Basic Photography Tips for 2024

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Article: description: Getting started in photography can be a little overwhelming, what with all the gear, techniques, and tricks you have to learn. Get your feet wet with a few simple tips first!
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Photo by David-Prado via iStock

If you are new to photography and want to improve in the upcoming year, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll share six basic photography tips for beginners that will help you see instant results.

We’ll explore everything from learning basic composition rules and stabilizing your camera to playing with different photography techniques and cleaning your camera regularly. Moreover, our tips cover all three stages of photography—pre-production, production, and post-production. 

Now, without further ado, join us on our journey to help make you a better photographer in 2024!

Check out the video above by Pat Kay to learn 20 essential beginner photography tips and how they will improve your photography quickly.

Table of Contents

Basic Photography Tips: You Don’t Need to Spend a Fortune to Take Good Photos

Photo by pixdeluxe via iStock 

One of the most common misconceptions about photography is that you need expensive gear to take good pictures. That is 100% false. While professionals will benefit from high-end cameras, beginners will be fine with inexpensive cameras or even phones. For example, it’s easier to learn the basics of photography on an entry-level camera than on a professional one.

If you already have a camera (even if it's old) or have a phone with a built-in camera, there’s no need to rush to buy a new one. Start with what you have, and as your skills improve, or if you start making money as a photographer, you can upgrade your camera kit later.

If you don’t own a camera, we recommend getting a cheap DSLR, mirrorless, or point-and-shoot camera. Three of our favorites are the Canon EOS Rebel T5i, Sony Alpha a6000, and Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark III. 

Basic Photography Tips: Stabilize Your Camera for Sharper Photos

Blurry images are one of the biggest problems new photographers face when starting. Several factors can cause blurry images, but camera shake is the most frequent. How do you prevent camera shake? By using a camera stabilizer like a tripod or a gimbal.  

One of our go-to tripods is the revolutionary OctoPad. It’s a one-of-a-kind universal tripod compatible with all camera and smartphone models. Its unique design ensures it remains sturdy on every surface, including sloping, uneven, and wet/slippery surfaces. We have tested various other suction cup supports and mini-tripods, and none offer the stability the OctoPad provides.

Furthermore, its compact, lightweight, and durable design is a dream come true. It folds up super small when not in use and takes up nearly no space in a purse, backpack, or suitcase. This portability makes it perfect for traveling and everyday use alike.

Basic Photography Tips: Follow the Rule of Thirds (And Other Composition Rules)

Composing attractive photos is another key to photography. Avoid placing your subjects near the edges of your photos or cutting parts of them off. An easy way to accomplish this is to use the rule of thirds.  

It is a rule that divides your frame into thirds (vertically and horizontally) and places your primary subject at one of those points. Doing this better highlights your subject and automatically captures people's attention. Other popular composition rules are leading lines, symmetry, and the use of negative space. 

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Basic Photography Tips: Experiment With Different Angles and Perspectives

Photo by GuadiLab via iStock 

Get creative with your photography and experiment with different camera angles and perspectives. This is an easy way to learn what works and what doesn’t while having fun with your camera.

Whether you are shooting portraits, wildlife, or landscapes, you will be surprised by how much a simple adjustment can improve a photo's outcome. Drones and action cameras are two newer technologies that make it easy to shift angles and perspectives. 

Basic Photography Tips: Keep Your Camera Clean

Photo by SonerCdem via iStock

Cleaning your camera (and doing it properly) is essential to taking great photos. For instance, if you are experiencing mysterious marks or dots in your images, you most likely have a dirty lens or sensor. But how do you safely clean your camera (especially the sensor) without damaging it?

It’s as simple as getting a camera cleaning kit. We like this Altura Photo camera cleaning kit. It comes with a cleaning pen, a brush, a lens cleaner spray, an air blower, 50 lens cleaner sheets, three microfiber towels, and more.

Basic Photography Tips: Don’t Overedit Your Images

Photo by HDesert via iStock

Finally, photo editing has become a huge part of today's photography process. Both professional editing programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop and free mobile applications for editing photos on phones and tablets exist. 

Regardless of what software they are using, many new photographers get carried away when learning how to edit images. Overediting can ruin a breathtaking photo by adding too much noise and texture or making it look unrealistic. 

More Basic Photography Tips for Beginners

Photo by danr13 via iStock

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read this beginner photography guide. We hope you have found it informative on your journey to become a better photographer. As a bonus, here’s a list of more basic photography tips to help take your photography skills to the next level in 2024:

  • Find a photography buddy to practice with and motivate you. 
  • Know when to take the best photos (golden hour and blue hour). 
  • Learn the importance of the exposure triangle (shutter speed, aperture, ISO).
  • The more time you spend with a camera in your hands, the faster you’ll improve.
  • Have fun!

Recommended Photography Gear

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Beginner Photography Tips

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