New to the world of photography? It’s an exciting and fun-filled time to try out all sorts and find a photographic style you love!
Whether you own a smartphone or DSLR camera, anyone can be a photographer these days. From learning how to take a good selfie to photographing others, the goal of this guide is to help you get started, and learn everything you need to know as a beginner in photography. Read on to find out our top photography tips for beginners, helpful tricks and advice.
1. Get started with the right camera
We don’t believe in splurging on the latest camera, especially if you’re new to photography. You really can start with just your smartphone. Many modern smartphones have the ability to adjust settings manually, meaning when you do get around to investing in a camera, you’ll have some pretty decent photo-taking knowledge you can apply
Wondering what else you can use to capture photos? Here’s a list:
- Point-and-shoot (compact) camera
- Film camera
- Instax mini camera (or Polaroid)
- Mirrorless camera
- DSLR camera
Point-and-shoot cameras
Point & shoot cameras are compact, affordable and easy to use. Many offer zoom lenses, image stabilisation, and automatic modes. This makes them a great starter camera. However, they have smaller sensors and lack manual controls. Image quality won’t be as good as a DSLR, especially in challenging light. Still, point & shoots are lightweight, user-friendly and can teach you photography fundamentals.
Film cameras
Film cameras, including Instax cameras and disposable cameras, use film to run. Think of 35mm film you used to use as a child and get developed at your local Max Spielmann store. They’re incredibly helpful for teaching you the basics of exposure, and with limited shots, they can train you to take your time when you try to frame the perfect shot.
Mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras are nothing new in photography these days. Essentially, mirrorless cameras capture images without the use of a mirror in the camera body (that a DSLR uses). Everything is digital and this allows you to view your photos in real time on the screen or EVF (electronic viewfinder). They’re generally far more compact than DSLRs, but due to the many moving parts, they can be more expensive to purchase – especially if you’re just starting out.
DSLR cameras
DSLR (digital single lens reflex) cameras allow you to change lenses and offer full manual controls. This makes them the most versatile and customisable choice. DSLRs have large image sensors that produce higher-quality photos, especially in low light. The downside is they can be bulky, complex for beginners, and more expensive. Still, their image quality and flexibility make DSLRs the best choice if you’re serious about photography.
2. Learn the basics
The three main camera settings (also known as the “exposure triangle”) are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Mastering these settings gives you control over the look of your photos.
Aperture
The aperture is the size of the opening in the lens that allows light into the camera. You’ll see this noted with an f (focal length), and the rise and fall of this is known as an f-stop. The larger the f-stop number, the smaller the aperture, meaning less light is available, but the overall image will be far more focused.
So why is this important? Aperture affects something known as depth of field. Images shot with a large aperture (a low f-stop number) will have a shallow depth of field (the distance between the nearest and the furthest objects giving a focused image). However, images shot with a small aperture (high f-stop number) will have a large depth of field.
Shutter speed
The shutter speed determines how long the camera sensor is exposed to light. It is measured in fractions of a second – for example, 1/60th or 1/250th of a second. A fast shutter speed can freeze motion, while a slow shutter speed will blur motion, which can make for some really cool effects. A tripod is recommended when using slow shutter speeds to allow more light in but keep an image in focus. Whilst it may make more sense to just keep your shutter speed as high as you can, remember that the image will be exposed to the slightest bit of light. It can take a bit of trial and error to get this right though, so don’t be disheartened!
ISO
The ISO (International Standards Organisation) determines how sensitive the camera sensor is to the lighting available. It is measured in numerical values – common values are 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (and so forth), with some cameras able to go as low as 50 ISO. A lower ISO requires more light but produces a cleaner image. A higher ISO requires less light but produces more image noise. However, with modern technology, you can use generative AI to clean up noise! Just note that this can make edges and details “smooth” as opposed to crisp.
3. Shoot in RAW
Shooting in RAW allows you to capture and edit an image in all of its glorious detail. This means you have the highest level of quality to work with during editing. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for photography beginners, as it allows room for errors and experimentation. Shooting in RAW, whilst daunting to begin with, eventually acts as a safety net, as you can often recover shots that might have been too dark or too bright.
4. Understand what priority modes are
There are various priority modes on cameras, including Program mode (P), Aperture Priority (A or Av) and Shutter Priority (S or Tv). These let you prioritise one setting, while the camera adjusts the others. Think of it as a semi-automatic mode for your camera. Aperture Priority controls depth of field, Shutter Priority controls motion and Program mode is more ISO-focused. Understanding these modes by giving them a whirl on a shoot can give you greater creative control over your photos, as well as be a stepping stone into shooting manual mode.
5. Practice composing an image
Composition refers to the arrangement and positioning of subjects within the frame of a photograph. Mastering key composition techniques can elevate your images from quick snapshots to thoughtfully crafted photographs. Here are some core composition tips for beginners:
The rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is one of the most common fundamental composition guidelines. To use it, mentally divide your frame into thirds vertically and horizontally (some cameras and smartphones allow you to add lines in their settings!). The intersections of those lines are ideal spots to position important elements like your subject’s eyes or the horizon. You can play about with this though, as there aren’t “set rules” in image-making – placing subjects off-centre makes the image more dynamic, whereas symmetry can be aesthetically pleasing.
Leading lines
Leading lines draw the viewer’s eye into the image. Think long stretches of roads, fences, train tracks, and coastlines. Position your subject where the lines converge for a bold composition. Or let the lines direct attention across the frame in a horizontal image.
Framing
Framing involves using objects in the foreground to frame the main subject. Trees, arches, windows, and doorways naturally form frames. Frames give images a sense of depth and perspective.
Negative space
Negative or empty space around the main subject brings the focus to it. Capture expansive skies, open fields, large walls, or other uncomplicated backgrounds. The empty areas let the subject stand out while creating a sense of openness. This is great if you’re after a minimal, clean look.
6. Get to know your camera’s settings
No matter what you shoot on, your photo-taking device of choice will have additional settings you can use to step up your photography. Here are just a few of them:
Manual and auto mode
Most beginner photographers start by using auto mode, which allows the camera to automatically choose settings like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and more. This is fine when you’re just starting out, but you’ll quickly hit limitations.
Switching to manual mode gives you full control over all of the camera’s settings. This allows you to make deliberate creative choices and have more influence over your final image. Manual mode takes some practice but is worth learning. Start by changing just one setting at a time, like aperture or shutter speed, while leaving the rest in auto. This can allow you to really understand how one setting affects the other.
Focus modes
Understanding focus modes allows you to control which part of your image will be in sharp focus. Some common modes include:
- Single Auto Focus – Focus locks when the shutter is half-pressed. This is ideal when your subject is still, or has minimal movement
- Continuous Auto Focus – Focus adjusts if the subject moves. Better for action shots.
- Manual Focus – Set focus yourself by adjusting the focus ring on your lens. Useful in low light or other tricky conditions.
White balance
White balance controls the colour temperature of your photos. Again, most beginners use auto white balance and get pretty decent results. However, learning to adjust the white balance manually can improve your photos by creating warmer or cooler tones – depending on your preference and desired effect.
Try switching to manual white balance and experimenting with different presets for common lighting like sunlight, shade, cloudy, tungsten, and fluorescent. Some cameras even allow you to dial in a custom white balance for mixed or unusual lighting situations.
7. Check settings before and during shoots
If it was a “set up and go” approach to all shoots, we’d all be pros! Unfortunately, with changing conditions, you’ll need to review your settings on the go. Always cross-check your camera settings before and during a shoot. You’d want to ensure your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture are adjusted according to your desired outcome. Regular checking prevents accidental under- or over-exposed shots too, but don’t be disheartened if your images are unusable. It’s all a learning curve!
8. Use flash sparingly
Whilst flash can brighten up your subject, it can sometimes make your photos appear flat and over-lit. Most cameras also have flash as a standard option, so be sure to turn it off when you don’t need it. However, flash can certainly be a great tool to fill in some unwanted shadows, so experiment with it if you get the chance to.
9. Back up your photos
Back up your photos regularly to avoid losing your photos. Whether on a cloud service, external hard drive, or both, regularly backing up your work will ensure your photos are safe. We’d also recommend having multiple backups in case one fails.
Really want to preserve your photos? Photo prints are the best way to keep memories for life!
10. Invest in a good lens
We’re not saying you should fork out for the best of the best at this point. As a beginner photographer, we recommend going for an all-rounder, such as a kit lens (which is around the 18-55mm mark). These will often have limited or high f-stops, but to get the basics down, they’ll more than suffice. Here are some other lenses you may want to consider if you’re itching to shoot particular subjects:
Prime lens
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning they don’t zoom. This is an advantage as they offer outstanding sharpness and faster apertures like f/1.8, f/1.4 and even f/1.2 – these allow more light in and blurred backgrounds. Common primes for beginners are 50mm (AKA the “nifty fifty”) and 35mm. They teach you to zoom in with your feet and take creative control.
Zoom lens
Zoom lenses allow you to change the focal length and angle of view without moving. They provide great versatility for everything from landscapes to portraits. Some good starter zoom lenses are 24-70mm, though some have even smaller ranges from 16-35, which give you the flexibility to shoot both wider and cropped in.
Telephoto lens
Telephoto lenses have long focal lengths over 85mm. They can magnify subjects at far greater distances and are more suitable for wildlife, sports, arenas and other distant scenes. Telephotos like 70-300mm or 100-400mm, combined with image stabilisation, allow you to handhold at slower shutter speeds.