Learning photography can be a little overwhelming at times because there's just so much to learn.
Think about it - you have to master exposure, become adept at composition and framing, and learn how to use your photography gear as well.
But as much as there is to learn, the great thing about photography is that there's a wealth of information out there to help you find your way, master photography concepts, and become a better photographer.
With that in mind, here's a quick collection of photography tips for beginner photographers that I found helpful when I was just starting out.
Beginner Photography Tip #1: Always Have a Camera
You can't take good photos - or any photos, for that matter - if you don't have a camera with you!
One of the best ways to get better at photography is to take pictures often.
So, have your camera - even if it's your smartphone - with you at all times. You never know when an opportunity to take a few photos will present itself!
Bonus Tip: If you're having trouble finding things to photograph, think about the things you like. Whether it's flowers or your dog, your kids or trees, photographing things that bring you joy is a great way to motivate yourself to take more photos, more often.
Beginner Photography Tip #2: Learn How to Control Exposure
When you're just starting out in photography, the chances are that you shoot in full auto mode, and that's perfectly fine.
In fact, learning photography in full auto mode can be advantageous at first.
However, learning how to control exposure yourself by manipulating aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, will vastly improve the results you get.
You don't have to start shooting in manual mode to learn how to control exposure, either.
Instead, learn how to use aperture priority and shutter priority modes as an introduction to controlling exposure.
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Beginner Photography Tip #3: Get Geared Up
There's an old saying in photography that the best camera is the one that's with you.
In other words, you don't need to spend tons of money on a high-end camera to take great photos.
But what you do need to do is focus on gearing up with photography accessories that make it easier and more comfortable to go out and shoot.
High on your list of priorities should be a good camera bag and a solid tripod.
A good camera bag should be comfortable when you're carrying all your gear, and functional as well, that way you can get what you need when you need it so you don't miss any shots.
A solid tripod is a must-have as well because they give your camera a stable base for getting the sharpest photos.
And tripods aren't just for certain photographers, either. No matter if you shoot portraits, landscapes, or something in between, get a tripod so you can get the sharpest images possible.
Something that beginner photographers often neglect is getting a good camera strap.
Sure, your camera likely came with a strap when you bought it, but the factory strap is, in a word, terrible.
They're flimsy. They're uncomfortable. They're easy for thieves to cut and take off with your gear, too.
But you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to get a high-quality camera strap.
Take Hyperion Camera Straps as an ideal example...
These straps are handmade to your specifications, so you get a strap that fits your personality while also getting a strap that's highly functional.
Whether you want a wrist strap, a short neck strap, or a longer strap that you can wear across your body, these straps will fit the bill.
Hyperion straps are made of thick cordage, too, so they offer much-improved safety over factory straps.
These unique straps look like a million bucks as well - no one ever said you can't look good while you're taking photos!
And perhaps best of all, these straps are budget-friendly, with many of them coming in at well under $20.
That's the key to buying gear - find good quality products that don't break the bank, and you'll soon have a well-equipped kit with money to spare.
Bonus Tip: If you're in the market for a new camera, consider buying a pre-owned camera instead. You can find high-quality used gear for far less money, which frees up cash to invest in better lenses, tripods, camera straps, and other needed accessories!
Beginner Photography Tip #4: Learn From Your Mistakes
Photography can be a frustrating exercise because there are so many factors involved in creating a photo.
But it's important as a beginner to look at the mistakes you make not as errors but opportunities to learn.
If your photos are dark, figure out why and learn how to fix the issue.
If your photos are blurry, do a little research on what causes blurry photos, and, again, learn how to fix the issue.
There's no shortage of photography tutorials, YouTube videos, guidelines, articles, and so forth on all manner of photography topics, so if something isn't right in your images, you can find the answer to fix it.
Of course, saying "don't get frustrated" is easy. But if you stick with it, continue to learn and practice, and seek out ways to build your photography skills, in time, you'll find that you're a much better photographer than you thought you could ever be!