Practical Tips to Improve Your Photography
I’m not a technical photographer; I believe photography is a way to document light, life, and the essence and soul of our subjects, whatever they may be. To me, it’s about how you see and how you are present in the moment with a subject or scene. I’ve always felt that the best camera is always the one that’s with you, but just as important are patience and presence. Over the years, I’ve found that the most meaningful images come when I quiet the noise, trust my instincts, and let light, emotion, and composition lead the way. Although I know that may seem vague and abstract, so I’ve put together this gentle guide of practical and technical tips to improve your photography, based on my experience. Like anything you wish to excel at, diligent practice and reflection are key.
Here are some simple tips that have improved my photography and help me reconnect with my eye and stay in flow with my camera and the moment.
Stick to one lens. Bring less gear.
There’s something liberating about choosing one lens and committing to it. It sharpens your eye and simplifies your choices. I love my 24-70 mm because it's so versatile and suitable for various scenes and genres. Another second choice for me is a 35 mm prime. Fewer lenses mean more space to notice what’s in front of you and less time to switch lenses and waste the moment. Minimalism allows you to stop fiddling and start feeling and seeing and not let gear get in the way. If you go out on a photo walk or traveling, bring one or two lenses, maybe a zoom and a prime, and let that be it. Keep it simple so you aren’t paralyzed by choice. Also, tripods are the bane of my existence. I have yet to find one I like, even the best makes, like Manfrotto. They just feel cumbersome and are a hassle, and aren’t really necessary for my style of photography. That may not be the case for you, for instance, if you’re a landscape photographer or astrophotographer. But personally, the less gear I have, the happier and freer I feel.
Carry a lightweight, comfortable bag or sling.
Ease and comfort matter. When your gear is accessible and your body isn’t burdened, you’re freer to move, explore, and respond quickly. A comfortable bag makes the act of carrying your camera feel less like a task and more like an invitation. Nothing is more frustrating than a cumbersome bag that is literally dead weight on your side, slapping your hip, and hurting your shoulder. Peak Design makes some fantastic, functional bags that are so well made, and I love my sling. I’m not a backpack camera bag person, but that style may work for you, especially if you’re into nature or landscape photography. Either way, pick one that is comfortable, functional, and allows you to access your camera easily. And while we’re on the topic of gear, don’t forget a good pair of comfortable shoes, if you’re going to be on your feet for hours, the right shoes make all the difference! If my feet aren’t happy, I’m not happy!
Shoot into the light. Or opt for side light.
There’s a quiet magic in backlighting. The glow, flare, and softness can lift an ordinary moment into something luminous. I also love shooting my subjects or scenes side lit, it truly transforms your frame and adds depth and dimension. Position yourself so that you’re either shooting into the sun or the sun is lighting your subject or scene from the side.
Let the light guide you
No matter my subject, I let the light guide me. I notice how it shifts, the color, the angle, the intensity, and the direction in relation to my subject. From there, I decide where to stand, what to frame, and the “best” composition. It might pool of light on a table, stretch across someone’s face, or glint off a leaf. When I see a beautiful patch of light, I let that lead my camera rather than trying to force something. Let light lead the way and work with the light you have.
Look for frames within the frame.
Doors, windows, branches, shadows, and natural frames can gently guide the viewer’s eye and add intimacy to your image. They help create a story and structure for your frame. They are everywhere, and you can’t unsee them once you see them. I love using natural frames in my composition because they add dimension and focus. It adds another layer of interest, sometimes it’s subtle, like soft leaves gently framing a subject, and other times bold and striking, like the clean, angular lines of a building.
Follow your gut.
If something pulls at you, pause. If you feel a quiet yes in your gut, follow that nudge. Intuition, I believe, is a photographer’s most underrated tool. The more you listen and trust it, the more it strengthens. Trust what feels right and looks good to you. The best photographs often come from the moments our heart, eyes, and gut lead us.
Shoot at angles to create depth.
Flat images often feel lifeless or uninspired, usually because something is missing or off in the composition, light, or color. It could be any combination of these elements, but the image can fall a little flat when they don't work together. Try stepping to the side, tilting your lens up slightly, shooting from an unconventional angle, or shooting into a corner. Angles bring dimension, movement, and visual interest, especially in tighter or less dynamic spaces. When something feels off, I try to switch up my angle and see how that looks and feels.
Shoot in a 4-frame story.
A single image is powerful, but sometimes a series of images can be more compelling and nuanced. It tells a broader and deeper story. Capture a wider establishing shot, a detail shot, a hero shot, and an atmospheric shot. Together, these frames tell a fuller story—honest, layered, real. You can learn more about this framework here.
Shoot what others don’t see.
Look beyond the obvious of what’s in front of you, and often that requires taking a beat to pause and notice the little things, the energy, the colors, patterns, and things we may overlook. The quiet interactions, the still corners, the fleeting gestures. These unnoticed moments often carry the most soul. Let your eye wander past what's expected or the “obvious shot”, and look beyond what is at the “surface level.” For example, if you’re at a famous tourist attraction that is always shot from a certain angle, get that shot just because you’re there, but look beyond and see what else is possible. Often, seeing what others don’t see requires patience, presence, pausing, and changing our perspective.
Use Aperture Priority when traveling or time is short.
When time is short and the moment won’t wait, Aperture Priority is my go-to. It gives me the most control over the look and feel (since aperture gives us the most creative control) without fussing over every setting. When I want the freedom to shoot and not think so much about my settings, I happily use aperture priority because it allows me to be more present in the moment.
If shooting in Manual, set ISO to Auto.
This small shift can make a big difference. It allows you to stay in control of shutter speed and aperture while letting ISO adjust as needed, keeping things sharp, well-exposed, and fluid. I rarely shoot in low light or nighttime conditions, so honestly, I don’t give much thought to ISO. If I don’t set it to auto, I’ll set it once between 200-400 for most lighting situations (sunny to partly cloudy), then adjust the others accordingly.
Look for the less obvious.
Some of the most compelling images live on the margins and what isn’t glaring in our camera lens—a reflection in a puddle, a hand gesture, an empty coffee cup and saucer on a café table, an old man leisurely walking down a street. Don’t just capture what’s expected; pause and look “between the cracks” for the quiet moments that aren’t bold or loud.
Clearly define your subject.
That doesn’t mean that the way you compose your subject should be bold or literal in your frame. It means knowing what you want your viewer to feel, see, and guiding their attention gently. Simplicity, contrast, and intentional composition help you define your subject so the viewer isn’t confused or unsure of what or who the subject is.
Keep your camera out. Let it hang by your side.
Initially, I felt dorky having my camera by my side, worried that I stood out like a sore thumb, a tourist. But honestly, I don’t care anymore because it’s such a fuss to pull your camera and put it away. Just keep it out and let it be by your side so it's ready, visible, and just an extension of yourself, because when you see a moment, you’ll be ready for it. That's also the beauty of having a light kit, so your camera is less obvious, but you are still open and prepared for a moment to unfold. You still can be discreet and respectful. This is an absolute for me when I travel.
Stay open. Be present.
Stay present and allow yourself to immerse yourself in the moment fully. I think patience and presence are the most underrated skills of photography. Be open to what may happen or how the light could change. Be open to the fact that if the light isn’t what you wish or something didn’t happen the way you imagined, let go of the expectation, and allow yourself to see what’s here—right now—and what it might become. Photography to me is all about being present and adaptable in the moment.
Be mindful of colors in your frame.
I love all the colors of the rainbow, but I’ve learned that color can either support or distract from the story you're trying to tell. Pay attention to the hues in your frame, how they interact, how they feel. Sometimes I simplify to let the subject speak more clearly; other times, if it serves the image, I lean into the richness and let color take the lead. Even one unexpected color can shift the mood or throw off the composition. Color is powerful. I’m also intentional about the tones I consistently include in my portfolio. For example, while I personally love the color orange, it’s not something I include often in my work; it doesn’t align with the visual language I want to express.