Photography Tips That Actually Help You Take Better Photos

Want photos that look like you spent more time editing than you did shooting? Start with the basics: light, composition, and a simple workflow. Good light makes everything easier. Soft window light or open shade gives even skin tones and pleasing catchlights in the eyes. Backlight can add a glow — use a reflector or fill flash to avoid dark faces.

Composition is about small choices that make big differences. Get closer, change angle, and break the centered habit. Use the rule of thirds for quick wins, but try symmetry or negative space when it suits the shot. For portraits, keep the eyes sharp and frame from the chest up for more impact. A plain, slightly blurred background helps freckles and skin texture stand out.

Camera settings don't have to be scary. Shoot RAW if you can. For portraits, pick an aperture between f/1.8 and f/5.6 to separate the subject from the background. Keep shutter speed at least 1/125s for handheld shots of people; raise it for action. Use the lowest ISO that keeps exposure clean; bump ISO when needed. If your camera has spot metering, meter on the skin to preserve skin tone and freckle detail.

Smartphones can do great work. Tap to focus and lock exposure, move closer rather than zooming, and use portrait mode for background blur. Position the subject near a window for soft light. If the phone overexposes highlights on the skin, drag the exposure slider down a touch before you shoot.

Editing should enhance, not erase. Start by correcting exposure and white balance, then crop for stronger composition. To show freckles, lower highlights slightly and increase midtone contrast to make them pop without harsh editing. Avoid heavy skin smoothing — use texture or clarity controls at low strength so skin stays real. Use selective dodge and burn to gently shape the face and bring attention to the eyes and freckles.

Color choices matter. Warm skin tones read as healthy; push color temperature just a bit toward warm if it looks right. Keep saturation natural; overdone color distracts. For a cohesive look, build a simple preset or filter you like and apply it lightly across a set of photos so they match.

Quick workflow

Shoot more, delete ruthlessly, and edit with a plan. I recommend: 1) pick your best shots, 2) fix exposure and white balance, 3) crop and retouch small spots, 4) apply gentle color grade and sharpening. Export at the right size for web or print and back up your files.

Simple gear tips

You don't need expensive gear to improve. A 50mm prime or a kit lens at its sweet spot helps a lot. Use a reflector or white foam board to fill shadows. A cheap tripod steadies low-light shots. Most improvements come from practice and paying attention to light and composition, not gear upgrades.

Practice weekly: shoot one portrait set, edit it, and learn one new lighting trick each time too.