Shoot. Shoot. Shoot.

If you truly want to get better at photography you need to get out there and practice. No one else can do this but you. You have to be willing to put in the time to make mistakes and learn from them. At some point you will hit your stride and your ratio of keeper shots are higher than the ones that should never see the light of day.

Know your subject

Having an intimate knowledge about your subject can help set you apart from other photographers. Knowing your subject well will lead to more authentic looking photos. In photography authenticity speaks volumes and you cant fake it.

Change your Perspective

When I think about photography and the shots that stand out to me its often the shots that are taken from a unique perspective. In order to do this you have to think outside the box and not always take the easy shot. What I mean by that is not always taking shots from a standing eye level position. Try to be original and present your subject in a way that demands attention. One way to practice this is by shooting the same thing from various positions. It takes more time in the beginning when you practicing this but you will start to learn which angles are more appealing and have more say.

Learn to shoot in manual mode

Learning to shoot in manual mode will help you become a better photographer. By learning to shoot in manual you will gain a better understanding of inner workings of your camera and how various elements impact it. If you only know how to shoot in auto mode you will limit yourself, especially when lighting conditions are unique and your computer cant accurately adjust for them.

Lighting

It’s hard to beat good lighting. Of all things your images need to have good lighting. The most ideal times to shoot are sunrise and at the end of the day during the “Golden Hour” when the lighting is softer. However, don’t let lighting limit you from going out and shooting. For example, if you find yourself out hunting in direct sunlight seek out the shadows and take photos under the shade of a tree or when the sun is diffused by clouds.