The Basics About Photography: Helpful Tips For Great Photos

Hey there! I’m excited to share this guide on the basic about photography written for my daughter-in-law, Rean. My goal for this guide is to provide a comprehensive overview. If you want to delve deeper, you will find links throughout the post covering specific topics in more depth. We’ve carefully curated these resources to ensure that they are reliable and up-to-date, so you can trust the information. Grab your favorite drink and settle in for a deep dive into the basics about photography!

But First, Why Learn Basic Photography?

Well, the truth is, there are countless reasons why you should dive into this fascinating art form. From capturing unforgettable moments to expressing yourself creatively, photography offers endless possibilities. Impressive? It certainly is, so here are just a few reasons why you should consider learning the basics of photography:

Take better pictures:

Let’s face it – we all want to take better pictures. By learning basic photography, you’ll be able to take photos that are sharp, well-composed, and visually appealing.

Learn how to capture pictures like a pro:

Ever wonder how professional photographers capture those amazing shots? By learning the basics of photography, you’ll gain insight into the techniques and tricks that pros use to create stunning images.

Improve your camera skills:

Whether you’re shooting with a fancy DSLR or just your iPhone, understanding the basics of digital photography will help you get the most out of your camera.

Create a portfolio of pictures to showcase your skills:

By mastering the photography camera basics you’ll be able to create a portfolio of images that showcase your skills and creativity.

Express yourself:

Photography is a powerful tool for self-expression. By learning the basics, you’ll be able to capture the world in your own unique way.

Take pictures of subjects that interest you:

Whether you’re into landscapes, portraits, or street photography, learning the basics of photography will help you capture the subjects that interest you the most.

Share your pictures with others:

There’s nothing quite like sharing your photos with others and seeing their reactions. By learning the basics of photography, you’ll be able to capture images that will amaze and inspire others.

Explore different genres of photography:

From wildlife photography to fashion photography, there are countless genres of photography to explore. By learning the basics, you’ll be able to dive into any genre that interests you.

Have fun:

At the end of the day, photography is all about having fun and capturing the beauty of the world around us. By learning the basics, you’ll be able to enjoy this amazing art form to the fullest.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your camera and start exploring the world through your lens!

What You Need to Start Photographing 

Are you itching to start your photography journey but not sure where to begin? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you’ll need to start capturing stunning shots!

1. First things first, you need a camera. You can choose from DSLR, mirrorless, or point-and-shoot cameras. Just make sure you pick one that fits your budget and feels comfortable in your hands.
2. Next up, is the camera lens. The right camera lens can make or break a photo. Whether you’re after versatility with a portrait lens or sharpness with a prime lens, choose one that suits your style and subject matter.
3. While natural light is great, having a flash handy can be a lifesaver in low-light situations. And knowing how to adjust your camera settings can make all the difference in your photos, so take some time to learn about ISO aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.
4. Editing your photos can really take them to the next level. There are plenty of photo editing software options available (even for free), so find one that suits your needs and budget.
5. On a lighter note, don’t forget, you need something to photograph! Find subjects that inspire you, from people to landscapes to objects.
6. Most importantly, there are various accessories that can make your photography experience easier and more enjoyable, like a tripod for stability, a camera bag for protection, and extra memory cards for storage.
7. Lastly, don’t forget to practice your photography skills. Learn about composition, lighting, and posing to improve your craft. And with so many cameras and accessories on the market, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Now that you have the tools, some basic information, and more specifically, inspiration, get out there and start capturing those picture-perfect moments!

Step-by-Step Guide to Take Great Pictures for Beginner Photography

Yes. It’s legit. You can take your photography skills to the next level! Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry, with these basic steps, you can take great pictures like a pro!

Step 1: Understand the basics of photography

Before you dive into the world of photography, it’s essential to understand the basic concepts that will shape your entire journey. The photography basics guide is a must-read to learn about camera shutter speed, ISO, and lens aperture, and how they all work together.

You’ll be amazed at how small changes in these settings can make a huge difference in the final image. With a solid grasp of these photography concepts, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning photos that truly stand out.

Step 2: Set your camera settings

Understanding your camera settings is essential for achieving the best possible photos. Each setting, such as aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and metering modes, affects the overall look of the photo. You can gain more control over your photos when you understand the settings of the camera.

Knowing your camera settings allows you to understand what adjustments are needed to correct the photo, along with the histogram on the back of the camera.

Step 3: Know what Shutter Speed does

Shutter speed on a camera refers to how long the camera’s shutter remains open to allow light to hit the sensor. A faster shutter speed can freeze motion, while a slower shutter speed can create motion blur. A longer shutter speed also allows more light into the camera, which is useful in low-light situations. It’s important to use the right shutter speed to achieve the desired effect and avoid blurry photos.

Step 4: Master and understand ISO

ISO on a camera controls the sensitivity of the camera’s sensor to light. A higher ISO allows you to capture photos in low light, however there is a trade-off. It also introduces digital noise or grain. A lower ISO works best for bright scenes. It’s important to find the right balance between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to achieve the desired exposure and image quality.

Step 5: Master the basics of aperture control

The opening in a camera lens known as an aperture allows light to flow through to the camera sensor. It’s measured in f-stops, which represent the ratio of the focal length to the diameter of the opening.

A wider aperture (lower f-stop number) lets more light into the camera, resulting in a shallower depth of field and a blurred background. (F2.8-F5.6)

A narrower aperture (higher f-stop number) lets less light into the camera, resulting in a deeper depth of field and a sharper background. Higher apertures are using in landscape photography, (F10-F22)

It takes practice to understand the aperture and how it affects your images, but it’s an important concept to learn to control the depth of field in your photos.

Step 6: Spice it up with exposure compensation

Want to turn up the heat on your photography skills? Exposure compensation is like adding a little chili pepper to your shots! It lets you tweak the exposure level that your camera automatically calculates, giving you the power to make your images pop or tone them down. Try out different values of exposure compensation to give your photos a unique flavor and a personal touch. So shake things up and have fun experimenting with this spicy tool!

Step 7: Know how to maximize sharpness of your photos

Capturing tack sharp photos is essential for producing high-quality images. To achieve sharpness, it’s important to use proper focusing techniques, such as focusing on the subject’s eyes in portraits or using the correct autofocus mode for action shots. It’s also important to stabilize a camera, to avoid camera shake causing blurry photo. Using a faster shutter speed can help freeze motion and produce sharper photos.

Step 8: Master the Art of Shooting Modes

As a beginner photographer, it’s important to understand the different shooting modes with the camera.

• Auto mode is the default setting that lets your camera choose the best settings for the scene.
• Program mode gives you more control over settings like ISO and white balance while still automatically setting the aperture and shutter speed.
• Aperture priority and shutter priority modes let you manually control one setting while the camera sets the other to help achieve the desired exposure.
• Manual mode gives you complete control over all settings, allowing you to fully customize the exposure to your liking.

Step 9: Exposure Compensation

Are your photos coming out too dark or too bright? Don’t blame your camera just yet! It might just be a case of exposure compensation. This nifty feature allows you to adjust the exposure level that your camera calculates, resulting in a brighter or darker image. It’s like having your own personal lighting assistant!

So next time you’re out shooting, don’t be afraid to play with the exposure compensation and see how it can transform your photos.

Step 10: Understand metering modes and understand their differences

Metering modes on a camera are used to determine the exposure settings based on the amount of light in the scene. Below are the common digital metering modes, you particular camera may have more.

• Evaluative (or matrix) metering is the default mode that uses the entire frame to determine the exposure, making it suitable for most situations.
• Center-weighted metering measures the light in the centre of the frame, making it useful for portraits or other subjects in the centre of the frame.
• Spot metering measures the light in a small area of the picture. This makes it useful when the subject is in a small area of the picture, for example.

Step 11: Master the basics of white balance settings

White balance is a setting on your camera that helps adjust the colors in your photo to match the actual colors of the scene. Understanding your white balance setting can help you produce accurate and natural-looking photos. Different lighting conditions can cause different color casts, such as yellowish indoor lighting or blueish outdoor lighting. By adjusting the white balance, you can compensate for these color casts and produce a more visually pleasing photo. Hint- I often leave my white balance on auto and fix in post..

Step 12: Know the difference between RAW and JPEG

RAW vs JPEG Photos – the great debate, So what is the big deal?

RAW camera files are unprocessed and contain all the data captured by the camera’s sensor, allowing for greater flexibility in editing. However, they require more storage space and processing power.

JPEG files are processed in camera and are smaller, making them easier to share and store. However, they have less flexibility in post-processing, and the compression used result in loss of image quality.

As a beginner photographer, it is important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each format and choose the one that best fits your workflow and needs.

Step 13: Keep your camera steady

When it comes to landscape photography, a steady hand is essential to capturing the beauty of nature. But even the steadiest hand can’t compare to the stability of a tripod or steady surface. Investing in the right photography gear can make all the difference, especially when shooting in low light situations.

But before you start snapping away, make sure you have a good grasp on the photography basics, including lens aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Understanding these concepts can help you create the perfect exposure and capture stunning images that showcase the beauty of the world around us. So grab your gear, find a steady surface, and let’s get shooting!

Step 14: Embrace the Rule of Thirds

Forget about centreing your subject and embrace the rule of thirds! This basic rule of composition suggests dividing your frame into thirds and placing your subject along those imaginary lines or intersections. It’s a simple yet effective way to add balance and interest to your photos. Check out (our link) for more information on the rule of thirds, and start creating stunning compositions today!

Step 15: Experiment a lot with your exposures

When you just start photography, it’s important to take lots of photos. It is one of the best ways to gain experience and improve your skills. By practising and experimenting with different settings, you learn what works and what doesn’t. We learn more by our failures than our accomplishments.

Taking lots of photos also allows you to review and analyze your work, identifying areas for improvement and building your confidence. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or try new things. The more you shoot, the better you’ll become!

Step 16: Make an effort to know photography printing standards before shooting!

It’s important to know the standards for printing your images before you shoot. Learn about resolution and aspect ratios to ensure your images are ready for printing.

By following these steps, you can take great pictures with just these photo basics. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your camera lens and find what works best for you and your style!

Wrapping It Up

Taking great pictures is not just about having the latest and greatest camera equipment. While having the right photography gear is important, mastering the basics of photography and continuously learning and experimenting with the camera lens can take your skills to the next level.

Understanding camera settings, shutter speed, lens aperture, and subject matter can all contribute to creating stunning images. Don’t be afraid to try new things by experimenting with photography settings, make mistakes, and learn from them. 

With practice and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to capturing amazing photos that you’ll be proud to share with the world. We hope this beginner photography basics guide was helpful to you!