How to get into Photography?

Every day, there are numerous subjects that amateur photographers are only too happy to take pictures of – and they usually reach for their smartphones to do so.

 

If you want to deepen your knowledge of photography, you can find out everything you need to know about getting started here.

 

Photography is able to depict the world as it is or as it is not. Because the personal perspective of the photographer gives every motif and thus every situation a new perspective.

 

Expensive technical equipment is not the only key to good photos, because you don’t need the most expensive (DSLR) camera to get started in photography, what is more, important is an understanding of the technology.

 

Have you been thinking about buying your first camera and getting started with photography for a while? Here you will find helpful tips to get you started, good cameras and lenses, and the basic knowledge about photography.

 

 

In the beginning, you don’t have to buy the most expensive camera. It is much more important that you buy a camera that fits your needs.

 

One thing right off the bat: in theory, any camera will work, no matter how big or expensive it is. You might think that before you can start, you need a “real” camera. That’s a limit you’ve made up in your own head.

In the last 100 years, most of the great pictures that became famous were captured with cameras that are far worse than the one you have right now. So you can start right away if you already have a compact or bridge camera.

If you want to start taking pictures as a hobby and want to buy a camera, I suggest either a beginner DSLR camera or a beginner system camera.

You can change every setting on these cameras by yourself. This has the benefit that you can think about the craft and design of the image.

To do this, it’s a good idea to first look at what different camera technologies are available, which manufacturers offer high-quality cameras, and what kind of subjects you primarily want to photograph.

STEP 2 – Read the manual

Read the manual even if it is not particularly well-liked. Ninety percent of the technical information available for learning is contained in it. You know how when a person is standing in a scene, he takes out his camera, and the flash fires?

There is no doubt that person hasn’t read his instructions. A camera costing $500 or $2000 won’t always deliver nice photographs. However, you can adjust everything you want.

However, to do that, you must work with the configuration choices. The more you understand your camera, the more you can do with it.

STEP 3 – Understanding your camera

Putting everything you’ve learned in the manual into practice is, of course, the best way to get to know your camera. Take the camera with you as frequently as you can to apply what you have learned in theory into practice.

Examine every setting to discover how it affects your image. Naturally, this will take a lot of time, but there is no other way to truly understand your camera. You can learn more about the fundamentals in my essay on ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

Shooting frequently will help you internalize your camera’s settings and improve your ability to focus over time.

3. Try things out

If you a beginner photographer, then two things are especially important: try yourself out and enjoy your new hobby. It requires practice and passion, no master falls from the sky and therefore you may take your time.

Every person takes pictures a little differently because everyone perceives the world around them individually, so what counts in hobby photography is not only the right camera or the right lens but also an awareness of what perspectives you like to take as a photographer.

4. Learn about image composition

Images that hold viewers’ attention frequently convey a very clear message and adhere to design principles that have been used in art for hundreds of years. The golden portion, for instance, is used purposefully by numerous painters.

This guideline states that the primary motif of a painting should not be placed in the image’s center but rather at one of the intersections formed by the image’s nine areas.

The rule of thirds, in which each segment is the same size, is a condensed version of the golden section. To make the use of this rule simpler, guidance lines can frequently be seen in viewfinders or on screens in cameras.

Examine the designs of works by great masters and photographs taken by well-known photographers to gain a better understanding of image composition:

• Rule of Thirds Explained for Beginner Photographer
• The Golden Ratio as Basis for Harmonious Photography
• How to use Diagonal Lines for Photo Composition

5. Take on concrete goals or projects

Set your goals on specific projects, especially if you already own a camera with numerous lenses, tripods, and flash units. Consider what you want to photograph before you begin, and then bring the appropriate gear. Dealing with the subject conditions beforehand is also a good idea to ensure you don’t forget anything crucial.

6. Ensure you have enough light

“Painting with light” is what photography refers to. Therefore, constantly keep in mind that having enough light is a need for taking excellent pictures.

Use a flash, photo lamps, or LED lights if it’s tough to take pictures in natural light. Many cameras already include an inbuilt flash, although it is only useful in certain situations.

Better is an external device that can be positioned independently of the camera, such nearer to the subject. A clip-on flash can also be used for indirect illumination to prevent drop shadows.

A similar component on your camera is necessary for this. You can also utilize an external flash that is controlled by the flash control on the camera.

7. Use a tripod

Since it’s not always possible to set up a tripod, many modern digital cameras can now frequently handle challenging lighting conditions thanks to high ISO values.

However, a tripod that maintains camera stability is advised if you intend to take portrait and macro photos. Look locate a means to steady the camera, such as on a wall, if you’re out and about without one. In addition to enabling longer exposure duration, this also reduces unintended camera shake.

8. Take pictures of subjects from various perspectives

You are aware of the situation, right? Hundreds or even thousands of visitors all stand in front of a particular landmark to take pictures of it. Find a different angle or focus on the intricacies of your subject if you want to take distinctive photos home with you.

For instance, circle the area, take a photo from the frog’s eye view, step a little further away, or return at a different time of day.

9. Take shots in portrait and landscape orientation

While you’re still on site, it might be challenging to determine how a subject will affect your audience. Take multiple pictures in both portrait and landscape orientations, then choose the appropriate format on the computer.

10. Pay attention to background

It is fairly simple to alter a shot when you are planning one: you may position your subject or model in front of an appropriate backdrop and include the background in the image composition.

Being in urban or rural areas makes it more challenging because an inappropriate background might ruin the overall impression of the photograph.

As a result, take a close look before shutter release. Just as unappealing as things that are obscured by a distracting background are branches coming out of heads. Setting a high aperture on a camera with an interchangeable lens will blur the background.

11. Learn by reading and practicing on your own

Can you effectively encourage yourself? That’s fantastic since it means that you should proceed with self-learning. It depends on your preferences whether you stick to the camera instructions or purchase photography books. 

You can expand your photography knowledge by:

• Visit photo courses
• Online photography courses
• Facebook Groups
• Watch YouTube videos

12. Continue your path

By this point, you’ve probably tried a few things, looked over your camera’s handbook a little, and perhaps even read a book or many online tutorials.

If you want to become a better photographer, you must understand the words aperture, shutter speed, focal length, and ISO. Finally, the particular combination of the camera’s various features determines the image’s quality.

• Aperture
  The amount of light that falls on the camera lens is determined by the aperture of the lens. This device functions similarly to an eye. When you squint your eyes, less light enters; when the aperture is closed, less light reaches the camera sensor, resulting in a less exposed photograph. The relationship between aperture and exposure time is quite important.

• Exposure time
  The correct exposure time and aperture settings are dependent on the lighting conditions. For example, glaring sunshine necessitates a shorter exposure time and a smaller aperture; otherwise, the image may be overexposed. It’s the other way around in the evening or at night. In the absence of natural light, the camera must expose the image for as long as possible with an open aperture to avoid the scene being completely black.

• Focal length
  The distance between the camera and the recording plane is determined by the focal length. Simply put, an object might appear closer or farther away in the viewfinder of a camera. Zooming is the process of changing the focal length.

• ISO value
  Setting the proper ISO value tells your camera how sensitive the image sensor should be to light. The higher the ISO, the more light-sensitive the sensor and the better the camera’s low-light performance.

13. Use image processing

Considering your learning journey thus far, you have undoubtedly already encountered the subject of image editing. This point is further down the list, though, on purpose.

Before you begin editing your photos, I think it’s crucial to deal with the craft and content aspects of photography.

You can now select the editing program of your choice. Most photographers are using Photoshop and Lightroom, both of which are offered by Adobe.

This recommendation was made since these two programs are the focus of the majority of online instructions and tutorials. Consequently, you have access to a vast body of knowledge.

• A camera bag
  A camera bag can be used for a variety of things. The camera, lenses, and other equipment are all protected from external impacts like water and shocks. If you buy a camera and accessories, be sure you store them properly because damage can happen rapidly. This is especially true if you intend to use the camera while traveling. A decent camera bag should be waterproof and have enough room for your camera, lenses, and accessories.

• SD memory card
  A memory card is always required when using a digital camera to store photographs. The practical SD cards may then be connected to a laptop, for example, to swiftly and easily transmit photographs. It’s worth noting that the larger the image file and the more detailed the image resolution, the more storage capacity is required.

• Adding more batteries
  If you’re going on a long vacation and won’t be able to charge your camera in between stops, extra batteries are extremely useful. Additional batteries are available from a variety of vendors; just make sure the battery matches your camera.

---

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to learn how to take photos?

Even though photography looks complicated at first glance, it is not hard to learn. We also started out small, learned something new, and have been teaching photography fans for almost a decade now.

How can I learn how to use my camera?

Take the camera with you as much as you can and put what you’ve learned into practice. Try all the settings and see what happens to your picture. This will take a long time, but it’s the only way to get to know your camera well.

Can I teach myself photography?

But if you like photography, want to be creative, or want to show the world as you see it, you can’t use automatic. You have to take control of the camera yourself. You have to learn how to steer and choose where to go on your own.

 

---