Photography Tips For Starters | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Photography Tips For Starters

23
Photography Tips For Starters
Untitled by Maggie McGovney

Want to get into the world of photography but don’t know where to start? Perhaps you’ve started, but you're not sure where to go from here? Not a problem. Here is some advice I have learned and taken to heart while on my photography journey that may help you as well.

1. Think about what you want to take photos of.

Thinking about what your primary subject is going to be is going to help you determine what type of camera you need and the amount of equipment you need as well. For example: I’m a nature photographer, I like to take pictures of trees, flowers, and mushrooms. For me, my camera does just fine. However, if you’re venturing into the world of portrait photography, you likely need more equipment, such as lights or backdrops.

2. Use a camera that fits your needs.

Repeat after me: I do not need an incredulously complicated camera if I am not doing this professionally. First of all, all cameras are expensive. So unless you want to become a professional photographer, buying that expensive DSLR is not necessary. Trust me, your little, run of the mill digital camera will be just fine for occasional photo of a flower or family photos.

3. Get to know your camera

Whether you read the manual that comes with your camera or look up the terminology and inner workings online, getting to know your camera, its inner workings, settings and the like is absolutely crucial to taking great photos and becoming more familiar with not only your equipment, but also with the world of photography in general.

4. Learn how to focus the lens manually.

If you have a DSLR, you may be more inclined to just set the lens on automatic focus and have that be that. However, you should get to know the manual setting on your lens. I know seems frightening and at first more photos than not will probably be out of focus, but mastering how to focus your lens manually will give you a greater locus of control over your work, and will help create some really cool shots you wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.

5. Photoshop will become your friend…

Photoshop will allow you to create cool effects in your work and amp up the intensity of the contrast, lighting and color for photos in which would otherwise be bland in comparison, so getting to know the program will be immensely helpful to you. Whether you want to create dark, atmospheric work or even just adding an extra oomph to your flower pictures, Photoshop is quickly going to become your best friend.

6. …so researching tutorials is a good idea.

If you’ve never used Photoshop before and the idea intimidates you, have no fear. There are all kinds of easy tutorials online in which will allow you to become more familiar with the program if you have never used it before. Even if you have used Photoshop before, researching tutorials online will help you take your photography game up to the next level.

7. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

The absolute best way to begin your photography journey and improve your skills is to experiment. Get up close and personal with flowers on a bush after rain has fallen for some cool shots of petals and water droplets. Deviate from tutorials a bit by experimenting with different layer modes and opacities in Photoshop. Climb a tree for some awesome shots of leaves rather than just taking pictures of them from the ground. Get creative and have your friends dress up in cool costumes for wonderful modeling shots both you and them can enjoy. Experiment until your work is the way you want it to be, and most importantly, have fun while doing so.

I hope these tips help you on your journey as much as they helped me when I first started. Happy photo-taking!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

134342
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

31488
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

28825
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments