5 Common Photography Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Photography is a rewarding and creative pursuit, but like any art form, it comes with a learning curve. Whether you're shooting with a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or even your phone, it's easy to fall into habits that hold your images back.

The good news? Most common photography mistakes are surprisingly easy to fix once you're aware of them…

This beginner’s guide takes a closer look at five of the most common photography mistakes beginners make—and more importantly, how to correct them. From focusing issues to lighting troubles, these tips will help you take control of your shots and grow more confident behind the camera. Plus, we’ll wrap up with a bonus tip on how printing your best images can actually accelerate your growth as a photographer. So, with that, let’s dive in!

Blurry Photos: Missed Focus or Camera Shake?

One of the most common photography mistakes is ending up with blurry images. This happens more often than people realize, especially in low light or when shooting handheld. The two biggest culprits are missed focus and camera shake.

If your subject isn’t sharp, your autofocus may have latched onto the wrong point. Modern cameras are fast, but they’re not perfect—especially when there’s movement or low contrast. Learn how to use single-point focus and position it directly over your subject’s eye (in portraits) or the most important part of your composition.

Camera shake, on the other hand, is all about stability. A general rule of thumb is to keep your shutter speed faster than the reciprocal of your focal length. For example, if you're using a 50mm lens, aim for 1/60s or faster. Consider using a tripod or image stabilization when you’re shooting at slower speeds.

Also, check that your autofocus mode matches the situation. Use Single AF for still subjects and Continuous AF for anything moving. With a bit of practice and awareness, you can say goodbye to unintentional blur.

Overexposed or Underexposed Images

Another one of the most common photography mistakes is improper exposure. Overexposed photos (like the one above) lose detail in the highlights, while underexposed shots can look dull or noisy. Exposure is a balancing act between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO—and when one is out of sync, your photo can suffer.

Many beginners rely solely on Auto mode, which doesn’t always interpret a scene accurately. The solution? Learn to use your camera’s exposure compensation or shoot in manual mode. Keep an eye on your histogram—it's a visual guide to how light or dark your photo is across the entire frame.

Also, consider using your camera’s metering mode wisely. Spot metering is great when you want to expose for a specific part of your image, like a face in backlighting. Evaluative or matrix metering is ideal for balanced lighting situations.

Understanding light—and how your camera reads it—is key to avoiding exposure mistakes. Mastering this takes time, but it’s one of the fastest ways to improve your overall image quality.

Poor Composition: Cluttered or Unbalanced Frames

You might have perfect focus and exposure, but if your composition is weak, your image won’t be compelling. Poor composition is one of those common photography mistakes that can make even technically sharp images fall flat.

A great photo starts with visual clarity—knowing what the subject is and making sure it's the focal point. In the photo above, the vibrant colors of the sky are the subject, and the framing of the shot ensures our eyes are drawn to that area of the photo.

Additionally, avoid distracting backgrounds, random limbs in the frame, or objects cutting through your subject awkwardly. These kinds of visual clutter can easily ruin an otherwise strong photo.

Start with simple guidelines like the rule of thirds or using leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye. Position your subject off-center for a more dynamic image, and give moving subjects “breathing room” by leaving space in the direction they’re headed.

Don’t be afraid to move your feet, change your angle, or crop in post to improve your composition, either. The more intentional you are about your framing, the more impact your images will have.

Ignoring the Light

Lighting can make or break a photograph. Ignoring light—or not using it to your advantage—is one of the most overlooked common photography mistakes. You don’t need expensive lights or studio gear to fix this. You just need to see the light.

Start by paying attention to where the light is coming from and how it interacts with your subject. Side lighting (as shown above) adds depth and texture, while backlighting can create mood or drama. Shooting at golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) gives your images a warm, flattering glow that’s hard to beat.

If you’re indoors, avoid relying solely on overhead lighting. Move your subject near a window, or use a lamp with a soft shade for more directional and flattering light. Avoid harsh midday sun unless you’re intentionally going for hard shadows or contrast.

Learning to see light—and to adapt your settings and positioning accordingly—is a skill that will elevate every photo you take.

Overediting (or Not Editing at All)

Editing is an essential part of modern photography, but it’s also one of the most common photography mistakes—either by doing too much or nothing at all. Overedited photos can look garish, unnatural, or flat-out fake, while unedited photos may lack the polish they need to stand out.

If you’re new to editing, start simple. Use tools like Lightroom or Snapseed to make basic adjustments: tweak exposure, contrast, white balance, and sharpness. Stick to small changes at first and avoid heavy filters or extreme saturation.

Learn how to use the crop tool to refine your composition. Straighten horizons, remove distractions, and enhance your image’s visual impact without overhauling it.

On the flip side, don’t skip editing altogether. Even a few thoughtful adjustments can take your image from average to striking. Editing isn’t about hiding flaws—it’s about bringing out the best in your photo.

Print Your Best Images

One of the best ways to grow as a photographer and reduce common photography mistakes is to print your work. Seeing your images on a screen is one thing—but printing them reveals details, flaws, and strengths you might never notice otherwise.

Our HD metal prints are an ideal choice for showcasing your favorite shots. You can choose from six premium surface options, including our most popular White Gloss, which delivers brilliant colors and exceptional detail.

Prefer less glare? Go with White Matte or White Satin for a more subtle, refined look. Want something bold and artistic? The Silver Gloss allows the metal to shine through the whites in your image for a unique effect. There’s even a Textured Matte option for a fine art feel, and an Outdoor HD Metal print designed to withstand the elements.

Every print is made using ChromaLuxe® aluminum, which is known for resisting fading for over 65 years—three times longer than traditional prints. We use Epson SureColor printers with Epson inks, too, so you get unmatched resolution and vibrancy.

You’re not limited to standard sizes either. Since we cut all our metal in-house, you can request any custom size from 4x6" to 40x60"—at no additional cost. You also get to choose from a variety of wall mount options, like the clean and modern Float Mount, EZ-Stick Tape for no-hardware displays, or a sleek Black Aluminum mount that gives the illusion of your photo floating on the wall.

Prefer a framed look? Choose from elegant wooden frame styles like Box Black, Float White, or Box Natural, each offering its own vibe and presentation.

The Path to Better Photos Starts Now

Making common photography mistakes is part of the learning process—but fixing them is what fuels growth. By being mindful of focus, exposure, composition, lighting, and editing, you’ll not only improve your skills, but you'll start to build a portfolio you’re proud of.

And when you’re ready to celebrate your best work, don’t just let it live on your hard drive—print it! Let your photography shine with a vibrant HD Metal Print and take your journey from pixels to art!