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What are some common photography mistakes that I might be making unknowingly when capturing memories of my time studying abroad, and how can I improve my photo-taking skills to capture the essence of this incredible experience?

The golden hour, when the sun is low on the horizon, is the best time to take photos with a warm, soft light.

(This occurs 60 minutes after sunrise and before sunset.)

The rule of thirds can improve composition by dividing the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically, placing subjects along those lines.

A camera's ISO setting controls its sensitivity to light, with lower ISOs (100-400) suitable for bright light and higher ISOs (6400-12800) for low-light conditions.

Aperture (f-stop) controls the lens opening, with lower f-stops (f/2.8) allowing more light in and higher f-stops (f/16) resulting in a deeper depth of field.

Shutter speed affects motion and blur, with faster speeds (1/1000) freezing motion and slower speeds (1s) creating blur.

The Sunny 16 rule helps calculate aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for optimal exposure in various lighting conditions.

Focal length, measured in millimeters, affects the angle of view and magnification, with shorter focal lengths (24mm) capturing wide scenes and longer focal lengths (200mm) zooming in on subjects.

Autofocus uses phase detection or contrast detection to quickly lock onto subjects, ensuring sharper images.

Camera stabilization, whether optical or electronic, helps reduce camera shake and blur.

The power of three, a composition technique, places important elements along an imaginary diagonal line that divides the image into thirds.

Leading lines, like roads, paths, or shorelines, can guide the viewer's attention to the subject.

Framing subjects with natural or architectural elements creates depth and context.

Silhouettes can add drama and mystery to photos, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Reflections, either natural (water, glass) or intentional (mirrors, prisms), can add creative flair to images.

The photography concept of "layers" involves separating subjects from the background, creating depth and visual interest.

Post-processing techniques, like editing and color correction, can refine and enhance photo quality.

Capturing details, like textures, patterns, or close-ups, can provide a unique perspective on a subject.

Paying attention to lighting direction (backlight, sidelight, or front light) can enhance the mood and atmosphere of a photo.

Understanding the camera's autofocus modes (single-shot, continuous, or manual) helps adapt to changing subjects and situations.

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