Don’t think you can do it yourself

These days we all have access to a decent quality camera, whether it’s our own or a friend or relative who fancies themselves as a bit of a David Bailey. Thinking you can save a few bob and do it yourself is a common mistake, whether the mobile phone camera self-portrait, webcam grab or getting a friend to photograph you against a wall.

Anyone can have an expensive camera, but good tools alone don’t make you a good craftsman (or –woman). I got a set of kitchen knives for Christmas but, despite my best efforts, I’m never going to be the next Heston Blumenthal!