Getting Started In Photography—Start with an Interest and Build to a Passion
Getting started in photography can be much more than taking just average snapshots. It’s taking better snapshots of groups, pets, vacations, holidays and candids of your family and friends as well as starting to look at the world around you as a professional. You may have purchased or are planning to purchase a digital camera to capture images of your family as it grows—the births, birthdays, graduations, weddings and grandchildren. You may be a young, on-the-go adult with a separate digital camera and/or one in your phone. You take photos of you and your friends together, and then upload them to share with the world on your Facebook page.
Getting started into photography is a fun, learning experience, with tangible results to measure your progress. You’re almost guaranteed to be the center of attention if you’re shooting better beginner photography. Everyone will want to see themselves and others; and they will ask you to send them copies. Whatever kind of photography you’re shooting, you can improve the quality of your snapshots with the following hints for the beginner or amateur. You just might turn an interest in taking snapshots into a passion to create with your camera.
To become recognized as the photography “pro” by your family and friends, you must first learn everything to know about your digital camera or the one you’re planning to buy. If you’re new to photography, then buy a low-cost, point-and-shoot model. Once you learn the basics of photography with your first camera, you can then replace it with a more versatile model. That’s the same advice if you already have a digital camera. It’s also best to save your money when it comes to buying all kinds of extra equipment. The only useful choice for beginner photography is a low-cost, but solid tripod. This will help you take better group photos or pictures of your pets, and just generally steady your camera until you learn how to handle it.
With photography comes a learning curve that is essential to better beginner pictures. True, you can learn just enough to shoot average snapshots; but if you start with the mindset that the learning curve for beginner photography is an enjoyable experience, a fun challenge, then your photography will look anything but average. Start the learning process by thoroughly reading your digital camera’s manual. Learn the symbols on your camera so well that you don’t need to refer to the manual. Next, learn the basic rules of photography. There’s an overwhelming amount of information available, which is why it’s best to focus at first on just one or two authors or sources on beginner photography. Look for a local photography club that may have programs for photographers just starting out.
Just starting out in photography is the most fun and rewarding when you start to apply and experiment with what you’ve learned about your camera and the basic rules of beginner photography. Once you’re ready to shoot with what you’ve learned, the next hint is to take your camera with you wherever you go. You want to be ready to capture an interesting photo because the best photos occur when they occur. Your child’s smile, a friend’s laugh or the unique lighting conditions and angle of a photo opportunity you’ve discovered may never occur again.
Just starting out as a photographer, develop your eye to look for subject matter and/or locations from which you’d like to shoot a photo. If you just don’t have time now, then keep a small notebook in your camera bag or send yourself an email with the subject matter or location’s information. Return later when you have the time and you’re likely to take home some great beginner photography. Another hint is to start to experiment with the various settings on your digital camera that you’ve carefully learned. Remember, there is no film or processing costs; shoot as many beginner photographs as you like. With more experience in more settings and situations, the more your beginner photography will look like a person with a passion, not just an interest.