Want to Get Into Photography? Here’s How to Start
Cameras & Photography are complicated. Every professional photographer will tell you they struggled when they held a camera in their hands for the first time. People take photos with their cameras all the time. However, not everyone can call themselves a “photographer.” It takes a high level of interest for anyone to get into photography and make it a career or hobby. Many people are generally overwhelmed when they’re getting into photography: vast chunks of information, potential expenses, etc.
So, what’s the first step you need to take? Any well-established photographer will tell you there’s no single route to get into photography. Ideally, there are many ways you can start your photography journey. Starting is easy, as long as you have the passion and drive to pursue photography. Here’s how.
- Take a Photography Class/Course
If you’re getting into photography, it’s easy to think you can learn on your own. However, the best way to get into photography is by taking some online photography courses, taking a class helps you to learn from the experts. You learn everything from the beginning, including lighting, post-processing, composition, editing, exposure, etc. Ideally, these are the fundamental areas you need to understand in photography. Learning from the experts gives you an in-depth understanding of core concepts, and this will also help refine your photography skills.
- What Inspires You the Most?
Do you find yourself taking pictures of landscapes the most? Do you fancy capturing portraits or abstract imagery? Or maybe you want to get into event photography? Whatever it is that inspired you to pursue photography, hang on to it. Use it as your “muse” to grow and expound on your newfound passion. The best way to discover your inspiration is to assess what you like doing. For instance, if you love traveling, consider being a travel photographer. Similarly, if you’re into nature and animals, you can try landscape and nature photography. As a photographer, you’re not limited to the areas you can explore – try as many as you can.
- Camera
Once you understand what area you want to venture into, the only thing missing is a good camera. Choosing a camera for your photography journey depends on a few factors such as quality, budget, and capabilities. If you’re starting, keep your expenses low and go for an accessible and easy-to-learn camera. If you’ve chosen to shoot digital photography, go for a standard DSLR camera as this type of camera is excellent for any aspiring photographer. Go for a DSLR camera from brands such as Nikon, Sony, or Canon. These cameras have a high megapixel count and high-quality lens glass. As a beginner, one thing you want to remember is that great images are not always created using expensive gear; It’s the art that matters.
- Start with Your Phone
We’re privileged to live in an age where many of us have potent cameras we can ever think of: our smartphones. Today’s phones are great devices for taking photos. Smartphones now have advanced software and hardware that’s easy to use for everyone. With your smartphone, you can deliver sharp and well-detailed images even better than most shoot cameras currently in the market. Start by using your default phone camera. With time, you can advance to more sophisticated third-party apps. They will help you understand basic photography concepts such as depth of field, exposure, rule of thirds, ISO, and shutter speed.
- Composition
One golden rule of photography you need to always live by is quality over quantity. Technically, photography is a form of visual language. You need to frame your shot in a way that you can use to communicate. Many beginner photographers tend to get hung up on this area. This is because they compare themselves to professional photographers they see all the time. Before taking a shot, take time to study the scene. Focus carefully on your subject and carefully frame your shot. Don’t just capture everything that comes to mind. Remember: keep it simple and easy.
- Practice! Practice! Practice!
Similar to how a baby first crawls before it can walk, learning and growth takes time. Don’t rush to become a pro. You will only put unnecessary pressure on yourself, and this will keep you from enjoying what you love. Avoid forcing yourself to be like more professional shooters or buying expensive gear that you won’t use soon. Slow your progress and take your time to learn everything.
Finally, try educating yourself through reading books and blog posts. This helps to expand your knowledge of photography and what you can do to improve your skills. Also, try to replicate photos you’ve seen before; this enhances your creativity in the long-term. To help push your newfound inspiration, find a mentor or someone who can inspire you. A mentor will teach you practical tips to help refine your photography skills.