How to be a good photographer in 23 bitesize tips

7 Min Read

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Iain Gorman

Iain Gorman is a freelance copywriter based in Glasgow, Scotland. He’s written about everything from small business and marketing to tech trends, lifestyle tips, comedy and sports. More recently, he’s tackled articles on hemp oil, cast iron radiators, artificial turf, and Lebanese wine. Diverse? You bet.

To be a good photographer, you need creativity, imagination, and an eye for detail. But that’s just scratching the surface. You must also understand your equipment, obsess over your images, and push yourself to learn. Beyond that, you must also handle your business well and create professional contract templates, quotations, and invoice templates.

This article is a good place to start expanding your skills. Here we share a mix of tips for beginners and more advanced photographers alike.

How to take better photos

Let’s talk settings and gear.

1. Understand your ISO settings and when to change them

The ISO settings brighten or darken photos. The higher the number, the brighter the photo. If you routinely switch from shooting at day to night, or vice-versa, you could spoil an otherwise great photo by having your ISO number set too high (or too low).

2. Get the measure of your meter

Your camera’s built-in metering sensor will adjust shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity to optimize exposure. Do you want a balance between light and dark? Or to select a focal point (e.g. for a portrait)? Choose the metering method to match your scene and creative vision.

3. Understand the differences between your lenses (and when to use them)

Certain lenses will produce certain effects. Wide-angle lenses distort the image, while telephoto lenses compress it. To become a good photographer, you don’t just need to know the difference between your lenses, you need to know when it’s the appropriate time and place to use it.

4. Don’t let your camera take the lead

Modern cameras are smart, but they don’t always know best. Take the autofocus mode, for example. You should understand what your camera’s trying to do when it autofocuses on a particular part of the frame -- but you should also know how to overrule it if it’s not the type of photograph that you want to take.

5. Remember: A great camera doesn’t make you a great photographer

The most expensive, feature-laden camera will still take bad photographs if used incorrectly. Likewise, if you place a run-of-the-mill smartphone camera in the right hands, it can be used to produce jaw-dropping visuals. The hardware at your disposal will not make or break you as a photographer.

When you’re out & about: tips for taking better photos + safety

6. Always be aware of your surroundings

Looking at the world through your camera’s viewfinder can often make you oblivious to your surroundings. Don’t put yourself or others in danger for the sake of the “perfect” shot.

7. Plan for night shoots

If you’re heading out into the darkness for your next photography job, you should have a grasp of what’s going on above you. Knowing when and where certain celestial bodies will appear in the night’s sky can take your photographs from good to great.

8. Plan for the weather, too

Likewise, capturing certain weather events (snow, lightning, cloud cover, etc.) can add depth and drama to your photographs. But don’t step outside with your fingers crossed. Keep an eye on weather reports and plan meticulously for every eventuality.

9. Be patient

Shooting outdoors is often all about giving yourself over to the unpredictability of nature. It’s not like working in a studio where you have control over every little detail. Take your time, be patient, and let the elements come together.

What does a photographer wear?‍

10. Pack light

A sore back or neck from lugging around way too much gear can really spoil an outside shoot. Pack only what you need and enjoy yourself. And don’t worry about leaving stuff behind -- it can often force you to be more creative in the moment.

11. Make sure your camera is accessible

The best camera is the one you have on you when you need it. But the last thing you want is your camera swinging around your neck and getting in the way as you hike to your next location.

Scottish adventure photographer, Martin Carrera, has the answer: “My favourite solution for putting my camera at my fingertips is the peak design capture clip. Able to fit on almost every backpack strap or belt, it allows you to grab your camera and have it ready in seconds.”

12. Dress for your own adventure

Before you venture into the great outdoors, consider what you want your shoot to look like.

Are you planning on locating a spot, framing your shot, and then waiting for the sunrise? Think about additional layers for when you stop and start to cool down.

And what does a photographer wear if they’re tackling a mountain, or aiming to catch multiple locations on the ascent? “Choose lighter clothing that you can layer up,” says Martin, “and don’t forget pockets for those smaller items. You don’t want to stop every time to go through your backpack looking for a spare battery or a cleaning cloth.”

13. Get your gloves on

Winter offers a new dynamic for outdoor shoots. But you won’t get that perfect photo if your hands are too numb to hold the camera. Invest in a quality pair of gloves, and keep their dual purpose in mind when you do.

“Remember that you’re going to want to operate your camera controls while wearing the gloves, so don’t just opt for the thickest,” explains Martin. “Also, many cameras have touchscreen capabilities, so choosing compatible gloves is highly recommended.”

How to take better photos?

Try putting your camera down.

14. Read your manual

It’s not the most fun bedtime reading, but taking the time to flip through your camera’s manual could save you from multiple headaches further down the line.

15. Spend time reviewing your old images

Think about what worked, and what didn’t with your old photos. If you had the chance to take that photograph again, what would you do differently?

16. Study the photos of photographers you admire

What do you like about them? What do you dislike? What would you change? Do you understand how they produced a certain effect? No? Then learn! Even better, reach out to them on social media (if possible) and ask questions.

17. See light everywhere you go

Get into the habit of looking at the light, even when you don’t have a camera to hand. Reflections, sunbeams, shadows; artificial or natural. Look at how it interacts with its surroundings. Understand it and internalize it.

18. Read a photography book or two

Find inspiration, insight, and advice in your downtime by thumbing through a few photography books. And do it with an open mind. Even if you don’t particularly like a certain style, there could be an underlying technique or approach worth adopting for your own work.

19. Go to a museum

And sit in front of a few paintings. Look at how the artist has used light, color, and shadow. Examine the composition of the piece. Think about how it makes you feel. All of this can be applied to your photography.

The qualities of a good photographer

20. Passion for your craft

You can have all the skill in the world, but if you don’t feel that burning desire to grab your camera and create, you’ll never reach the next level.

21. The ability to tell a story

A picture is worth a thousand words, and learning to weave a story with a still image is something that sets good photographers apart from the rest. Try starting a photo project built around one concept to develop this skill.

And use project management software, such as Bonsai, to keep tabs on your tasks and files, and to create rock-solid photography contract templates.

‍Sign up for free trial today!

22. Good people skills

Becoming a professional photographer requires the ability to work effectively with other people. Be it models, clients, editors, or other photographers, you need good people skills to grow your network and build our reputation.

23. The ability to take criticism

If you can’t open yourself up to critique, you’ll never grow and progress as a photographer. Good photographers know how to listen to feedback without taking it personally.

Make a living from your passion

Hopefully, these tips will help you learn how to get into photography. And when you’re ready to take the next step and start selling your services, make sure you have your photography invoice templates and photography contract samples ready to go. Also, don't forget to take advantage of all tax deductions available for photographers so you can lower your taxable income and increase your profit.

What Defines a Verbal Contract?

A verbal contract (formally called an oral contract) refers to an agreement between two parties that's made —you guessed it— verbally.

Formal contracts, like those between an employee and an employer, are typically written down. However, some professional transactions take place based on verbally agreed terms.

Freelancers are a good example of this. Often, freelancers will take on projects having agreed on the terms and payment via the phone, or an email. Unfortunately, sometimes clients don't pull through on their agreements, and hardworking freelancers can find themselves out of pocket and wondering whether a legal battle is worth all the hassle.

The main differences between written and oral contracts are that the former is signed and documented, whereas the latter is solely attributed to verbal communication.

Verbal contracts are a bit of a gray area for most people unfamiliar with contract law —which is most of us, right?— due to the fact that there's no physical evidence to support the claims made by the implemented parties.

When is a Verbal Agreement Legally Binding?

For any contract (written or verbal) to be binding, there are four major elements which need to be in place. The crucial elements of a contract are as follows:

Offer and acceptance: An offer is made and accepted by another party involved in the agreement;
Consideration: The involved parties must exchange something of value (money, a service, time, etc), this is known as consideration;
Intention and certainty: All parties must fully understand the terms of the contract and intend to make a legally binding agreement freely; and
Capacity: The parties must have the capacity to legally enter into the contract; they're above age and of a stable mindset.

Therefore, an oral agreement has legal validity if all of these elements are present. However, verbal contracts can be difficult to enforce in a court of law. In the next section, we take a look at how oral agreements hold up in court.

How strong is a verbal agreement in court?

Most business professionals are wary of entering into contracts orally because they can difficult to enforce in the face of the law.

If an oral contract is brought in front of a court of law, there is increased risk of one party (or both!) lying about the initial terms of the agreement. This is problematic for the court, as there's no unbiased way to conclude the case; often, this will result in the case being disregarded. Moreover, it can be difficult to outline contract defects if it's not in writing.

That being said, there are plenty of situations where enforceable contracts do not need to be written or spoken, they're simply implied. For instance, when you buy milk from a store, you give something in exchange for something else and enter into an implied contract, in this case - money is exchanged for goods.

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When are verbal agreements not enforceable?

There are some types of contracts which must be in writing.

The Statute of Frauds is a legal statute which states that certain kinds of contracts must be executed in writing and signed by the parties involved. The Statute of Frauds has been adopted in almost all U.S states, and requires a written contract for the following purposes:

The sale of real estate or vehicles
Real estate leases lasting longer than one year.
Property transfer following the death of the owner.
The case of a party agreeing to pay debt for someone else.
Any contract that requires more than a year to fulfil.
A contract involving and exceeding a specified amount of money (which varies by state).

Typically, a court of law won't enforce an oral agreement in any of these circumstances under the statute. Instead, a written document is required to make the contract enforceable.

Contract law is generally doesn't favor contracts agreed upon verbally. A verbal agreement is difficult to prove, and can be used by those intent on committing fraud. For that reason, it's always best to put any agreements in writing and ensure all parties have fully understood and consented to signing.

How are Verbal Contracts Enforced?

Verbal agreements can be proven with actions in the absence of physical documentation. Any oral promise to provide the sale of goods or perform a service that you agreed to counts as a valid contract. So, when facing a court of law, what evidence can you provide to enforce a verbal agreement?

How can you prove an oral contract?

Unfortunately, without solid proof, it may be difficult to convince a court of the legality of an oral contract. Without witnesses to testify to the oral agreement taking place or other forms of evidence, oral contracts won't stand up in court. Instead, it becomes a matter of "he-said-she-said" - which legal professionals definitely don't have time for!

If you were to enter into a verbal contract, it's recommended to follow up with an email or a letter confirming the offer, the terms of the agreement , and payment conditions. The more you can document the elements of a contract, the better your chances of legally enforcing a oral contract.

Another option is to make a recording of the conversation where the agreement is verbalized. This can be used to support your claims in the absence of a written agreement. However, it's always best to gain the permission of the other involved parties before hitting record.

Written vs Verbal Contracts: What's the Verdict?

Fundamentally, most verbal agreements are legally valid as long as they meet all the requirements for a contract. However, if you were to go to court over one party not fulfilling the terms of the contract, proving that the interaction took place can be extremely taxing.

So, ultimately, the question is: written or verbal agreements?

Any good lawyer, contract law firm, or legal professional would advise you to make sure you formalize any professional agreement with a written agreement. Written contracts provide a secure testament to the conditions that were agreed and signed by the two parties involved. If it comes to it, a physical contract is much easier to eviden in legal circumstances.

Freelancers, in particular, should be aware of the extra security that digital contracts may provide. Many people choose to stick to executing contracts verbally because they're not sure how to write a contract, or they think writing out the contract terms is too complicated or requires expensive legal advice. However, this is no longer the case.

"@bonsaiinc is probably my all time favorite freelance tool. hands down. the team is super responsive and accessible when i have questions."

David Urbinati

Motion design / animation

Say hello to digital contracts

Today, we have a world of resources available at our fingertips. The internet is a treasure trove of invaluable information, platforms, and software that simplifies our lives. Creating, signing, and sending contracts has never been easier. What's more, you don't have to rely on a hiring a lawyer to explain all that legal jargon anymore.

There are plenty of tools available online for freelancers to use for guidance when drafting digital contracts. Tools like Bonsai provide a range of customizable, vetted contract templates for all kinds of freelance professionals. No matter what industry you're operating in, Bonsai has a professional template to offer.

Benefits of written contracts

A written contract makes the agreement much easier to prove the terms of the agreement in case something were to go awry. The two parties involved can rest assured that they're legal rights are protected, and the terms of the contract are sufficiently documented. Plus, it provides both parties with peace of mind to focus on the tasks at hand.

Create Professional Contracts with Bonsai

Bonsai's product suite for freelancers allows users to make contracts from scratch, or using professional templates, and sign them using an online signature maker.

With Bonsai, you can streamline and automate all of the boring back-office tasks that come with being a freelancer. From creating proposals that clients can't say no to, to sealing the deal with a professional contract - Bonsai will revolutionize the way you do business as a freelancer.

Why not secure your business today and sign up for a free trial?