21 Easy Ways to Improve Your Photography Skills

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Everything you need to take your photography to the next level
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Photography is an amazing art form that anyone can learn. Developing your photography skills is simply a matter of patience and practice. Whether you just got your first camera or you’re a seasoned pro looking to hone your craft, there’s always room to improve. Below, we’ve rounded up the best ways to develop and advance your photography skills. Plus, we got insight from expert photographers on their favorite hacks and advice.

Best Ways to Improve Your Photography

  • Familiarize yourself with your camera’s features and how to use them.
  • Master photography basics like composition and lighting.
  • Take photographs every day to practice and find out what works.
  • Use a photo editing software to polish up your pictures.
Section 1 of 3:

Mastering Basic Photography Skills

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  1. Review the manual that came with your camera. Look up video tutorials for features like exposure, flash, white balance, timers, f-stop, shutter speed, and burst mode. [1] The more familiar you are with your camera, the better you’ll be able to use it properly and take the best possible pictures. [2]
    • Besides features that affect the photographs themselves, learn how to check technical elements like how many pictures are remaining on your memory card and the battery status. You don’t want your camera to fill up or die right before the perfect shot.
  2. Composition is how you align everything within the frame for the best possible photograph . As you line up shots, consider how the subject fills the frame and what the focal point is. Look at the edges and corners of the frame. Ask if the shot feels balanced overall. These simple reflections help you take pictures that are well-composed and interesting to look at. [3]
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  3. 3
    Consider the lighting before taking any photos. How a photo is lit affects its colors, white balance, shadows, saturation, brightness, and clarity. Having good lighting is essential for taking quality photographs. Evaluate your environment’s lighting before shooting. Is it warm or cool? Soft or harsh? Natural or artificial? Consider the position of the light source and look for shadows. [4]
  4. 4
    Study the rule of thirds, but don’t rely on it. The rule of thirds is a guideline where you put your subject along the right or left third of an image (along the vertical lines of an imaginary tic-tac-toe grid). This usually creates a more compelling shot than a simple central subject, explains photographer Crystal Bear. [5] [6]
    • Like any convention, it’s not meant to be followed all the time. Learn the rules so you’re comfortable breaking them.
  5. 5
    Use edges and lines for better framing. Try to use the edges of items or features in the frame—the horizon, fences, roads, furniture, walls, and trees, for example—to guide the viewer’s eye to your subject. Consider the lines that are naturally present in the image and how to frame them for the best possible photograph. [7]
  6. 6
    Help subjects feel comfortable posing. Whether you do photography as a hobby and like to use family and friends as subjects or you’re working with clients and models, it’s key to be able to make your subjects comfortable. Learn basic poses you can guide subjects into if they’re unsure how to stand. Encourage them if they’re feeling awkward—model example poses for them to copy.
    • “It helps to build a rapport with the [subject] and let them feel like they're in a safe space. Just joking with them and trying to have fun is really important,” says portrait photographer Jessica McKnight. [8]
    • Don’t comment on your subject’s body or attractiveness—keep your comments appropriate and professional.
    • Not every photo has to be posed. If you’re photographing an event like a birthday party, make sure to capture natural moments of people laughing and talking, says McKnight. [9]
  7. 7
    Consider every aspect of your photo before shooting. There’s more to composing a photograph than following the rule of thirds (which is always optional). Pay attention to every element of what’s in your frame. Create a mental checklist and go down it before you snap—you’ll probably make a few tweaks before taking the photo. [10]
    • Aspects to consider include tone, color, symmetry, balance, contrast, texture, lighting, and your intuition about how the photo should be captured.
  8. Get as close to your subject as you can. Use your feet, and use your zoom lens (if you have one) to fine-tune your composition. Leave out anything that doesn't give some important context to understand your photo fully. Often, simple photographs are the most striking and profound. [11]
  9. 9
    Learn a photo editing software. Taking pictures is only part of being a photographer. A lot of work happens in the editing room. Learn how to use a photo-editing software like Adobe Lightroom , Adobe Photoshop , or GIMP . If you’re shooting RAW instead of JPEG, editing software is essential to control lighting, color, noise reduction, shadows, and focus. [12]
    • Photographer Stephen Cardone recommends Photoshop for beginners who are looking to get serious with photo editing. It has robust tools and is similar to other Adobe programs. You can also use the native photo editing applications that come installed on your computer. [13]
    • If you’re shooting on film, consider learning how to develop film yourself and experiment with adjustments in the darkroom.
  10. 10
    Alternate between shooting RAW and JPEG files. Many professionals shoot in RAW format because RAW files are lossless, capturing all the data from your camera’s sensor. This enables you to tweak elements and process the photos in the editing room. JPEG files are compressed and the camera does more of the processing. They look more finished without editing. Try both to find out which you prefer. [14]
    • Because JPEG files are compressed, they result in smaller file sizes than RAW files, which saves you money because you can use less memory space.
    • If you’re picky about tweaking, say, white balance, shadows, and highlights, you’ll want to shoot in RAW.
  11. Both film and digital cameras have their place in the learning photographer's arsenal. They both have their advantages and disadvantages, and both will teach you a different set of habits.
    • Digital cameras give you immediate feedback on what you’re doing right and wrong. They also reduce the cost of experimentation—you can always delete bad photos. However, you may fall into the habit of shooting without intention and hoping a good photo comes out. [15]
    • Using film leads to less experimentation because you can’t delete bad shots, but it makes you think carefully before taking photographs. What's more, film has a look all its own.
    • If you already shoot film, then shoot digital as well.
  12. 12
    Photograph static and moving subjects. A good photographer knows how to capture the perfect still subject and capture movement and motion. Taking a good movement photo requires a different skill set, as well as technical knowledge to set up a burst or series of photos and reduce motion blur. Example moving subjects include animals, theme park rides, and athletes. [16]
    • If you’re taking portraits, try to capture people in motion. Whether they’re laughing or jumping, your subjects’ dynamic movement can enhance the liveliness and emotion of your portraits.
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Section 2 of 3:

How to Advance Your Photography Skills

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  1. The best way to develop and improve your photography skills is to take photos every day. Practice really does make perfect. Be intentional with your daily photos, challenging yourself to find interesting framing, subjects, and angles. Don’t wait for the perfect photo opportunity—get out there and find it. [17]
    • Keep your camera on-hand by taking it wherever you go. With it easily in reach, you’ll feel more inclined to use it.
    • The more photographs you take, the more comfortable you’ll be using a camera. Take note of what works and doesn’t work.
    • After a few months, review your photographs and reflect on the ones you like the most. What makes them feel better than the rest? See if you can articulate your signature style as a photographer.
  2. Look for photographs that make you smile, laugh, cry, or feel surprised. While anyone can learn to take a technically impressive photograph, what elevates a photo to a work of art is the emotion and storytelling behind it. Study a mix of the greats like Henri Cartier-Bresson, Annie Leibovitz, and Ansel Adams and contemporary photographers who are on the rise. [18]
    • Browse photo books at your local library or view photographs online. Follow photographers you like on social media to get fresh inspiration.
    • Look through pictures in a photography magazine and critique the photos. List two positive things and two things you'd try to change in the photos.
  3. 3
    Start a project to give yourself clear goals. While tasking yourself to take photographs every day is a good start, you may feel aimless and lose motivation. Counteract this by taking on a photography project that lets you set goals and track your progress. Example projects include doing only night photography for a month, experimenting with negative space, or only photographing one color for a week. [19]
  4. 4
    Get inspired by nature and art. Other photographers are a great source of inspiration, but don’t limit yourself to the discipline. Let the beauty of the natural world and the art you enjoy inform your practice as a photographer. This includes visual mediums like painting and film, but also literature, theater, and music. [20]
    • For example, if you just read a beautiful story set in the countryside, use the book’s vivid descriptions to inspire a photo shoot in a rural area near you.
  5. 5
    Create DIY camera accessories for unique effects. Resist the temptation to buy a bunch of expensive gear you might not need or use often. Instead, DIY accessories to achieve cool practical effects with your photography. For example, pull a pantyhose over the lens for a dreamy, blurry look. Use your laptop or television screen as a light source for portraits or product photography. [21]
  6. 6
    Use a tripod to slow down your process. Not only does a tripod stabilize your camera so you can take clearer shots, but it also forces you to be more intentional with your photographs. The act of setting up and moving the tripod slows you down, so you can be more thoughtful about your subject and composition. [22]
  7. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned photographer, it’s never too late to find a niche you enjoy. Try shooting portraits, landscapes, events, animals, products, and food. Experiment with black-and-white, color, panoramic shots, and close-ups. Find the type of photography you have the most fun doing, but don’t limit yourself to it. [23]
    EXPERT TIP

    Boris Polissky

    Professional Photographer
    Boris Polissky is a Professional Photographer and the Owner of SF City Hall Photo and Boris Polissky Photography based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Boris specializes in wedding, portrait, and family photography focused on bringing out real emotion and connection in his photos. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science from San Jose State University. Boris is known for capturing moments that bring out the uniqueness in all his clients.
    Boris Polissky
    Professional Photographer

    Don’t focus on one type of photography. Learn how to shoot landscapes, people, animals, jewelry. It will all come in handy.

  8. 8
    Take a photography course or join a photography club. Formal education isn’t required to become a better photographer, but it could be helpful as a tool for learning, finding community, and staying motivated. Take a photography class at a local community college. Alternatively, find a photography club in your area and connect with your peers. [24]
    • Study how your fellow photographers work and ask them for tips, especially if they have more experience than you.
  9. It's good to seek out constructive criticism, as long as you're careful about who you listen to. Posting on online photo critique threads might invite trolls and haters. Listen to fellow photographers, teachers, and people you trust. Ignore feedback that’s mean-spirited or overly critical—the best feedback focuses on how you can improve, not what you failed at. [25]
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Section 3 of 3:

Frequently Asked Questions

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  1. 1
    What’s the 20 60 20 rule in photography? The 20/60/20 rule says to spend 20 percent of a shoot taking basic or safe shots, 60 percent of a shoot getting creative and taking risks with your photos, and 20 percent of the time trying to capture a once-in-a-lifetime shot. The rule comes from National Geographic photographer Paul Nicklen. [26]
  2. 2
    What are the 3 Cs of photography? The 3 C’s in photography are content, concept, and composition. Content is the actual contents of the image—the subject and everything around it. The concept is the idea behind the photograph—the emotion or message you want to convey. The composition refers to elements like framing, lighting, color, and balance—all the choices that inform how the subject looks and how the concept comes across. [27]
    • Other C’s of photography include cohesion, clarity, and creativity. [28]
  3. 3
    Can I be a good photographer with a phone camera? Yes, you can be a good photographer with a phone camera . Much of what makes a good photograph is conceptual, not technical. Focus on learning how to take good photos with any type of camera. If you want to become a professional, consider investing in a camera that has more features and storage than a phone. [29]
    • Use editing software to make your photos look more professional.
  4. 4
    How do you take better portraits? Limit headspace (the space above the subject’s head), says McKnight. Study angles—specific angles can make someone’s face look thinner or wider. Research and copy poses to help people learn what to do with themselves during the portrait session. McKnight also emphasizes the importance of finding good lighting. [30]
  5. 5
    How do I improve photography skills in the Sims 4? Have your Sim take pictures using the camera menu on the phone. Or, buy a camera with Simoleons and have them take pictures with it. If you have the Get To Work expansion, open a photo studio and tend to it. Sell your Sim’s photos for Simoleons. [31]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I learn to take more interesting photographs?
    David Zhang
    Professional Photographer
    David Zhang is a Professional Wedding Photographer and the Co-Owner of A Tale Ahead based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He works with his wife Annie to capture their clients’ happiest memories in life, from surprise proposals to wedding days and beyond. David and Annie are experts at capturing moments and emotions naturally and candidly, beautifully and artistically.
    David Zhang
    Professional Photographer
    Expert Answer
    One of the most important things you need to do is take a reading on the location and its light. Photography is all about tracking light and processing the relationship between your location and the subject to create elegant compositions. If you can learn how to pay attention to those two things, you can teach yourself how to take great photos!
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  • Question
    Is photography a skill or a talent?
    David Zhang
    Professional Photographer
    David Zhang is a Professional Wedding Photographer and the Co-Owner of A Tale Ahead based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He works with his wife Annie to capture their clients’ happiest memories in life, from surprise proposals to wedding days and beyond. David and Annie are experts at capturing moments and emotions naturally and candidly, beautifully and artistically.
    David Zhang
    Professional Photographer
    Expert Answer
    A skill, for sure. A camera is a tool, and if someone is dedicated and passionate enough, they can learn! So long as you own a camera, that's all you need to get started!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    What classes should I take in high school to prepare myself?
    Community Answer
    If no photography-specific classes are available at your school, take anything that teaches art history or art appreciation. Photography is just a technique; take a painting course it it is available to learn the principles of composition and how to recreate what you see. You can learn a lot from online sources and books. Business/financial classes would also help if you think you would like to make a career out of photography.
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      Tips

      • Make a concentrated effort to make every shot count. Typically, one shot in twenty might be a keeper, one in one hundred is good, one in a thousand is a "Wow" photo.
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      • Don't get discouraged. If your photos still aren't showing any progress after a few days or weeks, keep at it! Photography is also about patience and dedication.
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      • Automation allows you to concentrate on getting great photos rather than on technical trivia. Use your camera's "Program" mode, if it has one.
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Always save your pictures either on a computer or USB drive. SD cards can easily be broken after normal wear and tear, so it' always best to have a back up.
      • Read photo books from famous photographers to get inspiration and learn how they set up their shots.
      • Practice shooting in black and white to really focus on your light sources and composition.
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      Warnings

      • When taking photos of people in public, always ask them if it is okay first. Remember to say thank you and also show them the photo. There are also model release forms to consider if you use the person's photo for monetary gains or business gains.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.pctechguide.com/digital-cameras/features-and-parts-of-a-digital-camera
      2. ↑ https://www.photobox.co.uk/blog/photography/10-easy-ways-to-improve-your-photography-skills
      3. ↑ https://antongorlin.com/blog/photography-composition-definitive-guide/#composition-concept-and-principles
      4. ↑ https://www.simplebooth.com/blog/photography-lighting-for-beginners/
      5. ↑ Crystal Bear. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview. 21 Jan 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/rule-of-thirds.html
      7. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-simple-tips-to-improve_b_9498546
      8. ↑ Jessica McKnight. Photographer. Expert Interview. 16 Apr 2024.
      9. ↑ Jessica McKnight. Photographer. Expert Interview. 16 Apr 2024.
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/VUg33pNa5zE?t=334
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/VUg33pNa5zE?t=548
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/6-4KRPoErBI?t=625
      4. ↑ Stephen Cardone. Professional Photographer. Expert Interview. 5 May 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/uk/creativecloud/photography/discover/raw-vs-jpeg.html
      6. ↑ https://petapixel.com/2014/05/06/15-easy-ways-improve-photo-skills-without-buying-new-gear/
      7. ↑ https://www.photobox.co.uk/blog/photography/10-easy-ways-to-improve-your-photography-skills
      8. ↑ https://aaftonline.com/blog/tips-to-improve-photography-skills/
      9. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-simple-tips-to-improve_b_9498546
      10. ↑ https://www.photobox.co.uk/blog/photography/10-easy-ways-to-improve-your-photography-skills
      11. ↑ https://www.photobox.co.uk/blog/photography/10-easy-ways-to-improve-your-photography-skills
      12. ↑ https://petapixel.com/2014/05/06/15-easy-ways-improve-photo-skills-without-buying-new-gear/
      13. ↑ https://petapixel.com/2014/05/06/15-easy-ways-improve-photo-skills-without-buying-new-gear/
      14. ↑ https://www.pixpa.com/blog/types-of-photography
      15. ↑ https://www.photobox.co.uk/blog/photography/10-easy-ways-to-improve-your-photography-skills
      16. ↑ https://www.huffpost.com/entry/7-simple-tips-to-improve_b_9498546
      17. ↑ https://www.holladayjournal.com/2024/06/04/493912/holladay-artist-s-global-exposure-shapes-worldview-through-the-lens-of-a-camera
      18. ↑ https://kimfarrandphotography.com/3-cs-in-photography-content-concept-and-composition/
      19. ↑ https://fujixweekly.com/2019/09/20/the-5-cs-of-photographic-vision/
      20. ↑ https://www.theschoolofphotography.com/tutorials/how-to-take-good-photos-with-a-phone
      21. ↑ Jessica McKnight. Photographer. Expert Interview. 16 Apr 2024.
      22. ↑ https://www.thegamer.com/the-sims-4-photography-skill-guide/

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