29 Photography Tips from Some of the Most Influential People in the Industry

During last week’s Sony Kando trip, photographer and YouTuber Taylor Jackson got to meet some of the most recognizable faces in the world of photography. Fortunately for us, he took the time to ask each of them for their #1 tip for photographers who are just starting out.

The resulting video is 15 minutes of sage advice from YouTube super-stars like iJustine, top-notch wedding photographers like Scott Robert Lim, and famed photojournalist David Burnett, among many others.

The tips range from ultra-basic (always charge your batteries before a shoot), to more esoteric (build your work around the things you love), to practical (watch for your backgrounds). They all have something to offer, but our personal favorite is David Burnett’s tip, born out of 50 years of experience:

Whatever you’re doing for work, whatever you’re doing for your art, take pictures of your own life. Take pictures of your friends, your family, be annoying about it if necessary. I’ll tell you this: 30 or 40 years from now, if we’re all lucky enough to be around and looking at pictures, the pictures of your life will be more important than anything you ever covered.

Check out the full video above, then let us know your #1 tip for photographers who are just starting out. Did the video just about cover it, or do you have some sage advice of your own to offer?

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