Top 7 Tips For Beginner Photographers

As a 16-year-old kid, I began getting interested in the concept of photography. A friend of mine bought a DSLR and was constantly looking for models who could help him experiment with his portrait photography. I, of course, volunteered and spent the remainder of my high school experience being surrounded by all things photography. Eventually, I realized that I didn't enjoy being in front of the camera as much as I enjoyed being behind it. Luckily, my friend was more than willing to teach me some basics and lend me his camera once in a while, but other than that I really didn't know where to begin. Here are the top 7 things I learned when kicking off my photography journey.

1. Don't Buy Expensive Equipment Right Away

As a beginner photographer, you might think that you need an expensive DSLR and other fancy equipment in order to start off, but this isn't the case. You can take some pretty epic photos with a phone or even a simple point and shoot camera. Nowadays, most phones have decent quality cameras which can do wonders. Take photos all the time and get a feel for what it's like to take photos, before making a huge investment. When I was just starting out with photography, I remember taking a trip with my parents and their friends to some cottage in the mountains. I took a simple point and shoot Nikon with me and I was determined to take photos of absolutely everything I saw. So, that's what I did. Here are some of the photos I took:

Of course, looking back now, I know they weren't the best photos, but back then I was really proud of them. It also gave me the chance to look at everyday items in a different perspective. I experimented and had loads of fun. I think that weekend really made me fall in love with photography and made me realize that it's something I would like to learn more about. So, take your phone or point and shoot camera and experiment, have fun and see if this is something you would like to continue doing!

2. Get Down to the Basics

It's important to get down to the basics when just starting off with photography. Like in my cottage photos, it's crucial that you observe the everyday object and try to capture it in a creative and different perspective. Come on - honestly speaking, how many ways are there to photograph some apples? Believe it or not, there are probably hundreds of ways! Spend some time and discover those ways, as it will not only give you perspective but an idea of the style of photographs you prefer taking. In addition, you will learn some photography basics through a simple trial and error.

3. Use Free Learning Resources

YouTube is your best friend down this photography journey. There are tons of videos regarding anything you can possibly want to know about photography. Do not underestimate how much you can learn on YouTube. Unfortunately for me, in my early high school years, YouTube was just starting out and there weren't many users or resources for photographers. In addition to YouTube, there are a ton of free online photography courses which you can take advantage of. Here are a few:

1. Introduction to Photography and Related Media

2. Basics of Photography: The Complete Guide

3. Ditch Auto - Start Shooting in Manual

4. Alex Buisse Photography Class

5. Cambridge in Color Course

4. Learn Amazing Post-Processing

Taking an amazing photo is only 50% of the work of a great photographer. The other 50% is post-processing, which is something that really improves the image and tweaks it in the way you want it to look. Similarly to photography, post-processing can be learned through a multitude of online resources. Again, YouTube is your best friend here. Though I currently use Lightroom and Photoshop for processing, I used to use. Pixlr is a great photo-processing tool which is free. It's great for beginners, as it comes with a lot of useful functions and tools and without the pricey investment like other professional photo-procession tools.

5. Find Photography Friends

Like I previously mentioned, the reason I got into photography was thanks to my friend. It's really important to have someone with whom you can discuss photography, someone you can learn from and most of all someone to get inspired from. There is nothing better than spending a day with fellow photographers, experimenting with different shots, ideas and getting inspired by the work and skills of one another. If you don't know anyone who is into photography around you, make sure to join some Facebook groups or forums and get involved!

6. Get Inspired

Like any other art form, photography requires a ton of inspiration. Keeping your inspiration alive can be difficult at times (trust me, I know!), but make sure that you are following some simple steps to make sure that you are never out of good ideas. Note down photography project ideas in a notebook or your phone. Sit down and have a brainstorming on things you would love to do in regards to photography, plan out how you will achieve these goals and make the ideas come to life. I have two main sources or inspiration; 1) the world around me and 2) Pinterest.

For instance, I love all things Christmas, I especially love fairy lights. I wanted to take some non-traditional Christmas portraits with a subject and fairy lights. I noted that down and scrolled through photos and photos of fairy light portraits on Pinterest in order to get inspired. Here are some of the photos I eventually took:

Note down your ideas and look for inspiration around you. Make sure to follow through with that inspiration!

7. Be Consistent. Take Loads of Photos. Don't Give Up.

Typically I am a very introverted person, which is a huge nuisance in regards to photography because, let's face it, as a photographer you are constantly working with people. This was one of my biggest hurdles when it came down to it. Wanting to step out of my comfort zone, I began working on a project which was entirely revolved around people. I asked them different questions about their life (their proudest and happiest moments, regrets, and yes, even about how their first time :O) and captured their emotion on camera. This was the best decision I made in regards to my photography journey! It helped me loosen up, interact with people I wouldn't have otherwise gotten the chance to and most of all continue doing what I love.

The most important thing when starting off photography is to take lots of photos and be consistent. Take your phone and camera with you everywhere you go and take a ton of photos. Practice makes perfect. You will make mistakes, but that's part of the learning processes. The most vital thing of all; do not give up! Photography is not easy and you will definitely face some hurdles, but make sure to keep at what you love!