Getting started in photography doesn’t have to be challenging or intimidating. Persistence, a few creative projects, and networking can all help you thrive as a beginner.
The Essentials of Getting Started In Photography
Photography is a rewarding and satisfying hobby for millions of enthusiasts worldwide. Not too long ago, enthusiastic amateur photographers used to be called shutterbugs . (A slang for avid photographers derived from the “shutter” mechanism in a camera.)
These photography tips will help you get started as a beginner shutterbug. Here are some of your goals:
- learn new skills
- build your own community of passionate photographers
- become familiar with the art of post production
- challenge yourself regularly with projects
Let’s start with a few fundamental concepts that will help you strengthen your patience and improve your skills as a beginner in photography.
1. Invest Time in Photography
Getting started in photography requires an investment in time. It’s not a hobby that you can master within a few days. To make the most of this stage, you need a significant amount of patience.
You may have arrived on this page because you wanted to improve your photography or become a professional. Maybe your friends praised your work and encouraged you to take your hobby more seriously. Whatever your motive, you’re here because you want to become a better photographer.
Fortunately, there’s a wealth of free information available on websites like CreativeLive, Udemy, SkillShare, and PhotographyCourse.net. We have plenty of resources for aspiring photographers, including premium courses, a photography podcast, a YouTube channel, and much more!
2. Don’t Rush to Specialise
It’s not important for you to find your niche early on in your photography journey, so enjoy photographing anything and everything that stands out to you. If you like photographing nature, dabble in landscape photography. Enjoy taking candid photos of people? Play around with street photography.
Some professional photographers, like Joe McNally, have generalized portfolios. To put it simply, they enjoy photographing a wide variety of subjects. Other photographers prefer specializing in one genre, like portrait photography or macro photography. The journey of pursuing photography should be limitless and exciting. There is room for every kind of photographer in this world.
As you take photographs, notice what you naturally gravitate towards. Even if you don’t feel experienced enough, you have a unique style that can be developed. You already have your own special way of looking at the world. If you don’t take that for granted, you’ll enjoy taking pictures even more.
3. Join a Photography Community for Support
The sooner you start connecting with other photographers, the easier it will be for you to grow and improve creatively. The right photography community will encourage, motivate, and understand you.
As a beginner photographer, you might come across obstacles that are completely new to you. This might be a technical issue, a creative block, or an abstract photography question. Making photography mistakes is a natural part of the process. Fortunately, it’s not something you have to experience alone. You’ll find it easier to overcome obstacles when you have a support system.
Find a photography club in your area or join an online community, but don’t stop there. Introduce yourself and show your enthusiasm. Reach out to photographers that you admire. It’s very likely that you’ll find a bunch of great people that you can connect with and learn from.
We have a free online community for our PhotographyCourse.net members that’s filled with awesome tips and enthusiastic photographers. You’re welcome to join us there!
