How To Start Photography – Guide for Beginners

There's a saying in photography that goes, "It's not about the camera, it's about who is behind it." it doesn't matter how expensive your camera gear is. Many camera units are coming out in the market, accessories, and various confusing lenses that go with it. But if you get to try those different camera units, you can assure yourself that they are almost the same. Read on this article to get a few tips on how to start photography.

Tips on How to Start Photography

Remember these helpful tips on how to start photography. First things first, use the camera that you already have. Do not aim for an expensive one, or prefer a long camera lens just because it looks “cool.” A simple camera will always do, even the camera on your mobile phone.

It is also essential to focus on enhancing your creative camera skills and expanding your knowledge on camera settings and how to operate buttons on camera based on your composition, scene, or situation. Focusing more on learning new skills instead of buying and collecting fancy equipment is helpful if you want to know how to start photography.

Here are more tips for beginners (and even added knowledge for the experts!) on how to start photography:

Composition

For more engaging shots, you need to be at the moment at what you are doing. Put enough heart and thought into your composition and try to make your photos as best as possible. Remember, capturing images is not just pointing and shooting. It’s also about creating a story. Research and read on how to learn the basics in composition. Don’t compromise important parts of the subject. If possible, eliminate distractions and focus on your subject. Give your shots a sense of simplicity and balance. Keep practicing and experimenting on angles to get the feel and eventually take the shot that you want and make the envisions in your mind still on a photo.

Settings Matter

Settings can be a complicated thing. It takes some time to get them right, so practice more and experiment on settings. It is not always perfect. Settings are vital in learning how to start photography; even some experts need to get it right in the eye. But it is worth learning. If you know more about your camera adjustments, then there is a more probable chance of taking good photos that you want.

Do not stick with Auto mode. The auto mode makes the camera in control, not you. Play on shots and angles, and note that if you explore more on camera modes, you make yourself the chief in making the decisions, instead of the camera doing it for you. Try to familiarize yourself with aperture, shutter speed, ISO, scene modes, and a lot more. These words are basics in terms of starting photography. It is also best recommended to shoot your photos in raw to have more control in editing and enhancing your photos.

Pay Attention to the Light

I cannot emphasize more on this element. Light. Light. Light. Lighting matters. If you captured a photo in good lighting, you have taken a massive step in getting a better picture. You might think it is all about sunsets and the golden hour. Well, the good thing is, it's not about all that. Pay close attention and focus on the direction of the light. If the light is too much, bad shadows can ruin your photo. If a light shoots at an unflattering angle, move the light source or move your subject until the light reflects better.

Take your Time

It is unavoidable to make some mistakes while learning how to start photography, especially when you are still a novice. Slow down and practice whenever possible. Take time to make the settings right. Make sure that it complements with the scene, either outdoor or indoor, sunny or gloomy. Have the same mindset for every decision. Did you focus on the right place? How is the foreground? What about the background? While on the field, take a look at your photos. How can you improve the angle? Does it tell the story in my mind? Should I shift my focus?

Move and move

It is unavoidable to make some mistakes while learning how to start photography, especially when you are still a novice. Slow down and practice whenever possible. Take time to make the settings right. Make sure that it complements with the scene, either outdoor or indoor, sunny or gloomy. Have the same mindset for every decision. Did you focus on the right place? How is the foreground? What about the background? While on the field, take a look at your photos. How can you improve the angle? Does it tell the story in my mind? Should I shift my focus?

Collaborate with other photographers

Meeting and learning with fellow photographers is one of the best ways to improve. You can ask for more inspiration and advice. Listen to tips and techniques. Great photographer, Ansel Adams, did not hesitate to share his knowledge, as he wrote several books about his style and photographic techniques. Ask questions on online forums, join a photography club, and try to reach out to photographers you admire and get your inspiration from. Whatever stage you are, do not stop learning because there is always more to discover.

Conclusion

Related Articles