Photo How To

If you've been following Shutterbug you know how we feel about the so-called Rules of Photography; namely, sometimes they're meant to be broken. Likewise, there are several digital photography myths that need to be ignored.

So says photographer Jacques Gaines, as you'll see in the quick tutorial below. In fact he puts it even more bluntly with this bold statement: "In this video I explore five of the most awful digital photography myths that need debunking."

Gaines says his goal for this lesson is to make these common untruths disappear from your mind by the time you finish watching. His first step in "clearing up the lies" is to dispel the notion that "you have to to have a natural eye for taking photos" if you want to achieve great results.

It's certainly true that some folks have a superior ability to see and frame images in a unique and artistic way. According to Gaines, however, there are ways to develop and perfect this sensitivity, even if it's not innate, and he has a few great suggestions for doing that.

Another myth that arouses Gaines' ire is the claim by beginners that "photography is too technical." In fact, the act of making images is only as complicated as you make it, with the best approach being to stay within your skills, and move on to more ambitious tasks as your confidence and abilities progress.

Gaines puts it like this: "With all its dials a camera can be daunting at times, but the basic principles are easy to grasp." He notes further that anyone can be up-and-running in no time with a quick read of the camera manual. In other words, "You need to walk before you run." 

Misconception number three is one we've discussed numerous times in the past; namely, the silly claim that you're not a real photographer unless you shoot in Manual mode. Likewise, Gaines explains why the insistence that "better cameras take better pictures" is counterproductive.

While pro models offer high resolution and an abundance of convenient features, and tend to be far more robust than midrange cameras, it's actually YOU who takes the picture. Gaines also provides his take on recent developments in artificial intelligence, and what they mean for the future of photography.

Gaines' YouTube channel has more great advice based upon his passion and experience in photography, so be sure to take a look. And don't miss an earlier tutorial we posted, explaining an unusual editing technique for transforming blah photos into something special.