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10 Common Photography Mistakes and How to Fix Them
By Ron McCallum – Photographer in Barrie, Ontario
Photography is a powerful way to capture the world around us—but even the most passionate photographers make mistakes. Whether you're just getting started or refining your skills, understanding common photography errors can take your photos from average to outstanding.
As a professional photographer in Barrie, Ontario, specializing in real estate, drone, and portrait photography, I’ve learned these lessons firsthand. Here are 10 common photography mistakes and how to fix them.
1. Blurry Photos
The Mistake: Camera shake or subject movement results in soft, blurry images.
The Fix: Use faster shutter speeds, especially in low light. Stabilize your camera with a tripod or activate image stabilization. For portraits or real estate photography, consider a shutter speed of 1/125 or faster.
2. Poor Composition
The Mistake: Photos feel unbalanced or cluttered.
The Fix: Follow the Rule of Thirds—mentally divide your frame into a 3x3 grid and place your subject along the lines or intersections. Keep backgrounds clean and be mindful of distracting elements, especially in real estate and product photography.
3. Bad Lighting
The Mistake: Harsh shadows, blown-out highlights, or underexposed images.
The Fix: Shoot during the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light. Indoors, use natural window light or diffuse artificial lighting. For real estate photography, open blinds and turn on lights to brighten the space.
4. Overediting or Underediting
The Mistake: Photos look too flat or overly processed.
The Fix: Use editing tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop to enhance, not overwhelm. Adjust contrast, sharpness, and color naturally. Stick to clean edits for headshots, listing photos, and commercial work.
5. Ignoring the Background
The Mistake: Distracting elements or cluttered backgrounds draw attention away from your subject.
The Fix: Scan your frame before pressing the shutter. Move yourself or your subject to simplify the scene. This is especially important in portrait photography and small product shoots.
6. Wrong White Balance
The Mistake: Images look too blue, yellow, or unnatural.
The Fix: Set your white balance according to the lighting situation (daylight, tungsten, etc.), or shoot in RAW to adjust it in post. Accurate color is crucial for real estate and product photography.
7. Cutting Off Important Parts
The Mistake: Cropping at the wrong place (e.g., cutting off limbs or part of a product).
The Fix: Be mindful of framing. Give your subject space and avoid tight crops unless stylistically intended.
8. Shooting Everything from Eye Level
The Mistake: Every shot looks the same—flat and uninspired.
The Fix: Change your perspective. Get low, shoot from above, or find an angle that adds depth. This is especially effective in landscape and drone photography.
9. Not Understanding Your Gear
The Mistake: Relying entirely on auto mode or not knowing your camera settings.
The Fix: Learn the exposure triangle—ISO, shutter speed, and aperture—and how each affects your photo. Mastering manual mode gives you full creative control.
10. Not Telling a Story
The Mistake: Technically correct photos that lack emotion or purpose.
The Fix: Think about what you want to convey. Whether it's the warmth of a home, the joy of an event, or the power of a product, each image should communicate something.
Final Thoughts
Every photographer, no matter how experienced, has made these mistakes—myself included. The key is to recognize them, learn, and improve with every shot.
If you're looking for a professional photographer in Barrie or Simcoe County, whether for real estate, portraits, events, or product photography, I’d love to work with you. Feel free to contact me to book a session or ask any photography-related questions.