Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Gather the basic equipment
• Method 2 of 3: Take great photos
• Method 3 of 3: Switch to a photography career
• Tips

There is something fascinating about capturing images. If you're just starting out and want to turn photography into a hobby, focus on the basics. Collect photo equipment and practice shooting with manual settings, using a tripod, and composing a photo. If you are an accomplished photographer and considering making a career out of it, build on the fundamentals as you work toward your business goals.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Gather the basic equipment

1. Choose a camera based on your comfort level. If you are new to photography, choose a point-and-shoot or digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera with comfortable operation. It doesn't matter how many megapixels it can capture or how expensive it is. Start with what's affordable and buy used gear as you learn more.
   • Consider buying a second-hand camera that you can learn more about.
   • Regardless of the type of camera you buy, it is important to read the user manual. This teaches you about features unique to your camera.
   EXPERT TIP

   Buy a prime lens if you have a DSLR camera. Use a prime lens for more control over your photos, especially the light and background blur. This lens is fixed so that it does not zoom. A prime lens comes in handy if you're still learning how to balance aperture, shutter speed, and image sensitivity.

   • A common prime lens to start with is a 50mm 1.8.
2. Buy multiple memory cards so you have backup storage. It's easy to think that if you have 1 large memory card, you're all set. Unfortunately, memory cards can be lost or stop working over time. Buy a few memory cards in different storage sizes and keep a few in your camera bag so you always have access to memory.
   • Memory cards usually last between 2 and 5 years, so you need to replace them every now and then.
3. Buy a tripod to take sharp photos. Buy a cheap tripod to which you can attach your camera. The tripod stabilizes your camera, so you can take pictures with a slower shutter speed without getting blurry pictures. For example, you can take pictures at night when there is little light.
   • If you can't buy a tripod, put down a stack of books or place your camera on a flat pole to keep it stable.
4. Keep your belongings in a camera bag. Buy a camera bag or backpack for your camera, all the lenses you want to carry and your tripod. Make sure the bag is comfortable to take with you, otherwise you will use the bag less quickly.
   • Most camera bags have small compartments for lenses, filters and memory cards.
5. Install photo editing software on your computer. Editing your photos on the computer is a big part of taking great photos. Choose a photo editing software with tools you think you'll need in post-production, such as adjusting color balance and playing with contrast.
   • Capture One Pro, Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are popular photo editing programs. Make sure the photo you take is not blurry.

Method 2 of 3: Take great photos

1. Photograph things that inspire you. Find your passion through photography and spend a lot of time taking pictures of it. Instead of taking perfect photos, try to record why you were so excited about the shot or what brought joy.
   • For example, if you like to travel, take a lot of photos on your trip. Over time, you may find yourself particularly attracted to photographing architecture or people you meet.
2. Work on composing your recordings. As a beginner, take photos of anything that catches and keeps your attention. Pay attention to what's in your camera's viewfinder before taking the photo. A classic photography trick is to compose the image according to the rule of thirds. Imagine that your frame is divided into thirds going horizontally and vertically. Then post interesting topics along these lines.
   • For example, instead of taking a picture of a tree in the center of your frame, move the camera so that the tree is at the bottom left of the frame and you can see the valley behind it.
   • If you want to take an extremely close-up photo of something, like a flower or an insect, use your camera's macro mode. This allows you to capture rich details.
3. Adjust the distance between your subject. Once you find something you want to photograph and take a picture, take a few pictures. Then move closer to the subject so that it fills the frame and take a few more pictures. Walk around to shoot from different angles and then move further away from your subject. You may find that shooting even closer or further away gives you a better view than you imagined.
   • This is a great trick to try if you're having a hard time coming up with an image. Just start moving around your subject until something catches your eye.
4. Play around with the exposure triangle for more control. You will probably start taking pictures with your camera's automatic settings. Keep shooting automatically until you are ready to learn more and get more creative. If you start shooting manually, you can control the aperture, shutter speed and image sensitivity. These work together to determine the quality of the photo you take.
   • For example, imagine you want to photograph a track race. If you shoot automatically, the camera will likely freeze the action to take a still image. If you'd rather take a photo where the runner is blurry and appears to be moving quickly, use manual to slow down the shutter speed.

   Tip: If the manual is overwhelming, try to focus on only one element at a time. For example, set the aperture as a priority before combining other exposure settings.

   
   
5. Take the time to practice as much as possible. The best way to improve your photography skills is to shoot as often as possible. To make it interesting, give yourself challenges and show your photos to a photography mentor or friend. For example, challenge yourself to take action photos one day. Photograph nature scenes the next day. Then take food or fashion images the next day.
   • Consider enrolling in a photography class or attending a workshop where you can get one-on-one feedback.

Method 3 of 3: Switch to a photography career

1. Play with different styles of photography. If you are thinking of a career in photography, you may already know what style of photography you want to do. If not, try out different styles. For example, focus on:
   • Fine art
   • Fashion
   • Food and product styling
   • Nature and landscape
   • Family and events
   • Photojournalism
2. Build a portfolio of your best work. Once you have collected many photos that you are proud of, choose 10 to 20 to include in your portfolio. Include photos to show to potential customers. Keep in mind that your portfolio should emphasize the style of photography you want to make a living with.
   • Consider creating a physical portfolio that you can review with clients, as well as an online portfolio that you can refer them to.
3. Share your work on social media. Be as active as possible on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Regular posts and photos will earn you a large following that can bring you valuable work. Don't forget to direct viewers to your website so they can order prints or hire you.
   • Some photographers prefer to focus on social media before putting together a solid portfolio. Since there is no wrong or right way to approach this, do what you like.
4. Learn the business aspects of being a professional photographer. If you are seriously considering a photography career, keep in mind that you will be doing a lot of other things besides shooting. Determine if you are comfortable weighing these requirements or if you want to find a business partner.
   • Photographers need great people skills because you deal with clients.

   Tip: It helps to have experience with accounting, website creation and social media.

   
   
5. Set realistic goals for yourself. It's easy to feel frustrated when your photography career doesn't take off as quickly as you thought. To help you chart your progress, create a combination of short and long term goals that are achievable. Set deadlines for some goals to hold yourself accountable.
   • For example, tell yourself to photograph 3 weddings within 1 year. A long-term goal could be to photograph weddings every weekend during the summer.

Tips

• If you take photos of people you don't know, get their permission before taking the photo.
• Only carry the photography equipment you plan to use as it is easy to pack.
• Look through your favorite magazines and books for photography inspiration.