Getting Strated with Photography:
Where do I start with Photography? is the most common question that we encounter when we are just starting.
Getting Started with Photography is quite easy these days as digital cameras are widely available to us all. However, Learning Basic photography techniques are quite necessary for you to stand out from the rest of the crowd.
If You’re thinking of How to get into photography as beginner, it can be quite confusing as there’s so much information out there, which can be intimidating at times.
In this introduction to photography, whether you choose photography as a hobby or as a professional career, I will explain in detail, The 4 Basic Steps of How to get into Photography from a beginner to Advanced Level.
Read Till The End to Know the Easiest Way to get into photography.
Step 1: Developing Core Interest.
Famous photographer Ansel Adams once said.
“YOU DON’T TAKE A PHOTOGRAPH, YOU MAKE IT.”
You have to have a certain level of interest to take it to the next level. Art is something you cannot force on people. Of course, you can master anything by practice but to be a great photographer you have to be passionate about it.
Photography is not about capturing everything you see, it is more of showing only the parts that are interesting to you. A Good Way to develop this is by Observing the nature, people and objects.
Let’s Say, You have been to a beautiful hill station and you found beautiful scenery and you want to show it to the world or you want others to feel what you have felt.
Photography does just that.
[ => Watch the Video in Story Telling Section (How to photograph Hope) If you need some inspiration ]
Step 2: Equipment you need, for getting into Photography.
CAMERA
All you need to start photography is just a camera.that’s it. If You ask me, What is the Best Camera for getting into photography, I would say Pick whatever that is available to you this is particularly important if you are learning photography as a beginner.
Sure you can buy all the expensive cameras and lenses but while starting out, I recommend using a used or cheap camera until you understand the Fundamentals of Photography.
Photography can be an expensive hobby, so be careful before buying an expensive camera only to find out later that this is not for you. Remember the lens of one manufacturer can only fit on the camera body of the same manufacturer.
forexample Nikon Lens will fit only with Nikon Cameras and not with Canon Cameras.
Learn how to use the camera in your pocket i.e Smart Phone. smartphones have come a long way with their photo capabilities. or simply buy a point and shoot camera
I strongly suggest you to learn, how to take good photos with phone before venturing into the DSLR Photography 101.
However, If you insist, These are the Basic Photography Equipment every photographer should have in his arsenal.
- DSLR or A Mirror less Camera ( Recommended Beginner Cameras )
- TRIPOD
- LENS (Nikon, Canon, Sony )
- A 5 in 1 REFLECTOR
- EXTRA SET OF BATTERIES.
- ATTACHABLE FLASH.
- MEMORY CARDS
- LIGHTING KIT or EXTERNAL FLASH
- BACKUP HARDISK or ONLINE BACKUP PLAN for Photos
- LAPTOP or DESKTOP for storing and Editing Photos.
- Camera Bags for Storage and Carrying
- SOFTWARES for Editing
- LightRoom
- Photoshop
- Snapseed ( Best For Mobile)
Step 3: THINGS YOU NEED TO LEARN
Master Basics of Photography (applies to any Camera):
If you chose to be a professional or even a hobbyist for that matter Learning DSLR Photography 101 is a must.
You have to have a deep understanding of the DSLR parts and their functions like
Basic Terminology
ISO:
Controls the Sensitivity of Sensor.
Represented as 100, 200, 400, 800, 3200, 6400, 12800 etc.
Higher the Number = Brighter the Image.
Shutter Speed:
A physical or Electronic Shutter opens and closes to allow light only for a certain period of time.
1/4000, 1/1000, 1/500, 1/100, 1/10, 1/2, 1, 2, 5, 30, Bulb.
Faster shutter speeds = Less amount of light = Darker the Image.
Aperture:
The Physical size of the hole in the lens determines the amount of light passing through the lens on to the sensor.
represented as f1.8, f2.0, f3.5, f4.8, f.8, f22, f32. (Larger to Smaller size.)
Bigger the Aperture = More amount of Light Passing through the lens = Brighter the Image.
ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture have Secondary Effects on the Image as well, these are clearly discussed in the Absolute Beginners Guide to Photography Article.
Alternatively, you can
Check This Infographic or watch the videos below.
Noise:
The Lower the Noise Level The Better the Image Quality
So always try to shoot at lower ISOs
Motion Blur:
General Thumb Rule on How to Avoid Motion Blur in Your Pictures when shooting handheld is by using a shutter speed that is at least the focal length of the lens
Eg:
1. If you are shooting with an 80mm lens handheld you need to shoot with a shutter speed of at least 1/80 to avoid motion blur.
2. For a 200mm lens, it should be minimum 1/200
Tip: You can go lower than 1/200 if you have image stabilization ( VR – Vibration Reduction ) enabled in the lens or You can use a Tripod.
Focal Length:
Can be best explained by the Video below.
represented as 18mm, 35mm, 50mm, 100mm, 200mm, 400mm, 500mm.
as a general rule higher the number the narrower the field of view and the farther, it can see. ( Zoom)
Exposure Meter :
Always try to get as close to Zero as Possible in the Exposure Meter to get the Image exposure Correctly and it also gives a greater latitude while editing.
Photography Basics Cheat Sheet
Entire Photography Basics can be condensed into the Following easily Digestible Photography Beginners Guide or Cheat Sheet.
Please Pin the Image below in Relevant Board Like Photography Cheat Sheet
and Do Follow Our Pinterest Page for More Content.
Advanced Concepts and Terminology:
To be a Professional Photographer you must understand the Certain High-level Concepts in photography. These Concepts can be quite Complicated If You are just starting out.
So, I don’t recommend them until you get a good understanding of the Core Concepts
If You Want to Learn In-depth Tutorials for Advanced Photographer Watch the Videos Below or Just Skip Ahead.
Depth of Field:
Exposure triangle:
Metering Modes:
This is how your camera Calculates the amount of light in the scene and conveys it to the exposure meter so that you can judge if the scene is exposed correctly or not.
RAW vs JPEG Formats:
In Simple terms
RAW = Uncompressed Image = Best Quality Your Camera Offers = Best for Editing.
Jpeg = Compressed Image = Ok Quality = Good for Quick Sharing = Not So Good for Editing.
Dynamic Range:
its a complicated topic but mostly meant for editing or post-processing purposes, however, you should know this concept as well.
Photography Theory or Concepts You Need to Master
There are Certain Concepts in Photography You need to Learn and Understand like
Subject:
The Most Important Part of the Photograph is Subject
The subject is what we want our audience to focus on.
Subjects can be of different types
based on the subject there are different Styles of photography
Face – Portrait Photography
Scenery – Landscape Photography
Objects – Still Life Photography or Product Photography.
Light, Yes Light can also used a subject.
Color Can also be a subject.
Light and Shadow:
” Photography means To Paint with Light. “
Understanding light is the most basic thing in photography
learn terminology like soft light, hard light, bounce light , golden light, Ambient light etc.
Composition:
The composition is a way by which we guide the eye of the viewer
Some of the techniques include Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Golden Ratio, etc.,
=>Watch the Video Below One the Best on Photography Composition a Free Masterclass from an Artist.
Details / Texture:
Texture or details are the crucial part of any photograph without details
Your photograph won’t stand out.
This Concept can be best understood by the images below
Depth in Photography:
Even though a photograph is 2-dimensional, we can add depth into the photography by dividing it into
foreground, mid-ground and background.
Color:
Understanding Color is also a very basic thing for artists.
Color conveys Emotion greater than any other technique.
=> Watch the video below again a Masterclass from the Best.
Storytelling:
What is the purpose of photography or any art, for that matter?
It a storytelling medium. that’s what separates a Real Photographer from an Amateur.
You need to Tell A Story through your picture. That’s how you become a Great photographer.
Learning to Tell a Story through Pictures is an Advanced Concept, Don’t Worry If You Can’t Understand these concepts yet. You will reach this point ultimately.
STEP 4: Where To Learn Photography?
There are 3 methods to learn photography
A. Tradition Method.
B. DIY or Self Teaching Method.
C. Easiest Method.
A. Traditional Method:
Photography Schools are the traditional way to learn photography.
The advantage being you will get an Official Certificate from them which can be useful to join in the internship and another being You get a structured Format unlike the Online Classes and you can also get exposure and contacts which are important you want to pursue a professional career.
B. DIY or Self Teaching Method :
Join A Photography Forum:
Forums are the best way to get to the community. You can ask questions, Find Friends who are starting out just like You.
You can post your photos ask them for review, you can learn tips and tricks, connect with fellow artists.
Some of the photography forums I recommend are
Learn From YouTube:
YouTube is a great way to start photography.
There are tons and tons of free content on YouTube made by expert photographers.
However, YouTube is unorganized and you have to find your way through it and most of the content may not be specific for your need.
YouTube is how I got into photography, I learned most of the DSLR Basics, Photography 101, and DSLR tips from it.
There are detailed explanation videos on even small things like what is f-stop number to complicated topics like depth of field. these will surely make you a Self Taught Photographer.
Some of the Channels and Playlists You Should follow
As Beginner Photographers
From Moderate to Advanced Photographers
Watch These Free Masterclasses
Join Photography Challenge Apps:
There’s no better way than self-teaching by challenging yourself in any art form.
Photography Challenge apps are a great way to Learn, Showcase, get inspired, Collaborate, and Even Win Prizes.
I learned so many things from the Gurushots app and their daily Challenges. I even crawled up the ranks to an Expert Level Photographer in an over months.
Instagram is another cool way to Learn Photography, primarily it was designed for photographers. There are many Photography Challenges.
You can even showcase your talent and grow an audience and get constant feedback from them.
Read Photography Books:
You have come this far into the article that means you are into reading books. They are the oldest and still the Standard way of Leaning. Books are quite comprehensive.
Honestly, I am not into reading books. I Learn mostly though online photography tutorials and photography challenges.
However, These are Some of The Popular Books as per Good Reads.
1. The Photographer’s Guide to Posing
2. The Photographer’s Eye
3. DSLR Photography for Beginners
Subscribe to Photography Magazines:
Photography Magazines, though full of ads have tons of images that can inspire Anyone to become a photographer.
Subscribe to at least one photography Magazine and study It. Try to Recreate the Exact Photo
Inspiration is everywhere you just have to find it.
Join Internship:
If you’re wondering who would accept a person into an internship who is learning photography for beginners course, You are probably right.
For You to Join as an Intern, You need to have a Deeper understanding of Photography apart from the
” photographing for starters ” basic Knowledge.
Joining an internship is the best way to get into a photography career as you get to deal directly with clients and observe everything from a closer view.
Just ask a Professional Photographer if you can join his Team but remember before approaching just make sure you have a good portfolio of photos.
C. Best Way to Learn Photography :
Online Photography Courses:
Online Photography Tutorials are the easiest and best way to learn photography. where you can join a course and attend to it whenever you have time.
This is a golden opportunity for hobbyists as well as serious photographers. there are tons of Expert photographers who are passionate about teaching photography to their students.
You can learn from the Best of the Photography Industry who can teach you From simple How to use a camera to things like How to make money in photography as a professional.
My recommendations
Digital Photography for Beginners with DSLR Cameras
Learn From the Masters:
Getting Inspired in Photography is a necessity. Unless you have a burning desire to tell a story you can’t be a great Photographer.
It is rightly said that
” A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS. “
Studying great Photographers and their techniques is the best way to get inspired. You can learn from them directly which are called Master Classes. Where they Breakdown each and every detail, their thought process, lens choice, and lighting techniques.
I strongly suggest you to Learn from the Master Photographers to learn the photography techniques and to find the inspiration.
Some of the Master classes of Great Photographers that I have Learned from
Annie Leibovitz – Portrait Photographer
=> Joel Grimes – Photography Masterclass
Go, Shoot, and Have Fun:
Ultimately Photography is a Powerful Medium.
It helps us Express Our Feelings through the pictures we take, in this world full of Fake People.
As said by One of The Great Photographers of Our Time
“When You Photograph people
It’s about History
It’s about Looking at Our Times
It’s about our Culture and Society.”
The Essence of How to Get into Photography is all about Starting to Practice Photography the right way and You will capture stunning photos in no time.
ALL THE BEST.
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