At first, photography seems easy, but the more you learn, the more you realize how little you actually know. When you start falling in love with it, you are enamored with the idea that you can just point your camera toward something that interests you, and voilà, it is captured for all time. In fact, that is a bit of a miracle, when you think about it. It’s only when you start trying to do more than simply capture the life that you start to realize how much there really is to photography. Suddenly, you’re not just taking shots, but trying to create them. And that’s when the images begin to not come out the way you want them. If this is you, take comfort in knowing that, at some point, this was all of us.

Here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes photographers make and a few tips on how to rise above them.

Blurry Photos:
Taking blurry photos is an all too common mistake. Amateurs and professionals alike often fall victim to this one. One way to help eliminate blur is to shoot with a shutter speed that has a denominator that’s faster than your focal length.

Boring Photos:
The last thing you want is for your photos to look like everyone else’s. The best photos are the ones that stand out from the crowd. Sure, anyone can take an acceptable photograph, but what we’re really after is that shot that’s exceptional. Don’t settle for lackluster photos! Make it your goal to discover your own style. Try new framing techniques, and styles of photography. Get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to try something new, or to photograph a new subject.

Photos That Aren’t Sharp and Lack Detail:
An unsharp photo is a bit like an out-of-focus photo, but where the whole image (or even the part that is in focus) just lacks detail. This is a very common issue for beginner photographers, as getting good detail in your images requires a lot of things working right for you. For one, you need light to get good detail. And two, when your camera’s shutter speed slows, you make yourself susceptible to camera shake, which also ruins your detail. And then, of course, you have to be in focus, too.

Poor Lighting in Photos:
The right lighting can turn a good photo opportunity into an exceptional one. Make the most of available lighting or if possible, wait until the lighting improves to get the shot. When shooting outdoors, early morning and late evening usually provide the best light for both scenic shots and portraits

Being Afraid to Make Mistakes:
Ironically, the fear of making mistakes is one of the biggest mistakes that many photographers fall victim to. As a photographer, you should never be afraid of making mistakes. Mistakes are a part of the learning process and are a sign that you are progressing. Fear of failure means that you won’t be able to truly give it your all –something that is needed in order to produce exceptional photographs.
If you get the chance to try something new, don’t be afraid to try it. No one ends up with a perfect photo every time they release the shutter; even professionals don’t get perfect shots every time. Don’t be afraid to try new things – and make mistakes. It’s all part of learning and developing your skills as a photographer.