The 7 Most Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And Why They’re So Normal)
If you’re new to photography and feel like every photo looks a little off … you are exactly where every great photographer starts (truly!).
Photography has a learning curve, but the mistakes beginners make aren’t signs you’re ‘bad at it’. They’re simply signs you’re experimenting without a roadmap yet. And that’s a beautiful place to begin!
Let’s break down seven common beginner mistakes, and why they’re completely normal.
1. Everything Is Too Bright (Overexposing the Image)
One of the biggest surprises for new photographers is realising how much the phone brightens everything. iPhones tend to flatten contrast and lift the shadows, leaving your image washed out.
Why it’s normal: Your phone is trying to ‘help’ by making everything evenly lit … which ironically removes depth.
2. Standing Too Far Away from the Subject
Most beginners instinctively stand back, trying to ‘get the whole scene in’. But this often leads to photos that feel distant or cluttered.
Why it’s normal: We see the world wide — but photos feel strongest when we get closer and more intentional.
3. Shooting in the Harshest Light of the Day
Midday sun is the hardest light to work with: harsh shadows, squinting faces, blown highlights.
Why it’s normal: We tend to take photos when it’s convenient, not when the light is kind.
4. Not Cleaning the Lens (Honestly… Huge.)
Fingerprints, sunscreen, tiny smudges — they soften the whole image and create that hazy glow no one wants.
Why it’s normal: We use our phones constantly. It’s rarely treated like a camera.
5. Relying on the Wide (0.5) Lens for Everything
The ultra-wide lens can be fun, but it distorts lines, stretches faces, and can make objects look further away than they are.
Why it’s normal: It feels dramatic and creative — until you zoom in later and wonder what happened.
6. Forgetting to Choose a Clear Subject
Photos feel ‘busy’ or unfocused when you haven’t intentionally decided what the star of the image is.
Why it’s normal: Our eyes naturally know what to look at — but the camera needs a clear decision.
7. Taking Photos Too Quickly (No Real Intention Behind the Shot)
Most beginners shoot from the hip: see something → snap → hope for the best. But photography is about slowing down, noticing light, and choosing angles thoughtfully.
Why it’s normal: Phones are built for convenience, not contemplation.
So if you’re making these mistakes …
It means you’re exploring.
It means you’re curious.
It means you’re ready for the next step.
And once you learn a few simple foundations — exposure, composition, angles, light — things start to shift beautifully and quickly.
Want to feel confident every time you pick up your phone?
Inside The Hobbyist Photographer, you’ll learn:
→ How to understand your iPhone settings properly
→ What light really does to your images
→ How to compose like a photographer, not just a point-and-shoot snapper
→ How to edit cleanly without overdoing it
→ How to create photos that feel intentional, not accidental
Plus you get the Brand Preset Collection, the First Camera Buying Guide and the accompanying audio lesson to guide you through, or listen on your next walk!
So if all these mistakes above felt familiar, you’re in the perfect place to grow.
Are you an action-taker? Start learning right now, with instant access to the course.
Learn photography fundamentals, easy composition, and mobile editing so you can confidently capture people, products, interiors, and travel — all with your iPhone or a simple point-and-shoot. Perfect for hobbyists, creatives, and small business owners who want beautiful, professional-looking images without investing in expensive gear.
Hi Creative, I’m Georgie!
You can call me Georgie. I’m a multi-creative: editorial photographer, writer, artist, multi-business owner, social media strategist, podcaster and educator. Whew! You know, I’ve never been just ‘one thing’ and I’ll bet if you’re creative, you’re not either (despite what the world wants you to think, it’s actually our superpower!). I’m on a mission to help as many creatives as I can forge modern careers on their terms.
