8 Common Photography Myths Busted
Photography is a field full of myths and misconceptions, some of which are widely believed by both beginners and even experienced photographers. In this post, we’re going to clear up some of the most common myths and misconceptions that might be holding you back from taking your photography to the next level.
1. Manual Mode and Manual Focus Are Always Linked
Many photographers believe that if you’re shooting in Manual Mode, you also need to use manual focus. This isn’t true. You can absolutely shoot in Manual Mode while still using autofocus. Similarly, you can switch to manual focus in any automatic shooting mode, such as Aperture Priority or Program Mode. In fact, I rarely use manual focus—only in situations like macro photography where precise focus is essential.
2. Editing Your Photos is Cheating
The debate over photo editing has been around since the early days of photography. Some argue that any form of editing or manipulation is not true photography, while others feel that any adjustments made in the darkroom or digitally are just part of the creative process. The truth is, photo editing has always been a part of photography. Whether you’re dodging and burning in a darkroom or tweaking contrast in Lightroom, it’s all part of telling your visual story. What matters is how you define your own artistic process—there’s no right or wrong way to go about it.
3. Never Shoot Towards the Light
While it’s true that shooting directly into bright light, like the sun, can be tricky, it’s not always a rule you need to follow. In fact, shooting into the light can produce stunning effects like silhouettes, sun flares, or even dramatic backlighting. Sometimes, the best portraits are taken with the sun behind your subject, adding a natural light halo around them.
4. Real Photographers Only Shoot in Manual Mode
It’s a popular myth that true photographers only use Manual Mode. The reality is, you don’t have to shoot in Manual Mode all the time. While it’s great to know how to use Manual when the situation calls for it, shooting in modes like Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority can save you time, especially in fast-moving environments like street photography or candid shots. There’s no shame in letting your camera help with some of the settings when you need it.
5. Better Gear Equals Better Photos
The idea that buying the latest camera or lens will automatically make you a better photographer is simply false. While better gear might provide improved image quality or more flexibility in certain conditions, it’s not a substitute for good technique, creativity, and understanding of light. The best way to improve your photography is through practice, learning, and refining your skills—gear alone won’t make you a better photographer.
6. Photos Must Always Be Perfectly Sharp
Many photographers obsess over sharpness, thinking every photo needs to be tack sharp. In reality, a bit of intentional blur can be just as powerful, adding motion or a sense of mystery. Techniques like panning, zooming during exposure, or using a slower shutter speed on moving subjects can create dynamic images full of energy and emotion. Sometimes a little blur is exactly what your photo needs to convey movement or mood.
7. Professionals Always Take Better Photos
It’s a common belief that professional photographers are automatically better than amateurs, but that’s not necessarily true. The main difference between amateurs and professionals is that the latter get paid for their work. Some of the most stunning photos come from hobbyists who shoot purely for passion, while some professionals may not always produce their best work. Photography is about creativity, not credentials, so don’t let the label “professional” fool you into thinking they have the upper hand.
8. ISO Should Never Exceed 400
Many photographers fear high ISO, thinking that going above 400 will result in unusable grain or noise. In truth, modern cameras handle higher ISOs much better than they used to. Using a higher ISO can help you avoid slow shutter speeds and camera shake, which are often more detrimental than a little noise. Don’t be afraid to push your ISO up when needed—what’s important is the sharpness of your photo, not the noise level. You can always clean up noise in post-processing.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many photography myths that can hold you back. The most important takeaway here is to remember that just because someone says “you must” do something in photography doesn’t mean it’s true. Trust your instincts, experiment, and find what works best for your style. Photography is about creativity, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Keep learning and growing, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
