Photography Advice From Yu Shi
- The Global Photography Community
- Apr 27
- 3 min read
When it comes to photography, one thing I’ve learned is that composition is everything. It's not just about snapping a pretty picture — it’s about guiding people through your frame without them even realizing it. I’m always thinking about things like leading lines, reflections, framing, and symmetry. These small details are what pull people into your shot and make them feel something.
Without strong composition, even the most epic scene can feel kind of empty. So whenever you’re shooting, take a second to ask yourself: Where is the eye supposed to go? and How does this image make me feel? Let your composition answer those questions.
Another big piece of advice: always look for new angles. One thing that’s really helped me stand out in a sea of photographers is the constant search for fresh perspectives. Don’t just shoot from eye level — crouch down, climb up, lean over fences (safely, of course). Find reflections in puddles, windows, or random shiny objects most people wouldn't even notice. If you can make a familiar place look unfamiliar, you’ll stop people in their tracks.
Now, let's talk about gear for a second. I shoot mostly with the Sony A7IV and the Sony 7CR, but honestly? Sometimes my iPhone 15 Pro Max does the job perfectly. The best camera is the one you have with you — and knowing how to use it is more important than having the fanciest equipment.
Editing is where a lot of the magic happens too. I’m a big fan of Lightroom for my photo edits, it’s powerful, intuitive, and just fits my flow. Some shots only take me 30 minutes to fine-tune, while others might take over an hour if I’m chasing that perfect mood. For video content like reels, I stick with CapCut. It’s crazy powerful for how simple it is, and it keeps my edits quick and clean. My tip: keep your editing consistent when you’re building your portfolio.
A recognizable style helps people remember your work. Finding your personal style is a journey. When I started out, I tried everything — street, landscapes, portraits, even random experimental stuff. I didn’t put pressure on myself to be one kind of photographer. Over time, the patterns started to show: what colors I loved, the moods I leaned toward, the angles that excited me. That’s how you build a style that actually feels authentic. So don’t rush it — explore and make a lot of mistakes. They’re part of the process.
One question I get a lot lately is whether you should focus on photos or reels. My honest answer? Both. Photos are timeless — they freeze a feeling or a scene forever. But if you want to grow on social media today, you have to embrace video too. The algorithms favor it, and reels are a great way to show more sides of your creative personality. My advice: keep your visual style consistent across both. Make sure your reels and your photos feel like they’re coming from the same person.
