Have you ever seen a photograph so good you wished you were the one behind the lens? Don’t worry, this article will tell you exactly how.
Photography has evolved over the last 200 years. With tens and hundreds of young talented professionals joining each year and the growth of e-commerce, luxury fashion, and social media in India, the industry is expected to have a market share of around USD 13,695.2 million. With the right training and skills, you too can become a part of this ever-growing field.
If you are an aspiring photographer, keep reading to learn about basic equipment and get some cool photography tips for beginners.
Is Photography A Good Career For You?
Are you a creative person wondering if photography is a good career? These questions might help you figure it out –
- Do I love taking photos that tell unique stories?
- Am I willing to learn new techniques and experiment with different elements of photography?
- What are some everyday things that can inspire photographers?
- Can I balance my creative approach with varying client needs to produce results that are effective and purpose-driven?
Photography involves balancing between abstract ideas and legible visuals. Your design thinking, creative problem-solving, and communication skills are crucial for a thriving career in the field.
Must-Have Photography Gears For Beginners
While you are investing in your gear, start with the basics and make sure they are affordable, convenient, and high-quality –
- Camera – A DSLR camera with a 20+ MP sensor, autofocus, built-in flash, 4K video recording, and higher ISO ranges is the perfect fit for any new photographer.
- Lens – The three go-to lenses you will need are a 50mm f/1.8 Prime lens for portraits, a 24-70 mm zoom lens, and a 20-40mm wide-angle lens for landscapes and cityscapes.
- Tripod – Get a tripod that is affordable, light, and stable. This will ensure that you can take photos hands-free, keep your camera steady, and never get a blurry picture.
- SD Card – Make sure you have at least two 16-32 GB fast memory cards so you never have to think about running out of space while you are busy capturing beautiful photos.
- Flash And Diffusers – Flashes help take pictures in the dark by brightening your subject while diffusers are important to tackle harsh flashes. Together they enhance photographs by adding depth.
- Filters – These are important to control the intensity of light, decrease reflections, increase contrasts, and protect your lenses.
- A Camera Bag – Get yourself a sturdy and easy-to-carry camera bag that you can take anywhere while holding all your equipment.
- Editing Software – Software like Adobe Lightroom and Affinity Photo allow you to edit, color correct, and process your photos by adding to their visual appeal.
Top 10 Essential Photography Tips for Beginners
- Learn the basics of framing and composition – Understanding rule-of-thirds, angles, and how to focus on the subject will help you grab the viewers’ attention by creating the perfect composition.
- Understand the exposure triangle – ISO, Shutter speed, and Aperture make the exposure triangle. Master these to control the amount of light and depth of field in your photos.
- Backgrounds are important – Chaotic backgrounds can distract the viewer. Make sure the background is clean, defined, and decluttered.
- Experiment with focal lengths – Use different zoom and wide-angle lenses to explore architectural photos, breathtaking landscapes, and more.
- Shoot in different Lighting – Take photos in different natural (like early morning or golden hour) and artificial lighting to enhance various qualities.
- Explore different genres – Try to study as many genres as you can and explore each of them. This will add to your versatility, help you get acquainted with the gear, and get you to practice your photography skills.
- Find inspiration in little things – You don’t need access to architectural marvels and beautiful landscapes. Observe the things around you more minutely and you might see a beautiful composition in wildflowers, your pet running around, or a broken chair in your backyard!
- Take your camera wherever you can – Always carry your camera so you never miss a chance to capture subjects you stumble upon while taking a walk or just running some errands.
- Practice editing – Familiarize yourself with the relevant software and learn different techniques to make your photos look stunning in post-processing.
- Look at the works of other photographers – Looking at others’ works and understanding their approaches, styles, and unique elements will help you better understand the craft and work toward carving a niche and creating a style that stands out
Conclusion
Photography goes beyond capturing a moment – it is the visual equivalent of a compelling story. It appeals to the emotion and resonates with people, engaging them on a deeper level and building a connection between the viewer and the art.
By learning the basics of photography, experimenting, getting acquainted with the latest software, and following the experts’ photography tips for beginners, you can perfect your skills and navigate the professional realm hassle-free.
Check out the photography courses offered by AAFT, Noida to deep dive into the field and kickstart your career.