Are you ready to unlock your photography potential? In this article, we’ll explore five expert tips from renowned photographer DISTANTMEDIA, as shared in his YouTube video, “5 Timeless Photography Tips You Need This Year”. These tips will help you improve both your technical skills and creative eye, whether you’re actively shooting or analysing photos from afar.
1. Scout Locations Beforehand
One of the best habits you can develop as a photographer is to scout locations in advance. In the video, DISTANTMEDIA highlights how, during a walk, he found a captivating stone structure, but the lighting wasn’t quite right—shrouded in shadow with the sun behind the trees. Rather than skipping the shot, he takes a reference photo, planning to return when the foliage turns a rich autumn orange.
Scouting helps you plan for the future, enabling you to return when lighting or seasonal changes enhance the scene.
2. Train Your Eye by Deconstructing Photos
DISTANTMEDIA offers an unconventional tip for improving your photography: deconstruct photos that captivate you. If you come across a shot that holds your attention for more than five seconds, don’t just scroll past it—screenshot it. Later, analyze the image to figure out what makes it stand out. By doing this repeatedly, you’ll start to see patterns in what appeals to you, helping you develop a unique photographic style.
Whether you’re on a train, stuck at home, or simply without your camera, this exercise is a great way to sharpen your skills.
3. Choose Orientation Based on the Moment, Not Social Media
In an era where platforms like Instagram dictate trends, DISTANTMEDIA advises against letting social media formats determine how you shoot. Many photographers fall into the trap of framing everything in portrait orientation just to fit Instagram’s 4:5 crop. However, the platform you share on today might not be around forever.
Instead, focus on what best suits the scene—whether it’s landscape or portrait orientation. As DISTANTMEDIA points out, some moments and landscapes demand horizontal framing, while others may work in either format. Let the moment guide your choice, not the platform.
4. Finding Your Photography Style
Struggling to find your style? DISTANTMEDIA explains that your style isn’t just about how you edit your photos—it’s about everything from your choice of subject matter to how you frame shots. While editing plays a role in the final outcome, your style begins long before post-production. Do you prefer including people in your shots? Are you drawn to historical places, or do you prefer minimalist compositions? Answering these questions will guide your work in a more authentic direction.
DISTANTMEDIA encourages photographers to focus on their entire creative process rather than just their editing techniques.
5. Use Gear That Works for You
Lastly, DISTANTMEDIA stresses the importance of using gear that makes your life easier, not harder. The best camera or lens isn’t necessarily the most expensive one, but the one that doesn’t get in the way of your creative process. In the video, he recalls his previous camera, which lacked a fully articulating screen, making certain shots cumbersome. As a photographer who often shoots from low angles and obscure positions, this feature was critical to his workflow.
If a piece of equipment is causing friction, it might be time to upgrade not when a new model is released, but when the gear you have is holding you back.
By applying these insightful tips from DISTANTMEDIA, you’ll find yourself improving not just your technical skills but also your overall approach to photography. Happy shooting!