Spoiler Alert: Its Not The Gear


If you're looking for easy ways to improve your photography, I've got good news. You don't need a new camera. And you definitely don't need to sell a kidney to buy the latest bit of camera gear that some techie whizz on YouTube swears will change your life.


Sometimes the biggest improvements come from fixing a few simple habits that can instantly make your photos look more professional. Whether you're photographing your kids, your dog, your holiday, or your neighbour's Wauchope Show prize-winning zucchini pickles, these photography tips will help.

A peach rose blooms in the foreground of a white colonial-style building with black trim and vintage lanterns.

Its not the gear and usually not the model...unless this is your muse!

1. Keep Your Horizons Straight


A crooked horizon is one of the most common mistakes beginner photographers make. Trust me, I've been there. I still remember circa 20 years ago proudly showing one of my photos to my first ever photography teacher at The Port Macquarie Community College. I was proud as bloody punch. I knew I'd nailed it.


She looked at it and said, "Your horizon is crooked."


I was devastated. Not because she was wrong, but because I didn't even know horizons were supposed to be straight. Sorry if I'm breaking it to you now too.


When photographing landscapes, beaches, rivers or seascapes, take a second to check your horizon before pressing the shutter. Most cameras and phones have a grid feature you can turn on to help. Unless you're deliberately going for a dramatic artistic look, a straight horizon will instantly make your image feel more polished and professional.


I still shoot loads of horizons crooked especially in the moment trying to capture something moving but I know now to straighten them up in post production no more proudly showing off photos with crooked horizons. Have I just ruined a favourite photo for you, SORRY!

A girl performs a handstand on a grassy hill overlooking a calm ocean at dusk, with trees framing the scene.

How most new photographers capture horizons - just slightly off.

Woman doing a handstand on grass overlooking the ocean at dusk near trees.

Its a simple fix in post production if you miss the shot.

2. Photograph Kids and Pets From Their Level


If I had a dollar for every photo I've seen taken looking down at a child or dog, I'd probably be writing this from a beach in Fiji. One of the easiest ways to improve your family photography and pet photography is to get down to their eye level. Bend your knees. Squat down. Sit on the ground. Lie in the grass commando style if you're feeling committed. Hell wear army greens...


When you photograph children and pets from their perspective, the image feels more engaging and helps viewers connect with the subject. Plus, you'll usually capture better expressions because you're actually interacting with them instead of towering over them like a giant.

Two people sitting on a step with hands in prayer gesture beside a large bag labeled Happy Valley SA.

3. Check Your Background Before You Click


Before taking a picture, quickly look around your subject. Is there a tree growing out of their head? A power pole sticking out of their ear? A street sign making them look like they've sprouted antennae? Or a big dirty wheelie bin (it's a pet hate). Background distractions pull attention away from your subject and make a great photo look messy.


First I try to move myself, a simple step to the left, right, forwards or backwards is often all it takes to clean up the scene. If thats not going to work I'll ask my subject to move or physically move the distracting object. Its much quicker and easier to get an image right in camera then to try to doctor it up later.


The best photographers aren't just looking at their subject. They're paying attention to everything in the frame.

A young woman with dark hair smells a vibrant red rose held in her hands, captured in a moody portrait.

My daughter stopping to smell the roses.

A young woman with dark hair smells a vibrant red rose held in her hands in a moody, softly lit portrait.

Once you notice it, it drives you batty.

Great Photography Is About Noticing The Little Things


Improving your photography isn't usually about buying better gear. It's about slowing down and noticing the details.


  • A straight horizon.
  • A better angle.
  • A cleaner background.


Tiny changes can make a surprisingly big difference to your photos. And unlike camera gear, these improvements are completely free.

Want More Photography Help?


If you're a woman who loves photography and you'd like more tips, encouragement and opportunities to practise, come and join The Shutter Sisterhood. Or The Hood as we like to call it as it sounds more gangster. The Hood is a free supportive photography community for women of all skill levels. Whether you're shooting on a phone, DSLR or mirrorless camera, you'll find support, inspiration and plenty of women willing to answer questions without making you feel silly. There are no rules in The Hood, no competition and zero negativity. Just a supportive group of good humans who love photography.


And the best part?

It's completely free to join.

Cozy dining room with wood furniture, hardwood floors, warm candlelight, and rustic sideboard with decorative shelves.

Kris' private photography studio where she teaches women photography around the long table.

What's Coming Up in The Shutter Sisterhood?


The Hood is about much more than chatting online, although we do plenty of that too. It's a supportive community that actually has real life catch-ups! Unheard of. It's a great place to get out of your comfort zone, meet new friends and just do something for yourself. Throughout the year we run photography workshops, photo walks, social events, retreats and photography weekends away.


👉 Click here to find out what events are coming up.


Want to finally work out what all those buttons and dials on your camera do?


👉 Click here to find out what photography courses and workshops are coming up.



More Photography Tips


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About Kristen Shaw Photography


Kristen Shaw is a Port Macquarie photographer, photography educator and founder of The Shutter Sisterhood. Based on the Mid North Coast of NSW, Kris specialises in commercial photography, personal branding photography, boutique accommodation photography, Airbnb photography, property photography, food photography and product photography. When she's not photographing businesses or teaching women how to get off auto, you'll usually find her chasing good light, planning her next adventure, or consuming her body weight in cheese (never with a vino in hand). Through workshops, events and The Shutter Sisterhood community, Kris is passionate about helping women build confidence behind the camera and create photographs they are proud of.