Are you interested in photography?

Six Tips for Beginner Photographers

Are you interested in photography, but don’t know how to get started? Are you overwhelmed by the mass of information all over the internet? There is indeed a lot of information out there about photography, and it can be overwhelming to wade through it to find what you are looking for. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Photography is something that anyone can learn at any time. As long as you are willing to put in the practice, it is something that anyone can enjoy! 

Interested in photography?

When people first get into photography, they often get really overwhelmed, really fast. There is so much to consider when getting started. With so many excellent camera options, there is something for everyone. You can use a phone camera, a simple point-and-shoot, a bridge SLR, or a more elaborate DSLR. But the beauty is, you don’t need anything fancy to start with. No matter what camera you use, the key is to go out and use it. Photography is more accessible than ever before because of the new technology available. There are numerous (paid and free) resources out there waiting to help you take your hobby to the next level! 

Six Tips for Beginners

#1 You Don’t Need Fancy Equipment

First off, you do not need any expensive camera equipment to be a good photographer. As they say, it is not the equipment that makes the photographer, it’s the person behind the camera.

Let’s not take for granted the simple phone camera. Today, phone cameras can do just about everything that a fancier, expensive camera can do. There are lots of apps and classes you can take to help you learn how to use your phone camera. To start, I suggest playing around with the settings and seeing what your phone can do! Once you are comfortable and are sure that photography is something that you want to pursue, I would say it is time to upgrade. It took me a year before I felt I was confident and ready to take the plunge and purchase my first DSLR.  Don’t rush; enjoy the process of learning and getting comfortable behind the camera. 

#2 Enjoy the Learning Process

Like I just said above….enjoy the learning process! Take online photography classes, read books, and attend conferences where you can meet other photography lovers. There are many photography classes out there for beginners to help you learn the craft. Places like skillshare.com and mybluprint.com offer a variety of classes for all levels. I suggest taking a look and seeing what looks interesting to you. The more research you do, the better prepared you will be and the easier it will be for you to find what type of photography you are interested in. 

#3 Practice, Practice, Practice

I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice as much as you can. The only way to get better at something is to do it, over and over again. I love to spend my free time playing around with my camera and trying out new shots and settings. It is amazing how a little change in the light can make a big difference in the outcome of the photo. 

#4 Take your camera with you everywhere! 

You never know when you will find the perfect spot or perfect opportunity for a great shot. This is one benefit of having our fancy camera phones; we already take our phones everywhere we go. When you are out and about, try to look around and see what might be a good subject. The possibilities are endless, as it is all up to your personal vision!

#5 Always Keep a photography journal with you

Write down shots you would like to get. Keeping a small pocket-sized notebook is a wonderful way to keep track of ideas for shots you would like to get. Every time I think of something I would like to try, or I find a place I enjoy shooting at, I write it down so I don’t forget. I highly suggest the Field Notes pocket-sized notebooks. You can find them on Amazon, or you can order directly from the Field Notes Brand website. They even have a yearly subscription service where you will get new notebooks 4 times a year (at every change of the season). Each of the four sets of notebooks you will receive is a unique, limited edition with different designs and themes. I use these notebooks in my pocket-sized traveler’s notebook and carry it around everywhere in my bag.

#6  Find subjects that interest you

Everyone has their own vision, and that is very important in photography. We all see things differently and interpret things differently. Think about what you enjoy seeing and doing, and ask yourself: What kind of photographs do you like to see? Asking this question will help you to narrow down what it is you would like to start shooting. There is an unlimited number of options, as it is up to the artist’s choice of personal expression. 

Well, that about does it! I hope that this post was helpful as you begin your dive into photography. It really is a beautiful form of art that is accessible to all who are willing to put in a little practice. Remember, you don’t need any fancy equipment; just make sure you take the camera you do have with you everywhere you go, and that you practice! The old saying “practice makes perfect” rings very true. The more you practice, the better you will get. That goes with anything! Now go out and have some fun! I would love to hear your thoughts and see the photographs you take! Please share below in the comments!