Photography is a wide field with various areas of expertise. If you are interested in pursuing a new hobby and wondering how to get started, here are some tips to help you!
1. Don't stress about your equipment
You don't need a fancy camera to take good photographs. Remember, the technique is more important than your equipment. Most of the time, you can get the job done with your smartphone. Modern smartphones have high-resolution sensors that produce sharp, high-quality images. At the end of the day, it’s not the camera that takes a great photo—it’s you! So instead of buying a new camera, work with what you have. Once you outgrow your current camera, you can think of an upgrade.
2. Use a tripod when possible
Often, we tend to have shaky hands when trying out photography for the first time. Experienced photographers suggest using a tripod whenever possible—it helps improve stability and frame images better.
3. The rule of thirds
Amateur photography is easily identified by the photo’s composition. Most of us tend to place the subject right in the center of the frame, which results in predictable images.
According to the Digital Photography School, “if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines, your photograph becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer to interact with it more naturally.”
4. Don't be stationary
Keep moving as you take pictures. Try different angles—stand on a chair, lie on the ground, or circle around the subject. This helps you discover new perspectives.
5. Hold the camera close
Many beginners tend to hold the camera away and stretch their arms forward. This destabilizes your posture and reduces sharpness. Keep the camera close to your body for stability and control.
6. Experiment with light
Light is an essential part of any photograph. The more you pay attention to it, the better you will become at using it to your advantage. Experiment with different lighting sources and conditions such as:
- Natural sunlight vs artificial light
- Morning light vs afternoon light
- Flash vs no flash
7. Make a list of shots
We all get sidetracked and forget about the images we really want to capture. Keeping a list of shots helps you stay focused and improve your skills. Plus, it’s satisfying to check them off once completed!
8. Make space for feedback
Getting feedback can be scary, but it’s a key part of learning. Seek critiques from both professional photographers and friends or family—you’ll get valuable technical advice and insight into what your audience enjoys.
9. Use automatic features when possible
As an amateur photographer, you have many things to think about when taking a shot. Simplify your process by using automatic camera modes. For example, let your camera handle focus and white balance while you concentrate on composition. Once comfortable, start experimenting with manual settings.
10. Get inspired!
At first, it can be challenging to identify your preferred style or subject matter. That’s when inspiration helps! Study the work of other photographers—not to copy them, but to awaken your creativity and guide your artistic instincts.
11. Make mistakes
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Getting exposure wrong or composing imperfectly can be frustrating, but these moments help you grow. There’s no absolute right or wrong—just your unique view of the world through your lens.
12. Practice, Practice, Practice!
The most important tip: keep practicing! Take your camera everywhere. Opportunities can arise anytime—a funny face at dinner, a beautiful sunset, or a fleeting moment. By staying ready, you’ll capture more and keep improving your skills.
Manesha Peiris (2021)
