What Professional Photographers Do Differently from Amateurs

Ever wonder why professional photographers’ images seem to have that extra “wow” factor? It’s not just about having fancy equipment…it’s about the small things they do differently. Whether it’s how they approach lighting, composition, or even how they see the world around them, pros have a few key differences that help them capture stunning photos. In this post, I’m sharing 6 things professional photographers do that amateurs often miss. 

1.They Pay Attention to Lighting

Professional photographers know that lighting can make or break a shot, and they plan their photos around it. This means they usually avoid shooting in harsh midday sunlight. Most pro's prefer to shoot during the golden hours; early morning or late afternoon. This is when the light is warm, softer and more flattering.

Tip: By being mindful of lighting, you can create images that have depth, warmth, and the right mood.

2. They Consider Composition

Pro photographers always think about how they want to frame their shot. They don’t just aim, point and shoot. Pro’s pay attention to things like the rule of thirds or they use leading lines to lead the viewer’s eye to the main subject.

Tip: This might mean adjusting your angle or moving around to find a better perspective. Even small tweaks in composition can make a big difference in how interesting your photos turn out!

3. They Edit Thoughtfully

Professionals take time to edit their photos to really make them shine. And the best part? You don’t need fancy software! Smartphone editing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom mobile can help you adjust brightness, contrast, sharpness, or crop out distractions.

Tip: Always edit your images, and remember, subtle adjustments go a long way.

4. They Control Focus and Depth

Pro photographers are experts at controlling focus to draw attention to the main subject. On your smartphone, you can do the same by tapping the screen to focus and using portrait mode to blur the background. This technique makes the subject pop, adding dimension and interest to the shot. Professionals know how to play with depth to make their images feel dynamic, and you can do the same with just a few adjustments on your phone.

Tip: Pay attention to your subject by locking the focus. Also, use portrait mode and the telephone lens to add depth to your mage.

5. They Take Time to Frame and Wait for the Moment

Instead of rushing to take the photo, pro photographers take their time to frame the shot just right and wait for the perfect moment. It’s not about taking a lot of photos—it’s about waiting for the one that really captures the scene. With smartphone photography, it’s the same! Slow down, be patient, and take that extra second to ensure you’ve got the best shot before you tap that shutter button.

Tip: Look at your photo before you leave the scene. Ask yourself if it could be better? If so, take the time to adjust and re-shoot.

6. They Train Their Eye to See Beauty Everywhere

Pro photographers don’t wait for a stunning sunset or a “pretty” scene to pull out their camera. They’ve trained their eye to see stunning photos in everyday moments. It could be the way light hits a coffee cup, the texture of a brick wall, or even the way shadows fall on the sidewalk. It’s all about finding beauty in the ordinary. 

Tip: Start practicing this skill—look for those hidden gems in your day-to-day life, and you’ll start seeing the world through a whole new lens.

By paying attention to details and practicing these techniques, you can start to take your smartphone photography to the next level. With a little patience and mindfulness, you’ll begin to see and capture the world around you just like the pros do!