Master Photography as Beginner
Photography is an exciting and rewarding journey, but when you’re just starting out, it can feel overwhelming. There’s so much gear, so many techniques, and an endless stream of advice from photographers online. But if you’re new to photography, the best thing you can do is start simple.
Here’s a no-nonsense guide to help you build a solid foundation in photography without overcomplicating things.
1. Start with What’s Around You
You don’t need to travel to exotic locations or shoot breathtaking landscapes to develop your skills. Start with the everyday moments around you—your home, family, kids, pets, or even the objects in your living space. The key is to practice seeing things creatively and telling a story through your images.
Pro Tip:
Try photographing the same subject at different times of the day. Notice how lighting changes the mood of the image.
2. Understand Your Camera Inside and Out
Your camera—whether it’s a smartphone, a point-and-shoot, or a mirrorless system—should feel like an extension of your hands. Learn how to adjust settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Experiment with different shooting modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, manual) to see how they affect your photos.
Pro Tip:
Don’t let anyone tell you that shooting in manual mode is the only way to be a real photographer. Use whatever mode helps you capture the best shot while learning along the way.
3. Avoid the Social Media Trap
While social media is great for inspiration, it’s also full of distractions and unrealistic portrayals of photography. Many photographers on Instagram or TikTok are more focused on selling you something rather than helping you grow. Instead of chasing likes, focus on improving your craft.
Better Alternative:
Join a real photography community—whether online or in person—that focuses on skill-building, storytelling, and critique rather than just showcasing gear.
4. Take a Photography Course
If you’re serious about improving, investing in a structured photography course can be invaluable. There are excellent online resources from seasoned photographers who teach composition, lighting, and editing techniques.
One highly recommended platform is Kelby Training, where legendary photographers like Jay Maisel share their knowledge.
Pro Tip:
If editing feels intimidating, take a beginner’s course in Lightroom or Photoshop. Editing isn’t “cheating”—it’s part of the creative process.
5. Push Through the Learning Curve
Your first few months (or even years) of photography might be frustrating. Your images may not match what you envisioned, and that’s okay. The key is to push through the struggle and keep shooting.
Kobe Bryant once said, "You have to get through the suck." That applies to photography too. The only way to improve is to keep going, even when your shots don’t turn out the way you want.
Pro Tip:
Photographers often compare the craft to fishing—some days you get amazing shots, and other days you come home with nothing. The important thing is to keep going out there and trying again.
6. Find a Supportive Photography Community
Surrounding yourself with other photographers—whether in-person or online—will help you grow faster. Other creatives will understand your struggles and provide valuable feedback.
Check out Life and Focus Discord, a free photography community that focuses on creativity rather than just gear talk.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, photography should be fun. It’s not rocket science—you’re just capturing moments and expressing creativity. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Just enjoy the process. Wherever you are in your photography journey, remember that progress takes time. Keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun.