If you have been looking at finding a new hobby and photography is something you would like to explore more, then you are probably at a standstill as to how you can get into photography for recreational reasons.
Not every hobby is going to be a lucrative adventure, but, if you are passionate about digital photography and you want to become a professional photographer for either your benefit or to grow it into a business, then you are going to need to think about how you can get that started so that you feel confident when you put your photographs out there.
What Beginner Photographers Will Need
Beginner photographers don’t need to have all the photography gear out there for them to make a name for themselves, however, it is essential to have the basics for whatever needs you imagine you’ll be getting into.
It doesn’t matter if you are doing street photography, portrait photography, or event photography, finding the best camera equipment will aid your photography journey in the best way for you.
Take a look at camera gear such as –
Camera
You can go for a DSLR camera or mirrorless cameras, depending on what you want to shoot and how you would like it to look.
Kit Lens
It allows the light to focus and reach your camera sensor.
There are three types to check out – prime lenses, zoom lenses, and wide-angle lenses.
Flash
You may need this for your camera body and can help your photographs look even better when used in dark environments.
Memory Card
You will need this to capture all of your pictures and have them transferred to your computer either for use with photo editing software or printing.
Aim for at least 16GB to start with as you won’t be taking hundreds straight away.
Camera Bag
You will need a bag to put all of your equipment in to keep everything safe and secure.
Make sure it is padded and can carry everything you need for your photography shoot.
Those who do landscape photography will need a hiking bag, whereas portrait photographers will need a rolling bag to fit everything.
Tripod
For specific shots, you may need a tripod to stabilize your camera.
It will depend on what type of photographs you are planning on shooting, but as a beginner photographer, you may want to buy one as you try and figure out what type of photography you want to do.
What Else Will You Need to Consider?
Whether you want to use digital cameras or you would like to take it back to old-style cameras (probably not the best idea in the modern world, but it is your style), you need to feel assured that you have all you need.
Check out the mundane things that you believe aren’t important to look out for, they will make all the difference.
Thoroughly Check Out The Camera
Look into the shutter speed on different DSLR cameras.
Have you checked out the auto mode for the type of exposure you are looking for with your photographs? Would manual mode work better for you?
Go over these in your head and decide what type of camera settings you are looking for and how you can use them to your advantage.
Don’t just assume that any camera is fine as it is.
With the right camera and an inquisitive mind, you can find new photography techniques that develop your photography skills and get you to explore photography in different ways.
With a proper camera, you can make an impact.
Tips on How to Get Started in Photography as a Hobby
Now that you know exactly what you need for your camera bag, and what to look out for when you are buying a camera, it is time to talk about how to get into photography so you can really make a go of it.
Find What Inspires You
Do you have any inspiration? Is there something out there that makes you want to go further with capturing the beauty of it?
Are you drawn to specific art styles or scenery?
Whatever drew you initially into photography, it is good to start there and explore what that means for you and how you can use that to grow on what you know.
You may start with landscape photography, but that could transcend into something else as you zone in on what makes you feel invigorated when you take photos.
Mix Two Hobbies Together
If you are stumped about what you should shoot, you could look at what you currently enjoy doing, e.g. sports, traveling, dancing, etc., and start there.
Taking photos of what you do can merge the two hobbies together and help you expand on what you know and enjoy doing.
You could even ask community centers if they would like you to take photos of their football teams or events to give you some practice and exposure.
Check Out Famous Photographers
Looking into the past as well as the present can help you figure out how to get started.
You can find a lot of influence and support in photographers who also started from the bottom and worked their way up.
Track what they did and how they adapted, this could help you with deciding on what style of photography you want to do and where you could potentially go.
Pick Out Your Favourite Photographs
Gather a collection of their photographs and use it as your inspiration when you are taking photos.
Making a scrapbook of what they have done can be a good support in choosing your path.
Pick out the ones that speak to you the most and ask yourself, why are you drawn to them? Is it the style? The coloring? The tone?
Experiment With Different Photography Types
If you have only known one way of taking photos, this is something to easily fall back on, but you can expand your reach by checking out loads of other different types of photography that can help you expand and adapt.
Your interests may shift over time, or you may be asked to do something you haven’t done before, wouldn’t it be good if you at least have some experience in it to help you go further?
Getting The Right Equipment
You may need to buy additional equipment to help you achieve the styles you are looking for.
But if you know someone else that does photography then you could ask to borrow their equipment for a bit to see if this style you are trying out is working for you, so you don’t waste your money on equipment you aren’t going to use again.
Go to a Workshop
If you are really driven at making it, even as a hobby, attending a workshop can help you hone your skills and give you something more to think about when you are planning out what you want to do.
Some workshops will start from the basics like how to deal with camera settings and the best way to set up a particular shot.
Others will be a bit more advanced and will help you when you are seeking more of a challenge that will broaden your horizons.
Don’t Rush Yourself
If you put a time limit on yourself or try and get things done quickly, that is not going to help you with your photography.
Everything worthwhile takes time, so trying to rush a shot or getting loads of pictures done just so you can post them on social media, is not going to help you as they may not be the best you can do especially if you are just focusing on the volume.
Enjoy what you are doing. Take it slowly and be happy with what you are achieving.
You are just starting out, like everyone else before you, so focus on quality, not quantity.
People will notice if you are rushing and they won’t look at your photographs as the best that you can be.
Other photographers in the business are very perceptive, and they may not work with people or use what you have shot if your hurriedness shows through your photographs.
Think About Getting a Mentor
You may be truly in the dark when it comes to photography, but you really want to start shooting and going through the creative process.
A mentor might be very beneficial for you here as they will be able to walk you through what you need and how you can do it.
They are able to guide you with your photography and show you some tricks of the trade along the way.
You can tag along with them on shoots and assist them when they need it so you to get first-hand experience and be part of something.
This support can influence you later on in life to help someone else out who is just starting as well, or it can set you on a teaching path if you want to spread your knowledge to others.
Take an Interest in Photo Editing
Whilst it may be nice to get a perfect photo from one shot, there are quite a few times when you will need to edit photographs so they look the best they can do.
Get yourself some photo editing software on your computer for you to play around on and see what you can make your photographs look like after a little bit of editing.
This can expand your skills and help you become an expert if you keep at it and try out a variety of editing styles to help your photographs get noticed online and in real life.
Conclusion
Now you know how to get started in photography, you hopefully, are happy with what you want to do and the course you are planning on taking.
It won’t be easy and you probably won’t be an expert from the get-go, but with the passion you have, it should make you feel determined to keep at it and make a name for yourself or just give you something that brings you peace.