Beginners guide to start your photography journey
Starting your photography journey can be one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences of your life. I vividly remember the first time I picked up a camera—the thrill of capturing a moment and turning it into something tangible. It’s a creative outlet that allows you to see the world through a different lens (quite literally). If you’re just starting, let me guide you through the essentials to help you get going.
Here are my top ten tips to get you going.
1. Choosing the Right Gear
You don’t need to invest in expensive equipment right away. Start with what you have—even a smartphone can be a fantastic tool to learn the basics of composition and lighting. If you’re ready to purchase a camera, a DSLR or mirrorless camera is a great place to start. Look for something that’s beginner-friendly, like the Canon EOS 250D or the Sony Alpha a6100. Remember, it’s not the gear that makes the photographer—it’s how you use it.
2. Learn the Basics
Understanding the fundamentals of photography will set you on the right path. Key concepts like:
Aperture: Controls the depth of field (how much of the image is in focus).
Shutter Speed: Determines how motion is captured in your shots.
ISO: Adjusts your camera’s sensitivity to light.
Experimenting with these settings in manual mode will give you a deeper understanding of how to control your camera. There are countless free resources online, or you could take a beginner workshop to get hands-on experience.
3. Practice Composition
The composition of your photos can transform a snapshot into a work of art. Start by following the rule of thirds—divide your frame into nine equal sections and place your subject along the intersecting lines. Look for leading lines, symmetry, and interesting perspectives to add depth and dimension to your images. With practice, you’ll develop an eye for creating visually compelling shots.
4. Play with Light
Photography is all about light. Pay attention to how light falls on your subject, whether it’s natural sunlight or artificial light. Golden hour—the hour after sunrise and before sunset—is a favourite among photographers for its warm, soft tones. Experiment with shadows, reflections, and backlighting to create unique effects.
5. Shoot Regularly
Like any skill, photography requires practice. Make it a habit to take your camera with you wherever you go and capture what catches your eye. Even the mundane can look extraordinary with the right perspective. Set small challenges for yourself, like photographing only one colour or focusing on textures, to keep things fresh and exciting.
6. Edit Your Photos
Post-processing is an integral part of photography. Editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop can help enhance your photos and bring your vision to life. If you’re new to editing, start with basic adjustments like cropping, brightness, and contrast. Many beginner-friendly apps, such as Snapseed, are free and easy to use.
7. Find Inspiration
Look at the work of other photographers for inspiration, but don’t compare yourself too harshly. Everyone starts somewhere, and your journey is uniquely yours. Join photography communities, attend workshops, or follow social media pages to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from others.
8. Experiment and Have Fun
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Try different genres of photography—landscapes, portraits, macro, or street photography—to discover what excites you the most. The beauty of photography is that there are no rules set in stone. Experiment, make mistakes, and enjoy the process.
9. Share Your Work
Sharing your photos is a great way to receive feedback and encouragement. Social media platforms, blogs, or local photography clubs are excellent spaces to showcase your work. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there; it’s part of the learning process.
10. Be Patient
Photography is a journey, not a destination. There’s always more to learn and new techniques to try. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remember that every professional photographer was once a beginner too.
Starting your photography journey is as much about the process as it is about the results. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of capturing the world around you. Happy shooting
