The top 27 tips for amateur photographers

Taking photos has never been easier thanks to the steady rise of smartphones. If you’re new to photography, here are some tips you can learn to make your images even better.

1. Practice at Home
   Take photographs of the nature that surrounds your home, the food that you plate, and the people you interact. Practicing techniques at home will make you a better photographer.
   
2. Know Your Camera
   Whether you're using an iPhone or DSLR camera, make sure you know how it works, preferably before you want to use it.
   
3. Buy Books, Not New Gear
   Accessories for cameras can be expensive. Instead, buy books about photography. They will always be useful.
   
4. Understand Composition
   Composition is an essential feature in photography. Once you understand it and can efficiently use compositional techniques, your photography will improve.
   
5. Make it About You
   Photography is a personal experience. Understand that every image you snap is a self-portrait. Capture your view of the world, and your photos will ultimately reflect this.
   
6. Look for Different Colors
   Be on the lookout for color combinations that show different aspects of your environment. Think of the colors of walls, signs, windows, and doors.
   
7. Take Advantage of the Golden Hour, Sunset
   Take pictures in the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset.Then stay for sunset, which will give you images with a golden glow.
   
8. Join the Nightlife
   Especially in cities, nighttime was made for photo-taking. Look for interesting people walking around town and illuminated buildings.
   
9. Don't Go Overboard
   Life shouldn't be all about taking photographs. Especially when you're on a trip, take some time for yourself. Observe your surroundings and take it all in.
   
10. Snap the Scene
    Always take lots of shots during a shoot. You can always delete the images you don't like later.
    
11. Snap the Boring Stuff, Too
    It's okay to take photo of the everyday stuff. You might be surprised with what you discover.
    
12. Get Hungry
    Taking photos of food might not sound glamorous. Nonetheless, doing so will make you a better photographer.
    
13. Find People
    Locate the sweet spots in your location to find photo opportunities. Check out coffee shops, shopping centers, and pubs.
    
14. Patterns are Good
    The human brain loves patterns. Search for them in faces, clothing, and the clouds.
    
15. Be Conscious of Your Background
    Backgrounds can turn ordinary photos into extraordinary ones. Consider the trees, people, mountains, waterways, etc.
    
16. And Foreground
    Similar to the background, consider the foreground, too. The foreground is especially useful for creating a sense of depth in your photographs.
    
17. Frame the Shoots
    Frame the shots as you take them, by showing the viewer the surroundings and "framing" your subject with environmental aspects. It will bring them in closer and appreciate your image more.
    
18. But, Sometimes Subtract from a Frame
    Understand that sometimes less is more. If an object doesn't invoke emotion or add to the story you're trying to tell, remove it.
    
19. Candid Camera
    Remember candid moments. Capture your kids laughing, your significant other trying to start a lawnmower, and more.
    
20. Watch the Weather
    Be sure to embrace the weather forecast. From wintery nights to overcast days, the weather tells a story.
    
21. Explore Perspectives
    Always shift your perspective to get different shots. Shoot your subject from different angles. Move. Dance. Have fun.
    
22. Attempt Long Exposures
    Long Exposures work great with a natural density filter and daylight. Watch as the movement of people blurs, creating a dazzling image.
    
23. Speaking of Movement …
    Search for movement in your scenes — someone running, jumping, perhaps a plane, or flowers blowing in the wind.
    
24. Remember Fun
    Believe in what you're doing with your camera and be happy about it always. If you're becoming miserable, do something else.
    
25. Push Yourself
    Becoming a master photographer means always learning. Move out of your comfort zone and finding new subjects.
    
26. Make It Even Better
    Enhance your shots with an AI-powered app like Luminar Neo and share them on social media. Use AI tools to creatively edit your portraits and landscapes, removing imperfections and adding impressive augmentations.
    
27. Print Your Work
    Digital photography shouldn't mean the end of physical prints. Put your favorite photos on the wall or your desk. Create a photo book for your friends.
    

What suggestions do you have for amateur photographers?