20 Essential Photography Tips For Beginner Photographers (Get Good, Fast)

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  • Опубліковано 21 чер 2021
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    ---
    While there are so many ways to learn photography, there are also so many dead ends and potential rabbit holes you might waste your time on.
    In this video, I outline 20 essential photography tips for beginner photographers to help you get good quickly and give you the right fundamentals to work on.
    Other videos mentioned in these tips:
    The real secret to getting better at photography
    • The REAL Secret To Get...
    How to find your style in photography
    • How To Find Your Style...
    How to get sharp photos every time, with any camera
    • How To Get Super Sharp...
    Transform your photography with these 4 simple, daily habits
    • 4 Simple, Daily Habits...
    How to edit in Adobe Lightroom
    • How To Edit in Adobe L...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 298

  • @Alex-Knz
    @Alex-Knz Рік тому +230

    Here are some timestamps:
    Concepts:
    1:03 - Photography is: 70% what's in the photo, 20% how you take it, 10% how you edit it.
    2:35 - The real secret to getting better at photography is Vision.
    3:14 - Understand what "good" looks like as fast as you can.
    5:10 - Look to other forms of visual art for inspiration.
    5:52 - Style isn't something you should really worry about at the beginning.
    Craft:
    6:19 - The exposure triangle.
    7:24 - Photography "rules" are a bad way to think about them.
    8:22 - Show me your first 100,000 shots.
    9:07 - Break down skills and then create a habit to work on them.
    9:51 - Always consider the light.
    10:32 - Everything in your photo is deliberate.
    11:22 - Subject, subject, subject.
    12:23 - Move, move, move, and experiment.
    13:18 - An image isn't finished until it's edited.
    14:22 - Photowalk with other photographers and review their work.
    15:02 - Some settings on Auto are totally fine.
    15:44 - The power of planning and scouting.
    Gear:
    16:24 - Lenses over bodies.
    17:05 - Learn gear specific skills.
    17:51 - Learn the focal lengths.

  • @AndysCuts
    @AndysCuts 3 роки тому +259

    The way you explain photography really shows how much you know it. You're on another level Pat

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому +8

      aw thanks so much, Andy! much appreciated!

    • @dr.ijeziedesbois
      @dr.ijeziedesbois 2 роки тому +2

      Your comment got me to watch this video.

  • @jordhall
    @jordhall 3 роки тому +103

    Dude you have such a strong way of articulating the intersection of all these elements that make great photos. A very well spoken analysis of the process!

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому +6

      ah thanks man, those words mean a lot to me. thank you! i appreciate you

  • @BadSloucher
    @BadSloucher 2 роки тому +100

    I like that you called it visual patterns instead of rules because visual patterns refer to things embedded in psychology - they are things that masses of people have identified as "good" simply by how our brains are wired. Visual aesthetics can be learned (due to rules) but many of them are naturally occuring (patterns). Love this video, thank you for sharing

    • @user-bu6nq1ve6m
      @user-bu6nq1ve6m 2 роки тому

      Yea that definitely is true but i find myself going back to my old photos when i was just taking them not thinking and not knowing of any rules but whit mindset of wanting to capture unique photo and the composition of them is more of wtf that is wierd than that is bad and they make me analyzing them more then just plane beautiful photos that followed all the rules as al the other same photos that followed the same rules. I would rather forget anything i learned then learn more about composition, tehnical side is needed tho. Authenticity wins for me as an artist more than a photographer, i would rather have bad photos in my own way than have them beautiful in others way.

  • @claraoleary7489
    @claraoleary7489 2 роки тому +7

    I am a newbie and found your explanations simple to understand. There is so much content out there it becomes really overwhelming starting out and you have a real gift pointing out what to look out for. thank you

  • @OriginalOrangeJuice
    @OriginalOrangeJuice 2 роки тому +1

    I love how you sectioned the video, it makes it easier for me to take notes. Greatly appreciated Pat!

  • @marchofnature636
    @marchofnature636 2 роки тому +1

    Been trying to get into photography for almost a year now, and I do know a lot of stuff about it (settings to get the correct exposure) but no where near professional. Thank you for posting this, it's really going to help me in my career.

  • @leslieunger7438
    @leslieunger7438 2 роки тому +4

    This was so extremely concise and helpful thank you.
    ! I love how you breakdown the many different elements involved and stress the need for conceptual story.

  • @FranHoganPanama
    @FranHoganPanama 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you! Your descriptions and definitions are so well worded and easy to comprehend. Straightforward, real talk is so appreciated.

  • @PaulPadua
    @PaulPadua 3 роки тому +4

    everytime I watch a Pat Kay Video, I learn a lot! That’s why I don’t skip ads. Thanks for sharing your insights.

  • @ArmendShadow88
    @ArmendShadow88 2 роки тому +1

    I just started my photography journey and out of all the people out there on YT your videos have helped me out the most, keep up the amazing work Pat.

  • @richmediafilms
    @richmediafilms 3 роки тому

    The value you give in your videos is more than value to me. It’s an inspiration. So thankful for your time.

  • @vanishingpointphotographys1281
    @vanishingpointphotographys1281 2 роки тому +4

    I needed this so badly right now. Thank you for taking the time to create this video. I’m at the low point on the DK effect graph. The whole video has given me lots to think about.

  • @PaulHarveyAustralia
    @PaulHarveyAustralia 3 роки тому +41

    Love the percentage chart. In essence, don't spend all your time on things that will only contribute to 20% of your output. Breathing and talking gear will only make have more expensive gear. Composition, composition, composition. Thanks so much, Pat. Cheers from Brisbane.

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому +4

      100%, you got it! ease yourself into photography with those ratios initially, and then you can work out what works for you after you're comfortable :)

    • @acecreates
      @acecreates 2 роки тому +1

      I can't agree more, Paul!

  • @matthewriley3778
    @matthewriley3778 3 роки тому +3

    I love hearing you talk. You always have a lot of substance and value in your videos. I hope your 2021 is going great.

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому

      aw thank you! mine is great. hope yours is too!

  • @persvanstrom
    @persvanstrom 2 роки тому

    I just love our way to tell a story. It's captive and you come across like an ultra-professional as well as a really likable person. Love it! Thank you!

  • @reinierscheltema9818
    @reinierscheltema9818 2 роки тому

    One of the best tips I've ever come across on UA-cam, this helped me so much. Thanks Pat!!

  • @m.iajanemadeit2324
    @m.iajanemadeit2324 3 роки тому +3

    This video was really informative! I'm excited to check out the rest of your videos :)

  • @randychristopher1429
    @randychristopher1429 3 роки тому +1

    One of the first times I can say I'm glad UA-cam suggest a channel. I actually watch it your vids from beginning to the end and learn something each time. Anther great video. Thank you.

  • @kristenaugeard5
    @kristenaugeard5 2 роки тому +2

    Heya! Great video, thanks Pat! You mentioned breakdown the skills for each category of photography - would love to see a lesson on this!

  • @gbjado
    @gbjado 2 роки тому

    You’re tops Pat. I get so much out of your videos. Your video regarding feeling uninspired found me at the perfect time the other week. Cheers Mate!

  • @juliaocarroll5424
    @juliaocarroll5424 2 роки тому

    We’ll done! Clear, concise, and perfect for beginners such as myself. Thank you!

  • @PizzlesTechTime
    @PizzlesTechTime 8 місяців тому +1

    I'm just starting out as a professional photographer and someone at my full-time job insulted me. Was looking for a little inspiration in getting better. Thank you for the video I subscribed

  • @EdwardSJLens
    @EdwardSJLens 9 місяців тому +1

    Great video. Very informative. As a beginner photographer definitely will be using the knowledge shared in this video. Thanks for this. Keep up the dope content!

  • @kym-bid-bidstrup3623
    @kym-bid-bidstrup3623 2 роки тому

    Loved this tutorial, Pat. Learned so much. Thank you.

  • @LouisLuzuka
    @LouisLuzuka 2 роки тому +3

    thanks for explaining it to me like I'm 5 years old, I'm feeling like I'm starting over again it feels great. so much to learn!

  • @acecreates
    @acecreates 2 роки тому

    Pat. Just loving your approach. Loving it. Taking an art and science approach.
    Much respect.

  • @mishstone7611
    @mishstone7611 3 роки тому

    Thank you yet again for amazing tutorial on photography..so well explained :)

  • @kailane2390
    @kailane2390 2 роки тому

    this video is the most useful for beginners I've seen since I got interested in photography, congratulations buddy!

  • @fatherdanmclaughlinosa3215
    @fatherdanmclaughlinosa3215 2 роки тому +1

    Pat,
    I have watched your videos and subscribed. I like your analysis of the length of time to learn how to become a good photographer, it is what I have experienced over 14 years.
    You are a good teacher!
    Father Dan

  • @NickBelt
    @NickBelt Рік тому

    Gave your video a shot, with all the videos on photography out there I wasn’t sure but…wow!!! You have some good points particularly VISION! love it man. Thank you for sharing

  • @insomniacs0
    @insomniacs0 2 роки тому

    Thank you for the video! Really helpful stuff. I am at the point where "the more I know the more I know I don't know" and that there is so much more stuff to learn!

  • @capone_rd_809
    @capone_rd_809 Рік тому

    I'm an amateur and I learned real quick that you have to have an eye to make a good picture, not everything you see is necessarily a picture moment in my opinion, as you said here learn what good looks like. The rest will follow, it's like making a house you need to have a good foundation to be able to build a strong structure. Thanks for this video.

  • @Batmonthesequel
    @Batmonthesequel 3 роки тому +3

    The timing of this upload was perfect for me, thank you!

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому

      hope it helps!

  • @tushar-sharma
    @tushar-sharma 2 роки тому +1

    Hey Mr. Pat Kay. It feel soo good to watch your videos. I am not a photographer and I never thought of being a photographer infact. But the way you explain things are damn great. Still I have no plans of being a photographer but i would love to know about your ideas and explanation on your best work. It would be great if you could make a video where you explains the best photographs you took and the vision behind it. I am in love with the way you are teaching these skills. Thanks a lot !!

  • @Guanakito503fcb
    @Guanakito503fcb 3 роки тому

    You just earned another subscriber man. Thank you for these tips!!

  • @pixienix
    @pixienix 2 роки тому

    your videos are super informative and well structered, thank you!!

  • @KS_Films
    @KS_Films 3 роки тому +18

    I would say I already knew 75% of these tips already but its always nice to hear over and over again just to remind myself why I started photography. But also hearing it from someone else that does photography for longer.

  • @Kamzo
    @Kamzo 3 роки тому

    This is, without a doubt, the best photography related video I ever watched.

  • @fabiogarcia1431
    @fabiogarcia1431 2 роки тому

    Thanks buddy. Very important points covered.

  • @stevejennings2394
    @stevejennings2394 3 місяці тому

    Amazing breakdown, thanks sir!

  • @SzymonMigaj
    @SzymonMigaj 2 роки тому +1

    Wow thought this would be one of these videos "this is how I do things so you have to as well", but this has been a very objective and informative one. Nice work Pat!

  • @tonynewland8051
    @tonynewland8051 Рік тому

    Fantastic tips and really confirmed my learning path. Thx

  • @channkrp
    @channkrp 2 роки тому

    Literally my biggest inspiration. Thanks again.

  • @kidsnkittens
    @kidsnkittens 2 роки тому +1

    Great teaching! Thank you.

  • @Cottonn_
    @Cottonn_ 3 роки тому +23

    Great video as always. The learning process.. or journey of photography has always seemed so arbitrary. Often find myself being lost in what I should prioritise as a new photographer. Will be coming back to this video each time I feel that way. Thank you! 🙏

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому +1

      got chu man! im sure some of these will come in handy every now and then!

    • @chuck1856
      @chuck1856 9 місяців тому

      Give yourself a project with small defined scope and work on that target.

  • @hurleygreen927
    @hurleygreen927 3 роки тому

    Great tips, for photographers at all levels! Thanks

  • @millymucci
    @millymucci 3 роки тому

    this for me has been the most valuable photography video; thorough and in-depth and detailed. am very grateful. came here through the fstoppers fb post. and now i subscribe to the channel and have learned so much already. do love the "first few years of all crap photos!" thing mentioned in one of the episodes, that made me laugh. accurate of course.

  • @adventurecoalition3690
    @adventurecoalition3690 7 місяців тому

    Thx for the tips 👍appreciate you sharing your knowledge

  • @nveras8175
    @nveras8175 2 роки тому +14

    This content is PHENOMENAL! I have my degree in photography- and did not learn half of the things you mentioned in this video! What were my professors thinking? Anyways, THANK YOU for being so thorough in your explanations! You’ve reignited my passion in this art form once again! 🙏🏼 ✨.

  • @Aya-nc4ro
    @Aya-nc4ro 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks so much for this Pat! These tips were excellent!

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому

      my pleasure!

  • @crayonk8528
    @crayonk8528 11 місяців тому

    This is so insightful! Thank you!

  • @RomelosLife
    @RomelosLife 7 місяців тому

    Great video and explanation, I fully agree with telling a story in a visual image

  • @ErrinLyons
    @ErrinLyons 2 роки тому

    Great video! Definitely some good info and advice! Thank you!

  • @petera8742
    @petera8742 2 роки тому +3

    Very good content. Not thought of using auto iso with manual but I suppose you have to use exposure compensation to lighten/darken image from ‘metered exposure’ because aperture or shutter speed changes will cause the iso to change to ‘compensate’. One thing I don’t agree with is your suggestion of using shutter priority semi auto rather than aperture semi auto. I use aperture priority often because most of my photographs are of stationary subjects (if I’m not using fully manual exposure.) This enables me to consider depth of field, selective focusing etc which for me are important creative considerations although if photographing sport or anything involving motion that I want freeze or include movement I will normally use shutter priority. You didn’t explain why you suggested that but I suppose it could be to avoid camera shake or for freezing motion.
    Other than that (but I am an amateur!) I thought your presentation style, content etc were very good indeed.

  • @Vladriguez
    @Vladriguez 2 роки тому

    Straight to the point. Appreciate.

  • @jdawg63000
    @jdawg63000 3 роки тому

    Good stuff man! Thanks.

  • @franjraffo
    @franjraffo 2 роки тому

    dude you are awesome, i learn a lot with you. love your style. greetings from Argentina

  • @muffinmunster
    @muffinmunster 11 місяців тому

    I finally got my first camera and this is so useful - thank you sensei Pat!

  • @bestalternativesneakers2022
    @bestalternativesneakers2022 2 роки тому

    I love everything on this video.Thanks

  • @thomasm5031
    @thomasm5031 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you so much, you are my biggest insperesion and you have learned me so much

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому +1

      my pleasure! thanks for watching :)

  • @bahavamoss8372
    @bahavamoss8372 8 місяців тому

    Thank you. This is so informative

  • @kanchisharma130
    @kanchisharma130 2 роки тому

    Amazing video..Thank God I came to it.. right tips with just right flavour.. :)

  • @muhammadnaved8263
    @muhammadnaved8263 2 роки тому

    It is very helpful waching your videos, you explains very nicely.

  • @MArk-yn4sp
    @MArk-yn4sp 5 місяців тому

    Excellent video, thank you.

  • @humansarestardust
    @humansarestardust Рік тому

    Thank you Pat !

  • @ChrisDefalcoblues
    @ChrisDefalcoblues Рік тому

    Well presented, thank-you

  • @Threeoned
    @Threeoned Рік тому +1

    I found one thing that helped me get my exposure triangle in control was first two years I shot exclusively in manual. I almost took it too far to where I’d miss a shot because I wasn’t shooting in program mode lol

  • @wadettem
    @wadettem 2 роки тому

    Great video, thank you!!

  • @nevillemcfarlane6094
    @nevillemcfarlane6094 Рік тому +1

    Amazing presentation!

  • @suffolkdrives5312
    @suffolkdrives5312 2 роки тому +1

    Really useful video. Thanks

  • @amv000yt7
    @amv000yt7 Рік тому

    Really helpful. Thank you.

  • @TersiusvanRhyn
    @TersiusvanRhyn 3 роки тому +2

    When that notification comes through, and you stop everything else to get insight to git gud at photography :)
    Thanks for sharing, Pat!

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому +2

      haha i love the dedication. thanks!

  • @photonspark
    @photonspark 2 роки тому

    Thanks mate, enjoy your content and style, new sub😊

  • @Romlgr
    @Romlgr 2 роки тому

    Thanks Pat !

  • @kolapyellow7631
    @kolapyellow7631 2 роки тому +1

    Great tips !

  • @freisein6554
    @freisein6554 Рік тому

    Dankeschön from Germany, very enjoyable and helpful your videos 👍❤️✨

  • @ProfoundWizzard
    @ProfoundWizzard 2 роки тому

    Just bought a sony a6400 this will help me tremendously!

  • @J2tallrich
    @J2tallrich 2 роки тому

    Good points bro. I definitely thing taking the best possible photo first so you have to edit very little if anything

  • @olvefagermoen9037
    @olvefagermoen9037 3 роки тому

    Great video Pat!

  • @chriscook215
    @chriscook215 4 місяці тому

    This was excellent

  • @shedunxhxsjsnsb4937
    @shedunxhxsjsnsb4937 2 роки тому

    You did great brother ...keep it up ,,, I am also a photography lover

  • @felixtrommer4079
    @felixtrommer4079 2 роки тому

    That was really helpful, thanks :)

  • @hanei-sn2tv
    @hanei-sn2tv 2 роки тому

    I really like this guy!! So good

  • @_victoriasecreta_
    @_victoriasecreta_ 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the video 😊

  • @natet5959
    @natet5959 Місяць тому

    Great tips! I wonder if you could show some examples of beginner photos and pro level photos and explain the differences.

  • @mateocalle__
    @mateocalle__ Рік тому

    Thank you for the tips

  • @TheArtofKAS
    @TheArtofKAS 2 роки тому

    Your style at the beginning is, everything 👍😳yes. Yes.

  • @colinmetzler
    @colinmetzler 2 роки тому

    Thanks this really helped

  • @BenjaminCutting
    @BenjaminCutting 2 роки тому +1

    6 months on - this was SO helpful. Thank you!!

  • @abdullahalmesri6585
    @abdullahalmesri6585 2 роки тому

    Keep going man we relly like your hard work 💪

  • @cammitchell5732
    @cammitchell5732 Рік тому +2

    Move, move move is great but I think there is so much value in STAY, Stay, stay for learning to understand the many ways to capture the scene in a new or hopefully improved way 😊

  • @julie15957
    @julie15957 2 роки тому

    This is Beautiful Stuff man. thanks.

  • @johnandrewmunroe
    @johnandrewmunroe Рік тому

    OMG I didn't realize the polished turd was a thing. Thought it was a creative invention of the person who said it to me. Thanks for enlightening me!

  • @hotherside
    @hotherside 3 роки тому +1

    Another great vid Pat!

    • @patkay
      @patkay  3 роки тому

      aye cheers homaayyyy

  • @DublinStreetPerformers
    @DublinStreetPerformers 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank You !

  • @callmedeno
    @callmedeno 2 роки тому +2

    One thing I've been wondering about the exposure triangle is: does it have different qualities depending on the weights or is it all just trying to get hit the exposure goal and it doesn't matter much how you do it?
    Like if instead of low iso, high shutterspeed and low aperture, I had low iso, low shutter speed and high arpeture. Say those two configurations get to the same exposure, is the exposure the same in quality? So you're not actually get to a different visual result, it's just that you have to consider things like low shutter speed can cause a blurry image, so you have to consider how much 'shutter speed' budget you can burn before your image gets shaky etc.

  • @emmanuelpower2439
    @emmanuelpower2439 10 місяців тому

    Clear and articulate 😊👍😊

  • @ShushuBeauty
    @ShushuBeauty 2 роки тому

    Very helpful video thank you

  • @FilipLjungberg
    @FilipLjungberg 6 місяців тому

    You are very detailed and seems very expert 😍