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21 Free Photography Cheat Sheets (Download Today)

Last updated: November 12, 2023 - 7 min read
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My mission is to make photography simple.

And the free cheat sheets below will help you to learn photography fast.

They’re great if you want some quick tips for the various topics we cover.

But if you want something more comprehensive…

Our 52 premium Quick Capture Cheat Sheets are designed for fast reference and easy learning.

And they’re the perfect visual tool to help you master photography

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Photography Cheat Sheet: Free Basics

We start off this list with six photography cheat sheets focused on the basics of photography.

It’s important that you understand how to master your camera settings and exposure before you start venturing into more complex topics.

From shutter speed to camera types… this is everything you need to get started.

The Exposure Triangle

For most photographers who are just starting out, understanding the exposure triangle is key to taking great photos.

The three elements of this triangle are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. All three need to be balanced in order for a photo to be well exposed.
Exposure triangle photography cheat sheet

When to Use Each Shutter Speed

In photography, shutter speed is one of the most important factors to consider before pressing the shutter.

It can affect your image in many ways, from how sharp it looks to how much motion blur there is.

There are a few guidelines in the photography cheat sheet below. They’ll help you decide which shutter speed is appropriate for each situation.
Camera settings cheat sheet explaining shutter speed

The Aperture Scale (And How it Affects Depth of Field)

To shoot in manual mode, you must be able to control the aperture. But it’s not always easy to understand.

In the photography cheat sheet below, we show you the relation between aperture size, exposure, and depth of field. Memorize this! It will make your life easier.
Aperture photography cheat sheet

Types of Cameras

There are many different types of cameras.

A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR camera) is a professional quality camera that has interchangeable lenses. It produces high-quality photos but requires a bit more practice to operate than other types.

Point-and-shoot cameras are less expensive and easier for beginners to learn how to use because they don’t require manual adjustments or special skills.

And the other kinds? Read the photography cheat sheet below and find out the most important things to know about them…
Basic camera types photography cheat sheets

10 Steps to Focus Stack Correctly

Focus stacking is a great way to get razor-sharp images that you may be missing from your photography.

It’s also an absolute lifesaver for macro and close-up shots where the depth of field can be very limited. However, it can take some time and patience to learn how to do it correctly. This photography cheat sheet will help you out!
Focus stacking photography cheat sheet

10 Steps to Taking Good Pictures

The idea of taking a good picture can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. There are some simple steps you can take that will make your pictures look more professional.

In this photography cheat sheet, I’ll show you 10 quick and easy things you can do to improve the quality of your photos.
A cheat sheet explaining the photography concepts of taking a good picture

Photographing People

Now that you understand the basics of photography, the next step is to practice taking photos of people.

There are many different situations you can shoot in, ranging from romantic couples photography to formal family photos.

Our photography cheat sheets below explore them all…

15 Tips for Photographing Families

Every family has their own unique story. And, through photography, you can capture who they are and create a beautiful visual record of their time together.
Family photo cheat sheet

7 Creative Family Photography Ideas

If you’re looking for some creative inspiration to spice up your family photography, then this cheat sheet is just what you need.

We’ve compiled 7 of our favorite ideas that are sure to bring out the creativity in anyone!
Creative family photo ideas cheat sheet

10 Tips to Improve Your Environmental Portraits

Good environmental portraits will tell the story of their subject. Your model’s immediate natural surroundings will give the viewer insight not only into their personality but their everyday life.

This cheat sheet will provide 10 tips to improve your environmental portraits.Environmental portrait photo cheat sheet

How to Capture Romantic Couples Photos

Capturing an intimate moment between two people is not always easy.

Couples can often feel awkward and shy in front of the camera. Sometimes, this can lead to disappointing photographs.

Here are some tips to help you capture romantic couples photos without any stress or embarrassment:
A cheatsheet for taking couple photos

Wedding Photography Checklist

You’ll be on your toes the entire day of the wedding. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

This checklist will ensure everything is in order for a beautiful celebration and beautiful memories.

Creative Photography Cheat Sheets

One of the most difficult aspects of photography is getting creative with your photos.

If you’re a beginner photographer, this can be really tough! There are so many options and techniques to use that it becomes overwhelming.

That’s why we created these cheat sheets for you! They go over a number of different styles. And they offer helpful tips for any photographer who wants to get more creative with their images.

4 Steps to Mastering Creative Night Photography

Creative night photography is a new and exciting field for many photographers.

Many of these beginners are looking for ways to improve their craft, but don’t know where to start.

This cheat sheet will outline four simple steps that can help you master the art of creative night photography in no time!
night photography cheatsheet to help the learn improve their photo skills

Spiral Light Photography Cheat Sheet

This is one of the simplest forms of creative photography.

All you need is a low-powered flashlight and a piece of string (how long is up to you).

With a simple setup and long exposure, you can capture some really cool photos.
Spiral light photography cheat sheet

Creative Still-Life Photography Cheat Sheet

Photographers are always looking for new ways to challenge their creativity.

Creative still-life photography is a great way to do this because it forces the photographer to think outside the box and create something unique.
Creative still life photography cheat sheet

Niches of Photography

Once you have some experience with photography, you can start experimenting with different niches to find where your passion lies.

That’s why we’ve collected a bunch of cheat sheets covering various topics, from pet photography to food photography and more.

12 Tips to Improve Your Nature Photography

Nature photography is a great hobby for people of all ages. But it can be difficult to get the perfect shot.

Here are some tips to help you improve your nature photography!
A cheat cheat with 12 nature photography concepts to help the learner improve their skills

Pet Photography Cheat Sheet

A pet is a member of the family, and capturing their personality on camera can be just as important as photographing your children.

Here’s an easy-to-follow pet photography cheat sheet for taking great photos of your pets!
pet photography cheat sheet

iPhone Photography Tips for Better Photos

Everyone has a camera in their pocket. But not everyone knows how to use it.

The iPhone is one of the most popular cameras around the world and can take some really amazing photos.

Here’s an iPhone photography cheat sheet with 12 tips to get you started.
iPhone photo cheat sheet

10 Tips for Improving Your Food Photography

The goal is to make your food look appetizing and delicious. But you don’t want it to seem artificial or processed.

And below we have 10 tips to make food photography easy for you.
Cheat sheet to help the learner improve their food photo skills

Professional Photography & Social Media

Once you’re ready to sell your services or share your photos online, these photography cheat sheets are going to be really helpful.

10 Things Your Photography Contract Must Include

I know how difficult it can be to put together all of the necessary information for your photography contract.

This is why we’ve compiled 10 things that every photography contract should include.
Photography cheat sheets showing what your photography contract must include

How to Write a Photography Model Release Form

A photography model release form is a document that grants permission to the photographer to use images of the subject in their work.

If you’re unsure whether you need a release form, this cheat sheet will help walk you through it!
Free photography cheat sheets for writing a model release form

The Anatomy of a Perfect Instagram Post

Is your Instagram feed looking a little lackluster? Do you want to get more likes on your posts? If the answer is yes, then this cheat sheet is for you.

For more social media help, check out our Social Success Strategies e-book.
A photography cheat sheet showing the anatomy of a perfect instagram post

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