5 photography myths debunked
Getting to the truth about photography
In all my experience giving workshops, there is nothing I enjoy more than these three things
- Seeing someone realize that they are better than they are.
- Looking back on what I would have loved to have known when I started.
- Dispelling myths I see other photographers propagate
By knowing these myths, I think I can help beginners along the way to perfect their craft. So, read on and see what I think are the most important myths to dispel.
Myth 1
Photography Myth 1
You have to have a natural eye for taking photos.
Truth:
“The eye” is a term used to define a person’s superior ability to see a great photo and seize the time to capture it.
One can’t deny that some people naturally have “the eye” more than others. But photography is one of the only art forms where you can learn your way to more outstanding images. Learning composition rules, understanding exposure principles, and old-fashioned experience will only make you better in the long run.
Myth 2
Photography Myth 2
Photography is too technical
Truth
With all its dials, a camera can be daunting at times. But its basic principles are easy to grasp. Anyone can be up and running with a quick read of a camera manual.
The dials all control what light the photo gets. Each adjustment has its consequence but can be learned later on. You need to walk before you run is so true for all amateur photographers. Starting in “auto” mode is important to understand how cameras work. It also allows you to get instant gratification and see immediate results. A simple rule is to learn one dial at a time.
Fir instance: 3 of the main dials on a camera are ISO, shutter speed, and the aperture ring (or f-stop). Take a week to learn each automatic setting assigned to that specific dial. ie. aperture priority/shutter speed priority/ and ISO auto
Myth 3
Photography Myth 3
Only photographers that shoot in manual mode are good
Truth
This myth is just plain nonsense. While auto mode might be used more often for beginner photographers, all photographers (even the a-listers) need auto mode.
Ask any professional photographer whether they were in a situation where they needed to use auto. For event, wildlife, and wedding photographers it happens quite often. When moments are fleeting, Auto mode can get even the most seasoned photographer out of a bind. There are so many more important aspects to photography than where your dials were when you took the photo.
Myth 4
Photography Myth 4
Better cameras make better photos
Truth
While having additional equipment can expand your creative options, it doesn’t guarantee better photography. Understanding composition, lighting, and other fundamental principles will impact your images more than the number of accessories you own.
It can even be argued that more equipment can make photos worse. The key to better photos is going out and shooting photos as much as possible. If you are too busy learning new equipment and gear and changing accessories in the field, you are definitely not taking photos.
A great watch are the Digital Rev toy camera challenges. One of my favourites is the one with Sean Tucker. The images he comes up with are quite stunning!
Myth 5
Photography Myth 5
A.I will eventually take over image making
Truth
While almost every form of art is going under a paradigm shift, there will always be a place for innovation. For at least the next 10 years, innovation remains the monopoly of humans. For the following reasons
1) Whenever we think all has been done, an innovator comes out with something groundbreaking.
2) A.I. image-making will always rely on data sets of the past. Innovation occurs from coming out with something new and innovative. Although I will never say never, creativity will always be a hard one for machines to conquer.
Herb Ritz, Robert Frank, and Annie Leibovitz have changed photography through innovation.
Runner ups
Runner ups
Runner-ups are that Photography is not art. To me, this is just not true, how we convey messages and get a point across has been done artistically in photography time and time again. Not only in fine art photography but also in journalism, human interest, and even macro photos.
Another myth that did not make the list is that the best photos are in focus, not blurry and centred. Blur, in and of itself, is a way to express oneself artistically. How one manipulates these so-called “Imperfections” can be mind-blowing.
Conclusion
Understanding the truth behind these myths can help photographers at all levels harness the full potential of digital photography technology. So, let’s embrace the power of digital photography, challenge these misconceptions, and continue capturing breathtaking moments with creativity and passion.
I am a photographer, videographer, and copywriter living in Quebec City, Canada. I also have a YouTube channel and an Instagram account dedicated to creation and creativity via my main loves of photography, music, and writing.
To get in touch with me and discuss your collaboration, service needed, or advice, go to the contact page and write to me via the contact form at the foot of this page.
You can also watch my YouTube video about this very topic right here
