you bring those images in your mind to life! So sitting down, and reading your camera manual, front to back, is an essential part of learning how that fancy gadget works. You may even find yourself saying “Gee, I didn’t even know it could do that!”. So pour yourself a tasty beverage, and sit back and read that manual.

 

6. Watch A Documentary

Your photography is a visual representation of how you see the world, and changing what you think is a great way to change up what you shoot! One of the quickest ways to do that is to watch a documentary. Not only will you learn something interesting, but chances are you will see and think about things in a new way. Sometimes you also get the added bonus of amazing cinematography to get you visually inspired!

Check out The Ultimate Documentary List for Photographers for a great one to watch tonight!

 

7. Create Restrictions

Sometimes the problem is that you have too much to shoot, and that ends up diluting your work. It might seem counter-intuitive—that restricting yourself would make your more creative. But when you give yourself limitations with your shooting, you force yourself to think in a different way, and to really focus.

There are tons of great ways to use this concept, but here are a few ideas. Spend a day focused on just one of these ideas, and see just how much your photography improves:

  • Shoot only with a camera phone
  • Shoot only in black and white
  • Shoot only self-portraits
  • Shoot only strangers
  • Shoot only friends
  • Shoot only indoors
  • Shoot only outdoors

 

8. Learn A New Technique

large_c4ff03f9813ccfe42614

One of the fun things about being a photographer is adding new techniques to your tool belt. Sometimes just one simple little trick can change the way you shoot for the rest of your life! So dedicate the day to learning something new and practicing it.

Check out our Getting The Shot series for some new techniques to try out, like panning, shooting lightning, and more!

 

9. Stand In Front Of Interesting Stuff

Here’s a fantastic quote from a National Geographic photographer:

If you want to be a better photographer, stand in front of more interesting stuff. — Jim Richardson

Simple right? Just get yourself out there, and find some interesting stuff! Now, the trick here is that what is “interesting” is completely up to you. And it definitely doesn’t need to be halfway around the world. There is tons of fascinating stuff in your hometown! The key is simply that you find it interesting, and that will lead you to take better photos of it!

A great way to find interesting stuff is to go for a photo walk, or go location scouting, depending on what kind of photography you usually do. A photo walk can be as simple as a short stroll through a new part of town (or an old part that you look at in a new way!) There are tons of tips on location scouting in this article, but basically look for a new spot to shoot, bring your camera along, and find yourself some interesting stuff to stand in front of.

 

10.  Look At Your Old Photos

large_a8228c7a497d46a36ef4

The final tip is to take some time to sit, and study your old images. This will help you out in a bunch of ways. It will get you inspired and excited about photography, and remind you just why you are a photographer. Getting in touch with your motivations is critical to improvement!

It will also let you determine what your strengths and weaknesses are as a shooter. Figuring out what you need to get better at helps focus your learning, and gives you a clear direction for your practice!

Check out our article, The Benefits of Photographic Time Travel for more details on how looking at your old work can help you become a better shooter!

 

So, there are 10 ways to quickly improve your photography skills. Which one will you try out today?

Your Turn

Do you have any quick tips on how to improve your photography by tomorrow? Share them with us in the comments now!

 

Filed Under: Photography Tips

About Lauren Lim

Hey friend, I’m Lauren! I’m a photography ninja here at Photography Concentrate. I’m downright obsessed with photography, and love sharing it with super cool folks like yourself. When I’m not shooting, or writing, you can find me cooking (and eating!), traveling, and hanging out with wonderful people.

Primary Sidebar

Hi there!


We're The Photography Concentrate Team: Daniel, Kaitlyn and Kristal. Think of us as your photo friends – we’re here to help you take great photos, and have a ton of fun together while we’re at it!

Instagram Twitter Facebook YouTube Browse the Archives

Footer

Navigation

  • Blog
  • Learn
  • About

Connect

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Newsletter

Important Stuff

  • Comment Policy
  • Material Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Earnings Disclaimer

Disclaimer

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Additionally, we participate in other affiliate programs and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

Return to top of page
Copyright © 2020 Photography Concentrate

newsletterpopupheader

Get FREE photography training today!

Subscribe to our newsletter and learn how to take awesome photos, and get tons of free stuff to make it faster, and easier!
Join today and get instant access!

Join our +48,000 photographer pals, and get our very best content and freebies delivered straight to your inbox!
Register To This Secret Photography Training (FREE but seats are limited!)
How To Start & Grow
A Professional Photography Business
And Get Paid For Your Photos In The Next 30 Days
This method works even if you don’t have expensive gear and don’t want to chase clients!

We like to keep it a small group so we can engage together.
Our webinars are always filled to the last seat.
ONLY reserved seats will gain access to the room!

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OkView our Privacy Policy