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!