Use natural light when possible
Place your subject near a window or face a light source
Avoid harsh overhead lighting
Shoot during golden hour for softer, warmer light
Keep the camera steady or use a tripod
Use a faster shutter speed in low light
Raise ISO only as needed to maintain shutter speed
Use burst mode for moving subjects
Focus on the subject’s eyes or key detail
Tap to focus on your screen (or use single-point AF)
Check focus after taking the shot
Clean your lens before shooting
Frame with the subject in mind before pressing the shutter
Use the rule of thirds for balanced composition
Look for leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye
Simplify the background to reduce distractions
Move your position to change the background instead of zooming
Fill the frame with the subject when appropriate
Keep horizons level for landscapes and architecture
Shoot from different angles (lower, higher, closer)
Use portrait mode or wider apertures for subject separation
Use a narrower aperture for landscapes with more in focus
Adjust exposure to avoid blown highlights and deep shadows
Use exposure compensation for backlit scenes
Turn on HDR when lighting is high contrast
Shoot in RAW if your camera supports it
Review the histogram or highlight warnings if available
Set a consistent white balance or use auto if lighting is stable
Avoid digital zoom; move closer or use optical zoom
Use the grid overlay to help with alignment and level framing
Turn on stabilization if your camera supports it (and turn off if using a tripod)
Use a timer or remote to reduce shake for self-portraits and long exposures
Capture multiple shots with slight framing changes
Look for clean edges and uncluttered corners in the frame
Use negative space intentionally for a clear subject
Keep backgrounds tidy and remove distracting objects when possible
Crop thoughtfully after shooting to improve composition
Edit lightly: adjust exposure, contrast, and white balance first
Straighten and crop before applying other edits
Sharpen subtly and reduce noise if needed
Keep skin tones natural by avoiding excessive saturation
Save a copy of the original and export at appropriate resolution
Practice with a plan: subject, light, angle, and settings