10 Tips to Get Started in Photography

Photography becomes very quickly a devouring passion as soon as one starts to use regularly the photographic equipment. We trigger, we visualize, we start again, and we quickly ask lots of questions. And faced with a result not always satisfactory, we are disappointed. Here are some tips to see if you're new to digital photography. They should help you avoid the most common mistakes and move faster.

Tips to Get Started in Photography

1. The price of the material does not make the quality of the photo

   
   Many beginners in photography, digital compact users, bridges, entry-level SLRs, think that without expert material they cannot progress. It's wrong! Use the material at your disposal and that you can afford. Do not look for the professional goal that we recommend if you do not know why you need it. Do not listen to the wise advice (!) Of those who promise you wonder with the latest digital SLR (out of your reach) in fashion.
   
   The easier your equipment is to handle and control, the more time you will spend taking photos. And that is what will make you progress.
   
   When you reach the limits of your hardware, which you should be able to evaluate for yourself, then consider replacing it. But not before.



2. Always have your camera at your fingertips

   
   
   It is by practicing that one progresses and it is by having the equipment with oneself that one can practice. Remember to always have photos with you: if you have a digital compact, put it in your bag or pocket. If it's a small enough SLR to be carried easily, do the same. Do you have material that is too big to carry around every day? You are wrong model Use a smartphone, a compact, but take pictures.
   
   If you really cannot have photos with you, take notes. Remember the situation in which you are, note the place and the time (it is important to find later the same conditions). And come back equipped if it's possible.



3. Make a list of the photos you would like to make

   
   
   When you're not photographing, think about it! Do you have a passion other than photography? Do you play a sport? Do you regularly encounter an exceptional situation or place? Make a list of the photos you could do. Imagine different conditions, light, time, and fill a form. Once you return to the field, it will be easier to make your images that you will have a list to follow.
   
   If you run out of ideas, take inspiration from photos you like on sharing sites or photographers' sites. Copying is also learning and no one will blame you for working on a subject based on the work of another photographer.



4. Do not look very far what you have under your nose

   
   
   One of the flaws of novice photographers is to think that you have to go far to bring back beautiful pictures. Or be in conditions reserved for the pros. It's wrong again.
   
   Look around you, observe your garden, your family, your city, and think about what makes your daily life. Vary the shots according to the seasons, the lighting, and the people you frequent. So many topics are easy to find and photograph it.



5. Take the time to think about your practice

   
   
   No professional photographer has become pro in a few days. Take the time to learn how to master your equipment. Read the user manual. Often boring, it still contains plenty of information that will be useful on the ground. Learn to change a setting without looking at the case. When the scene is not to be missed, you will be able to react very quickly.
   
   Get a practical photography guide (see our list of practical photo guides). It is a complement to the manual that is essential for any beginner. You will find all the basics to know, the fundamentals of digital photography. You will easily link to the instructions found in your manual after reading such a book. And you will ask yourself fewer questions in the field.
   
   If you find it hard to remember, think about making cards that you slip into your pocket. This type of card exists in the form of memos photos if you do not have the courage to do them yourself.



6. Train yourself for free

   
   
   If taking photo training is a definite plus to tackle some particular practices, you can do without training when you start. There are many free resources available on many specialized sites, photo tutorials, tips. These resources will allow you to acquire the first basics before moving on to more serious things with a trainer.



7. Test the different modes of your camera

   
   
   If your equipment permits, test the proposed modes. You will certainly discover possibilities that you did not know. Do not make the mistake of the beginner either to switch to full manual control and not to know why suddenly nothing goes. Change the shooting settings one by one, write down the results. And test something else.
   
   Take the necessary time for each test, sometimes you have to spend a whole day adjusting a setting to realize that it is better. Observe the photos made in these conditions, are they more interesting? Did you have more ease when shooting? And also remember that if your box has an automatic mode, it can also give good images in this mode. Do not believe the so-called experts who tell you that out of the manual mode there is no salvation.



8. Learn the basics of photography

   
   
   It will not be repeated enough, but whatever the degree of sophistication of your photographic material, the basics of photography are always the same from the beginning. Knowing why and how to adjust the aperture, the speed of exposure or the sensitivity is fundamental. Knowing depth of field, motion blur, overexposure (or underexposure) is vital.
   
   You will not be able to make any progress if you do not bother to learn these concepts. Do not fall into the opposite extreme thinking that you have to master all the complex notions of photography to move forward. However, the bases remain the bases as in any practice.



9. Post-processing software is not everything

   
   
   Some beginners think that if their photo is not perfect for shooting, they will just push a few sliders to improve it from their computer. Photo processing software is essential to the expert photographer. But they do not do miracles. If your photo is poorly exposed, fuzzy, poorly framed, the software will not make it exceptional.
   
   Review most of the tips in this list and leave out your software as long as your photos are not correct for shooting. Once that's the case then start learning the photo processing (yes, that's another necessary learning). Otherwise, use your computer only for its "Trash" function; it is the best place for all your missed photos.



10. Show your photos to those who know

    
    
    Too many beginners are content to share their works with their loved ones. Knowing that the acquisition of a digital SLR makes you the photographer of the family, needless to say, all your loved ones will find your beautiful images. They flatter you. By sharing with more experienced photographers you will learn, receive advice, and get objective advice.
    
    There are many ways to show your photos. Sign up for the photo-club of your town, post your images on a dedicated website, make economic draws and show them to the right people.
    
    Always have with you the photos that you consider the best of your production. Do not show the ones you know missed because they are missed. It is by showing the best images that you will have relevant opinions (and fewer images to show very quickly). And by dint of sharing, you will learn how to select for yourself and sort, which can only be.