The video features photographer Peter McKinnon sharing tips for beginners to improve their photography skills. He discusses three common mistakes that beginners make and how to avoid them:
1. **Not checking the histogram**: McKinnon stresses the importance of checking the histogram to ensure that the image is not overexposed or underexposed. He advises not to trust the back of the camera's LCD screen and to use the histogram to make adjustments.
2. **Settling for a subpar vantage point**: McKinnon suggests that moving to a different vantage point or removing distractions from the frame can greatly improve the quality of the photo. He encourages viewers to take the time to find the best possible angle and composition.
3. **Being careless with camera settings**: McKinnon shares a personal experience of shooting in JPEG instead of RAW, which resulted in lower-quality images. He advises viewers to double-check their camera settings before taking a shot, including ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.
By avoiding these common mistakes, beginners can improve their photography skills and take better photos.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker, Peter McKinnon, is a photographer.
2. He is discussing tips for beginners in photography.
3. He mentions the importance of checking the histogram when taking photos.
4. The histogram is a chart that shows the distribution of light and dark in an image.
5. The left side of the histogram represents the blacks and shadows, while the right side represents the highlights and whites.
6. The middle of the histogram represents the midtones.
7. Peter McKinnon recommends checking the histogram to ensure the image is not overexposed or underexposed.
8. He suggests that beginners often make the mistake of not checking the histogram.
9. Peter McKinnon also discusses the importance of paying attention to the surroundings when taking photos.
10. He recommends moving objects or people out of the way to improve the composition of the photo.
11. He mentions that using a tripod can help improve photo quality, especially in low-light conditions.
12. Peter McKinnon has been a photographer for over 15 years.
13. He recommends being thorough when taking photos, including checking camera settings and ensuring the image is not overexposed or underexposed.
14. He mentions that shooting in RAW format can provide more flexibility when editing photos.
15. Peter McKinnon has a YouTube channel where he shares his photography tips and experiences.