Becoming a photographer is a journey that never ends.  I’m sure there’s never a point in any profession that you reach one day when you’ve learned it all.  Technology changes, trends change.  Day in and day out, I try to learn things.  Whether it’s reading a blog article, watching a webinar, or simply just looking at a photograph, each day I try to expand my photography horizons.  I try to become better each and every day.

However, there are things I’ve done and things I haven’t done that pretty much have made me FAIL as a photographer.  Here’s a list of silly things I’ve done as a photographer and I’d be embarrassed to ever confess in public.  In fact, if anyone ever asks about any of these incidents, I will deny it… adamantly.

1. The earliest blunder I can remember is from around 1991.  I bought a brand new 35mm SLR.  Once I affixed the lens to the body, I threw away the lens and body caps.
2. I have left the house without camera batteries and data cards.  Thankfully, NEVER for a paid gig and NEVER on the same day.
3. Until about a year ago, I never backed up my images. And until about a week ago, I didn’t do it faithfully.
4. I used to delete all my RAW files after generating the final JPEGS.  I thought they took up way too much space and I’d never need them again.
5. Once, I didn’t check my camera settings prior to a session and shot the WHOLE THING in “basic JPEG.”
6. Once, my lens wouldn’t autofocus.  I spent about two hours wondering what was wrong with the lens before remembering I had it set on manual focus.
7. I once shot pictures using a custom white balance that I prepared days before for an entirely different session.  In fact, I think I shot pictures using that same custom white balance on two separate occasions before finally wondering, “Why are my images SO BLUE?”
8. I once used a long lens to take a picture of another photographer’s equipment just to see what they were using.

These are all awful mistakes that I hope to never repeat.  What’s an embarrassing thing that you’ve done as a photographer?  Leave your comment here and share your awful mistake.

Until next time, be positive, be happy, be healthy, and don’t forget to be photographed.

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I started Ata-Girl Photography Co. in 2010 and I am one of the premier San Antonio wedding photographers who is available for local and destination weddings. In addition to wedding photography, I also specialize in high school seniors and family portraits in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. I am a professional photographer who enjoys documenting the important milestones and captivating moments in people’s lives. I firmly believe that the unique set of circumstances I have faced in life has prepared me to take a personal and genuine interest in my photography clients. When I’m not photographing a wedding, family or high school senior, I enjoy watching my daughter play softball, hiking, cycling and listening to Elvis!