Getting started in photography as a beginner isn’t for everyone, but it can be easily learned if you stick with it.
Here are 11 simple ideas to get you on your way towards your first professional shot.
You might want to capture family portraits, headshots, weddings, or simply document everyday moments, and this guide will help you navigate the basics and start building your photography skills.
Grab a camera. Any camera and take the first shot.
Don’t worry about the quality of the image, that will come later.
If you’ve already done that, you’ve crossed the first hurdle that stops many people from starting photography - overthinking.
Wannabes spend too much time researching the best camera gear, lenses, and software without ever taking a single shot.
The key is to stop overthinking and just go for it
The best way to learn photography (or anything really) is by doing.
Take photos every day, experiment with different angles, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
As you continue to shoot, you’ll naturally start to understand composition, lighting, and other essential aspects of photography.
Yes, it still doesn’t matter which camera you took your first shots with. What matters is taking those shots and getting out there.
If you’re still deciding where to start, here are some simple points to help you decide between a mirrorless camera and a DSLR.
Before you spend your life savings, start small while you explore if photography is fully for you.
Remember, don’t overthink it. Here’s a simple guide to help you:
· Don’t get too picky about the brand when you’re starting out.
· The big three—Canon, Nikon, and Sony—all offer fantastic cameras and lenses.
· Over time, you’ll develop your preferences, but when you’re starting, focus more on learning and less on brand loyalty.
· All three brands are well-established and capable of taking amazing photos.
· If budget is tight: Look at entry-level DSLR models. They offer great value for money, and you can often find used or older models at affordable prices.
· If you can spend a bit more: Consider a mirrorless camera, especially if you want a more compact system with modern features.
· Buy used: You can always find cheaper priced, but good shape cameras in your local area. This could keep your initial investment low as you trial your equipment.
· If you want something light and easy to carry: A mirrorless camera is likely the better choice since it’s smaller and more portable.
· If size and weight aren’t a big deal: A DSLR might work just fine, though it tends to be bulkier.
· If you like immediate feedback: A mirrorless camera’s electronic viewfinder will show you exactly how your settings affect the shot, which can be great for learning.
· If you prefer a traditional experience: A DSLR’s optical viewfinder gives a more natural view, but you’ll need to check the image after taking the shot to see how your settings turned out.
· If you’re unsure if photography is a long-term hobby: A more affordable DSLR could be a safer initial investment.
· If you plan to grow into photography: A mirrorless camera may give you more flexibility and modern features as you progress.
· If having many lens options matters: DSLRs have been around longer, and can offer a broader range of lenses, including affordable options that will still provide excellent results.
· If you don’t need lots of lenses right away: There are still plenty of beginner options for mirrorless lenses, but they may be a bit higher in price.
· Ditch the kit lens: The kit lens will not help you. Get the cheapest, best quality lens you can afford. This is going to be your best investment, even an entry-level prime lens.
· If possible, visit your local camera store or rent both types of cameras.
· Hold them, try the viewfinders, and see how they feel in your hands.
· A camera that feels right and is easy to use will help you stick with learning photography.
· Memory Card: This is a must. Use a reliable memory card with sufficient storage and speed to handle high-resolution images and quick shutters. Something with fast write speeds is the way to go.
· Reflector: While not necessary to start out, this can be a great tool for controlling lighting, especially in portrait photography and great for practice.
· Tripod: For stable shots, especially in low-light conditions or long exposures, depending on what type of photography. This could help reduce camera shake and allow for more creative compositions.
· Camera Case: Get something cheap in price but one that will protect your equipment. You don’t need to break the bank here.
If you’ve bought your camera and gear, what next?
Mastering your camera settings by getting out there and using your camera.
Here is a simple breakdown of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, collectively known as the Exposure Triangle.
Think of this as the amount of time your camera’s eye stays open.
· Fast shutter speeds (e.g., 1/1000 sec) freeze action—great for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.
· Slow shutter speeds (e.g., 1/30 sec) create motion blur—ideal for creative effects like showing the movement of water or light trails at night.
· Visual analogy: Imagine quickly opening and closing your window blinds (fast shutter) versus leaving them open for a while to let in more light (slow shutter).
This is the “pupil” of your camera, controlling how much light enters.
· Wide apertures (e.g., f/1.8) let in more light and create a shallow depth of field—making the subject stand out against a blurred background (perfect for portraits).
· Narrow apertures ( e.g., f/16) let in less light and keep more of the scene in focus—best for landscapes where you want everything sharp.
· Visual analogy: Think of squinting versus fully opening your eyes—when you squint, you see less, but everything might appear sharper.
This measures your camera’s sensitivity to light.
· Low ISO (e.g., ISO 100) is best in bright light—gives you cleaner, noise-free images.
· High ISO (e.g., ISO 3200) helps in low light—useful in dark environments but can introduce grain or noise into your photos.
· Visual analogy: ISO is like turning up the volume on a speaker. A low volume (low ISO) is clear and crisp, but turning it up too high (high ISO) can cause distortion or noise.
Key point: Lighting is everything in photography.
· The quality, direction, and intensity of light affect the mood and clarity of your images.
· There are three light styles or modes and you’ll find your preference as you grow.
· Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different lighting styles.
· The most desirable for photography because it’s free and abundant.
· This is where anyone could start without having to purchase a flash.
· There are many photographers who started out with only natural light shots and still have a successful business.
· Using a flash brightens your subject in low-light conditions and gives you full control over shadows and overexposure.
· Start with a more budget-friendly, on-camera flash to get used to it.
· Research and find how-to videos to understand how to use proper flash techniques and practice by doing.
· Studio lighting equipment like soft boxes or continuous lights is great and can give more control over your lighting.
· Tools like reflectors and diffusers modify light to create the desired effect.
· Reflectors bounce light back onto your subject, filling in shadows, while diffusers soften the light to create a more flattering effect.
Composition is how you arrange elements within your frame. Good composition turns a simple photo into a work of art.
Here are some techniques to think about put very simply:
· Divide your image into a 3x3 grid (think, tic-tac-toe).
· Place your subject along the lines or at the intersections to make the photo more balanced and interesting.
· Use lines like roads, rivers, or paths to guide the viewer’s eye toward the main subject in your photo.
· Shallow depth of field: Focus on your subject while the background is blurry, making the subject stand out.
· Deep depth of field: Everything from the foreground to the background is sharp and in focus, great for landscapes.
· The blurry, out-of-focus areas in a photo that make the subject pop and create a soft, dreamy background.
· A nice entry-level prime lens will help you with this beautiful, professional look.
Don’t forget to just take more and more pictures to get a feel for it.
Once you’ve captured your photos, post-processing takes them to the next level.
Editing allows you to correct exposure, adjust colors, and reveal details that may not have been apparent in the original shot.
Learning how to use editing software might seem daunting in the beginning, but it becomes easier as you practice.
Adobe Lightroom gives you a wide range of editing options, from basic exposure and colour adjustments to more advanced retouching.
Your image file type makes a big difference in post-processing.
· RAW Images: larger files containing more data, giving you more flexibility and control while editing.
· JPEG Images are smaller files, contain less data, and are more suitable for quick sharing but give less room for adjustments.
· Pro Tip: Shoot and edit with RAW files and export as a JPEG.
The more pictures you take, the more you’ll learn to shoot with correct exposure, contrast, and color balance which allows your editing and retouching process to be much simpler.
As you grow more comfortable with your camera and editing skills, you want to explore different photography genres to find your niche.
This type of photography is the most lucrative and simplest to start if the goal is to start a photography business.
You need to have lighting and composition skills and the ability to connect with your subjects to bring out their personality.
Portraits can include weddings, family, maternity, headshots and newborn photography.
Family photography is where many photographers start and end up shooting weddings as a full-time career.
If you love nature and the outdoors, landscape photography is a great way to improve your camera skills.
It’s about capturing the beauty of the natural world, whether it’s a serene forest, a dramatic mountain range, or a tranquil beach.
Street photography is about capturing real moments in public places.
You simply get out there, find interesting scenes, people, and events and let your camera tell a story.
Challenge yourself to this rewarding genre that captures animals in their natural habitats.
Although you need specialized equipment like long telephoto lenses, if you have a lot of patience, and love nature, this niche is for you.
Your shots will make food look as delicious as it tastes.
This genre could land you your first commercial deal in the restaurant industry!
If you love cars, this could be the perfect door to get into photography.
This car enthusiasts love to show off their cars, jump into the community with a camera and watch portfolio grow.
Your portfolio is your visual resume, and building it should be a top priority.
If you must give out free sessions to friends or family to build your portfolio, do it!
Building a diverse portfolio showcases your skills and gives you the confidence to take on paid gigs.
Every photographer starts somewhere. Embrace the process and be prepared to earn ‘your stripes’ by building and showcasing your completed work.
From there, you can start charging for your work and earn income.
Don’t take the shots that no one will see.
We know you love to be behind the camera. But at least, put your work out there.
Online presence is a must for any serious photographer looking to become a professional.
Grow your social media. Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest are powerful tools for photographers.
Open an account, don’t overthink it, and post your photos!
Start by posting your first sessions, then show your best work regularly by using relevant hashtags to increase visibility.
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and participating in beginner photography-related groups.
Launch a website and optimize it with SEO strategies to make your website appear in search results for relevant terms like “wedding photographer [your city]” or “[your city] family photographer.”
A simple basic website to start is better than no website.
Your online presence is your business card, don’t be afraid to show your work.
Once you’ve built a solid portfolio and gained some experience, it’s time to start charging for your services.
Start with reasonable rates, and gradually increase your prices as you build a reputation.
Remember, the goal is to turn your passion into a profitable business, so don’t undervalue your work.
Look at local photographers in your area with similar experience to check going rates and charge accordingly.
The best photographers are those who continuously adapt and grow.
Stay inspired by surrounding yourself with creative influences by following other photographers on social media, attending styled photography shoots, and by exploring new locations to shoot.
Embrace the journey, stay curious, and keep pushing the boundaries of your creativity.
Remember, the photographer who learns by doing goes further than the researching overthinker.
Go and have fun!
Again, photography is learnable, and the best way to learn is by doing.
You’ll start off iffy, but you’ll get better and become a professional if you don’t stop.
Take these 11 ideas as a checklist on your journey.
Tick off each one as you progress, and you are on your way to a successful photography career. If that’s what you want.
Even if you simply want to capture beautiful moments, remember that the key is to keep learning, practicing, and evolving.
Who’s to say you can’t do both - capture beautiful moments for fun and still transform your love for photography into a thriving business?
And let us know how it goes! Shoot us a message, and we’ll follow your journey!
About the Author, Kevin Fearn
Kevin works directly with his wife, Shayna Fearn, and together, they run a successful photography business in Edmonton, AB. He has a passion for working with photographers and hosts the SF Photography podcast. He also runs a Web Design and SEO agency for photographers and local businesses. Kevin creates photography content through blogging and video.
