LESSON 1. ENVISION, PLAN, AND THEN CREATE
Spend time thinking about the type of photo you wish to create and learn how you can do it. Make sure that you plan the shots you wish to take, as when you have strategies in place your photos are bound to come out well. Bring your own uniqueness to each photo, whether it be different lighting composition, make it feel personal.
LESSON 2.THE HISTOGRAM IS NOT OPTIONAL
Spend 5-10 minutes to learn how to use histograms to make a difference to your photography. Use histogram when shooting, for example when shooting at weddings make sure that the brides dress is not overexposed. I use it when shooting landscapes in low light to make sure I am gathering enough light, etc. Learn to use histogram.
LESSON #3: LEARN TO WIRELESSLY FIRE THE FLASH OFF-CAMERA
Using the flash on the camera, will change the lighting for the better. The directional light throws pleasing shadows on the subject and highlights the natural curvature of the face. There is no need to change your camera settings, just connect your camera with a flash trigger to the top of your DSLR and then attach the flash receiver to the bottom of any flash. Take the picture and your flash will fire.
LESSON #4: LEARN TO CHANGE THE ACTIVE FOCUS POINT
It is recommended that photographers use a single auto focus-point rather than allowing the camera to choose several points. Many photographers learn to use one focus point, they often use the center focus point. The focus on the eye of the subject on the correct place for a landscape and recompose the picture while holding the shutter button half-way down. Composing the correct composition, the photographer then finishes pressing the shutter button. If you sit down for a minute with your camera manual and learn to change the focus point, you will get a much larger percentage of your shots in focus.