If you search the Internet you will find a lot of information about what photographers should do. There is very little information about what photographers should not do. This is not my first post on the topic. However, the fact is many photographers continue to make many of the same mistakes.
Do not …
1. Spend too much time focusing on your gear. Equipment is fun and apart of photography, however, it is not the core of photography. The type of camera you own will do little to make you a better photographer. Photographing makes you a better photographer.
2. Photograph using the same style and techniques for every photograph. You will not grow as a photographer if you don’t try new things.
3. Leave your camera at home. Always have a camera available. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve missed great photography opportunities because I didn’t have a camera.
4. Take every assignment offered to you. You have a few specialities. Just because someone offers an opportunity to you doesn’t mean you should take it. Refer it and make a commission. It’s about your reputation.
5. Ignore the value of your copyright. Remember, if your copyright is not valuable, then, why are people working so hard to take it?
6. Fail to create an And. There are a lot of photographers and more being minted everyday. You must separate yourself from the competition to survive.
7. Do everything yourself. Hire people to support you. It makes you a better business person. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Focus on developing your photography.
8. Ignore the math. When your expenses are higher than your income, you can’t make it up in volume. You must charge enough to cover your costs and make a profit.
9. Forget to plan your assignments in advance. The more you plan ahead and prepare yourself, your team and equipment, the more successful the assignment.
10. Ignore blogging. Blogging helps attract photography buyers to your work. People get to know you as a photographer at a deeper level. It is also excellent for search engine optimization.
11. Dismiss the value of social media. Social media is one of the best ways to share your images with the world. Develop a community of people who appreciate your work.
12. Place sensitive photographs on the Internet. If you are concerned a photograph will be shared improperly or stolen, don’t post it anywhere online.
13. Forget your tripod. As much I don’t like using a tripod, it’s important for low light and slow shutter situations. I recently forgot mine and it was a pain to get my shot.
14. Ignore your lens options. Don’t get too used to your favorite lens. Try renting from resources such as www.borrowlenses.com.
15. Think you can fix everything in Photoshop. Photoshop is an excellent tool, however, you need to start with great photography. Software cannot fix everything.
16. Believe you don’t need Photoshop skills. Today most images need some sort of correction or enhancement.
17. Ignore new camera features. Sometimes we get suck on manual or program. Photographers fail to explore all the benefits and advantages their camera offers. It’s easy to forget what the technology in your camera can do for you.
18. Dismiss video. Video is more important to still photographers every year. Learn the basics of video to stay competitive.
19. Stop learning. The day you feel you know everything about photography is the day your photography begins to decline.
What would you add?
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