One of the most exciting things about photography is that it's a creative craft you can develop over time. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just considering buying your first camera, there's always room to improve. From photography blogs filled with helpful tips to formal classes and courses, there are plenty of ways to hone your skills.
That said, when it comes to becoming a better photographer, there's no quick fix — the number one tip is simply to practice. To make that easier, here are 5 photography exercises you can slot into your everyday routine for immediate results.
1. Take at least one photo every day
Thanks to smartphones and increasingly compact cameras, it's easier than ever to take your photography on the go. Slip a camera into your pocket or bag every time you leave the house and start thinking like a photographer. Aim to take at least one photograph every day, capturing a different scene, location, or subject each time.
Once you're in the habit of always having a camera with you, the next step is getting comfortable shooting in public. Be calm and confident, and always ask someone's permission before including them in your shot. In no time, spotting photo opportunities and capturing them will become second nature.
2. Know what you want to shoot before picking up your camera
If you're struggling to find inspiration or can't seem to spot anything interesting in your surroundings, make a list of things to look out for before your shoot. This could be specific items like certain plants or types of street signs, or broader categories like objects of a particular colour.
This simple exercise can help you break out of a creative rut and train your eye to notice new details in familiar environments. Best case scenario? You end up with a cohesive series of images perfect for framing or a photography portfolio.
3. Learn how to shoot in manual mode
Fully automatic shooting is fine for basic snapshots, but if you want to grow your skills and take more distinctive photos, learning manual mode is essential. Shooting manually gives you full control over exposure and the overall look and feel of your images.
Full manual can be daunting for beginners, so start by learning about aperture and shutter speed. Put your camera in Aperture Priority or Shutter Priority mode — you control one setting, and the camera handles the rest. This is a great bridge between auto and full manual. Our guide to long exposure photography and motion photography guide are great places to see these settings in action.
4. Shoot the same subject from different angles
We've all done it: you see something interesting, stand up straight, and take a shot at eye level. At the end of the day, you have a memory card full of variations of the same image. As a beginner, it's tempting to point, shoot, and move on.
Instead, move around your subject and capture it from as many angles as possible. Take the instinctive shot first, then get low to the ground, find a higher vantage point, try portrait orientation, or experiment with negative space. Asking yourself these questions with every shot builds your compositional instincts and improves your overall aesthetic sensibility — which is what makes a good photograph in the first place.
5. Study and recreate another photographer's work
Photography inspiration is plentiful and easy to find online. When you're starting out, find a photographer whose work you admire and try to copy their style. By attempting to recreate their images, you can break down the elements that appeal to you — their use of light, composition, or a particular technique — and apply those lessons to your own work.
Top Tip: Pick a specific image you love and try to recreate it as closely as possible, focusing on composition, lighting, and any other standout elements. Once you can recreate someone else's masterpiece, you're ready to make your own.
Photography practice keeps the creative juices flowing
Our number one photography tip is to keep practising, learning, and growing. Whether you're a professional or an eager beginner, these exercises will keep you inspired and developing your skills.
For more photography advice and inspiration, browse the Ted's photography blog, or drop into your local Ted's Cameras store to see the latest gear and get advice from our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I improve my photography skills quickly?
The fastest way to improve is consistent practice combined with deliberate review. Shoot every day, review your images critically, and identify what's working and what isn't. Studying the work of photographers you admire and attempting to recreate their shots is also one of the most effective learning techniques. Formal courses and workshops can accelerate your progress, but nothing replaces time behind the camera.
What is the best camera mode for beginners to learn on?
Aperture Priority (Av or A on your camera dial) is the best starting point for most beginners. It gives you control over depth of field — one of the most impactful creative decisions in photography — while the camera handles shutter speed and ISO automatically. Once you're comfortable with aperture, add shutter speed control by switching to Manual mode.
How do I develop my own photography style?
Style develops gradually through consistent practice and exposure to other photographers' work. Start by identifying what you're drawn to — certain subjects, lighting conditions, colour palettes, or compositional approaches. Shoot regularly, review your work honestly, and over time you'll notice recurring themes and preferences that form the foundation of your personal style. Using consistent editing presets also helps create a cohesive look across your portfolio.
What should I photograph when I have no ideas?
Give yourself a constraint — it's one of the most effective creativity tools in photography. Try shooting only one colour for a day, only objects smaller than your hand, or only images that include a specific shape. Constraints force you to look more carefully at your environment and often produce more interesting results than open-ended shooting. Our home photography guide has plenty of ideas for shooting close to home.
How long does it take to become a good photographer?
There's no fixed timeline — it depends on how often you shoot, how critically you review your work, and how actively you seek to learn. Many photographers see significant improvement within 6–12 months of consistent daily practice. The key is to shoot with intention rather than volume — one thoughtfully composed image teaches you more than a hundred snapshots.