How can I get started with photography…?
I was having a chat with someone in my Instagram messages the other day. This person was saying that they’re really interested in photography, but have no idea where to get started…
I can imagine that anyone who’s thought of picking up a camera feels like this when getting started. This is a doozy of a topic and I don’t have all the answers, far from it! But here are the suggestions I came up with after some reflection…
Inspiration |
Who inspires you? What is it that you like about their work? What draws you into the image?
It’s important to note, that I am not telling you to go out and take pictures just like these people, you need to find your own groove, and might as well do so right from the start! But, with that being said, I do think you can pick and choose parts of others’ images that inspire you, and see if you can incorporate some of that into your own work. The possibilities are endless, but you could notice… How much white they use, the way they’re able to use backlighting, how their subject is always framed right in the center of the photo, and so on, and so on. It will get you started, and working to create a style all your own!
Experiment |
Just start taking pictures, then do it again, and then again! Once you’re in a place where you can spend more time reviewing your images, ask yourself, what do I like about this image? If I were back in this same spot, what would I try to do differently? Where’s the light in this image? Should I go at a different time of day to see what affect that has?
Experimenting can mean so many different things…
Into photographing people? Grab a mate and go try some stuff — maybe bring some flowy fabric on a windy day and see what you come up with!
Landscapes more your jam? Pick a spot and go a few times! Use the weather and time of day to see how that changes things! What do you like the best?
Want to give wildlife a go? Bring some snacks, and place yourself at a safe distance. Where do the birds keep landing? OK, perfect, let’s start there!
Thinking you might like indoor portrait work? Grab a lamp and try placing it around the room, or your subject, to see how that affects your images!
Going Manual |
Feel like you’re ready to dive a little deeper? Fantastic!
Next, you could try going full manual [and no, you do not have to wait until you get to a “certain point” to give this a go, the right time is whenever you feel like it]!
Manual is exactly that, you change your settings and in turn, have more control over how your image will turn out. When you start with manual, learn about the exposure triangle, then just experiment with your settings. Take a little notebook and try different things while sitting in the same spot. It’s a lot to learn, so have patience with yourself, take breaks when you need, and try to just have fun with it [because that’s exactly what it should be, fun]!
You cannot mess it up… |
YouTube is a brilliant resource, almost overwhelmingly so, but there is something out there for everyone. Or if courses are your thing, odds are you can find something nearby or online. The beautiful thing about photography is that it’s another beautiful form of creativity, you cannot mess it up! It truly is what you make it, so don’t be afraid to try and start over, as many times as you need!
In the end, it really boils down to just getting started… Get out with whatever tool you currently have access to and just give it a go!
Don’t be concerned about the end result, and instead have fun, try things, and explore this new avenue of creativity. What’s the worst that’s going to happen? Delete a bunch of images? We’ve all been there! Even those deleted images can teach you a lot.
I truly hope you find that this helps. I cannot wait to see what you create, so please make sure to comment below, flick me an email, or tag me on socials [I’m @allisonpremischook, and I can’t wait to see you there]!
Last thing, keep in mind that like all other hobbies, it’s going to take time to get to a place where you are really happy with your work [I still have doubts about my work] but that’s all a part of the process and evolving as an artist… As always, if you have any questions, please reach out and ask questions! Grateful to be with you along this journey…
