We were all beginners at some point, and we all made beginner mistakes too. And while it’s important to experience certain errors to grow as a photographer, being aware of some others can help you grow more quickly and advance your skills. Here are five mistakes to avoid when you’re first starting out. 

Coming to you from Toma Bonciu, this helpful video outlines five things you might want to think about if you’re just starting out in photography. In particular, I think the third and fourth, learning to read light and honing subject-picking skills, are particularly important. It’s easy when you’re first starting out to not give the light of a scene its due in the pursuit of interesting subjects, but light makes or breaks an image. On a similar token, I think it’s important to recognize that the photographic eye is distinct from the normal eye and that what makes a pleasing scene to the passing glance does not necessarily make a great photo, while impressive images can often be found hiding in seemingly boring circumstances. Learning to see the world as a photographer is incredibly important. Oh, and check your settings often, so you don’t end up with a story like mine.

[via Shutterbug]